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A hiker walks past a rustic wooden cabin on a grassy mountainside trail in the scenic hills of Switzerland.
Switzerland

From Appenzell to Lugano: Gentle Hiking Through Switzerland

Program No. 24645RJ
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Itinerary
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. Read More.
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Duration
13 days
12 nights
What's Included
24 meals ( 11B, 7L, 6D )
1 expert-led lecture
18 expert-led field trips
1 hands-on experience
An experienced Group Leader
11 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
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Activity Note
Hotel check-in available from 3:00 p.m.; Remember to bring your nametag; Getting on/off a motorcoach, riding up to 1.5 hours; Waking up to 1.5 miles, approx. 1 hour, standing for up to 1 hour.
Afternoon:
Hotel check-in is available at 3:00 PM. We may store our luggage with the front desk while we explore the area on our own while we wait for our rooms to be available. After checking in to the hotel and getting your room, take some time to freshen up and relax before our Orientation session. Orientation: 6:00 p.m. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. Our experienced and knowledgeable Group Leader will be supported by a series of local experts who will give lectures and lead field trips. Except for longer transfers that will be via private motorcoach, most program-related travel will be via public transportation. Meals will feature local cuisine in a variety of settings. Periods in the schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on/off train, public bus, and gondola: total riding of approx. 1.5 hours total, over 11 miles. Up to 4.5 miles of walking, approx. 4 hours; small mountain trails, natural paths, and asphalt. Terrain may include tree roots, rocks and some slippery areas. Ascent approx. 1290 feet, and Descent approx. 950 feet.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
By public transport, we travel to Wasserauen and take the gondola up to Ebenalp (5394 ft / 1644 m). From there, we start our loop hike towards the “Wildkirchli”. Pass through these prehistoric caves and get to the guesthouse Aescher, known from the cover of National Geographic’s 2015 Edition of “Places of a lifetime”.
Lunch:
At a mountain hut.
Afternoon:
After finishing lunch, we will take the gondola back down to Wasserauen. From there, we take public transportation to the foot of the mountain Hoher Kasten. Taking the gondola up, we get a chance to explore the summit with its Alpine Garden and the Europe Circular Trail with views of six countries. At the conclusion of this visit, we will return to Appenzell via gondola and public transport.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on/off train and funicular, total riding of approx. 1.5 hours; Hiking up to 1.5 miles, approx. 1 hour, over asphalt roads and natural trails with uneven terrain and gentle ascents/descents, elevation gain approx. 125 ft (max 9%), and loss of approx. 350 ft (max 15%), max altitude of 2590 ft; Walking up to 4 miles, approx. 2.5 hours, over asphalt roads, city streets/sidewalks, cobblestone, gravel roads; Standing approx. 1 hour.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
Today, we spend the day in the beautiful city of St. Gallen. By public train we reach the city, which is known for its Abbey, an UNESCO World Heritage Site with a unique charm. It is also home of the renowned University of St. Gallen, one of the top business schools in Europe. As an introduction to the town, we will enjoy an expert-led walk.
Lunch:
Traditional St. Gallen lunch.
Afternoon:
After lunch, we take a short hike on one of the hills surrounding St. Gallen where we will get a fantastic panorama of the city and see all the way to Lake Constance. When we return to the city center, you can enjoy some free time in St. Gallen and make an individual return to Appenzell by public train.
Dinner:
On your own.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on/off train, public bus, and gondola, total riding time of approx. 1.25 hours; Hiking up to 3.5 miles, approx. 2.5 hours, on gravel roads and uneven terrain, elevation gain approx. 1200 ft (max 9%), max altitude 2455 ft; Additional walking up to 1 mile, approx. 45 minutes, over asphalt roads, city streets/sidewalks, and cobblestones; Standing approx. 3 hours.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
By public transport, we travel to Mount Kronberg (5456 ft). It is said that the mountain got its name from its crown shaped form. After taking the gondola up to the summit, we will take some time to explore independently before taking the gondola back down to the valley. Upon reaching the valley, we will take public transportation to the start of our hike to the foot of Mount Säntis.
Lunch:
Picnic on the trail. You will pack your lunch before departing in the morning.
Afternoon:
After finishing our hike and arriving at Schwagalp, we will take the public bus to Urnäsch. In Urnäsch we will visit the Appenzeller Brauchtumsmuseum. This museum is dedicated to the local customs of the Appenzell region that are still practiced to this day. We will learn from an expert at the museum about these different traditions and gain an in-depth understanding of the local people. After the visit, we return to Appenzell by train where the remainder of the afternoon is at leisure.
Dinner:
On your own.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.
Activity Note
Getting on/off motorcoach, riding approx. 3.5 hours; Walking up to 2.75 miles, approx. 1.75 hours, over asphalt, city streets/sidewalks, cobblestones, uneven ground; Standing approx. 1.5 hours.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
On Saturdays, Appenzell has a weekly farmers’ market. Our Group Leader will be happy to accompany anyone that may elect to take some time to visit the market this morning before we depart. We will check out of the hotel and transfer by private coach to Chur, known as the oldest town in Switzerland. People have been living in this area for thousands of years. This regional capital is also the entrance to the mountain region Graubünden. Therefore, many important paths lead through Chur and gave it a unique character. We will be joined by a local expert for a walking field trip through this cozy mountain town.
Lunch:
On your own.
Afternoon:
Enjoy some free time to explore Chur before we meet at a predetermined time and place to board our motorcoach and continue our transfer. We will ride into the mountains and the Engadin until we reach Pontresina, our home for the next few days. During the transfer, we get a stunning panorama of the surrounding mountains. Upon arrival we will check into the hotel. Take some time to freshen up before meeting the group for dinner.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on/off train, funicular, and chairlift, total riding time approx. 45 minutes; Hiking up to 4.5 miles, approx. 3.5 hours, on small mountain trails with uneven terrain including tree roots and rocks, narrow paths and steep slopes, elevation gain approx. 340 feet (max 11%), and loss approx. 750 feet (max 8%), max altitude 8000 feet; Additional walking up to 0.5 miles, approx. 20 minutes, over asphalt roads, city streets/sidewalks, and cobblestones; Standing approx. 2 hours.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
In the morning, we take public transport to the valley station of the Muottas Muragl funicular. Taking the oldest mountain railway in the Engadin, we enjoy the expanding view that emergers around us with every moment we get further up the mountain. At the top (8048 ft), we start our hike to Alp Languard.
Lunch:
Picnic on the trail. You will pack your lunch before departing in the morning.
Afternoon:
After lunch, we will continue our hike. After reaching Alp Languard, we will take the chairlift down to Pontresina (the chair lift will be the only way down from alp Landguard to Pontresina so please let the GL know if you have any fear of heights). Enjoy some leisure time to explore Pontresina on your own.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on/off train, gondola, and public bus, total riding time approx. 1.5 hours; Hiking up to 1.5 miles, approx. 1 hour, on gravel paths and small mountain trails with uneven terrain including tree roots and rocks, steep slopes, elevation gain approx. 350 feet (ma 18%), and loss approx. 350 feet (max 19%), max altitude 9755 feet; Walking up to 1.2 miles, approx. 1 hour, over asphalt roads, city streets/sidewalks, and cobblestones; Standing approx. 2.5 hours.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
By public transport, we visit a local show dairy where we get to see how one of Switzerland’s national food products is made. The visit is followed by a cheese tasting.
Lunch:
On your own.
Afternoon:
We take a short hike towards the valley station of the Diavolezza gondola and visit a close by waterfall. The rest of the way, we are travelling by public transport. Reaching the valley station, we take the gondola up the Diavolezza ridge (9754 ft) to get a spectacular view of the surrounding glaciers. Once we had our fill of the splendid panorama, we return to the hotel by gondola and public transport.
Dinner:
On your own.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on/off cog-wheel train, public bus, and gondola, total riding time approx. 45 minutes; Hiking up to 3 miles, approx. 2.5 hours, on gravel roads and natural trails with uneven terrain including tree roots and rocks, elevation gain of approx. 525 feet (max 13%), and loss of approx. 200 feet (max 7%), max altitude 10,030 feet; Additional walking up to 1 mile, approx. 1 hour, over asphalt roads, city streets/sidewalks, and cobblestones; Standing approx. 2 hours.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
From Pontresina, we will take a short ride via public transport to the start of our hike. We will begin hiking through the lush forest until we come across the picturesque Lej da Staz, Lake Staz. We will continue our hike along the lakeshore and then follow the forest trail to Lake St. Moritz, where we will get the first views of the famous mountain town.
Lunch:
Picnic on the trail.
Afternoon:
Upon arrival in St. Moritz, we will take a short stroll through the town before boarding the cog-railway to Piz Nair. After gazing at the stunning panorama over St. Moritz and the surrounding area, we will return to town by gondola and cog railway. For those that wish to remain in Piz Nair, you may return to St. Moritz individually. The remainder of the afternoon is on your own to see and do what interests you most. You can visit the Segantini Museum where you get to see the work of the famous painter Giovanni Segantini, who was known as the master of mountain painting, or look for St. Moritz’ Olympic history as it is one of only a few places that held the Olympic Games more than once. Take the train back to Pontresina on your own at your leisure.
Dinner:
On your own.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.
Activity Note
Getting on/off motorcoach, riding approx. 3.5 hours, up to 82 miles; Walking up to 1 mile, approx. 1 hours, over asphalt roads, city streets/sidewalks, cobblestones, and uneven ground; Standing approx. 2.5 hours.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will check out of the hotel and board a motorcoach to begin our transfer to Lugano. We will travel over the Maloja Pass (5945 ft) with its stunning views to Lugano and the Italian speaking part of Switzerland. In the morning, we make a stop at a Palazzo (traditional manor) that has now been turned into a museum. Situated close to the Italian border, it shows the cultural blend of the region. After the visit, we continue our transfer and drive into Italy.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
We continue our transfer back to Switzerland and our final stop of our journey, Lugano. After checking in to the hotel, take some time to freshen up and relax before we meet for dinner.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on/off motorcoach, funicular, and public bus, total riding time approx. 1.75 hours; Walking up to 3.5 miles, approx. 3.75 hours, over asphalt and gravel roads, city streets/sidewalks, cobblestones, and natural paths with uneven terrain including tree roots and rocks; Standing approx. 2 hours.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
This morning we will set out on foot with a local expert for a walking field trip of Lugano. Learn about the town which is located at the shore of Lake Lugano and see its Mediterranean flair. During our walk, we will take the funicular up to Mount San Salvatore (2992 ft / 912m) to see the magnificent panorama. Returning to Lugano city center, you get some independent time to discover the city on your own.
Lunch:
On your own.
Afternoon:
We will regroup at a designated time and location to make our way to a local winery where we will learn about local wine production with an expert. In such a setting, the wine tasting is not missing. At the end, we will board our motorcoach and return to the hotel to take some time to freshen up and relax before we regroup for dinner.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on/off public bus and boat, total riding time approx. 1 hour; Hiking up to 2.1 miles, approx. 2 hours, over gravel and natural paths with uneven terrain including tree roots and rocks, elevation gain approx. 100 feet (max 10%), and loss approx. 250 feet (max 13%), max altitude 1125 feet; Additional walking up to 0.5 miles, approx. 30 minutes, over asphalt roads, city streets/sidewalks, and cobblestones; Standing approx. 2 hours.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We start our hike at the hotel and walk towards Castagnola. There, we hike the olive grove trail to Gandria. During this easy hike, we follow the fascinating coast of lake Lugano through olive groves to catch the boat that takes us to our lunch destination. Guided by a local expert, we will take part in a Risotto workshop at a local grotto.
Lunch:
Enjoy the dishes we created. Share favorite experiences and enjoy camaraderie with new Road Scholar friends during our farewell lunch.
Afternoon:
After spending some time at this cozy grotto, we will glide over the pristine waters of Lake Lugano as we return by public boat. The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure.
Dinner:
On your own.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check out and departure in the morning.
Activity Note
Hotel check-out by 10:30 a.m. See your program’s “Getting There” information regarding transfers.
Breakfast:
At the hotel. This concludes our program.
Morning:
If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on another rewarding program in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!
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