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Switzerland

From Appenzell to Lugano: Gentle Hiking Through Switzerland

Program No. 24645RJ
Walk through the beauty and history of Switzerland on easy-going hikes that will lead you through Swiss mountains, culture and cuisine.
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Walking/HikingOutdoor AdventuresSmall Group
Length
13 days
Rating (5)
Activity Level
Starts at
5,899
Flights start at
1,050

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13 days
12 nights
24 meals
11B 7L 6D
1
In Transit to Program
In Flight
2
Arrive Zurich, Check-in, Orientation, Welcome Dinner
Appenzell
3
Alpstein hike, guesthouse “Aescher”, baking Biberli
Appenzell
4
St. GAllen, Abbey Library
Appenzell
5
Säntis
Appenzell
6
Transfer Pontresina via Chur
Pontresina
7
Muottas Muragl, Alp Landguard
Pontresina
8
Show Dairy, Diavolezza Glaciers
Pontresina
9
Piz Nair, St. Moritz
Pontresina
10
Maloja Pass, Palazzo, Lugano
Lugano
11
Lugano, Mount San Salvatore, Wine Tasting
Lugano
12
Olive Grove Trail, Boat Ride, Swiss Border & Customs Museum
Lugano
13
Program Concludes
In Flight
View Full Itinerary

At a Glance

If you’ve dreamed of hiking in Switzerland but are intimidated by its alpine landscapes, join us for easy-going hikes that lead through the history and villages of the Swiss countryside. Explore off-the-beaten-path sites as you’re led by local experts through Swiss mountains and learn about the cuisine and history of the country along the way. Enjoy gentle walks and hikes as you explore olive groves, local wineries and the Abbey Library of St. Gallen, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Through hands-on workshops and discussions with locals, you’ll leave Switzerland with a new understanding and appreciation for this country’s culture and natural wonders.
Activity Level
Outdoor: No Sweat
Activity Level: Outdoor: No Sweat Walking 1-5 miles daily; trails and dirt roads are well-marked and generally gently undulating with some rocky sections and steep ascents and descents. Sturdy walking/hiking shoes are required. Elevations up to 9,754 feet.
Small Group
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.

Best of all, you’ll…

  • Enjoy the Swiss alpine experience through hikes on gentle trails through mountains and local communities.
  • Learn how to make risotto and bake biberli in hands-on workshops.
  • Explore interactive museums on Mount Säntis and at the Diavolezza glaciers, with opportunities to learn firsthand about Switzerland’s geology.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Profile Image
Judith Portmann
Judith grew up in the cradle of Switzerland. She studied banking, but soon left this world of facts and figures and studied English, Italian and Spanish abroad before managing a travel office on Lake Lucerne. For the last 15 years she has been working as a relocation consultant. She is also a walking and cycling leader. When not glued to a computer screen or to homework, you will find her in the mountains, on a bicycle, mushroom picking or in her rustico (cottage) in Ticino.

Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.

Profile Image of Judith Portmann
Judith Portmann View biography
Judith grew up in the cradle of Switzerland. She studied banking, but soon left this world of facts and figures and studied English, Italian and Spanish abroad before managing a travel office on Lake Lucerne. For the last 15 years she has been working as a relocation consultant. She is also a walking and cycling leader. When not glued to a computer screen or to homework, you will find her in the mountains, on a bicycle, mushroom picking or in her rustico (cottage) in Ticino.
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
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Program No.
24645
Duration
13 days
Program Begins
Appenzell
Program Concludes
Lugano
Group Type
Small Group
Activity Level
At a Glance
If you’ve dreamed of hiking in Switzerland but are intimidated by its alpine landscapes, join us for easy-going hikes that lead through the history and villages of the Swiss countryside. Explore off-the-beaten-path sites as you’re led by local experts through Swiss mountains and learn about the cuisine and history of the country along the way. Enjoy gentle walks and hikes as you explore olive groves, local wineries and the Abbey Library of St. Gallen, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Through hands-on workshops and discussions with locals, you’ll leave Switzerland with a new understanding and appreciation for this country’s culture and natural wonders.
Best of all, you'll...
  • Enjoy the Swiss alpine experience through hikes on gentle trails through mountains and local communities.
  • Learn how to make risotto and bake biberli in hands-on workshops.
  • Explore interactive museums on Mount Säntis and at the Diavolezza glaciers, with opportunities to learn firsthand about Switzerland’s geology.
View Full Itinerary
Featured Expert
Profile Image
Judith Portmann
Judith grew up in the cradle of Switzerland. She studied banking, but soon left this world of facts and figures and studied English, Italian and Spanish abroad before managing a travel office on Lake Lucerne. For the last 15 years she has been working as a relocation consultant. She is also a walking and cycling leader. When not glued to a computer screen or to homework, you will find her in the mountains, on a bicycle, mushroom picking or in her rustico (cottage) in Ticino.
Please Note:
This expert may not be available for every date of the program
Activity Level
Outdoor: No Sweat
Activity Level: Outdoor: No Sweat Walking 1-5 miles daily; trails and dirt roads are well-marked and generally gently undulating with some rocky sections and steep ascents and descents. Sturdy walking/hiking shoes are required. Elevations up to 9,754 feet.
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.
Suggested Reading List
View Full List: 29 Books
You can also find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
HAVE QUESTIONS?
Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone?
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Call 800-454-5768
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Trip details subject to change
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.
Tour Length
13 days
12 nights
What's Included
24 meals
11 Breakfasts
7 Lunches
6 Dinners
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Activity Note
Hotel check-in available from 3:00 p.m. Getting on/off a motorcoach; transferring approximately 60 miles, up to one and a half hours riding time to Appenzell.
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, total riding of approx. 30 minutes, over 9.4 miles. Ride up and down with gondola, riding approx. 20 minutes. Up to 2.3 miles of walking for 1.5 – 2 hours on small mountain trails. Elevation changes approx. 650 feet (200m). NOTE: The caves will be dark, so it is recommended that you bring either a headlamp or flashlight with you for this day.
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 return to Ebenalp and take the gondola back down to Wasserauen. From there, we take public transportation back to Appenzell. Once we arrive in Appenzell, we spend the afternoon learning about the traditional “Biberli” treats. A local expert teaches us everything from the treats’ and the bakery’s history to a hand on experience of how the delight is created.
Dinner:
On your own.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.
Activity Note
Getting on/off train, total riding of approx. 1.5 hrs, over 21 miles. Up to 2 hours of walking during the city tour on tarmac roads. In the afternoon up to 1.6 miles of walking for 1 hour on roads (asphalt) and natural trails. The path has a gentle ascent and descent. Minor elevation changes.
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 and 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 take part in a guided tour of the city by a local expert.
Lunch:
Traditional St. Gallen lunch.
Afternoon:
After lunch, we take a short walk on one of the hills surrounding St. Gallen. From our walk, we 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 of approx. 60 minutes, over 26 miles. Up to 4 miles of walking for 2 up to 2.5 hours on wide natural forest trails or gravel roads. The path has a gentle ascent and descent. Elevation changes approx. 400 feet (120m) ascend, and 1275 feet (390m) descend.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will depart the hotel and make our way by public transport and gondola to Kronberg (5456 ft / 1663 m). From there, we set out for our hike to Schwägalp and get to know the region surrounding Mount Säntis.
Lunch:
Picnic on the trail. You will pack your lunch before departing in the morning.
Afternoon:
After finishing our hike and reaching Schwägalp, we take the gondola up to the top of Mount Säntis, where we are met with spectacular views. Due to its impressive height and location, it is widely visible and is considered the landmark of the area. The mountain’s importance to the region is also evident in the fact that the whole region used to be called Canton Säntis under Napoleon’s rule. We will learn about the mountain and many other topics in the interactive museum. We will take the gondola back down to Schwägalp and return to Appenzell by public transport.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on/off motorcoach, total riding of approx. 2.5 hours, over 106 miles. Up to 2 hours of walking during the city tour on tarmac roads.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We’ll 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. Enjoy learning more about this cozy mountain town on a city tour led by a local expert.
Lunch:
On your own.
Afternoon:
From Chur we continue our transfer by private coach 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 of approx. 25 minutes, over 4.5 miles. Up to 4.4 miles of walking for 2.5 – 3 hours on small mountain trails. Elevation changes approx. 550 feet (160m) ascent and approx. 950 feet (290m) descent.
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 / 2453 m), we start our hike to Alp Landguard.
Lunch:
Picnic on the trail. You will pack your lunch before departing in the morning.
Afternoon:
We continue our hike to Alp Landguard. After reaching our destination, we will take the chair lift down to Pontresina. After the breathtaking hike in the morning, you get the chance to spend the afternoon on your own.
Dinner:
On your own.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on/off train and gondola, total riding of train approx. 1 hour and 30 minutes, over 35 miles. Ride up and down with gondola, total approx. 25 min. Up to 2 miles of walking for 1 hour on small mountain trails. Elevation changes approx. 525 feet (160m) ascend.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
By public transport, we travel to the valley station of the Diavolezza gondola where we will take the gondola up the Diavolezza ridge (9754 ft / 2973 m) to get a spectacular view of the surrounding glaciers. Once we have had our fill of the splendid panorama, we return to the valley station and visit the virtual museum to learn more about the glaciers from a local expert. Afterwards, we take public transport to a close by town.
Lunch:
On your own.
Afternoon:
We will meet at a predetermined time and visit the oldest coffee roaster in the canton of Grison. As our guide takes us through the facility, we will learn about its history and roasting methods. At the conclusion, we will enjoy a coffee tasting. After this delightful flavor experience, we will hike to a close by waterfall before returning to the hotel via public transport.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on/off train or public bus, cog railway and gondola, total riding of approx. 1.5 hours, over 11 miles. Up to 2.75 miles of walking for 1.5 hours on small mountain trails. Elevation changes approx. 325 feet (100m) ascent and 675 feet (205m) descent.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
From the hotel, we will take public transportation to St. Moritz. We will then take the gondola to the starting point of our hike. From here, we will hike along the mountain to the cog railway station and take the cog railway and a gondola up to Piz Nair. Here, we will take in the stunning panorama of the surrounding area before we return to St. Moritz via gondola and cog railway.
Lunch:
Picnic on the trail.
Afternoon:
After returning to St. Moritz, the remainder of the afternoon is on your own to see what St. Moritz has to offer. 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. Do what you like before taking the train back to Pontresina on your own.
Dinner:
On your own.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.
Activity Note
Getting on/off motorcoach, total riding of approx. 3 hours, over 82 miles. Up to 2 hours of walking during the visit of the Palazzo.
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 / 1812 m) with its stunning views to Lugano and the Italian speaking part of Switzerland. In the morning, we make a stop at a Palazzo that has now been turned into a museum. Situated close to the Italian border, the 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 to Lugano. After checking in to the hotel, take some time to freshen up and relax before dinner.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on/off motorcoach and funicular, total motorcoach ride approx. 45 min. Riding up and down by funicular, total ride approx. 16 min. Up to 2 hours of walking during the city tour on tarmac roads.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We get to know Lugano during a city tour by a local expert. Learn about the town which is located at the shore of Lake Lugano and showing its Mediterranean flair. While on the tour, we also take the funicular up to Mount San Salvatore (2992 ft / 912m) to see the magnificent panorama. Returning to Lugano city center, you get some free time to discover according to your heart’s desire.
Lunch:
On your own.
Afternoon:
We will regroup at a designated time and location to make our way to a local winery and learn about the local wine production by an expert. In such a setting, the wine tasting is not missing. At the end, we return to the hotel.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on/off public boat, total riding of approx. 30 minutes. Up to 3.2 miles of walking for 1.5 hours on tarmac roads and footpaths. Elevation changes approx. 300 feet (92m) ascend, and 275 feet (84m) descend.
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 the 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 in the workshop at our Farewell Lunch.
Afternoon:
A short walk from the grotto lies the Swiss Border and Customs Museum. Due to its small size we will take turns visiting this charming museum that tells us about the relationship between the two bordering countries in the region. We also will take some time to walk a small path to the Italian border and take a few steps into Italy. Afterwards, we will return to Lugano by boat. Enjoy some free time.
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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