ITINERARY Switzerland: The Bernese Oberland July 25–August 2, 2018

This itinerary remains subject to change. B, L, and D indicated included meals.

Wednesday, July 25 Depart USA Individual departures from your home town.

Thursday, July 26 Arrive Zürich/Interlaken (D) Upon arrival in Zürich, make your way to Interlaken. If you booked your flights through our tour operator, AHI Travel, a transfer to Interlaken is included. Located in the Bernese Oberland, this lovely town offers a view of ordinary Swiss life combined with majestic views of mountains, waterfalls and pastoral valleys. We’ll start the program with an orientation tour of Interlaken, a welcome reception and group dinner.

Friday, July 27 Interlaken/Kandersteg, Lake Oeschinen (B, L) We’ll start with a lecture, “Introduction to Switzerland.” Then, take a train to Kandersteg, where a gondola carries us to Lake Oeschinen. There we’ll stroll around this glacial lake. Return to Kandersteg for group lunch.

Saturday, July 28 Interlaken/Lucerne (B) Another train takes us to Lucerne for a walking tour and a cruise on Lake Lucerne. We’ll have some free time before returning to Interlaken.

Sunday, July 29 Interlaken/Grindelwald, Rosenlaui Glacier Gorge (B, L) Today we visit the resort town of Grindelwald, known for skiing in the winter, but as a summer playground for walkers, hikers, and cyclists. We’ll explore a bit before taking a Swiss PostBus, part of Switzerland’s extremely efficient rail system, though a high mountain pass. Group lunch at Hotel Rosenlaui, one of the oldest Alpine hotels, for traditional Swiss cuisine. The hotel traces its history to the 18th century, when the fledgling tourism industry emerged in the Swiss Alps. Then, we can tackle the trail that parallels the Weissenbach River, which rushes through the narrow gorge created by an ancient glacier.

Monday, July 30 Interlaken/Lauterbrunnen Valley, Mürren (B, D) Morning lecture on mountaineering. Then, we’ll take a scenic train journey to the Lauterbrunnen Valley, and a cable car to Grütschalp. From here you can continue by train or hike along the Allmendhubel Flower Trail to Mürren, a charming car-free town at the base of the Schilthorn, for some time to explore on your own. On a clear day, you can see the iconic North Face of the Eiger peak, as well as Mönch and Jungfrau. Descend from Mürren by aerial cable car for breathtaking views. Group dinner at a local restaurant.

Tuesday, July 31 Interlaken (B) You have the choice today of an optional excursion to the capital city of Bern, or to have a free day in Interlaken. Also today is our lecture on Swiss Wine, one of the country’s unsung pleasures. The only problem for wine lovers is that the Swiss drink most of the annual output themselves: only 1 percent of the production leaves the country. We’ll spend some time learning about the history and techniques involved in producing Swiss wine.

Wednesday, August 1 Interlaken/Brienz, Rothorn (B, L, D) This morning we’ll train to Brienz to visit a wood-carving center. Then we’ll take an old steam train to the Rothorn for lunch. We’ll return to Brienz for a cruise of Lake Brienz to Interlaken. Farewell group dinner.

Thursday, August 2 Depart Switzerland Make your way to Zürich for flights home, or, if you purchased flights through AHT Travel, the transfer to Zürich is included.