SWISS Off the Beaten Path
Discover a different side of Switzerland—beyond the iconic peaks and postcard cities. From the sun-drenched lakeside villages of Ticino to the medieval charm of Bellinzona, the thermal serenity of Ovronnaz, and the cultural treasures of Fribourg and Neuchâtel, this curated journey reveals hidden gems and authentic experiences. Explore untouched valleys, ride scenic mountain railways, and indulge in local traditions—all with the elegance and tranquillity that define the Swiss spirit.
Premium Accommodation
- •Locarno: H4 Arcadia Locarno 4★ – 2 nights
- •Ovronnaz 4★ – 1 night
- •Montreux: Royal Plaza 4★ – 1 nights
- •Fribourg: Mercure Fribourg 4★ – 2 nights
Itinerary
SWISS Off the Beaten Path
Departure from Milan to visit Ascona - a jewel on the shores of Lake Maggiore, known for its Mediterranean charm, colorful lakeside promenade, and elegant boutiques. Its historic old town invites peaceful strolls through cobbled streets lined with art galleries, cafés, and traditional Ticinese architecture. Continue to Locarno. Overnight
Let’s visit Bellinzona, the capital of Ticino - a hidden gem rich in medieval charm and alpine beauty. Famous for its three UNESCO-listed castles — Castelgrande, Montebello, and Sasso Corbaro — this picturesque town offers a unique journey back in time. We’ll walk through its charming historic centre with pastel-coloured buildings, lively piazzas, and traditional markets. Continue to Lugano, a city of parks and flowers, holiday villas and sacred buildings, and the capital of Italian-speaking Switzerland, set on the shores of the lake with the same name. Highlights include the Civic Park, with numerous open-air sculptures; Piazza della Riforma; the Cathedral of San Lorenzo; and Via Nassa, the main shopping street. Return to Locarno. Overnight.
From Locarno, we’ll board the Ferrovia Vigezzina-Centovalli, one of Europe's most scenic narrow-gauge railways. This picturesque train journey winds through the Centovalli (“Hundred Valleys”) region, offering breathtaking views of deep gorges, waterfalls, chestnut forests, and charming mountain villages. Disembark in the quaint Italian town of Domodossola, nestled at the foot of the Alps. We’ll have some free time for lunch at a traditional trattoria or stroll through the town’s cobbled streets. Continue to Ovronnaz, through the amazing Simplon Pass - a stunning mountain pass in the Swiss Alps, connecting the canton of Valais in Switzerland to the region of Piedmont in Italy. Known for its breathtaking views, the pass offers travellers a scenic route through rugged alpine terrain, lush valleys, and charming villages. The rest of the day is free at the Les Bains d’Ovronnaz - a serene alpine spa resort offering thermal relaxation with spectacular mountain views. Its natural hot spring waters, rich in minerals, are known for their therapeutic properties and flow into a series of indoor and outdoor pools maintained at soothing temperatures year-round. Overnight
In the morning we have an optional visit - visit the iconic Glacier 3000, featuring a 100-meter suspension bridge – the Peak Walk by Tissot – connecting two mountain peaks. On clear days, you can see the Matterhorn, Mont-Blanc, and Jungfrau from the summit. Continue to Corsier-sur-Vevey to visit Chaplin's World! After being exiled from the United States, the genius of cinema brought his entire family to this residence, where he spent the last 23 years of his life. Today, it’s a museum celebrating his life and cinematic legacy – a must-see cultural site. Next, we explore, in a small tourism train, the Lavaux Vineyard Terraces, located on the shores of Lake Geneva. The interaction between humans and nature, traditional planting and production methods, and its rich heritage have earned it UNESCO World Heritage status. Of course, we can enjoy lunch at a typical local wine estate — and naturally, we'll be also tasting some of the region's fine wines. Overnight
We’ll board the GoldenPass Panoramic train to the exclusive town of Gstaad. If we’re lucky, we may spot one of the many celebrities who own chalets or vacation here. We continue by bus to La Maison du Gruyère, for a tour of the cheese factory that produces the world-famous Gruyère AOP cheese. Here, we can enjoy a traditional Swiss lunch – raclette or fondue, both made with local cheese. After lunch, we travel to Broc to visit Maison Cailler, Switzerland’s oldest chocolate factory. We end the day in the medieval village of Gruyères, renowned for its well-preserved medieval architecture and breathtaking landscapes. A true historical gem, the village features narrow streets, quaint squares, and buildings dating back to the 16th and 17th centuries. Continue to Fribourg. Overnight.
In this morning, we walk this captivating small city, where medieval charm meets vibrant culture. Perched along the Sarine River, its well-preserved Old Town boasts Gothic architecture, winding cobblestone streets, and over 200 unique façades dating back to the 15th century. Highlights include the stunning St. Nicholas Cathedral, the ancient Zähringen Bridge, and the picturesque funicular that connects the upper and lower parts of the city. We head to Murten - a perfectly preserved medieval town where history and lakeside leisure blend seamlessly. We’ll walk along its fully intact 14th-century ramparts for panoramic views of the lake and vineyards, then wander cobblestone streets lined with pastel-hued houses and charming cafés. Murten’s unique mix of German and French culture, paired with its fairytale atmosphere. We head to La Chaux-de-Fonds to visit the world’s largest and most comprehensive watch museum – MIH – Musée International d’Horlogerie. The museum houses over 4,500 pieces from all brands and eras, including 2,700 wristwatches and 700 wall clocks. La Chaux-de-Fonds is considered the world capital of watchmaking, and this museum is a magical place preserving the history of time. Continue to Neuchâtel - a refined lakeside gem, where Belle Époque elegance meets natural beauty. Return to Fribourg. Overnight
Departure to Lausanne. Charming and vibrant, Lausanne blends the elegance of the Swiss Riviera with a youthful, dynamic spirit. Nestled on the shores of Lake Geneva and surrounded by terraced vineyards, the city delights with its historic old town, fascinating museums, and breathtaking Alpine views. We’ll visit the Olympic Museum – An inspiring, interactive tribute to the Olympic Games, located in the city that hosts the IOC headquarters, the Cathedral, one of Switzerland’s most beautiful Gothic buildings, with stunning views from the tower and walk in Ouchy Promenade, a scenic lakeside area. Continue to Genève