Switzerland

8 Days / 7 Nights — Lucerne, Interlaken, Zermatt, Gruyeres

Crystalline ice palaces, yodeling Alpine herders, cable cars up to mountain peaks — and carefully chosen, traditional Swiss chalets.

DAY 1 — Zurich, Lucerne

Take delivery of your car this morning and travel the short route to the Lake of Lucerne. There you'll settle into the elegant Park Hotel Vitznau, located on the shores of this lovely lake. Lodging: Park Hotel Vitznau

DAY 2 — Lucerne

Spend the day exploring the lakeside villages of Brunnen and Weggis, and take a trip up to the Rigi-Kulm on the rack railway for an unforgettable view of the surrounding lakes and mountains. Later, wander through ancient Lucerne with its 15th and 16th century houses and medieval, covered bridges. Lodging: Park Hotel Vitznau

DAY 3 — Interlaken

This morning, drive along the Brunig Pass deep into the very heart of Switzerland. You'll go to Interlaken, which is situated below the mighty Jungfrau in the midst of the greatest mountain scenery in Europe. Here are an endless variety of walks and excursions to such famous attractions as the Lauterbrunen Valley, Trummelbach Falls and the high, mountain villages of Murren, Wengen and Grindelwald. Lodging: Grand Hotel Victoria Jungfrau

our chauffeur doubled as our translator and helped us connect with people that I doubt we could have met as tourists.

DAY 4 — Interlaken

Your day to enjoy independent activities. You may be tempted to take the spectacular cogwheel rail journey all the way up to the Jungfraujoch — the highest railway station in Europe with an elevation of 11,340 ft. The adventure takes you to a succession of alpine valleys, ice fields and massive glaciers. It's one of the world's great train experiences. Lodging: Grand Hotel Victoria Jungfrau

DAY 5 — Zermatt

The drive today takes you through the mountains to Zermatt. Located in a green valley enclosed between steeply sloped mountains, Zermatt is dominated by that "mountain of mountains," the huge, gracefully curved pyramid of the Matterhorn. Settle into the cozy atmosphere for another night of Swiss friendliness and hospitality. Lodging: Riffelalp Resort

DAY 6 — Zermatt

This is a full day of leisure to discover this auto-free village, and explore the old streets and quaint chalets. Do not miss the famous Alpine Museum, which contains relics of the early conquests of the Matterhorn and has a section devoted to reconstructed mountain- dweller homes. Lodging: Riffelalp Resort

DAY 7 — Gruyeres Montreax

Leave Zermatt this morning driving by Sion and Gstaad to the delightful mountain village of Gruyeres. It's famous for its castle, medieval houses, its sometimes-turbulent history and, of course, for its cheese. Perched high in the hills above Montreux, the Hotel Victoria looks out on breathtaking panorama of Lake Geneva backed by jagged mountain peaks. From the moment you walk inside this beautiful inn, there is an old-world ambiance enhanced by handsome antique furniture. Lodging: Hotel Victoria

DAY 8 — Geneva

You'll make a reluctant departure this morning as you make your way to Geneva, where your Swiss Chalet Road ends.

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