Bern and the Gems of Switzerland including the Golden Pass Express – IMPROVED ITINERARY

Depart the UK

Drive to Dover for the short sea ferry crossing to Calais.  Upon disembarkation we will continue south and make an overnight stop in France. Dinner is included at the hotel this evening.

Travel to Switzerland

Depart after breakfast for the onward journey, travelling through France and into Switzerland and our hotel in Bern for the next 5 nights.  Dinner will be at the hotel this evening.

(Please note that every hotel visitor is given a Bern Ticket which entitles them to travel for free on streetcar and bus journeys in Zones 100/101)

Bern Sightseeing and Gurten Funicular

Meet up with a local guide for a walking tour of the main sights including the medieval Aldstadt (Old Town), the Zytglogge, a landmark clock tower built in the early 13^th century which strikes on the hour with a display of mechanical figures.  See the Einstein House Museum where the famous physicist spent seven years and where he invented the theory of relativity.  Other famous inhabitants of Bern are the bears which can be seen in the Barenpark which is overlooked by a beautiful Rose Garden offering superb views of the city.

Using your Bern Ticket you can enjoy a ride on the Gurten Funicular to the summit of Bern’s local mountain offering views of the snowy alps and the River Aare below.  The rest of the day and evening is at leisure.

Lake Thun Cruise, Interlaken and the Golden Pass Express

Today we start our exploration of the lakes and mountains in Thun, a medieval lakeside  town steeped in history and overlooked by the stunning Thun Castle. The historical raised cobblestoned promenades in the old town are one of the highlights to stroll along. After some free time, embark on a leisurely cruise on Lake Thun to the capital of the Bernese Oberland, Interlaken, which offers a mix of traditional Switzerland and a high street offering high end designer shops, restaurants and hotels, all overlooked by the mighty Jungfrau alps.

After some free time, board the Golden Pass Express train for a journey on one of Switzerland’s most picturesque train routes offering uninterrupted views of the breathtaking panorama.  The trip starts in picturesque Interlaken and in just over 3 hours continues via Gstaad, Château-d’Oex and Montbovon to Montreux, the journey’s final stop.

The coach will be waiting in Montreux for the transfer back to Bern for an evening at leisure.

(Note:  Depending upon schedules and availability this excursion may be operated in reverse.  Ticket options for the Golden Pass Express include 2nd Class, 1st Class and Prestige – all subject to availability – details on request)

Lucerne and Lake Cruise

Lucerne and its famous lake are surrounded by majestic peaks and on a guided walking tour of the old town stroll across the famous and remarkable medieval Chapel Bridge, see historic houses decorated with frescoes and the fasmous marble Lion Monument built into a rock face.  After some free time to explore the city, stroll along the flower bedecked lakeside promenade or get some lunch, embark on a leisurely round trip cruise on Lake Lucerne marvelling at the stunning mountain scenery as you glide along.

Back in Lucerne, return to the hotel by coach for an evening at leisure.

Note for coaches stopping in Lucerne:  There is a current coach stopping fee of CHF100.00 to be paid in advance (2025):    www.luzern.com/en/information/planning/directions-mobility/buses#:~:text=Are%20you%20travelling%20to%20Lucerne,must%20be%20paid%20in%20advance)

Gruyères Cheese and Cailler Chocolate

On our culinary discovery tour we head for Maison de Gruyères where we will see a demonstration and presentation of the famous cheese making process on an audio-guided tour.  From here we will drive the short distance uphill to the medieval old town of Gruyères.  The views from the town are stunning and there are plenty of nice cafes, restaurants and shops.  (Note: there is a coach parking charge in the old town –  payable locally). 

In the afternoon make a visit of the wonderful world of Cailler chocolate, the oldest existing Swiss chocolate brand. An interactive tour will highlight the history of cocoa and its manufacture.  At the end of the visit, enjoy a tasting of Cailler chocolates with the option to make some purchases.

Back in Bern we will enjoy a final evening dinner together in the Kornhaus Keller, formerly a Granary and Wine Cellar and now a restaurant with an Art Nouveau decorated interior.

Depart Bern

We will leave Bern after breakfast and retrace our steps into France for an overnight stop. Dinner will be at the hotel this evening.

Return to the UK

After breakfast we will depart for Calais and take the short sea ferry crossing back to Dover, and home.

Lake Cruise and Bürgenstock Funicular (return excursion from Lucerne)

A spectacular 1 hour boat trip on MS Bürgenstock Catamaran between Lucerne and Kehrsiten-Bürgenstock, as well as the ride on the Bürgenstock Funicular, Switzerland’s first electric cable car to the summit of  Mount Bürgenstock where there are superb views, several bars and restaurants.   Return to Lucerne by funicular and catamaran.

At the summit there is also the option (at further supplement) to ride the vertical Hammetschwandlift elevator, the highest free-standing outdoor elevator in Europe. Step into the panoramic glass cabin for a 60 second trip to 1,128m for out of this world views of Mount Rigi, Mount Pilatus and as far as the Bernese Alps.  (More details and supplementary costs available on request)