Montreux, Switzerland
Montreux
lies in the midst of magnificent scenery! Because of its protected
and sunny location, Montreux is a vacation paradise and it is one of the
most popular year round incentive resorts of Switzerland. The area
combines a sunny atmosphere with breathtaking nature, beautifully refurbished
Victorian hotels, typical cafes and restaurants, a casino, nightclubs
and...Swiss charm. The Swiss sense of responsibility, good order,
service, and most of all, Swiss hospitality makes Montreux an ideal center.
Centrally located, the city is 45 minutes from Geneva's airport and an even shorter distance from Lausanne. France and Italy are within an hour's drive and within Switzerland, it is perfect for day trips to Berne, Gruyeres, Interlaken, Lucerne, Zermatt and Zurich.
DAY 1, HOME - NEW YORK CITY – GENEVA
This morning we'll fly from your hometown to New York's Kennedy airport where we proceed to the international terminal and board our non-stop flight to Geneva.
DAY 2, GENEVA - MONTREUX
Upon arrival this morning in Geneva, and after passing through Immigration and Customs in Geneva, we'll be met by our Swiss hostess and transported by deluxe private motorcoach along the scenic highway skirting beautiful Lake Geneva to the city known as the "Pearl of the Swiss Riviera" - Montreux. Here, we check into our lakeview rooms at the deluxe Hotel Eden Au Lac on the shores of Lake Geneva.
The distinguished
Hotel Eden au Lac is right on the shores of Lake Geneva, next to the casino.
This 1896 Victorian hotel provides a very European feel with a touch of
Swiss character.
A grand piano, worn Oriental rugs, potted plants, and an elaborate chandelier mark the turn-of-the-century lobby. A pink Belle Epoque restaurant known for its French cuisine and a split-level bar supplement the grill.
The guest rooms are nearly all different, the common denominators being spaciousness and functionality. Most of the furniture consists of Louis XVI reproductions. The total number of rooms is 105. Room amenities include: TV’s, mini-bars, safes, tiled bath with hair dryers and heated floors and towel racks. Rooms on the lakeside open up to wrought iron balconies with extraordinary views.
The location is ideally situated within walking distance from shopping and nightlife.
This evening, we will have a chance to relax and get to know our fellow travelers a little better over cocktails and hors d'oeuvres at a welcome reception in the hotel.
DAY 3, MONTREUX
After
breakfast this morning, we'll embark on a sightseeing tour of Montreux before
visiting Chillon Castle. This most popular sight, dating from
the 12th century, is built on a rocky islet at the foot of precipitous
mountains with its turrets reflecting in the calm waters
of Lake Geneva. We'll tour the fortress and its dungeons, which
were immortalized by Lord Byron in his lyric poem commemorating the captivity
of Francois Bonivard - "The Prisoner of Chillon."
Next,
we'll proceed to the outskirts of Montreux for a wine tasting tour of one
of the local vineyards before returning to he hotel at mid-day.
This evening, we'll journey to the top of the mountain to the lovely Swiss Chalet know as Montagnard ("Man of the Mountain") for dinner. We'll enjoy a fine Swiss dinner served as only the Swiss can and be entertained by local singers dressed in their native garb. Be prepared to sing along as this is a festive evening to be enjoyed by all.
DAY 4 MONTREUX - GRUYERES
Following
breakfast this morning, we will have the opportunity to visit the Gruyeres
Cheese Country. We'll drive through Chatel St. Denis,
a typical wine producing village, and the surrounding dairy farming area
with its wide pastures and forests, to Gruyeres, world famous for its cheese.
This little fortified town is perched on a hill in a landscape full of grace
and harmony. It charms visitors by its friendly atmosphere, derived
from the time when the whole Sarine Valley was under the rule of the
Counts of Gruyeres. We'll visit the cheese factory where the Gruyeres
cheese is made and have time to stroll through the medieval cobbled streets
of the old village still preserving its ancient way of life and where no
cars are allowed.
This is no time to count calories. We'll have lunch at the Fleur De Lys consisting of the traditional Swiss specialties of cheese fondue and raclette of cheese. And for dessert...raspberries with fresh churned cream. We'll want to have our cameras ready as our hosts ladle the thick rich cream from their wooden buckets onto our fresh whole raspberries. It is a picture and dining experience that will be remembered for a long time!
This evening is at leisure.
DAY 5, MONTREUX - ZERMATT
After
rising to an early morning breakfast, we'll drive south to Aigle.
In the mosaic of Swiss cantons, this area, the Valais, owes its well-marked
regional character to the Mediterranean serenity of its sky, which encourages
the local wines to flourish on the rugged sun-baked ridges of its
south facing slopes. We drive through the Rhone Valley which begins
at Aigle and then come upon the memorable landscapes of the mountains and
the River Rhone. Next, we pass through Martigny and pause for a short
stop at Sion before continuing through Sierre and Visp to enter
the Zermatt Valley. At Taesch, we take the cogwheel railway up to
Zermatt arriving by mid-day in this lovely old village with its wooden chalets
and toast-colored mazots (small barns). Towering above you will see
the majestic Matterhorn (14,688 ft.).
Those who choose to forego some of the shopping offered in Zermatt may decide to go further into the mountains and take an optional trip to the Gornergrat, just 45 minutes away. The view from the sightseeing platform at 10,270 ft. is magnificent with some 50 Alpine peaks clearly visible and forming a circle of silvery splendor. We return by cogwheel railway to Taesch and then by motorcoach back to Montreux.
This evening is at leisure.
DAY 6, MONTREUX
After breakfast, today is at leisure.
Optional
Tour to Aosta, Italy - For those who choose to participate, we'll leave
Montreux this morning and cross the Alps on our way into Northern Italy
and the picturesque town of Aosta. This marvelous ancient city
dates back to the time of the Roman Empire. Numerous ruins abound
as we weave our way through the cobblestone streets. History is not
the only allure of Aosta, there are bargains to be had here such as leather
goods. Such well know designer labels as Fendi or Paul & Shark can
be readily found. A relaxful lunch at a small out of the way restaurant
where your pizza is fired from an open oven is a charming way to break up
your day.
DAY 7, MONTREUX
Today is completely at leisure to relax, browse, and perhaps take care of that last minute shopping for a Rolex watch!
This evening,
we'll have our gala Farewell Banquet in the 12th century Castle of Oron!
Upon
arrival at Oron Castle, we are welcomed by medieval trumpeters as we make
our entry through the castle gate where a guide awaits to explore with us
the mysteries of this ancient fortress. We'll see the library
which houses some of the oldest printed and bound books known to man...from
the 16th century. Next, we'll proceed to the "torture" chamber
for cocktails before dinner. Then it’s into the dining hall where
our main course is being slowly prepared over an open spit. The lights
dim and the candle-lit atmosphere takes us back to olden times as trumpets
herald the arrival of each elaborate course...all served by waiters (and
wenches") in medieval dress. Wine is served from pewter wine
jugs as we celebrate our week together in Switzerland and the many new friends
we have made.
DAY 8, MONTREUX – NEW YORK CITY - HOME
Following breakfast, we must bid farewell to Montreux and Switzerland as our coach takes us to Geneva this morning. We'll board our flight to New York where, after passing through immigration and customs, we'll make a connection to our non-stop flight to our home city,