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Home > Switzerland > 8 DAYS RUSTIC EASTERN SWISS CHARM

8 DAYS RUSTIC EASTERN SWISS CHARM

St Gallen, St Moritz, Lugano

Outdoor & Adventure, History & Culture, Rail Journeys

Highlights

  • Lose yourself in St. Gallen’s Old Town while listening to exciting tales of this UNESCO listed heritage site
  • Enjoy a fantastic 360° panorama to Germany, Austria, Liechtenstein and Switzerland from the Hoher Kasten peak.
  • Stroll through the car-free village of Appenzell and enjoy the frescos of buildings that is unique to this part of Central Europe
  • Feast on a typical Swiss lunch at a guesthouse with a unique cliffside location
  • Visit the tiny nation of Liechtenstein, and explore its charming capital Vaduz
  • Ride the panoramic Bernina Express train through the UNESCO listed Rhaetian Railway from St Moritz into Italy, before continuing onwards to Lugano

Switzerland offers far more than its chocolate, watchmaking and yodeling – this landlocked country boasts alpine splendour, urban culture and so much more. East and South Switzerland offers a landscape of gorgeous lakes and spectacular peaks, as well as well-preserved villages with rural customs and traditional different from the main tourist spots in the central and western parts of the country, offering visitors an alternative view into the diversity of the Swiss Cantons.

Lose yourself in nature’s playgrounds away from the busier mountains of the main Swiss destinations and enjoy tranquil hikes into the untouched beauty of Appenzeller land and the Engadines.

From

HKD 44,080 Per person

8 Days 7 Nights
Suitable for Family

DETAILED ITINERARY

Day 01 ARRIVAL IN ZURICH / ST. GALLEN

Aerial view on Zurich city in Switzerland
St. Gallen
N.A.

Upon arrival in Zurich, meet your driver at the arrival hall.

Medieval Stein am Rhein Walking Tour
Drive approximately 1 hour, 55km to Stein am Rhein for a walk around their well-preserved old medieval town and visit Castle Hohenklingen, a medieval fortress built 590m above sea level on a hill. Enjoy a remarkable view of Stein am Rhein’s idyllic houses.

Rhine Falls’ Visit with Boat Ride
Head to Rhine Falls, the largest waterfall in Europe. Spend some time absorbing the majestic view of the roaring water fall with a 15 mins boat ride.

St. Gallen Old Town Guided City Tour (1.5 hrs)
Following that, transfer 1.5hours to St. Gallen, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy a 2 hours guided city tour through Old Town. Many houses in St. Gallen’s Old Town have their own exciting tales to tell. Hear a short lecture in the Cathedral about the late baroque period and the Abbey Library, which contains manuscripts dating back to the 8th century.

Day 02 ST. GALLEN / APPENZELL / ST. GALLEN

Beautiful and typical patchwork landscape in Appenzell, Switzerland
St. Gallen
Breakfast included

Appenzell is known for its gently rolling green hills, flowery meadows and rugged mountains. Choose a hike that fits your fitness level.

Option 1: Hike to the mountain top Hohen Kasten (Hiking Hours: 30 min, Level: Easy)
From the mountain top Hohen Kasten, you will enjoy a fantastic 360° panorama to Germany, Austria, Liechtenstein and Switzerland. Individual lunch at the revolving restaurant, then head back to Appenzell by cable car.

Option 2: Hike along the river between Appenzell and Weissenbad and back (Hiking Hours: 1.5 hr, Level: Easy)

Option 3: Hike over two bridges, passing three sanctuaries and enjoy great panoramic views of Appenzell. (Hiking Hours: 2.5hr, Level: Moderate)

Appenzell Village Stroll (Half Day)
After lunch (at your own costs), enjoy a stroll through the village of Appenzell. This car-free village beckons with pretty lanes and a myriad of small stores and boutiques that are ideal for shopping and browsing. The facades of the buildings are decorated with frescoes.

Optional: Yodeling Lesson with Experts (1 hr)
Try out a 1-hour yodeling lesson with the experts from Appenzell. Yodeling was used by early Alpine farmers to round up cattle and to communicate with other shepherds also wandering the Alps and now it has become a form of music and performance.

Stein Village Stopover
On the way back to St. Gallen you stop in the little village of Stein. Here you will learn all about cheese making and the Swiss Tradition. Visit the Appenzeller® Show Dairy and Appenzeller Volkskunde Museum.

Day 03 ST. GALLEN / EBENALP / S. GALLEN

Tourist sitting on the Ebenalp mountain in the Swiss Alps of Switzerland
St. Gallen
Breakfast, Lunch included

Ebenalp Swiss Mountain Day
After breakfast, transfer to the little mountain village Wasserauen. Take a gondola to Ebenalp and take an easy hike down to the nearby Wildkirchli, a system of interconnected caves notable for the traces of Paleolithic Neaderthal habitations dating to 40,000 BP.

Have a typical Swiss lunch at the Berggasthaus Aescher, a guesthouse nestled precariously in the giant rock vault and offers an unusual setting. The unique mountain inn located 1,454 meters is only 15 hiking minutes away from Ebenalp. From Ebenalp you ride with the cable car back to Wasserauen. Transfer back to St. Gallen.

 

Day 04 ST. GALLEN / VADUZ / ST. MORITZ

Liechtenstein - Vaduz Castle
St. Moritz
Breakfast included

St. Moritz Orientation Walk
After lunch head to St. Moritz, the famous holiday resort location, often accredited as the birthplace of Alpine winter tourism. In Summer, this place thrives with sporting activities like sailing, rowing, mountain biking and more. Dotted with luxurious resorts, one is sure to be spoilt for choice.

After checking into your hotel, embark on a short orientation walk with your guide in St. Moritz.

Day 05 ST. MORITZ / ARDEZ / GUARDA / ST. MORITZ

Slot Tarasp
St. Moritz
Breakfast included

Engadine Valley Towns Exploration
Today, we take a drive (1 hour) down to the lower Engadine Valley to explore the small towns of Ardez, Guarda, and Tarasp. Bordering Italy and Austria, these towns have made a name for themselves with their unique culture and language. Many of the splendid houses are covered in the paintings and “sgraffiti” typical of the Engadin. Scattered hamlets, a small lake, and above this the most imposing castle in Graubünden – all this you will discover in the village of Tarasp.

Day 06 ST. MORITZ / TIRANO / LUGANO

Tirano Valtellina Bernina Express Train at Border of Italy Switzerland
Lugano
Breakfast, Lunch included

Bernina Express Train Ride
This morning, walk 10 mins to the train station to take and enjoy the breathtaking views with the famous Bernina Express today. It runs past mountains, lakes and glaciers down to the palms of Valtellina. The famous panoramic route is a true landmark which has UNESCO World Heritage status. Ending in Tirano, Italy, spend some time to explore this classic Italian border-town before a private transfer to Lugano.
*Note: In the morning, your luggage will be transferred from St Moritz to Lugano.

Lugano Leisure Exploration
At Lugano, spend the rest of the day at ease exploring the town of Lugano. The Southernmost town of Switzerland is heavily inspired by the Italian way of life, reflected in the language, food and architecture.

Day 07 LUGANO

Aerial view of Capolago on the Lake Lugano Ticino, Switzerland
Lugano
Breakfast included

Lugano At Leisure
Enjoy a free day in Lugano, enjoy fantastic shopping experiences or villages one of the many villages surrounding Lake Lugano at your own pace on a river cruise.

Day 08 LUGANO / DEPARTURE FROM MILAN

Lugano lake, Switzerland
N.A.
Breakfast included

Be transferred to Milan, passing the Italian border for your flight back.

Hotels & Tour Price

Category 1

Indicative cost per person

Minimum 2 Pax
HK$ 62,280
Minimum 4 Pax
HK$ 44,080

Einstein St. Gallen or Radisson Blu Hotel, St. Gallen • Steffani Hotel or Crystal Hotel St Moritz • Hotel City Lugano

 

St. Gallen

St. Gallen

Einstein St. Gallen (Comfort Room)

This elegant hotel is located next to the UNESCO World Heritage, Monastery district. Enjoy distinguished service with an amazing offering of food services at their Michelin star restaurant Einstein Gourmet. (Renovated: 2009; Rooms: 113)

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St. Gallen

St. Gallen

Radisson Blu Hotel, St. Gallen (Standard Room)

Enjoy four-star services with beautiful views to match. It‘s location is near Switzerland's Lake Constance and in the city center allowing for ease of travel for all guests. The onsite Restaurant Olivé proudly serves healthy cuisine with the freshest ingredients each day and is home to the city's largest herb garden, located atop the restaurant. (Renovated: 2010; Rooms: 123)

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St. Moritz

St. Moritz

Steffani Hotel (Superior Double Room)

This hotel is located in the heart of St.Moritz and has been owned and run by a family since 4 generations since 1870. From standard rooms up to luxurious suites, The Steffani offers something for everyone’s taste. (Renovated: 2018; Rooms: 60)

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St. Moritz

St. Moritz

Crystal Hotel (Double Room Superior)

This SLH property is located in one of Switzerland’s most glamorous ski resorts with an enticing mountain backdrop, The Crystal Hotel with its understated exterior reveals an interior that is both elegant and harmonious. It offers beautifully renovated rooms, a gourmet restaurant, a piano bar, a fitness and wellness centre plus wonderful choice of activities to enjoy throughout the year. (Rooms: 71)


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Lugano

Lugano

Hotel City Lugano (Exclusive Double Room)

This brand new design and lifestyle hotel features sober-elegant furnishing and coveted design elements. Conveniently located, it is just a short walk from the University of Lugano campus and the city centre. (Opened: 2014; Rooms: 48)

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Category 2

Indicative cost per person

Minimum 2 Pax
HK$ 68,580
Minimum 4 Pax
HK$ 50,380

Einstein St. Gallen or Radisson Blu Hotel, St Gallen • Badrutt’s Palace or Grand Hotel Des Bains Kempinski St. Moritz • Hotel Splendid Royal or Villa Castagnola Grand Hotel or Villa Principe Leopoldo

St. Gallen

St. Gallen

Einstein St. Gallen (Comfort Room)

This elegant hotel is located next to the UNESCO World Heritage, Monastery district. Enjoy distinguished service with an amazing offering of food services at their Michelin star restaurant Einstein Gourmet. (Renovated: 2009; Rooms: 113)

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St. Gallen

St. Gallen

Radisson Blu Hotel, St. Gallen (Junior Suite)

Enjoy four-star services with beautiful views to match. It‘s location is near Switzerland's Lake Constance and in the city center allowing for ease of travel for all guests. The onsite Restaurant Olivé proudly serves healthy cuisine with the freshest ingredients each day and is home to the city's largest herb garden, located atop the restaurant. (Renovated: 2010; Rooms: 123)

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St. Moritz

St. Moritz

Badrutt’s Palace (Superior Double Room)

This historic luxury hotel has been serving comfort in comforts of the highest degree since 1896. Illustrious guests have included Audrey Hepburn, Marlene Dietrich and Charlie Chaplin, and today's jet set continues to embrace the luxurious vibe. (Renovated: 2021; Rooms: 156)



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St. Moritz

St. Moritz

Grand Hotel Des Bains Kempinski St. Moritz (Deluxe Room)

Renovated in 2010, the Kempinski Grand Hotel Des Bains guarantees guests a pleasant stay whether in Saint Moritz for business or pleasure. Situated only 1.5 km from the city center, guests are well located to enjoy the town's attractions and activities. (Renovated: 2010; Rooms: 184)

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Lugano

Lugano

Hotel Splendid Royal (Superior Room Room)

Following the tradition of hospitality of grand hotels of the past, this 5 star hotel features amazing views of Lake Lugano. The nature and the lake are a constant and inspiring presence, with their sounds and scents that are in perfect harmony with the hotel. (Renovated: 2019; Rooms: 68)

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Lugano

Lugano

Villa Castagnola Grand Hotel(Backyard View Double Room)

Once the home of a noble Russian family, the impressive mansion was transformed into a hotel in 1885.This property is 6 minutes walk from the beach. Right on the shores of Lake Lugano and within walking distance of the Old Town of Lugano, the 5-star Grand Hotel Villa Castagnola is set within a private, subtropical park. (Renovated: 2017; Rooms: 72)

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Lugano

Lugano

Villa Principe Leopoldo (Junior Suite)

The elegant Villa Principe Leopoldo, a Relais & Chateaux property, is situated on the “Collina d’Oro”, with stunning views over Lake Lugano Bay and the mountains. The villa is characterised by its strong Italian spirit and Mediterranean style, accommodating spacious rooms and suites. (Renovated: 2008; Rooms: 37)

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Option

1 hour Yodeling Lesson

Minimum 2 Pax
HK$ 1,780
Minimum 4 Pax
HK$ 880

COST INCLUDES:

Accommodation on twin sharing basis in hotels as stated on bed & breakfast basis
Private airport transfers as described in the itinerary
Zurich Airport to St. Gallen
Tirano to Lugano including luggage transfer from St. Moriz to Lugano
Lugano to Milan Airport
Zurich Hotel to Zurich Airport

English speaking driver-guide from Day 1-5
Admission fees as per itinerary
Rhine Falls with 15 min Boat Tour
2hrs guided city tour in St. Gallen
Custom Museum & Appenzeller Show Diary
Cable car at Ebenalp

Train tickets for Bernina Express from St. Moritz to Tirano in 1st Class
Meals as stated
Local taxes and service charges

COST EXCLUDES:

International airfares
Visa
Meals unless otherwise specified
Travel insurance
Personal expenses e.g. laundry, bar, spa services
Phone and internet charges

ENQUIRE NOW

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