May 17-26, 2027
Switzerland:
Where Alpine Dreams Unfold
Hosted by AAA Western and Central New York’s President and CEO Marke Dickinson
Come experience Switzerland with us on a journey through the heart of the Alps, where world-class scenery, refined hospitality, and iconic alpine experiences come together in effortless style. From the elegant lakeside charm of Geneva and Montreux to the exclusive alpine resort towns of Zermatt and St. Moritz, each of our destinations reflects the sophistication and natural grandeur that define Switzerland at its finest. Travel in comfort through breathtaking mountain passes, glacial valleys, and storybook villages, with unforgettable moments including private-style guided touring, Chillon Castle, scenic alpine rail journeys, panoramic cable car ascents, and a cruise across the incomparable Lake Lucerne. Our carefully curated itinerary blends luxury, culture, and extraordinary landscapes into a seamless alpine escape designed for the most discerning traveler.
Hosted by AAA Western and Central New York’s President and CEO Marke Dickinson
DAY 1
Monday, May 17
Depart from Buffalo, Rochester, or Syracuse with your AAA Group Travel Tour Host for transfer to New York – JFK Airport. Upon arrival, check-in for your overnight flight to Geneva, Switzerland. Relax and prepare for an unforgettable luxury journey through the breathtaking Swiss Alps.
DAY 2
Tuesday, May 18
Welcome to Geneva, Switzerland’s elegant “City of Gardens.” Upon arrival at Geneva Airport, meet your Local Travel Director and transfer to your hotel. Perfectly situated along the shores of Lake Geneva and framed by magnificent Alpine scenery, Geneva offers a beautiful blend of sophistication, history, and natural beauty. This evening, take a leisurely stroll to a local restaurant and enjoy a delightful dinner featuring traditional Swiss specialties.
DAY 3
Wednesday, May 19
This morning, discover the highlights of Geneva during an included city orientation. View the iconic Jet d’Eau fountain rising high above Lake Geneva and the famous Floral Clock, a symbol of Swiss precision and craftsmanship. The remainder of the day is at leisure to explore Geneva’s charming Old Town, elegant shopping districts, lakeside promenades, cafés, and museums at your own pace.
DAY 4
Thursday, May 20
Today’s journey showcases some of Switzerland’s most spectacular scenery. Travel to the beautiful lakeside town of Montreux, nestled at the foot of the Alps along the shores of Lake Geneva. Enjoy time to stroll the picturesque waterfront before visiting the legendary Chillon Castle, the medieval fortress immortalized in Lord Byron’s Prisoner of Chillon. Continue through the scenic Rhône Valley, known for its vineyards and dramatic mountain landscapes, before boarding a cogwheel train to the world-famous alpine village of Zermatt. Upon arrival, admire breathtaking views of the iconic Matterhorn, check into your hotel, and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.
DAY 5
Friday, May 21
Experience one of the highlights of your Swiss adventure today with an unforgettable excursion to the Klein Matterhorn. Travel through Zermatt by electric taxi before ascending high into the Alps by a series of lifts and cable cars. Enjoy spectacular panoramic views of snow-covered peaks, glaciers, and alpine landscapes as you journey to Europe’s highest cable car station. The remainder of the day is yours to relax and enjoy the charm of Zermatt at leisure.
DAY 6
Saturday, May 22
Depart Zermatt and continue through magnificent alpine scenery to glamorous St. Moritz, one of the world’s most prestigious mountain resorts. Long associated with luxury, sophistication, and world-class winter sports, St. Moritz offers stunning scenery surrounding its sparkling glacial lake. Upon arrival, enjoy an orientation of this elegant resort town before check-in and dinner at your hotel this evening.
DAY 7
Sunday, May 23
Today enjoy one of Switzerland’s most scenic rail experiences as you journey across the spectacular Bernina Pass. Travel through dramatic mountain landscapes featuring glaciers, waterfalls, alpine meadows, and picturesque villages while taking in breathtaking panoramic views along the route. Descend to the charming town of Poschiavo before rejoining your coach for the return journey to St. Moritz.
DAY 8
Monday, May 24
Begin the day with a scenic rail journey along part of the famous Glacier Express route, passing through unforgettable alpine landscapes of towering mountains, traditional Swiss villages, and lush valleys. Continue to Vaduz, the charming capital of Liechtenstein, where you will have time to explore the area surrounding the princely castle. Later, arrive in beautiful Lucerne, one of Switzerland’s most beloved lakeside cities. Enjoy an orientation featuring the Lion Monument, Jesuit Church, and Chapel Bridge before relaxing on a scenic Lake Lucerne cruise surrounded by magnificent mountain scenery. This evening after checking into your hotel, enjoy a festive Swiss fondue dinner accompanied by traditional folklore entertainment including yodeling, alphorn music, and flag throwing.
DAY 9
Tuesday, May 25
Today offers a wonderful glimpse into authentic Swiss alpine life. Visit a traditional farming community and enjoy a charming horse-drawn carriage ride through rolling green pastures surrounded by mountain scenery. Stop at a local farm to enjoy homemade Swiss refreshments and regional specialties. Later, ascend Mount Stanserhorn aboard a unique open-top cable car powered by solar energy. At the summit, take in panoramic alpine views while learning about local wildlife and conservation efforts from a Swiss ranger. This evening, celebrate your unforgettable Swiss journey with a special farewell dinner.
DAY 10
Wednesday, May 26
After breakfast, transfer to Zürich Airport for your return flight home. Depart Switzerland with wonderful memories of majestic mountain scenery, luxurious resorts, scenic rail journeys, and unforgettable experiences shared throughout this remarkable alpine adventure.
Transportation
Switzerland’s transportation options offer some of the most scenic and memorable travel experiences in the world, beginning with the cogwheel train to Zermatt, which climbs steadily into the Alps and provides sweeping views of the Matterhorn region. Visitors can also enjoy electric taxis in car‑free Zermatt, a quiet and eco‑friendly way to move through the village. High above the valleys, cable car rides to the Matterhorn and the open‑air CabriO lift to Mount Stanserhorn offer panoramic Alpine vistas, while the Bernina Pass glass‑dome rail journey carries passengers past glaciers, viaducts, and dramatic mountain landscapes.
Equally captivating are Switzerland’s water and countryside experiences, including cruises of Lake Lucerne, where historic paddle steamers glide between mountain peaks and storybook villages. The legendary Glacier Express rail route connects Zermatt and St. Moritz on an eight‑hour panoramic journey across 291 bridges and 91 tunnels, showcasing the Rhine Gorge and Oberalp Pass. We'll also enjoy a horse‑drawn carriage ride through Swiss farms for a slower, pastoral look at rural life.
The iconic Gornergrat Cogwheel Train is a historic, fully electric mountain railway that departs directly from Zermatt to the Gornergrat summit. The journey offers sweeping, panoramic views of the Matterhorn and the surrounding Alpine glaciers.
The iconic Gornergrat Cogwheel Train is a historic, fully electric mountain railway that departs directly from Zermatt to the Gornergrat summit. The journey offers sweeping, panoramic views of the Matterhorn and the surrounding Alpine glaciers.
The Mount Stanserhorn CabriO cable car is the world’s first double-decker cable car featuring an open-air upper deck, giving riders a 360-degree unobstructed panorama of the Swiss Alps.
The Mount Stanserhorn CabriO cable car is the world’s first double-decker cable car featuring an open-air upper deck, giving riders a 360-degree unobstructed panorama of the Swiss Alps.
In the car-free alpine resort of Zermatt, internal combustion vehicles are banned–electric vehicles are the only available automotive transportation.
In the car-free alpine resort of Zermatt, internal combustion vehicles are banned–electric vehicles are the only available automotive transportation.
The Bernina Express is a legendary scenic train featuring spectacular glass-domed panoramic coaches that curve into the ceiling to offer unobstructed, floor-to-ceiling views of the Swiss Alps.
The Bernina Express is a legendary scenic train featuring spectacular glass-domed panoramic coaches that curve into the ceiling to offer unobstructed, floor-to-ceiling views of the Swiss Alps.
The Cuisine of Switzerland
Swiss cuisine blends Alpine comfort with regional diversity, featuring iconic cheese dishes like fondue, a communal pot of molten Gruyère‑based cheese enjoyed with bread, and raclette—melted cow's milk cheese scraped over potatoes and pickled vegetables—both deeply rooted in winter traditions and social dining across the country. Switzerland, where milk chocolate was invented, is equally renowned for its world‑class confections, celebrated through famous brands and tasting experiences, while Zürcher Geschnetzeltes (Zurich Ragout), a creamy veal dish often served with rösti, showcases the hearty, comforting flavors of Zurich’s culinary heritage.
Raclette is a famous Swiss dish consisting of semi-hard cow’s milk cheese that is melted and scraped over boiled potatoes, pickles, onions, and cured meats.
Raclette is a famous Swiss dish consisting of semi-hard cow’s milk cheese that is melted and scraped over boiled potatoes, pickles, onions, and cured meats.
Fondue is a quintessential Swiss dish, consisting of a warm, communal pot of melted cheese and white wine, kept bubbling over a small flame and eaten by dipping bite-sized chunks of bread.
Fondue is a quintessential Swiss dish, consisting of a warm, communal pot of melted cheese and white wine, kept bubbling over a small flame and eaten by dipping bite-sized chunks of bread.
Zurich Ragout is a classic Swiss dish from Zurich, featuring thinly sliced veal, pan-fried and served in a creamy sauce with mushrooms, onions, and white wine, traditionally accompanied by rösti (pan-fried shredded potatoes).
Zurich Ragout is a classic Swiss dish from Zurich, featuring thinly sliced veal, pan-fried and served in a creamy sauce with mushrooms, onions, and white wine, traditionally accompanied by rösti (pan-fried shredded potatoes).
Switzerland revolutionized the chocolate industry, including inventing milk chocolate.
Switzerland revolutionized the chocolate industry, including inventing milk chocolate.
Accommodations
Each hotel we'll stay at showcases a distinct facet of Swiss hospitality. The Royal Manotel Hotel Geneva blends neoclassical elegance with modern comfort, offering refined rooms, gourmet dining, and proximity to Lake Geneva. Resort Alex Hotel Zermatt delivers a luxurious Alpine chalet atmosphere with rich tradition, exceptional cuisine, and extensive wellness facilities near the Matterhorn. St. Moritz’s Hotel Laudinella provides a cultural and nature‑focused retreat with multiple restaurants, wellness amenities, and easy access to outdoor activities. Meanwhile, the Astoria Luzern stands out for its award‑winning architecture by Herzog & de Meuron, panoramic rooftop views, and central location just steps from Lake Lucerne and the historic old town. Together, these hotels reflect Switzerland’s blend of design, comfort, and world‑class service.
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