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Switzerland’s summer lakes and mountains

Lucerne – Lugano – St Moritz – Zermatt

Uncover Switzerland’s
summer lakes and mountain resorts

Switzerland is famous for its chocolates, cheeses, and watches, but most importantly, its remarkably beautiful natural landscapes. The towering snow-capped Swiss Alps make up 60 percent of the country, providing visitors with limitless outdoor activities, while the numerous star-studded, glitzy resort towns allow them to experience the high life too.

A refreshing counterpoint to this winter wonderland is a slew of incredible lakeside towns and cities including Lucerne, with its quaint medieval old town, as well as the Mediterranean climes of Lake Lugano, located close to the Italian border. And the beautiful mountain resorts of St Moritz and Zermatt make for natural havens with views stretching for days. Whatever your preference, Switzerland is the ultimate destination for both outdoor adventure and relaxed self-indulgence.

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Where you’ll be going

Get to know where you’ll be exploring in Switzerland, from sunny lakeside spots to high alpine peaks.

  • DAY 1 - 2

    Lucerne

    Located in central Switzerland in the German-speaking part of the country, Lucerne is undeniably one of Europe’s most enchanting cities. The city is thought by many to be the epitome of ‘true’ Switzerland as well as the gateway to Central Switzerland. The landscape is a wonderland of snow-capped mountains, glistening lakes, cowbells, alpine villages and meadows full of wild flowers. 

  • DAY 4 - 6

    Lugano

    The vivacious city of Lugano is set in the Italian-speaking region of Ticino in southern Switzerland, sheltered by a lovely bay on the northern side of Lake Lugano. It offers visitors a remarkable selection of chic boutiques, trendy bars and bustling pavement cafes lining the city’s steep, cobblestone streets. This maze of narrow alleyways winds its way through the historic town centre, with its Mediterranean-style squares and arcades, to the lakeshore and along the gorgeous flower-fringed promenade. 

  • DAY 7 - 9

    St Moritz

    Located in the southern Alps of Switzerland alongside an aquamarine lake, and surrounded by magnificent emerald forests and towering snow-capped peaks, St. Moritz is the star-studded epitome of exclusive, luxurious resort towns. revellers flock here in summer to indulge in swimming, sailing, windsurfing, mountain biking, hiking, polo, tennis, and luxury shopping followed by a relaxing soak in the famously fizzy mineral springs. 

  • DAY 10 - 12

    Zermatt

    Set in southern Switzerland’s Valais canton, at the foot of the mighty and jagged Matterhorn, one of the most recognizable mountains in the world, lies the quaint town of Zermatt. This popular tourist resort plays host to a combination of extreme sports enthusiasts, tour groups, backpackers and fur-clad socialites who use it’s ramshackle mazots and gorgeous wooden chalets as a base for exploring. 

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A taste of what’s to come An enchanting summer in Switzerland journal

Day 1
Day 2
Day 4
Day 5
Day 7
Day 9
Day 10
Day 12
Day 1
Day 2
Day 4
Day 5
Day 7
Day 9
Day 10
Day 12

  • We’ve arrived in sunny Switzerland, touching down at Zurich Airport. We can’t wait to spend summer days exploring the country’s lakes and mountains. But first; our journey continues by train to Lucerne, where we’ll be picked up and transferred to our hotel.

    Explore

  • This morning, we stepped onboard a historic paddle steamer boat and cruised Lake Lucerne. There were glorious views to be seen in such picturesque surroundings. We even stopped in at the pretty village of Vitznau, at the foot of Mount Rigi. And the top of this iconic mountain was our next destination. We swapped the waters for Europe’s first mountain railway, climbing all the way to the summit of the ‘Queen of the Mountains’ (all included as part of our Swiss Travel Pass). Lake Lucerne and all that surrounds it look even more beautiful from above!

    Explore

  • Today, we hopped on a boat which carried us across Lake Lucerne to Flüelen. Once on land again, we made the journey to Lugano on the Gotthard Panoramic Train, accompanied by our guide, taking in stunning views of the Swiss landscape.

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  • Our stay in Lugano didn’t just mean we got to experience more of Switzerland. Being so close to the Italian border, we couldn’t miss the opportunity to explore another of Europe’s beautiful lakes. We hopped in the car, and in less than an hour we arrived at Lake Como, spending the afternoon discovering the beautiful villages of the Golden Triangle.

    Explore

  • This morning, we travelled onboard the Bernina Express Bus through the Italian Alps to Tirano. Our journey then took us onwards to St. Moritz as we admired the Brusio spiral viaduct, Poschiavo, and Lake Bianco, as well as crossing over the famous Bernina Pass.

    Explore

  • While we spent yesterday exploring the area and spending some time paddleboarding on nearby Lake Silvaplana, today we wanted to discover a more relaxing side to St Moritz. We headed to one of the nearby forest lakes for a lake bathing experience. A truly serene way to spend an afternoon, we made our way back to the hotel for the evening feeling truly refreshed and ready for the evening ahead.

    Explore

  • Today, we made our way to Zermatt, travelling in a panoramic carriage onboard the Glacier Express on an eight-hour journey. We crossed over various bridges and high altitudes, all the while marvelling at the unique landscapes and spectacular artistry of the railway.

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  • On our final day in Zermatt, we made the climb up the Gornergrat onboard the historic Gornergratbahn, reaching 3,135 metres above sea level. Once at the top, we took in the unique alpine panoramas, with views of 29 mountains spanning 4,000 metres, including the incredible Matterhorn. We even caught glimpses of the beautiful Findel Glacier, Gorner Glacier and the Grenzgletscher. What a spectacular way to round off our trip!

    Explore
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Where to stay

  • Mandarin Oriental Palace, Luzern
    The Mandarin Oriental Palace Luzern is located right on the banks of the picturesque Lake Lucerne with a stunning view of central Switzerland’s mountains. The hotel's sophisticated rooms and suites feature marble bathrooms with luxury bath amenities, Nespresso machines and working desks. Some accommodations feature balconies or terraces with beautiful views of the city. Guests can enjoy delicious gourmet meals at several on-site restaurants. Additional amenities include a spa and meeting/event facilities.
    Get in touch to find out more


Where to stay

  • Mandarin Oriental Palace, Luzern
    The Mandarin Oriental Palace Luzern is located right on the banks of the picturesque Lake Lucerne with a stunning view of central Switzerland’s mountains. The hotel's sophisticated rooms and suites feature marble bathrooms with luxury bath amenities, Nespresso machines and working desks. Some accommodations feature balconies or terraces with beautiful views of the city. Guests can enjoy delicious gourmet meals at several on-site restaurants. Additional amenities include a spa and meeting/event facilities.
    Get in touch to find out more


Where to stay

  • Villa Principe Leopoldo
    Villa Principe Leopoldo is a five stars boutique hotel with great class and elegance, stylish situated on the “Collina d’Oro”, a residential area of Lugano with breathtaking views over the lake and the surrounding mountains. The Villa is marked by its strong Italian spirit and Mediterranean style accommodating spacious rooms and suites. It is renowned for its high standards of accommodation, service and gastronomy. The gourmet Restaurant Principe Leopoldo is the hotel’s most prized attraction with a cuisine that reveals authenticity, passion and respect for its ingredients, not forgetting the territories and traditions. Jewel of the hotel is the heavenly and exclusive spa offering luxury, privacy and tailor-made treatments. Class, luxury and refinement enchant with Mediterranean style and pure elegance. Here, guests feel like a King. No wonder, as Villa Principe Leopoldo with the annexed Residence Principe Leopoldo actually was once a prince’s home.
    Get in touch to find out more


Where to stay

  • Villa Principe Leopoldo
    Villa Principe Leopoldo is a five stars boutique hotel with great class and elegance, stylish situated on the “Collina d’Oro”, a residential area of Lugano with breathtaking views over the lake and the surrounding mountains. The Villa is marked by its strong Italian spirit and Mediterranean style accommodating spacious rooms and suites. It is renowned for its high standards of accommodation, service and gastronomy. The gourmet Restaurant Principe Leopoldo is the hotel’s most prized attraction with a cuisine that reveals authenticity, passion and respect for its ingredients, not forgetting the territories and traditions. Jewel of the hotel is the heavenly and exclusive spa offering luxury, privacy and tailor-made treatments. Class, luxury and refinement enchant with Mediterranean style and pure elegance. Here, guests feel like a King. No wonder, as Villa Principe Leopoldo with the annexed Residence Principe Leopoldo actually was once a prince’s home.
    Get in touch to find out more


Where to stay

  • Ski & Snow, St Moritz, Switzerland, Badrutt's Palace Hotel, Le Grand Hall
    Badrutt’s Palace Hotel
    Located in the heart of St. Moritz, Badrutt’s Palace Hotel offers stylish accommodation with breathtaking views of the lake or the village centre. The hotel’s elegant rooms and suites feature private bathrooms, flat-screen TVs and Wi-Fi access. Guests can enjoy delicious dishes at several on-site restaurants. There is also a wellness area with an indoor infinity swimming pool, fitness facilities and various beauty treatments. Additional amenities and services include bars and room service.
    Badrutt's Palace Hotel


Where to stay

  • Ski & Snow, St Moritz, Switzerland, Badrutt's Palace Hotel, Le Grand Hall
    Badrutt’s Palace Hotel
    Located in the heart of St. Moritz, Badrutt’s Palace Hotel offers stylish accommodation with breathtaking views of the lake or the village centre. The hotel's elegant rooms and suites feature private bathrooms, flat-screen TVs and Wi-Fi access. Guests can enjoy delicious dishes at several on-site restaurants. There is also a wellness area with an indoor infinity swimming pool, fitness facilities and various beauty treatments. Additional amenities and services include bars and room service.
    Badrutt's Palace Hotel


Where to stay

  • Ski & Snow, Zermatt, Switzerland, Mont Cervin Palace, Views
    Mont Cervin Palace
    Located in the shadow of the mighty Matterhorn, the chic resort of Zermatt is an unspoiled sanctuary for skiers, and the Mont Cervin Palace is an elegant accommodation destination. Cars are not allowed in the town, so guests travel from the train station by covered horse drawn carriage, a foretaste of the hotel’s signature quaint charm and warm hospitality. The hotel rooms are decorated in different styles, from rustic Alpine to luxurious contemporary, all have stunning views of the Mischabel mountain chain, the Edelweiss or the Matterhorn. After enjoying the 400 kilometres of hiking trails, guests can retreat to the 1700 square meter Wellness and Spa with outdoor pool and magnificent mountain views. The hotel complex also features three in house fine dining restaurants.
    Mont Cervin Palace


Where to stay

  • Ski & Snow, Zermatt, Switzerland, Mont Cervin Palace, Views
    Mont Cervin Palace
    Located in the shadow of the mighty Matterhorn, the chic resort of Zermatt is an unspoiled sanctuary for skiers, and the Mont Cervin Palace is an elegant accommodation destination. Cars are not allowed in the town, so guests travel from the train station by covered horse drawn carriage, a foretaste of the hotel’s signature quaint charm and warm hospitality. The hotel rooms are decorated in different styles, from rustic Alpine to luxurious contemporary, all have stunning views of the Mischabel mountain chain, the Edelweiss or the Matterhorn. After enjoying the 400 kilometres of hiking trails, guests can retreat to the 1700 square meter Wellness and Spa with outdoor pool and magnificent mountain views. The hotel complex also features three in house fine dining restaurants.
    Mont Cervin Palace

Explore all the
places you can stay

  • Ski & Snow, St Moritz, Switzerland, Badrutt's Palace Hotel, Exterior
    St Moritz
    Badrutt’s Palace Hotel

    In the glitzy hotspot that is St. Moritz, Badrutt’s Palace Hotel is an iconic slice of old world sophistication.

    Explore this place
    • Ski & Snow, Zermatt, Switzerland, Mont Cervin Palace, Views
      Zermatt
      Mont Cervin Palace

      A member of The Leading Hotels of the World, this luxurious retreat is palatial both by name and nature.

      Explore this place
    • Europe Ski, Switzerland, Grand Hotel Zermatterhof, Exterior
      Zermatt
      Grand Hotel Zermatterhof

      This Swiss landmark is the epitome of traditional elegance offering state-of-the-art facilities.

      Explore this place
Get in touch your way…
We customise every trip to you and our quotes are bespoke. We’re here to offer advice, recommendations and answer your questions.

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