The Blue Backpack · Women's Small Group Travel · 2027
Switzerland
Contact Me
Switzerland
Hiking & Wine
In Three Languages
Reserve Your Spot See the ItineraryContact Me
In Three Languages
Reserve Your Spot See the ItinerarySwitzerland is one of the world's great wine-producing countries — yet almost none of it leaves the country. On this 12-day journey you'll taste your way through three distinct regions: the crisp Chasselas and Pinot Noir of Lake Zurich, the elegant mineral whites of Neuchâtel, and the sun-warmed reds of Ticino.
Between tastings: a night at a mountain lodge above the clouds, the dramatic cliffs of Creux du Van, lunch in a centuries-old grotto, and the full sweep of Switzerland — from German-speaking alpine villages to French lakeside elegance to Italian warmth in the south.
Led by Céliane, a Swiss-born guide who speaks French and German, with the cultural insight that only comes from growing up here.
I will welcome you at Zurich Airport and accompany you on a short 15-minute train ride to our hotel in the city center. The rest of the day is yours to settle in. Optional: an early evening stroll through the Old Town and a light dinner to ease into Swiss time.
A relaxed morning to recover from your journey — linger over breakfast, explore the neighborhood, or simply rest. In the afternoon, we head into the vineyards above Lake Zurich for our first wine tasting. These are small, often family-run estates producing fresh whites and elegant Pinot Noir in a surprisingly urban yet scenic setting overlooking the lake. A gentle and delicious introduction to Swiss wine culture.
An early start as we travel by train and gondola into the Alpstein region of Appenzell. Our hike follows a spectacular route from Ebenalp toward Schäfler, with sweeping panoramic views across the Swiss plateau. We visit the iconic Aescher mountain lodge — one of the most photographed spots in Switzerland — and explore the ancient Wildkirchli caves carved into the cliff face. We continue down to Seealpsee and spend the night at Berggasthaus Seealpsee, a mountain lodge right on the lake. Dinner is included at the lodge.
Maybe a pre-breakfast walk around the lake to admire the mountains at sunrise. Then a leisurely breakfast before we descend by foot to Wasserauen station and board the train west into French-speaking Switzerland. Neuchâtel sits on the shores of its namesake lake, blending French-speaking elegance with a relaxed lakeside atmosphere. Its honey-colored Old Town rises toward a hilltop castle and collegiate church. Once checked in, we gather in the evening for a group dinner featuring traditional food from the region.
A highlight of the tour: we hike the dramatic Creux du Van, a natural rock amphitheater often called the Swiss Grand Canyon. Towering cliffs, alpine meadows, and a good chance of spotting ibex. Depending on the route, we may pass through the Gorges de l'Areuse, a scenic river gorge with dramatic rock walls and a pleasant stop for refreshments along the way. The rest of the day is free. You will need it!
Free morning. In the afternoon we enjoy our second regional wine tasting. Wines from the Neuchâtel area are fresh, elegant, and shaped by the lake's moderating influence — Chasselas and Pinot Noir are the stars. Expect crisp, mineral-driven whites and light, refined reds, often produced in small quantities and enjoyed locally. The style is subtle and food-friendly: more about finesse and terroir than bold intensity.
We board the train for Lugano, crossing through the Alps via the Gotthard. The landscape shifts dramatically — from French-speaking wine country to the Italian-flavored canton of Ticino, with palm trees, terracotta rooftops, and the warm light of the south. We check into Hotel Federale in the heart of Lugano's Old Town. The evening is free to explore the lakefront promenade and Piazza della Riforma.
Today we experience one of the great pleasures of Ticino: lunch at a grotto. A grotto is a traditional, rustic restaurant often set in shaded, stone-built spaces along hillsides or lakeshores. Originally used to store food and wine in naturally cool conditions, grottos now serve simple regional dishes and local wines in a relaxed, communal atmosphere — unpretentious, scenic, and deeply rooted in local tradition. Grotto lunch is included in the tour. In the afternoon, we walk back along the scenic Olive Tree Trail, a beautiful lakeside path with views across Lake Lugano.
Optional morning hike in the local area — a chance to explore Ticino's hills. In the afternoon, we head out for our third wine tasting. Wines here are shaped by a warm, sun-drenched climate and Italian influence. Expect smooth, elegant reds alongside lighter, fresher styles — whites and rosés — that pair beautifully with local cuisine. Approachable yet refined, with a relaxed Mediterranean character that is distinctly Swiss.
Late morning, we check out and board the train back to Zurich. We check back into Hotel Josephine Guesthouse and enjoy an easy afternoon and evening in the city.
Your last full day offers options. Join me for a morning hike up Uetliberg — at 871 meters (2,858 feet) above sea level, Zurich's own mountain offers a magnificent panoramic view of the city, the lake, and the Alps. Or linger over breakfast and take the day at your own rhythm: visit a museum, browse for souvenirs, explore the Old Town, or take a lake cruise (all covered by your Swiss Travel Pass). In the evening, I will treat the group to a farewell happy hour at Frau Gerold's Garten, a beloved outdoor bar in the hip, industrial Zurich-West district.
Departure day. Safe travels — and until next time.
Space is limited to 6 women. A deposit secures your spot.
Full payment details and cancellation policy on the booking page.
Questions? I'm happy to talk through the tour before you commit.