The tour begins at Geneva and heads north passing spa towns and vineyards towards the gates of the elegant city of Zurich. Later on, you will explore eastern Switzerland and Bad Ragaz, a renowned thermal spa resort, before traveling to the Italian border region of Ticino. The tour concludes with the magnificent Valais, a land of mountains, glaciers and hamlet to exceptional beauty.
Hotel and restaurant in town. Discovering the beautiful sights of Geneva starts at the Hôtel de la Cigogne, a haven of peace and tranquility in the heart of Geneva’s business centre, only a few steps from the old city, the lake and the cultural district. On place Longemalle, the gilded swan overlooking the door sets the tone of a hotel in which all rooms are different and have been entirely redesigned in a young and dynamic spirit. In culinary terms, you can take a delicious break right in the city centre and sample gourmet treats, now also on the terrace.
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Since 1994, when MAMCO (Musée d’art moderne et contemporain) was opened, the Les Bains quarter has gradually transformed into an incredible laboratory of contemporary art. Take a stroll past the windows of the many galleries which have opened in this now-trendy area. Three times a year, the Les Bains...
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On the route
Lake Geneva
Leave the motorway on the right and take the road which runs along the lake from Montreux to Geneva. The beauty of Lake Geneva is enhanced by the Alps, and this view is unique in the world.
The vineyards of Lavaux
This landscape is at once splendid and unexpected. Between Montreux and Lausanne, the terraced vineyards of Lavaux slope towards Lake Geneva, endowing the landscape with unique light and shading. After Vevey, take the vineyard road towards Chexbres. Stop off in this charming little village to visit the...
Hotel and restaurant in town. On the shores of Lake Geneva, close to Lavaux with its terraced vineyards, which have been listed as world heritage site by the Unesco, this timeless hotel offers a unique universe, which celebrates the past of this grand historical residence and combines it with subtle contemporary flourishes. An intimate and serene setting, a fine gourmet cuisine at the restaurant “Les Saisons”, local inspirations at the restaurant “La Véranda”, a terrace with a panorama view of the lake at the “Marina”, an outdoor pool and the Spa Valmont, all offering moments of pleasure and relaxation.
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Entering Maison Décotterd means first being captivated by the views over the Vaud Riviera. Located in the former Bellevue Hotel, the heart of the renowned hotel school of Glion, this exceptional establishment overlooks Montreux and the splendid surrounding panorama of Lake Geneva and the Swiss Alps....
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Fondue at Café Tivoli
The route from Oron to Yverdon via Moudon is a very beautiful country road. After the Sainte-Croix Pass, enjoy the series of bends and the wide valleys. Located in the little town of Châtel-Saint-Denis, this restaurant is known for its superb fondue. You can get fondue made from pure Vacherin Fribourgeois...
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On the route
The Château de Grandson
This old fortress probably dates back to the 11th century. Known for having been at the centre of an illustrious battle between the soldiers of Charles the Bold and the Swiss army in 1476, the château has had a succession of unusual incarnations over the last two centuries. It housed a barracks, then...
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CIMA Museum, Sainte-Croix
This little town, of less than 5000 inhabitants, is considered to be the world capital of music boxes. In 1875, the Paillard company employed more than 600 people here. CIMA (Centre International de Mécanique d’Art) houses a unique collection of these little boxes whose melodies have been lulling us...
Hotel and restaurant in town. Located in a historic mansion built in 1862, the hotel Beau-Rivage is a haven of peace on the shores of Lake Neuchâtel. An ideal starting point to discover the cultural riches of the millenial city and the enchanting scenery around Neuchâtel, the cradle of Swiss watchmaker know-how. Cuisine based on local produce can be savoured at the restaurant “O’Terroirs”, with a panorama view of the lake and the Alps. And do not miss our traditional absinthes. You are very close to the picturesque city of Neuchâtel, whose beautiful yellow sandstone buildings made Alexandre Dumas write that the “city was like a town carved in butter”.
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A dozen artisans in this small region continue to distil this famous plant, which is both bitter and highly scented. Banned from sale for almost a century (permission to distil it again was not granted until 2005), this drink has become an attraction once more. Tours including tastings are available,...
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On the route
The journey as far as Le Noirmont
You can continue the journey as far as Le Noirmont, where you will find not only the splendid Relais & Châteaux of Georges Wenger, but also a charming little bistro, right beside the lake. Here you are in the middle of nowhere, on the border between Switzerland and France.
Georges...
Hotel and restaurant on a lake. It is in the relaxing atmosphere of Switzerland’s Zurich where you will find Alex Lake Zürich, a splendid boutique hotel bordered by the calm waters of the lake and majestically overlooked by the Alps. In osmosis with its beautiful natural surroundings, this exceptional hotel offers 43 contemporary studios and suites harmoniously decorated and furnished with natural materials. Fitted with either terraces, balconies or French balconies, all are perfect for taking in the pure air and surrendering to the magnificent views over the verdant shores. With direct access to Lake Zürich, the private marina is ideal for a wide range of water sports. A haven of peace and relaxation, Alex Lake Zürich is the ideal place to enjoy a restorative stay that benefits the whole family. Last but not least, it is an exceptional address for the finest epicureans. Refined and simple, its restaurant Alex offers a creative and aromatic cuisine blending influences from across the world with hints of urbanity. Equally exquisite is the gourmet restaurant AQUA, which stands out for its discreet and exclusive character; it is indeed the ideal setting to enjoy an intimate dinner.
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From the medieval Schipfe district to the banks of the river, Zurich promises a cosmopolitan culture-rich city where life is good. Art lovers will appreciate the collection of modern art at the famed Kunsthaus Zürich. And fans of electronic music will be in heaven at the Street Parade, the world’s biggest...
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The Emma Kunz Grotto – or the art of recharging your batteries
The Emma Kunz Grotto sits in the Ancient Roman quarries of Würenlos and is where culture meets wellness. This is where artist and well-known healer Emma Kunz (1892-1963) discovered the healing stone AION A. Reputed to help heal all sorts of inflammation, people make pilgrimages to the rock to find calm...
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On the route
Swiss Museum of Transport
Opened in 1959, this surprising museum is devoted to transport in all its forms. Help yourself to a scooter to move around the various buildings, where you will discover the history of rail, road, air and sea transport in a fun and interactive way. A journey which takes in over 3000 objects, and about...
Hotel and restaurant in the country. This remarkable family hotel, surrounded by a bucolic park, offers panoramic views of Vaduz Castle, the Alps and neighbouring vineyards. Only a stone’s throw from the hustle and bustle of the town centre, this is a piece of heaven on earth for all those in search of exceptional culinary experiences as well as dolce far niente in a unique atmosphere, guaranteeing a fabulous stay in the heart of Europe. The rooms and suites boast extravagant decor, designed in various themes and styles, and offer stunning views. Sonnenhof is an ideal location to let go and enjoy a sensual weekend; you will feel like an eagle flying over the romantic Rhine Valley and its castles.
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Sitting at the foot of Pizol Mountain, Bad Ragaz is a resort known for thermal spring treatments. Ever since the first wellness center was built there in 1716, the city has lived up to its curative promises with waters that run at 37°C (98°F) from the Tamina Gorge.
Heidiland
Experience the story of Heidi, the little heroines in Johanna Spyri’s children’s book published in 1880. The walk takes about an hour along a marked trail that winds between mountains and fields as you visit key locations from the little girl’s tale. You can begin and end your journey at the top station...
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On the route
Andermatt
Andermatt is the largest of three villages in the Urseren Valley. It is located at the intersection of roads leading to the Oberalp and Furka mountain passes. But above all it is the setting for a veritable parade of bikers, come to brave (or enjoy) the Gotthard Pass…
The Gothard Pass
This is one of Switzerland’s most impressive landscapes. Connecting the cantons of Uri and Ticino, the Gotthard Pass is accessible by road between June and October (depending on snowfall). From Andermatt, a relatively straight road leads to the little village of Hospental, before giving way to a succession...
Hotel and restaurant in town. Ticino, Switzerland, is blessed with a balmy climate, stunning scenery and the infinite pleasures of “la dolce vita”. It is a land of lakes and mountains, fabulous food, fine wines and endless leisure pursuits. The elegant Villa Principe Leopoldo 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. The gourmet temple Restaurant Principe Leopoldo offers a cuisine that reveals authenticity, passion and respect for its ingredients, not forgetting tradition and territory.
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Hotel and restaurant on a lake. Castello del Sole, on the shores of Lake Maggiore, is one of the largest hotel estates in Ticino. It is an oasis of tranquillity in the heart of an expansive park and a bird reserve. The authentic architecture of a southern manor house, refined details like the seating in the park, the private beach on Lake Maggiore and the delightful inner courtyards all contribute to a sense of well-being. The two suite pavilions with the luxurious junior suites and suites are the stuff of which dreams are made. In the restaurant Locanda Barbarossa, the chef delights guests with his Italian-Mediterranean cuisine. Total relaxation is guaranteed in the exclusive spa of 2 500 m².
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Opt for route 560 which runs alongside the pretty Melezza river to reach the Simplon Pass from Locarno. You will go through the villages of Bernardo, Intragna and Malesco… in Italy, before returning to the Valais. Superb!
On the route
Simplon Pass
At an altitude of 2005 metres, the Simplon Pass is a biker’s dream. The location is splendid and the road is very fast. On 1 May every year, the pass is the setting for a blessing of motorcyclists. Several thousand bikers come together in a very festive atmosphere. And the priest is a biker too!
52 - lugano - Moosalp restaurant, Törbel
Set at a height of 2048 metres, this mountain restaurant is one of the favourite meeting places for Harley Davidson fans. This might be because there is a table dedicated to the famous American motorcycle brand. In the kitchen, the owner, Amadé, prepares incredible "biker steaks", rösti and macaroni...
Hotel and restaurant in the mountains. Olympus for mountaineers and hikers, Mecca for skiers and a paradise for mountain bikers, Zermatt is dominated by the famous Matterhorn. On the infinity terrace and from the balconies of Chalet Hotel Schönegg, this mythical pyramid draws the eye and inspires the spirit to wander. With its timber cladding, old stone and fireplaces, Schönegg creates a modern alpine aesthetic and promises quiet moments of repose after a day outdoors in the powder snow or alpine pastures. With your gaze still upon the mountain, any final feelings of tension will fade away as you taste the wines of the Valais, nearly 80 vintages which, like the surrounding peaks, offer a myriad of faces to admire.
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From Leukerbad, the road goes down towards Inden, through the village of Rumeling, before turning to the west. At this point you ride along a spectacular precipice. This stretch of road is as memorable as it is short.
Zermatt and Matterhorn
Zermatt is known for its 360 km (220 miles) of year-round ski slopes and it’s home to one of the world’s most famous peaks, Matterhorn Mountain, rising to an elevation of 4,478 meters (14,692 ft). Shaped like a pyramid, it is Switzerland’s most iconic mountain and one of the most photographed!
Gornergrat Mountain and its cog railway train
At 3,089 m (10,285 ft) Gornergrat has a breathtaking panoramic view of the surrounding mountains that opens before your eyes. A special treat in summer is seeing Matterhorn reflected in Riffelsee Lake. Get there on the Gornergrat Bahn, European highest cog railway train. Whether you’re there in the winter...
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On the route
Fondation Pierre Gianadda, Martigny
More than just a foundation, this is a splendid space in the heart of the forest of Martigny which puts on very beautiful temporary exhibitions. You can discover works by Van Gogh, Manet, Degas, Modigliani, Gauguin, Picasso and many more. The permanent collections feature works by such varied artists...
**Offer cannot be combined, valid for an itinerary in at least 2 different Relais & Châteaux establishments before December 31, 2021, reserved with Relais & Châteaux concierges from June 25, 2020, discount applicable on certain rates and certain establishments. List available from our concierges.
Total price communicated as an indication, based on a stay of the number of nights recommended on this webpage, taking place in the next 3 months, and based on double occupancy (excluding recommended activities, excluding properties not bookable online).
Reservation Service
To give you inspiration, Relais & Châteaux presents the Routes du Bonheur:
Suggestions for travel itineraries that you can fully personalise according to your wishes and the experiences you would like to discover. Our consultants are available to help customise your route and assist you in making reservations at our properties. It is up to you to reserve any recommended activities on-site or nearby that might interest you.
** Offer cannot be combined, valid for an itinerary in at least 2 different Relais & Châteaux establishments before December 31, 2021, reserved with Relais & Châteaux concierges from June 25, 2020, discount applicable on certain rates and certain establishments. List available from our concierges. Call our concierge to tailormade your booking and itinerary*. *Price of a local call
Grand tour of Switzerland, from Geneva to the Matterhorn