Get your nature, cheese, and chocolate fix — Swiss style!

A ten-day jaunt through the countryside and cuisine of Switzerland is the ideal way to see (and taste) all things Swiss. This small nation packs a punch with its mountainous landscapes, glacial lakes, picturesque cities and food staples that are tough to beat. Beginning in Zurich, head to historic St Gallen, lakeside Lucerne, adrenaline-filled Interlaken and cheese-obsessed Gruyeres before finishing in the nation’s quaint capital, Bern. Here, the outdoors has never looked so good and chocolate has never tasted so smooth, so it’s time to test it out yourself.

HIGHLIGHTS: WHY SWITZERLAND?

• Find out why the Swiss are known around the world for their cheese and chocolate, with visits to producers of both in the Gruyere region.
• Our national guide will lead us on orientation walks around each city we stay in, so we can get our bearings, and will provide expert advice on how to make the most of our free time.
• Discover the top of Europe in the Jungfrau region, which includes the peaks of Eiger and Mönch. We’ve included a hike, which is actually downhill, losing about 200 meters, and is only 3 miles. Or you can opt out of the day’s activities and spend it at your own pace.
• Take in the breathtaking alpine views and have a group lunch at the summit of Pilatus Mountain, reached via the steepest cogwheel railway in the world.

We’re filling in the details and should have everything, including the registration form, ready in Spring 2023. Please check back!

Itinerary details are being worked on. It is likely to be 12 days, including international travel days at the beginning and end, with overnight stays in Zurich, Lucerne, Interlaken, the Gruyeres region, and Bern.

We’ll fill in itinerary details as they become available, so please check back.

Expect to be awed. Even professional photos cannot capture the majesty of Switzerland’s landscape.

Some of Switzerland’s best scenery is found by train and walking. If you want to take part in all planned activities, it’s essential to be at least moderately fit. You can always opt out of a day’s activity and stay back at the hotel. In general, you should be able to walk up to five miles per day over possibly uneven terrain (e.g. cobblestones or aged sidewalks), climb stairs that may not have handrails, hustle onto trains and cable cars, keep pace with an active group of travelers, deal with the emotional highs and lows that can occur when experiencing a different culture, and be a considerate member of the group (prompt, courteous and flexible).

We have included a cycling trip around Bern. It will be possible to choose an e-bike, but you must be able to keep your balance and be comfortable cycling in light traffic. Bern is one of the most cycling-friendly cities in the whole world, so don’t worry too much.

The primary means of transportation on this program is by train. Swiss trains are a fast (and punctual) way to cross long distances, allowing us to avoid traffic jams and arrive right into the city center. The trains are comfortable and have toilets. Please note that you’ll have to carry your own luggage on and off the train, so make sure to pack according to your ability lift your bag.

Space is at a premium in Europe and our hotels will be no exception. Rooms are often small, but the central location makes up for that. For those travelling as a duo, hotels in Europe often don’t have double beds, but rather two single beds that can be pushed together. Small European city center hotels also often don’t have air conditioning, so if it’s warm when we travel in Switzerland you may need to sleep with the windows open. If you are worried about outside noise, we recommend bringing ear plugs. Often we can request a fan for each room, too.

St. Olaf recommends you be fully vaccinated, with relevant boosters, against COVID-19. You should plan on seeing your family physician or a travel doctor at least four to six weeks prior to departure, preferably earlier, to talk about routine vaccinations. For more information on travel health, see our General Health Information and visit cdc.gov or who.int.

Inclusions and exclusions vary from program to program. Please read the following details closely.

The program fee is pending. Based on double occupancy, it will include a St. Olaf host, a full-time guide and local guides, accommodations, breakfast daily and group meals as listed on the itinerary, admissions for group activities, ground transportation during the program (excluding airport transfers at the beginning and end of the program), gratuities to group guides, drivers, group meal servers, and tour escort, porterage, and limited medical coverage while overseas. A supplement will apply for a single room.

Airfare to and from Switzerland is not included. Participants are solely responsible for all expenses not specifically included in the program fee. Examples of excluded expenses are: International Airfare • Airport transfers if you are not on the recommended flights • Any passport and visa fees • Any recommended immunizations or vaccinations • Baggage and trip cancellation insurance • Alcoholic beverages, including at group meals • Laundry • Dry cleaning • Phone charges • Room service or other items of a personal nature • Expenses incurred during free time or non-group activities • Lunch and dinner, unless specifically included on program itinerary.

This schedule is TENTATIVE and will be finalized based on payments St. Olaf College must make to program vendors to guarantee group rates. We highly recommend that you purchase additional trip cancellation insurance at the time of registration to recover your payments should you need to withdraw from the program.

Because of ongoing uncertainty surrounding COVID-19, it is possible that a program could be postponed. In such a case, while we will strive to make full refunds when we can, there are certain expenses that may not be refunded to either St. Olaf or the participant.

Deposit due:                          $500 upon registration
Refund if you cancel:          Full refund ($500) until February 29, 2024. If the deposit is made after February 29, 2024, there is no refund.

Interim payment due:        $1,000 by March 1, 2024
Refund if you cancel:          $500 until June 30, 2024

Final payment due:             July 1, 2024
Refund:                                  None, unless the program is full and your place can be resold

Cancellations must be in writing.

Read the Release and Waiver and Terms and Conditions (in draft stage).

Review the latest information on recommended immunizations, visit the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).

No visa is required for our stay, but you should check your passport to ensure that it is valid for at least 6 months past the program return date. Should you need to renew, visit the U.S. Department of State for instructions. At the State Department website you should also take a look at a number of helpful links, including Before You Go, Country Information, and While Abroad.

Prepare for your adventure by checking out a variety of resources, including frequently asked questions, general health information, included travel insurance, safety overview, and more.

Keep an eye on your calendar for September 2024. Do not book non-refundable airfare until we can confirm the program is a go.