Chocolates & Cheese Swiss Self-Drive: Interlaken & Zurich

Individual arrival and pick up of rental car at Zurich Airport (or the agreed rental car location) and make your way to Zurich city centre. The hotel will provide instructions on the most suitable parking area for the rental car (at own expense). Zurich is the cultural and financial hub of Switzerland. This unique city enjoys a lovely location on the Limmat River, close to Lake Zurich. It offers many restaurants and shops and well over 150 museums and galleries. The 13th-century Fraumunster is worth a visit for its romanesque choir and Chagall stained glass windows, while the distinctive Grossmunster can be seen from many parts of the city.

Accommodation: Hotel Adler Zurich

Breakfast at the hotel. Collect your car rental from the designated parking area and travel to Interlaken via Bern which is a UNESCO world heritage site. The cobbled streets and covered arcades of the Old Town are crammed into a peninsular of land, surrounded by the river Aare. A focal point is the impressive Zytglogge (clock tower) as well as the many fountains and colourful statues. Continue your journey to Interlaken, in the heart of the Bernese Oberland. This resort 'between two lakes' offers beautiful views of the surrounding mountains including the famous Jungfraujoch. The resort has a buzz about it with plenty of shops and restaurants. On arrival at your hotel for the next 5 days, instruction will be given regarding parking (at own expense).

Overnight stay in Interlaken.

Accommodation: Carlton Europe Hotel

Breakfast at the hotel. Explore the surrounding area of Interlaken on a self-drive tour along two lakes. The turquoise Lake Brienz and neighbouring Lake Thun are set amid the spectacular mountain scenery of the Bernese Oberland. Recommended places to stop along the route are the Giessbach Falls. The roaring waterfall thunders in a number of different stages down 500 meters into the lake. Popular spots include the southern bank of Lake Brienz from Bonigen and Iseltwald. As you navigate around Lake Brienz via Interlaken you will come alongside Lake Thun. The towns of Thun and Spiez are also worthwhile stops for consideration.

Overnight stay in Interlaken.

Breakfast at the hotel, and enjoy a day at the Jungfraujoch - Top of Europe. The Jungfraujoch offers unbelievable views of the mountain giants Eiger, Monch, and Jungfrau, and of the Aletsch glacier. Take the local train from Interlaken Ost to Grindelwald on the Bernese Oberland Railway. The short journey leads to the starting point of the mountain adventure. Choose to take the Eiger Express cable car or the traditional train - both offer different experiences - arrive at the highest railway station in Europe and experience a high-Alpine wonderland of ice and snow. Return via Eigergletscher on the cable car or train.

Overnight stay in Interlaken.

Breakfast at the hotel. Today it is all about Swiss Chocolate and Cheese. An early start to the day is required to experience this extraordinary culinary journey of Switzerland's most famous produce. This self-driven tour starts by driving due northwest to Broc, which is the home of the Swiss chocolate brand Cailler. Entry to the chocolate factory and a tour are included. Later a short stop by the village of Gruyere is recommended too - the famous medieval castle dominates this picturesque village. Continue by driving slightly northeast of Bern to the Emmentaler Show dairy, entry is included, and you will see at firsthand how Swiss cheese is made. A late lunch/early dinner is recommended and we suggest a hearty cheese fondue (at own expense). Return by car to Interlaken.
Overnight stay in Interlaken.

If a slower pace is required then we recommend only doing the chocolate factory tour in Broc with an extended visit to the village of Gruyere or visiting the Show Dairy Emmentaler; a chocolate shop visit can be arranged on day 7 in Lucerne or Zurich (at additional expense). In such a case we recommend a visit to Max Chocolatier, where a chocolate tasting/making can be arranged locally. Additional information on this option is available on request.

After breakfast at the hotel, travel by train to Grindelwald and continue by cable car to First Mountain. One of the most scenic areas in the Jungfrau region. Not to be missed is the summit attraction - the Cliff Walk by Tissot - which consists of a suspension bridge jutting out from the side of the mountain, with an amazing 45m long observation platform. You will enjoy unparalleled views of the mountains. Also included in your ticket is the First Gider. An 800m long steel cable zip wire, up to 50m above the ground, with speeds of up to 84km per hour! This ride is definitely for thrill seekers. The Flyer takes you from First down to the middle station of Schrekfeld. You are safely strapped into a seat with well-constructed harnesses. Up to four people can ride down separately but simultaneously on the gigantic zip lines. Return via Grindeland by train to Interlaken.

Overnight stay in Interlaken.

After breakfast at the hotel, travel by car to Lucerne before continuing to Zurich. Lucerne has a wonderful Old Town, a beautiful lake, and stunning local mountains. The famous Chaple Bridge which sits on wooden stilts straddles the powerful River Reuss. The covered bridge is decorated with traditional paintings depicting scenes from Swiss history. If chocolate tasting/making is still on your mind, we recommend visiting Max Chocolatier in either Lucerne or Zurich. Details can be provided on request. Return to Zurich for a final overnight stay.

Overnight stay in Zurich.

Accommodation: Hotel Adler Zurich

All good things come to an end! After breakfast and ahead of your return flight home, drive to the airport to drop-off your vehicle. Bon voyage!