Unforgettable excursion to the beautiful, still Heidi-like region of Eastern Switzerland. You will first visit the Chocolate Factory MAESTRANI where you will be introduced to the secrets and art of chocolate making and even get to try and buy it (top savings!).

The journey continues to Schwagalp (4500 ft/1352 m). The modern cable car takes you (only 10 minutes ride) to the peak of the highest mountain of Eastern Switzerland, Mt. Santis (8332 ft/2502 m) with a weather station on the summit. Enjoy the view over the Alpine peaks of six nations (Switzerland, Germany, Austria, the Principality of Liechtenstein, Italy and France).

Enjoy a coach drive through the famous region of Appenzellerland. Stop in the picturesque small town of Appenzell, where you can admire the beautiful architecture with painted facades. The pedestrian precinct invites you for strolling and shopping (moderate prices). Optional visit of the local museum, to learn more about traditions and way of life in this special part of Switzerland. Would you like to enjoy some typical cuisine of this area? You can also choose to visit one of the Appenzeller Guest Houses with local specialties (optional and additional cost).

Return to Zurich by coach via the mountain passes Wasserfluh and Ricken.

Follow the traces of Mark Twain and Queen Victoria. They were among the first famous visitors of Mt. Rigi (6000 ft / 1800 m) ? the sun terrace above lovely Lake of the Four Cantons with unique views over the snow-capped Alps! Enjoy a panoramic drive over the Albis Pass with its charming landscapes and along the shores of the picturesque Lake of the Four Cantons to the well-known summer resort Weggis.

At Weggis take the aerial cable car to Rigi Kaltbad, where you board Europe's oldest cog-wheel train to reach the top of Mount Rigi ? the Queen of Swiss Mountains. Enjoy the breath-taking views of the Swiss Alps and thirteen lakes! Don't miss the short walk to the peak. During the winter months you can rent a sledge or enjoy a walk through the winter paradise.

Descent by cog-wheel train to Vitznau, where you board a ship and enjoy the lovely boat ride to Lucerne (one hour). Time at leisure in Lucerne to visit on your own; the main sights of the Old Town, like the famous Chapel Bridge. Take a stroll along the lake promenade. Meet your guide and coach again for your return trip to Z?rich.

Please note:
Tour includes multi-lingual guide throughout the day, except for travel to and from Mount Rigi and during the boat ride. For this part of the tour, you will receive timetables and detailed information sheets about the journey.

This tour will take you on an unforgettable 90 minute drive through the picturesque Arve Valley from Geneva to Chamonix, one of the most famous mountain villages at the foot of the remarkable and majestic Mont-Blanc, the highest peak of Europe. (4807 m./15.771 ft).

Continue to Aiguille du Midi, a rocky 3842 m./12,604 ft. peak close to Mont Blanc. Reach the summit in 20 minutes by a two-stage cable car where the panoramic views of the Chamonix Valley and the French, Swiss and Italian Alps are spectacular! It's also possible to see the famous Tobblerone chocolate's trademark mountain in the direction of the Swiss alps (weather permitting!). It is called ?Cervine? in French and ?Matterhorn? in German. There are many terraces and balconies up at the Aiguille du Midi where you can enjoy views of the magnificent mountain ranges and watch skiers going down towards the Glacier. There's a cafe up at the summit where you can retreat to somewhere warmer, have a hot chocolate and perhaps enjoy a light snack (at own expense). Enjoy lunch in the village of Chamonix.

Next take the comfortable electric railway from Chamonix to Montenvers (1913m / 6276 ft), a vantage point with fine views of the Mer de Glace. This magnificent glacier is 7 km (4 miles) long and averages 1200m (3/4 mile) in width. This charming little red train has been transferring passengers to the Montenvers site and the world famous Mer de Glace glacier since 1908. Surrounded by prestigious summits, les Drus (3754 m), les Grandes Jorasses (4205 m) and les Grands Charmoz (3842 m); the Montenvers site offers numerous exhibitions to enable everyone to know more about the life of the largest French glacier (7 km long!) and about nature in the Alps.