 A Swiss family adventure: cheese, chocolate and hidden alpine thrills

Our series Bespoke Behind the Scenes lets you in on some of the incredible trips that B&amp;R Experience Designers create for travellers. Whether it’s a multi-generational family reunion or an exploration of a dream destination, our team works one-on-one with travellers to design original journeys that meet every need and desire. Here, Experience Designer <a href="https://www.butterfield.com/meet-the-designers/marya-valli">Marya Valli</a> shares the story of a family adventure exploring <a href="https://www.butterfield.com/places-to-go/europe/switzerland">Switzerland</a>’s classic experiences along with lesser-known terrain.&nbsp;The request from this family: a Swiss adventure that included all the traditional experiences—chocolate, cheese, cowbells—while going off the well-trodden path and exposing them to new activities to bond over.&nbsp;For Experience Designer Marya Valli, this was an opportunity to show off hidden gems in a country she adores.&nbsp; "Switzerland is incredibly diverse, like several countries in one. I loved introducing the family to people who share their passions, whose enthusiasm is palpable, be they farmers, artisans or outdoor guides."&nbsp;The trip started with some urban exploration in lively Zurich, including a hands-on experience with a fair-trade chocolatier, before setting out for a week of multi-active adventure in Engadin, one of Marya's favourite corners of the country. Every day presented a different opportunity to get their hearts pumping while also exploring a different aspect of the country’s stunning alpine scenery.&nbsp;&nbsp;

One morning the group stepped into wetsuits and grabbed paddles for a thrilling white-water rafting experience on the Inn River. Other days were spent entirely on dry land. There was time for hiking on this fall trip—a wonderful opportunity to soak in the views of autumn colours as the leaves turned. And multiple rides, pedalling bikes through the valley terrain past rural farms complete with grazing cows and to quaint towns, including a visit to the 1,000-year-old Tarasp Castle which an artist now uses as gallery space—a surprise to the most well-travelled of folks. One day’s ride even offered the challenge of cycling from one hotel to the next. “Riding on a Swiss long-distance path, up through woods and down along the Inn river, is a super fun challenge,” says Marya.&nbsp;And of course, plenty of time for those quintessential Swiss experiences. Swimming is a must, and the family relaxed at the public hot springs in the town of Scuol, which are fed with pristine water from nearby mountain springs. “Visiting Swiss spas is such a wow,” Marya explains. “Think of a giant public five-star spa/swimming pool, with natural water from the hot spring funnelled into different Jacuzzis, as well as a heated indoor-outdoor pool and multiple steam room and sauna options.”&nbsp;One morning the family biked to a farm specializing in cheese-making for a demonstration of the process and a generous tasting, and the trip’s last dinner was an indulgent fondue—in a converted wooden ski gondola under a majestic starry sky. It was a rich end to a week of peak Swiss bliss.&nbsp;

From artisan chocolate in Zurich to white-water rafting in Engadin, this luxury bespoke Swiss family adventure blends iconic experiences—like cheese tastings and alpine spa visits—with off-the-beaten-path thrills and breathtaking scenery. 

A Swiss family adventure: cheese, chocolate and hidden alpine thrills 

Switzerland

Be it lush green valleys or glaciated peaks, cowbells or yodelling, cheese or chocolate, Switzerland offers an abundance of goodies and this trip is all about sampling the best.&nbsp;Explore this land from the verdant valley floors to the famous snow-capped mountains that make up the Swiss Alps. Walk through medieval towns and enjoy the history of the area. From the sparkling waters of Lake Geneva in Lausanne to the beautiful mountain-scapes of Lucerne this compact country is yours to explore.

A journey through majestic Alps and Swiss villages

Switzerland | Butterfield & Robinson | Luxury Travel

With fertile dells of wildflowers, rushing rivers and jagged peaks as your backdrop, this journey lets you experience Switzerland’s epic terrain and culture in a new and unconventional way. From Kandersteg to the Lauterbrunnen valley and Zurich, plunge into the legendary landscapes that inspired JRR Tolkien to craft the Lord of the Rings.&nbsp;

Breathtaking Landscapes

Insider Access

Unforgettable Experiences 

In the Swiss landscapes that inspired Tolkien’s Middle-earth, trade hobbits for hiking boots, and get ready to indulge. From alpine Kandersteg to the jaw-dropping Lauterbrunnen Valley, this self-guided journey winds through wildflower meadows, roaring rivers, and peaks that practically narrate their own epic. No orcs, just outrageous views—and a whole lot of alpine magic.

Striking peaks of the Bernese Oberland

The itinerary below is a sample and is subject to slight changes in routes, accommodations and activities. Please download the itinerary for your selected departure for precise details.

Preview the itinerary

Experience Designer

Glide effortlessly through mountain vistas on your faithful e-bike—we’re the only ones with a dedicated e-bike trip designed to electrify. For thrills, you'll ride up to a high meadow for lunch in a hut and gaze at the top peaks of the Alps from a dizzying suspension bridge near a glacier. For culture, you'll listen as our local friend brings the region’s stories to life over an aperitif. And for dessert? Chocolate, of course!*Prefer to sweat it out? Regular road bikes are available by request, ask your Travel Advisor for details.

Incredible Rides

One-of-a-kind Hotels

Switzerland serves up the good life—Alpine views, vineyard spins, and cheese aged with near-religious devotion. Glide effortlessly by e-bike past glaciers, lakes, and those famously contented cows. Lunch in a mountain hut, cross a sky-high suspension bridge, and wrap up in chic Bern. With alpenhorns, locals, and fondue-fuelled charm, this ride is peak Switzerland (pun very much intended).

An electric assist up alpine peaks

Featured stays

Glide effortlessly through mountain and glacial vistas on your faithful e-bike—we’re the only ones with a dedicated e-bike trip designed to electrify. For thrills, lunch in a mountain hut, then traverse a high-altitude glacier via a looming suspension bridge. For culture, listen as our local friend brings the region’s stories to life over an aperitif. And for dessert? Chocolate, of course! *Prefer to sweat it out? Regular road bikes are available by request, ask your Travel Advisor for details.

Whether you’re drawn to&nbsp;lush green valleys or&nbsp;to&nbsp;glaciated peaks,&nbsp;to hand-crafted&nbsp;cowbells or&nbsp;chic shops,&nbsp;to&nbsp;cheese or&nbsp;to&nbsp;chocolate, Switzerland offers an abundance of delights. Feel as though you've experienced a little bit of France, Italy and Germany without&nbsp;crossing one&nbsp;border,&nbsp;fuse an active Alpine lifestyle with the indulgence of top-notch spas and&nbsp;fantastic food and wine, plus world-class art &amp; culture&nbsp;in&nbsp;its&nbsp;vibrant&nbsp;cities. Below are a few of our top experiences in Switzerland to inspire your bespoke, private trip.&nbsp;

Vibrant Culture

Active Adventure

Luxurious Stays

The only thing more finely tuned than a Swiss timepiece is a Swiss escape with B&amp;R. (But whatever you do, do not tell our watchmaking friends we said that—it's utter blasphemy.) Hike, bike or ski your way through postcard-perfect valleys, revel in cross-cultural charm and soak it all in at world-class spas and hotels.

pure alpine exploration

Bespoke travel lets you to take our inspirational cues and craft them into your personalized, private adventure. Collaborate one-on-one with an Experience Designer to put together your tailor-made trip.

Switzerland Bespoke | Butterfield & Robinson

Thanks to our friends at Uniworld and their splendid ship, the S.S Antoinette, you only have to unpack once as you explore Germany, Switzerland, France and The Netherlands in style and comfort. Live the river from both bike and ship as you take in stately cities, towering castles, terraced wine regions, and historic battle sites along one of Europe’s most iconic waterways.Please note the 2025 ship: S.S. Elisabeth

Floating Hotel

Diverse Landscapes

Think river cruise, but make it B&amp;R. Glide down the Rhine in full luxury, hopping off for vineyard-lined rides, fairy-tale villages, and Black Forest trails. With fine local bites, Alsatian sunsets, and a riverboat that redefines “floating hotel,” this isn’t a cruise—it’s Europe’s greatest hits, served with wine and two wheels.

In partnership with Uniworld

Experience Designers

Thanks to our friends at Uniworld and their splendid ship, the S.S Antoinette, you only have to unpack once as you explore Germany, Switzerland, France and The Nederlands in style and comfort. Live the river from both bike and ship as you take in stately cities, towering castles, terraced wine regions, and historic battle sites along one of Europe’s most iconic waterways.

Rhine River Cruise Biking | Butterfield & Robinson

Switzerland conjures images of snow-capped peaks, lush green hills, quaint villages, and contented cows. On this journey, you’ll glide through picturesque landscapes, from serene lakes and vineyards to Alpine valleys framed by majestic mountains. Ride up to a high meadow for a cozy lunch in a rustic hut, then take in the breathtaking views from a suspension bridge near a glacier. Your adventure culminates with a night in Bern, one of the country’s most chic, livable, and charming cities. Along the way, you’ll meet our local friends—from alpenhorn players and cheese-agers to passionate guides and locals who invite you into their home for a true taste of Switzerland. This country is a kaleidoscope of beauty, and on this trip, you’ll discover its most authentic elements.

Switzerland serves up the good life—Alpine views, vineyard spins, and cheese aged with near-religious devotion. Glide effortlessly past glaciers, lakes, and those famously contented cows. Lunch in a mountain hut, cross a sky-high suspension bridge, and wrap up in chic Bern. With alpenhorns, locals, and fondue-fuelled charm, this ride is peak Switzerland (pun very much intended).

Glide along alpine peaks and villages

Switzerland conjures classic imagery of snow-capped peaks and charming Alpine villages, and these scenes take on an entirely new flavour when music fills the air at the Montreux Jazz Festival. On this Limited Edition journey, we'll relish an exclusive night of VIP festival access, followed by a day to explore your favourite performers. Between the musical acts, Switzerland's breathtaking vistas will awe as we effortlessly glide from lakes and vineyards to majestic mountain ranges. Meet cheese agers, listen to alpenhorn players, savour Swiss cuisine in a high-perched&nbsp;alp, and top it off with two nights in charming Bern. This is your perfectly orchestrated Swiss adventure.

Vineyards, Vistas & Jazz

Embark on a hiking adventure in Switzerland, where the breathtaking beauty of snow-capped peaks, lush green fields, and crystal-clear lakes beckon you to explore. Begin your journey in the picturesque Gstaad, where a cable car ride lifts you to a world of alpine meadows and quaint honour-system fruit stands. Marvel at the serene Lake Lauenensee and savour the views of the iconic Matterhorn over a gourmet lunch near Lake Stellisee. Ride the Gornergrat Railway to the tranquil Riffelsee, where wildflower meadows and serene forests await. Along the way, delight in the rich flavours of local cheeses with a cheese ager, meet charming black-nosed sheep and if you'd like, enjoy the exhilarating descent to Zermatt on mountain scooters.

Authentic Food

Replete with alpine meadows, glacier-fed lakes, and peaks so perfect they look photoshopped, hiking in Switzerland feels like walking through a postcard. Ride cable cars, wander wildflower trails, and snack from honour-system fruit stands (yes, really). Meet black-nosed sheep, lunch with Matterhorn views, taste cheese with the pros, and hop a scooter down to Zermatt if you're feeling bold.

Trails between peaks, meadows and lakes 

Head to one of the world's best snowy&nbsp;playgrounds; where winter tourism was born in 1864. Adventure&nbsp;through&nbsp;the Engadine, one of Switzerland's most awe-inspiring areas to challenge yourself, all while soaking in the luxuries of the local villages. Hike&nbsp;snow-capped mountains, take a carriage ride, cross-country ski&nbsp;and&nbsp;fat tire bike while surrounded by some of the highest peaks in the Alps.

Luxurious Stay

Welcome to the birthplace of winter tourism—where the Alps show off and the Engadine delivers snow-dusted perfection. Hike on pristine trails, ski across powdery expanses, fat-tire bike over frozen lakes, or glide through silent forests in a horse-drawn carriage like it’s 1864 (but with better après). Between charming alpine villages and sky-high peaks, and the centuries-old celebration of Chalandamarz— this snowy playground serves up quintessential Swiss adventure—wrapped in warmth, wonder, and serious style.

Switzerland

A Swiss family adventure: cheese, chocolate and hidden alpine thrills

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