Day 1: Arriving in Switzerland – The Journey Begins in Montreux
Our 25th anniversary celebration kicked off in the best way possible—by landing in Geneva, Switzerland, and quickly diving into the country's stunning landscapes. After a quick, hassle-free train ride from the airport (note to fellow travelers: train tickets are transferable, so we didn’t stress when our flight was delayed), we arrived in Montreux, perched on the edge of the serene Lake Geneva.
We stayed at the luxurious Fairmont Montreux Palace, where the stunning views of the lake and the surrounding Alps were as breathtaking as the hotel's historic grandeur.
To top it off, our visit coincided with the Montreux Jazz Festival, an annual event that brought an exciting buzz to the town. As we strolled through the festival grounds, filled with food stalls and jazz music wafting through the air, we knew this trip was already living up to our expectations.
For dinner, we indulged at the Montreux Jazz Café—a chic, upscale spot where the ambiance matched the elegance of the city. The highlight of our evening was a surprise dessert complete with flaming candles—an unexpected yet heartwarming celebration of our years together. Afterward, we enjoyed a soothing soak in the hotel’s hot tub, overlooking the beautiful lake, allowing the day’s adventures to melt away.
Day 2: Wine, Views, and More Wine – A Day in Lavaux
Waking up to a generous breakfast buffet (part of our premium room perks), we set off for a day of wine tasting in the Lavaux region, known for its terraced vineyards and spectacular views of Lake Geneva. Renting a car was a breeze, with the rental desk conveniently located in the hotel itself.
Our first stop was Domaine Bovy at our reserved time of 10 AM, where we weretreated to a private wine tour led by Erik Bove, whose family has been making wine here since 1779. The 25-acre vineyard was a sight to behold, with rolling hills of lush vineyards stretching as far as the eye could see, all overlooking the sparkling lake below. We sampled wines made from Chasselas grapes—some from newer vines and others from older, more established ones. The beauty of the region was matched only by the quality of the wines, and we could have easily spent the whole day just soaking it all in. Next, we visited Domaine Croix Duplex at our reserved time of 1 PM, where wediscovered even more unique wines. The setting here was equally spectacular, with the vineyard's 26 varieties of grapes giving us a great variety to explore. We particularly loved their Pinot Noir and Syrah, which offered a lovely contrast to the fresh, crisp white wines of the Lavaux region. At Lavaux Vinorama, our third stop that had a more flexible drop-in time, we weretreated to a charming walk along a trail past a waterfall before sampling more wines, including a delicious Gamay red. With the sun still shining, we ended our tour by grabbing a quick snack back at the jazz festival food tents—waffles and gelato—and headed to the beach for a refreshing swim. The evening was just as delightful. We returned to our hotel, enjoying a room service dinner while listening to the sounds of the jazz festival from the balcony. The combination of amazing food, great music, and an unforgettable view made for the perfect end to an unforgettable day.
Our first stop was Domaine Bovy at our reserved time of 10 AM, where we weretreated to a private wine tour led by Erik Bove, whose family has been making wine here since 1779. The 25-acre vineyard was a sight to behold, with rolling hills of lush vineyards stretching as far as the eye could see, all overlooking the sparkling lake below. We sampled wines made from Chasselas grapes—some from newer vines and others from older, more established ones. The beauty of the region was matched only by the quality of the wines, and we could have easily spent the whole day just soaking it all in. Next, we visited Domaine Croix Duplex at our reserved time of 1 PM, where wediscovered even more unique wines. The setting here was equally spectacular, with the vineyard's 26 varieties of grapes giving us a great variety to explore. We particularly loved their Pinot Noir and Syrah, which offered a lovely contrast to the fresh, crisp white wines of the Lavaux region. At Lavaux Vinorama, our third stop that had a more flexible drop-in time, we weretreated to a charming walk along a trail past a waterfall before sampling more wines, including a delicious Gamay red. With the sun still shining, we ended our tour by grabbing a quick snack back at the jazz festival food tents—waffles and gelato—and headed to the beach for a refreshing swim. The evening was just as delightful. We returned to our hotel, enjoying a room service dinner while listening to the sounds of the jazz festival from the balcony. The combination of amazing food, great music, and an unforgettable view made for the perfect end to an unforgettable day.
Day 3: The Matterhorn Adventure – A Day of Hiking and Stunning Views
The adventure continued the next morning as we set our sights on the iconicMatterhorn. After an early start, we arrived in Zermatt, a charming mountain town, and took the train up to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise. The gondola ride was thrilling, and the views from the top were beyond words—at 12,740 feet, the glacier paradise was a crisp, clear winter wonderland.
We took in the view, then made our way down, getting off at Trockenerstag and hiking a moderate 4.42 miles on the Matterhorn Glacier Trail. The hike was challenging yet incredibly rewarding, with stunning vistas of the surrounding snow-capped peaks. After about 2.5 hours, we caught a gondola back down and grabbed a quick gelato while wandering the streets of Zermatt.
Afterward, we embarked on a winding drive to Leukerbad Therme, where we enjoyed a much-needed soak in their luxurious thermal baths. The winding road leading up to the spa was a bit precarious, with cliff-side single-lane roads, but the views were well worth it. The thermal spa was divided into multiple levels, with areas for both relaxation and family fun, including hot tubs, air bubble jets, and an outdoor pool with views of the stunning mountain range. We spent the remaining hour of our time basking in the hot water and relaxing in the steam room before heading back to the hotel.
Dinner was a casual affair at a local pizzeria, where we enjoyed a Caprese salad and a pizza topped with salami, peppers, and garlic. It was the perfect, low-key meal to wind down after a day of hiking and exploring.
Day 4: Exploring Lake Geneva by Boat and Fondue on the Mountain
The next morning, we rented an electric boat from a nearby hotel to cruise around Lake Geneva. The weather had turned a bit iffy, with dark clouds forming on the horizon, but we decided to brave the light rain. Just as we were starting to relax, a speedboat approached us, warning us that a storm was coming and the waves would get rough.
We were quickly whisked back to shore, but not before we got to experience thepeaceful lake for a brief but memorable cruise.
After our boat adventure, we found a food tent selling Kürtös Kalács—a Hungarian pastry that was a perfect mix of a churro and a crepe. With our sweet snack in hand, we returned to the hotel for a lazy, rainy afternoon spent in the spa, gym, and relaxing in our room.
The day ended with a truly memorable dinner at Le Cou Cou, a cozy, rustic restaurant perched on a mountain above Montreux. Our first fondue experience was everything we hoped for: creamy truffle fondue served with crusty bread, potatoes, and a side of cured meats. As we sipped schnapps and enjoyed the warm, intimate ambiance, the sun set behind the mountains, casting a golden glow over the surroundings. It was the perfect way to end our Swiss adventure before the next chapter of our trip.
Day 5: Travel to Kandersteg and a Tranquil Retreat at WaldHotel Doldenhorn
The next leg of our journey took us to Kandersteg, a peaceful village nestled in the Swiss Alps. After a smooth two-hour train ride, we were picked up by the hotel and whisked away to the WaldHotel Doldenhorn, a serene retreat offering rustic charm and comfort. The hotel was small but welcoming, with an emphasis on relaxation and wellness. We enjoyed complementary tea and pastries before a leisurely dinner at the hotel restaurant. The slow pace and delicious Swiss-French-inspired food made for a perfect transition into the next phase of our trip.
Day 6: Backroads Adventure Begins – Hiking Through Majestic Alpine Beauty
Our Backroads tour kicked off with a perfect blend of adventure and awe-inspiring scenery. We met our group at 10 AM, ready for a day of hiking that would take us around a beautiful Swiss lake. The landscape was nothing short of spectacular—imagine jagged, grey mountain peaks rising steeply from lush, green meadows, dotted with wildflowers, birds, and cows. It felt like we were walking through a painting, with butterflies fluttering by and the occasional dog joining us on the trail.
The hike itself was the longest option for the day, but the views were worth every step. We marveled at the Alps' resemblance to the Rockies, but with a softer, more wooded landscape. Along the trail, we learned that Swiss trail signs use different colors to indicate difficulty—yellow for regular hikes, red and white for mountain trails, and blue and white for alpine routes that often require gear. It was a great way to stay oriented and prepared!
After the hike, we enjoyed a cozy dinner at a charming restaurant just across the street from our hotel, owned by the same family. We dug into Raclette, a delicious Swiss cheese dish where a block of cheese is heated until melty, then scraped onto your plate—simple, satisfying, and oh-so Swiss.
Day 7: Cycling Through Swiss Towns and Lakes – The E-Bike Experience
The next day brought a change of pace as we hopped onto bikes for a ride from Kandersteg to Interlaken. We were warned to bring towels and bathing suits for some of the rides, and we quickly realized why—this tour was as much about enjoying the surroundings as it was about sweating it out on the trails.
The bike ride itself was a pleasant surprise—while we had expected challenging terrain, the bikes were more cruiser-style, making the pace leisurely and relaxed. Our route took us through the charming town of Thun for a lovely lunch, before we continued on the northern shore of Lake Thun, where the stunning lake views and cliffs kept us in awe the entire time. We even had time to stop for a swim in the lake, though the water was a brisk 64°F!
Later in Interlaken, we took a brief stroll through town, picking up souvenirs for the kids. We finished the day taking a train to Grindelwald and checking into the Romantik Hotel, where we were treated to an unforgettable Alphorn concert. The sound of the alphorn echoed through the Swiss mountains, and we learned that the traditional instrument is an iconic symbol of Swiss culture. It was fascinating to hear about its rich history and how these instruments are still played around the world today.
Day 8: Hiking, Cliff Walking, and Chocolate Fondue
Our third day with Backroads was a mix of adrenaline and indulgence. After breakfast, we caught a bus to the start of our hike. We saw some wildlife along the way—Alpine choughs (black birds with yellow beaks), playful marmots, and a lot of friendly cows grazing lazily in the meadows. Our hike worked up to Bachalpsee Lake, where we swam in the chilly waters (57°F) before embarking on the famous Cliff Walk, a breathtaking path along the edge of steep cliffs with jaw-dropping views. Backroads even provided a special chocolate fondue “pit stop” in the middle of our hike today that provided the extra boost we needed to endure more climbing. And to top it all off, we rented Trottibikes for a thrilling adventure back down.
Dinner was on our own tonight so Jeff and I made reservations for a special gondola fondue dinner at the Belvedere Hotel, which was an easy walk from our hotel. This was a romantic and memorable experience where we sampled the classic Swiss cheese fondue and were educated on Grosi—a Swiss delicacy/treat you savor by scraping the burnt cheese from the bottom of the fondue pot, leaving no trace of cheese behind. Yum!
We ended the night walking the Straussenfest (street fair), soaking in more Swiss traditions.
Day 9: A Rainy Day Ride, Fondue, and the Land of Angels
Our final bike ride on the tour took us through a rainy Swiss day, making the roads slick and gravel sections muddy. Our terrain was mostly flat and downhill, which left plenty of energy to soak in the beauty of Lake Brienz. Despite the cold lake temperature (a chilly 62°F), we made the best of it, stopping for a picnic lunch and enduring more cold plunge swims. We rode about 25 miles today from Grindelwald with a stop in Interlaken. Some opted to take a ferry on Lake Brienz to Brienz, but we rode around before getting on a 1.5 hour shuttle ride to Engelberg.
The highlight of the day was an evening of fondue at a local restaurant in Engelberg—famous for its 70-year-old family recipe. We sampled a variety of sauces for the fondue (garlic mayo, chimichurri, and apple-onion sauce) and shared platters of meat fondue with chicken, veal, and beef. It was hearty, warming food, perfect for a cold, rainy day. Engelberg itself was enchanting, known for its monasteries and the angels in the mountains—which is reflected in the town’s flag and its mystical atmosphere.
Day 10: Hiking to Waterfalls and a Rainy Gondola Ride Back
The rain continued on our next hiking day, but it didn’t stop us from tackling the trails. We hiked over 2,000 feet of elevation gain on a 6-mile trek through waterfalls, grassy farmlands, and more cow encounters. The highlight of the hike was the stunning scenery, despite the rain, and the delicious lunch of mac and cheese with meatballs at the summit.
Due to the steep descent and rain, the entire group was required to take the gondola back down, which made for a unique experience—plummeting through the clouds on a cable car while rain hit the windows. It was a different kind of adventure that left us all laughing and a little bit soaked!
Back at the hotel, I spent some well-earned relaxation time in the spa, soaking in the hot tub and enjoying the peaceful ambiance of the wellness area. The Turkish-style sauna with ice and tea station was the perfect way to unwind after a wet, challenging day of hiking.
Day 11: The Last Day with the Group – Cheese, Chocolate, and Final Farewells
On our last day with the group, we took a funicular ride up the mountain to explore the beautiful Swiss farmland. We visited Salmi’s Cheese Farm, where we sampled fresh, homemade cheeses and enjoyed a few chocolates from Cailler, one of Switzerland's most famous chocolate brands. We learned about the history of Swiss chocolate and how milk chocolate was introduced to the world by Cailler in the 19th century.
It was a fitting end to our Backroads adventure-filled week, and after 71.29 miles of biking and 23.36 miles of hiking, we said our good-byes to our new friends and made our way to Lucerne for our final stop on the tour.
Total Miles Covered:• Hiking: 23.36 miles• Biking: 71.29 miles
Day 12: A Glimpse of Lucerne Before Heading to Lake Como
After our action-packed days in the Swiss Alps, we took some time to relax and enjoy the beauty of Lucerne. With its historic charm, the city was the perfect introduction to the more laid-back phase of our trip.
We started with a stroll across the Chapel Bridge, the oldest wooden covered bridge in Europe, which provided stunning views of the city’s medieval towers and the tranquil river beneath. It was a peaceful morning, and we enjoyed wandering the streets filled with shops, restaurants, and cafes. We even stopped for a familiar Chai Tea Latte at the Starbucks—a little taste of home while we soaked in the new surroundings.
Next, we visited the Church of Saint Leodegar, a beautiful and serene spot that added to the charm of Lucerne. For dinner, we indulged in fish and chips at Mr. Pickwick Pub, a cozy pub that offered a comforting meal after the day's exploration.
Day 13: Journey to Lake Como and Culinary Delights at Royal Victoria
Our next destination was the stunning Lake Como, and we embarked on a scenic journey that took us through several train stations and a bus ride, eventually arriving in the picturesque town of Varenna. The journey itself was part of the adventure, and the final destination did not disappoint.
After checking into the elegant Royal Victoria Hotel, we made our way down to the lake to relax by the water and take a quick swim. With the sun shining and the lake glistening, it was the perfect way to unwind after a long day of travel.For dinner, we treated ourselves to an unforgettable 7-course tasting menu at the hotel’s Visteria Restaurant. The meal was a culinary journey that included everything from tuna tartare to rabbit, beef tartare, and a delicate game hen. The wine pairings were exceptional, and we couldn't have asked for a more indulgent and memorable evening.
Day 14: Exploring Lake Como by Boat and Exploring Bellagio
Lake Como is known for its beautiful villas and charming lakeside towns, and we were determined to see as much of it as possible. After a delightful breakfast at the hotel, we set out to experience the famous Lover’s Walk and find our meeting spot for a private boat tour around the lake. The boat was a classic Italian wooden motorboat—luxurious, but not quite a Riva—and the views were absolutely breathtaking. We even passed Villa del Balbianello, one of the most famous villas on the lake, known for its appearances in James Bond films.
After our boat tour, we disembarked in Tremezzo and explored Villa Carlotta, a stunning estate known for its gorgeous gardens and art collections. We also stopped by Fleur de les, a local art store where we discovered beautiful scarves by Sabrina Morganti, a local artist. I picked out two scarves and had fun learning different ways to wear them—whether around the neck, as a headscarf, or even a belt!
Later, we enjoyed a wine and charcuterie tasting at Cantina Follie—a hidden gem of a wine bar in Tremezzo—where we were treated to generous portions of local cheeses, meats, and wines. It was a lovely experience that left us both feeling pleasantly full. Afterward, we boarded a ferry back to Varenna, stopping at the picturesque towns along the way, including San Giovanni and Menaggio.The rest of the day was spent at the hotel pool, soaking in the sun and the beautiful lake views, followed by a casual dinner of pizza and Caesar salad at the hotel’s Victoria Grill. We ended the evening on the balcony of our room, watching the sunset over the water.
Day 15: A Hike, Historic Villas, and Exploring Bellagio
On our last full day in Lake Como, we decided to spend the morning hiking up to Castello di Vezio, a medieval castle perched high above Varenna. The hike was a bit challenging but offered spectacular views of the surrounding area. Once at the top, we explored the castle and took in the breathtaking panoramas of the lake below. The walk back was even more adventurous, as we took a less-traveled path toward Villa Monastero, which was partially washed away by a landslide. The detour added a bit of unexpected excitement to the day!
Afterward, we caught a taxi to Villa del Balbianello for a private tour. This villa is most famous for its role in the James Bond movie Casino Royale and is known for its incredible views of the lake. One of the highlights was the 200-year-old oak tree in the courtyard, where James Bond sat during the film. The villa itself was filled with collections from around the world—evidence of its former owner, Guido Monzino, an explorer who traveled to places like Nepal and the North Pole. The villa had secret passages and hidden rooms, making it feel like something out of a mystery novel.
After the villa tour, we spent some time walking through Bellagio, exploring its quaint streets filled with upscale shops and local artisans. I found a lovely market where I picked up olive oil soap—a perfect souvenir from the area.For dinner, we treated ourselves to a meal at Ristorante Suisse, where we had Alfredo pasta made table-side in a giant Parmesan wheel. It was every bit as delicious as it sounds, though the chicken that came with it was a bit dry. We didn’t let it spoil the meal, and we enjoyed the rest of the evening as we waited for the next ferry back to Varenna.
Day 16: Journey to Venice - A Different Kind of Travel Adventure
After a few relaxing days by the serene shores of Lake Como, we decided to change things up and take a more adventurous route to our final stop—Venice. Originally, we had planned to take a bus and train, which would have been a lengthy and complicated 5+ hour journey. Instead, we opted for a more streamlined experience: a taxi ride from Varenna to Como, followed by a rental car to drive to Venice. While it was a bit more expensive (about $160 for the taxi), the convenience and time saved were well worth it.
When returning the car at Europcar, we ran into some confusion. The process wasn’t very intuitive, as we learned that cars should be parked in the garage rather than the lot in front of the office. However, we weren’t the only ones—several other travelers made the same mistake! Once we got that sorted, we enjoyed the smoothest part of the journey: a taxi boat from the rental car drop-off to our hotel, whisking us across the canals in style. The boat was another beautiful wooden Italian motorboat, adding a touch of charm to our arrival.
We checked into our spacious, luxurious hotel room at Hotel Palazzo Sant’Angelo and then set out to explore the iconic streets of Venice. After a bit of shopping, we enjoyed a casual dinner at Restaurante Chianti, where we indulged in pizza served uncut (just like in Rome) and the delicious flavors of lemoncello spritz. I opted for lasagna, which, unfortunately, didn’t impress, but Jeff loved his pizza and soup.
Day 17: Glass, Lace, and Hidden Gems in Venice’s Lagoon
The following day was a day of exploration and spontaneity, beginning with a lagoon tour of Murano, Burano, and Torcello. Our first stop was Murano, where we learned about the island’s famous glassmaking tradition at the Vetreria Ducale factory. The highlight here was a fascinating glassblowing demonstration by Gian Luca. As we explored the showroom, we learned that Chihuly had trained in Murano for 20 years before bringing his glass art to the U.S., which was a special connection for us, being big fans of his work.
We were so taken by the beautiful glass pieces that we decided to purchase a unique souvenir piece that we both adored. The staff offered us the chance to skip the rest of the tour and take a private boat to Burano, a colorful and charming island. It felt like the right decision, and we couldn’t resist the allure of its picturesque streets.
Burano was a dream. We dined at Trattoria Da Primo, where the crab pasta was by far the best pasta we’d had all trip. After lunch, we strolled the cobbled streets, visiting family-owned lace shops passed down through generations. I bought a tablecloth and a table runner at one shop, and the sweet shopkeeper even gifted me a lavender sash as a bonus, complete with kisses on both cheeks—such a warm moment.
While we didn’t make it to Torcello (it seemed like it didn’t offer much beyond the old church, according to mixed opinions from locals), we were content with our time in Burano. Before catching the ferry back to Venice, I found myself caught up in a shopping spree at an upscale store—Jeff had run out of clothes, and we both had fun trying on some new pieces. It ended up being an unexpected splurge, but we were happy with our finds.The ferry ride back to Venice was crowded, and we made a few stops before reaching the San Marco area. Still, the whole day felt like a wonderful blend of planned activities and spontaneous adventures. We capped off the evening by attending a unique immersive opera performance of La Traviata.
Day 18: Exploring Venice’s Highlights and Indulging in Classic Italian Cuisine
Our final full day in Venice started with a visit to the iconic Basilica di San Marco. We purchased a separate ticket for the Pala d’Oro section, which allowed us to get up close to Saint Mark’s relics and see the golden mosaics depicting Christ in all His glory. The intricate artwork and the beauty of the basilica were well worth the additional cost.
We followed that with a gondola ride from one of Venice’s many stops, choosing the longer route that took us past Marco Polo’s house, the Opera House, and several historic bridges. One bridge, the Bridge of Sighs, was particularly romantic—it’s said that if you kiss under the bridge, you’ll have good luck in love. We also passed Casanova’s house, which added a little bit of history and intrigue to our ride.
For dinner, we chose Al Gazzettino da Margheridha, a well-reviewed restaurant that delivered more than we expected. Along with the dishes we ordered, the chef brought a rice dish to start and desserts on the house, including a small chocolate cake and a couple of grappa shots (which were incredibly strong!). The highlight, however, was the cuttlefish and squid ink pasta—it was rich, flavorful, and utterly delicious.
The end of the journey
As we reflect on our final day in Venice, we realize just how much we’ve experienced in these past few weeks. From the stunning vistas of the Swiss Alps to the serene beauty of Lake Como and now the bustling, romantic canals of Venice, every moment has been unforgettable. This trip has been a celebration of our 25 years together—full of adventure, relaxation, beautiful landscapes, delicious food, and timeless memories.