Social Programme

The excursion will start with a short transfer to the pier in Interlaken West, here you will join a scheduled boat for a 20 minutes transfer to Beatushöhlen-Sundlauenen. It is an ideal way to enjoy the lake and take advantage of the spectacular scenery.

Upon arrival, you will have the opportunity to visit the St.Beatus caves. Set in an idyllic natural park on the shore of the Lake Thun, the St.Beatus Caves extend far into the interior of the mighty Niederhorn massif.

Legend has it that this monumental natural creation, fashioned over millions of years, served St.Beatus as a safe refuge in the 6th century. While in the 18th century the only access was along the picturesque pilgrims' path. The popular St.Beatus Caves are now easy to reach. An awe-inspiring natural spectacle awaits you. The St.Beatus Caves Museum reveals the fascination of a magical subterranean world.

Upon arrival you can enjoy an 1 hour guided tours of the Caves. Please note that the temperature inside the caves is 9° C.

Discover a modern city that has kept its old charm and beauty intact. Wander down the romantic alleys of the old town, admiring the historic Clock Tower. This was the town's west gate until 1250. It’s famous chimes start pealing at four minutes to the hour. With its many painted figures, especially the delightful little bear cubs filing past to the sound of the Fool's small bells, it’s picture is the most popular souvenir of Bern.

Today the town is built of beautiful sandstone. The heart of the old town is inside the bend of the Aare and has lost none of its character. The four miles of arcaded shopping streets constitute the largest covered shopping area in the world, while flower decked fountains delight the eye with vivid touches of colour. Visit the ancient Rathaus and Bear Pits, corner stones of Bern's history. Since the end of the 15th century, the bears of Bern have been popular favourites. They receive many visits, not only from tourists but also from the Bernese who are particularly fond of them. A woman from Bern even bequeathed them a legacy! From the Rose Garden a magnificent view spreads out over the whole city and off into the patchwork countryside.

The day starts with a journey up into the mountains and over the Brunig pass, we then head down to Alpnachstadt and the 4 counties lake. In Alpnachstadt you will join your scheduled lake cruiser for a journey to Luzern.

Luzern has a unique unrivalled atmosphere, so sit back and enjoy a fascinating tour of one of the worlds loveliest cities, an ancient city of a thousand bewitching faces.

Visit the imposing Chapel Bridge, the city's unmistakable landmark, let your eyes wander up to the impressive roves and pinnacles, along flower decked sills to the hustle and bustle of arcades and market squares.

Visit the Jesuit Cathedral, lakeside promenade, the original medieval walls and fortress ruins, and of course the beloved Lion Monument, described as one of the world's most passionate and sensitive sculptures!

The Open Air Museum here is really an exceptional treat. A fantastic collection of houses, chalets and farms brought in from all regions of Switzerland and lovingly restored to their original charm, beauty and interest. Wander at your leisure discovering the traditions and culture of a bygone era.

Tantalising smells will draw you to the bakers where perhaps you will be just in time to sample a steaming crusty loaf fresh from the wood burning oven. Lace makers in period costume, sausage makers in the smoke house, boys milking cows, farmers carting hay on antique horse drawn carriages, fascinating farm kitchens and workshops, basket weaving, tool making; it¹s all there for you to see and experience.

You will drive into the heart of the Bernese Oberland famed throughout the world for its scenic landscapes of rich greens and blues, pretty chalets, majestic mountain peaks reflecting in crystal lakes. Then drive up the unique U-shaped Lauterbrunnen valley lined with cascades and waterfalls up to Stechelberg, to begin an amazing cable car ride up the mighty Schilthorn mountain to the Piz Gloria Summit. This is where the daring chase scenes in the James Bond film 'On Her Majesty's Secret Service' were shot.

From the Piz Gloria revolving restaurant enjoy lunch to the backdrop of a magnificent view of jagged snowcapped peaks as far as the eye can see. Descend to Murren by cable car and browse around the famous little village where slalom skiing was invented by British officers in the 1920's. Then the final descent brings you back to the Lauterbrunnen valley.

Once in the Lauterbrunnen valley an ideal enhancement is to visit the Trummelbach falls, 10 waterfalls that are actually enclosed inside the mountain and that can be viewed as the water thunders past - very impressive!