Trekking the treasures of the Bernese Oberland 

Day Three: Hike on the Augstmatthorn

Today's hike will offer unique views of Lake Thun, Lake Brienz and the surrounding mountain peaks. We will start the hike following signs for the Augstmatthorn where the path runs over grassland. There are technical sections to overcome, however the panoramic view more than makes up for the effort. To the north, the view sweeps from the moors of Lombachalp and the source of the River Emme to the Hohgant and the Schrattenfluh. On a clear day we can even see the Jura Mountains. To the east, we can make out the top of Lake Brienz and the Aare Plain. The rim of the Bernese Alps can be seen spanning from the south to the west. If we are lucky, we will see a herd of ibex, proud animals that will let us watch up to just a few metres away. 

Day Four: Grindelwald: Jungfraujoch 'Top of Europe'

Passing through the Bernese Oberland over the past few days, we will have seen Jungfraujoch. Today is the day we make our way up there to what is known as the 'Top of Europe’ as it is the highest accessible point in Europe, standing at a staggering 3,454m high. We will begin this journey to the top by boarding a train from Interlaken to the picturesque town of Grindelwald. From here, we continue on with our journey and board another train to Kleine Scheidegg, where we step onto the funicular for our final destination of Jungfraujoch. To get to the very highest point, we take the escalator to the Sphinx. Here, we will enjoy some free time to take in just how high we are, breathe in the crisp mountain air, witness the magnificent glacier and mountain peaks. 

Day Five: Hike Lake Brienz

Today we embark on what is rightly regarded as one of Switzerland's most beautiful lakeside walks. This trail hugs the bank of the glittering blue-green Lake Brienz, which takes us through gnarled, fairy tale mountain forests, to secluded bathing spots and a splendid Art Nouveau hotel. The track is only paved in the village at the beginning of the route. The starting point is the former fishing village of Iseltwald. At the Lido, the lakeside promenade ends and the gravelled lakeside path begins. The route rolls along in gentle dips following the course of the river. Parts of the path run right next to the water where Lake Brienz glistens a unique, intense shade of turquoise. 

Day Six: Lucerne

This morning after breakfast at the hotel, we board the Interlaken-Lucerne Express which will take us to the centre of Lucerne. Aboard this two-hour train journey passing through the heart of Switzerland, the journey will take us along crystal clear lakes, waterfalls and over the Brünig Mountain pass. After experiencing some magnificent views of the Swiss Alps on the train, we will have a guided tour of the beautiful city of Lucerne. Known for its stunning location on the edge of Lake Lucerne and amid snow-capped mountains, Lucerne is also known for its medieval architecture, and its most popular feature - the wooden bridge that that spans the width of the river. We also board a boat for a cruise along the coast of the lake. We then return to the hotel via the scenic train we arrived on.

• Breakfast included

Day Seven: Hike around lakes at the foot of Stockhorn

The hike today is a circular route at the foot of the Stockhorn. We visit two idyllic mountain lakes, which are also very popular with anglers. Today's paths are natural trails only. We begin our ascent by cable car from Erlenbach to the top of the 2190-metre Stockhorn to witness a spectacular observation point where we'll  view the striking peak that stretches from Jura over Lake Thun and the Swiss Prealps to the High Alps.  The sight of Lake Hinterstocken—a gorgeous, glistening expanse of green beneath the midway station—adds to the enjoyment. A circular trail runs around the lake. The rock trail carved into the Mieschfluh takes you to the mountain trail leading to the Vorderstocke. The route then continues down to Lake Oberstocken through lush, verdant alpine meadows, peppered with mighty pines. 

Day Eight: Depart Switzerland

This morning, we enjoy our final breakfast as a group before making our way to the airport for our return flight home.

• Breakfast included