Morris Murdock Escorted Tours

2024 proved to be an exceptionally rainy year for Switzerland, a fact I became acutely aware of as I prepared for our “Switzerland Highlights and Mountain Tops” tour scheduled for September. Despite months of weather disturbances, nothing seemed significant enough to affect the tour’s operation. When September arrived, so did our adventurous group, ready to embrace whatever the Swiss skies had in store. The advance forecast called for rain nearly every day, but what do you do? You pack waterproof shoes, plan as best you can, and set off on the journey of a lifetime.

Zurich: Sweet Beginnings

We landed in Zurich to a light sprinkle, but soon blue skies greeted us, setting the tone for a surprisingly wonderful trip. Our first stop was the Lindor Chocolate Factory, where we enjoyed a fun and insightful self-guided tour. The experience ended in the tasting area, where we indulged in all-you-can-eat chocolate by the spoonful and sampled their iconic truffles. That evening, a traditional Swiss dinner welcomed us warmly before we retired to rest from our travels.

Our first full day in Zurich was cool and damp, so, with umbrellas in hand, we embarked on a historical walking tour. With our group of 24 divided into two smaller groups, our guides ensured we saw the best of the city before we boarded our first train ride to the Swiss-German border. There, we visited the magnificent Rhine Falls, the largest waterfalls in Europe. A boat ride took us to the rock in the middle of the falls, providing a thrilling perspective. From there, we continued to Stein am Rhein, a charming medieval town, before returning to Zurich. The rain finally arrived as our day concluded, but it felt like nature was respecting our itinerary.

Lucerne: Lakeside Beauty

Day three brought us to the stunning lakeside city of Lucerne. Blue skies returned as we strolled through the city on a guided walking tour, culminating at the moving Thorvaldsen’s Lion Monument, a tribute to the Swiss Guard. The afternoon was free for exploration—some ventured across Lake Lucerne by ferry to a quaint village and rode a funicular to a breathtaking mountaintop view. The scenery was as postcard-perfect as one could hope for.

Grindelwald and the Top of Europe

The mountain adventures began with a train ride to Grindelwald, followed by a sky tram to Switzerland’s highest train station at Jungfraujoch, also known as the “Top of Europe.” We explored the glacier plateau, admired intricate ice sculptures, and marveled at the views from the Sphinx Observatory. As we descended, light snow began to fall, creating a magical backdrop for our return to Lucerne.

Zermatt and the Matterhorn: A Test of Faith

Day four was a lesson in flexibility. Heavy clouds and damp weather greeted us as we journeyed to Zermatt. Both the cable car to the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise and the cogwheel train to the Gornergrat viewing platform were closed due to snow. This was a significant blow, as the Matterhorn is a highlight for most travelers. Undeterred, we arranged for a local guide to share Zermatt’s history, from its origins to its status as a mountaineering mecca. The day ended with a traditional Swiss fondue dinner and prayers for clear skies.

The next morning delivered the miracle we’d hoped for. Crisp, clear weather allowed us to ascend the Gornergrat Railway. As the first rays of sunlight illuminated the sky, the Matterhorn stood before us in all its glory—majestic and awe-inspiring. It was a moment of triumph and gratitude, encapsulating the saying, “When God closes a door, He opens a window.”

Glacier Express to St. Moritz

After soaking in the Matterhorn’s beauty, we boarded the famous Glacier Express train to St. Moritz. This scenic journey through valleys and mountain passes was made even more special by the train’s panoramic roof windows and onboard audio guide. As dusk settled, we arrived in the Olympic town of St. Moritz. Despite the late hour, some group members ventured out to explore and even enjoyed a scoop of ice cream in the crisp night air.

The Roseg Valley: A Tranquil Finale

Our final morning took us to a neighboring resort town, where a horse-drawn buggy ride into the Roseg Valley revealed a serene glacier basin. The cold morning air didn’t dampen our spirits, especially as the rain held off yet again. After a leisurely afternoon, we boarded our last train back to Zurich for a final evening of shopping, sightseeing, and a farewell dinner. The group reflected on the incredible experiences we’d shared, grateful for both the natural beauty of Switzerland and the camaraderie that made the journey unforgettable.  The comment was made, "does every group feel like this, that everyone was family by the end?". to which I could honestly answer, YES!

A Trip to Remember

Rain and snow may have played their parts, but they only added to the richness of our Swiss adventure. From the breathtaking mountain peaks to the charming towns and lakeside cities, Switzerland delivered an experience that exceeded all expectations. And as always, it was the people we traveled with who made every moment even more special.