Our goal was to see as much as possible in 6 days while maintaining an unhurried approach. From the first contact, our experience was detailed perfection. Marc and his team managed everything from airport pickup to hotel and restaurant recommendations.
We hoped to relax and not worry about anything — this expectation was exceeded. The team clearly listened to our preferences.
Our main stops included Zurich, Appenzell, Liechtenstein, Lake Lucerne, Interlaken, Thun, Zermatt, and the vineyards around Montreux.
The best element of our time was our top-tier guide, Manuel. His personality, knowledge, energy, and pride in his country were exceptional.
- 7 Days
- Cheese
- Chocolate
- Cultural
- Family
- Rail
- St. Moritz
- Zurich
Overview
Highlights
There are parts of Switzerland that feel almost storybook-like. Painted villages, alpine farms, mountain railways and quiet valleys where traditions still shape daily life.
This carefully curated 7-Day Switzerland family itinerary combines rural culture, scenic trains, mountain adventures, and iconic Swiss destinations. From the colourful streets of Appenzell to the alpine glamour of St. Moritz, it’s a journey designed to feel immersive, relaxed, and deeply Swiss.
Like all our Swiss private tours, the experience is fully guided and thoughtfully paced for families.
Schedule
Morning
Your private driver picks you up from your hotel, before beginning your journey into eastern Switzerland, where the rolling hills of Appenzell offer a glimpse into a slower rhythm of life.
The day starts with a visit to an experience farm. Both children and adults can meet goats, sheep, donkeys, and other animals while learning about mountain farming traditions that have shaped this region for centuries.
Inside the farm bakery, wood-fired ovens produce fresh bread and cakes. It’s a warm, welcoming setting and the aroma alone usually convinces guests to sample something straight from the oven.
Afternoon
After lunch at the farm restaurant overlooking the Appenzell countryside, your guide leads a relaxed private village walk through Appenzell itself.
The town is famous for its colourful houses and traditional shop signs. Along the way, you’ll stop for gelato and hear stories about the canton’s distinctive customs and independence.
Later, a private workshop introduces the art of Appenzeller gingerbread making. Together with a local baker, your family will create their own almond-filled gingerbread – a delicious Swiss tradition.
Evening
The evening is spent at a wellness hotel in Appenzell. After the day’s activities, it’s the perfect place to unwind while the mountains quietly frame the village. Enjoy a relaxed dinner and a peaceful first evening surrounded by the landscapes of eastern Switzerland.
Morning
After breakfast, your guide takes you to nearby St. Gallen for a city walk through one of Switzerland’s most historic towns. The old town is known for its ornate buildings and charming bakeries, so naturally, a tasting stop is included. Fresh pastries and Swiss coffee offer a simple but very Swiss start to the day.
Next comes one of the highlights of many chocolate tours in Switzerland: a visit to the Maestrani Chocolate Factory. Inside the atelier, families can create their own chocolate while learning about the craftsmanship behind one of Switzerland’s most famous culinary traditions.
Afternoon
From St. Gallen, the journey continues toward the Rhine Falls. Europe’s largest waterfall is an impressive natural spectacle, and the best way to experience it is by boat. During the ride, you approach the falls closely enough to feel the spray rising from the water. It’s energetic, exciting, and always memorable for children.
Evening
The day concludes with a private transfer to Zurich and a night at the renowned Dolder Grand Resort. Perched above the city, the hotel offers sweeping views across Zurich and Lake Zurich, providing a relaxing setting after a full day of exploration.
Morning
After breakfast, you’ll be picked up from your hotel and taken near Lucerne to enjoy a charming alpine activity: lama trekking.
These gentle animals accompany families on an easy walk beside a peaceful lake. Along the way there’s time to pet, feed, and photograph them while your guide explains the growing popularity of these treks in Switzerland. It’s a calm and surprisingly enjoyable way to experience the countryside.
Afternoon
The journey continues with a visit to a traditional Swiss cheese factory. Inside the production halls, you’ll learn how Swiss cheese is made – from fresh milk to ageing cellars. The aromas, textures, and – of course – tasting opportunities, make it a favourite stop along this 7-day Switzerland family itinerary for all ages.
Afterwards, the drive continues toward Bad Ragaz, a peaceful alpine spa town.
Evening
The night is spent at the Grand Hotel Bad Ragaz. The hotel is known for its thermal wellness facilities and mountain surroundings – a relaxing pause before the next adventures.
Morning
Few places capture the imagination of children quite like Heidi Village in Maienfeld. The landscapes here inspired Johanna Spyri’s famous story, and walking through the village feels like stepping into the pages of the book.
Families can explore Heidi’s house, see traditional alpine huts and enjoy sweeping views across the Rhine Valley. This itinerary reflects the heart of a true Heidiland family experience.
Afternoon
From Switzerland, the tour continues into neighbouring Liechtenstein – the sixth smallest country in the world! In the mountain village of Malbun, families can enjoy an outdoor picnic lunch and spend time at the alpine playground surrounded by dramatic peaks.
Later in Vaduz – the capital of Liechtenstein – your guide shares insights into the country’s royal history, specifically about how the prince of Liechtenstein lives. Afterwards, we’ll drive to the top of the hill and stop at the best viewpoint overlooking the Prince’s castle.
Evening
Once you’ve taken in the views over Vaduz and the surrounding valley, the journey returns to Bad Ragaz for a second evening at the Grand Resort. It’s a relaxed way to close a day that combines alpine scenery, literature, and royal history.
Morning
Day 5 introduces one of the most scenic rail journeys in the Alps.
Your private guide picks you up from your hotel and brings you to Chur, Switzerland’s oldest town, where you board a panoramic train heading toward Arosa.
On selected departures, families can ride in the unique Bear Sanctuary carriage, designed especially for younger travellers. The carriage is themed around the story of Alpine bears, with illustrated books, playful details, and seating shaped like tree trunks.
As the train climbs steadily through forests, bridges, and mountain valleys, the journey becomes part of the adventure itself. It’s a relaxed and memorable way to travel through the Alps for the whole family.
Afternoon
Upon arrival in Arosa, your guide meets you again and accompanies you to the Arosa Bärenland Bear Sanctuary, one of Switzerland’s most inspiring wildlife projects. Here, rescued circus bears are given a protected natural environment where they can roam freely.
Families can explore the observation paths overlooking the sanctuary while learning about the bears’ stories and conservation efforts. Playgrounds, themed trails, and wide Alpine views make the visit both educational and memorable for everyone.
Alternatively, your guide may suggest a quiet forest walk where wildlife such as birds and squirrels can often be spotted – something increasingly rare in other parts of Switzerland.
Later, you continue into the mountains to the Hörnlihütte, where lunch is served with remarkable views of the surrounding peaks.
Evening
Later in the day, you continue to the beautiful family hotel in Valbella, where the evening is spent relaxing after another memorable alpine day.
Morning
Adventure takes centre stage on day six. After you’ve been picked up by your private guide from the hotel, you’re driven just a few minutes from Valbella to the nearby mountain lift. From here, a cable car carries you high into the alpine landscape surrounding Lenzerheide.
At the top, families can enjoy one of Europe’s longest toboggan runs. It’s a thrilling but safe alpine experience that many guests describe as one of the highlights of their adventure tours in Switzerland.
Ziplining is also available for the kids, and adults, seeking an extra adrenaline boost.
Afternoon
Later on, the pace slows as you head to the peaceful waters of Lake Lenzerheide. Here, your guide prepares a delicious and traditional private Swiss picnic. Surrounded by alpine scenery, it’s a quiet moment to relax together as a family. On warm days, some guests even take a refreshing swim in the lake.
Evening
The day concludes with a scenic drive to the Engadin Valley. As the sun begins to set, a private horse and carriage ride awaits. Few introductions to St. Moritz with kids feel quite as magical.
Dinner is then served in a traditional Swiss restaurant before overnighting at Hotel Kronenhof Pontresina.
Morning
The final day begins with your guide collecting you from the hotel before heading into the mountains above St. Moritz. A combination of funicular and cable car lifts you high above the Engadin valley to Piz Nair. The panoramic views stretch across the Engadin lakes and surrounding peaks. It’s a spectacular vantage point and an easy mountain experience for families.
Lunch is then enjoyed at the summit restaurant overlooking the alpine landscape.
Afternoon
In the afternoon, families can choose between two unique alpine experiences depending on their interests.
The first option is a horse riding adventure through the Engadin valley. Accompanied by an experienced guide, you’ll follow scenic trails through open meadows and alpine landscapes. The ride concludes with a relaxed fondue picnic outside – a simple but memorable taste of Swiss mountain culture.
Alternatively, guests may prefer a boat fondue experience. After a short drive from St. Moritz, a small boat carries you across the peaceful waters of Lake Sils, one of the most tranquil lakes in the Engadin. After arriving on the lakeshore, a gentle walk leads to an alpine hut where a traditional picnic is served.
Evening
Guests either spend a final night in Pontresina or continue onward with a private transfer to Zurich or Milan. By this point, the fairytale Switzerland tour has revealed a wonderfully diverse side of the country for all families – from traditional farms and chocolate making to alpine railways, mountain adventures, and storybook villages.
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Quick Facts About This Swiss Tour
Appenzell is famous for its colourful painted houses, traditional shop signs, and centuries-old customs.
Rhine Falls is the largest waterfall in Europe by water flow.
The famous Heidi story was written by Swiss author Johanna Spyri and first published in 1880.
Chur is considered the oldest city in Switzerland with over 5,000 years of settlement history.
St. Moritz hosted the Winter Olympics twice, in 1928 and 1948.
Fairytale Switzerland Family Tour: Appenzell, Heidi Village & St. Moritz Gallery
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1. 100% local expertise, tested first-hand
Every itinerary is designed by Swiss locals who live and breathe their regions – we’ve tested every route, restaurant, and hidden lookout ourselves.
2. Exclusive top-rated Swiss guides
Our guides aren’t just professionals – they’re storytellers and insiders, available only through Luxury Tours Switzerland.
3. Hidden gems beyond tourist routes
We open doors to secret spots, from private lakeside picnics to heritage chalets, that no typical private tours Switzerland itinerary could offer.
4. Special access through trusted networks
From after-hours museum tours to private vineyard dinners, our connections unlock Switzerland’s most exclusive moments.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. The itinerary has been designed specifically for families. Activities such as farm visits, chocolate making, llama trekking and mountain tobogganing are engaging for children of all ages, while still enjoyable for adults.
Most transfers are between one and two hours. Scenic train rides and guided stops along the way make the travel itself part of the experience rather than simply transportation.
Absolutely. The Arosa railway is one of Switzerland’s most family-friendly scenic trains, with large panoramic windows and a gentle pace that allows travellers to enjoy the alpine landscapes.
Families can also ride in the special Bear Sanctuary carriage on the Rhätische Bahn train. Designed especially for children, the carriage features playful seating shaped like tree trunks along with illustrations and stories about Alpine wildlife.
Yes! Activities such as horse carriage rides, mountain railways and lake picnics are easily adapted for younger travellers. Your guide adjusts the pace and options depending on the family.