GASTRONOMIC & CULTURAL TOUR
EASTERN SWITZERLAND AND LIECHTENSTEIN   
May 18th  - 24, 2008 and September 14th - 20th 2008 

On this tour we experience a plethora of local culture and culinary treats. “Bündnerfleisch” delicious air dried beef in Graübunden, princely wines in Liechtenstein , cheeses from the high meadows in Appenzell, ciders and spirits in the fruit growing regions of Lake of Constance inspire many gastronomic fantasies.
Along the way we will visit distilleries, vineyards and cellars, and go on easy strolls through meadows and small towns each with its own history and culture.
There is plenty of opportunity to sample the liquid pleasures and local specialities at every stop.

1. Day     Upon arrival you will be met by your tour manager and escorted to your hotel. Together we explore
    the old city on a short walking tour and have coffee at the famous “Conficerie Sprüngli” on the Bahnh of
    Strasse.
    The afternoon is free for rest and relaxation or shopping before a bus sight-seeing tour of Zurich , which is
    followed by dinner and a folkloric show in the heart of the old town.
    Overnight Hotel Glockenhof****
    D

 2. Day   After breakfast we board the coach to the city of Zug .
    We visit the Etter Kirsch Distillery and sample this unique clear cherry brandy that’s never far from any Swiss
     table. It is also used in the famous Zuger Kirsch torte which is offered in the many shops and cafes.
    A scenic coach ride along the picturesque Walensee brings us to the Principality of Liechtenstein.
    We have time to explore Vaduz , the capital of Liechtenstein , and maybe visit the princely art gallery.
    A short drive away in Schaan, is our hotel for the next three nights.
    For dinner we go to a typical local restaurant, housed in a former farmhouse more than 400 years old, that
    serves the finest in traditional and contemporary cuisine. The house speciality is a dish of tiny dumplings  
    smothered in cheese.
    Overnight Hotel Linde Schaan***
    B, D

3. Day    In the morning we visit a bakery where delicious truffles and other chocolate specialities are still
   handmade. Later in the morning we visit the “Hofkellerei”. The court cellar of the Prince of Liechtenstein has a
   glorious view of the castle and the vineyard and it’s the ideal place to taste the princely wines.
   In the afternoon we drive to the “Heidiland” and visit the Heidi Brunnen , a simple fountain in an idyllic meadow
   honoring the storybook girl. A short distance away is the old town of Maienfeld . Wine has been produced on
   these sun-kissed slopes for many centuries. We will visit a family-run distillery and its impressive stone  
   cellar. The coach will bring us to the higher slopes and the small village of  Jenins where we will have dinner at
   a restaurant housed in an old wine press.
   Overnight Hotel Linde Schaan
   B, D

4. Day    After breakfast we drive to the canton Graübunden village of Parpan where filets of beef dry in the  
    pure mountain air .A visit to a Bündner Fleisch trocknerei will culminate with a snack of this delicious air dried 
    beef. The coach will bring us next to Flims. We will walk through enchanting forests to a panoramic outlook 
    over the Rhine gorge. A culinary experience will be a late lunch of typical Graubünden specialities.
    A horse drawn carriage will bring us comfortably back to the coach.
    Free evening to enjoy the local village or take a short excursion to Feldkirch , Austria for a Wiener Schnitzel    
    Overnight Hotel Linde Schaan.
    B,L

  5. Day    This morning a different local flavour awaits us after the coach brings us to Appenzell.
      From rolling hills to towering mountains, people living here have always fiercely defended their culture and
      culinary crafts. On a culinary sightseeing tour we get to see and taste the local cheeses and baked delicacies.
      You would not want to miss a visit to the local handy craft shops.
       In the afternoon we ride the Gondola to a mountain peak for a panoramic view of the Säntis massive.
      We will overnight at the Hotel Mozart*** in Rorschach on the shores of Lake Constance .
       B

 6. Day    For a unique cultural experience we visit the town of St Gallen today. Here we see the baroque
     cathedral and the abbey where we visit the famous Stiftsbibliotek , a UNESCO world heritage site. Ancient
     manuscripts, handwritten by monks are displayed in a magnificent baroque library.
     The local speciality of Bratwurst and Pürli  (veal sausage and bread) is best when eaten by hand while sitting
      in the bustling market place.
     In the afternoon we make our way into the fruit orchard region of the canton Thurgau and stroll along the
     Altnau fruit trail and a visit  to the fruit presses at the Mosterei Möhl in Arbon to taste  everybody’s favorite
     sparkling apple jus (Most).
     In the evening we will enjoy a gourmet dinner in a friendly country restaurant.  Specialties include fresh local  
     fish from nearby Lake Constance and Ribelmais ( a type of cornmeal)
     Overnight Hotel Mozart, Rorschach
     B, D

 7. Day   After breakfast we drive by coach to the monastery Kartause Ittingen.
     The products offered here are grown in the abbey gardens and follow the monastic tradition of
     self-sufficiency.
     In the afternoon we drive to the shores of Lake Constance and along the Rhine to the picturesque town of
    Stein am Rhein.
    We stroll through the old town to admire the frescoes on the houses.
    On our way back to Zurich we will stop in Stammheim. Here a brewery invites us to take an educational walk
    through the hops garden and brewery before we have the opportunity to taste the finished product.
    We overnight at hotel Flyaway near the airport for an easy getaway the next day.
    B

INCLUSIONS:    7 nights accommodation in local 3 and 4 star hotels
                             7 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch, 4 Dinners
                            Wine tasting and culinary snacks as per itinerary
                             Private coach transfers with Swiss Postal Bus
                             All local taxes

EXCLUSIONS:     Meals not stated on the itinerary.
                              Wine and other refreshments unless stated.
                              Gratuities to drivers and local guides
                              Travel Insurance
                              Air travel

 Land only cost:  CAD $ 2395.50  per person based in double occupancy
 Single suppl.  CAD $ 194.00