Autumn in Switzerland: Golden Peaks & Alpine Villages

Experience Switzerland at its most magical, with golden larch forests glowing beneath snow-dusted peaks and crisp mountain air. This autumn journey blends panoramic rail travel with UNESCO-listed landscapes, alpine wellness, and authentic village life.

Ideal Autumn exploration is between mid-October to mid-November.

Private Itinerary
12 Days

Journey Highlights & Signature Inclusions

Discover Switzerland at the most enchanting time of year during autumn, when alpine valleys glow in golden hues, lakes mirror crisp skies, and quaint villages are framed by vibrant foliage. Explore charming towns, historic sites, and UNESCO-listed landscapes while enjoying private guided tours, scenic cogwheel railways, and seasonal gastronomic experiences. From Lucerne’s old-world streets to the villages of Mürren and Bettmeralp, and the iconic Matterhorn and Gornergrat peaks, this journey blends alpine adventure with cultural immersion, cheese tastings, wellness experiences, and unforgettable autumn vistas.

  • 11 nights in boutique properties and 4-star accommodation
  • 11 breakfasts (B)
  • Alpine wellness and Chäserenholz sauna experience in Vitznau
  • Guided walking tour in Lucerne with cheese tasting paired with local wine
  • Scenic cogwheel railway to Mount Rigi for panoramic autumn views
  • Visits to Lauterbrunnen, Mürren, and Gimmelwald with cable car transfers
  • Private guided dairy farm experience in Gimmelwald, sampling local produce and cheeses
  • Piz Gloria/Schilthorn cable car access for panoramic alpine vistas
  • Excursions to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise and Gornergrat
  • First Class Swiss Travel Pass and deluxe private transport as indicated
  • Note: Hotel city taxes, if applicable, are not included

Discover The Itinerary

Explore your itinerary in detail, featuring carefully selected hotels, unique experiences, and premium inclusions designed to elevate your travel experience.

Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
Day 6
Day 7
Day 8
Day 9
Day 10
Day 11
Day 12

DAY 1: Vitznau

Magical, historical, with lakeside views. Welcome to Vitznau. Check in to your hotel, then unwind with views of Lake Lucerne and surrounding autumn-coloured mountains. Stroll along the lakeside promenade or admire the quaint architecture of this traditional Swiss village.

Hotel Vitznauerhof

Overnight Hotel / or similar

DAY 2: Vitznau – Rigi Mountain – Vitznau

After breakfast, enjoy a scenic cogwheel train ride to Rigi Kulm, Switzerland’s “Queen of Mountains,” where you can admire panoramic alpine peaks and valleys ablaze in autumn colours. Descend to Vitznau and visit Chäserenholz Alpine Wellness to relax in the sauna and enjoy the alpine autumn air. Return to your hotel in the late afternoon and enjoy the village at leisure, perhaps exploring lakeside cafes or the autumn-streaked forest trails nearby.

Hotel Vitznauerhof

Overnight Hotel / or similar

Breakfast

Meals Included

DAY 3: Vitznau – Lucerne – Vitznau

After breakfast, travel by ferry to Lucerne, a city renowned for its medieval architecture and lakeside charm. Take a private guided walking tour through the Old Town, exploring iconic landmarks such as the Kapellbrücke and Rathaus Bridge, and enjoy a tasting of local cheeses paired with wine. Your afternoon is at leisure to explore quaint cafés, autumn-hued streets, and lakeside walks. Make your way back to your hotel, using your Swiss Travel Pass, at your own pace.

Hotel Vitznauerhof

Overnight Hotel / or similar

Breakfast

Meals Included
Alpine village experience, Switzerland tailored journeys

DAY 4: Vitznau – Lauterbrunnen – Mürren

After breakfast, depart by train and bus to Lauterbrunnen valley, known for its 72 waterfalls and dramatic cliffs. Ascend to Grütschalp and onward to Mürren via cable car, enjoying spectacular autumn colours over the alpine meadows. Arrive in Mürren, a tranquil car-free village, to check-in to your hotel. The evening is at leisure to explore its charming streets and alpine shops.

Hotel Alpenruh

Overnight Hotel / or similar

Breakfast

Meals Included

DAY 5: Mürren – Piz Gloria/Schilthorn – Mürren

After breakfast, ascend via cable car to Piz Gloria, perched atop the Schilthorn and made famous as a James Bond film location for “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service.” Marvel at sweeping panoramas of the Bernese Alps painted with autumn colours, spot the 72 surrounding peaks, and enjoy the interactive Bond World 007 exhibition showcasing film memorabilia. Guests can dine at the revolving summit restaurant while soaking in 360° alpine views, stroll on scenic cliffside platforms, or photograph the glaciers and golden valleys below. Return to Mürren in the late afternoon for a relaxed evening in the car-free village.

Hotel Alpenruh

Overnight Hotel / or similar

Breakfast

Meals Included

DAY 6: Mürren – Gimmelwald – Mürren

After breakfast, take the cable car to Gimmelwald, a charming alpine hamlet known for its traditional farming. Visit a local cheese farm with a private guide, interact with the animals, and sample freshly made dairy products while learning about centuries-old alpine cheese-making traditions. Capture the autumn-hued meadows and mountainside paths before returning to Mürren for an evening at leisure.

Hotel Alpenruh

Overnight Hotel / or similar

Breakfast

Meals Included
Image: My Switzerland Tourism

DAY 7: Mürren – Bettmeralp

After breakfast, journey to the secluded alpine village of Bettmeralp, surrounded by colourful autumn foliage and glacial views. Explore the village’s wooden chalets and walking trails, enjoying the crisp mountain air and array of colours. Your afternoon is at leisure to relax, or sample local alpine delicacies at your hotel.

Hotel Waldhaus

Overnight Hotel / or similar

Breakfast

Meals Included
Image: My Switzerland Tourism

DAY 8: Bettmeralp

Enjoy a full day to soak in the charm of Bettmeralp. Hike scenic trails, take in panoramic views of the Aletsch Glacier, or simply wander through the village’s traditional streets adorned with autumn colours. A perfect day to relax and immerse yourself in Swiss alpine culture.

Hotel Waldhaus

Overnight Hotel / or similar

Breakfast

Meals Included

DAY 9: Bettmeralp – Zermatt

After breakfast, travel to Zermatt, nestled in the shadows of the iconic Matterhorn. Upon arrival, explore the village’s quaint streets, admire the autumnal alpine landscapes, or enjoy some shopping at local boutiques.

Tradition Julen Hotel

Overnight Hotel / or similar

Breakfast

Meals Included

DAY 10: Zermatt – Matterhorn Glacier Paradise – Zermatt

After breakfast, ascend to the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, the highest cable car station in Europe. Experience stunning panoramic views of the Matterhorn, surrounding peaks, and alpine valleys painted with autumn foliage. Enjoy seasonal exhibits and optional snow activities before returning to Zermatt for an evening at leisure.

Tradition Julen Hotel

Overnight Hotel / or similar

Breakfast

Meals Included

DAY 11: Zermatt – Gornergrat – Zermatt

After breakfast, take the Gornergrat cogwheel railway for breathtaking vistas of the Matterhorn and surrounding peaks in vibrant autumn hues. Enjoy photo opportunities, admire glacial valleys, and immerse yourself in the alpine environment. Return to Zermatt in the afternoon to relax or explore the village further.

Tradition Julen Hotel

Overnight Hotel / or similar

Breakfast

Meals Included

DAY 12: Zermatt

Enjoy breakfast and check out of your hotel for your onward journey.

Breakfast

Meals Included

Upcoming Departures

Enjoy your private itinerary

Experience the freedom of a private, fully customisable itinerary with Ormina Tours. This itinerary can start on any date, with options to adjust activities, upgrade experiences, and tailor every detail to suit your travel style, ensuring a seamless and unforgettable journey designed just for you.

  • Depart on any date you choose
  • Fully customisable
  • Unique activities
  • Comfort and privacy
From $7,290 AUD PPFrom price

Frequently Asked Questions

What services does Ormina Tours provide?

Ormina Tours provides land services in Europe. We cover most of Europe and are continually expanding. If your destination is uncommon, please contact us to confirm availability.

We offer Small Group Journeys on set departure dates (max. 12 guests for 2026), tailored private journeys (full F.I.T. services), and booking and coordination of accommodation. From airport transfers to fully customised European travel, we cover everything, except flights

Where is Ormina Tours based, and do you serve clients worldwide?

We are an Australian company with offices in Sydney and Perth, as well as a team in Europe to ensure seamless service delivery. While based in Australia, we cater to clients globally and partner with over 250 travel agents across Australia, New Zealand, and the USA.

When is the best time to visit Europe, and do your tours operate year-round?

Europe offers charm year-round. May and September are popular for Australians, while beach destinations are busiest in August. Most Small Group Journeys run between April and October, while private journeys are available year-round. Early planning (at least 6 months) is recommended for busy regions like the Amalfi Coast.

Is travel insurance required?

Yes, we require all clients travelling to have travel insurance as this is a requirement for Tour Operators Insurances, otherwise guests must sign a release and discharge of liability waiver for us to accept the booking. If you need assistance arranging insurance, just ask.

Do you cater to travellers with mobility challenges?

We tailor all journeys to our client’s travel preferences and needs, including any mobility challenges whether it is special vehicles, travel scooters, hotel rooms with accessible showers and hoists. We also have expertise on most attractions and towns to know which are more accessible than others.

With our Small Group Journeys, any significant mobility challenge requires an accompanying minder/helper to attend on the tour as it is not always possible for our Tour Directors, drivers and guides to offer continuous care in a group environment. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us.

What is the group size, and what happens if only two people book the tour?

Our Small Group Journeys are designed for a maximum of 10 guests (12 guests in 2026) to ensure an intimate experience. A minimum of 2 guests is required to guarantee departure (4 guests in 2026).

Should fewer than four guests be booked, you will have the exclusive opportunity to enjoy the same itinerary as a private journey at a preferential rate, giving you the confidence and certainty to book in advance. If you do not wish to undertake the small group journey itinerary as a private journey and we advised within the require deadline as disclosed, we will provide you with a full refund.

What is included and excluded in a Small Group Journey?

Our itineraries include accommodation, transportation, guided activities, and meals as marked – B (breakfast), L (lunch), or D (dinner). Exclusions typically include flights, city taxes, personal expenses, and any items not explicitly listed in the itinerary.

Do I need to tip?

Tipping is optional but appreciated for exceptional service. After booking you will be provided with some tipping guidelines should you choose to do so.

What is the luggage allowance?

Each guest can bring one standard checked bag and one carry-on. Please inform us if you need to bring extra luggage.

What is a private journey?

Private journeys (named City Breaks and Regional Discoveries) are not tours with other people. They are suggested itineraries for the city/region that can be fully customised with prearranged services, allowing independent exploration.

Can I choose my hotel?

For private itineraries, we recommend hotels in our itineraries, we can certainly work to accommodate your preferences.

Hotels are set for Small Group Journeys but you can opt to upgrade your room.

What currency are your tours priced in?

Tours (that is our Small Group Journeys) are priced in AUD for Australian residents, NZD for New Zealand residents, and USD for US residents. Other nationalities will pay in AUD unless otherwise arranged.

Prices are fixed once paid in full. In rare cases of significant currency fluctuations, unpaid bookings may be subject to price adjustments. If this occurs, we will contact you or your travel agent to advise you and you will have the option to either pay the full tour price by a certain date or accept the increase.

Do you accept credit cards?

Yes, though credit card fees may apply. Domestic wire transfers are also accepted.

What deposit is required?

Deposit amounts vary on the size of the booking and whether the booking includes tickets and admissions that maybe non-refundable or non-transferable after purchase. Full payment is due 3 months before your first service date.

Can I change or cancel my booking after making a deposit?

Changes incur a $100 fee per request unless additional services are added. Cancelling more than 50% of services is considered a cancellation, and fees will apply.
Any cancellation made by you prior to your travel (including any changes to your departure date) will result in the following cancellation fees:

Days of notice from notification to first date of service:

  • 91+ days: Loss of deposit
  • 90–75 days: Loss of Booking Deposit and 50% of the balance of the Tour Price
  • 75 days or less: Loss of Booking Deposit and 100% of the balance of the Tour Price

We always advise our clients to purchase comprehensive travel insurance to cover any unforeseen cancellations.

What are Ormina Tours’ COVID-19 guidelines?
  • Follow local laws, wear masks, and maintain social distancing as required.
  • Do not travel if you are symptomatic, recently exposed, or COVID-positive.
  • Stay updated on airline and country-specific protocols.

Have Questions? We’re Here to Help!

Reach out to our team for personalised assistance and start planning your next European adventure with Ormina Tours.