Swiss Botanical Bliss: Flowers and Nature Tour of Switzerland from Watch and Cow
For lovers of natural beauty and bountiful blooms, we can think of few places that can top Switzerland in the spring and summer months. As the snow melts and temperatures rise, the country bursts into a riot of colour, with alpine meadows, valleys and gardens springing to life in a profusion of flowers and greenery. If you are looking for ways to help your valuable clients explore Switzerland's natural paradise, look no further than expert DMC, Watch and Cow
From the delicate wildflowers that carpet mountain slopes to the botanical gardens bursting with indigenous and exotic species; the vibrant tulip festivals with their acres of blossoms to the lavender fields filling their air with their intoxicating fragrance, Switzerland’s is an unparalleled spectacle of floral beauty. And all this alongside those oh-so majestic scenic charms we know so well!
As always when it comes to this Alpine paradise, we’ve deferred to the exceptional knowledge of our friends at Watch and Cow DMC, whose ability to rewrite the Swiss travel playbook with off-trail adventures, new perspectives and joyous surprises is unmatched. What follows is a fabulous 8-day inspiration itinerary, which drifts softly through the floral and natural wonders of spring and summer Switzerland for a tour that’s sure to captivate, enchant and delight at every turn.
Lake Geneva bound… and pop to Yvoire in France!
This adventure in nature begins in Geneva, a city bursting with cosmopolitan charm, picturesque beauty and rich culture. Whisked from the airport by private transfer, guests check into the iconic Hotel Beau-Rivage Palace, the “Grand Dame” of Lausanne, whose lush parkland setting on the shores of Lake Geneva combines with impeccable service, incredible food, an exclusive spa and timeless luxury for an idyllic stay - the perfect way to set the scene for the experience to come.
First, let's take a quick border hop to Yvoire on the French shores of Lake Geneva.
Thought of as one of the most beautiful villages in France (which is saying something!), Yvoire's narrow mediaeval streets are festooned with flowers; its 14th-century walls, hidden courtyards, charming boutiques and quaint cafés waiting to be discovered. One of its most enchanting attractions is the Labyrinth Garden of the Five Senses, a botanical wonderland at the heart of the village which transports visitors into a world of sensory delight. Designed to engage all five senses, the eight gardens feature an array of aromatic herbs, fragrant flowers and tactile textures that invite complete immersion. Here, guests meander along pathways fringed with lush greenery, passing bubbling fountains and peaceful ponds, enjoying the lazy hum of bees and the sweet scent of blooms and rediscovering age-old gestures, as touch, smell, sight, sound and taste all become essential tools in the discovery of the bountiful wealth of this place.
Next, back in Geneva, a private guided tour reveals the past tales and heritage of the Old Town, with its Reformation Cathedral (St Peter’s) and Reformation Wall, narrow streets and shaded terraces, each one home to treasures from the city’s heritage. Those with time to spare can also have tours of the stunning Castle Chillon, the Olympic Museum and waterfront. There’s even a chocolate-tasting experience that takes in no less than 7 different chocolatiers, thanks to the brand-new Geneva Choco Pass!
Hotels we recommend in the region:
Vaud Castle Gardens and UNESCO Vineyards
In Vaud, near Morges, the Vullierens Castle Gardens are idyllically located with stunning views of the surrounding vineyards, forests and mountains. Set against the backdrop of a historic castle, the castle gardens have been lovingly cultivated over generations, resulting in a sanctuary of natural beauty and tranquillity spread across acres of manicured landscapes. Here, you’ll find vibrant flower beds, fragrant herb gardens and serene water features. From vibrant roses to delicate orchids, the gardens showcase a diverse collection of plant species, meticulously arranged to create harmonious compositions of colour and form. And the gardens are probably most famous for their renowned irises, with over 500 varieties showcasing a stunning display of hues and patterns. A private, personalised tour here offers your guests the opportunity to experience this spectacular place in a different - and altogether more exclusive - way! A slow exploration aboard a golf cart takes in the sights, sounds and smells in luxurious leisure, while a private guide shares the secrets of the evolution of the gardens, their architecture and their themes. A visit to the enchanted Woodland, a mediaeval tour and a stop at the Castle’s cellars are also on the list.
Wine Region of Lavaux
Wine connoisseurs will be in their element this afternoon as they are taken on to the beautiful, UNESCO-protected wine growing region of Lavaux. On the northern shores of Lake Geneva, Lavaux’s breathtaking terraced vineyards benefit from a unique microclimate and terroir that is ideal for cultivating high-quality grapes with distinct character and flavour profiles, with the Chasselas variety being the key pick. Established by monks in the 11th Century and still meticulously hand-harvested to this day, these coveted wines of limited production are the epitome of exclusivity, reserved solely for enjoyment within the confines of Lavaux - so an in-person visit is not to be missed. And yes, guests will have the time and space to soak up the spectacular scenery, entering Lavaux via the stunning “La Corniche balcony” with its panoramic views over Lake Geneva and its three beautiful villages - Riex, Epesses, and Chexbres - seeming to hang on the slopes, one of them providing a perfect estate stop for your guests.
The Tulips of Morges
Every spring, for around one month into early May, the picturesque town of Morges bursts to life with the happy hues of the Morges Tulip Festival, an annual celebration of floral beauty that draws visitors from far and wide. The festival, held in Parc de l'Indépendance, transforms the space into a sea of colour, with thousands of tulips of various shapes, sizes and shades blanketing the landscape and a wide range of activities - floral workshops, live music and artisanal markets among them - providing something for everyone. Guests visiting at this time can explore the festival with their private guide on hand and, beyond, explore the stunning waterfront promenade, Morges Castle and other local landmarks.
The afternoon takes guests on a gentle and beautiful wildflower hike along the Chemin des Narcisses (Narcissus Trail), starting and ending at Les Avants, a Belle Epoque village that was one of Switzerland’s first ski resorts. In spring, these meadows are a billowing carpet of colourful wildflowers, including the iconic narcissus flowers that give the trail its name - a mesmerising sight of tiny white and yellow blooms and verdant green grass that stretches as far as the eye can see. This stunning scenic trail is suitable for all skill levels, winding its way through lush meadows and alpine forests with views across Lake Geneva and the Alps and opportunities to spot native wildlife such as chamois, ibex and marmots.
Or, if your guests are feeling the need to get their adrenalin pumping, what about something completely different - paragliding! Taking to the skies in a paraglider, guests can soar above the Alps under the expert eye of experienced pilots, enjoying a bird’s-eye view of awe-inspiring peaks, unspoilt lakes and undulating valleys as they ride the thermals on a uniquely thrilling airborne adventure.
The Gastronomy of Gruyères
Next, a gastronomic cheese-tasting experience par excellence! The produce of Gruyères is rightly famous, and a tour of this surprisingly small but irrepressibly gorgeous town reveals not only its cheese-making process and secrets but also its storybook beauty and a few very off-track discoveries - the HR Giger and Tibet museums being amongst our favourites! Here, guests will begin a day of culinary delights, sampling the cheese in various forms (yes, including fondue), as well as a not-to-be-missed local speciality of meringue with double cream. And it doesn’t end there - just 10 minutes away, in the village of Broc, lies the chocolate factory Maison Cailler, whose interactive exhibition explains the history of Swiss chocolate with plenty of production tasting along the way! Those who love to combine sweet treats with train travel might prefer the Kambly Experience, a delicious adventure for all ages that explores the Emmental region by train, visits the Kambly Experience exhibition and even includes a hands-on chocolate-making class.
Konolfingen via Bern
The day concludes with a private transfer to Konolfingen via Bern. In the capital, Bern, any spare time can be spent exploring the city - wandering the cobbled streets of the UNESCO-listed Old Town and visiting its vibrant markets, towering cathedral and/or the majestic Federal Palace. And musicians will love to immerse themselves in Switzerland’s rich musical heritage, learning about the iconic alphorn at Bernatone with a workshop tour that showcases how these beautiful instruments are handcrafted from the spruce wood of the Habkern Valley for the best quality acoustics. Konolfingen is a quaint Swiss village in the Emmental region which, surrounded by rolling hills and verdant meadows, easily charms visitors with its idyllic rural setting and traditional Alpine architecture. Here, guests check into Hünigen Castle, a magnificently luxe 16th-century castle hotel that oozes elegance, from its imposing stone façade, picturesque turrets, and meticulously manicured gardens to its opulent interiors, 49 designer rooms, wellness spa, and renowned restaurant.
Alternative hotels in the Bern region:
To the Top of Europe - the Jungfraujoch and the Eiger Express
After a night settling into this romantic setting, day 6 brings a fabulous full-day excursion to the Jungfraujoch, fondly known as the "Top of Europe," including a journey on the Eiger Express cable car. This iconic adventure begins at Grindelwald, where travellers board the modern Eiger Express cable car and begin an ascent towards the heavens! Travelling up, the breathtaking panorama of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau peaks unfold, with unparalleled views of the Swiss Alps as guests head first to the Eiger Glacier station (Eigergletscher Station). From here, the Jungfrau Railway travels through 7 km of tunnels within the Eiger mountain to reach the Jungfraujoch, a high-altitude wonderland of ice and snow. Here, visitors can explore the famous Ice Palace with its sculptures carved from glacial ice, and marvel at the views from the viewing platforms “Sphinx” and “Plateau”.
The Roses of Rapperswil
A leisurely evening enjoying the splendid surroundings and gastronomic pleasures of Hünigen Castle leaves guests refreshed and ready to move on to their final stop in Zürich - with an exploration of beautiful Rapperswil on the way! On the shores of Lake Zurich, Rapperswil is known as the "Rose Town" (Rosenstadt), its rich tradition of rose cultivation dating back centuries and its streets, parks and gardens adorned with stunning scented blooms. A whopping 24,000 specimens grow across the town between May and October, and a guided walk (the “Rosy Prospects” walk) is the perfect way to discover them! The tour takes in the town’s four rose gardens, including the fragrant central garden where more than 1,500 special roses, across 75 varieties, bloom - giving off their unusual but beautiful scents of honey, pears and lime.
On to Zürich, where any extra time available can be easily filled in this vibrant and exciting city Sports fans will love the FIFA Museum, where the history of the beautiful game is laid out alongside iconic memorabilia from some of the world’s greatest players. And chocolate lovers should make time for the eTukTuk Chocolate Tour, a unique way to explore the city and indulge those sweet teeth at the same time! Travelling from stop to stop, visitors experience some of the best chocolate around, learn about the history of Swiss chocolate making and discover the secrets of some of Switzerland’s best-known brands.
The night is spent at the legendary Dolder Grand Hotel in Zürich. Perched majestically atop the Zurichberg hill, work by renowned architects Foster and Partners has transformed the Dolder Grand into the ultimate in luxury hotels, its unique blend of old world grandeur and modern comfort providing a haven of comfort and refinement. And, as if its sumptuous rooms, award-winning restaurants, breathtaking views and an array of world-class facilities weren’t enough, it’s also perfectly placed just minutes from Zurich's vibrant city centre.
So, although this particular itinerary ends the following day with a private transfer to the airport, those guests who wish to stay on? The rest of Switzerland is their oyster - and Watch and Cow are on hand to help extend their adventure however they wish!
Alternative hotels in the Zürich region:
We hope you love the look of this example itinerary in Switzerland focussing on flowers and nature. If you’d like to know more and to have an intro to Watch & Cow, let us know and we’ll be delighted to put you in touch.
For access to Watch & Cow's example itineraries click HERE for these plus images and other helpful resources Connect with Watch & Cow on SquirrelFish - let us know if you need a free account.
We hope this information is of interest and helpful. Please get in touch if we can do more.
