Swiss Olympic Glories and Alpine Adventure in Switzerland with Watch and Cow
Do you have clients who want to embrace Switzerland's Olympic and sporty spirit? Our friends at Watch & Cow DMC for Switzerland have a couple of perfectly themed "Swiss Olympic & Cultural Trips." that they may enjoy.
Watch & Cow, Swiss DMC, has put together two brilliant Olympic-themed 5-day tours of Switzerland. Your guests have got longer? Combine them for an all-over Switzerland Sportif fix.
Packed with unique experiences, alpine thrills and cultural exploration, these example trips weave their way through Switzerland’s own impeccable sporting heritage, moving from cityscapes to mountain landscapes and interspersed with tranquil spa R&R and intrepid adventures on bike, horseback, hot air balloon and more!
So, for an ideal Olympic-themed trip to Switzerland that seamlessly blends the electrifying atmosphere of the competition with an awe-inspiring expedition through breathtaking Switzerland, read on!
Tour 1 - Adventures around the Olympic Capital - Geneva
Tour 1 begins in Geneva, a mere 50 minutes by air from Paris - or, for those who prefer the scenic, more sustainable route, a 3 hour 30 train ride that passes charming French villages and vineyards before the border, and snow-capped peaks, serene lakes and verdant valleys after.
Day 1 - Rest, Relaxation and Fine Wines
Upon arrival, a private transfer whisks your guests to their blissful accommodation, Le Mirador Resort and Spa in Vevey. On the tranquil shores of Lake Geneva, Le Mirador is a luxurious retreat with panoramic views and opulent accommodations - one of those places where you instantly sink into sheer bliss.
After winding down, a guided wine tour takes in the UNESCO World Heritage vineyards of Lavaux with their meticulously maintained terraces (dating back to the 11th century), charming villages, and historic wine cellars. Here, your clients can truly kickback, sampling the region’s exquisite wines before indulging in a sumptuous wine-themed spa treatment - think hot baths among the vines and massages using vine products - then it’s back for a fabulously chilled evening of gourmet food and cosseted luxury at Le Mirador.
Day 2 - Olympian Exploration and Movie Genius - Charlie Chaplin
Sports and culture are the themes of day 2, as guests head to Lausanne to embark first on the “Olympic Walk”.
Lausanne is where the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has its home. Today's scenic route connects the various key locations associated with the movement, from the Olympic Museum (a fascinating showcase of the history and values of the Games) to the Olympic Park and the IOC headquarters itself.
Culture and architecture lovers alike will adore Lausanne Cathedral. Renowned as one of Europe’s most beautiful Gothic art monuments, this 13th-century mediaeval masterpiece sits at the heart of the old city, its stunning architecture, intricate sculptures and rose windows captivating hundreds of thousands of visitors every year.
En route back to Vevey, Chaplin’s World is a must-see, housed in the legendary Manoir de Ban where Charlie Chaplin lived with his family for over 25 years. This incredible homage to the iconic movie legend sits in the picturesque Corsier-sur-Vevey estate and offers a fascinating glimpse into Chaplin's life and work through multimedia exhibits, recreated film sets, original costumes and the actor's private quarters - all of which combine to make it an unmissable destination for fans of cinematic history.
Time to spare in Vevey?
History buffs should head straight to picture-perfect Chateau Chillon for a guided tour (complete with period personas and dress) that uncovers the varied mysteries of this Vaudois castle, with its hidden passages, Gothic vaulted ceilings and infamous prison.
Similarly, fans of modern architecture can’t fail to be enchanted by the Villa “Le Lac”, a real-life laboratory of Le Corbusier’s most personal and inventive ideas and the architectural manifesto for his famous “white houses”.
Day 3 - Glacial Adventure
Relaxed, refreshed and up to speed on the sporting and historic culture of the Lausanne region, it’s time for some mountain adrenalin! Day 3 won’t disappoint, as guests head to Les Diablerets, home to adventure sports haven Glacier 3000, where summer visitors can enjoy cross-country glacier skiing, hiking and biking tours and more.
Between G’staad and Lake Geneva, this beautiful mountain village offers breathtaking panoramic views, especially from the viewing platform at Botta mountain station (3,000 metres) - trek enthusiasts can also take a scenic walk across the glacial plateau to Quille du Diable.
And thrill seekers? They should buckle up for the Alpine Coaster, Europe’s highest mountain rollercoaster, which takes riders on an exhilarating 1km-long toboggan run complete with 520° circles, curves, waves, jumps and speeds of up to 40 km/hour!
Days 4 & 5 - Balloons and Battlements
Weather permitting, day 4 begins in unforgettable style with a hot air balloon ride above the Château-d'Oex valley. Here, amidst the incredible beauty of the Alpine peaks, the ascent sees the serenity of the Swiss countryside unfurling beneath, the lush greenery of the Château-d'Oex valley framed by the majesty of the surrounding mountains. As peaks like the Dent de Broc and the Diablerets reveal their wonder, the valley's patchwork of meadows and charming villages forms a picturesque panorama that offers guests a unique perspective of the Alpine landscape in all its pristine glory.
How do you follow that? You head to spectacular Gruyères. An exploration of Gruyères Castle, a mediaeval marvel perched high in the Swiss mountains in the heart of Switzerland, transports your guests back in time to the 13th century. Here, they can wander the Knights' Hall, with its intricate heraldic frescoes and imposing weaponry, the cobbled courtyard and the stone staircases, every one whispering tales of the castle’s chivalric past. And don’t leave without climbing to the top of the turrets, where the site’s piece de résistance is fully revealed - a commanding view of the surrounding countryside that’s as stunning as it was strategic.
From here?
The choice is your guests’ - they may be homebound or seeking more time immersed in the beauty of Switzerland, in which case….
Tour 2 - A Winter Olympic Legacy Unveiled
From Zurich (just 1 hour 20 by air from Paris), a luxury private transfer sees your guests head down to explore stunning St Moritz, home to the Winter Olympics Games in 1928 and 1948.
Day 1 - Introducing St Moritz
In the heart of the Swiss Alps, St Moritz is one of the jewels of the Engadin Valley, a pristine Alpine wonderland that captivates with its breathtaking beauty and cultural richness. Stretching through the canton of Graubünden, the valley is graced by shimmering lakes (including the iconic Lake St Moritz), surrounded by snow-capped peaks and verdant meadows and peppered with cultural treasures, from its classic Swiss architecture to its festivals, arts and traditions. And, while winter transforms it into a skiing and snowboarding mecca, in summer, the valley comes alive with lush greenery and vibrant wildflowers, making it a paradise for hikers, bikers and water sports enthusiasts.
Arriving in St Moritz, weary souls will rejoice as they head immediately into the peerless comfort of the historic Kulm Hotel & Spa, where sensational views take in Lake St Moritz and its beautiful valley surroundings. With opulent rooms, Michelin-starred dining and a scenic Golf course, the hotel exudes an old-world charm that’s impeccably complemented by modern amenities, from an indulgent spa to the outdoor pool (heated, of course!).
Day 2 - E-Bike Exploration
After a day’s R&R, it’s time to see the scenery - and what better way than by e-bike? Accompanied by Watch & Cow’s friendly and experienced guides, guests can unleash their inner biker with an invigorating mountain adventure. Without a doubt, e-biking is one of the best ways for your clients to discover the diverse landscapes of the Engadin - mixing challenging climbs with fabulous panoramas as they explore off-road trails and beautiful villages at their leisure. And later, happy endorphins released, it’s back to the sumptuous luxury of the Kulm Hotel for a night of guilt-free indulgence!
Day 3 - An Olympic Heritage of Healing
Day 3 sees your guests dial down the physical effort and dive deep into St Moritz’s Olympic past. Following a relatively peaceful Games in 1928, the fascinating story of the 1948 Games, held as the world began to recover from the ravages of World War II, shows how sport can symbolise hope, resilience and togetherness.
With a knowledgeable private guide to hand, the tale of how the town welcomed the Winter Sports elite in times of global upheaval is truly captivating and also demonstrates how this once-sleepy place became firmly established as a premier destination for winter sports enthusiasts.
Afterwards, how about a culinary tour? Watch & Cow’’s guided experience takes guests on a gastronomic exploration of the best of Graubünden cuisine, from its hearty soups and tarts to cured meats, breads and sweet treats. From the fare of cosy, chalet-style eateries to avant-garde dishes of upscale restaurants, this is an unbeatably delicious way to discover the region’s unique specialities.
Day 4 - Take to the trails - and the skies!
Equestrians will delight in the morning of day 4, as they set off for a horseback trail adventure that takes them through the gorgeous Engadin countryside. This guided morning ride heads deep into the country’s only national park, which, spanning 170 square km, is a pristine Alpine sanctuary of diverse ecosystems, native wildlife and untouched beauty - a sanctuary for nature enthusiasts and conservationists alike.
But the afternoon is one for the adrenalin junkies! Taking to the skies in a paraglider, guests 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 unique and utterly thrilling cross-country adventure.
Day 5 - On to Cortina?
Where now, your guests may ask - and the truth is that the region is their oyster! Clients with more time on their hands could head back to explore the historic streets of Zurich, or they could continue their Olympic-themed travels by dropping into Italy and hitting Cortina d'Ampezzo, co-hosts of the 2026 Winter Olympics, for a taste of Games to come. In the scenic valley of the Ampezzo and among the jagged, vertical peaks of the Dolomites, Cortina’s natural beauty and cultural heritage are matched by the quality of its slopes, so it’s little wonder that this will be the second time the Winter Olympics have come to town, the first being in 1956.
In Cortina, an Olympic tour showcases the what and where of the forthcoming Games, with the opportunity to see how preparations are going. But of course, no visit here would be complete without a fuller exploration of this unbelievable landscape. With a wide variety of challenge levels available, experienced hikers can tick a via ferrata off their bucket list, navigating from one rock to another equipped with harness and helmet and traversing zip lines, ladders and lofty bridges.
Trekkers in search of something a little less exhilarating will love a guided expedition through the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Dolomites, with routes that take in the Fanes waterfalls and/or the magical natural Tofana di Rozes caves as well as incredible scenic meadows and peaks.
Or how about a husky dog hike? This unique trekking experience is a memorable mix of calm, nature and beautiful dogs, and can be undertaken by guests of all ages, fitness levels and abilities.
For the most relaxing evenings, Watch & Cow recommend either the historic Grand Hotel Savoia, with its timeless elegance and alpine charm, or the prestigious Miramonti Majestic Grand, the ideal blend of contemporary sophistication and mountain allure.
Sounds great - what next?
We hope we’ve offered up plenty of thought-provoking inspiration for how Watch & Cow can create the perfect tour for clients looking for an Olympic-themed trip with the serenity of Switzerland's alpine wonders.
And of course, Watch & Cow have plenty of other unique experiences and accommodations at their fingertips to ensure the tour of a lifetime, whatever the requirements. Watch & Cow are on hand with their peerless Swiss expertise to help tailor the perfect bespoke Olympic adventure!
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.
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