SWITZERLAND’S MOST ICONIC VILLAGES, SHOPS, AND SLOPES
Switzerland is a go-to destination for most ski aficionados, but also known for its iconic havens of luxury goods and watches in Zurich and Geneva. For the ultimate luxury pairing, travelers can embark on Scott Dunn’s The Watchmaker’s Switzerland itinerary before heading on the Ski Switzerland by Glacial Express Train itinerary. Touching down in Zurich, travelers will follow their private guides into the watch district, Bahnhofstrasse, immersing in the world’s most prestigious brands such as Rolex, Omega and Chopard before learning the art of watchmaking at the Patek Philippe Atelier from a master craftsman. Zurich is followed by a private chocolate and watch pairing session on Lake Lucerne, savoring the finest Swiss chocolates while overlooking the Alps. Starting on the ski portion of the trip, guests will be whisked away to Zermatt as their first stop on an epic train adventure, The Glacier Express. The notoriously car-free mountain village is one of the most sought-after resorts in the world, dominated by the iconic Matterhorn. Four days later, a swift three-hour train ride will bring travelers to Andermatt, where expert skiers can embark on runs where the Swiss Army trains. Finally, guests will take a scenic route overlooking the mountains before spending their last three nights in Switzerland’s largest interconnected region, St. Moritz – home to the most glamorous ski resorts in the world. Ski veterans and beginners alike can traverse the legendary Cresta Run, or even play polo on the frozen lake and enjoy a host of other exceptional snow sports such as golf and cricket.
NORTHERN ITALY PAIRS ADVENTURE WITH CHARMING CULTURAL EXCURSIONS
Northern Italy is ideal for both the thrill-seeking adventure skiers and the cultural connoisseurs. Scott Dunn travel specialists can have the whole family skiing in the Dolomites then getting lost in Venice, dining in Verona, and exploring the majestic shores of Lake Garda and Lake Como. Pairing this Active Dolomites Ski Safari itinerary with the Family Vacation to Venice & the Italian Lakes itinerary caters to everyone’s wishes. Starting with a grand tour of the Dolomites, Scott Dunn travelers have access to the carousel of 12-inter-connected ski resorts with their Dolomiti Superskipass, allowing for 745 miles of prepared pistes. Local English-speaking ski guides will lead the way in hut-to-hut skiing visiting the family-run mountain rifugios and on or off-piste skiing through the UNESCO World Heritage Dolomites. After an active seven days in the mountains, travelers can settle down in Venice, staying on the Grand Canal and exploring the labyrinthine waterways by gondola and hidden treasures of Doge Palace during an ethereal evening tour. Then needing to refuel from a ski-filled adventure, the city of culinary delights, Verona, awaits. Embark on culinary walking tours introducing the epicurean treats and rich flavors of Verona before a serene sojourn in Lake Garda, taking a moment to relish the natural beauty of the villages and vistas. Rounding out this Northern Italian journey at Lake Como, the crown jewel of the Italian lakes, Scott Dunn can arrange for a private lakeside villa cooking experience for guests to learn the finest techniques of Italian gastronomy.