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Your Adventure Awaits
The Watchmakers Legacy Trail
We take a step into the incredible "timepiece trail" uncovering Switzerland's watchmaking heritage. Go behind the scenes to some of the most iconic and luxurious manufacturers, while indulging in the opulence of fine wines and exceptional gastronomy.
Arts & Design
Alcohol & Gastronomy
Fashion & Lifestyle
History & Culture
Price On Request
When To Go?
Highlights
Accommodations
Stay in some of the finest luxury and design hotels Switzerland has to offer and on this trailblazing watchmaker trail journey, a highlight stay will be the unique Hotel des Horlogers by Audemar Piguet, designed in an architecture inspired by watchmaking legacies
Experiences
Fine gastronomy including essential Michelin degustation haute cuisine, spectacular wineries in astounding settings, beautiful medieval towns and visits to workshops of brands including the likes of Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet, Rolex, Girard-Perregaux and more, and a dinner finale with a watchmaker.
Musee Audemars Piguet
Jaeger-Le Coultre Manufacture
Taste the exquisite cuisine of 3-Michelin Stars Chef Franck Giovannini at Restaurant de l'Hôtel de Ville
Musee Audemars Piguet
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Itinerary
DAY 1: Arrive Geneva
DAY 1
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We begin our exploration of Geneva with the charming Old Town, dotted with winding streets and an array of architectural styles – the earliest dating back to Roman times. Visit the Pierre Cathedral, an icon of Geneva and seat of the Protestant Reformation in Switzerland. Thereafter, continue to the bohemian atmosphere of the Carouge district, with a plethora of artisanal shops, restaurants and cafes. Later, we stop at the Palais des Nations - home to the office of the United Nations and one of the largest diplomatic conference centers globally.
Our abode in Geneva is The Woodward, on the shores of Lake Geneva. Originally built in 1901 by French architect François Durel, in a post-Haussmann style, the hotel is located on Quai Wilson and is currently being completely transformed and carefully reimagined by world-renowned architect Pierre-Yves Rochon creating Geneva’s first all-suite hotel. This evening, be invited to a sensory dining at the 2 Michelin-starred L’Atelier Robuchon, helmed by Chef Oliver Jean.
DAY 2: Geneva (Fervor of the French Lake Geneva)
DAY 2
A scintillating day as we experience the fervor of Lake Geneva – the largest lake in Central Europe, on the French side bordering Switzerland. A comfortable and scenic drive on the banks of the lake start our day at the beautiful medieval village of Yvoire.
Built in the 14th Century by Amadeus V, Count of Savoy, Yvoire played an important military role and was heavily fortified during the war between the Savoys and Dauphines. Embark on a tour exploring its beautiful narrow cobbled streets, charming squares, admiring the stunning Port des Pecheurs as well as the
Chateau de Yvoire, flanked by 4 turrets. Overlooking from the castle, we will marvel at the Jardin des Cinq Sens, also known as the “Garden of Five Senses”, the castle’s former vegetable garden, designed to appeal to each of the five senses.
Later, continue to the Domaine de Rovoree – La Chataigniere, an estate park spanning over 24 hectares along Lake Geneva, dotted with sequoia and chestnut trees where we really get alluring views of Yvoire. A short drive along the banks then takes us to the Chateau de Ripaille in the town of Thonon-les-Bains. Built at the end of the 13th Century, it served as a retreat for the First Duke of Savoy, Amadeus VIII. Get an interactive understanding of amazing exhibits, the stunning interiors as well as the castle’s winemaking heritage, of which the outstanding Ripaille Chasselas white wine has been produced since 1892.
OPTIONAL:
Our final stop for the day will be another short drive to the spa town of Evian-les-Bains. On an insightful walk through the town, we will learn about Evian’s rise to fame and fortune, thanks to the medicinal properties of Evian water. We will be greeted by its belle epoque atmosphere and the stunning architecture of its buildings. Our walk will take us through to the former Thermal Baths, the Casino d’Evian, Villa Lumiere Town Hall, the Cachat Springs.
From here, we return to Geneva.
DAY 3: Geneva / Nyon / Valle de Joux
DAY 3
We leave Geneva today with a short drive to the striking CERN – the European Organization for Nuclear Research founded in 1954, one of the world’s largest and most prestigious scientific laboratories dedicated to particle physics research and the
study of the laws of the universe. On a guided tour, discover CERN’s first accelerator, the synchrocyclotron as well as immersive multimedia exhibits, hands-on lab workshops and more.
Thereafter, a scenic drive past the vineyard-laden banks of Lake Geneva arrives us in the former Roman town of Nyon. At our attention is the impressive Chateau de Prangins, built in the 18th Century by Swiss banker, Louis Guiger, now home to the Swiss National Museum. We will enjoy the chance to witness an incredible assortment of exhibits on Swiss history as well as the largest historical vegetable garden in Switzerland.
Our journey then continues north, past the beautiful Jura Vaudois Nature Park and into the domains of the Valle de Joux. What we are about to witness is the striking architecture of the Musee Atelier Audemars Piguet, designed in a spiral-shaped
pavilion, reminiscent of the spring in a timepiece movement, entirely supported by curved glass walls. The contemporary spiral flanks the original workshop where the Audemars Piguet story began in 1875. On an immersive tour, we have the opportunity to delve into the history of watchmaking in the Vallee de Joux and explore how the brand’s timepieces are crafted.
Moments away, we will arrive to check in at the unique Hotel des Horlogers, commissioned by Audemars Piguet. Completed renovated in 2022, the 50 rooms and suites overlook the Risoud Forest, designed in an architecture inspired by watchmaking.
DAY 4: Vallee de Joux (Legacies of the Watchmakers)
DAY 4
Make a stop at the Romainmotier Abbey, built between 990 and 1030, according to the plans of the church of Cluny – one of the oldest Romanesque buildings in Switzerland with stunning frescoes dating back to the 14th Century.
Worth a visit as well is the Vacherin Mont-d’Or Museum, showcasing the historical legacy of cheese in the Vallee de Joux. We will learn about Vacherin Mont-d’Or originated in the Joux Valley in the early 19th century. Traditionally produced in the winter months only, it was then sold in Les Charbonnières, a village by Lake Brenet, opposite the Dent de Vaulion. The museum and the “Caves du Pèlerin”, where traditional old ageing techniques are used, guide you from the cellar to the table!
DAY 5: Vallee de Joux / Lausanne
DAY 5
This morning, we depart from Hotel des Horlogers, heading southwards, making a brief photo-stop at the impressive 15th Century Chateau de Vufflens, a prime example of fortified Romandy castles from the Middle Ages, surrounded by vineyards. The pleasant drive then continues along the banks of Lake Geneva once again as we make a dedicated visit to the Rolex Learning center, functioning as a laboratory for learning,
a library and an international cultural hub. On a guided tour, discover the story behind its innovative architecture by renowned Japanese architecture firm SANAA.
Not far away, we will arrive into Lausanne, fourth-largest city in Switzerland to discover its rich heritage, extending back to medieval times. Our walking tour commence as you stroll between landmarks including the Palais de Rumine and Château Saint-Maire and go off the beaten track to gain intimate insight into the city’s history and culture. Consider a visit to the Olympic Museum (OPTIONAL), with the chance to learn about the history of the Games.
Finally, we retreat to the Hotel Royal Savoy, blending modern twist, old-world charm with contemporary elegance on the tranquil shores of Lake Geneva.
DAY 6: Lausanne (The Vineyards of Lavaux)
DAY 6
A day of epic proportions as we travel into the domains of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Vineyards of Lavaux where at over 800 hectares, form Switzerland’s largest contiguous vineyard area with endless terraces set high on the banks of Lake
Geneva. On our dedicated tour today, we uncover some of most exceptional wine estates, learning about its terroir, tasting and appreciating the spectacular landscapes and scenery from vineyard to vineyard. Some of the estates we will visit include the likes of Maison Massy – dating back to the late 19th Century, Domaine Louis Bovard in the village of Cully, run by the legendary Louis-Philippe Bovard, a leading visionary honored in Gault Millau as an icon of Swiss wine.
This evening, an epicurean journey awaits you in the form of a degustation dinner at the 3 Michelin stars Restaurant de I’Hotel de Ville, sampling the spectacular techniques of Chef Franck Giovannini.
DAY 7: Lausanne / Murten / Biel & Bienne / Neuchatel
DAY 7
After 2 days in Lausanne, we depart north towards Lake Neuchatel – the largest lake located entirely within Switzerland and our first stop for the day manifests in a visit to the Savoyard Chateau de Chenaux, dating back to the 13th Century. Humbert the Bastard bought the castle in 1432 and transformed it into a fortress. After his death, the castle was acquired by Jacques d’Estavayer, who also took over as ruler. In 1475, after Estavayer had been taken by the forces of the Swiss Confederation, Fribourg occupied the castle, which it still owns to this day.
Thereafter, a short drive takes us to the medieval town of Murten, situated on its own small lake. We will immediately explore the incredible rampart walls, built in several stages and from a variety of materials such as gravel, tuff and sandstone. Climb the town walls to witness the astonishing views of the medieval rooftops while taking strolls through its old town center completed with charming cobbled streets, vaulted arcades.
Not far away, we drive on to Biel/Bienne where we visit the Rolex Manufacture Bienne. Completed in 2012, the production building was designed by Gebert Architekten and Strässler + Storck in Bienne and Caretta + Weidman in Zurich. It is here in Bienne, that every Manufacture Rolex Calibre is made from start to finish and we have the privilege of understanding the process and behind the scenes.
Finally, we will return back to Lake Neuchatel where we arrive at the Beau Rivage Neuchatel, with its unmistakable belle epoque architecture, elegant rooms, located on the serenity of the lake.
DAY 8: Neuchatel (Excursion to La Chaux de Fonds & Le Locle)
DAY 8
Today, we will continue on the Watchmaker trails to UNESCO World Heritage-listed La Chaux de Fonds and Le Locle, twin watch-manufacturing towns that constitute an exceptional example of organic urban ensembles entirely dedicated to a single industry. We visit the Girard-Perregaux Manufacture, one of the rare watchmakers to retain manufacture status for over 2 centuries by mastering all the required horological skills in-house. On a privileged visit, we will learn about the entire
production process including the final assembly.
Nearby, we will visit the Greubel Forsey Manufacture, highlighted by its restored 17th Century timepiece farmhouse and the adjoining state-of-the-art Atelier, a perfect example of duality, a commitment to heritage and ground-breaking innovation. On this privileged visit, we will learn about traditional craftsmanship with modern haute horlogerie of the brand and the entire process of production.
Not to be missed later is a visit to the Musee d’Horlogerie du Locle where the secrets of time are revealed in a magical place, the 18th Century Chateau des Monts, showcasing an extensive collection of 500 years of watchmaking, including magnificent pendulum clocks and numerous masterpieces of the watchmaker’s art.
Remarks:
A visit to Zenith Manufacture may be arranged where you have the exemplary opportunity to learn about the past, present and future of the El Primero calibre, with rare watches from the archives on display. Returning back to your hotel, we will end the journey with a private dinner with a revered watchmaker, for an intimate and captivating dialogue into the world of haute horlogerie.
DAY 9: Neuchatel / Departure Geneva
Following breakfast, our journey comes to an end as we transfer to Geneva Airport for your onward journey home or continue your journey in Switzerland and beyond.
Featured Hotels
Beau Rivage Palace, Lausanne
It may be in Ouchy, but there’s nothing painful about this lakeside Lausanne palace – least of all the two-Michelin-starred Anne-Sophie Pic establishment, where the food is (almost) too pretty to eat, the elaborate Cinq Mondes spa or the high-ceilinged, elegant rooms with views of the lake, gardens or harbour. Then there’s the sublime sushi and sashimi restaurant, lake-facing terrace and Belle Époque paddle-steamer waiting to take you out on a fancy dinner cruise departing from nearby pier.
The Woodward, Geneva
Overlooking those famous blue waters of Lake Geneva, the all-suite Woodward hotel occupies a post-Haussmann style building crafted in 1901 by architect François Durel. Step inside and you’ll discover an incredible transformation by architect Pierre-Yves Rochon, where the belle époque façade gives way to a an elegant, art-filled interior. The fine dining at L’Atelier Robuchon and Le Jardinier really shouldn’t be missed, and neither should a visit to the two-floor Guerlain Spa.
Privileges
Complimentary Breakfast
Room Upgrade*
Early check in/late check out subject to availability*
Privileges
Complimentary Breakfast
Room Upgrade*
Hotel credit to spend
Early check in/late check out subject to availability*
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