Luxury Self Drive & Fly Switzerland - Private Flights and Ferraris!
Travel in style from Lugano to St. Moritz on this luxury self-drive and fly adventure through the Swiss Alps. This 8-day trip by Watch and Cow is packed full of incredible mountain scenery, charming villages, and world-class gastronomic experiences and is for travellers who appreciate their independence but still want to travel in style. In this itinerary, guests will travel by private plane, self-drive a classic car of their choice such as a convertible Ferrari and stay in charming and elegant hotels.
Lausanne
For 5-star lakeside luxury, stay at the Beau-Rivage Palace Hotel.
Lausanne sits on the French-speaking side of Lake Geneva (known as Lac Léman in these parts). It’s a 1-hour drive from Geneva, making this the easiest airport to arrive at. Lausanne is charming, with a colourful old town and a beautiful setting. There’s plenty to explore here, from the cathedral to numerous museums. There are vineyards nearby too, which make for a wonderful day trip.
Stay here for one night before boarding your private flight to Lugano.
Lugano
Stay at the grand Villa Castagnola for a taste of true Italian style.
Lugano is known for its art and architecture - we recommend a visit to the MASI, which exhibits work by Renoir, Klee and Degas, as well as other iconic artists. Take the funicular to the top of Monte San Salvatore or Monte Bre, soaking in incredible views of the city, lake and surrounding mountains. From Monte Bre, a footpath winds down to a traditional Ticino village which is worth exploring.
As soon as you arrive in Lugano, your Ferrari Portofino convertible (or other car of your choice) will be waiting for you, ready to take the beautiful roads through Ticino and Graubünden. After checking in at your hotel, begin exploring the highlights of Lugano.
Soglio
Stay at the historic Palazzo Salis, a 15th-century residence that’s been transformed into a refined hotel.
To reach Soglio, it’s a spectacular drive that crosses the Alps via the legendary San Bernardino pass (2,065m), a winding route that’s often used by classic car rallies. You’ll also cross the Splügen pass (2,114m) on the Italian-Swiss border. This route was frequently used by the Romans but later fell into disrepair, becoming known as Via Mala or “wrong path”. Extensive refurbishment means it’s now very much usable, and you can expect exhilarating hairpin bends and fantastic views.
After descending from the mountains, you’ll reach the charming Swiss village of Soglio, all cobbled streets and fairytale Alpine scenery.
S-Chanf
Stay at the boutique Villa Flor, an intimate and comfortable hotel.
Depart for the village of S-Chanf in the morning, making stops along the way in Stampa and St. Moritz.
In Stampa, follow in the footsteps of artist Alberto Giacometti. There’s even an app that showcases several education paths to follow as you learn more about his life and work. You’ll also meet with a guide here to explore the Ciäsa Granda Ethnographic Museum, taking in displays of the people and nature of the valley surrounding Stampa.
Hop back in your Ferrari and drive across the scenic Maloja pass to reach St. Moritz. Attracting royalty and celebrities for years, St. Moritz is a hub for Alpine tourism and has all the glittering lakes, designer boutiques, and miles of hiking trails you’d expect.
Visit the Segantini Museum, celebrating the works of the namesake Italian artist, whose work was heavily inspired by the Alpine scenery around St. Moritz.
Reach the village of S-Chanf, a hidden gem, and check into your charming hotel. Stay here for 3 nights.
Hiking in the Swiss National Park
Head into the nearby Swiss National Park, accompanied by Ladina, the owner of your hotel. Cross lush Alpine meadows, experiencing the flora and fauna of the Upper Engadine region. The park is home to deer, marmots, ibex and chamois, and you’ll see a mix of trees from pine to larch and spruce. Hike for approx. 4 hours, with an optional stop in Zuoz, one of the region’s most beautiful villages.
Explore the villages of the Lower Engadine
Begin with a visit to Susch, home to a medieval monastery and brewery, which has been transformed into a unique experimental art museum. You’ll also visit Guarda, known for its beautifully painted houses that date back to the early 17th Century.
A stop in Tarasp is a must for the impressive Grisons Castle, perched on its hilltop with a backdrop of snow-capped Alpine peaks. The castle dates back to the 11th Century and, although besieged multiple times, it was never taken. It was renovated in the early 1900s and is now open to the public.
For typical Egadine piazzas and ornately painted houses, stop in Scuol. A local guide will show you around, sharing stories from the village’s history. Your final stop will be the village of Sent, which occupies a glorious spot overlooking the valley, with far-reaching views across farmland, meadows and forests. Visit the Pensiun Aldier, a hotel with a surprising collection of over 200 works by artist Alberto Giacometti. After a day of exploration, return to Villa Flor in S-Chanf for an evening at leisure.
Sils
For comfortable resort-style accommodation with extensive facilities, look no further than the highly-acclaimed Hotel Waldhaus Sils.
Today is an exciting journey, bringing you from S-Chanf to Sils, via the glaciers and eastern Alps of Diavolezza. Hike right alongside the dramatic icy landscapes of the Pers and Bernina glaciers and watch as they tumble down towards the valley below.
Continue to Sils and check in. Here, we recommend a visit to the fascinating Nietzsche Museum, previously the house where the famous philosopher spent several summers. The exhibition walks visitors through Nietzsche’s life, work and research.
Lausanne
This morning, you’ll check out and prepare for the journey home. First, we recommend a hike in the village of Heidi, enjoying special views of the Upper Engadine and its many lakes. Stop for lunch in the famous restaurant in Plaun a Lei, before continuing to Samedan airport for your private flight back to Lausanne.
We hope you found this itinerary idea of interest. If you’re looking for alternative luxurious itineraries through Switzerland, Watch and Cow can arrange fully customised private tours to cater to all levels of luxury and the different interests of your clients. Connect on SquirrelFish for access to images, example itineraries and other resources. If you’d like to arrange a call, get in touch and we’ll get things set up.