ITINERARY

DAY 1 | FRIDAY 21 AUGUST 2026

1ST OF 5 NIGHTS AT RADISSON BLU HOTEL, LUCERNE

OPTIONAL TRANSFER FROM ZÜRICH HAUPTBAHNHOF TO LUCERNE, ARRIVE LUCERNE (D):

There is an optional coach transfer from Zürich Hauptbahnhof at 2:00pm to Lucerne, or guests can arrive independently in Lucerne.

We arrive and check in at the stylish 4-star Radisson Blu, Lucerne, conveniently located next to the Lucerne Culture and Congress Centre, which houses the Konzertsaal KKL where the majority of our festival performances will take place. Hotel check-in is at 3:00pm, and we recommend arriving at this time if guests are not using the optional coach transfer from Zurich.

In the early evening we meet our Tour Leader, Guy Noble, who will introduce the tour. We then enjoy a delicious gourmet meal to welcome us to the start of our tour together.

DAY 2 | SATURDAY 22 AUGUST 2026

2ND OF 5 NIGHTS AT RADISSON BLU HOTEL, LUCERNE

WALKING TOUR OF LUCERNE & LUCERNE FESTIVAL PERFORMANCE (B):

This morning, we enjoy the first of our talks on the music we will hear this evening, from our Tour Leader, Guy Noble.

Following this morning’s talk, we set off on a delightful walking tour of Lucerne. Our tour, with an expert local guide, will take in the famous Kapellbrücke, the Jesuit Church, one of the first Baroque churches built in Switzerland, the winding streets of the Old Town, and the legendary Löwendenkmal, the monument of a dying lion carved into a steep stone rock face above a pool of blue water.

This evening we attend our first performance at the Lucerne Festival. The Lucerne Festival has been bringing together the world’s classical stars for over 85 years, since it began under the direction of Arturo Toscanini in August 1938. Every summer, the greatest conductors and orchestras head for Switzerland and the shores of the Lake of the Four Cantons, to the delight of symphonic music lovers.

DAY 3 | SUNDAY 23 AUGUST 2026

3RD OF 5 NIGHTS AT RADISSON BLU HOTEL, LUCERNE

SAMMLUNG ROSENGART GUIDED TOUR & LUCERNE FESTIVAL PERFORMANCES (B):

This morning, following our talk on the music we will hear today, we enjoy a mid-morning concert at the Lucerne Festival.

This afternoon, we set out for the nearby Sammlung Museum for a guided tour of the impressive Rosengart Collection. The Rosengart Collection brings together over 300 Modernist and Impressionist works of art, including an impressive array of paintings and sketches by Pablo Picasso, Paul Klee and many other artists. Our tour will take in the highlights of the collection, with time allowed afterwards to continue exploring.

This evening, we enjoy an evening concert at the Lucerne Festival.

DAY 4 | MONDAY 24 AUGUST 2026

4TH OF 5 NIGHTS AT RADISSON BLU HOTEL, LUCERNE

LAKE LUCERNE LUNCH CRUISE & LUCERNE FESTIVAL PERFORMANCE (B, L):

This morning, we attend a talk by our Tour Leader, Guy Noble, about this evening’s performance.

We then set out on a private cruise of beautiful Lake Lucerne. One of the many wonderful things to do in Lucerne is to head out on to the sparkling clear water of Lake Lucerne, to enjoy the spectacular views of the surrounding mountain ranges with a glass of cold Swiss Riesling in hand. Lunch will be served on board our private boat during the cruise.

Following our lake trip, you might like to rest at the hotel, or pick up a drink at one of the many relaxed establishments overlooking the Reuss River.

This evening, we attend another performance at the Lucerne Festival.

DAY 5 | TUESDAY 25 AUGUST 2026

5TH OF 5 NIGHTS AT RADISSON BLU HOTEL, LUCERNE

GUIDED TOUR OF RICHARD WAGNER HOUSE & MUSEUM & LUCERNE FESTIVAL PERFORMANCE (B, L):

This morning, we depart for the nearby Richard Wagner House & Museum in nearby Tribschen, the residence and workplace of Richard Wagner for six years, 1866 to 1872. In the villa, now a museum, there are letters, photographs, paintings and musical scores which give evidence of the time Wagner spent here. A highlight of the collection is the Erard grand piano on which Wagner completed many of his works, including Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg, Siegfried and Götterdämmerung. We will be given a private guided tour of the highlights of the museum, followed by time to continue exploring and studying the many original manuscripts.

Following our visit, we take the short journey back towards Lucerne. There, to mark our final day in this beautiful lakeside city, we will enjoy a delicious group lunch in a restaurant with stunning views over Lucerne.

After returning to the hotel, we attend an early evening talk on the music we will hear this evening, followed by our final performance at the Lucerne Festival.

DAY 6 | WEDNESDAY 26 AUGUST 2026

1ST OF 5 NIGHTS AT LE GRAND BELLEVUE, GSTAAD

LUCERNE TO GSTAAD VIA THUN (B, D):

This morning, we depart Lucerne for Gstaad, with a stop en route in Thun, considered one of the most beautiful cities in Switzerland. Here we have some free time to enjoy the beautiful Old Town, shop in its captivating gift shops, or enjoy a cold drink or gelato at one of the many riverside establishments overlooking the River Aare and the historic Untere Schleuse bridge. Those interested in a little more exploration and with a head for heights, might like to take the lift to Schloss Thun for a self-guided tour through this fascinating and imposing castle. Sitting on a hilltop and affording views of the lake and Alps, this 900-year-old castle is the stuff of wild fairy-tale dreams. It once belonged to Duke Berchtold V of the powerful Zähringen family, and today it houses a museum showcasing prehistoric and Roman relics, tapestries, majolica and a plethora of shining armour.

We then continue on our picturesque journey to Gstaad.

On arrival, we check in to our wonderfully luxurious hotel, the 5-star Le Grand Bellevue, where we will be based for the second half of our tour. This evening, we gather for a relaxed group dinner to mark our arrival into Gstaad.

DAY 7 | THURSDAY 27 AUGUST 2026

2ND OF 5 NIGHTS AT LE GRAND BELLEVUE, GSTAAD

FREE TIME TO EXPLORE GSTAAD & GSTAAD MENUHIN FESTIVAL PERFORMANCE (B):

This morning, following our morning talk on the music, time is allowed to rest or to explore the beautiful Alpine town of Gstaad. Despite all of its celebrity guests, the mountain village has retained its original heritage and is a popular holiday region in both winter and summer. Guests might like to explore the car-free centre of Gstaad village, with its cafés and wooden chalet-style shops, or visit the Molkerei Gstaad Cheese Shop, to sample or purchase some of their award-winning cheese, made from the milk of approximately 3,000 Simmental cattle that graze in the region.

This evening, we attend the first of our performances at the Gstaad Menuhin Festival. In 1957, Yehudi Menuhin and his family moved to Gstaad where he was fascinated and inspired by the elemental power of the region’s natural environment and commanding mountains. He was impressed not only by the Saanenland’s magnificent alpine arena, but also by the meeting of Western Switzerland, German-speaking culture, and the nearby South, with its Italian lifestyle. Since Gstaad and its surrounding area also offered an ideal environment for an international education for his children, Menuhin settled with his family in the area. Walking in the mountains with his children, the city-dweller discovered the natural world of the native population, who were also to inspire Menuhin with their folklore and music. The roots of the Gstaad Menuhin Festival go back to the year 1956 when Paul Valentin, the Director of Tourism at the time, asked Yehudi Menuhin if he would be willing to enhance the summer season with some concerts. Menuhin immediately took to the idea, and rang in the birth of the festival only one year later in the Mauritius Church in Saanen.

DAY 8 | FRIDAY 28 AUGUST 2026

3RD OF 5 NIGHTS AT LE GRAND BELLEVUE, GSTAAD

DAY TRIP TO GRUYÈRES & GSTAAD MENUHIN FESTIVAL PERFORMANCE (B, L):

This morning, we set out for a panoramic drive to Gruyères. The picturesque town of Gruyères lies at the foot of the Alps in the canton of Fribourg. The medieval town gave its name to the region of La Gruyère and its tasty cheese, the Gruyère AOP, some of which we will sample today.

On arrival, we are given an introduction to this fascinating medieval town, before enjoying a guided tour of Gruyères Castle. Over the years, Gruyères Castle has been successively occupied by the counts who built it, the bailiffs of Fribourg and later the Bovy and Balland families from Geneva, before being bought back by the Canton of Fribourg and opened to the public in 1939. Our guided tour will uncover a fascinating history that spans eight centuries.

Following our guided tour of Gruyères Castle, we will enjoy a group lunch together, to sample some of the cheese to which this town has given its name, with a classic fondue. After lunch, time is allowed to peruse the charming shops and to continue looking around the town square.

Following our visit to Gruyères, we return to Gstaad. This evening, we enjoy a pre-concert talk on the music, before attending our second performance as part of the Gstaad Menuhin Festival.

DAY 9 | SATURDAY 29 AUGUST 2026

4TH OF 5 NIGHTS AT LE GRAND BELLEVUE, GSTAAD

GSTAAD MENUHIN FESTIVAL PERFORMANCES (B):

This morning, we begin with a talk on the two performances that we will attend today.

Following our talk, we attend a concert in the beautiful Gstaad Chapel. These concerts ordinarily feature talented and upcoming musicians, giving them an opportunity to perform in a world-class festival to a small but lucky group of music lovers.

This afternoon is free to rest, or to do some independent exploration of the village of Gstaad. You might also like to take advantage of Le Grand Bellevue’s award-winning spa and treatment centre.

This evening, we attend another performance as part of the Gstaad Menuhin Festival. These concerts take place all over the Gstaad region, and the exact venues will be known once the Festival announces its 2026 season.

DAY 10 | SUNDAY 30 AUGUST 2026

5TH OF 5 NIGHTS AT LE GRAND BELLEVUE, GSTAAD

CHÂTEAU DE CHILLON, MONTREUX & GSTAAD MENUHIN FESTIVAL PERFORMANCE (B, L):

This morning, we travel to one of the iconic sights in Switzerland, Château de Chillon.

Château de Chillon, as we know it today, is the culmination of several centuries of construction and redevelopment. The excavations carried out from the end of the 19th-century indicate that the site has been occupied since the Bronze Age. The rocky island on which the castle sits was both a form of natural protection and a strategic position to control passage from the north to the south of Europe. The castle took on the oval shape of the genuine island upon which it was built. It took its name from the rock; the word ‘Chillon’ meant ‘rocky platform’ in an ancient language. We enjoy a fascinating guided tour of the castle, followed by some free time to continue our exploration.

After our visit to Château de Chillon, we take the short scenic drive along the banks of Lake Geneva to Montreux. Here, we enjoy a delicious group lunch together, in one of the most iconic settings in Montreux, to mark the end of our time together enjoying the Swiss Summer Music Festivals.

We return to our hotel, and then enjoy our final pre-concert talk and the final performance of our tour at the Gstaad Menuhin Festival.

DAY 11 | MONDAY 31 AUGUST 2026

TOUR ENDS (B):

Following our final breakfast at the hotel, the tour concludes. There will be an optional coach transfer to Zurich International Airport, arriving at approximately 1:30pm, followed by Zürich Hauptbahnhof, arriving at approximately 2:00pm.

Please note: There may be some changes to the itinerary depending on the final confirmation of performances.

INCLUSIONS

21–31 August 2026 (11 days)

AUD$18,750.00 PER PERSON TWIN SHARE

Single supplement: AUD$4,650.00
Deposit payment 1: Deposit AUD$1,500 per person (due at time of booking)
Deposit payment 2: Deposit AUD$1,500 per person (due on 21 April 2026)
Final payment due: 18 June 2026

INCLUSIONS:

• Performances: Premium tickets for five performances at the Lucerne Festival; premium tickets for five performances at the Gstaad Menuhin Festival.
  Please note: The Lucerne and Gstaad Menuhin festivals will announce their 2026 seasons later in 2025. There may be some changes to the itinerary depending on final confirmation of performances.

• Tour Leaders and Talks: Tour leadership and eight exclusive private talks by Guy Noble.

• Tour Manager: An experienced Tour Manager to accompany the group throughout the tour.

• Hotels: 10 nights' accommodation in 4-star and 5-star hotels including:

  • Five nights at the 4-star Radisson Blu Hotel, Lucerne in a Premium Room - Lakeside;

  • Five nights at the 5-star Le Grand Bellevue in a Chic Room;

  • Porterage of one piece of luggage at each hotel.

• Travel: Land travel by private air-conditioned coach throughout the tour. There will be an optional coach transfer from Zürich Hauptbahnhof at the start of the tour, and an optional coach transfer to Zurich International Airport and Zürich Hauptbahnhof at the end of the tour.

• Meals/Drinks: Breakfast each morning at the hotel. Six lunches/dinners with wine, water and tea/coffee.

• Entry Fees and Guided Tours: Entrance fees for museums, art galleries etc. as stated in your itinerary. Expert local guides will be used at some sites.

• Tips: Tips for drivers, local guides and for meals included in your itinerary.

• Information Pack: Comprehensive pre-tour information pack.

EXCLUSIONS:

• International/Domestic Travel: Hayllar Music Tours can provide you with a quote. Phone 02 9669 9181 / +61 2 9669 9181 (Australia / International) or email contact@hayllarmusictours.com

• Special Taxes: Special taxes and airport levies that can only be paid in cash at the destination. We will endeavour to advise you of these charges (if any) before you depart.

• Entry into Europe: ETIAS will start operations in the last quarter of 2026, and become mandatory for travellers in early to mid 2027. No action is required from travellers at this point. The European Union will inform about the specific date for the start of ETIAS several months prior to its launch.

• Travel Insurance: Please note that you are required to have comprehensive travel insurance to cover you for the duration of your tour. If you live in Australia, Hayllar Music Tours can organise your travel insurance for you. Please contact them at phone 02 9669 9181 / +61 2 9669 9181 (Australia / International) or email contact@hayllarmusictours.com

• Meals: Lunches and dinners not nominated in your itinerary.

• Personal Expenses: Personal expenses such as laundry, phone calls and mini-bar.

• Activities in Free Time: Costs associated with any activities suggested for you in your free time.

SMALL GROUP SIZE

The tour will operate with 8 people. The maximum number on the tour will be 20 people.

FITNESS LEVEL REQUIRED - LEVEL 2

All members of the tour must have the ability to:

• undertake walking tours of two-three hours duration, including using stairs and walking on uneven ground;

• stand for long periods in museum, art galleries etc;

• climb staircases of 100 or more steps;

• embark / disembark coaches, trains and other methods of transportation without assistance.

BOOKING TERMS & CONDITIONS

Please note that booking terms and conditions apply. Click here for the booking terms and conditions.

Swiss Summer Music Festivals

Lucerne & Gstaad Menuhin Festivals