Press Digest 13th March 2007

Ok, so there’s no ocean or shipwreck in sight, this is Switzerland after all. However, a combination of mountain navigation skills, mule-riding, cheese-making and bread-making provide more than enough material for a unique 8-day Swiss Family Adventure story at May Half Term, commencing Geneva 26th May 2007.

After a night in the lake-side city of Geneva a relaxing rail transfer takes families to the mountain village of Lamboing to trek through narrow gorges, lush forest and long ridges of the Bernese Jura Mountains towards simple mountain auberge-style accommodation at Pres d’Orvin. For three nights classic views of rural Swiss landscapes are on offer - perfect snow-clad alpine summits, unspoilt rural villages and flower meadows, all with the accompaniment of distant cowbells. Later, you’ll walk to a nearby dairy farm where the traditional crafts of cheese- and bread-making are explored – the results being eaten for lunch! You’ll also visit a ‘Bison Ranch’ where non-native North America bison are bred, learn orienteering and compass navigation techniques, and enjoy the high-level thrills of a tree-top adventure course. Other highlights include a mule-supported ascent of Chasseral (1,608m), one of the highest summits in the Swiss Jura (offering views of snow-capped Mont Blanc); an overnight stay in the hayloft of a farmer’s summer residence; learning the basics of animal husbandry at a working hill farm; and exploring the famous 400-year-old ‘Moulins Souterrains’ at Col-de-Roche near the French border.

The holiday costs from £999 per adult, £799 per child (under 12 years) including hotels, mountain huts, farmhouse and guesthouse accommodation, most meals and expertly guided activities. International flights are not included but are available through Families Worldwide.