Day 15: Three Countries, Alpine Heights, and the No-Car Charm of Zermatt
Our 15th day on the Grand Tour of Europe began bright and early at 6:00 a.m. in Munich. Against all odds—and with some help from Linda’s enthusiastic door-knocking—every student made it to the breakfast buffet right on time. A hearty morning meal fueled our group for a travel day that would span three countries, breathtaking landscapes, and a destination straight out of a storybook.
Waiting for us curbside was a brand-new, luxurious double-decker bus, gleaming in the morning light. With plush, air-conditioned comfort and plenty of seating, it was the perfect ride—although a few rows were cleverly repurposed to carry our mountain of luggage! Our expert driver, Pero, packed everything with precision and had us on the road in no time.
Our first stop? The tiny, picturesque country of Liechtenstein. After a smooth three-hour journey, we arrived to sunshine and 26°C weather, greeted by charming views, alpine backdrops, and a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere. Students were given free time to explore, grab lunch, and capture photos—some of the best of the trip so far. Even better, we had permission to fly our drone, resulting in some stunning aerial footage of this unique, postcard-perfect nation.
After our scenic break, it was back on the bus for the five-hour journey to Täsch, Switzerland, the gateway to car-free Zermatt. Along the way, we passed through changing weather—traffic jams, light rain, and bursts of sunshine—as the majestic Swiss Alps began to rise around us. Watching the mountains grow closer and more dramatic was truly a spectacle.
Arriving in Täsch, we transitioned smoothly to the 20-minute train ride into Zermatt—a marvel of planning and logistics. Linda had everything prepared, and after efficiently loading our bags into a dedicated luggage car, we boarded the train and began the ascent into the alpine wonderland. With no cars allowed in Zermatt, the peacefulness and clean mountain air immediately signaled we’d arrived somewhere very special.
Once in town, we rolled our bags through the crisp, cool air and made our way uphill to the hotel. Bags were temporarily left in the lobby as we quickly freshened up and broke into two groups for a well-earned dinner. On the menu: tender roast beef, creamy mashed potatoes, and a fresh, abundant salad bar—just what we needed after a long but exhilarating travel day.
Evening brought free time to explore the quaint streets of Zermatt, before all students returned safely and were checked in by 11:00 p.m., ready to rest and recharge.
From Germany to Liechtenstein to Switzerland, Day 15 was a masterclass in planning, perseverance, and unforgettable scenery. An epic day of cross-border travel, and yet another jewel in the crown of our Grand Tour of Europe.
