Spend a day discovering the many delights of Chateau d'Oex, or join our full-day optional excursion into beautiful Central Switzerland, the country's historic heartland. Here – as legend has it – Wilhelm Tell shot the apple from his son's head, and in 1291 the Swiss Confederation was proclaimed by the inhabitants of the first three of the Four Forest Cantons that surround Lake Lucerne. You'll also visit exquisite Lucerne, one of Europe's most delightful cities, with its famous Chapel Bridge and marvellous Transport Museum. Board a lake steamer to catch a glimpse of the historic landmarks from the water, or simply stroll to a lakeside café for afternoon tea, before returning to Chateau d'Oex this evening.

Discover Switzerland's historic capital city on today's tour. With its medieval houses, great churches and wonderful covered shopping arcades all huddled together above a sweeping meander in the River Aare, Bern is one of the world's most picturesque capitals. One of its most unusual features is its fascinating mechanical clock. So, be sure to hear – and see – it strike the hour. We'll return to Chateau d'Oex in the late afternoon, stopping in the charming town of Fribourg en route (time-permitting). This ancient university seat boasts an attractive old town, with haphazardly arranged houses on cobbled streets sloping steeply away from the River Sarine.

Today you're free to enjoy Chateau d'Oex and its surroundings. In the heart of the Pays d'Enhaut, the village has been a favourite of Newmarket guests for over 30 years, and boasts a range of interesting and inviting things to see and do. For the energetic, there's a fine outdoor pool (typically open mid May to early September), a super sports complex, riding stables, mini-golf, 10-pin bowling, tennis courts and miles of walking trails. A trio of fascinating museums chronicle life in this corner of Switzerland, the history of cheese-making, and the village's world-renowned reputation as a hot-air-ballooning centre. Bars, restaurants and shops, a cable car to the heights above, and a warm welcome from friendly locals complete a perfect holiday picture. You'll also have the option to join a delightful guided walk along the bank of the babbling River Sarine, which winds its way through the forests and green pastures of the beautiful valley. This gentle easy hike covers four miles at most, and will cross the historic Pont de Turrain suspension bridge en route to the beautiful Ramaclé waterfall. It's the perfect way to enjoy the idyllic countryside around the village. After a wonderful day, enjoy dinner at your hotel.

Head for the sun-kissed shores of Lake Geneva on today's optional excursion. We'll travel through the heart of the Swiss wine-producing Valais region to the fashionable resort of Montreux, which basks in a balmy microclimate thanks to its sheltered position beneath the Alps. This delightful town is home to a famous Jazz Festival and has a delightful lakefront promenade and a host of shops and stores. Close by, brooding Chateau Chillon, Switzerland's most famous landmark, guards the dark secrets of the past, and makes for a fascinating visit.

The last of our included excursions takes you into the beautiful Bernese Oberland. Travelling through stunning countryside, you'll see scenic Lake Thun and the famous resort town of Interlaken, overlooked by the snow-capped peaks of the Jungfrau range, and one of Switzerland's most popular places to shop. From here, journey to the truly spectacular resort of Grindelwald, at the foot of the mighty Eiger, before making the scenic journey back to Chateau d'Oex at the end of a memorable day.

Bid farewell to your Alpine idyll, and return to Geneva Airport to board your flight home.