Excited delegates from all across the country met at Johannesburg International Airport to board their flight to Zurich. Delegates were met at the Swissair counter and assisted with their luggage to ensure a hassle free check-in.

Once on board and settled into their requested seats, delegates could look forward to an appetizing dinner, some in-flight entertainment and a pleasurable journey no longer than nine and a half hours.

On arrival at Zurich Airport delegates received a warm welcome from our local tour guides. While porters assisted with transferring all luggage to the luxury coaches everyone had some time to stretch their legs. Once all packed and ready for the second leg of their journey, delegates were on their way to famous Gstaad.

After a three and a half hour guided coach tour through the beautiful Swiss countryside delegates arrived at their lodgings where a three-course lunch awaited them. Hotel porters ensured all luggage was delivered to guests’ rooms and a hospitality desk was set up in the lobby area to provide general information to delegates. After a satisfying lunch was had delegates could check-in to their rooms and spend the remainder of the afternoon at leisure.

A true Swiss experience awaited the delegates at dinnertime. Everyone met in the hotel lobby at 18:30 to be transferred by coach to Mount Eggli a mere 15 minutes drive away.

Upon arrival delegates ascended Mount Eggli by cable car and experienced a birds eye view of “Gstaad by nacht” and clearly seeing places like “The Palace Hotel” where which people like Roger Moore and David Niven frequented.

Once on top of Mount Eggli delegates were ushered to Mount Eggli Restaurant to feast on Air dried beef, Cheese Fondue, Fruit Salad and much of the local wines.

After dinner delegates could be delivered in Gstaad to experience some of the night life at their leisure or return to the hotel for a nightcap.

Day two - Fun Filled Snow Games. After a hearty breakfast, delegates were transferred by coach to Glacier Les Diablerets a 30 minute drive from Gstaad. Ascending to 3000 meters high delegates arrived at the top of the Glacier to begin the games. Everyone had the opportunity to try out the Snow Scooters, Snow Chairs and Snow Tubes or for the less active folk Archery was available or Snow Shoes for a leisurely walk. Gluhwein and Spiced Tea was available at the Snow Bar to keep the chill at bay. After much snow fun was had delegates could relax and have a leisurely lunch in the Mario Botta Restaurant.

After lunch and on our way back to Gstaad, delegates again had the option of being delivered in Gstaad to do some shopping or return to the hotel for an afternoon and evening at leisure.

On day three delegates had the choice of going on a Guided Excursion or spend the day at leisure. Most delegates opted for an excursion as there was still so much more to be seen in beautiful Switzerland. Delegates had a choice of either going to Montreux or Gruyeres.

Delegates departed from the hotel and were transferred by coach to their various destinations.

The trip to Montreux

After approximately an hours’ drive delegates arrived in Montreux, with its quaint old cobblestone town and beautiful lakeshore promenade. Delegates visited the famous Chillon Castle. Set like a gem in the rocky peninsula this classic medieval fortress houses an interesting collection of period furniture and objects. Delegates could have lunch or do some shopping at their leisure. After the visit, the drive up along the “wine makers road” to the famous Lavaux terraced vineyards surrounding Montreux provided some of Switzerland’s most spectacular scenery. The return toward Gstaad was along the stunning Corniche Road with an unforgettable view of the Alps and Lake Leman. On our way back to Gstaad delegates once again had the option of being delivered in Gstaad to do some shopping or return to the hotel for an afternoon and evening at leisure.

The trip to Gruyeres

After approximately an hours’ drive delegates arrived in Gruyeres. Upon arrival in Gruyeres delegates visited a cheese factory and discovered how the famous Gruyères cheese is made. After some Gruyeres cheese was sampled, delegates were transferred to the village. Medieval Gruyeres with its town and castle is famous throughout the world. Delegates could have lunch or do some shopping at their leisure.

The finale to the trip was the possibility of delegates booking heavily discounted airfares to other European destinations, such as Paris, Rome, Prague, Amsterdam and London, to name a few, an option most delegates utilised. Those wishing to return home on 30 March were on the last Swissair flight from Zurich to Johannesburg, and were treated to a most spectacular low flight over the Alps, as a special “gift” from the pilot and crew!