Project Description
SWITZERLAND
SUSTAINABILITY
INNOVATION AND TRADITION FOR A RESILIENT FUTURE
During this fascinating eight-day tour, we will discover the many aspects that make Switzerland a global benchmark in sustainability. Our journey will focus on two essential pillars: innovation, reflected in the efficiency and technology of the urban centres, and tradition, rooted in the sustainable practices of the Swiss countryside.
Wherever possible, we will opt for low environmental impact transport, reinforcing our commitment to sustainable tourism. Through culturally immersive experiences and expertly guided technical tours, we will reveal the secrets behind Switzerland’s renowned reputation as a world leader in sustainability. By the end of this trip, we will not only have gained insight into new practices and challenges in sustainability but also have been inspired by this country’s unwavering commitment to a more sustainable future.
Are you prepared to delve into Switzerland’s sustainable practices amidst its breathtaking natural landscapes?
Welcome to Geneva!
DAY
1
After a welcome at the airport, we will be transferred to the hotel by private transport. In the evening, we will enjoy a welcome dinner together at a
restaurant with the “Swisstainable” label, which certifies the commitment of various tourist facilities to sustainability.
DAY
2
“GREEN CITY” TOUR OF LAUSANNE AND VISIT TO THE UNITED NATIONS OFFICE IN GENEVA
After breakfast, we will travel by train to Lausanne, where we will take a guided tour of the city led by an expert architect. This immersive tour reflects the city’s strong commitment to sustainable development, as part of the Swiss Energy Strategy 2050. The tour reveals highlights including the Olympic House, one of the most sustainable buildings on the planet, and the Promenade de la Ficelle. The city of Lausanne has been awarded the “Green City Switzerland” label for its
commitment to protecting green spaces.
The tour also includes a visit to FLON, the city’s transport hub, an example of a highly efficient public mobility system. After a lunch break, we will head towards the last stop of the tour, the Plaines du Loup eco-district, which has received relevant energy efficiency certifications.
We will then take the train back to Geneva to visit the United Nations office. On a private tour, we will delve into the global sustainability strategies led by this institution and learn about the “H-Building”, a model of highly efficient construction. The visit will give us an in-depth look at the efforts and challenges in making progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Return and dinner at the hotel.
DAY
3
“ENERGY CITY” TOUR IN GENEVA TRANSFER TO ZURICH
After breakfast we will start the day with a guided tour of the city. With its efficient public transport system, we will explore neighbourhoods with eco-friendly buildings and learn about the work of local cooperatives and organisations. We will start at Coulouvrenière, a residence that stands out for its sustainable approach to the use of stone and wood. We will then visit Les Voies Couvertes, which manages innovative energy saving projects.
Later, we will visit the Materiuum Organisation, which focuses on the conservation of natural resources by promoting the reuse of materials. We will then visit the Souberyn Housing Cooperative, to learn about their social sustainability and participatory resource management practices. We will conclude the tour with a visit to the eco-district of Les Vergers, a model of sustainable development based on social solidarity, environmental responsibility, and economic efficiency. After lunch, we will start our journey to Zurich by train. Check in and dinner at the hotel.
DAY
4
ZURICH, AT THE FOREFRONT OF INNOVATION
After breakfast, we will begin our exploration of the city that tops sustainability rankings, such as the Arcadis “Sustainable Cities Index” and the Mercer “Quality of Life Ranking”. First, we will travel by public transport to the ETH University, where we will dive deep below the surface to learn about the innovative energy storage system “Anergy Grid”, which is used to heat and cool the Hönggerberg campus. This tour will give us an insight into how academic institutions are actively contributing to achieving the 2050 emissions neutral target.
We continue our day in the city centre, where we will take a break for lunch. Later, we will visit the highlights of the city, choosing between a walking tour of the historic city centre or a guided electric bike tour on safe cycle paths.
After the afternoon activity of your choice, we will return to the hotel. In the evening, we will have dinner at a Michelin Green Star restaurant, a prestigious award that distinguishes gastronomic establishments with the highest standards of environmental and social sustainability. Return to the hotel.
DAY
5
SCENIC JOURNEY ON THE BERNINA EXPRESS AND ARRIVAL IN VALPOSCHIAVO
After breakfast, we will be transferred by private minibus to the railway station. A scenic journey awaits us aboard the Bernina Express, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As we pass through breathtaking scenery, we will enjoy a lunch of local produce, culminating our journey in Valposchiavo. This picturesque corner of Switzerland, which has been nominated as the best tourist village for 2023, is considered to be a paradigmatic example of a highly sustainable local value chain.
After checking into our charming accommodation in Poschiavo, we will take part in a welcome talk and tasting session, where we will learn about the labels and organic certifications that support the local production. They will inform us about the qualities of the valley’s production: proximity, quality, traceability, and decent working conditions. In the evening we’ll have dinner at a restaurant with the “100% Valposchiavo” label, where local flavours will offer us a unique gastronomic experience. Return to the hotel.
DAY
6
VALPOSCHIAVO. TRADITION AND SUSTAINABILITYIN THE RURAL WORLD
During this day, we will make use of various means of public transport in the valley.
After breakfast, we will visit the San Carlo cheese cooperative, one of the first in Switzerland to produce cheese in a fully organic way. During a pleasant walk through the facilities, we will learn about the aspects that support their production with the “BioSuisse” label and taste some of their products.
Afterwards, we will return to Poschiavo, where we will enjoy lunch. In the afternoon, we will have an exclusive visit to Repower, an electricity producer. We will visit the Palü and Cavaglia power stations and have the opportunity to talk to experts from the company. This tour will give us a detailed insight into the production of renewable energy and the technological advances that support the efficiency and sustainability of the process. The day will be rounded off with dinner at the “100% Valposchiavo” restaurant, where we will continue to explore the region’s delicious cuisine. Return to the hotel.
DAY
7
WALK AND MULTI-SENSORY EXPERIENCE IN VALPOSCHIAVO
After a restful sleep and a traditional breakfast, we will start with a guided tour of Poschiavo, discovering its most traditional corners. After a delicious meal in a local restaurant, we will set off from San Carlo on the fascinating “Buckwheat with the 5 senses” tour. This educational and interactive itinerary will follow in the footsteps of the buckwheat grain, taking us from its sowing to its transformation into a delicious dish.
We will observe the traditional milling at the Aino Mill and then take part in the preparation of pizzoccheri made with the same flour. During this excursion, we will use all our senses to actively participate in the agricultural life of Poschiavo, promoting an appreciation of its traditions and thus fostering sustainability in the rural environment. At the end of the day, we will close this exciting chapter of our journey through Valposchiavo with a group dinner at Casa Tomé.
DAY
8
TRANSFER TO THE AIRPORT IN MILAN AND END OF OUR SERVICES
After breakfast, we will leave our hotel to go to the airport in Milan by private transport. End of our services.
