What You’ll Love About Your Week in Switzerland

You need to see an alpine cow parade! Join us in Switzerland in September 2023 for the annual parade of flower-bedecked, bell-wearing cows, coming down the mountain after a summer of grazing high in the Alps. In addition to experiencing this special once-in-a-lifetime event, we’ll also take a deep dive into learning why alpine cheeses, like Gruyére AOP, are so special, and how they can be enjoyed with friends and family, with cheese expert Cathy Strange.

Registered Dietitians can earn continuing education credits.

Questions?  Please read our Travel FAQ here. Call us at (617) 896-4861, or email us at
Travel@OldwaysPT.org

Day-by-Day in Switzerland

*We will be participating in a Désalpes, a festival and parade of flower-bedecked, bell-wearing cows, coming down the mountain after a summer of grazing high in the Alps. The exact date of the désalpes during this week will be determined as September approaches

Thursday, September 21, 2023  Arrival in Zurich and check-into hotel Welcome Dinner and Reception
	Friday, September 22, 2023 Historical Tour in Zurich followed by a Cooking Class  Free evening in Zurich
Saturday, September 23, 2023 Department for Lucerne   Visit to a Winery on the lake with a winery lunch  Leave for Bern and check into our hotel  Guided walking tour of Bern  Dinner
	Sunday, September 24, 2023 A day in Lausanne  Dinner in Bern
Monday, September 25, 2023 A day focused on Gruyere AOP   Evening in Bern
	Tuesday, September 26, 2023 A day focused on Gruyere AOP  Free evening in Bern
Wednesday, September 27, 2023 Check out of Bern Hotel and depart for Abbey Bellelay  Visit of Bellelay Museum, to see cheese production on open fire, visit the Abbey   Leave for Zurich and check into our hotel  Final Dinner in Zurich
	Thursday, September 28, 2023 Leave Zurich for the US or additional travel

Meet the Expert You’ll Be Traveling With

Cathy Strange joined Whole Foods Market in 1990 and has a wealth of food industry experience and expertise. As the global cheese buyer, she has become an authority at detecting international food trends during her travels around the world while seeking out vendor partners that meet Whole Foods Market’s strict Quality Standards. After selecting new partners, Cathy works diligently with the small producers to help them sustain a profitable business.

Cathy is a member of the American Cheese Society, the Cheese of Choice Coalition, the Cheese Importers Association, the International Association of Culinary Professionals, Slow Foods USA, and Les Dames d’Escoffier where she serves as the President of the Austin Chapter. Her palate and expertise have been solicited all over the world to serve as judge for the American Cheese Society competition, the World Cheese Championships, the U.S. Cheese Championships, the World Cheese Awards and the British Cheese Awards.

Cathy serves as New World President and an ambassador for the distinguished international Guilde des Fromagers de Saint-Uguzon, the most celebrated association of cheese mongers and specialists in France. Cathy is one of the first Americans inducted into the prestigious guild of cheese trade professionals, recognized for comprehensive knowledge and attention to the merits of French cheese.

She has been an independent voting member of the Oldways Board since August, 2012.

Flights

Flights should be in and out of Zurich, arriving in Zurich by Sept. 21st, and departing Sept. 28th (unless staying on for additional, independent travel).