Mixed Media Art Workshop in Switzerland
Join teaching artist Mary Beth Shaw on a tour through Zurich, Lucerne, and Mürren Book Now
Inspired Views, Traveling Artists, and Lots of Laughter
Dates: June 9-16, 2024
Cost: $4845 (based on double occupancy)
Optional Single Supplement: $795
Duration: 8 days / 7 nights
Start: Zurich, Switzerland
End: Mürren, Switzerland
Locations: Zurich, Lucerne, Mürren
Max Class Size: 16
All prices in US dollars, land only. Solo traveler roomshares available.
Mixed Media Art Workshop in Switzerland
Join Mary Beth Shaw on her bucket list trip to Switzerland. Having been called Paradise on Earth, Switzerland is certain to inspire your mixed media adventures in new directions. At every stage spectacular peaks and breathtaking views will surround you. Each day you can walk through alpine meadows and along rolling hiking paths. On this guided, mixed media art workshop in Switzerland you will begin in Zurich. Then travel to Lucerne and finally Mürren. You will paint, write and draw as you capture the magic!
I love Mary Beth’s teaching style! She invites, informs, and inspires. I loved that she worked right along with us. Mary Beth helped us see the world and respond to it in new ways. It was wonderful how our projects all reflected each person’s individual experience. Show and Share night was amazing.
Curious about Mary Beth Shaw's art and teaching?
Overview
Mixed Media Art Workshop in Switzerland
Art Program
In this 8-day mixed media art workshop in Switzerland you will be immersed in equal parts travel and art program.
Expect to hunt, gather and preserve experiences that stimulate all your senses. Students will work with Mary Beth to process their daily experiences into personal artistic expressions. These form the basis of your unique, handmade journal. Each page is created from personal experience and infused with memories of your mixed media art workshop in Switzerland. Your travel journal is an irreplaceable souvenir of your journey.
Touring
Our Switzerland mixed media art workshop in Switzerland features slow travel and soft adventure. Every half day walk follows a leisurely pace and has options for more or less walking. We will take full advantage of the masterful systems of trains, trams, and ferries to reach our destinations. In the afternoon, after a day of discovery, immerse yourself in creative sessions with Mary Beth Shaw at our select, 4-star hotels.
Start with an arrival day in Zurich. Then our tour spends three nights in lovely Lucerne. From Lucerne, we will explore the nearby Pilatus and Rigi mountains. Finally, stay your final three nights in the pristine, car-free, mountain village of Mürren at the base of the Schilthorn. In this special village you will truly feel like you have gotten away from it all. On our final day, your train travel within Switzerland is included.
What You’ll Love
Mixed Media Art Workshop in Switzerland
1. Planning with Care
We take care of the details. You enjoy your vacation.
2. Small group classes
With a maximum class size of 16, expect quality time during art classes. Additionally, we travel places large tour groups can’t.
3. Movable studio
Develop skills and techniques to use whenever you travel. Specifically, learn to pack light and create as you go.
4. Capture Your Experience
Your sketchbook will evolve into a personal travel journal filled with memories to last a lifetime.
Itinerary Switzerland Walking Tour
Program subject to change. Daily schedule may differ.
Day 1
Arrive to our hotel in Zurich located within walking distance of the train station, waterfront, and the historic center. Your unlimited travel Swiss Pass is active on this day.
Day 2
In the morning, travel by train to Lucerne. After an orientation walk enjoy a welcome lunch on the riverfront. Later we will gather for the first class of your art workshop in Switzerland.
Day 3
The day begins with a paddle steamer cruise on Lake Lucerne. Then we will tour above the clouds on Mount Pilatus by rail, foot, and high speed cable car. Finish the day back at the hotel in class with Mary Beth.
Day 4
This day will be another fun mix of ferry, train, and gondola rides. Our walk on Mount Rigi wanders through sunny meadows and quiet paths with lake views all around. Then gather in Lucerne for your art workshop in Switzerland.
Day 5
A scenic train ride to Mürren takes us past glacier-fed lakes, small villages, and groves of conifers. After an orientation we will walk to a typical beer garden in Gimmelwald. Lastly, mixed media art class is the perfect end of the day. art workshop in Switzerland
Day 6
Today our Switzerland walking tour explores the countryside above Mürren. Rolling green hills. Cowbells gently sounding. Dramatic snow-capped peaks. In addition to filling your art journal, you may be inspired to yodel! art workshop in Switzerland
Day 7
The final day of our art workshop in Switzerland explores the ethereal Lauterbrünnen Valley. Walking through this bucolic, glacial valley is a bit like discovering Shangri-la. A last class, farewell aperitivo, and journal sharing concludes our time together.
Day 8
It is time to bid farewell until next time. On departure day your included Swiss Pass will provide unlimited travel to most destinations within Switzerland. You may depart at any time. The hotel will hold your bags if you would like to gather them after the checkout time.
Mary Beth is ready to travel. Join her!
What’s Included Art Workshop in Switzerland
- The assisstance of your Art Walk tour directors throughout the week
- Mixed media art workshop with Mary Beth Shaw
- Carefully selected 4-star hotels
- Daily full buffet breakfast
- Welcome lunch
- Farewell dinner
- 8-day Swiss Pass for easy, unlimited travel by train, ferry, tram, and bus
- All transfers as program description
- Optional free and discounted activities included with Swiss Pass
- Orientation meeting and walk in Lucerne
- Orientation walk in Mürren
- Half-day guided walks through the Swiss countryside
- Guided transfers between hotels
- Tasting of traditionally produced raw milk cheese and wines of the region
- Golden Round Trip visit to Mount Pilatus
- Visit to Rigi Mountain
- Visit to Trümmelbach Falls
Important Notes
Mixed Media Art Workshop in Switzerland
Solo travelers and single supplements
For our guests who are traveling solo... We offer a single supplement for an additional fee if you wish to guarantee a private room.
You may share a twin room with another trip participant of the same sex (Roomshare) if you do not request a private room. When you sign up, if no Roomshare is available, a 50% single supplement will be included on your invoice due at final payment. However, if a roommate is found before your trip departs, you will be matched and the single supplement will be removed or refunded.
A single supplement guarantees a private room. Whenever possible singles will be placed in the same room type as our double or twin rooms.
Twin / Double Rooms
Please be aware twin beds in Europe may have very little or no space between beds. Also, instead of a king or queen mattress, double beds are often adjoining twin mattresses secured together and made with double bedding.
Fitness
Walking is a part of this program. It is both a means of visiting locations and a way to immerse yourself in a place. Our scheduled walks are usually 1-2 hours long at a casual pace. We provide a general description of our walks here. It is your responsibility to know your own physical and medical condition with respect to the advisability of participating in a chosen trip. We suggest you prepare by doing at least 1 hour of walking several times per week, and a longer walk at least once per week. Ideally, include walks with elevation change and stairs. (There are always stairs.)
As with any exercise program, we recommend you consult with your physician prior to your arrival regarding the suitability of a walking tour.
Some of our guests find trekking poles helpful on steep or uneven terrain. In Europe they are quite common. Before using them on a vacation, please practice at home. We strongly advise you get comfortable using trekking poles on familiar paths first.
For additional information on these topics and more, please see our FAQ page.
Where in the World?
Switzerland is a small mountainous country located in central Europe. This landlocked country is only about the size of New Jersey. Even so, Switzerland is one of the world’s wealthiest countries. Its famously clean, fast, and timely public transportation system will carry our small group from the high plateau lakes to the Jungfrau region of the Alps.
The natural beauty and unique culture of this region are truly inspiring. It makes the perfect location for our Art Workshop in Switzerland.
The Zurich Airport is the most conveniently located for arrival. Our hotels will be in Zurich, Lucerne, and Murren. Zurich, Geneva, and Basel international airports may all serve your departure.
Detailed Itinerary: Art Workshop in Switzerland
Program subject to change
Day 1: Zurich
Arrive to Zurich. Check-in to our hotel located within walking distance of the train station, waterfront, and historic center. Checkout the open air restaurants, take a boat ride, visit a museum, or tuck in early after a busy day of travel. The day is yours to explore at your own pace.
Your Swiss Pass will be active on this day. It provides unlimited travel on most lines of public transportation within Switzerland including trains, boats, and busses. Additionally, it provides free admission or discounts to many museums and places of interest.
At the time of writing the following Zurich museums were included with the Swiss Pass: Zürich: FIFA World Football Museum. Focus Terra ETH*. Graphische Sammlung der ETH Zürich*. Heimatschutzzentrum in der Villa Patumbah. Johann Jacobs Museum. Kulturama – Museum des Menschen. Migros Museum für Gegenwartskunst. Moulagensammlung Unispital*. Mühlerama. Museum für Gestaltung. Museum Rietberg. Nordamerika Native Museum (NONAM). Paläontologisches Museum*. Pavillon Le Corbusier. Museum Haus Konstruktiv. Schweizer Finanzmuseum. Schweizerisches National- museum Landesmuseum Zürich. Strauhof. Sukkulenten Sammlung Zürich*. Tram-Museum Zürich. Völkerkundemuseum Uni Zürich*. Zoologisches Museum*. Zunftstadt Zürich. Zürcher Spielzeugmuseum.
We are happy to book additional accommodation for you at our hotel in Zurich, subject to availability.
Hotel Location: Zurich
Meals Included: There are no meals included on this day
Special Information: Your Swiss Pass will be active on this day.
Day 2: Lucerne
In the morning your tour director will meet your Art Walk group at the hotel. After introductions, you’ll travel by train to Lucerne. There, our hotel will hold our bags if our rooms are not ready. First we will have an orientation walk to help you get your bearings. Then we will enjoy a welcome lunch and program overview along the river’s edge. Afterward return to the hotel for check-in and class with Mary Beth. The evening is free to explore in and around Lucerne.
At the time of writing the following Lucerne museums were included or discounted as part of the Swiss Pass: Alpineum. Bourbaki Panorama. Gletschergarten. Historisches Museum. Kunstmuseum. Natur-Museum. Richard Wagner Museum. Sammlung Rosengart. Verkehrshaus der Schweiz (50% Ermässigung/réduction) Art Workshop in Switzerland
Hotel Location: Lucerne
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Walk Details
The orientation walk will be along flat paved and cobblestone streets. Approximately 1.5 miles.
Day 3: Mount Pilatus
Today, our art workshop in Switzerland begins with a serene ferry ride. Then, passing alpine meadows and striking rock formations, the steepest cogwheel rail in the world carries us to Pilatus Kulm. At almost 7,000 feet elevation, the peak commands spectacular views of the Bernese Oberland. A trail walk along the ridge line path is a highlight of the day. There are several restaurants on the mountain to have lunch and enjoy the view. Afterwards, a high-speed gondola and panoramic tram will transport our group down the other side of the mountain. Lastly, a quick bus ride delivers us back to Lucerne for your mixed media art class.
Hotel Location: Lucerne
Meals Included: Breakfast
Walk Details
The trail walk from Pilatus Kulm to Tomlishorn is a little under 2 miles round trip. Walkers may choose to go back at any time and rejoin the group upon return. It is mostly flat except for a 200 yard switchback section to reach Tomlishorn. The trail can be narrow, with loose rock, and is at elevation. It may not be appropriate for those with vertigo or unsure footing.
If the weather is poor at the top, there is an optional, mid-mountain walk between tram stations. Here the topography softens to rolling meadows and conifer forests perfect for a sauntering stroll. The distance is less than 3 miles of groomed trails and gravel roads gently descending 1300 feet. All walks are optional. Trams may be used to reach our mid-mountain walking destination. Art class will convene in the late afternoon.
Day 4: Mount Rigi
This day will be another fun mix of ferry, train, and gondola rides. Bordered by lakes Lucerne, Zug, and Lauerz, Mount Rigi stands like an island high above them all. Our walk wanders through sunny meadows and quiet paths with views of brilliant green hillsides, blue water, and blue sky. Small hiking huts or traditional Swiss restaurants found along the way make excellent rest stops. A steam-powered ferry carries us back to our hotel for your art workshop in Switzerland mixed media class.
Hotel Location: Lucerne
Meals Included: Breakfast
Walk Details
The Rigi Mountain walk will be on wide, rolling, fire-road like trails. Total distance is about 3.5 miles with one section that descends 350 feet over .25 miles. All walks are optional. Trams or rail may be used to reach our walking destination.
Day 5: Mürren
Transfer to Mürren. A scenic train ride takes us past beautiful lakes, blooming countryside, and conifer stands. Our charming four-star hotel in the center of Mürren has views of the glacier-capped peaks all around. After checking in, an orientation walk will introduce you to the area. Then we’ll gather for class on the sunny terrace. Later, you may walk down to the nearby village of Gimmelwald and visit a typical beer garden. Finally, a tram may return you to our mountain home. The remainder of the day is yours to explore nearby trails, wander through town, or just sit back and enjoy the view.
Hotel Location: Mürren
Meals Included: Breakfast
Special Details
Schilthorn Option: This peak high above Mürren was the setting for the James Bond film On Her Majesty’s Secret Service. It is an excellent place to take in the panorama of the Bernese Alps including the North Faces of Jungfrau, Mönch, and Eiger. From here you can see the lakes of Interlaken, the Jura mountains and even Mont Blanc. Any clear day will offer a good opportunity to take the tram from Mürren to the top.
Walk Details
The walk to Gimmelwald descends along a steep, wide, and paved path. The descent is 750 feet over 1.8 miles. This walk is optional. A tram may also be taken to Gimmelwald rather than walking.
Day 6: Mürren Countryside
Starting out from Mürren, our Switzerland walking tour travels through two beautiful valleys. We’ll pass small farms and rustic barns surrounded by fields of wildflowers. High above, the Schilthorn cable car quietly zips back and forth. The sound of cows and their gently clanging bells fills the air. Snow-capped mountains form a perfect backdrop. If you want a hike that captures “classic Switzerland,” this is it. You may even be inspired to yodel! After time to rest up from your adventures grab your journal for another mixed media art session with Mary Beth Shaw.
Hotel Location: Mürren
Meals Included: Breakfast
Walk Details
This may be one of the most panoramic walks we do during our time. The first ⅓ is a steady ascent on wide dirt roads and paths. Then the middle third is a mostly flat traverse on a dirt trail. Finally, the last third is a steady descent along a wide dirt path back to Mürren. The total elevation change from Mürren to the top of the trail is 650 feet. The distance of the circular walk is 4 miles. There is a self-guided option to walk only the middle section of the path.
Day 7: Lauterbrünnen Valley
Our final walking excursion explores the ethereal Lauterbrünnen valley. Walking through this bucolic, glacial valley is a bit like discovering Shangri-la. Its narrow limestone walls reach toward the Jungfrau and Mönch peaks towering above. Our Switzerland art workshop group will traverse the valley floor counting as many of its 72 waterfalls as we can. We will stop at the magnificent, glacier-fed Trümmelbachfälle. It is a series of 10 thunderous waterfalls cocooned within the steep valley walls. Then in the afternoon Mary Beth will teach a last art workshop class followed by a happy hour and journal-sharing. In the evening our farewell dinner will be a satisfying feast of Swiss farm-to-table fare.
Hotel Location: Mürren
Meals Included: Breakfast, dinner
Walk Details
The Trümmelbach Falls are an easy 2.5 miles from the tram station in Lauterbrünnen where our walk begins. After a visit to the falls it is another 1.5 miles to the tram at Stechelberg which will return the group to Mürren. There are lots of options for more or less walking.
Day 8: Departures
Departures. There are no activities planned for the final day. You are able to depart the accommodation at any time. Your Swiss Pass will provide travel to most destinations within Switzerland. We are happy to book additional accommodation for you at our hotel in Mürren, subject to availability.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Memories: to last a lifetime