Swiss Peaks

Chug along the snowcapped peaks and wildflower-flecked meadows on the iconic Glacier Express, part of Switzerland’s impeccably tidy rail system. From chichi Saint Moritz — where you’ll lodge for one night at the landmark 1896 Badrutt’s Palace Hotel — you’ll make your way to Andermatt, over Susten Pass and on to Interlaken. The next day, head to the 11,333-foot saddle of Jungfraujoch for a reception among the whimsical carvings in the Ice Palace. This 11-day Swiss immersion also takes in Bern en route to your final destination of Lucerne. You’ll make a few excursions to neighboring Italy, including a visit to lovely Stresa on Lake Maggiore.

Switzerland and South Africa never looked so good together. This family-friendly, yet adventurous journey starts in Zermatt, where more than 200 miles of groomed trails comprise the highest ski resort in Europe, and top-notch instructors and guides are available for skiing, snowboarding or climbing the Matterhorn. Five nights in the Mont Cervin Palace Zermatt (where kids will love the pool and ice rink) offer the best of winter fun before you fly to the bottom of the world for eight days in South Africa. Three days of safari adventures await, including a visit to the Ian Player Rhino Awareness Centre, followed by three nights in Cape Town and two in Franschhoek. Sandboarding, quad biking and, for the brave, sharkcage diving are all on the menu.