Experience storybook alpine hamlets and sweeping mountain vistas in Switzerland, France and Italy on this unforgettable hiking trilogy of the Alps. Tackle the legendary Eiger Trail at the foot of the Eiger's notorious north face, which has challenged mountaineers for over a century. Traverse canyon trails to discover imposing views of the iconic Matterhorn, and complete your tour in Chamonix, where the majestic Mont Blanc looms over the charming village. From Grindelwald to Zermatt to Chamonix, this 12-day tour will inspire and challenge even the most seasoned hiker.
Take in the quintessential must-sees of the Alps — perfect for every avid hiker
Traverse spectacular mountain passes and alpine trails with a star guiding team
Follow in James Bond's footsteps to the summit of Schilthorn, to dine with 360-degree vistas
After your arrival in Geneva, transfer by private van to the picturesque village of Grindelwald (3,392'). Located in Switzerland's Bernese Alps, this postcard-worthy alpine village is a popular outdoor enthusiast's destination year-round. Dominated by the north face of the Eiger looming in the background, Grindelwald is the perfect entree to the ultimate Alps adventure. Check into the hotel and enjoy some down time or explore the area before our welcome dinner.
Start your trilogy adventure with a hike from Holenstein (5,340'). Follow an easy trail that leads to Kleine Scheidegg, a splendid mountain pass located in the Bernese Oberland region and the lookout point of the Eiger's impressive north face. Admire icefalls and epic peaks, following beneath the great north face before heading back to Grindelwald, for a great night's sleep after a full day's adventure.
Today transfer by local bus to Grosse Scheidegg (6,437'), a mountain pass in the Bernese Alps where you hike a series of trails past verdant meadows and alpine lakes. Stop for lunch near the tranquil Bachsee Lake (7,470') before hiking down to Bort (5,180') with its striking views of the Eiger, where a gondola will whisk you back to Grindelwald.
Head to the Lauterbrunnen Valley, with its 72 waterfalls cascading from rocky cliffs. Ride the lift to Gimmelwald (4,500') for a hike to Rostockhutte (6,517'). After a break at the hut, follow in James Bond's footsteps on the legendary North Face trail, where On Her Majesty's Secret Service was filmed. Look out for the impressive peaks of Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau. Hike down to Murren (5,400'), ride the lift to the Lauterbrunnen Valley, and transfer to the hotel.
This morning, take a 2-hour private van transfer along the beautiful mountain road from the Bernese Oberland to the German-speaking part of the Wallis region, and the renowned mountain resort of Zermatt (5,276') - gateway to the iconic Matterhorn. One of Switzerland's most vibrant resort towns, it's packed with boutiques and restaurants. Starting in Täschalp (7,300') you will hike a fairly flat path along the edge of the forest, following the famous Europaweg. That path takes us to Tufteren (7,300') where you'll continue down to Zermatt. This evening, you'll have the chance to explore the restaurant scene in Zermatt on your own.
Depart from the Swiss alpine capital to hike up the canyon trail to the rocky saddle of Trift (7,712'). From this side of the valley, admire amazing views of the Mishabel and Monterosa ranges to the east while the north face of the Matterhorn rises majestically in the south. Indulge in lunch with a view near the Trift restaurant before continuing on to Hoh-Balmen (8,800'). Keep an eye out for the elusive edelweiss growing in the alpine pastures. Return to Zermatt for dinner.
The Gornergrat (10,200') is one of the most beautiful mountain panoramas in the Alps. Here the glorious views of the Matterhorn and Monte Rosa are unforgettable. To get there, you will take the cog train to Riffelberg (8,500') and hike up to the top. On the way back, pass by famous Rieffelsee lake where lucky hikers can see the Matterhorn reflected in its surface! Return to Zermatt by train.
After a short train shuttle to Tasch, transfer by local bus to the Valais wine region and the medieval town of Saillon, well-loved for its wines, fig trees, and festivals. Hike through vineyards until you reach the Farinet vineyard, the world's smallest registered vineyard where you learn about the region's unique combination of soil types, microclimates, and sun exposure. Visit the Caveau de Saillon winery for a tasting in a typical ancestral home, and transfer (1.5 hours) to Chamonix, the French mountaineering capital at the foot of Mont Blanc.
Set out from the hotel in Chamonix and head to Trelechamps. Here, the trail heads up into the larch-forest to reach the Posettes ridge and its breathtaking views of the Mont Blanc Massif. Continue to Aiguillette des Posettes (7,260') and then along the ridge to Col de Balme (7,270'), via Tete de Balme, weather permitting (7,490'). After descending back down to Charamillon, ride the gondola to the traditional Savoyard village of Le Tour. Then transfer back to Chamonix for the night.
Buongiorno Italy! Today head to the resort town of Courmayeur (4,014'), spectacularly situated beneath the Grand Jorasses and Brenva Glacier. Here the views of Mont Blanc are steep and impressive, standing in staggering contrast to the Ferret Valley that sits 10,000 feet below. Today's hike leads to Bonatti (6,600') and the Bertone (6,560') huts, ideal places to take in the stunning panorama and to experience Italian alpine hospitality at its best. Hike down the old goat trail back to Courmayeur, where the van awaits for the transfer back to Chamonix.
On the final hiking day, ride the gondola up to Planpraz (6,530') and follow the trail to the top of the ridge. Winding down to Lacs Noirs (8,250'), stop for lunch in this serene alpine environment. Then head up to the rocky ridge that leads to Col de la Gliere (8,400') and the alpine bowl that connects to Flegere. Take in this unforgettable panorama: Les Drus, Aiguille Verte and Grandes Jorasses laid out in all their grandeur, and Mont Blanc, always looming large in the distance. Transfer back to Chamonix. Tonight's farewell dinner will be at a restaurant in town.
After breakfast, transfer to Geneva airport for homeward-bound flights.
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Download ItineraryThis MT Sobek-crafted itinerary covers the must-see Alps in only 12 days - see the Eiger, Matterhorn and Mont Blanc.
MT Sobek's expert guides have been leading treks in this region for nearly 50 years, and this grand tour is not to be missed.
MT Sobek has been taking our travelers to the Alps since 1970 - we know the best hikes in these iconic mountains!
Our expert guides and trip leaders are truly the key to our trips' success. Many are locals who live in-country year-round; others have made it their second home—all are passionate, enthusiastic and endlessly knowledgeable. Meet a few of the guides that might be on your trip.
Scenic gondola & train rides, hiking 3-7 hours per day through pristine alpine scenery, and leisure time in picturesque villages and towns.
Pleasant 3-star accommodations in gorgeous surroundings, and luxury hotels complete with saunas, Jacuzzis, and swimming pools.
The weather in the Alps is always unpredictable. We could encounter snow in the morning and sun in the afternoon.
A MT Sobek representative will meet you in the Arrivals Hall at the Geneva airport on Day 1 between 1:30pm and 2pm, and the group will depart for Grindelwald at 2pm.
This trip is designed to be a bit easier than our Tour du Mont Blanc trip. There is less elevation gain and loss, and the days are shorter.
Yes. Because we spend several nights at certain hotels on this trip, you may choose to stay at the hotel and rest, read, or simply enjoy the views.
No, we highly recommend hiking boots with ankle support for this trip.
Yes. But we hope you won't have to use it.
We will provide your guide's phone number on the trip's Final Bulletin. Our guides will help you to join the group and arrange transfers if necessary.
Make any of our trips a custom adventure or start from scratch. Take two itineraries and match them up to create a unique third. Add extras and extensions and more...if you can imagine it, we can make it happen!
"This trip takes you to some of the most iconic hikes in the world. My only disappointment was that the trip was over! Great guides and wonderful hikes."
David M.
MT Sobek Guest, Hiking the Alps Trilogy
"I've taken six MTS trips and they have all exceeded my expectations. The staff, the food, the logistics and the communications have always been exceptional. Thank you for being my "go to" adventure travel company!"
Margaret I.
MT Sobek Guest
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