Hiking the Alps Trilogy

Itinerary

• Day01

  Arrive in Geneva & Explore Grindelwald

  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.

  • Accommodation: Hotel Kirchbuhl
  • Transportation: 3-hour private van transfer
  • Meals: Dinner
• Day02

  Hike from Grosse Scheidegg to Bort

  Start your trilogy adventure with a 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.

  • Accommodation: Hotel Kirchbuhl
  • Activity: 6 hours/9 miles hiking with 1,400' elevation gain & 2,300' elevation loss
  • Transportation: 25-minute local bus
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Day03

  Follow Trails to Kleine Scheidegg

  Today a gondola takes us to 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. Tonight the dinner is on your own.

  • Accommodation: Hotel Kirchbuhl
  • Activity: 6 hours/8 miles hiking with 1,500' elevation gain & 1,500' elevation loss
  • Transportation: 10-minute local bus transfer & scenic train ride
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
• Day04

  Arrive in Zermatt, Gateway to the Matterhorn

  This morning, private van transfer along the beautiful mountain road from Bernese Oberland to the Wallis region, and the renowned mountain resort of Zermatt (5,276'). On the way, stop in Kandersteg for a gondola ride and rigorous hike above Oeshinensee, a beautiful glacier lake surrounded by the Blumlisalp peaks. Arrive in Zermatt this afternoon, known as the gateway to the iconic Matterhorn. One of Switzerland's most vibrant mountain towns, it's packed with boutiques and restaurants. This evening, dinner in town at one of the many restaurants in Zermatt.

  • Accommodation: Hotel Bella Vista
  • Activity: 4 hours/3 miles hiking with 1,200'elevation gain & loss
  • Transportation: 3.5 hour private bus transfer & short taxi or train ride
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Day05

  Hike Alpine Pastures with Matterhorn Views

  Head to the village of Zmutt this morning on a light hike through lush alpine meadows. Stop for lunch in the charming village of Blatten for a taste of its famous rosti. Take a leisurely stroll back to Zermatt or venture back via the Gornerschlucht into the spectacular river "gorge" traveling on catwalks and ladders. The remainder of the afternoon is free to take advantage of the charms of the alpine village and have dinner on your own.

  • Accommodation: Hotel Bella Vista
  • Activity: 4 hours/3.5 miles hiking with 1,000' elevation gain & 1,000' elevation loss
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
• Day06

  Head to Gornergrat for an Unmissable Mountain Panorama

  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 cogtrain to Rieffelalp (7,300') and hike up to the famous Rieffelsee (9,120'). 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.

  • Accommodation: Hotel Bella Vista
  • Activity: 5 hours/6 miles hiking with 1,600' elevation gain & loss
  • Transportation: 25-minute scenic train ride
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Day07

  Arrive in Chamonix, the Cradle of Alpinism

  This morning, after a short transfert to Tasch, transfer (1.5 hours) by private van through the Valais wine region well-loved for its wines, this area is an unique combination of soil types, microclimates, and sun exposure. Say goodbye to Switzerland and cross the border into Vallorcine for a short hike before stopping for lunch at a local inn. Continue hiking, entering into the Chamonix valley, with Mont Blanc dominating over the cradle of mountaineering. Our hike ends in Montroc where the local train will take us to the hotel. Dinner in town tonight.

  • Accommodation: Hotel Prieure
  • Activity: 3 hours/4.5 miles hiking with 300' elevation gain & 300' elevation loss
  • Transportation: 10-minute taxi, 1.5-hour private van transfer & short train ride
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Day08

  Take in Views of the Mont Blanc Massif

  This morning, set out to Les Houches, the entrance to Chamonix Valley. The hike today offers beautiful panoramas on the Mont Blanc massif and its glaciers. The alp of Chailloux, located above Les Houches on the southern slope, is accessible by various paths including the famous "Tour du Mont Blanc" and "GR 5". Dinner is on your own tonight.

  • Accommodation: Hotel Prieure
  • Activity: 5 hours/5 miles hiking with 2,000' elevation gain & 2,000' elevation loss
  • Transportation: 15-minute private bus transfer
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
• Day09

  Toast an Epic Adventure Trilogy

  Board the famous red cogwheel train for a morning ride through the steep slopes to Montenvers, a town situated above the Mer de Glace, "Sea of Ice" glacier. The trail winds up above the tree line for breathtaking view of the Chamonix Needles before ending in Plan de l'Aiguille. Take a sky tram down into town, offering panoramic views of the French, Swiss and Italian Alps before ending the trip with a farewell dinner in Chamonix.

  • Accommodation: Hotel Prieure
  • Activity: 3.5 hours/4 miles hiking with 1,500' elevation gain & 500' elevation loss
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Day10

  Depart from Geneva

  After breakfast, transfer to Geneva airport for homeward-bound flights.

  • Transportation: 1.5-hour private van transfer
  • Meals: Breakfast