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

  Follow Trails to Kleine Scheidegg

  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.

  • Accommodation: Hotel Kirchbuhl
  • Activity: 6 hours/8 miles hiking with 1,500' elevation gain & 1,500' elevation loss
  • Transportation: 25-minute scenic train ride
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Day03

  Hike from Grosse Scheidegg to Bort

  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.

  • Accommodation: Hotel Kirchbuhl
  • Activity: 6 hours/9 miles hiking with 1,400' elevation gain & 2,300' elevation loss
  • Transportation: 10-minute local bus transfer
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Day04

  Lauterbrunnen Valley & the North Face Trail

  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.

  • Accommodation: Hotel Kirchbuhl
  • Activity: 7 hours/7 miles with 2,500' elevation gain & 1,500' elevation loss
  • Transportation: 10-minute funicular ride
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Day05

  Arrive in Zermatt, Gateway to the Matterhorn

  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.

  • Accommodation: Hotel Bella Vista
  • Activity: 3.5 hours/6 miles hiking with 1,500' elevation gain & 2,500' elevation loss
  • Transportation: 3.5 hour private bus transfer & short taxi or train ride
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
• Day06

  Hike Alpine Pastures with Matterhorn Views

  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.

  • Accommodation: Hotel Bella Vista
  • Activity: 7 hours/6 miles hiking with 3,254' elevation gain & 3,524' elevation loss
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Day07

  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 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.

  • Accommodation: Hotel Bella Vista
  • Activity: 5 hours/6 miles hiking with 1,800' elevation gain & loss
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Day08

  Explore Vineyards of the Valais

  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.

  • Accommodation: Auberge du Manoir
  • Activity: 3 hours/4.5 miles hiking with 300' elevation gain & 300' elevation loss
  • Transportation: 2.5-hour private bus transfer & short train ride
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Day09

  Take In Views of the Mont Blanc Massif

  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.

  • Accommodation: Auberge du Manoir
  • Activity: 6 hours/7 miles hiking with 2,650' elevation gain & 1,200' elevation loss
  • Transportation: Optional 5 minute gondola ride
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Day10

  Hike to the Bonatti & Bertone Huts

  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.

  • Accommodation: Auberge du Manoir
  • Activity: 5 hours/6 miles hiking with 1,600' elevation gain & 2,000' elevation loss
  • Transportation: 1-hour private transfer
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Day11

  Toast an Epic Adventure Trilogy

  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.

  • Accommodation: Auberge du Manoir
  • Activity: 6.5 hours/5 miles hiking with 1,900' elevation gain & 2,000' elevation loss
  • Transportation: 20-minute gondola ride
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Day12

  Depart from Geneva

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

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