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 Kreuz & Post
  • Transportation: 3-hour private van transfer
  • Meals: Dinner
• Day02

  Admire Icefalls & Epic Peaks on the Legendary Eiger Trail

  Start the trilogy adventure with a train ride to Kleiner Scheidegg, a mountain pass located in the Bernese Oberland region and the lookout point of the Eiger's impressive north face. From here, follow an easy 5-mile trail that leads to Eigergletscher (7,660') and the legendary Eiger trail. 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 Kreuz & Post
  • Activity: 5 hours/5 miles hiking with 1,000' elevation gain & 4,270' elevation loss
  • Transportation: 25-minute scenic train ride
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Day03

  Journey through Ancient Alpine Hamlets

  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. From here, continue the hike to the saddle of Wart, stopping for lunch near the tranquil Bachsee Lake before heading up to Spitxen Pass with its striking views of the Eiger. Hike down through ancient alpine hamlets to Holewang, where a minibus awaits for the drive back to the hotel.

  • Accommodation: Hotel Kreuz & Post
  • Activity: 7 hours/7 miles hiking with 2,444' elevation gain & 3,700' elevation loss
  • Transportation: 10-minute local bus transfer
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Day04

  Head for the Summit of Schilthorn

  Head to the Lauterbrunnen Valley, with its 72 waterfalls cascading from rocky cliffs. Ride the lift to the quaint Murren village for a hike to Rostockhutte (6,517'). After a break at the hut, follow in James Bond's footsteps to the summit of Schilthorn, where On Her Majesty's Secret Service was filmed. Have a coffee at the revolving restaurant with panoramic views of the "Swiss skyline," including Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau. Hike down along the ridge, take the tram back to Murren, ride the lift to the Lauterbrunnen Valley, and transfer to the hotel.

  • Accommodation: Hotel Kreuz & Post
  • Activity: 6.5 hours/6 miles with 3,000' elevation gain & 1,000' elevation loss
  • Transportation: 10-minute funicular ride
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Day05

  Arrive in Zermatt, Gateway to the Matterhorn

  This morning, take the private van transfer along the beautiful mountain road from Bernese Oberland to the German-speaking part of the Wallis region, and the renowned mountain resort of Zermatt (5,276'), known as the gateway to the iconic Matterhorn. One of Switzerland's most vibrant resort towns, it's packed with boutiques and restaurants. Check into the hotel and enjoy lunch, then do an easy hike to the peaceful village of Zmutt, with traditional wooden houses and epic views of the Matterhorn. This evening, dine on your own at one of the many restaurants in Zermatt.

  • Accommodation: Hotel Butterfly
  • Activity: 3.5 hours/3 miles hiking with 1,000' elevation gain & 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 Butterfly
  • Activity: 7 hours/6 miles hiking with 3,254' elevation gain & 3,524' elevation loss
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Day07

  Ride the Funicular to Sunnegga & Follow Trails to Stelisee

  Begin the day with a ride in the funicular up to Sunnegga (7,550'), a popular spot for families thanks to the excellent swimming at Leisee Lake and the marmot viewing stations. From Sunnegga, the trail leads to the alpine lake of Stelisee (8,365') and continues up to the meadows until the ridge that separates Oberrothorn from its lower saddle peak, Unterrothorn. Take the funicular back down in order to leave plenty of time for shopping in Zermatt; otherwise if you want to skip the shopping, hike back down.

  • Accommodation: Hotel Butterfly
  • Activity: 5.5 hours/5 miles hiking with 2,600' elevation gain
  • 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: Grand Hotel des Alpes
  • 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: Grand Hotel des Alpes
  • 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: Grand Hotel des Alpes
  • 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: Grand Hotel des Alpes
  • 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