Switzerland

WALKING THE WORLD®

Switzerland-2012

Join us for an unforgettable journey through an enchanting world of alpine forests, rolling hills, crystal lakes, hanging glaciers and spectacular peaks. Switzerland indeed offers some of the most stunning scenery in Europe.Best of all, because of the many trains, cable cars, and other public transportation, the options for hiking are unlimited.

Charming accommodations in quality hotels, friendly locals, spectacular scenery, and quaint villages await us as we show you the best Switzerland has to offer!

ITINERARY (May be changed at the discretion of the trip leader):

Pre-trip We recommend that you plan to arrive at least one day in advance. Not only will you be ready and well rested, this allows you to explore some on your own. Pre-trip accommodation can be arranged for you if you need.

• Day 1: Trip begins at 8:00 am after breakfast. We’ll experience Swiss scenery and efficiency as we travel by train to Zermatt, home of the fabled Matterhorn. There’ll be time to enjoy a short walk in Zermatt before settling in and getting acquainted. D (= Dinner Provided)
• Day 2: Behold the Matterhorn: It is just as spectacular as the pictures you’ve seen. Today we’ll cable to Schwarzsee, just below the Matterhorn, and follow a trail around the Matterhorn’s base, then back through the small village of Zmutt for a bit of hot apple strudel. B (= Breakfast Provided), D (= Dinner Provided)
• Day 3: This morning we board a train to Gornergrat, a high alpine area surrounded by glaciers and situated under the Monte Rosa. On our walk back to Zermatt, we’ll see lakes with crystal-clear reflections of the Matterhorn and sightings of wild ibex and marmot. This walk along a trail just above the Findelngletscher Glacier is incomparable. B, D
• Day 4: A cable car will take us to Sunnegga for our walk to Rothorn, Findeln, Grunsee, and Riffelalp. We’ll treat ourselves to fruit pie and iced chocolate while we soak in the stunning Alpine views. B, D
• Day 5: Today we move to Wengen, our home for the next five nights. Relax and enjoy the fantastic scenery! From here we’ll be able to explore many of the surrounding towns and valleys, including Grutschalp, Lauterbrunnen, and Grindelwald, all by public transportation. Enjoy a stroll around Wengen. B, D
• Day 6: After breakfast we’ll take the train from Wengen to Lauterbrunnen before boarding a cable car to Grutschalp. From Grutschalp we’ll walk along the valley ridge to the picturesque high alpine village of Murren and enjoy a picnic lunch in lush green meadows. After a short stroll around Murren, we’ll head up to Allmendhubel for our hike back to Grutschalp and along the way we’ll be treated to views of the massive, glacier-covered peaks of the Eiger, Monch, and Jungfrau. B, D
• Day 7: We’re off to Mannlichen Mountain today, via a cable car up the mountain backing up to Wengen. At the top, we’ll board the longest cable car in Europe for our trip to Grindelwald, then board another cable car to First for our walk to Bachalpsee and Bussalp. Bring plenty of film! B, D
• Day 8: Our second trip to Mannlichen finds us taking a different route, this time walking to Bustiglen and Kleine Scheidegg and back to Wengen via Wixi. Lunch will be in Kleine Scheidegg, where the bratwurst and vistas of the surrounding peaks are unforgettable. Our afternoon hike provides outstanding views of the Jungfrau on our way back to Wengen via Wixi. B, D
• Day 9: Departure Day. Return to Zurich or other destinations. B

WHAT WE PROVIDE:

• Walking The World Guide
• Local Guide
• 8 nights lodging (double occupancy)
• All ground transportation while on tour
• All Breakfasts and Dinners
• All admission fees to scheduled stops
• Walking The World Hat
• Good fun, humor, and companionship

NOT INCLUDED:

• Flight to and from Zurich, Switzerland
• Rail Pass
• Lunches