Best of the Swiss Alps

Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrive Zurich - Train to Grindelwald

Upon arrival, you will take a train to the Eiger village of Grindelwald in the Bernese Oberland - known as the Jungfrau region. This region is a UNESCO World Heritage site and has the largest concentration of glaciers in the Alps. The group will meet at 1:00 pm in the hotel lobby for an afternoon excursion/hike and welcome dinner. Overnight in Grindelwald. (D)

Stats will vary depending on the activity chosen by the guides.

Day 2 – Grindelwald, with a visit to Lauterbrunnen and Mürren

We will take a train to Lauterbrunnen, which is located in a deep glacial valley surrounded by 72 waterfalls. We’ll explore the valley and visit Trümmelbach Falls, where torrents of water have created a series of caves and underground waterfalls. Then it's on to the car-free village of Mürren before heading back to Grindelwald. Overnight in Grindelwald. (BSD)

Distance: about 6 miles | Descent: 400 feet (may vary)

Day 3 – Grindelwald - Alpine Farm Cheesemaking - Hike from Bussalp to Bachalpsee

This morning, we'll experience the art of making cheese in the Alps and the time-honored traditions of being an Alpine farmer and cheesemaker. The mountainside farm is located in the high meadows above Grindelwald where you can gaze out over the peaks of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau while watching cheese being made in a cauldron over an open fire. Following breakfast, we will hike from Bussalp to Bachalpsee Lake to enjoy the wonderful panoramic view over the mountains to the south. We then end at the top of "First," a popular station, where we can return to Grindelwald by cable car. Overnight in Grindelwald. (BSD)

Distance: 5.5 miles | Ascent: About 2300 feet | Descent: about 850 feet (may vary)

Day 4 – Grindelwald - Jungfraujoch excursion

Today we will travel from Grindelwald to the alpine crossroads of Eigergletscher at the base of the Eiger. From here a dramatic cog-wheel climb takes us into a tunnel through the Eiger to ascend to the Jungfraujoch, the highest railway station in Europe. We plan to hike on the Aletschgletscher, Europe’s longest glacier. Overnight in Grindelwald. (BS) Guests will be able to enjoy dinner on their own in Grindelwald tonight.

Distance: 3.5 miles | Ascent: 600 feet | Descent: 850 feet (may vary)

Day 5 – Grindelwald to Zermatt

This morning we will take a shuttle to the historic and charming village of Zermatt (3 hrs). In the afternoon, we can explore the nearby Gornerschlucht, a deep canyon waterfall with a thrilling network of stairways and footbridges. Overnight in Zermatt. (BSD)

Distance: 3.2 miles | Ascent: 450-550 feet | Descent: 500-1200 feet

Day 6 – Zermatt - Gornergrat

We will take the classic cogwheel railway from Zermatt to the Gornergrat (10,285 feet) with the best views of the Matterhorn. There are abundant options for hiking in the area of Riffelberg, Riffelsee, and on the descent back to Zermatt. In the afternoon, you should have time to visit the Matterhorn Museum. Overnight in Zermatt. (BSD) 

Distance: 3.5 -6 miles | Ascent: 1981-3300 feet | Descent: 49-500 feet

Day 7 – Zermatt - Sunnegga, and the Matterhorn 

A funicular ascent takes us to Sunnegga, where we’ll have sweeping views of the Mattertal Valley before descending into larch forests, passing charming hamlets along the way. Overnight in Zermatt. (BS) Guests will be able to enjoy dinner on their own in Zermatt tonight.

Distance: 6 miles | Ascent: 1425 feet | Descent: 1475 feet (may vary)

Day 8 – Zermatt – Matterhorn Glacier Trail

Today we will hike along the Glacier Trail in Zermatt which is a spectacular hiking route that offers stunning views of the glaciers, mountains, and unique alpine landscapes of the Swiss Alps. It is often described as a geological and glaciological experience due to the insights it provides into the retreat of glaciers and the natural forces that shape these majestic landscapes. You should have time in the afternoon for shopping or a visit to the Matterhorn Museum. We conclude the tour in the evening with a farewell dinner. Overnight in Zermatt. (BSD)

Distance: 4.1 miles | Ascent: 571 feet | Descent: 1690 feet (may vary)

Day 9 – Onward Departure

Onward departure from Zermatt. (B) Note: it is just over 3.5 hours by trains to Zürich airport and the first train departs Zermatt at 5:37 am, so plan departure flights accordingly. We can recommend hotels in Zürich if needed.