Via Alpina

Arrival

After arrival in Zurich, you will ride the train to Sargans Switzerland, and by bus to Vaduz Liechtenstein with a rail pass provided by Alpenwild. The group will meet on the first day at 2:00 pm in the hotel lobby for a casual meet and greet on the first day of the tour. The group will then do a short hike around Vaduz Liechtenstein with views of the Vaduz Castle. Welcome dinner in the evening.

Departure

On the morning of Day 12 in Grindelwald, your rail pass will take you back to the airport for departure or any other onward travel in Switzerland. Note: it is a 3.5-hour train ride to Zürich airport and the first train departs Grindelwald at 5:17am, so plan departure flights accordingly. We can recommend hotels in Zürich if needed.

Pre- and Post-Tour Travel

Our Alps experts and Certified Switzerland Specialists can assist with recommendations for your pre- and post-tour travel arrangements. Simply call or email us your plans and we are happy to help make the best of your vacation experience. Consider an Alpenwild Getaway, a short-stay, self-guided option that’s easily combined with your tour plans.. For those wanting to conquer the entire Via Alpina from east to west, this tour can be combined with the Bernese Oberland Traverse as a back-to-back tour.

Accommodations

 You will stay in carefully chosen and independently owned 3- and 4-star hotels, and one classic Berghotel in Engstlenalp which captures the authentic charm of the Alps. Note that the Berghotel Engstlenalp will have private rooms with shared bathrooms.

Meals

The hallmark of an Alpenwild trip is our exceptional dining; including buffet breakfasts, picnic lunches, and many dinner options. NOTE: Alcoholic beverages, specialty drinks, one lunch, and one dinner in Engelberg (day 8) are not included. 

We can accommodate a vegetarian diet, but since Alpine cuisine is centered around dairy products, accommodating a vegan diet is difficult. You’ll have plenty of whole grain and fresh fruit options at breakfast. For lunch, we will purchase items for the day and you’re welcome to come with us or give us specific requests. You’ll find the larger grocery stores have good vegetarian selections. For dinner our hotels will have vegetarian options, but not necessarily vegan. Other dietary restrictions, such as gluten-free diets, may not be accommodated in remote mountain towns.