Highlights:

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• visit the Medieval city of Bern, with cobbled streets crammed with boutique shops

• we do several walks amongst fields of wildflowers, with a backdrop of breathtaking snow-capped Swiss Alps

• walk and overnight in the shadow of the mighty Matterhorn

• indulge in a luxurious and well-deserved spa on Mt Rigi!

• explore the charming town of Lucerne

• learn about traditional cheese-making

• and of course also how to make delicious chocolate

• try a paragliding flight over the Swiss Alps in Interlaken

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Day 1: Arrival Zürich, Switzerland (overnight Zurich)

Welcome to Switzerland and the start of your European walking adventure!

Transfer to your hotel in Zurich.Check-in at the hotel and, time permitting, take stroll near the hotel to  feel the local vibe.

In the early evening, join your local tour guide for an orientation meeting followed by a Welcome dinner at a local restaurant.

Meals: Dinner

 

Day 2: City Visit Bern (overnight Interlaken)

Today we head to Bern, the charming capital of Switzerland. Once in Bern, we’ll enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant, where you can savor Swiss cuisine and enjoy the city’s laid-back vibe.

Get ready to explore the many highlights of Bern! This UNESCO World Heritage city offers a perfect blend of culture, history, and natural beauty. Stroll through the charming streets lined with cozy cafés and boutiques, or indulge in some shopping. For art and culture enthusiasts, Bern offers a wealth of options, from the fascinating Einstein House to the Museum for Communication and the lush Botanical Garden. If you’re in the mood for nature, head to the Aare River or Rosengarten, where you can enjoy stunning views of the city and surrounding landscape.

As the afternoon winds down, we’ll continue on a scenic drive to our next stop: the beautiful town of Interlaken, where we’ll continue our journey through Switzerland. 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 

Day 3: Hiking Schynige Platte  (overnight Interlaken)

After a hearty breakfast, we’ll embark on a scenic train ride to Wilderswil, where our adventure truly begins. From there, we’ll hop aboard the iconic cogwheel railway, a fun and historic way to ascend to the breathtaking Schynige Platte. As we make our way up, you’ll be treated to awe-inspiring views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, setting the stage for the stunning alpine adventure ahead.

Once we reach Schynige Platte, prepare to be amazed as we spend the day hiking through some of the most dramatic and beautiful alpine scenery in the world. The trails offer unrivaled views of the towering Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau peaks, creating the perfect backdrop for unforgettable photos and moments of wonder. You’ll also have the opportunity to visit the Alpine Garden, home to over 600 species of native alpine plants. This peaceful oasis offers a rare glimpse into the vibrant and diverse flora of the Swiss Alps.

Lunch will be a relaxing picnic amidst the mountains, allowing you to soak in the beauty of the landscape while enjoying delicious, locally-sourced fare.

After a day of exploring the alpine wonderland, we’ll board the cogwheel railway once again for a scenic ride back to Wilderswil. From there, we’ll take the train back to Interlaken, our hearts full of the majestic beauty of the Swiss Alps and memories that will last a lifetime. Dinner at the hotel.

Hiking Details

Length: approx. 5.7 km Duration: 2.5 hours

Ascent: approx. 240 m Descent: approx. 240 m Highest Point: 2’076 m

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 

Day 4: Free Day  (overnight Interlaken)

Interlaken is the adventure capital of Europe, and there is an array of things to do and see. Today is your free day to explore the region on your own. Your Swiss Travel Pass allows you to use public transport for free and offers discounts on mountain railways and other activities. With the Swiss Travel Pass you can visit many museums for free as well, eg.

- Visit Jungfraujoch, the "Top of Europe," for stunning mountain views.

- Take the funicular to Harder Kulm for breathtaking panoramic views of the Bernese Oberland.

- Explore the charming village of Isletwald.

- Enjoy a relaxing boat tour on Lake Thun and /or Lake Brienz.

-take a breathtaking paragliding flight

- Explore one of the many hiking trails in the area.

- Discover the mystical Beatus Caves.

- Experience the Ballenberg open-air museum, where you can learn about traditional Swiss life and culture.

Lunch and Dinner on your own so that you can plan and enjoy your free day to the full, even if your plans take you away until the late evening!

Meals: Breakfast

 

Day 5: Hiking to Doldenhornhut, Kandersteg

Today, we embark on a mountain adventure, hiking to the Doldenhorn Hut. We’ll begin our journey on public transport to Kandersteg, then hike through alpine meadows and rocky paths, soaking in stunning views of the peaks. The hike will take about 2.5 hours, with a picnic lunch along the way.

Once we reach the hut, we’ll settle in and enjoy a delicious dinner at 6:30 PM. Hut rules state we have to be in bed by 10pm (not a problem!) giving us plenty of time to relax in the peaceful mountain surroundings.

Hiking Details

Length: approx. 5.4 km Duration: 2.5 hours, Ascent: approx. 750 m Descent: - Highest Point: 1’915 m

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Doldenhornhut

 

Day 6: Kandersteg to Zermatt (overnight Zermatt)

After a hearty breakfast and fresh mountain air, we begin our hike back down to Kandersteg, enjoying stunning panoramic views of the surrounding peaks along the way. Once in Kandersteg, we’ll enjoy a relaxing lunch at a local restaurant.

Next, we travel by public transport to Zermatt, taking the scenic Lötschberg mountain route through the Bernese Alps into the Rhone Valley, then up into the Valais Alps to reach the car-free village. Known for its breathtaking views, especially of the iconic Matterhorn, Zermatt is a perfect base for outdoor activities in the area. Dinner at a local restaurant

Hiking Details

Length: approx. 5.4 km Duration: 2.5 hours Ascent: - Descent: approx. 750 m Highest Point: 1’915 m

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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Day 7: Hiking Sunegga with panorama of the Matterhorn  (overnight Zermatt)

This morning, we take the funicular to Sunnegga, offering stunning views of the iconic Matterhorn. From there, we’ll hike through alpine meadows, past crystal-clear lakes, and along scenic trails, all while surrounded by breathtaking mountain landscapes. We’ll enjoy a picnic lunch during our hike.

We continue our hike towards Zermatt, where the rest of the day is yours to explore. You can wander the charming town, visit the Matterhorn Museum, or take in the beauty of one of the surrounding peaks.

Dinner at a local restaurant.

Hiking Details

Length: approx. 8 km Duration: 3 hours, Ascent: approx. 700 m Descent: approx. 25 m Highest Point: 2’310m

(Note: This hike can be swapped for a shorter hike in the same area if necessary).

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Activity: hiking at Sunegga

Optional Activities: explore Zermatt, Matterhorn Museum, Gornergrat, and many more.

 

Day 8: Aletsch Glacier (overnight Weggis)

Today, we take a scenic public transport journey to Weggis, traveling along the picturesque Furka route, partly following the famous Glacier Express route. Your luggage will be sent directly to the hotel. Along the way, we’ll stop in the Goms Valley for a view of the Aletsch Glacier, the largest in the Alps, stretching over 23 kilometers. Here, we’ll enjoy a delicious Swiss lunch while soaking in the stunning alpine views.

After lunch, we continue by train to Weggis, where we’ll check into our hotel. You’ll have some time to relax and explore before dinner.

Dinner at the hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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Day 9: Chocolate and Spa Rigi Kaltbad (overnight Weggis)

Today, we’ll visit a local chocolate factory for a behind-the-scenes look at Swiss chocolate-making. Watch the craftsmanship behind the world-famous chocolates and indulge in some delicious samples. Afterward, we’ll return to Weggis by boat, enjoying a scenic and relaxing ride across the lake. Enjoy a leisurely lunch at the hotel.

In the afternoon, it’s time to relax and unwind. We’ll head to a spa on Mount Rigi, the “Queen of the Mountains,” where you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of the Swiss Alps and Lake Lucerne. Afterward, you can return to Weggis via gondola at your own pace.

Evening: Dinner is excluded to allow you to enjoy your spa experience and return at your own leisure.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

 

Day 10: Visit Lucerne + Cheese Manufactuer (overnight Appenzell)

We begin the day taking public transport to Lucerne, where you’ll have free time to explore the charming old town, vibrant shopping streets, and lakeside strolls. Art lovers can visit the Kunstmuseum or Rosengart Collection, while those seeking relaxation can enjoy the scenic lakefront.

Late morning, we’ll regroup and head to Einsiedeln, with luggage sent directly to the hotel. Enjoy lunch at a cheese manufacturer.

After lunch, get hands-on at the cheese manufacturer, where you’ll learn traditional Swiss cheese-making techniques and even try your hand at crafting some yourself. It’s a fun way to dive into Swiss culinary culture! We’ll then continue to Appenzell, where we’ll check in and settle into the hotel.

Dinner at the hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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Day 11: The famous “Aescher” (overnight Appenzell)

We start the day with a scenic gondola ride to the Aescher Guesthouse, perched dramatically on the cliffs of Ebenalp in the Appenzell region. After arriving, we take a short walk through the Wildkirchli caves, formed over millions of years. These caves, once used by Neanderthals as a hunting ground, lead us to the Aescher Guesthouse. Afterward, we return to Ebenalp for lunch at a cozy mountain hut.

In the afternoon, we descend by gondola and public transport to Appenzell, where you’ll have free time to relax and explore. You can shop, visit local factories (cheese, beer, or water), or simply enjoy the charming surroundings at your own pace. Dinner at the hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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Day 12: Departure Day

What a wonderful, soul-filling trip it has been! Full of incredible scenery, stunning hikes and unlimited nature, you will be feeling refreshed and rejuvenated for your journey home!

Take the train from Appenzell (train takes 1.45 mins, make sure your onward flight is midday or later).

Meals: Breakfast