Compare Switzerland Walking & Hiking Tour by Backroads vs Magical Switzerland - Small Group, Winter 2021 2022 Small Group by Insight Vacations
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 6 days | 7 days |
| Price From | $ 4,498 | $ 3,229 |
| Price Per Day | $ 750 | $ 461 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Small group tour | Group tour |
| Lodging Level | Premium | Premium |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Airfare included |
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| Meals Included | N/A | N/A |
| Description |
Prepare to be pampered. Awestruck. Exhilarated. In a place where mountains cut into the sky. Where snow perfectly crowns each peak and glacial lakes shimmer. Where alpine comfort and Matterhorn views come standard at the Riffelalp Resort. Where trails lead to remote hamlets and green pastures, over hidden mountain passes and beside immense glaciers. Where chalets are always ready with a cold beer or warm hot chocolate. Prepare for the height of Switzerland. Prepare for the Swiss Alps. |
Experience the magic of Switzerland at Christmas, journeying from Lucerne to Brig, and on to Geneva. Start your Swiss adventure in Lucerne, a stunning 14th century fortress city sitting on a lakeshore and surrounded by snowcapped forests. Voyage through the frosted peaks and frozen waterfalls of the Grison Alps to the Alpine ski resort of St Moritz—a retreat frequented by royalty and James Bond in the Spy Who Loved Me. Board the Glacier Express to Brig and adventure through the heart of the Swiss Alps in the Albula Pass tunnel, before crossing the skyscraping Landwasser Viaduct and descending through the Rhône Valley. Explore the car free, cobbled streets of Zermatt Village at the foot of Mount Matterhorn and in the Swiss capital, enjoy a sumptuous Geneva fondue dinner at Le Petit Chalet. |
Day 1: Experience quintessential Switzerland with breathtaking hikes
Starting with a ridgeline walk above the Adelboden Valley Ascend by gondola to the Wildflower Trail Alpine pastures, tumbling waterfalls and glistening glaciers stretch out before you.
Days 2-3: Trek from high mountain passes to wildflower-strewn meadows
A challenging route to Leukerbad leads past a shimmering glacier-fed lake and over Gemmi Pass, crossed for centuries by traders Cable cars whisk us over the toughest ups and downs Traverse a thermal gorge on a suspension bridge that looks onto a thundering waterfall Get the skinny on Swiss cheese at a traditional farm Do your hiking muscles need TLC? You're in the right place: Leukerbad's healing waters have attracted travelers since the 19th century.
Day 4: Grand Hotel Zermatterhof, the epitome of luxury, with panoramic views of the Matterhorn
Catch the Glacier Express train to Zermatt, a picturesque village that is blissfully automobile-free En route through the Zmutt Valley, stop for a lager or slice of apple strudel in one of the historic mountain hamlets.
Days 5-6: Jaw-dropping views of Gornergletscher,
A glacier with bright blue pools and deep crevasses, reached by foot or train As you listen to the ice field groan, creak and rumble, the Monte Rosa and Breithorn peaks stand watch Savor crisp morning air en route to an alpine lake which offers magnificent vistas of Zermatt Enjoy a tour of historical Zermatt with a local expert.
Day 1: Zürich and Lovely Lucerne
Welcome to Switzerland - an enchanting winter wonderland of frozen waterfalls, peaceful cosy villages, snow-laden forests and imposing mountain ranges, crowned by famous peaks. On arrival at Zürich airport, transfers leave for your hotel in Lucerne at 09:30 and 13:30. Join your Travel Director and fellow guests at 18:00 for a Welcome Dinner with good food and wine.
Day 2: Lucerne and St. Moritz Relaxed Start
Experience Lucerne, a beautiful 14th century city still protected by medieval fortifications. Your Travel Director will reveal the covered wooden bridges, the painted gables and the sorrowful Lion Monument. Then there’s time to enjoy the excellent shops and lakeside walks before heading along the dramatic Walensee, past Chur, to the fashionable ski resort of St. Moritz. Set in the sparkling Engadine Valley, this elegant resort nestles below the awe-inspiring, majestic Grisons Alps.
Day 3: St. Moritz at Leisure Relaxed Start
T his whole day is completely at leisure, so maybe enjoy a late breakfast to start? Afterwards you may choose to explore the spa quarter of this chic resort, see the houses with their traditional sgraffito facades or indulge in the stylish boutiques? You may even consider joining the Bernina Express for a scenic rail journey of such epic proportions that it has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
Day 4: Aboard the Glacier Express
Board the world famous Glacier Express for a spectacular ride with lunch included, through the heart of the Swiss Alps. Descend through the tunnels of the Albula Pass and traverse the lofty Landwasser Viaduct. Your train then joins the broad Rhine Gorge and meanders beside rock-strewn rivers before climbing through snowy pastures and woodlands. Picturesque landscapes of ice-capped mountains and stone-built villages with chalet-style houses glide by. After a series of spirals, you will reach the highest point of the route, the icy Oberalp Pass. Modern, panoramic viewing cars ensure that you won’t miss a thing on your descent to Andermatt and down the Rhône Valley. Around mid-afternoon, you will disembark in Brig.
Day 5: Zermatt, Matterhorn Village
Marvel at the dramatic Swiss scenery, as you follow the narrow valley which leads to Täsch. Here, you leave the coach to board the cogwheel train that takes you to the traffic-free haven of Zermatt, at the foot of the Matterhorn. Wander along its cobbled streets to browse among the shops, explore the ancient wooden farmhouses and mazot barns in the back alleys, or visit the Matterhorn Museum to pass through the homes of yesteryear. If you have a head for heights, then you may like to board the cable car up the Klein Matterhorn. From the summit, marvel at the incredible views of the icebound Swiss Alps, should weather permit. Return to your hotel in Brig where the remainder of the day is at leisure.
Day 6: Chillon Castle and Geneva
Journey along the Lower Rhône Valley to the shores of Lake Geneva where the associations with the early European Romantic movement are very strong. With your Local Expert, visit beautiful Chillon Castle, former home to the Counts of Savoy, set on a rocky islet in the lake. In 1816, the castle inspired Lord Byron to write the poem ‘The Prisoner of Chillon,’ following his walk through the dungeons. Look out for his name, which he carved into a pillar. Close by is the sophisticated tiered town of Montreux, where it is delightful to stroll along the lakeside promenade. Enjoy a beautiful journey alongside the lake, passing Vevey and Lausanne, to reach the immaculate town of Geneva. On arrival, your orientation includes the United Nations Building, officially known as the Palais des Nations, the Old Town and the Jet d’Eau. Spend your night in Geneva, rejoicing with your newfound friends at the local restaurant, Le Petit Chalet, as you are treated to a delicious, traditional fondue Celebration Dinner complete with wine.
Day 7: Depart Geneva
Your magical journey comes to an end after breakfast. Your transfer will arrive at Geneva airport at 08:00 or 10:00.
