Compare Hiking Below and Beyond Mont Blanc: Switzerland, Italy and France by Road Scholar vs Country Roads of Switzerland - Small Group Small Group by Insight Vacations

Day 1 In Transit In Flight

Day 2 Arrivals Villars sur Ollon

Hotel check-in is at 2:00 p.m. Approximate transfer time: 1.5 hours.

At leisure.

Welcome dinner at the hotel. Water is included in the program cost at all meals. Unless otherwise noted, dinners on this program are typically a three course set menu.

Day 3 Villars, Switzerland Villars sur Ollon

Up to 6 miles of walking for 4 hours on natural forest trails and on cobblestones. The trail has a gentle ascent and descent, and some parts may be slippery if wet.

We start from Villars and transfer by bus to Solalex (4820 feet), a beautiful mountain pasture under the breathtaking cliff, Miroir d’Argentine. Discover local geology and then walk through pine forests and alpine meadows to Barboleuse (3973 feet).

After lunch, gently walk to Gryon (3655 feet) and enjoy a visit of this picturesque village full of history. Return to Villars via train.

At leisure.

At the hotel. On this program, breakfasts will offer a typical European style breakfast buffet with breads, cheeses, cold-cuts, yogurt, fruit, cereals, juice, milk, coffee, tea and water.

At a local restaurant in Barboleuse.

At the hotel.

Day 4 Bretaye, Switzerland, Alpine Farm Villars sur Ollon

Up to 5 miles of walking for 3.5 hours on natural and mountain trails. The trail goes up and down with a total gain of approx. 165 feet and an elevation loss of approx. 230 feet.

Begin the morning with local transportation to Bretaye (5922 feet), the starting point of today's walking field trip. Hear a field lecture on Bretaye Lake. Walk across alpine meadows with the stunning Swiss Alps at every turn until we reach an alpine farm. Meet the farmer and learn the details of alpine farming and cheese making.

Continue hiking through forested trails to the bus stop, where we board the bus back to Villars.

At leisure.

At the hotel.

Fondue at the farm.

At the hotel.

Day 5 St. Bernard Pass, Transfer to Cogne, Italy Cogne

Up to 1 mile of walking for 2 hours on natural trails and cobblestones.

Following breakfast, transfer by private coach down to the Rhone Valley and up to the incredible St. Bernard Pass (8114 feet), an ancient Roman transalpine route and more recently the path of Napoleon's army into Italy in 1800. En-route there is an excursion to the St. Bernard Museum, the first hospice founded as early as 1049 and appropriately named after Saint Bernard. This name later became famous for the St. Bernard dogs, loyal companions to the monks and mainly used as rescue and watchdogs. Learn about the "History of the Great St. Bernard Pass and the St. Bernard Dogs" during a field lecture.

Continue on the winding road down to the French speaking Valle d’Aosta in Italy and on to Cogne (5032 feet), the main gateway to the Parco Nazionale del Gran Paradiso, founded in 1922. Upon arrival, attend an orientation, stroll through the town, including a visit of the Maison Gérard Dayné, which is one of the best examples of Aosta Valley traditional architecture. Have a welcome drink at the hotel before dinner.

At leisure.

At the hotel.

At a local restaurant.

Dinner at the hotel.

Day 6 Valnontey, Italy, Alpe Vermiana Cogne

Up to 6 miles of walking for 4.5 hours on forest trails and on cobblestones.

This morning there will be a short transfer by local transportation to the hamlet of Valnontey, where your walking field trip begins. Our hike will take us up through coniferous and larch forests in a continuous ascent (total gain of 1880 feet). Experience fabulous views as you walk closer to the permanently snow-covered Gran Paradiso Mountains before descending the same way through Valnontey. Today's field lectures include "Alpine Garden in Valnontey" and "Liqueurs Made of Local Herbs."

Spend the afternoon learning how to cook the traditional polenta and tasting local wine.

At leisure.

At the hotel.

Picnic lunch above Valnontey.

At the hotel.

Day 7 Lillaz, Italy, Urtier River, Gimillan Cogne

Up to 8 miles of walking for 4.5 hours on natural and mountain trails with a gradual descent.

Transfer by local transportation to the village of Lillaz (5304 feet) and the Lillaz waterfall. The walking field trip begins here, continues along the Urtier River and ends in Cogne. Enjoy the beautiful views of the mountain peaks and glaciers.

Local transportation to the old village of Gimillan (5900 feet), built on a natural terrace. From there, walk across alpine meadows and take in the panoramic views of the majestic mountains of the Gran Paradiso National Park. Learn about Gimillan and the national park during a field lecture. Return to Cogne by public bus.

At leisure.

At the hotel.

At the hotel.

At a local restaurant.

Day 8 Aosta, Italy Cogne

Up to 2 miles of walking for 2 hours on cobblestones.

Transfer by public bus to the attractive mountain town of Aosta (1912 feet), founded by the Romans in 25 BC - primarily a military camp, and called the “Rome of the Alps.” The setting of this town is pure enchantment, surrounded by mountains. The Roman layout of the streets of Aosta, with its narrow cobbled streets and overhanging upper stories, give the town a very alpine flair. Hear a lecture called "Aosta and Cogne – Past and Present."

Take this opportunity for personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most, before returning by public bus to Cogne. Please refer to the list of Free Time Opportunities, which can be found in the first Information Packet. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions and give directions.

At leisure.

At the hotel.

Explore local fare on your own in Aosta.

At the hotel.

Day 9 Courmayeur, Italy, Transfer to Chamonix, France Chamonix

Up to 1 mile of walking for 2 hours on cobblestones and in town.

Private coach transfer to Chamonix with an excursion stop and walk in Courmayeur, a striking and fashionable resort located at the foot of Mont Blanc. Continue through the Mont Blanc tunnel to Chamonix (3395 feet).

After check-in, rejoin the group for a walking field trip of Chamonix. Today's field lecture covers the past and present of Chamonix, and Michel Paccard, first climber of Mont Blanc (15,780 feet) in 1786.

At leisure.

At the hotel.

At the hotel.

At the hotel.

Day 10 Scenic Circular Trail to the Swiss Border Chamonix

Up to 5 miles of walking for 3.5 hours on natural and mountain trails.

Take a short ride by local bus to the village of Le Tours and then by cable car to "Les Autannes" (7200 feet). From there, start a circular hike with only minor elevation changes to "Refuge de Col de Balme" (at the Swiss border). From this point, we can enjoy wonderful views over the whole valley and the Mont Blanc range. Learn about the Chamonix Valley and Mont Blanc during a field lecture.

Walk down to "Charmillon," the intermediate station of the cable car (elevation loss of 1130 feet) and continue back by cable car and local bus to Chamonix.

At leisure.

At the hotel.

Picnic on the trail.

At the hotel.

Day 11 Aiguille de Midi, France Chamonix

Up to 1 mile of walking for 1 hour on natural trails.

Today ride the cable car up Mont Blanc, enjoying the marvelous views as it first climbs to Plan de l’Aiguille (7600 feet) and then to Aiguille de Midi (12,604 feet). The panorama on a clear day is simply one of the best in the Alps, with views of mountains as far as the eye can see. If the sky is clear, you may even get a glimpse of the Matterhorn! This is a wonder that attracts people from all over the world. Hear a field lecture on the Aiguille du Midi and Mont Blanc. Walk from the middle station Plan de l'Aiguille (7600 feet) to the Lac Bleu Lake. Return to Chamonix by cable car.

Take this opportunity for personal independent exploration to see and do more of what interests you most. Please refer to the list of Free Time Opportunities, which can be found in the first Information Packet. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions and give directions.

At leisure.

At the hotel.

Explore local fare on your own.

Farewell drink and dinner at the hotel.

Day 12 Transfer to Geneva, Switzerland Geneva

Up to 2 miles of walking for 2 hours on packed snow, natural trails, and on cobblestones. At La Mer de Glace there are over 400 steps up and down.

Take a morning excursion to La Mer de Glace (6279 feet). The Montenvers rack railway starts from Chamonix and in 20 minutes reaches the bottom of the Mer de Glace, France's largest glacier (approx. 4 miles long, 656 feet thick). Then a cable car takes you to the ice cave. This historic site marked the start of Alpine tourism in the 19th century and offers a panoramic view of famous peaks such as Les Drus and Les Grandes Jorasses.

Transfer by private coach to the hotel in Geneva, Switzerland. Spend the remainder of the day exploring Geneva. Take this opportunity for personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. You may want to see the large fountain Jet d'eau, the European headquarters of the United Nations, Palais des Nations, or Saint Peter's Cathedral. There are also many museums and gardens to see in Geneva. Please refer to the list of Free Time Opportunities, which can be found in the first Information Packet. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions or give directions.

At leisure.

At the hotel.

Explore local fare on your own in Chamonix.

Explore local fare on your own.

Day 13 Departures In Flight

Transfer to the Geneva Airport. Please join our Facebook page and share photos of your program. Visit us at www.facebook.com/rsadventures.

At the hotel. This concludes our program.

Day 1: Welcome to Lucerne

Welcome to Switzerland, a land of snow-capped summits and romantic lakes that has attracted poets, musicians and travellers for centuries. On arrival at Zürich airport, transfers leave for your hotel in Lucerne at 09:30 and 13:30. Meet your Travel Director and travel companions at 18:00 for drinks, followed by a pleasant Welcome Dinner with wine at a local restaurant.

Day 2: Ascend the summit of Mount Stanserhorn

Step aboard a funicular railway and open-top cable car for a spectacular journey to the summit of the stunning Mount Stanserhorn. Admire unrivalled views of the surrounding mountains and, on a clear day see as far as Alsace in France and the Black Forest in Germany. Explore Mount Stanserhorn with Insight Choice. Choose to join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience and listen to a conservation talk by a Swiss ranger, to learn about local wildlife and flora. Alternatively, walk through the marmot park and along the Rock- Gipfelweg trail leading to the summit. At the highest point you can enjoy a breathtaking panorama. Return to the beautiful 14th century city of Lucerne to see its storybook wooden bridges, baroque church and sorrowful Lion Monument. Enjoy the rest of the afternoon at your leisure to walk along the lake or perhaps shop for a special timepiece or chocolate.

Day 3: Bern, Gruyères and Montreux

In Bern, your Local Expert, a local English teacher, shows you the Cathedral of St. Vincent, Federal Palace and floral displays. Gather at the clock tower to watch the mechanical procession of painted figures before viewing the Ogre Fountain. Your travels continue into the wide, green valleys of the Vaud Alps with snowy summits filling the horizon. Continue through vineyards and alpine meadows to the fortified town of Gruyères, that gives its name to the well-known cheese. Enjoy time on your own to explore the pretty main street and 13th century castle. From Montreux, travel along the shores of Lake Geneva to visit Domaine Wannaz, a family-run biodynamic winery. Admire the stunning panorama overlooking the lake and savour a tasting of tantalising, local wines. Delight in a delicious Farm-to-Table light dinner, made from locally sourced produce, and learn how the family is preserving the estate for future generations on this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience.

Day 4: Lake Geneva and the Swiss Countryside

On the western bay of Lake Geneva, join Maud, head of collections of Chillon Castle, for a special tour of the former home to the Dukes of Savoy, immortalised by Lord Byron's 'Prisoner of Chillon.' Keep a look out for where the writer is rumoured to have left his mark. Return to Montreux where the rest of the day is free for you to explore on your own or relax as you wish at your quayside hotel.

Day 5: Geneva and Scenic Lake Cruise Relaxed Start

Follow the shores of the lake to the international city of Geneva, seeing the Jet d’Eau and Floral Clock.Next, relax in first-class comfort on the waters of Lake Geneva during a highlight cruise.This evening, enjoy time at leisure on the promenade of your lakeside resort.

Day 6: Martigny, Sion and Zermatt Relaxed Start

Journey into the upper Rhône Valley to Martigny to view the Roman Amphitheatre. Continue to the town of Sion, dominated by two rocky peaks, each crowned with episcopal fortresses, and see the cathedral and Old Town Hall. Complete your journey via cogwheel train to the traffic-free mountain resort of Zermatt. This evening, take your pick from a selection a local restaurants for your Dine-Around Evening. Perhaps you will delight in the typical Swiss dining experience of fondue?

Day 7: Zermatt at Leisure Relaxed Start

Zermatt in the summertime offers many leisure possibilities: try swimming, hiking or relaxing in the fresh alpine surrounds. Perhaps take a trip to the Klein Matterhorn, see the Matterhorn from the church bridge or sample the delicious cakes known as Kuchen?

Day 8: The Italian Lake District to Baveno

Descend to Täsch for a scenic drive through Brig, where you'll commence your ascent of the Simplon Pass, taking in magnificent views over the Alps from the 2,000-metre summit. Cut through northern Italy, stopping along the shores of Lake Maggiore. The afternoon is at your leisure. Perhaps join an experience to the stunning Isola Bella?

Day 9: The Glamour and Glitz of St. Moritz

Journey along the shores of Lake Maggiore, and head north to the three castles at Bellinzona to meet your Local Expert, Julie Guidotti, for a fascinating insight into this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Originally from the midwest of the USA, Julia was married in Ticino - the Italian-speaking region of Switzerland of which Bellinzona is the capital. Having lived in the area for many years, Julia is passionate about this city and is always keen to share her knowledge and delighted to assist with any questions you have about the region. Your travels continue through the Grisons Region, travelling via San Bernardino and the town of Tiefencastel, as you follow the young Rhine River. Head east towards the Julier Pass and the glamorous resort of St. Moritz, set in the Engadine Valley with the majestic Grisons Alps towering above.

Day 10: Leisure Time in St. Moritz Relaxed Start

Enjoy a day at leisure to jostle with the jet-setters in the elegant boutiques, or perhaps take an exciting train journey over the Bernina pass. To help you make the most of your day, your Travel Director will provide you with a mountain railways pass, offering free travel on all cable cars, funiculars and chairlifts (when available) in Engadine St. Moritz.

Day 11: The Glacier Express

Step aboard the Glacier Express to experience one of the world’s great railway journeys. Cross the Landwasser Viaduct before heading down through the Oberalp Valley to rejoin the coach at Andermatt. Drive through the dramatic Schöllenen Gorge passing the Devil's Bridge. Marvel at the Wetterhorn Peaks as you travel along the Grindelwald Valley. Follow the sparkling Lütschine River to Lauterbrunnen, at the head of the Valley of Waterfalls, and see the Staubbach Falls plunge 300 metres from the plateau above.

Day 12: Grindelwald at Leisure Relaxed Start

Enjoy a day at your leisure to explore Grindelwald further. Perhaps take a cogwheel train ride to the summit of the Jungfrau mountain?

Day 13: Rural Switzerland to Zürich

Take in the spectacular lake views, as you journey to Brienz, famous for its woodcarving traditions. Visit the Jobin Swiss Woodcarving Centre to trace the history of the trade back to the early days of the 19th century. Continue over the Brünig Pass and drive alongside the lakes of Lungern and Sarnen to return to Zürich. See the Bahnhofstrasse, Grossmünster, River Limmat and Frauenmünster on an orientation of the city with your Travel Director. Join your travel companions at a local restaurant. Your Celebration Dinner is accompanied with wine - raise your glass to toast to your adventures.

Day 14: Depart Zürich

Your Swiss adventures come to and end this morning, with a transfer to Zürich airport arriving at 08:00.