Compare Mont Blanc to the Matterhorn by Exodus Travels vs Switzerland in a Nutshell: Cities and Peaks by Train by Road Scholar
Compare details and see what other travelers are saying.
| Trip |
5 | Excellent
|
4.5 | Great
|
| Duration | 15 days | 11 days |
| Price From | $ 4,260 | $ 3,699 |
| Price Per Day | $ 284 | $ 336 |
| Highlights |
|
|
| Trip Style | Small group tour | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Standard |
| Physical Level |
|
|
| Travel Themes |
|
|
| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions |
|
|
| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Airfare included |
| Activities |
|
N/A |
| Meals Included | All breakfasts, 10 picnic lunches and 12 dinners are included in this trip. On eight nights, we take our evening meal in camp; on four nights, we take our evening meal in a nearby local restaurant or it is prepared for us by the hut or inn. The restaurant and hut/inn meals, which are prepared for us, are usually arranged as a ‘menu’ for the whole group and, as they are based on special negotiations made by us, represent better value than eating independently. On free days 9 and 14, dinner is not included and needs to be bought locally. Please note, should flight times change to arrive earlier, or depart later, additional meals will not be included. Please also note that no refund will be given for meals not taken or taken other than where designated. Typical meals Breakfast: Usually consists of coffee, tea, cereal, yoghurt, fresh fruit, bread and conserves. Lunch: Picnic-style lunches will normally include bread, cold meat, cheese, sometimes boiled eggs or tinned fish, fresh salad and fresh fruit. You may wish to bring (or purchase locally) snack bars for an extra energy boost during the day. Evening meal: Whether in camp or in a nearby restaurant, we endeavour to make dinner something to look forward to. Each day there will be a freshly prepared menu for the whole group consisting of: A soup, salad or similar A main course of meat, fish or vegetarian option served with a selection of vegetables and carbohydrates A dessert Beer, wine, bottled water, coffee, tea or other drinks are not included in the price of evening meals taken in restaurants. Coffee and tea are included with the evening meal when we eat in camp, and beer and wine are also available for purchase at a modest cost. Vegetarians: We happily cater for vegetarians – please inform us at the time of booking. Vegans: If you adhere to a vegan diet, you may find the variety of food offered to be limited, since veganism is relatively uncommon in this region. The feedback we receive for the food we serve is great but please be aware that facilities and practicality forces us, and the restaurants we use, to put our efforts into making one excellent group meal with a vegetarian option. Of course, any allergies will be respected. |
|
| Description |
The Haute Route is one of the best-known long-distance ski-touring routes in Europe; running roughly parallel is a spectacular summer trek from Mont Blanc to the Matterhorn. Covering approximately 100mi (160km), it links the valleys of the Haute-Savoie in France to the Swiss Valais. Following our guide, a qualified International Mountain Leader, we pass beneath 10 of the 12 highest mountains in the Alps. Walk through a landscape scattered with glistening glacial lakes and lush, undulating valleys by day and sleep in remote Alpine huts and under canvas by night.Hike a spectacular Alpine trail from Chamonix to Zermatt |
Ride the rails through the mountain landscapes of Switzerland to discover ancient towns, idyllic lakes, pristine countryside and — of course — the legendary Matterhorn. |
Day 1 Start at Les Bossons, near Chamonix
We begin our adventure at the campsite in Les Bossons, which has wonderful views of Mont Blanc and the Bossons Glacier, especially at sunset. In the afternoon, there is an introductory briefing by the trek crew. Campsite: Camping Les Marmottes, Les Bossons
Day 2 Free day in the Chamonix Valley
This is a limbering up day and there are several good walks nearby. Alternatively, take the cable car (optional) to Aiguille du Midi for outstanding close-up views of Mont Blanc, the Chamonix Valley and the surrounding peaks. Campsite: Camping Les Marmottes, Les Bossons
Day 3 Walk the Grand Balcon Sud from Chamonix to Les Frasserands
From Les Bossons (3,320ft/1,012m), we have a short bus journey to Chamonix where we walk to Les Praz and take the cable car to La Flégère (6,100ft/1,860m). The trail today is named the Grand Balcon and is on the opposite side of the valley from Mont Blanc, affording excellent views of the whole massif lying to our south. Initially, we contour and then climb to reach the high point of the day, Lac Blanc (7,715ft/2,352m). The trail descends and then contours high above the valley before dropping steeply to the hamlet of Les Frasserands (4,500ft/1,371m), where we take a scenic valley train back to our campsite. In the afternoon, there is a very short section of ladders/steep steps with handrails to descend. Campsite: Camping Les Marmottes, Les Bossons
Day 4 Cross Col de Balme to Switzerland
After a scenic train ride up the valley to Les Frasserands, we begin by climbing steeply to the Aiguillette de Posettes (7,200ft/2,201m), descend a little and then ascend towards the Col de Balme (7,190ft/2,191m) where we follow one of the paths across the border from France to Switzerland. Enjoy excellent views all morning of Aiguille d'Argentière and Aiguille du Tour and its glacier. After lunch, we descend to the small hamlet of Trient (4,250ft/1,296m) and enjoy views of the Trient Glacier. Campsite: Basic camping, near Trient
Day 5 Over Fenêtre d'Arpette to Champex
In good weather, we take the trail adjacent to the Trient Glacier to cross a high, rocky pass known as Fenêtre d'Arpette (8,740ft/2,665m) before descending steeply into the Arpette Valley (5,340ft/1,627m) and down to our campsite in Champex (4,880ft/1,486m). In poor weather, we take the lower trail, which climbs first to the Col de Forclaz (5,010ft/1,527m) where we can look down into the Rhone valley. The Swiss town of Martigny is in sight far below as we follow the Bovine Route to Champex Lac. Campsite: Camping Les Rocailles, Champex Lac
Day 6 From Champex, the trail leads to Verbier and to Cabane de Louvie
From Champex, we walk down to Sembrancher (2,350ft/717m) then travel by train and cable car to the ski resort of Verbier (4,880ft/1,490m) and then to Ruinettes (7,260ft/2,200m). Our afternoon walk starts on a broad easy trail with views of the Grand Combin and the Mont Blanc Massif in the distance. The trail than narrows and steepens and we traverse around the southern flank of the Bec des Rosses to Col Termin (8,750ft/2,652m) before descending to Lac de Louvie and our overnight stay at the Cabane de Louvie (7,300ft/2,214m). The path today is quite committing; if the weather is poor, there are problems with the cable cars, or snow on the path, we may need to take an alternative route from Sembrancher. We travel by train and bus up the valley to Fionnay (4,880ft/1,495m). From here, we ascend steeply through dramatic open hillside to reach our first mountain hut, the Cabane de Louvie (7,400ft/2,242m) on the shores of the Lac de Louvie (a very scenic spot) where we have great views of the Grand Combin. Mountain huts have shared dormitory-style accommodation with basic toilet and washing facilities only. The support vehicle is unable to reach this hut, so we need to do some light backpacking until we rejoin it in two days’ time. Mountain hut: Cabane de Louvie
Day 7 Cross the highest pass of the route, Col Prafleuri. Views of Rhone valley, Mont Blanc, the Grand Combin and the Matterhorn
A dramatic day with two passes to cross. We start with a scenic traverse around the shores of Lac de Louvie before a reasonably steep accent to our first col, Col de Louvie (9,580ft/2,921m), and onwards towards the Grand Désert, a rocky section of glacial moraine. If we're lucky, we may spot ibex herds. We pass small tarns fed by the outflows of the glacier and ascend for our second pass, the Col Prafleuri (9,800ft/2,987m) – the highest col on the route – with views of the Rosablanche and Mont Blanc de Cheilon. It is then only a short descent to the Cabane Prafleuri (8,600ft/2,624m). Again, the support vehicle is unable to reach us, so we will be doing light backpacking to this remote mountain hut. Mountain hut: Cabane Prafleuri, near Lac Dix
Day 8 Long walking day with two passes to cross; overnight at Les Haudères
Our route today starts with a short climb to cross the Col de Roux (9,200ft/2,804m). We descend across large boulders to Lac Dix (7,750ft/2,364m) and walk around its shoreline before climbing again above the glacier Dix, through meadows often filled with edelweiss during summer, to make a steep ascent on loose scree to the Col du Reidmatten (9,570ft/2,919m). Enjoy excellent views of the Pigne d'Arolla, Mont Collon and possibly the Matterhorn in the distance. Finally, a long descent brings us to the small, charming village of Arolla (6,550ft/1,998m), where we catch a bus to Les Haudères (4,710ft/1,436m). Here we are met by the support vehicle. Campsite: Camping Molignon, Les Haudères
Day 9 Rest day
Enjoy a free day to relax. The twin villages of Les Haudères and Evolène lie in the most picturesque part of the Val de Hérens and there are many walks in the area if you feel the need for a little more exercise. Alternatively, the scenic town of Sion, with its medieval quarter and many cafes and restaurants, is an easy bus ride away. Campsite: Camping Molignon, Les Haudères
Day 10 Past Lac Moiry to the picture-postcard village of Grimentz
Today, we have a big climb to reach our col where we are rewarded with stunning views. We climb first to Villa (5,675ft/1,730m) then on to cross the Col Torrent (9,575ft/2,919m) and enjoy vast mountain views (Pigne d'Arolla, Grand Combin and the Weisshorn) and make a long descent past Lac de Moiry (7,380ft/2,249m) to the woods above the picture-postcard village of Grimentz (5,150ft/1,572m). Campsite: Wild camping, Grimentz
Day 11 Longest walking day with excellent views of the Weisshorn
A long day that starts with a gentle walk through woodlands to reach the valley bottom at Mottec (5,100ft/1,556m). From here, there is a short but steep climb to join the main trail with fine views of the Matterhorn and Ober Gabelhorn. The climb continues to today's col, the Forcletta (9,426ft/2,874m), where we enter German-speaking Switzerland. We have views back to Grand Combin and possibly Mont Blanc. Descend, with views of the Weisshorn to the southeast, to the Turtman Valley and Gruben (5,975ft/1,822m). This is the longest walking day. As there is no campsite in the Gruben valley, we stay in dormitories in a local auberge and our bags are brought up by the support vehicle. Hotel: Schwarzhorn (basic hotel), Gruben
Day 12 Join Zermatt Valley; descend to Jungu and St Niklaus, short transfer to Randa
We climb again to cross the Augstbord pass (9,490ft/2,894m) with good views of the Weisshorn and the 'Dom' and join the main Zermatt Valley high on its western side. We descend to cross the Emdbach and, soon after, get our first views of the Zermatt Valley plus the Weisshorn, Kleine Matterhorn and Taschorn. Descend to Jungu (6,410ft/1,955m) and onto St Niklaus (3,700ft/1,127m), either by walking or by an optional cable car, where we travel by train or taxi to our last camp at Randa (4,720ft/1,439m). Ascent: 3,500ft (1,070m); Descent: 5,870ft (1,790m) – (less 2,710ft/830m descent if taking optional Jungu cable car) Campsite: Camping Attermenzen, Randa
Day 13 Follow a high-level balcony path that contours along the valley towards Zermatt
For our final day of trekking, we walk directly from the campsite to the village of Täsch before ascending up to the Europaweg, a wonderful contouring path with spectacular views of the Matterhorn. Rising above the treeline and into a wild, rocky landscape, we pass by Stellisee (a mountain lake and perfect spot to snap reflected views of the Matterhorn) and onwards to the mountain hut Fluhalp at 8,550ft (2,606m). From here, we have a long decent to Zermatt passing through old mountain hamlets with more stunning photo opportunities of the Matterhorn. Campsite: Camping Attermenzen, Randa
Day 14 Optional trip to Zermatt
From our camp near Randa, it is a short train or minibus trip to Zermatt, an ideal place for a free day with lots of opportunities for short or long walks or to relax in town. There are also many excursions, such as the mountain cog railway to Gornergrat for spectacular views of the Gorner Glacier and Monte Rosa or perhaps the spectacular cable car ascent to Kleine Matterhorn. Campsite: Camping Attermenzen, Randa
Day 15 End Randa
Our adventure ends at the campsite near Randa. Your tour leader will help you book a train ticket (or other transport) for your return to Geneva Airport – please see the Joining Instructions section of the Trip Notes for further information. Please note, the earliest a train could arrive at the airport is approximately 10am (although timings can change) and this would mean a very early start plus a short taxi ride to the railway station. Taxis directly to Geneva Airport are very expensive. Please ensure your return flight is late enough in the day to allow yourself time to reach the airport and check-in – we recommend a departure no earlier than 1pm.
Day
1
In Transit to Program
In Flight
Day
2
Arrive, Check-in, Orientation, Welcome Dinner
Zurich L,D Sorell Hotel Seefeld
Activity note: Check-in available from 2:00 p.m.
Lunch: Light lunch at a restaurant close to the hotel. Unless otherwise noted, lunches on this program are typically a two-course set menu. Please note that water is included in the program cost at all meals.
Afternoon: Time to relax or take a stroll on your own in Zurich. Then attend a Program Orientation to introduce you to the program and each other. Your Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the program theme, the up-to-date Daily Schedule and any changes, discuss safety guidelines, emergency procedures, roles and responsibilities, and answer any questions you may have. Indicated times are approximate. Program activities, schedules, and personnel may need to change due to local circumstances. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.
Dinner: Welcome dinner at the hotel. Unless otherwise noted, dinners on this program are typically a three-course set menu.
Evening: At leisure.
Day
3
Introduction to Switzerland, Free Time in Zurich
Zurich B,L Sorell Hotel Seefeld
Breakfast: Hotel dining room. 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.
Morning: Attend a lecture: "Switzerland's Cultural Regions, Geography and History." Then take an expert-led walk in the Old Town of Zurich.
Lunch: Hotel dining room or on a boat on Lake Zurich.
Afternoon: Visit the Fraumünster church to see the beautiful Chagall windows. Afterwards, enjoy free time to explore the city or visit a museum. Take this opportunity for personal independent exploration to see and do 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.
Dinner: Explore local fare on your own.
Evening: At leisure.
Day
4
Transfer to Chur via Appenzell and St. Gallen
Chur B,L,D Romantik Hotel Stern
Activity note: Your luggage will be transported via bus directly to the hotel.
Breakfast: Hotel dining room.
Morning: Transfer by train to Appenzell. Enjoy the ride through the picturesque rural area. Take a short walk in town with its painted facades, followed by another ride on the little "Appenzeller-train" to St. Gallen.
Lunch: Enjoy a typical Swiss lunch at a restaurant in St. Gallen.
Afternoon: Expert-led visit to the Baroque Abbey District of St. Gallen. The convent is a perfect example of a great Carolingian monastery. The library is one of the richest and oldest in the world and contains precious manuscripts. In the late afternoon, take a train to Chur through the Rhine River valley. Check-in at the hotel.
Dinner: Hotel dining room or a local restaurant near the hotel.
Evening: At leisure.
Day
5
Chur, Transfer by Glacier Express to Brig
Brig B,L,D Schlosshotel Art Furrer
Activity note: Your luggage will be transported with you on the train to Brig.
Breakfast: Hotel dining room.
Morning: Expert-led visit to the Old Town of Chur. Walk by the modern railway station, through the town center, and stroll along the narrow winding streets. Afterwards, enjoy a spectacular ride on the Glacier Express from Chur to Brig. The most famous railway in Switzerland, it runs through untouched mountain landscapes, deep gorges, delightful valleys, 91 tunnels, and across 291 impressive bridges.
Lunch: On the Glacier Express train.
Afternoon: Arrive in Brig and check-in at the hotel.
Dinner: Enjoy a Swiss cheese speciality, "Fondue."
Evening: At leisure.
Day
6
Stockalper Castle
Brig B Schlosshotel Art Furrer
Breakfast: Hotel dining room.
Morning: Attend a lecture on the Alps entitled "Geography, Culture and Challenges." Then take an expert-led visit to Stockalper Castle. Built in the 17th century by Kaspar Stockalper, the castle has an impressive courtyard, palace halls, chapel and gardens.
Lunch: Explore local fare on your own.
Afternoon: Free time this afternoon to explore the picturesque Old Town of Brig. Take this opportunity for personal independent exploration to see and do 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.
Dinner: Explore local fare on your own.
Evening: At leisure.
Day
7
Matterhorn, Transfer to Lausanne, Wine Tasting
Lausanne B,L,D Hotel des Voyageurs
Activity note: Your luggage will be transported via bus directly to the hotel. If weather does not permit the group to take the underground funicular, you will visit the Matterhorn Museum in Zermatt instead.
Breakfast: Hotel dining room.
Morning: Take the Glacier Express to Zermatt, a car-free mountain village where you'll find quaint cobbled alleyways, ancient sun browned barns, and traditional chalets. On a beautiful day you will take the cogwheel train from which you can admire the breathtaking panorama of a range of snowcapped high peaks, including the famous Matterhorn. If there is bad weather, we will visit the Matterhorn Museum in Zermatt instead, which presents the history, culture and growth of Zermatt, including the story of the first climbers to ascend the Matterhorn.
Lunch: Enjoy a local specialty at a restaurant in Zermatt.
Afternoon: Have some free time in Zermatt before riding the train down the Rhone Valley, Swiss wine country, and through the vineyards on Lake Geneva to Lausanne. Check-in at the hotel.
Dinner: At a local restaurant with a wine tasting.
Evening: At leisure.
Day
8
Lausanne, Lake Geneva
Lausanne B,D Hotel des Voyageurs
Breakfast: Hotel dining room.
Morning: Take an expert-led visit to the Old Town of Lausanne, and its cathedral, the largest gothic cathedral in Switzerland. Then attend a lecture about French-speaking Switzerland.
Lunch: Explore local fare on your own.
Afternoon: Enjoy a free afternoon on your own. Take this opportunity for personal independent exploration to see and do 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. We recommend a museum visit, or a cruise on Lake Geneva!
Dinner: At a local restaurant.
Evening: At leisure.
Day
9
Transfer to Basel, Jura Mountains
Basel B,L Hotel Bildungszentrum 21
Breakfast: Hotel dining room.
Morning: Enjoy a scenic train ride to Basel along Lake Biel, Lake Neuchâtel, and through the Jura Mountains.
Lunch: Packed lunch on the train.
Afternoon: Check-in at the hotel. Then attend a lecture entitled "Basel and the Arts." Learn about Basel, the cultural heart of Switzerland. Afterwards, a short orientation will introduce you to different museums that you may wish to visit during free time.
Dinner: Explore local fare on your own.
Evening: Free evening to attend a concert or other cultural event. A list of available events will be provided by your Group Leader upon arrival in Basel.
Day
10
Basel - The Cultural Heart of Switzerland
Basel B,D Hotel Bildungszentrum 21
Breakfast: Hotel dining room.
Morning: Attend a short lecture and discussion: "Switzerland Today." Then take an expert-led field trip to the beautiful, well-preserved Medieval Old Town of Basel by public transport and on foot. Walk past the famous Tinguely fountain, the cathedral, Münsterplatz, City Hall, and through the winding streets and alleyways. The rest of the day is free to explore Basel on your own. Take this opportunity for personal independent exploration to see and do 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.
Lunch: Explore local fare on your own.
Afternoon: Continue exploring Basel on your own.
Dinner: Farewell Dinner in the hotel dining room.
Evening: At leisure.
Day
11
Departures
In Flight B
Breakfast: Hotel dining room.
Morning: Departure to the Zürich-Kloten airport (ZRH) by taxi and train. This concludes our program. Please join our Facebook page and share photos of your program. Visit us at www.facebook.com/rsadventures.
