Compare Trekking Mont Blanc by G Adventures vs Switzerland in a Nutshell: Cities and Peaks by Train by Road Scholar
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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4.5 | Great
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| Duration | 10 days | 11 days |
| Price From | $ 2,167 | $ 3,699 |
| Price Per Day | $ 217 | $ 336 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Small group tour | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Basic | Standard |
| Physical Level |
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| Travel Themes |
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| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Airfare included |
| Activities |
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N/A |
| Meals Included | 9 breakfasts, 5 dinners |
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| Description |
Experience the rarified air of Europe as you trek the Alps from France to Italy and Switzerland along the Tour du Mont Blanc. This challenging hiking circuit will reward you with mesmerizing views of glaciers, steep valleys, and, of course, Mont Blanc itself. Travel across high passes and through Alpine meadows, recharging at night with delicious mountain cuisine in simple refuges. Challenge yourself to conquer one of the world's premiere hiking routes, uncovering the alpine heart of Europe on this incredible active adventure. |
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 Chamonix
Arrive at any time.
Our circuit begins and ends in Chamonix, France. This evening is our first opportunity to try out some of the best Alpine specialities in a typical restaurant, such as Cheese fondue, Tartiflette or Raclette accompanied with some famous "Vin de Savoie" wine.
Day 2 Chamonix/Les Contamines-Montjoie
Travel to Les Houches and enjoy a 24km (15 mi) hike through the stunning countryside to Les Contamines and savour a delicious dinner in the evening.
We set off this morning after breakfast for our first day of hiking. We'll take the bus to the village of Les Houches, where we begin with a cable car ride to Bellevue. From here on a clear day you’ll enjoy great views of the Chamonix Valley and the Mont Blanc Range, before beginning our hike to Les Contamines.
Day 3 Les Contamines-Montjoie/Les Chapieux
Hike the challenging 18km (11 mi) from Les Contamines to Les Chapieux.
Day 4 Les Chapieux/Courmayeur
Pass glacial lakes on the 23km (14 mi) trek from Les Chapieux to the Italian town of Courmayeur.
Day 5 Courmayeur
The picturesque mountain town of Courmayeur is an ideal backdrop for a free day. Opt to ride a cable car to Pointe Helbronner or go for a day hike.
Today we have a scheduled rest day to put up our weary feet or take the opportunity to enjoy the lovely town of Courmayeur and La Saxe. Enjoy an optional dinner with the group and our leader to taste some of the Italian Alpine specialities offered in Courmayeur's many atmospheric restaurants.
Day 6 Courmayeur/Val Ferret
Hike the 14km (8.6 mi) from Courmayeur to the Italian Val Ferret. It's a steep climb but the rewarding views are worth it.
Day 7 Val Ferret/La Fouly
Embark on a long, steep hike of 20km (12.5 mi) followed by a stay in the Swiss mountain village of La Fouly.
Day 8 La Fouly/Trient
After a short bus journey to the picturesque village of Champex, follow the "Bovine Way" and trek 16km (10mi) from La Fouly to Trient.
Day 9 Trient/Chamonix
Enjoy a final day of trekking 14 km (8.7mi) over the Col de la Balme to the Chamonix valley.
Day 10 Chamonix
We suggest booking your flight no earlier than 12:00 if you would like to leisurely enjoy your last morning in Chamonix. Please keep in mind that Geneva is approximately 2 hours away.
Please note that most international flights depart from Geneva Airport, and you will need to allow at least 3 hours prior to your departure time to travel from Chamonix to Geneva. For this reason, our suggested 12:00 flight departure time is not mandatory, but recommended to allow a leisurely final morning on tour.
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.
