A Cultural Extravaganza. Our Swiss partner, and your guide, Cornelia Huber designed this tour with the help of her friends within the Swiss Department of Agriculture and the curator of a prominent Swiss cultural museum. She blends this hiking tour with one full and three half days of recreational cycling. Along the way we engage in several unique cultural activities and tours. Cornelia has designed each day's activity for multiple ability levels so that individuals of varying fitness levels can enjoy this one of a kind tour of Switzerland.
Day 1 & 2: Heidi-land: These first 2 days set the stage for your journey through Switzerland. Within the heart of "Heidi-land" you learn about the flora, fauna, geology & dairy industry that permeates the traditional Swiss way of life. Hiking through rural villages and farmlands of Cornelia's childhood is her way of introducing the traditional Swiss way of life. Then the echoing sound of cow bells magically lead us through fields of wild flowers & along an Alpen crest to a pass where the imbedded crystals are known to be legendary. An optional bike ride winds down through farming communities back to our Inn for some authentic Swiss cuisine.
Day 3: Subtropical Swiss-Italian Alps: From the Romansch linguistic region of the country we enter into the Italian-speaking region via the San Bernadino pass, used since prehistoric times. We visit the impressive Rhein Gorge, and boat across the stunning Lago Maggiore. Stroll the lakeside streets of Ascona before boarding the Cento Valli (100 valleys) panoramic train for a ride through the magnificent natural beauty of the Italian Alps. Morning & afternoon walks are optional.
Day 4 & 5: Crossing Europe's Largest Glacier: Strap on the cramp-ons and grab hold of the rope for a memorable two days across Europe's largest glacier. Led by an expert mountaineering guide we make our way over the numerous crevasses of this enormous mass of ice and a quiet evening on the glacier at the SAC mountaineering hut. We complete our glacial trek upon our afternoon arrival into an isolate valley ripe with legends & myth. This trek does not require that you be a mountaineer nor do you need to buy special boots or equipment. Alternative activities are prepared for those not wishing or able to participate.
An alternative route will be substituted if weather conditions are considered unsafe or for any individuals that do not wish to participating in this crossing.
Day 6: The Matterhorn: Begin by cycling through one of Switzerland's most isolated valleys. Surrounded by glaciers, waterfalls and canyons the beauty inspires awe. While everyone else packs into trains to get a glimpse at the Matterhorn, you ride your bike into the car-free village of Zermatt. Enjoy the luxury 4-star lodgings and room with a view of the Matterhorn. The camera never stops during our panoramic hike high above Zermatt.
Day 7 & 8: Medieval Lakeside Villages: The last of the 4 linguistic regions highlight the quaint medieval French lakeside. We visit one of Europe's finest wine making villages before touring Chateaux Chillon, the castle along Lac Leman that inspired Dumas' "The Count of Monte Cristo". Then relax along tiny Lake Murten. Explore the medieval town we stay, go for a swim, boat to Neuchatel or visit the nearby Roman ruins. The next day we change the pace by cycling through the medieval villages & past the many vineyards and Chateaux. Hiking is also available for anyone preferring to hike.
Day 9: Make Your Own Cheese: The Capital After a tour of the fascinating capital of Switzerland, Bern, a tasty treat is scheduled. Within the Emmentaler cheese region a special private tour of how cheese is made. We create our own variety, which after aging is sent to you for tasting. Then cycle or hike within the secluded rural landscape of dairy farmers and cruise along the gentle River Em.
Day 10-11: Wilhelm Tell & Luzern: Ascend the Alp Rigi by tram & hike along the paths of the "Queen of the Mountains". The continual magnificent vistas lead us to the Vierwaldstaettersee, the lake of Switzerland's origin & the legend of Tell. This evening we enjoy our 4-star luxury hotel's excellent cuisine for a memorable farewell dinner along this pristine lake.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Inclusions & highlights:
· 10 nights accommodation
· All breakfast, 8 dinners, 2 lunches
· All tour transfers including meet and departure as specified
· Multi-lingual guides and certified mountaineering expert guide for the 2 days on the glacier
· Daily van support & transport of luggage
· Guided hikes, bike rides and walks
· Guided hike across Europe’s largest glacier (includes all equipment)
· Entrance to the Rhein Gorge
· Special Panoramic Scenic train through the Cento Valli
· Entrance & tour of Chillon Castle
· Tour of wine caves
· Tour of how to make cheese and then make your own cheese
· Bicycle rental & all accessories, notes, maps and supplies
· Guided tour of the Swiss Capital of Bern
· All public transport mentioned in itinerary (boat to Ascona, panoramic train through Italian alps, cable car to Kuehboden, cable car up to Rigi, boat across lake Lucerne.)
Also see tour packages in:
Europe
Switzerland
Hiking & Trekking
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