This French speaking valley is one of Switzerland's most untouched valleys. It is steeped in tradition, and has stood unchanged through the centuries. These incredible walks follow clear alpine paths, linking the villages with wonderful summer flowers and impressive views up the valley to the Matterhorn.
The comfortable hotels offer a wide variety of exceptional Swiss cuisine from the local produce-lake and river fish, to mountain cheeses and local wines from the fertile Rhone valley. These are just some of the highlights you may expect from your accommodation providers. You stay two nights at each of the hotels, giving you enough time to truly appreciate the charm of the villages. Enjoy a warm, family welcome from each hotelier.
Your Itinerary:
Day 1: Geneva-Grimentz (2 hours). You will be met at Geneva airport at 2 pm and transferred to the charming Swiss village of Grimentz. Here you will enjoy one of the most beautiful rides in the world. This ride will take you next to Lake Geneva and up the Rhone valley towards the impressive Matterhorn. After dinner at your relaxing Swiss hotel, there will be a briefing of the coming week’s activities.
Day 2: Grimentz-Bendolla-Becs de Boson alpine hut (5 hours). After a delicious breakfast with soothing sounds from the local church bells, you will take the cable car to Bendolla. From here, you will walk along a track which becomes quite rocky in places and climb gradually to the beautiful Becs de Boson alpine hut. You descend via the Pas de Lona and back to Bendolla before returning by cable car to Grimentz.
Day 3: Grimentz-Zinal (4-5 hours). Today you will move on to Zinal, one of the oldest tourist resorts in Switzerland. Situated at 5,400 feet above sea level, Zinal offers numerous views towards some of the most famous Swiss peaks, including the Weisshorn, the Zinal Rothorn and the Dent Blanche. The walk starts at the might Moiry barrage at Lake Moiry and climbs to the Corne de Sorebois. After lunch at the alpine restaurant, a gentle descent or cable car ride brings you to Zinal.
Day 4: Zinal Mountet alpine hut (5 hours). You continue even further today up the Anniviers Valley to a cozy mountain hut for lunch. This mountain hut is situated at the foot of the mighty Zinal Glacier. You will take a short stroll along the glacier before descending gradually to Zinal. You will have some time to explore this untouched village in the afternoon. A visit of the ancient peasant house, dating from 1768, the copper mines and the Saint Barthelemy Chapel are all musts! For the more experienced hikers, the detour to Roc de la Vache is well recommended and is classed as one of the most spectacular walks of the valley.
Day 5: Zinal-St. Luc (6 hours). Today you move to St. Luc, a bustling ski resort in the winter and a great place to visit in the summer. With its ancient watermills, original views of the Matterhorn and even more flower filled balconies, St Luc will not disappoint you! Today’s walk will bring you the Victorian Hotel Weisshorn for stunning views across the whole valley before descending gradually to St Luc. Stay at the luxury Hotel Bella Tola and its natural heated spa!
Day 6: St Luc-Bella Tola hut-Chandolin (5 hours). Your last day of walking will be spent truly appreciating the surroundings of St Luc. A funicular will take you to the Francois-Xavier-Bagnoud observatory and the planetary way where all the mysteries of the solar system are revealed. Continue to the alpine hut of Bella Tola to the village of Chandolin for a break before commencing the Botanical walk back towards St Luc. Discover the abundant flora of the Alps at your own pace.
Day 7: It is time to say good-bye. You will depart after breakfast at 10 am for Geneva airport for your next destination (2 hours).
2008 Dates: July 19-25, August 2-8, September 6-12.
Meeting Point: Geneva Airport. Transfers are included at pre-set time.
Difficulty of Walk: Walking is mainly on alpine paths which are occasionally steep. Ascents and descents can be avoided with help of cable cars. Walk between 6 and 11 miles per day with the option of shorter walks. You will be at altitude up to 9,500ft at times.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
$2,025 per person, shared; $235 single supplement.
Price Includes:
- 6 nights accommodation in 3 star authentic Swiss hotels
- 5 days guided walk
- Breakfast and dinner daily
- All cable car and train fares included
- Guide
- Luggage transfers
- Transfers to/from Geneva Airport at pre-set time
- Tax.
Also see tour packages in:
Europe
Switzerland
Walking Tours
Email it to a friend:
Click here to email this vacation to a friend
|
