Best Of Valais
EXPLORE THE BEAUTY AND VARIETY HIDDEN WITHIN THE ALPS’ MOST MASJESTIC VALLEYS
OFFERED MID-JUNE THROUGH MID-SEPTEMBER
Call now for 2012 dates
For those who love the mountain scenery, glaciers, and the rich history and culture of Alpine valleys, a hiking vacation in Valais represents the very best the Alps has to offer. Valais is Switzerland’s most culturally distinctive canton, known for exquisite cuisine, an abundance of glaciers, and over half of the Alps’ 4,000 meter peaks.
The Swiss canton of Valais is about the size of Long Island, yet packed into this region is what locals will claim is the best alpine hiking in the world—and we don't know of anyone who's been able to refute that claim. Come discover Valais for yourself.
At the heart of Valais is the broad Rhône Valley with dozens of majestic valleys radiating from each side. It is at once Switzerland’s best known and least known canton, with iconic mountains like the Matterhorn, resorts such as Verbier, and the Aletch Glacier—the longest in the Alps—while still holding hidden treasures; rare wildlife, Roman ruins, remote villages, and long-forgotten mountain trade routes.
Whether it’s historic hotels, wildlife, trendy resorts, wildflowers, or fine wines you’re after, Valais has it all, and no other tour gives you more to love in Valais than this one.
Day 1 – Arrive Geneva or Zurich Switzerland
You’ll be met upon arrival and transferred to the mountain resort of Verbier, the site of a grueling mountain stage in the 2009 Tour de France. Welcome dinner and hotel accommodations in the heart of the village. D
Day 2 – Verbier to Lac de Louvie
We’re off to a fast start as we take a gondola from Verbier to Mont Fort for views of the Mont Blanc range. On the panoramic Sentier de Chamois through a protected wildlife reserve we have an excellent chance of spotting ibex and chamois before arriving at a mountain hut on the shore of Lac de Louvie. B/S/D
Day 3 – Fionnay, Sion Castles, Binntal
We make a short descent to Fionnay with breathtaking views of the Grand Combin. We’ll visit the Castles of Valère and Tourbillon overlooking the Rhône before ascending the Binntal and arriving at the Hotel Ofenhorn, a romantic alpine hotel dating to the 1880s. BSD
Day 4 – Binntal and into Italy
The Binntal is a Swiss Regional Nature Park with medieval villages, crystals, and mineral treasures. It’s also a great starting point for a hike over the ridge into Italy. Return for evening at the Hotel Ofenhorn. BSD
Day 5 – Aletsch Glacier
Crossing the upper Rhône Valley, we take off on a full day traverse of the spectacular Aletsch Glacier, the longest in the Alps and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. BSD
Day 6 – The Lotschental
The beautiful Lotschental is still regarded as one of the most isolated valleys in Switzerland and keeper of a unique folklore, culture, and language. We loop the valley in a dayhike and explore the string of ancient villages. BSD
Day 7 – Moiry Icefall, Grimentz, Hotel Weisshorn
We’ll explore the icefall of majestic Moiry Glacier before taking a walking tour of the exquisitely preserved medieval village of Grimentz. In the afternoon we’ll visit St. Luc then ascend through a larch forest above the treeline to the Hotel Weisshorn overlooking the Val d’Anniviers, a historic mountain hotel with Belle Époque ambiance and exquisite cuisine. BSD
Day 8 – Val d’Hérens
The Val d’Hérens Nature Park with its natural earth pyramids and traditional villages is surrounded by steep slopes and towering snow-capped peaks. We’ll spend the evening in Les Haudères in the scenic and historic heart of the valley. BSD
Day 9 – Zermatt
We ascend the Vispertal by train to the top of the valley and the village of Zermatt, nestled below the Matterhorn. In the afternoon we explore gorge of the Gorner Glacier the historic heart of the village which was founded in the early 13th century. BSD
Day 10 – Zermatt
An early morning cogwheel train ride on the legendary Gornergrat Bahn takes us to Riffelsee where we enjoy stunning views of the Matterhorn reflected in the still lake water. Afternoon return to Geneva or Zurich. BSD
Day 11 – Return flights
An early morning departure from Geneva or Zurich.
ACTIVITY LEVEL
Alpenwild trips are designed for people who are energetic, active, and filled with a spirit of adventure. We rate this trip as moderate. You should be an experienced hiker in good physical condition. You should be capable of walking 4 to 6 hours per day on good trails with some steep ascents and descents (averaging 1,000 to 2,000 vertical feet per day) at an elevation up to 10,000 feet above sea level.
INCLUDED
The services of an expert trip leader, all accommodations (9 nights hotel, 1 night mountain huts), all meals as shown (B=breakfast, S=snack, D=dinner), ground transportation including trams and mountain railways, admissions and luggage transfers.
NOT INCLUDED
Beverages (beer, wine) with meals, items of a personal nature (laundry, phone calls, room service),
PRICE
$3,495 per person, double occupancy from Geneva or Zurich
$399 Single supplement.
PAYMENT
A $300 per person deposit due at booking guarantees your place on the tour.
Final payment is due 60 days prior to departure.
CANCELLATION POLICY
More than 60 days before departure – $200 penalty
Between 60 and 15 days before departure – $500 per person penalty
Less than 15 days before departure – Non-refundable
REVIEW OUR TERMS AND CONDITIONS
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