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The Best of the Bernese Oberland and the Jungfrau
July 22-30, 2012
The Bernese Oberland is Switzerland’s vacation hotspot—and has been for nearly 200 years. You’ll discover the mountains—the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau—that made it famous. You’ll see the enormous glaciers, the inspiring glacial valleys, and the scenic riches that have helped make this region so appealing and unforgettable.
But this tour goes beyond the abundance of Alpine mountainscapes to uncover some of the splendid scenery and cultural charm of the lower valleys and traditional rural villages. In addition to the ancient city of Bern—one of Europe’s great architectural gems—we also explore the Emmental, home of the classic Swiss Cheese and become part of the traditional rural Alpine lifestyle.
Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrive Switzerland, Bern
You’ll be met upon arrival in Zurich and whisked to Bern, the capital of Switzerland, with its exquisitely preserved medieval city center. Bern’s historic sections reflect its gothic, baroque, and romantic past. It’s an ideal walking city with over four miles of covered arcades. Dinner, orientation, and overnight in the heart of Bern. D
Day 2 – Ballenberg, Interlaken
Ballenberg is a remarkable open-air museum of Swiss rural life and architecture where you’ll become a welcome guest and an enthusiastic participant in another era. Enjoy an afternoon in Interlaken before arriving in the Lauterbrunnen Valley at the base of Staubbach Falls. BLD
Day 2 – Lauterbrunnen Valley
This deep glacial valley, ringed by 72 gushing waterfalls, was the inspiration for Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings. We explore Trümmelbach Falls, where torrents of water have created a series of caves and underground waterfalls. BD
Day 3 – Mürren and Gimmelwald
We ascend high above the valley by tram and follow a panoramic route to the town of Mürren, a favorite of Alpine walkers and skiers alike. A short descent leads to the charming village of Gimmelwald before returning to our hotel in the Lauterbrunnen Valley. BD
Day 4 – Jungfraujoch, Eiger Trail
The Jungfrau railway takes us to the alpine crossroads of Kleine Scheidegg. From here a dramatic cog-wheel climb takes you into a tunnel through the Eiger to ascend to the Jungfraujoch, the highest railway station in Europe. You’ll hike on the Aletschgletscher, the longest in Europe, before descending the Eiger Trail where you find yourself face-to-face with the legendary Nordwand—the North Face of the Eiger. BD
Day 5 – Grindelwald
From Grindelwald take the tram or a forest trail to First which leads to the infinity pool setting of Bachalpsee, where your backdrop is the snowcapped peaks and glaciers of the Jungfrau region. Descend by zipline, scooter, or on foot. Tonight we stay in Grindelwald in an intimate chalet-style hotel. BD
Day 6 – Schynige Platte
The historic rack railway to Schynige Platte takes us to an ideal vantage point with the majestic peaks and glaciers of the Jungfrau before us to the south. To the north rests Interlaken, the Bernese Oberland, and distant views stretching to Germany. BD
Day 7 – Thun, Emmental
Thun has been an important fortress since Roman times, and a visit to its 12th century hilltop castle still offers the best views in the area. We explore the lush green hills of the Emmental and try our hand at the art of making traditional Swiss cheese. BD
Day 8 – Grindelwald – Interlaken – Zürich
Today we take off on electric bikes to uncover more of the Emmental’s rich culture and pastoral setting. Return to Zürich followed by a celebratory farewell dinner. BLD
Day 9 – Depart Zurich
Morning departure from Zürich.
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, but also easily adaptable to those who want easier walks. You should be capable of walking 3 to 5 hours per day on well-groomed and graded trails at an elevation up to 9,000 feet above sea level. On one day a mountain railway takes you to an elevation of 11,400 feet.
INCLUDED
The services of an expert trip leader, all accommodations (8 nights hotel), 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
$2,995 per person, double occupancy from Geneva or Zurich
$299 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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