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Plant yourself in the heart of the Jungfrau and start playing!
June through September 2012
The Swiss Alps has been Europe’s playground for hundreds of years. And within that vast range you’ll find no place with more scenic wonders than the Jungfrau region. This glistening mountain landscape is, quite simply, one of the most beautiful places on earth. Here you’ll find the highest concentration of glaciers in the Alps set amidst lush alpine meadows, hundreds of dazzling waterfalls, and the scenic centerpiece formed by the snowcapped peaks of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau.
You’ll explore underground waterfalls, take trams and gondolas to high alpine lakes, cross glacier gorges on heart stopping (but very safe) footbridges, and visit the undiscovered places most tourists never see. You’ll fall in love with the charming villages, traditional culture, and delicious food.
Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrive Switzerland
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 – Lauterbrunnen Valley
This morning we visit the resort of Interlaken, set between two deep glacial lakes, before ascending into the 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. This evening we stay near dazzling Staubbach Falls—the highest in Switzerland. BLD
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 –Wengen and Männlichen
A train takes us to the car-free village of Wengen and a tram speeds our ascent to the ridgetop resort of Männlichen where we take a wildflower-lined trail offering sweeping views of the Grindelwald Valley set below the north face of the Eiger. BD
Day 5 – Jungfraujoch – Eiger Trail, Grindelwald
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. Descend into the lively resort of Grindelwald to arrive at our small chalet-style hotel. BD
Day 6 – Grindelwald
From Grindelwald take the tram or a forest trail to First which leads to the reflective alpine lake of Bachalpsee, where your backdrop is the snowcapped peaks and glaciers of the Jungfrau region. Descend by gondola, zipline, scooter, or on foot. BSD
Day 7 – Schynige Platte
The historic rack railway to Schynige Platte takes us to an ideal vantage point to view the majestic peaks and glaciers of the Jungfrau before us to the south. To the north, Interlaken and its deep blue lakes are in the foreground and distant views stretch to Germany. BD
Day 8 – Grindelwald – Thun – Zürich
We have most of the day to explore the dramatic glacier gorges and forest trails of Grindelwald. Afternoon side trips may include the Roman fortress of Thun and the historic heart of Zürich, followed by a celebratory farewell dinner in Zürich. BD
Day 9 – Depart Zürich
Morning departure from Zürich. Welcome home.
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 hikes. You should be capable of walking 4 to 6 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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