Swiss Bliss

A Custom Adventure in Switzerland

July 28-August 5 | August 5-13, 2012

Discover the scenic splendor of the Alps in its most picturesque corners—Zermatt, Gruyère, and the Jungfrau. Zermatt lies at the base of the Matterhorn, the most recognizable peak in the world. Gruyère is synonymous with superb cheese, and it’s also the birthplace of Swiss chocolate. The Jungfrau region, with the highest concentration of glaciers in the Alps, is dominated by the North Face of the Eiger, one of the most spectacular and formidable mountain landscapes on earth.

Explore underground waterfalls, takes trams and gondolas to high alpine lakes, cross glacier gorges on heart pounding (but very safe) footbridges, and visit the undiscovered places most tourists never see. You’ll participate in traditional cheesemaking, alpine farming, and learn the art of making fine chocolate. Immerse yourself in the rich culture and cuisine of both German and French-speaking Switzerland.

We’ve thought of every detail to make this a perfect trip. You’ll stay in charming local inns, dine on scrumptious meals, and enjoy the services of an expert guide throughout.

Day 1 –Arrive Zürich Switzerland
You’ll be met upon arrival and whisked to the Lauterbrunnen Valley in the heart of the Bernese Alps. This immense glacial valley, ringed by 72 gushing waterfalls, was the inspiration for Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings. Stay in a charming family-run inn near dazzling Staubbach Falls—the highest in Switzerland. D

Day 2 – Lauterbrunnen Valley Mürren
Visit Trümmelbach Falls, where torrents of water have created a series of caves and underground waterfalls. Ascent high above the valley by tram and follow a panoramic route, with commanding views of the Jungfrau, to the car-free village of Mürren, a favorite of Alpine walkers and skiers alike. A short descent leads to the delightful village of Gimmelwald before returning to our inn in the valley. BSD

Day 3 – Jungfraujoch and the Eiger
The Jungfrau railway takes you to the Alpine crossroads of Kleine Scheidegg. From here, a dramatic cog-wheel climb takes you into a tunnel through the Eiger on an ascent to the Jungfraujoch, the highest railway station in Europe, before descending the Eiger Trail where you find yourself face-to-face with the legendary Nordwand—the North Face of the Eiger. BSD

Day 4 – Grindelwald, Gruyère
From Grindelwald we take a gondola to First, which leads to the reflective alpine lake of Bachalpsee—the perfect setting for our picnic lunch—with a backdrop of the snowcapped peaks and glaciers of the Jungfrau region. Descend by gondola, zipline, scooter, or on foot. We transfer directly to the medieval town of Gruyère where we stay at Hostellerie des Chevaliers, just outside the castle walls, with rooms that overlook the castle. BSD

Day 5 – Gruyère Castle and Cheesemaking
Eight centuries of architecture, history, and culture unfold as we explore Gruyère Castle. Then we bicycle through lush green mountain pastures that hold the secret of the region’s eponymous cheese, before immersing ourselves in the fragrances, tastes, and traditions of fine cheesemaking. BSD

Day 6 – Gruyère and Maison Cailler Chocolatier
While in Gruyère we can’t resist a morning walk to Broc and a visit to Maison Cailler, where all of your senses can be wrapped up in the wonderful world of Cailler Chocolate, Switzerland’s oldest chocolate brand. Afternoon ride through the terraced vineyards of Lake Geneva and the Rhône Valley on our way to Zermatt at the base of the Matterhorn. We explore the nearby Gornerschlucht, a deep canyon waterfall on a thrilling network of stairways and bridges. BSD

Day 7 – Zermatt and the Matterhorn
Zermatt is cradled in stunning mountain scenery and shadowed by more 4000 meter peaks than any place in the Alps. Ascend by cog-wheel railway to Riffelalp, a high meadow with lakes that perfectly reflect the Matterhorn. Further up the Gornergrat ridge we overlook the Monte Rosa, the highest peak in Switzerland, with its glaciers and icefalls. BSD

Day 8 – Zermatt, Bern, Zürich
The morning is ours for exploring quaint hamlets in the hills above Zermatt and crossing high above the glacier gorge on a 100-meter long suspension bridge. We visit Bern, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with a historic city center that reflects its gothic, baroque, and romantic past. Afternoon visit to the LDS Temple before returning to Zürich for the evening. BSD

Day 9 – Depart Zürich
An early 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 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
$3,295 per person, double occupancy from Geneva or Zurich
$399 Single supplement.

BOOK THIS TRIP NOW

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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guided tours for 2012 2012 TOUR CALENDAR View all Alpenwild Tours by Date ALPS SIGHTSEEING ADVENTURES Easy hikes and walks in the Alps Best of the Alps Swiss Bliss Swiss Alpine Wonders Oberland Adventure INN-TO-INN ADVENTURES Hike the Alps in comfort. Charming Inns, luggage transfers, delicious cuisine. Exploring the Jungfrau Appenzell Inn-to-Inn Engadine/St. Moritz Inn-to-Inn Hiking in the Jura Hidden Ticino Best of Valais HAUTE ROUTE ADVENTURES Classic treks on the most legendary and challenging routes in the Alps. Swiss Haute Route Deluxe Haute Route Haute Route with Folk Fest The Matterhorn Circuit SPECIALTY ADVENTURES Designed with your interests in mind. Fascinating itineraries with easy walks. Savoring Switzerland Gourmet Tour Alps Photo Workshop Jungfrau multisport Alpine Christmas Markets Alpenwild Alumni Tour

Winter Tours For 2012-2013 Goms Cross Country Skiing Engadin Cross Country Skiing Jura Cross Country Skiing Switzerland Ski Sampler Alpine Christmas Markets

Self Guided & Custom Tours Self-Guided Tours Custom Tours Private Tours FARM STAYS Climbing & Mountaineering Goms Cross Country Skiing Jura Cross Country Skiing Engadin Cross Country Skiing

Free Resources Why you will love the Alps Why Choose Alpenwild Planning Your Trip About the Alps Articles on the Alps OUR ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITMENT Suggested Reading

Testimonials Thanks for everything you did to make our Haute Route tour the best ever! – V.H. – California   We’re already talking about wanting to go back and I've told several people how happy I was with your service. K.K. – California   I look back over my pictures and just shake my head in amazement.  There's no way I could have made it over some of those passes without you...and your chocolate! – R.O. – Florida   Thank you so much for guiding us on an adventure of a lifetime. Your skill and patience were so appreciated. – B. C. – Vermont   Thanks for providing an incredible experience on the Haute Route. I came to hike and was not disappointed. – D.B. – Colorado   What a fantastic adventure! It will be an experience I’ll remember and cherish the rest of my life. – R.O. – Florida   Switzerland is God’s gift the world. Thank you for helping us explore its beauty so fully. – S. D. – Utah   This was the sort of once-in-a-lifetime vacation that we will always remember! – K.K. – California   I just want to thank you for a wonderful trip to the Alps. My daughter and I really enjoyed it. The food was so good and the hikes were so beautiful. – D. S. – California   Thank you so much for your patience and encouragement. We couldn’t have made it without you.   – R.O. – Florida   Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!  Our trip was fabulous!   Couldn't have been better.  – A.B.  – Texas   What a great trip!  We loved Trümmelbach Falls and the hike to Berghotel Obersteinberg, and even the rain was great because it fed a hundred waterfalls all along the path. – B.M. – Massachusetts   What a perfectly marvelous trip: A great workout every day, the luxury of no responsibilities, good company, and amazing landscapes. – C.H. – Washington   Thanks for a wonderful time in Switzerland.  We both had the time of our lives.  We'll definitely be back as we both fell in love with the Alps. – K.W. – Utah   We had a fantastic time in Switzerland. The hiking itinerary was perfect!  We are very thankful to you for your thoughtful planning.  – M.O. – Montana   Thank you so much for one of the most memorable experiences of my life. – R.O. – Florida   Thank you so much for a fantastic trip. This place was truly amazing. All the accommodations were great and so was the hiking. I will never forget the scenery. – P.F. – Nevada   You are a tremendous host.  Thanks for sharing your knowledge of the area and your passion for the magnificent scenery.  – R.A. – Colorado   Thanks for organizing and leading such a memorable trip. – R.B. – North Carolina   Thanks also for a wonderful vacation—we had a great time. We are still looking at all of our photographs with a sort of awe that we were really there.  – K.K. – California   The trip was extremely well organized and the accommodations and food were perfect. – R.A. – Colorado