11-Nights Hiking the Alps Trilogy — CALL

MT Sobek: Alps Village to Village Hiking

Day 1 Arrive in Geneva & Explore Grindelwald
3-hour private van transfer
After your arrival in Geneva, transfer by private van to the picturesque village of Grindelwald (3,392'). Located in Switzerland's Bernese Alps, this postcard-worthy alpine village is a popular outdoor enthusiast's destination year-round. Dominated by the north face of the Eiger looming in the background, Grindelwald is the perfect entree to the ultimate Alps adventure. Check into the hotel and enjoy some down time or explore the area before the welcome dinner.
Accommodation: Hotel Kirchbuehl
(D)

Day 2 Hike from Grosse Scheidegg to Bort
25-minute local bus
6 hours/9 miles hiking with 1,400' elevation gain & 2,300' elevation loss
Start your trilogy adventure with a transfer by local bus to Grosse Scheidegg (6,437'), a mountain pass in the Bernese Alps where you hike a series of trails past verdant meadows and alpine lakes. Stop for lunch near the tranquil Bachsee Lake (7,470') before hiking down to Bort (5,180') with its striking views of the Eiger, where a gondola will whisk you back to Grindelwald.
Accommodation: Hotel Kirchbuehl
(B, L, D)

Day 3 Follow Trails to Kleine Scheidegg
10-minute local bus transfer & scenic train ride
6 hours/8 miles hiking with 1,500' elevation gain & 1,500' elevation loss
Today a gondola takes you to Holenstein (5,340'). Follow an easy trail that leads to Kleine Scheidegg, a splendid mountain pass located in the Bernese Oberland region and the lookout point of the Eiger's impressive north face. Admire icefalls and epic peaks, following beneath the great north face before heading back to Grindelwald, for a great night's sleep after a full day's adventure. Tonight the dinner is on your own.

(B, L)

Day 4 Arrive in Zermatt, Gateway to the Matterhorn
3.5 hour private bus transfer & short taxi or train ride
4 hours/3 miles hiking with 1,200’elevation gain & loss
This morning, take a private van transfer along the beautiful mountain road from Bernese Oberland to the Wallis region, and the renowned mountain resort of Zermatt (5,276'). On the way, stop in Kandersteg for a gondola ride and rigorous hike above Oeshinensee, a beautiful glacier lake surrounded by the Blumlisalp peaks. Arrive in Zermatt this afternoon, known as the gateway to the iconic Matterhorn. One of Switzerland's most vibrant mountain towns, it's packed with boutiques and restaurants. This evening, enjoy dinner in town at one of the many restaurants in Zermatt.
Accommodation: Hotel Butterfly
(B, L, D)

Day 5 Hike Alpine Pastures with Matterhorn Views
4 hours/3.5 miles hiking with 1,000’ elevation gain & 1,000’ elevation loss
Head to the village of Zmutt this morning on a light hike through lush alpine meadows. Stop for lunch in the charming village of Blatten for a taste of its famous rosti. Take a leisurely stroll back to Zermatt or venture back via the Gornerschlucht into the spectacular river "gorge" traveling on catwalks and ladders.
Accommodation: Hotel Butterfly
(B, L, D)

Day 6 Head to Gornergrat for an Unmissable Mountain Panorama
25-minute scenic train ride
5 hours/6 miles hiking with 1,600’ elevation gain & loss
The Gornergrat (10,200') is one of the most beautiful mountain panoramas in the Alps. Here the glorious views of the Matterhorn and Monte Rosa are unforgettable. To get there, you will take the cogtrain to Rieffelalp (7,300') and hike up to the famous Rieffelsee (9,120'). On the way back, pass by famous Rieffelsee lake where lucky hikers can see the Matterhorn reflected in its surface! Return to Zermatt by train. The remainder of the afternoon is free to take advantage of the charms of the alpine village and have dinner on your own.

(B, L)

Day 7 Arrive in Chamonix, the Cradle of Alpinism
10-minute taxi, 1.5-hour private van transfer & short train ride
3 hours/4.5 miles hiking with 300’ elevation gain & 300’ elevation loss
This morning, transfer to Tasch and enjoy a private journey through the Valais region, known for its exceptional wines. Say goodbye to Switzerland and cross the border into Vallorcine, where you'll stop for a short, but spectacular, mountain hike. After lunch at a local inn, your hike continues into the Chamonix valley with Mont Blanc towering above. The day ends in Montroc, where you'll catch a local train back to the hotel. Enjoy a dinner in town tonight.
Accommodation: Hotel Le Prieure
(B, L, D)

Day 8 Take in Views of the Mont Blanc Massif
15-minute private bus transfer
5 hours/5 miles hiking with 2,000’ elevation gain & 2,000’ elevation loss
This morning, set out to Les Houches, the entrance to Chamonix Valley. The hike today offers beautiful panoramas of the Mont Blanc massif and its glaciers. The alp of Chailloux, located above Les Houches on the southern slope, is accessible by various paths including the famous "Tour du Mont Blanc" and "GR 5". Dinner is on your own tonight.
Accommodation: Hotel Le Prieure
(B, L)

Day 9 Toast an Epic Adventure Trilogy
3.5 hours/4 miles hiking with 1,500’ elevation gain & 500’ elevation loss
Board the famous red cogwheel train for a morning ride through the steep slopes to Montenvers, a town situated above the Mer de Glace, "Sea of Ice" glacier. The trail winds up above the tree line a breathtaking view of the Chamonix Needles before ending in Plan de l'Aiguille. Take a sky tram down into town, a panoramic views of the French, Swiss and Italian Alps before ending the trip with a farewell dinner in Chamonix.

(B, L, D)

Day 10 Depart from Geneva
1.5-hour private van transfer
After breakfast, transfer to Geneva airport for homeward-bound flights.

(B)