Day 01: Zürich and Lovely Lucerne.
On arrival at Zürich airport, transfers leave for your hotel in Lucerne.
Welcome to Switzerland – an enchanting winter wonderland of frozen waterfalls, peaceful cosy villages, snow-laden forests and imposing mountain ranges, crowned by famous peaks.

Overnight at hotel

Day 02: Lucerne and St. Moritz.
Experience Lucerne, a beautiful 14th century city still protected by medieval fortifications. Your Travel Director will reveal the covered wooden bridges, the painted gables and the sorrowful Lion Monument. Then there’s time to enjoy the excellent shops and lakeside walks before heading along the dramatic Walensee, past Chur, to the fashionable ski resort of St. Moritz. Set in the sparkling Engadine Valley, this elegant resort nestles below the awe-inspiring, majestic Grisons Alps.

Day 03: St. Moritz at Leisure.
This whole day is completely at leisure, so maybe enjoy a late breakfast to start? Afterwards you may choose to explore the spa quarter of this chic resort, see the houses with their traditional sgraffito facades or indulge in the stylish boutiques? You may even consider joining the Bernina Express for a scenic rail journey of such epic proportions that it has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site?

Day 04: Aboard the Glacier Express.
Board the world famous Glacier Express for a spectacular ride with lunch included, through the heart of the Swiss Alps. Descend through the tunnels of the Albula Pass and traverse the lofty Landwasser Viaduct. Your train then joins the broad Rhine Gorge and meanders beside rock-strewn rivers before climbing through snowy pastures and woodlands. Picturesque landscapes of ice-capped mountains and stone-built villages with chalet-style houses glide by. After a series of spirals, you will reach the highest point of the route, the icy Oberalp Pass. Modern, panoramic viewing cars ensure that you won’t miss a thing on your descent to Andermatt and down the Rhône Valley. Around mid-afternoon, you will disembark in Brig.

Day 05: Zermatt, Matterhorn Village.
Marvel at the dramatic Swiss scenery, as you follow the narrow valley which leads to Täsch. Here, you leave the coach to board the cogwheel train that takes you to the traffic-free haven of Zermatt, at the foot of the Matterhorn. Wander along its cobbled streets to browse among the shops, explore the ancient wooden farmhouses and mazot barns in the back alleys, or visit the Matterhorn Museum to pass through the homes of yesteryear. If you have a head for heights, then you may like to board the cable car up the Klein Matterhorn. From the summit, marvel at the incredible views of the icebound Swiss Alps, should weather permit.

Return to your hotel in Brig where the remainder of the day is at leisure.

Day 06: Chillon Castle and Geneva.
Journey along the Lower Rhône Valley to the shores of Lake Geneva where the associations with the early European Romantic movement are very strong. With your Local Expert, visit beautiful Chillon Castle, former home to the Counts of Savoy, set on a rocky islet in the lake. In 1816, the castle inspired Lord Byron to write the poem ‘The Prisoner of Chillon,’ following his walk through the dungeons. Look out for his name, which he carved into a pillar. Close by is the sophisticated tiered town of Montreux, where it is delightful to stroll along the lakeside promenade. Enjoy a beautiful journey alongside the lake, passing Vevey and Lausanne, to reach the immaculate town of Geneva. On arrival, your orientation includes the United Nations Building, officially known as the Palais des Nations, the Old Town and the Jet d’Eau. Spend your night in Geneva.

Day 7: Depart Geneva.
Transfer to Geneva airport for flight back to home.

Day 01: Arrive Montreux
On arrival in Montreux you can check-in at the first hotel mid afternoon. The remainder of the day is at leisure. Montreaux is situated at the eastern end of Lake Geneva, and each July hosts a Jazz Festival. You can stroll along the promenade and enjoy the breathtaking views of Lake Geneva and the snow-white glaciers of the nearby Mont Blanc massif. If you have the time a visit to the Château de Chillon, on an island in the lake, is highly recommended.

Day 02: Ascend funicular railway to Mt-Pèlerin.
Cycle to Gruyères or surrounds (40-50km/31Min)
The cycle begins this morning along the shores of Lake Geneva to the town of Vevey. Here you board the Mt-Pèlerin funicular railway (ticket  included) which takes you up through the Lavaux vineyards (a World Heritage Site) to an altitude of more than 810m in less than 15 minutes. After absorbing the sweeping views you continue on quiet mainly level roads all the way to Gruyères. Enroute pass by green meadows with the sound of cowbells ringing as you ride. Whilst cheese is an obvious attraction of Gruyères, it’s rich medieval history is evident throughout and the imposing castle above offers a unique ambiance. Overnight Gruyères, Charmey or surrounds.

Day 03: Gstaad or surroundings
Cycle through postcard scenery to Gstaad or surroundings (40km/25Min)

Today’s cycle takes you through picture postcard Swiss countryside. You’ll pass by typical wooden chalets, snowy mountains and cable cars as you cycle through the classic landscape of the Pays d’Enhaut and the Saaneneland. Cheese producers abound and tastings of the Etivaz and Gruyère varieties are a must. Crossing over to the German speaking section of the Canton of Bern, you arrive in the ritzy resort town of Gstaad with its promenade lined with international designer brands. Overnight Gstaad or surroundings.

Day 04: Pass wooden houses en route to Spiez on Lake Thun (55km/34.5mi)
Today’s route takes you by artfully decorated wooden houses of the Simmental, which are some of the most beautiful in Europe. The trail follows the wild Simme river, through the valley along mainly level terrain. On reaching Spiez on Lake Thun, a water-sports paradise, take some time to soak up the highlights of the town which is surrounded by vineyards and dominated by a medieval castle in the historic heart.

Day 05: Spiez to Interlaken (By Boat) /By Bike & train to Obwalden 
This morning you take a boat ride from Spiez to Interlaken (ticket included), a great way to view the towns and mountains from a different perspective. Reaching Interlaken, where you may like to stop at one of the many cafes, the trail continues along the shore of Lake Brienz. An ascending trail next to the Aare River brings you to Meiringen, home of the Meringue. There are a couple of bakeries along the ‘high street’ where these are much in evidence in all shapes and sizes. Meiringen is also known for the spectacular Reichenbach Falls into which Sherlock Holmes and his foe Moriarty, the master criminal, fell, locked in each other’s arms. A funicular railway may be used to take you to the top of the falls (time permitting) and you can also visit the ‘Sherlock Holmes Museum’ which is housed in the old Anglican church in the ‘open area’ by the Park Hotel, which is itself a national monument. From Meiringen you take the train across the Brünigpass (ticket included), then cycle to Obwalden: a small Canton in a vast valley with a pre-alpine landscape scattered with villages, flat lakes and rich cultural traditions.

Day 06: Cycle on lakeside routes to Lucerne (35km/22mi)
The route today takes you through picturesque lakeside inlets en route to Lucerne. Lucerne a breathtaking city with its mountain backdrop, lake and a historic heart brimming with watch shops and cafes.

Day 07: Trip concludes
The trip concludes in Lucerne after breakfast.

Day 01: Arrive Zurich airport / Start Kandersteg
Your holiday begins at the hotel in Kandersteg. You should aim to arrive late morning to early afternoon at airport. Overnight at Kandersteg.

Day 02: Kandersteg
Walk along the Kandertal Valley and the Lotschberger trail.
On our first day of walking we will visit the Kandersteg valley and the famous Lotschberger train line which is an important feature of the area. We wander through woods and paths towards the small village of Kandergrund. Afternoon we continue the walk towards Frutigen.

Day 03: Kandersteg
Ride on the Sunnbüel cable car to the start of the walk. Cross the cantonal border into the Valais; hike to the northern end of the Daubensee.

In the morning we take ride on the Sunnbüel cable car to the start of the walk. We then cross the cantonal border into the Valais and walk to the Schwarenbach Hotel, where even Lenin and Picasso have signed the visitors’ book! From here we walk to the northern end of the Daubensee (sometimes still partially frozen) to the famous high Gemmi Pass (2322m), a major transalpine route first used by the Celts. The extraordinary panorama of the Valais Alps to the south includes the Matterhorn (4478m) and Monte Rosa on the Italian border.

Day 04: Kandersteg
Short ride on the Oeschinensee cable car followed by a circular walk to the Heuberg viewpoint.
Widely regarded as the jewel in the crown of the Bernese Oberland, Oeschinensee is, in our view, the most beautiful Alpine lake in Switzerland. After a short ride up on the cable car, we climb to the viewpoint at Heuberg. Nothing can prepare us for the cobalt blue of the water surrounded by the razor-edged peaks of the Doldenhorn (3638m), towering 2000m above it, and striped by dainty waterfalls trickling down from the Frunden glacier.

Day 05: Kandersteg – Free day
Optional activities include rowing on the Oeschinensee or a visit to the lakes near Interlaken.

Day 06: Kandersteg
Ride on the Allmenalp cable car followed by a walk along the paths into the Ueschinen valley; descend to Kandersteg.
It’s a gentle start today with a spectacular cable car ride to ascend to the Allmenalp (1725m), a colourful meadow brimming with rural mountain charm. There are stunning views across the valley to the Oeschinensee with its magnificent turquoise-coloured waters and towering cliffs adorned with waterfalls. From the summit the 360° view is nothing less than spectacular, with 12 mountain peaks above 3000m in close proximity, and occasionally eagles frequent the adjoining peaks. We might even get a chance to stop at a local alpine chalet to have a drink and taste their cheese!

Day 07: Kandersteg
Walk through the Gasterntal Valley to the Kanderfirn Glacier
This is a day full of thrilling experiences, starting with an exciting 20 minute minibus ride along a narrow road literally carved out of the rock wall. The Gasterntal is Kandersteg’s ‘hidden valley’, dozens of snow-fed waterfalls thundering down the sheer rock faces carved out by a gigantic glacier 10,000 years ago. From this romantic nature reserve, and with the mighty rock walls of the Tatlishorn and Atels towering up on the right, we meander through woods and open meadows; look out for lady slippers, fire lilies and more than 25 varieties of orchid before we return to the hotel.

Day 08: Kandersteg / Zurich airport.
End Kandersteg. Transfer to Zurich airport for flight back to home.

Day 01: Arrive Engelberg
Engelberg (1002m) is a beautifully situated mountain resort with a 12th century Benedictine monastery, which has the largest organ in Switzerland. If you arrive early in the day there are possible walks using lifts to Brunni or Furenalp.

Day 02: Engelberg to Engstlenalp 14 km/8.7 miles, 4.5 h
The route starts steeply from the hotel climbing up past the Trubsee (1764m). From the lake, climb on to the Jochpass (2207m), perhaps with views of the Titlus peak before descending past the Engstelsee lake to overnight in Engstlenalp (1834m).

Day 03: Engstlenalp to Meiringen 17 km/10.5 miles, 4.5 h
Follow a little-used path, descending through flower bejewelled pastures and forest, along the enchanting Gental Valley to Reuti before a final steep descent through beech forest to Meiringen (595m). Near Meiringen are the Reichenbach Falls, scene of Sherlock Holmes’ final struggle with Moriarty, and the Aareschlucht gorge. You may wish to visit the falls this afternoon.

Day 04: Meiringen to Grindelwald 21 km/13 miles, 7.5 h
A long hard ascent which can be eased by taking the bus for part of the way up to Schwarzwaldalp (1454m). Towering above on your left is the massive peak of the Wetterhorn (3704m). You descend to Grindelwald (1034m), the “village of Glaciers” nestling below an amphitheatre of peaks, the Wetterhorn, Schreckhorn, Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau.

Day 05: Rest day in Grindelwald
A resort town overlooked by the towering Eigerwand (North Face of the Eiger), scene of many dramatic climbing exploits. A trip on the Jungfrau railway (highest in Europe and 3rd highest in the world) is well worthwhile even though expensive (approx. 184 CHF 2nd Class). A magnificent view from the Jungfraujoch station (3454m) if it is clear – so check the weather forecast. A gondola (mini-cable car) (approx. 30 CHF) trip up to First gives access to a delightful walk to the Faulhorn Peak (2681m), a tremendous viewpoint in clear weather. There are numerous other fine day walks at all altitudes around Grindelwald.

Day 06: Grindelwald to Lauterbrunnen 19 km/11.8 miles, 6.3 h
A short descent to Grund (943m) and then a steady ascent along a steep forest track to the day’s high point at the famous pass of Kleine Scheidegg (2061m), and then down via the beautifully located village of Wengen to Lauterbrunnen (797m) deep down in the Loetschinen Valley.

Day 07: In Lauterbrunnen
Lauterbrunnen lies in a spectacular narrow valley and is one of the major attractions of the Bernese Oberland. One possibility is to anticipate tomorrow’s long climb by walking the first part up to Murren today. From Murren you can walk back by a scenic route via Gimmelwald down to Stechelberg, from where there is an hourly bus back along the valley to Lauterbrunnen. Another possibility is to take the cable car up from Stechelberg or Murren to the Schilthorn. You also have another opportunity to take the train to the Jungfraujoch, if you haven’t done so already.

Day 08: Lauterbrunnen to Griesalp/Golderli 21 km/ 13 miles, 9.5 hrs
It is a very long climb up from Lauterbrunnen to the Sefinenfurke Pass (2612m) your highest point for today.

(NOTE: If you have followed our suggestion of walking up to Murren on Day 7, it is possible to shorten this without missing out any of the walk by taking the cable car and railway up to Murren (1665m). 15 km/9.3 miles, 7 h.)

The climb on from Murren via Brunli (2127m) is straightforward. Your exertions are rewarded by stunning views of the Eiger (3970m), Monch (4099m) and Jungfrau (4158m). From the Sefinenfurke Pass it is a steep and impressive descent into the Durenberg valley and down to Griesalp/Goldreli (1408m), for your night’s accommodation.

Day 09: Griesalp-Golderli to Kandersteg 15 km/9.3 miles, 7.5 h
Today is probably the hardest day with you reaching the highest point on the tour, Hohturli Pass (2778m). You are however rewarded with some of the finest scenery of the trip. The last section of the ascent from Griesalp to Hohturli is steep and aided by some stair cases with wire handrail. The hut near the Hohturli, Blumlisalphutte (2837m), is just a few minutes’ climb away and offers welcome refreshments. Then a beautiful descent past the large Oeschinensee alpine lake to Kandersteg (1180m).

Day 10 : In Kandersteg
A beautiful walk can be made into the hidden gem of a valley called Gasteretal, surprisingly few tourists venture here, and it is a valley full of beautiful waterfalls. Alternatively we recommend taking the Sunbuel cable car and trekking up to the famous Gemmi Pass with great views down to Leukerbad in Valais.

Day 11 : Kandersteg to Adelboden 16 km/10 miles, 6.5 h
A long ascent with beautiful views back to the Blumlisalp Massif and the Oeschinensee. After traversing the high point of the day, Bundechrinde Pass (2380m) with some scree slopes, take the long descent to Adelboden (1356m).

Day 12 : Adelboden to Lenk 11 km/6.83 miles, 5 h
Overall a fairly gentle day. From Adelboden you climb through a mixture of woods and meadows to the Hahnenmoospass (1956m). After a level section there is a final steep descent to the village of Lenk (1068m) which lies below the Simmenfalle (waterfalls).

Day 13 : Lenk to Saanen 14 km/8.7 miles, 5 h
A long easy climb from Lenk to the Truttlisberg Pass (2038m). From the pass there are outstanding views of the Wildstrubel peak (3243m) and surrounding snowy peaks and glaciers. A short ascent brings you to a delightful picnic spot among mountain gentians. You then descend to the Turbach Valley and take the bus from Lauenen (1241m) down to Gstaad and walk/short train ride to Saanen.

Day 14 : Depart Saanen
After breakfast, make your way to the train station for your onward journey.

Day 01: Join Le Chable to Les Ruinettes (2200m), trek to Louvie (7hrs)
You will meet your guide in the morning to start your walk. From Le Chable it is a dramatic cable car ride to Les Ruinettes where the walk begins. The trek today takes you across the Alp du Val de Bagnes where you can appreciate the wonderful mountain scenery. On a clear day you will have views of the Grand Combin and Mont Blanc. Tonight you will overnight in a mountain hut. Note: You will need to carry your overnight gear including sleeping bag, clothing for day 2 and toiletries as there is no luggage transfer possible today.

Day 02: Louvie to Praz Fleury (7hrs)
An early morning start as you will have a big day trekking across three alpine passes. You may encounter Ibex as they are often seen on the remote mountain passes. Follow a steep descent which leads to the Grand Desert a moraine-strewn area of dry glacier. You will cross the glacier to reach the Col de Praz Fleuri at 2965m/9727ft. Take a final steep climb to the refuge where you will overnight.

Day 03: Praz Fleury to Les Hauderes (7hrs)
Today you will walk up the banks of the Dixence River and then over the Riedmatten pass. You may get your first glimpse of the Matterhorn. Continue down to the village of Arolla and onto Les Hauderes where you will overnight in a Gite and be able to have a well deserved shower!

Day 04: Les Hauderes to Grimmentz (5hrs)
A shorter day as you walk through flower filled pastures to get to the Torrent pass (2919m). Walk the Moiry Valley and the Sorrebois pass (2800m). Enjoy the breathtaking views of the surrounding 4000m peaks of Valais: Dent Blanche (4356m), Zinalrothorn (4221m), Obergabelhorn (4063m) and Weisshorn (4504m).

Day 05: Grimmentz to Grüben (7hrs)
The route today takes you across the Anniviers Valley located on the left bank of the Rhone. You are now heading towards the Forclettaz pass (2871m) before descending to the village of Gruben. Our accommodation tonight is in a hotel in the village of Gruben in the Turtmantal, a very narrow valley habitated only in summer.

Day 06: Grüben to Zermatt, bus or train to Zermatt Valley (7hrs)
Today you will trek via the Augstbord Pass (2894m) enjoying panoramic views of the Oberland and Valais. You will travel through Jurgen and St Nicklaus before arriving into the Zermatt Valley. You will either catch a bus or a train to Zermatt where you will overnight in a hotel.

Day 07: Trek along the flanks of the Matterhorn, trip concludes Zermatt (4hrs)
Today you will follow the Hornli Ridge on the flanks of the Matterhorn. The ridge follows a beautiful and exposed line between the steep east and north faces of the peak. The Matterhorn is steeped in history of human dramas. The first attempt to reach the summit was made in 1857 with the first successful attempt made by Edward Whymer in 1865. After a few hours walking along the flanks of the Matterhorn you will return to Zermatt where your tour will end.