Best of Switzerland
Zurich, Switzerland
5.0 (2 reviews)Trip Highlights
- World Class Hiking
- Unique Architecture & Charming Villages
- The Iconic Matterhorn
- Stunning Mountain Views
- Alpine Lakes & Glacier Views
- Wonderful Lodging
- Delicious Regional Cuisine
- Famous Alpine Train Rides
Description
This trip follows a true “Best of” itinerary to highlight the most iconic Alpine regions of Switzerland, Engadine and Valais. Scenic hikes with sweeping mountain views, charming villages of Sils and Zermatt, delicious regional cuisine and fabulous lodging are what make this trip special. Full of moderate yet challenging hikes, this itinerary explores the best of this gorgeous region’s mountainous trails.
We have also planned to experience the unique Swiss Alps express trains, which are “UNESCO World Heritage” attractions and great ways to travel through the Alps. The epic, jaw-dropping train rides are often a highlight of the trip, but don’t worry – they are “the world’s slowest express trains”, which make them perfect for relaxing and taking in the surrounding views.
The Swiss Alps are full of panoramic scenes of mountain summits like the Matterhorn, stunning lush flower filled valleys, glaciers and crystal blue alpine lakes. The magic and lore of these Swiss landscapes emerge in more and more detail as our trip progresses. Come explore the best of what Switzerland has to offer on this trip of a lifetime!
$545 SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
The scheduled rate for this trip is based on double occupancy. Single rooms are available on a limited basis for an additional single supplement. If you’d like to upgrade to a single room, please let us know when you register.
DIFFICULTY LEVEL 3
Scale of 1-5. 1 is least difficult; 5 is most difficult
This trip features moderately distanced hikes with significant elevation changes (1,000-2,150 feet is typical), but with light day packs only. There are a few areas with moderate heights exposure.
Hiking Distances:
Up to 10 mi
Backpack Weight:
8-12 lbs
Terrain:
Moderately Rugged
Max Daily Elev. ↑↓:
Up to 3000 ft
Heights Exposure:
Moderate
PHYSICAL DEMANDS OF THIS TRIP
- Hiking uphill or downhill with an 8-12 lb backpack for 5-7 hours
- Maintaining balance and footing on steep, variable and uneven terrain
- Potentially hiking across snow
- Hiking with occasional, moderate heights exposure
SOLITUDE LEVEL 2
1 least solitude, 5 most solitude
We rate this Alps hiking tour a solitude 2. You can expect as much as an hour of solitude at a time.
We require a minimum of 4 guests to confirm this trip. If a trip date is not confirmed yet, you can register and will be notified when the trip is officially confirmed. We recommend not making final travel arrangements until your trip meets the minimum number of guests and is confirmed.
In most cases, if a trip does not reach the minimum number of guests, you may choose to transfer to another trip date or another trip, be refunded your payments in full, or you may have the choice to pay a supplemental fee to run the trip with fewer guests. We make the final determination for these trips 45 days before the departure date.
Private Trips
Travel in perfect company by booking a private trip exclusively for your group!
Our sliding scale for private trips is based on the final number of guests in your group. Rates are per person and do not include sales tax, national park fees or guide gratuity. The final rate is based on the actual number of guests on the trip and may adjust based on cancellations or additions.
Please Note: you can also enjoy a private trip at our normal scheduled rates by filling any empty tour to capacity. However, if group members drop from the tour those spots will automatically become available on our website for instant booking. By purchasing a private trip at the rates listed below, your trip will remain exclusive to your group regardless of cancellations.
Private Rates FOR This Trip
- 2 People: Rate x 2.5
- 3 People: Rate x 2
- 4-5 People: Rate x 1.5
- 6-10 People: Rate x 1.15
- 11-12 People: Rate x 1
*all rates are per person and single supplements apply
Learn About Our Private Trips
View Private TripsItinerary
Day 1
- Vehicle Transfer: 3 hours (Zurich Airport – Sils)
On this Alps hiking tour, we meet at the Zurich Airport and take a private group transfer to our hotel in Sils. Our route takes us along the waters of Zurich Lake and over the mountainous Julier Pass. Our accommodation for the next 2 nights is in a charming village between 2 lakes in an extremely beautiful setting. The famous philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche used to come to this village to relax and his house is now a museum some guests love to explore on their own. After settling into our rooms and having some time to relax or explore, we’ll meet for our first dinner together and taste of the region’s spectacular cuisine.
Day 2
- Hiking Distance: 7.2 mi (11.6 km)
- Elevation Gain: 1575 ft (480 m)
- Elevation Loss: 1542 ft (470 m)
- Trekking Duration: 4-5 hours
Today after breakfast we take a short transfer by bus to the village of Maloja. Here we’ll begin our first hike into the surrounding mountains. Our loop starts at the base of Piz Salecina and climbs into the valley beneath this peak. After crossing the valley’s waterway we’ll climb up toward our first of two lakes, Cavloc Lake. Here we are surrounded by high mountain peaks reflecting off its pristine blue water.
After enjoying the lake we’ll continue up the valley a ways before turning back toward the lake and finishing our loop. The second half of our hike takes us around the base of Salecina and allows more sweeping views of the nearby mountain ranges. After passing another lake we’ll start our descent towards town with the iconic ringing of cowbells surrounding us. A short bus brings us back to our hotel, where deserved hot showers and another fabulous dinner together await our arrival.
Day 3
- Hiking Distance: 4.1 mi (6.5 km)
- Elevation Gain: 492 ft (150 m)
- Elevation Loss: 2789 ft (850 m)
- Trekking Duration: 3-4 hours
Today we pack our bags after breakfast, leave them for our luggage taxi and head via a quick bus ride to the Corvatsch cable car system. If weather permits, we will take the gondola to the top (10,836 ft) for a short time to take in the 360° views of the peaks and glaciers that surround us. We’ll then descend to the Murtèl Station where we’ll start our day’s hike. First, we find ourselves climbing toward and eventually over the epic Fuorcla Surlej mountain pass sitting high over the Roseg Valley, showcasing a magnificent glacial cirque: Morteratsch, Bernina, Scerscen, and Roseg. A horse drawn carriage awaits us at the end of our hike, taking us into the idyllic Swiss mountain village of Pontrecina, at the mouth of the Bernina Valley, where we will stay for the next two nights.
Day 4
- Hiking Distance: 10.5 mi (17 km)
- Elevation Gain: 2133 ft (650 m)
- Elevation Loss: 2133 ft (650 m)
- Trekking Duration: 6-7 hours
Today’s hike might be our trip’s longest but is one of the most rewarding for our effort. With a short private transfer, our trail today takes us to the isolated far end of the Roseg Valley near to the Coaz Refuge. As we climb up the valley, we’ll pass by the green waters of Vadret Lake. As we climb, we’ll have stunning views of the towering peaks of Piz Glüschaint, Piz Roseg, Piz Bernina and the Bernina Glaciers. On our return, we pass by rushing waterfalls and meandering creek tributaries spread out on the valley’s floor.
Day 5
- Hiking Distance: 6.2 mi (10 km)
- Elevation Gain: 1969 ft (600 m)
- Elevation Loss: 1969 ft (600 m)
- Trekking Duration: 4-5 hours
This morning kicks off with a short transfer into the beautiful village of Pontrescina where we will take a train into Morteratsch with the stop right in front of our lodging for the night. After we drop our belongings, we’ll hike up the Val Morteratsch towards the glacier by the same name. We will enjoy the views of the Piz Palu, Piz Cambrena, and Piz Bernina. If time permits, we will reach the Boval hut (8,186 ft), savoring the sights of the magnificent glaciers. After a break to take in the iconic Alpine landscape and have a rest at the hut, we descend back to Morteratsch where our hotel, luggage, showers and dinner this evening await.
Day 6
- Train Ride Duration: 7.5 hours (St. Moritz – Zermatt – via the Glacier Express)
Today is considered a rest day from the trail but is often one of the highlights of the trip. We start by taking a short private transfer to the charming village of St. Moritz. Here we catch the most historic, scenic and iconic train ride you can in the Swiss Alps on the Glacier Express. This spectacular train, known as the “world’s slowest express train,” crosses 291 bridges and passes through 91 tunnels on its way to Zermatt, the capital of Swiss mountaineering at the foot of the Matterhorn and Monte Rosa. We feel this is a perfect way to take a rest from the trail, but not the Alpine scenery you came for! A short walk from Zermatt Train Station will get us to our hotel for the next two evenings.
Day 7
- Hiking Distance: 4.1 mi (6.5 km)
- Elevation Loss: 2855 ft (870 m)
- Trekking Duration: 3-4 hours
- Train Ride Duration: 1 hour
Our final day of exploration takes us high above the Zermatt Valley. We’ll start by riding a famous, historic and extremely scenic cog railway train, considered one of the 7 marvels of alpine tourism, up to its highest station at Gornergrat (10,138ft./3090m). Here the numerous surrounding peaks create an impressive 360-degree horizon of jagged rock that is a truly spectacular display of one of our planet’s finest landscapes. Our hike down is full of epic views, especially of the most iconic summit in early mountaineering history, the Matterhorn. As we hike, we pass a few clear alpine lakes with outstanding reflections of the natural world around us. Our hike ends at the Riffelalp station where we’ll ride back down to Zermatt. Our final evening will consist of one last farewell dinner; a celebration of our time together and the fond memories we’ve made experiencing the best of Switzerland’s hikes, landscapes, villages, cuisine and hospitality.
Day 8
- Vehicle Transfer: 4 hours (Zermatt – Zurich Airport)
Today marks the end of our journey. We’ll enjoy one last breakfast together before transferring to the Zurich airport for departure flights. Our group transfer will arrive in time for departure flights after 3 pm. Once at the airport we’ll say our very fond good-byes and start dreaming of our next adventure!
Please Note: We always do everything in our power to follow the set itinerary, however occasionally trips are subject to itinerary changes based on a variety of circumstances, including but not limited to: lodging/campground availability, extreme weather, political or bureaucratic obstacles, earthquakes, fires, flooding and more. Normal terms and conditions apply to trips with itinerary changes.
TRIP DATES & BOOKING
AVAILABLE TO BOOK
This trip is available and bookable online! Click on the date to register now or contact us online to book through our award-winning customer service team!
GOING FAST
This trip has 1 or 2 spots remaining and is bookable online! Click on the date to book now or contact us online to book through customer service.
REQUEST A RESERVATION
This trip is exclusively booked through customer service due to logistics with lodging, permits, staffing, availability, or something else. Please contact us online or call us at 800-715-HIKE (4453) to request a reservation.
Don't see your dates? Call us! We may be able to add new trip dates.
800-715-HIKE (4453)Trip Details
What's Included
- A detailed trip packet that takes the guesswork out of your travel, training, packing, and preparing for the trip
- Trained hiking guide(s) with years of personal wilderness and hiking experience, medical certifications, and a passion for leading people into breathtaking landscapes. See Guide Bios.
- Transportation for the duration of the tour starting on Day 1 and ending on Day 8 including private transfers, trains, horse carriage, gondola, and buses.
- Group transfer to Sils on Day 1 from the Zurich airport
- Group transfer to Zurich airport on Day 8
- Lodging for the duration of the tour
- Use of a day pack and trekking poles
- All meals from dinner on Day 1 through breakfast on Day 8
- Emergency equipment including a company-issued first-aid kit and emergency communication device
- The exceptional customer service; dialed-in logistics; amazing food; and friendly, knowledgeable guides Wildland is famous for!
What's Not Included
- Transportation to Zurich, Switzerland
- Beverages and personal expenses
- Trip insurance that includes medical coverage and at least $200,000 in evacuation and repatriation coverage (required in the Alps)
- Bar bills, drink bills, extra snacks, telephone bills, wifi bills and other personal expenses (shopping/ laundry)
- All expenses due to unavoidable events e.g. flight cancellation, personal illness, strikes, etc.
- Clothes, rain gear, and footwear (see recommendations)
- Sunscreen, toiletries and personal items
- Water bottles and a headlamp or flashlight
- Guide gratuities are optional and at the discretion of each customer. A suggested guideline is to reward outstanding service with a tip of 5-10% of the total trip cost. Please tip your lead guide and they will distribute responsibly to the crew. Local currency is preferred, or USD is also appreciated.
Click here to see a printable, downloadable trip information packet with more detailed guidance about what to pack.
Meals: What to Expect
This Alps hiking tour features a combination of in-town meals and meals prepared by your guide. Most lunches and some breakfasts are prepared on the trail by your guides. Amazing Swiss/Italian/German meals will be had in towns! Bread, grains, pastas, rice, polenta, local cheese, and pork products are all staples in this region.
It is common in the Alps that restaurants do not allow groups to order from an a la carte menu; a set menu is created, and guests do not have the option of ordering differently from the set menu.
We can often accommodate vegan, vegetarian, kosher and non-gluten diets and make adjustments for food allergies. These and other special dietary requests may require an additional fee, and in some countries may be more difficult to accommodate than others. Please inquire with us for more information about the specific trip you’re interested in.
Gear We Provide
We provide all group gear which includes the following:
- Backpacks
- Trekking poles
- Company-issued first-aid kit
- Emergency communication device
Guest Packing List
When you register for this tour you’ll receive access to a printable, downloadable trip information packet with a detailed packing list specific to this trip (click here to see it now.) All trips require a sturdy pair of hiking shoes or hiking boots, rain gear, a recommended clothing system, a headlamp or flashlight, a hydration system (water bottles and/or bladder) and other items specific to each trip.
Trip Logistics
How Do I Register?
Reserve your spot today! In the Trip Dates & Booking section of this page, the green and red dates are bookable online by simply clicking on the date, and blue dates must be booked through our customer service team for a variety of possible reasons. To email our customer service team, you can click here to get the ball rolling. Our adventure consultants will confirm availability, and if you’re ready to register we’ll email you a link to a registration profile. You’ll have 72 hours to complete your profile (and that of any dependents) and pay the deposit.
Where Do We Meet?
We will meet you at the Zurich Airport in Zurich, Switzerland on Day 1 (your flight needs to arrive before 12 PM). Our Alps communication team will be in contact approximately 45 days before your trip to coordinate your rendezvous and answer any last-minute questions you have.
Click here to see a printable, downloadable trip information packet with more detailed guidance about flights, shuttles, recommended lodging and more.
Travel to Zurich, Switzerland
BOOKING FLIGHTS
For this trip you will need to arrive in Zurich, Switzerland on the day the trip begins, no later than 12 P.M. If you would like to rest more before beginning the trek, we recommend arriving a day early and enjoying Zurich. A Wildland representative will rendezvous with you at the Zurich airport on Day 1 at approximately 1 P.M. and provide transportation to our first night’s accommodations. Departure flights can leave Zurich anytime after 3 P.M. on day 8 of the itinerary.
Flights to and from Zurich are the guest’s responsibility. Multiple airlines operate flights into Zurich from many U.S. and European international airports. Some of the primary U.S. departure cities include Los Angeles, Phoenix, Chicago, Denver, Newark, Baltimore, Washington DC, Boston, San Francisco, New York and Minneapolis. The duration of flights is 10-20 hours normally with one or two stops. Direct flights are available from some U.S. cities.
Safety Precautions
Your safety is our top priority. Our hiking tours are led by professional hiking guides, all of whom are wilderness-certified first responders or EMT’s, each with years of guiding and wilderness experience. Guides adhere to standardized risk management protocols in case of any potential or actual incident, and all tours carry an emergency communication device and comprehensive first-aid kit. Additionally we have a “24/7” system through which guides or guests can reach Wildland support personnel at any time.
In the interest of your safety, it’s important to refer to the Center for Disease Control website for up-to-date recommendations on immunizations before your trip.
Essential Eligibility Criteria
Essential Eligibility Criteria (“EEC”) have been specifically identified to help you understand the skills and abilities necessary to participate on each Wildland trip, and they apply uniformly to all potential trip participants, irrespective of the presence or absence of any disability.
Once you identify a trip in which you may be interested, please carefully review the EEC and itinerary details. If after reviewing the EEC that apply to your desired trip, you determine you need an accommodation in order to meet the EEC, please contact us prior to registering to discuss your requested accommodation.
The EEC exist for your own safety and the safety and enjoyment of all participants. If you are unable to meet the EEC for the trip, with or without an accommodation, you are not eligible for that trip. If you register and arrive for a trip for which you do not meet the EEC, you will be disqualified from participation on the trip and will be dismissed or evacuated from the trip without a refund.
Guides
Our approach to international travel is to combine the best of two worlds: the dialed-in details, professionalism and consistency Wildland trips are known for; and the cultural immersion and intimate regional knowledge that only locals can provide. To excel with this approach, we vet and hire the best local guides, welcome them into the Wildland family and train them to meet our standard of excellence with every aspect of a trip. But along with managing logistics and safety, your guides will teach you about the area’s history and culture, and provide a level of familiarity and intimate detail only locals can.
Check out our Meet Our Team page for staff bios.
Guide Working Parameters
Guides are required to take 8 hours off each 24-hour period to sleep, recuperate, take personal/down time…etc. In addition, as part of the 8 hours off they must sleep/rest or be in their tents/rooms uninterrupted for a minimum of 5 hours each night. We ask guests to respect these requirements and to not interrupt guides’ off time and sleep time unless there is a true emergency.
Age Restrictions
Age restrictions on this trip are as follows:
- 12 and older to join scheduled tours (mixed groups)
- 5 and older to join private tours, with final approval and specific logistical requirements (such as porter or stock assist) determined on a case by case basis
Trip Insurance Requirements
Field evacuation, repatriation, and medical insurance is required on all Alps trips as a condition of partnership terms with our European vendors (field evacuation and repatriation minimum coverage is a combined $200,000 USD).
If you need to purchase field evacuation, repatriation, or medical insurance we recommend IMG/iTravelinsured. They are one of the world’s leading providers of travel insurance and policies meet all Alps requirements.
For information on the recommended IMG/iTravelinsured policies please click here.
For even greater information, or if you simply prefer communicating with a real, live person, feel free to contact our exclusive agent Michael Bennett. Michael will help you identify the best product for your needs, and there is no cost associated with his assistance. You may contact him at:
Email: [email protected]
US by Phone: 877-305-9083
Direct/International by Phone: 702-448-3664
If you already have the required insurance or wish to purchase from anyone other than IMG/iTravelinsured, we recommend careful consultation with the provider to ensure appropriate coverage. This is because many providers have a number of policy exclusions.
Weather in the Alps
The location of the Alps and their tremendous elevation variations lead to significant and sometimes unpredictable temperatures and weather patterns, both in different ranges and in a particular range itself. Due to the Alps’ location in central Europe, they are influenced by moist air off the Atlantic, cold polar air from northern Europe, fluctuating air masses; and warm Mediterranean air flows northward.
Due to these extraordinary forces acting on the Alps’ weather, we recommend following our clothing list closely (in your trip packet when you register), as guests are best served by being prepared for a broad range of possible temperatures and weather conditions.
The average temperatures and precipitation in Alps are:
| Average Temperatures (Fahrenheit) | ||||||
|
Month
|
Valleys
<4k ft |
Peaks
4-6.5k ft |
||||
|
hi
|
low
|
hi
|
low
|
|||
|
May
|
67°
|
56°
|
60°
|
40°
|
||
|
June
|
75°
|
63°
|
66°
|
45°
|
||
|
July
|
81°
|
68°
|
71°
|
49°
|
||
|
August
|
79°
|
67°
|
70°
|
48°
|
||
|
September
|
74°
|
63°
|
63°
|
43°
|
||
Accommodations
HÔTEL EDELWEISS
2 NIGHTS
Since 1876 the Hôtel Edelweiss has been delighting guests that come to enjoy the Engadine region of the Alps. The hotel sits in the charming village of Sils in-between 2 lakes. This 4 star accommodation has 2 restaurants, a sun terrace, bar and wellness center. This fabulous location combines long standing hospitality tradition with modern comfort. Enjoy the sauna, whirlpool, and steam room.
SPORTHOTEL PONTRESINA
2 NIGHTS
Located in the highest valley of the Upper Engadine, Sporthotel Pontrecina was founded in 1881 and is family run. Here you’ll find a wellness center with sauna, sanarium, steam bath, exercise room, and whirlpool with a stunning view of the Roseg Valley.
HÔTEL MORTERATSCH
1 NIGHT
This hotel is a great stop over for our groups in a stunning Alpine setting; located conveniently just off the UNESCO World Heritage Bernina train route. This accommodation gathers mountain travelers of all types. Hikers, bikers, mountaineers, climbers and sightseers all come here and whether sitting in one of 3 cozy parlors, the restaurant or out on the sun terrace, stories of mountain travel can be heard. This is a fantastic place to spend a night perched right near the foot of the Morteratsch glacier with sweeping mountain views surrounding you.
HÔTEL CAPRICORN
2 NIGHTS
Sitting within the historic Swiss village of Zermatt near the base of the iconic Matterhorn mountain, this hotel’s location is perfect. Anyone that loves Alpine lore will fall in love with this area and accommodation. The sun terrace has amazing mountain views, the restaurant is quaint, cozy and serves delicious traditional Swiss cuisine and the wellness center/spa highlights a whirlpool overlooking the Matterhorn. What else could you really want to highlight the best of what Switzerland has to offer?
* These exact accommodations are not guaranteed. In some instances alternative accommodations of similar quality and location may be used.
Trip Reviews
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Ashley M
Magical and Unforgettable
This was my third and favorite trip with Wildland. I am already dreaming about the next one! Our guide, Johannes, was exceptional, the views were literally jaw dropping, and food and accommodations were top notch. We saw countless glaciers and waterfalls. The Glacier Express train was such a great break in the middle of the trip and a perfect way to see even more of the country. Opening the door onto my balcony in Zermatt and seeing the Matterhorn in perfect view while the church bells rang in the distance was pure magic; I will never forget that moment. Thank you, Wildland!
Leslie W
Great hiking!
This trip was amazing! The hiking views were incredible and our accommodations were great. Our guide Johannes was the best; always organized, knowledgeable, and so much fun! The train trip on the Glacier Express added to the entire experience. I highly recommend this trip to anyone who's ever wanted to really experience the Alps. It has classic Alps views, fabulous regional food, and of course great hiking!
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