Village Swiss Alps Adventure Hike from Interlaken to Zermatt August 17–22, 2020 • 6 Days, 5 Nights

Village Swiss Alps Adventure Hike from Interlaken to Zermatt August 17–22, 2020 • 6 days, 5 nights

Swiss Alps

Prepare to be awestruck. Exhilarated. In this place Itinerary where trails lead to remote hamlets, glacial lakes and Day 1 Experience quintessential Switzerland with green pastures, over hidden mountain passes and be- breathtaking hikes. Begin with a ridgeline walk above side sparkling glaciers. Where chalets welcome you the Adelboden Valley. Ascend by gondola to the with a cold beer or a rich hot chocolate. Prepare for the Wildflower Trail and Hahnenmoos Pass. Alpine height of Switzerland. Prepare for the Swiss Alps. pastures, tumbling waterfalls and glistening glaciers stretch out before you. Highlights Days 2–3 Trek from high mountain passes to • Hike down from passes amid snowcapped peaks into wildflower-strewn meadows. A challenging route to meadows where dairy cows graze—the ultimate Leukerbad leads past a shimmering glacier-fed lake alpine experience and over Gemmi Pass. Cable cars whisk us over the • Delight in panoramic vistas of the winding toughest ups and downs. Traverse a thermal gorge Gornergletscher, the second-largest ice field in the on a bridge that looks onto a thundering waterfall. Alps Discover the age-old process behind Swiss cheese at • Feast the Swiss way as you dine on traditional fondue a traditional farm. Indulge in a rejuvenating soak in paired with delicious regional wines Leukerbad’s healing waters. • Relax in Leukerbad’s thermal spring waters, whose Day 4 Catch the Glacier Express train to Zermatt, a natural mineral riches are believed to have picturesque village with stunning views of the therapeutic benefits Matterhorn. Hike through the Zmutt Valley. Pause for a lager or slice of apple strudel in a historic mountain Matterhorn hamlet. Visit the herb garden for Ricola’s world- renowned candy and teas. Days 5–6 Admire jaw-dropping views of Gornergletscher, a glacier with bright blue pools and deep crevasses, reached by foot or cogwheel train. Listen to the ice field groan, creak, and rumble. Savor crisp morning air en route to an alpine lake which offers magnificent vistas. A festive dinner featuring raclette and fondue marks the last night of this grand alpine hiking adventure.

Start: Interlaken Finish: Zermatt

Trip Price: Interlaken, Switzerland • $4599* per person double occupancy (+$1100 for a single room) • $600 Deposit per person due now to hold your spot • Final Payment due March 15, 2020 • Group Size: Maximum 20 • Activity Level 2–5 • Price for group of 10+ guests. *$5199 per person double occupancy for group size of 8–9.

Trip Price Includes: • Hotel Accommodations listed in itinerary • All breakfasts, 4 lunches, 5 dinners • Backroads experienced Trip Leaders • Snacks and beverages between meals Contact Erica Hubber, 480.515.9125 • Van shuttles to support a variety of route options [email protected] • Private guided tours at museums, historic sites and other select attractions as noted in the Travel Planner Jane Borman, 480.397.2388 • All gratuities at hotels and restaurants [email protected] • Transfers as listed in the itinerary • Baggage transfers and porterage www.village-trips.com

Not Included in the Trip Price: • International and Internal Airfare • Travel Insurance • Gratuities for Backroads Trip Leaders