Arrive in Switzerland, and transfer by train to the Alpine village of Grindelwald, stunningly set at the base of the massive Eiger, one of the most famous and dramatic mountains in the world.

Grindelwald is truly breathtaking, and one glance around will tell you that you’ve arrived in the Alps. Enjoy the view from you hotel when you arrive, or simply stroll through town. We’ll meet in the afternoon and enjoy dinner together this first night as we talk about the trip to come.

Arrival: Zürich or Geneva. Plan to arrive by the day your tour starts. There is a train station in both the Zürich and Geneva airports, with hourly departures for this region.  Travel time, 3 hrs (Zürich) or 4 hrs (Geneva)

Today we’ll explore the Grindelwald valley and hike to the famous Kleine Scheidegg Pass. If conditions are right, we can take the Eiger Trail right to the base of the mountain, with countless waterfalls cascading off its vertical cliff faces.

The entire day is dominated by great close-up views of the Eiger North Face – perhaps the most notorious climb in the Swiss Alps.  Return to Grindelwald for a 2nd night under the spell of the Eiger.

We’re heading out on an adventure today. Our trail winds through flowery meadows and dense woods to the lush Lauterbrunnen Valley floor. The Lauterbrunnen Valley is reminiscent of Yosemite Valley, with numerous waterfalls cascading down either side of the valley. Truly an unbelievable sight.

After a break for lunch, we’ll hike to a wild and isolated corner of the Lauterbrunnen Valley for a memorable night in a remote mountain inn. Tschingelhorn is a simple mountain inn set in a stunning location, looking across the valley at the Jungfrau Mountain, Rottal Glacier, and numerous impressive waterfalls. There is no luggage transport, but we’ll enjoy charming private rooms (bathroom and shower down the hall) and a filling and delicious meal… this is always a favorite stop!

We have a couple of trail options today – the first, a panoramic climb over a high ridge with breathtaking views in every direction, the second, a beautiful wooded hike filled with waterfalls. Weather and our own mood will help make the choice, but they are both great.

Both trails lead to the Sefinen valley then up through sleepy Gimmelwald to the car-free village of Mürren, with its unparalleled cliffside views of the Eiger, Jungfrau and other surrounding mountains. Stay in the comfortable 3-star hotel.

There is so much to see and do around Mürren, our favorite village in the Alps. One great option is the undulating balcony walk above Mürren. Hike through the appropriately-named Blumental (flower valley) to a rustic mountain restaurant, with postcard-ready views of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau mountains across the valley.

If you’d like a break from hiking, today would be a great day to visit either the Schilthorn or Jungfraujoch. Both mountaintop stations are easily accessible from town. You won’t have time for both, so you’ll have to make a hard choice, but there are no wrong answers here! Dinner will be on your own tonight to explore in Mürren.

After breakfast, we’ll hop on the train for trail beautiful ride to Zermatt, the historic village at the base of the Matterhorn, the most iconic peak in the Alps, maybe in the world. It’s nice to start with a walking tour of the village that takes you past 400 year-old houses and into the history of this fascinating town.

Afterwards, take a short hike above Zermatt for views of the surrounding mountains, perhaps to the centuries-old hamlets of Zum See and Zmutt – beautiful, bucolic hamlets with 1st-class restaurant and unbeatable views. Finally, we’ll return to the wonderful spa and friendly reception at the Hotel Europe.

Experience the quiet side of Zermatt.  Start with a short shuttle to the Täschalp. Taking a quiet route through scenic meadows, we’ll steer you away from the crowds on a favorite trail to Täsch hut for views of the surrounding mountains.

From here, return to Täschalp and take an absolutely stunning balcony trail to Sunnegga.  Constant views of the Matterhorn accompany this quiet walk. Return to Zermatt by funicular train, or make the wooded walk down to the village for a longer day.

Start with a cogwheel train high above town today. Taking a quiet trail through scenic meadows, we’ll hike away from the crowds on a favorite trail to Gornergrat, past marmots and small glacial lakes, to what has to be one of the finest viewpoints in Europe.

From here, the jumbled mass of the Gorner Glacier stretches out below you, and behind that, Dom, Monte Rosa, the Breithorn and the Matterhorn form a glacier-clad wall separating Switzerland and Italy.

Enjoy one last night of exquisite food and great Matterhorn views from your hotel in Zermatt.

After a beautiful week, today you say good-bye to the Matterhorn and depart for your post-tour destinations.

Departure: Zürich or Geneva. It is 4 hrs from Zermatt to Zürich or Geneva by train.  Trains start at 6 am if you need an early start, and leave frequently throughout the day.