Arrive in Switzerland, and transfer by train to Mürren. The trip itself is incredibly scenic, and takes about 4 hours. Mürren is an idyllic, car-free village, perched atop a sheer 3000 ft. cliff above the waterfall-filled Lauterbrunnen valley. Picture Yosemite with a Swiss village on top… that’s Mürren.

There is a train station in both the Zürich and Geneva airports, and transferring to Mürren will be an easy introduction to Swiss precision and friendliness. Enjoy your first evening in Switzerland as you settle in at your hotel.   Dinner will be on our own in Mürren

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, 3:30 hrs (Zürich) or 4:30 hrs (Geneva)

One of our favorite hikes starts in town and gently meanders up the hills to the pastoral setting at Spielboden. Here you cross the Schiltbach Stream, and start a steep and invigorating ascent to the local peak of Bryndli. The Jungfrau, Mönch and Eiger form a dramatic backdrop, but it is the massive Gspaltenhorn at the head of the Sefinen valley that spurs you onward.

Take your lunch enjoying birds-eye views of Mürren and the Lauterbrunnen Valley, perhaps with a soaring golden eagle for company. From here the trail levels off, and becomes a relaxing stroll through flowery meadows to a quiet alpine Rotstock hut. Stop for a drink and the views before heading back. The trail back leads over a small ridge – more great views! – before dropping back down to Mürren.  We will give suggestions for some of our favorite dinner restaurants.

The Upper Lauterbrunnen Valley curls back beneath the white-capped Breithorn – considered by many to be the most perfect mountain in the region. It’s also a nature preserve, and contains many wonderful hiking trails. You won’t want to miss this, as the Upper Lauterbrunnental has some of the most idyllic hiking around.

One of our favorite hikes leads through forest and meadow to the small farm at Obersteinberg, where the proprietors keep cows and make cheese by the same simple methods that have been used for centuries. This part of the valley also contains some of the area’s prettiest waterfalls, as you will see gazing across the valley at the thundering Schmadri falls.

Alternately, an easier day traverses the meadows above Murren, passing through rustic dairy farms and stopping at small mountain inns, looping around to Winteregg.  Enjoy gorgeous panoramic views, and return to Mürren for one final night.

After breakfast, take a morning train to Zermatt, the lively village at the base of the Matterhorn, a towering pyramid that dominates the landscape. You’ll have a chance to check out the town, take a short walk around Zermatt, or enjoy some time at the pool or spa before settling in for your first evening in Zermatt. Perhaps you’ll start with a walking tour of the village that takes you past 400 year-old houses and into the history of this fascinating town.

If you’d prefer to hit the trails, we have you covered with a great half-day hike. Head to the meadows above Zermatt to the centuries-old hamlet of Zmutt. Stop at a mountain restaurant at the base of the Matterhorn, or take a nap on a sunny flat rock surrounded by mountains. Head back to Zermatt where you’ll enjoy a gourmet feast at your hotel.

We like to get off the beaten path in Zermatt, and the Trift Valley is ideal for quiet trails and sweeping views. There are no cable cars on this side of the valley, but plenty of great trails to choose from.

Take an airy trail to a favorite viewpoint high above town, where you’ll find quiet mountain view with only the marmots and mountain goats for company. On the way, enjoy a refreshing stop at the Trift inn, known for their homemade ice tea made from local alpine herbs and their fresh apple torte.

For a shorter day, turn around at Trift.  But if you’re up for an adventure, the trail continues on an epic traverse of the Hohbalmen ridge, with very few people and Matterhorn views that are simply unfair.  Don’t forget time for a massage or a soak in the hot tub back in Zermatt. Dinner will be at your hotel again tonight.

Experience the quiet side of Zermatt.  Start with a short train and taxi 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 for a final night.

After breakfast at your hotel, head to the train station to depart for your post-trip destination.

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.