Arrive in Europe and transfer by train to the sleepy village of Arolla, a tiny getaway in the wild Herens valley

Arolla is a wonderfully under-the-radar mountain village in the heart of one of the prettiest valleys in the Alps. You’ll stay here in a cozy 3-star hotel in town.  Dinner is on your own tonight.

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 Arolla.  The final leg of the journey is by bus. Travel time, 4 hrs.

Arolla is a tiny village surrounded by great glaciers and soaring peaks, such as the Pigne d’Arolla and Mont Collon. One panoramic hike leads up to the pas de Chevres – a high pass with amazing views to the west to the stately Mont Blanc de Cheilon peak and the enormous Cheilon glacier.

Return the way you came for a 2nd night in Arolla.  Dinner will be included at your hotel tonight

A morning bus transfer brings you across the valley to the hamlet of la Sage, where you start your hike.  A long, steady ascent leads over the pass to the beautiful Val d’Anniviers and more stunning mountain scenery.

Descend through high meadows to the Moiry reservoir. Then from the blue-green waters of the Moiry reservoir, your trail continues up, high into the rocks to the newly renovated Moiry hut, a gorgeous base camp surrounded by a sea of ice.

A somewhat easier day leads you over a minor pass and gives you a chance to further explore the Val d’Anniviers, an unforgettable valley with a great blend of ancient villages, quiet trails, and breathtaking views.

Descend to the village of Zinal, a postcard-perfect village tucked at the far end of this quiet valley. A comfortable 3-star hotel is your home for the night.

Leaving the Anniviers valley, your Haute Route itinerary continues over the Meidpass to the Turtmann valley and into the German-speaking portion of the Wallis.

The Turtmann valley is an underrated destination in itself.  Capped by the stunning Weisshorn mountain, this is a quiet, wonderful valley with surprising views around every corner.  Stay at a hiker’s inn at the base of the valley.

Another great option is the rustic but spectacular Turtmann hut at the top of the valley.  This is a traditional Alpine club hut with dorm only and no showers, but compensated with great views, a warm reception, and an off-the-beaten-path feel that can be a welcome change of pace.

Your final pass brings us up to more grand views of the Weisshorn and Dom, two of Switzerland’s highest mountains, before dropping down to the valley where you catch a short train ride to Zermatt.

Zermatt is a lively village, filled with energy and history, and dominated by the towering presence of the Matterhorn. It also retains its alpine charm, with quiet back alleys, scenic nearby hamlets, and classy shops. Check out the town, take a short walk around Zermatt, or enjoy the local Matterhorn museum or the spa, before settling in for dinner at your friendly village hotel.

Zermatt is so nice, we’re going to stay a 2nd day.  While there are many options for today, perhaps one of the most stunning hikes is the high trail from Schwarzsee lake to Hörnli.  Hörnli hut sits at the very base of the Matterhorn and serves a a sort of Matterhorn base camp.  It’s incredible.

The route there is airy-feeling, with long views to the valley below and jaw dropping mountains in every direction.  A gondola gives you plenty of options for longer or shorter days.  Return to Zermatt for a final night.

After breakfast at your hotel, depart for your post-trip 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.