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 fearsome) mountains in the world. The Eiger is famous for the many crazy climbs attempted on its north face… some of them successful.

Settle into your hotel this first night. With 10,000 vertical feet separating valley from peak, Grindelwald sits at the base of one of the most imposing vertical mountain walls in the world. The Eiger is unbelievable, but the Wetterhorn and Schreckhorn are also very impressive. It makes a beautiful backdrop to your first evening.   Enjoy dinner at your hotel.

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.

After a short morning train ride, your trail winds through flowery meadows and dense woods to the lush Lauterbrunnen Valley floor. The Lauterbrunnen is reminiscent of Yosemite Valley, with numerous waterfalls cascading down either side of the valley. It feels like something out of a movie set.

In the afternoon, you’ll hike to a wild and isolated corner of the Lauterbrunnen Valley for a memorable night in a remote mountain inn. The Tschingelhorn is a humble mountain inn set in a very unhumble location, a stunning perch looking at the Jungfrau mountain, Rottal Glacier, and numerous impressive waterfalls. Enjoy charming private rooms and a filling and delicious meal… this is always a favorite stop!

You have a couple of trail options today – the first, a panoramic climb over a high ridge with breathtaking views in every direction. A good head for heights is required because you will have your head in the clouds on this walk. The second option is a beautiful wooded hike filled with waterfalls.

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

You’ll have a 2nd day in Murren to explore this amazing region. One possible hike leads high above town to the Lobhorn hut, for postcard perfect views of the entire region.  Go swimming in a nearby lake, visit an alpine cheese barn, and return to Murren for the night.

If you’d rather take a day off from hiking, this is a great day to visit Schilthorn or Jungfraujoch. Both of these famous mountaintop stops are easily accessible from Mürren, and both are very much worth a visit.  Dinner will be on your own in town tonight.

After breakfast, you’ll take a morning transfer by train to Zermatt, the lively village at the base of the Matterhorn. The trip itself is relaxing and pretty, taking you on a long tunnel through the mountains to the sunny southern Alps. Once in Zermatt, 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

If you prefer a more active day, we’ll have a great half-day hike for you as well. Take a short hike above Zermatt for views of the surrounding mountains, dropping down to the centuries-old hamlets of Zum See and Zmutt, before returning to the wonderful spa and friendly reception at your hotel this evening.

Well, you’re in Zermatt, and the gravitational pull of the Matterhorn is undeniable. We’re going to go there. For a big hike, head out on quiet trails through peaceful larch forests. For an easier day, you can start with the gondola up to Schwarzsee – there will be enough hiking afterwards.

At Schwarzsee, you emerge on ridge high above town. From here, you can make the steady climb up to the Hornli hut (a sort of Matterhorn base camp) to enjoy fabulous, close-up views of the Matterhorn and and a sweeping look back at the valley below. It’s not a huge hike, but the elevations are quite high and you can take it slow. Stop for lunch or a drink at the hut, take in the views, appreciate where you are. It’s really stunning up here.

You’ll have the option to hike or take the gondola down.

Start with a Gornergrat cogwheel train high above town to Riffelalp or Riffelberg. Taking a quiet trail through scenic meadows, you’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.

Afterwards you’ll enjoy one last night of exquisite food and great Matterhorn views from your hotel on the outskirts of Zermatt.

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.