Arrive in Switzerland, and transfer by train with your included rail pass 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 succesful.

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.   You are on your own for dinner.

Today you’ll explore the Grindelwald Valley and hike to the famous Kleine Scheidegg Pass. Perhaps you’ll take the Eiger Trail right to the base of the mountain, with countless waterfalls cascading off its vertical cliff faces. Or you can opt for an easier hike through forest and meadow with equally stunning views.

The entire day is dominated by great close-up views of the Eiger North Face – perhaps the most notorious wall in the Swiss Alps. From Kleine Scheidegg, we’ll send you on a hike down a favorite, little used trail, through the small meadow at Biglenalp – always a treat. Finish in the car-free village Wengen for a restful night.

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.

After a break for lunch, 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. There is no luggage transport, but you’ll enjoy charming private rooms (bathroom and shower down the hall) 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 4-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.

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. 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.