Arrive in Europe and transfer Chamonix. Chamonix is a sunny, active village tucked at the base of Mont Blanc, the highest mountain in the Alps. Chamonix is one of the great destinations in the Alps, with gorgeous mountains and miles of hiking trails. If you arrive early, you can ask us to book a few extra days on your own in Chamonix at the start of the trip.

A private taxi from Geneva to Chamonix is included in your tour, so you can arrive relaxed and stress-free. Enjoy the comforts of your gorgeous 5-star hotel.  Dinner is on your own in Chamonix.

Arrival: Geneva.  Plan to arrive by the day your tour starts.  A private taxi from Geneva to Argentiere is included in your tour, so you can arrive relaxed and stress-free.  The trip takes 1½ hrs.  Please send flight arrival # and time when you have it.

On your first hiking day of the tour, head to le Tour and climb high onto the Posettes ridge, with breathtaking views behind us of Mont Blanc and the Chamonix valley. Continue to the Col de Balme pass into Switzerland, where a scenic mountain restaurant serves as an irresistible lunch stop.

Perhaps there will be time to hike up along the Tour glacier to the Albert refuge for more memorable high mountain scenery. We’ll descend by cable car from the Balme pass and return to Chamonix for a 2nd luxurious night.  Dinner is again on your own.

After a quick morning transfer to Forclaz, you’ll have 2 hiking choices today, either crossing the high, rocky Fenetre d’Arpette pass, or a more moderate hike through woods and farms. The choice of trail will be determined by your energy and weather, but both have much to offer, and both lead to the small lakeside village of Champex.

On the moderate Bovine route, an undulating trail leads through alpine pastures and pine forests, with sweeping views of the Rhone valley. Or, weather permitting, a more rigorous possibility leads up to the high pass of Fenetre d’Arpette along the Trient glacier. A steep descent through a large boulder field brings you to Champex, where you stay in a comfortable 3-star hotel.

A morning taxi takes you to Verbier, where you drop your bags at your hotel, then head out on a high, scenic trail where you can almost always spot wild antelope and mountain goats.  Stop at the Mont Fort hut high above town, for a hearty lunch, then return to Verbier.

Verbier is a spacious, sun-dappled village nestled in a cirque of mountains and looking out at the impressive Grand Combins. We stay in a wonderful 4-star hotel here in town with newly renovated rooms and welcome spa.  Dinner is on your own in Verbier.

You’ll use your Swiss rail pass today, taking a series of buses and trains to Arolla.  With a morning arrival, you’ll still have time for a big day hike to the Pas des Chevres pass from the Arolla side, returning to Arolla for the evening.

Arolla is a very quiet little village, and our favorite stop here has long been the elegant Hotel Kurhaus, with their beautiful terrace and garden, comfortable rooms, and good food.  There is a restaurant at the hotel, although they do not offer an included dinner.

After a short morning bus from Arolla across the valley to la Sage, a steady uphill trail leads to the Col de Torrent and into the Anniviers valley. Descending from the pass, you’ll cross through meadows and past tiny lakes to the Moiry reservoir, where you can walk or ride a bus to Grimentz.

Grimentz is one of the prettiest villages in Switzerland. Its centuries-old chalets are blackened by the sun, with windows filled with geraniums. You’ll stay in a cozy 3-star hotel in town.

A relatively moderate day leads us from the Moiry reservoir 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.

After crossing the pass, descend to the village of Zinal, a postcard-perfect village of dark timbered houses bursting with colorful geraniums. An optional cable car can eliminate much of the descent for a more moderate day.

Start with a morning transfer by bus and train to the Mattertal valley, to Zermatt. The mountains surrounding Zermatt are more than just the Matterhorn, of course, and hikes around town are a visual feast of rugged, white-capped peaks, wildflower-filled meadows and soft larch forest.

Once you arrive and get settled, 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.

Return to the wonderful spa and friendly reception of your 4-star hotel.

You’ll have a full second day in Zermatt to explore the area in and around town. Perhaps one of our favorite hikes leads up the ridge of the Matterhorn itself to the historic and impressive Hornli hut.

Hornli hut serves as a sort of Matterhorn base camp and it is an unforgettable destination. There are plenty of bigger hikes, but the Schwarzhorn gondola makes the out-and-back to Hornli hut fairly moderate. The power of the mountains is inescapable here, and you’ll want plenty of time to soak it all in. Return to Zermatt for a final gourmet dinner.

After breakfast at our hotel, depart by train 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.