Luxury Switzerland Swiss Alps Walk 6D5N (Interlaken to Zermatt), Fully Guided

THREE HIKING OPTIONS:
Level 1, Approx. 3 km (2 miles), Elevation gain: 91m (300 ft)
Level 1, Approx. 5 km (3 miles), Elevation gain: 91 m (300 ft)
Level 2, Approx. 6 km (4 miles), Elevation gain: 152 m (500 ft)

Meet with your tour leaders today at 10:30 a.m. in front of the Interlaken Ost (East) train station, Switzerland. Please arrive dressed in your hiking clothes. Bring your luggage and a daypack with your rain gear, and anything else you may want for today's hike (your luggage will be transported to our first night's accommodations).

After our meeting, we begin today’s adventure with a shuttle to Adelboden, a charming Swiss alpine village in the Bernese Oberland, where we enjoy a lunch of regional delights. Done with lunch, we set out on a hike through the stunning Adelboden Valley, a region graced with mesmerising scenery and crisp alpine air, the perfect introduction to walking in Switzerland. Ascend to Wildflower Trail on a gondola ride - a whopping 1980 m height (6500 feet), which you follow to Hahnenmoos Pass. Bask in the soothing and breathtaking views of the Adelboden and Lenk Valleys up here, and come across tumbling waterfalls and glistening glaciers stretching out before you. After a little while, we descend past small cheese huts and a babbling brook to Geils, where a local bus or Trotti bike returns us to Adelboden.

We will be settling at The Cambrian, a resort where authenticity meets design. Located in the centre of Adelboden, the Cambrian offers panoramic views of the Swiss Alps and many state-of-the-art amenities for you to unwind. Relax with a drink at the hotel’s sun terrace and lounge, treat your tired muscles to a therapeutic session at its spa, or take a dip in the heated outdoor pool with mountain views in sight.

We will be gathering later tonight to celebrate our arrival in the Bernese Oberland with a wine reception and the first of many tasty traditional Swiss meals.

TWO HIKING OPTIONS:
Level 4, Approx. 10 km (6 miles), Elevation gain: 396 m (1300 ft)
Level 5, Approx. 11 km (7 miles), Elevation gain: 457 m (1500 ft)

After a hearty breakfast this morning, we begin today's adventure with a hike across the historic Gemmi Pass, an ancient trade route used since Roman times. Head out to our trails with a shuttle to the gorgeous Kanderstegm, a town nestled in the broad Kander Valley beneath the towering Blümlisalp and Doldenhorn peaks. Known for its abundant wildflowers and Simmental cattle which can be seen munching on the lush grass of mountain pastures, the magnificent Kandersteg is the perfect place for exploration.

Feel the thrill of excitement as you get whisked away - 1920 metres (6300 feet) above the ground at the Sunnbüel cable car, embark on a challenging hike up the Spittel Valley, passing the shimmering glacier-fed lake. Continue up to Gemmi Pass - 2316 metres (7600 feet), where on a clear day you are treated to spectacular views of the Matterhorn and Monte Rosa, Switzerland’s highest peak at 4633 metres (15,200 feet).

Enjoy a delicious lunch before heading down on a Gemmibahn cable car to a steep rock face, a vertical drop that was once a formidable obstacle to anyone wanting to cross the pass. At the bottom is Switzerland's largest thermal centre, Leukerbad, graced with picturesque narrow streets lined with old chalets, shops, and cafés.

Relax and experience the healing powers of Leukerbad’s Les Sources des Alpes, our 5-star luxurious home for the next two nights set atop the waters’ wellspring. Head out for a dip in the hotel’s thermal baths, indulge in a refreshing and peaceful massage at the resort's excellent spa facility, and relish the picture-perfect mountain views of your surroundings as you relax on its charming terrace.

Tonight, enjoy an alphorn concert performed by local musicians in a traditional costume, and thereafter engage your palates to the best Swiss dishes there are at a local restaurant.

THREE HIKING OPTIONS:
Level 2, Approx. 6 km (4 miles), Elevation gain: 213 m (700 ft)
Level 3, Approx. 10 km (6 miles), Elevation gain: 274 m (900 ft)
Level 5, Approx. 13 km (8 miles), Elevation gain: 792 m (2600 ft)

Be prepared to cross patches of snow and ice during today's challenging hike, jaw-dropping views are ample rewards for your efforts. Begin your adventure in the Dala Valley with a walk along a trail built into the side of a thermal gorge. Traverse this thermal gorge on a high suspension bridge that looks onto a thundering waterfall. From here onward, you have the option of exploring the magnificent Leukerbad or you can choose to head back to the hotel for relaxation.

If you decide to go with the first option, continue with a trek on a steep and steady climb flanked by majestic mountains. Absorb the spellbound and glamorous Swiss scene of flower-filled alpine meadows and herds of soft-eyed milk cows adorned with leather collars and brass bells. Later, discover the age-old process used in making the classic Swiss cheese as demonstrated by a local cheese maker at Flüealp.

Enjoy an exquisite picnic, which of course includes a taste or two of deliciously fresh cheeses, then ascend the valley to a hidden chapel built into the mountain. Done with today’s adventure, head back to Leukerbad. Enjoy dinner at your leisure at the hotel’s exquisite restaurant before retiring for the night.

TWO HIKING OPTIONS:
Level 2, Approx. 6 km (4 miles), Elevation gain: 213 m (700 ft)
Level 3, Approx. 10 km (5 miles), Elevation gain: 274 m (900 ft)
Level 5, Approx. 13 km (7 miles), Elevation gain: 792 m (2600 ft)

After a delightful breakfast this morning, we will be leaving Leukerbad to catch the Glacier Express train to Zermatt, a picturesque village with stunning views of the Matterhorn.

Arriving in Zermatt, refuel with lunch, then indulge in the many exciting activities lined up for you. Hike through Zmutt Valley along a rugged mountainside footpath, past traditional huts and hamlets. Explore this fascinating village of Zmutt with many interesting old homes to check out and a slice of strudel to enjoy. Take a trip to the villages of Zum See and Blatten where you will come across one of Ricola’s herb gardens displaying signs describing the 13 fresh herbs used to make the world-renowned candy and teas. Up for more challenges? Climb up to Schwarzsee, where sensational views await you.

Head back to Zermatt on foot or by gondola before settling in at the historic Grand Hotel Zermatterhof, a 5-star hotel and our home for the next two nights. A traditional luxury resort located in a central but peaceful location in Zermatt, the Grand Hotel Zermatterhof offers panoramic views of the mountains.

Delight your palates with a variety of dishes ranging from traditional Swiss cheese dishes such as fondue and raclette, and intercontinental dishes at one of the several excellent restaurants all by yourself. Your tour leaders are also happy to recommend one to you.

THREE HIKING OPTIONS:
Level 4, Approx. 6 km (4 miles), Elevation gain: 640 m (2100 ft)
Level 4, Approx. 8 km (5 miles), Elevation gain: 853 m (2800 ft)
Level 5, Approx. 10 km (6 miles), Elevation gain: 1006 m (3300 ft)

We will be taking the Gornergrat Railway pathway up the mountain before hiking along a steep, well-manicured trail overlooking Zermatt. After passing the glacial Riffelsee, the trail ascends to the top of Gornergrat, a spectacular ridge. Admire jaw-dropping views of Gornergletscher, a glacier with bright blue pools and deep crevasses, and surrounded by the magnificent peaks of Klein Matterhorn, Monte Rosa, and Breithorn. Take a break from exploring for a sumptuous lunch, while listening to the grumbling sounds of glaciers.

After lunch, hike to Gornergrat or head to the Rotenboden state and take a cog railway train to the summit. Up for more adventure? Head toward the Monte Rosa route which descends towards the Gorner Glacier and then climbs the back side of Gornergrat to reach the summit.

Head back to the hotel for the remaining part of the afternoon, relax and unwind at the resort pool, rejuvenate at its state-of-the-art spa or retire to the comforts of your room. Later tonight, we will be gathering for a festive farewell dinner.

Level 2, Approx. 3 km (2 miles), Elevation gain: 335 m (1100 ft)

Relish your picturesque surroundings this morning and enjoy a delightful breakfast at the hotel. Spend the rest of your time leisurely or if you are up for one last challenge, hike up to a mountain hut for magnificent views overlooking Zermatt and the surrounding peaks. We will be saying our goodbyes here, then you will be shuttling to the Zermatt train station bringing an end to this awe-inspiring and intriguing trip.

NOTE: This itinerary is provided as an example only – prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation.