USA ADVENTURES
INTERNATIONAL ADVENTURES
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The Swiss Alps, with their jagged peaks and myriad trails, have long been a magnet for hikers. On this trip we'll hike some of the premiere trails in both the Berner Oberland and the Valais, returning each night to a hearty dinner and warm bed. We'll take advantage of the excellent Swiss transport system and you will definitely get all the hiking you want on this trip! The towns of Grindelwald and Zermatt offer lots of other possibilities too, so your most difficult decisions may be just how to spend your time. Maximum group size: 14
August 13 to August 22, 2022 |
$3950.00 - FULL |
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What's not included: Travel to and from Switzerland, beverages, lunches, guide gratuities, travel insurance, and additional activities
This trip is rated a Level 4. On some dates, there are options that allow for Level 3/4 hikes. There is very little flat hiking so you must exercise regularly to fully enjoy the trip. You should also be free of serious knee problems and significant fear of heights. To have the option of participating in all activities offered, you should prepare for a Level 4 trip. Prior to beginning the trip, participants should be engaged in aerobic conditioning for at least 40-50 minutes 4-5 times a week. Additional endurance exercise (e.g. going for a 2-hour hike once a week) and/or strength training is usually required.
Rating: 1 2 3
[4] 5.
The primary activity on this trip is hiking, which we will do between 4 and 6 hours on most days. In both towns our hotels are located right near the center, so after hiking there is interesting wandering, shopping, and sitting in local cafes to sip coffee or wine. In addition there will be time for other things you may want to try, such as exploring the towns, taking the Jungfrau Express to the highest rail station in Europe, and visiting the Alpine Mountaineering museum in Zurich.
In Grindelwald and Zermatt our hotels are small 3 star family run hotels, that offer great meals and warm hospitality. Both are well located near the center of town. Our hotel in Zurich is near the airport, a short train ride from central Zurich, and offers an airport shuttle so you can depart at your convenience. We will spend 4 nights at the Jungfrau Lodge in Grindelwald, 4 nights at the Hotel Bristol in Zermatt, and one night at a hotel close to the airport in Zurich.
Below is the proposed itinerary for the trip. As is true on any adventure travel trip, plans for any specific day may be modified due to weather considerations, unforeseen circumstances, new opportunities, and group interests.
Yes, it lived up to my expectations and then some! I'm afraid of heights but when I realized I could paraglide I went for it! Checked off a lifetime wish in the Swiss Alps! Thank-you AGC!!!
Wow, yes! Everything was a highlight! This trip was never on my radar until a friend posted pics from her trip summer 2018, and then I said "I have to go!" I loved the whole trip, but if pressed, I would say taking the gondolas and the cog railways high, high, high up into the mountains was absolutely spectacular. For anyone who loves mountains, this is IT.
Hike up to Horli Hut was the best hike - exertion level, adventure, view
Highlights: love traveling by trains, the scenic hikes, hotels with awesome views, well organized, and super helpful guides who made the trip the success it was.
From beginning to end, Laurie and Lindsay were a wonderful team. The execution of the trip was fantastic. Hotels, food, itinerary - everything. I have nothing but praise. Already shared the info with a few friends (by request ) who are considering the trip for next year.
Trip exceeded my expectations. I loved riding on the very efficient Swiss trains. The hiking at high altitude was a first for me but I enjoyed it very much. Spectacular views, beautiful wildflowers.
Accommodations were very comfortable, conveniently located, clean and friendly. Loved learning the transit system and the multitude of ways to get around.....so easy! The hikes were stunning, how could you go wrong in a such a beautiful place! Guides were fantastic. Lindsay was knowledgable and easy going, and firm when she needed to be. Loved her! Laurie was on her toes and quick to get things done in order to keep us on our timeline. She kept a great attitude, communicated clearly, and friendly with everyone. I would travel with her anywhere!
Amazing scenery. Fun group of people. Guides Laurie and Linsay exceeded expectations. Played well off each other. Only one tiny stressor was alcohol unmentioned in a few of the deserts- European style! I’m a recovering alcoholic and bit into desert one night and was horrified to taste Kailua. I guess I should have mentioned it on my medical form? Anyway, didn’t want to announce it to the group...
The itinerary and the majestic landscapes—wow! This was a very well planned trip that allowed us to see the highlights of the area with some down time added in.
Astounding beauty of the Alps. Appropriate level of challenge. Laurie Priest as guide. Paragliding. Hotel in Zermatt. Food.
very well organized and beautiful. i just didn't realize how crowded with people it would be....not an issue, just didn't expect it!
There were so, so many highlights, that it is hard to choose.......
The Alps were just spectacular. Having great guides made the trip. Laurie and Lindsay were both so positive and encouraging and knowledgeable. I appreciated having a few days of options, which helped this 3 hiker enjoy the trip without stressing about a 4 Hike. I also really like staying in one place for 4 nights at a time. It’s nice to be able to explore the towns a bit.
Switzerland was amazing and the trip was very well run. The activities followed the printed itinerary very closely with changes due to weather.
Amazing location for hikes, and excellent guides.
The hotel room I spent the first night in was bad. There was no elevator, coffee available before 7:00, no bus pass offered, and no air conditioning. The whole experience started my trip off on a terrible note. To be fair, the room I was allowed to move in to on the second day was much better.
Guides Laurie and Lindsay were amazing! Group of travelers was awesome too. Alps were more beautiful than imagined. Hiking was challenging and fun.
Walking in the Alps with ringing cow bells around us. Hiking on trails overlooking Matterhorn Scenery Variety in experiences and locations
People, scenery, hiking trails, meals. lodging . It was all wonderful.
Hiking in the Grindlewald area was amazing! The villages of Switzerland were what I had always imagined them.
This was my third AGC trip. All three lived up to and exceeded my expectations (which are high to begin with). Of course that means my expectations remain very high for you all for future trips (LOL). The amount of planning and consideration of the needs of the travelers is evident in how well the trips are conducted and how pleasant the experience seems to be for all. As someone who always planned her own trips when travelling with my partner I never thought I'd want to travel with a group. Now that I am on my own, I am so thrilled to have found a way to continue my world travels, safely, full of fun and adventure, comfortably with so little effort on my part. Thank you for making that possible.
The alps were amazing. I was in awe of the beauty- really!
2 superb guides Fantastic weather conditions Flexibility in hikes offered Comfortable accommodations and great food