Switzerland — Europe — Explore Worldwide 2008/09 online holiday brochure

EUROPE SWITZERLAND"FRANCE SWITZERLAND Ref AT Pristine views of the Eige Mont Blanc, Matterhorn & the Eiger TREKKING GRADE C Bernese Oberland & the Eiger TREKKING GRADE B Ref OB JFMAMJJASOND JFMA JFMAMJJASOND JFMA 9 DAYS HOTELS/INNS TREKKING AMONGST FAMOUS MOUNTAINS IN THE ALPS optional activities such as rock climbing, mountain biking and paragliding. Zermatt & the Matterhorn Arguably the most recognised mountain in the world, the Matterhorn towers above the bustling Alpine town of Zermatt. We trek through meadows and rugged terrain to its base at 3260m where we can admire its steep ridges and imposing North Face that have witnessed many mountaineering epics. Bernese Oberland & the Eiger Kandersteg is a quaint Alpine town surrounded by huge limestone cliffs giving fabulous walking along quiet trails. Here we begin a 2-day trek crossing two high passes and breaking the journey at a remote village inn. There are breathtaking views of the Eiger, Jungfrau and M�nch before descending into the high-sided Lauterbrunnen Valley a UNESCO world heritage site with cliffs over 600m high. 8 DAYS HOTELS/GUESTHOUSES THE EIGER, M�NCH & JUNGFRAU Mont Blanc, Matterhorn & the Eiger Ref AT SWITZERLAND LAUTERBRUNNEN GREISALP Eiger 3970m Lac L�man GENEVA On the Lake KANDERSTEG �ne Rh Jungfrau 4158m The Bernese Oberland is a beautiful mountain region with a dramatic skyline, deep gorges and traditional Alpine villages. Walking mainly through flower-filled meadows and along high alpine paths, the trek is suitable for regular walkers. We use trains and mountain railways and experience Swiss food and hospitality at its best. Kandersteg & Kiental The first part of the tour is spent exploring the pretty Alpine town of Kandersteg. Surrounded by dramatic limestone cliffs and snow-clad peaks, we walk through Alpine meadows to the glaciated lake of Oeschinensee. From Kandersteg we walk along a magnificent high path with views of Lake Thun to the littlevisited valley of Kiental. Here we spend two nights giving time to explore this idyllic rural setting. Lake Thun & Lauterbrunnen Trekking from Kiental along a trail known as the Panoramaweg, we arrive on the shores of the beautiful Lake Thun and then take a short train ride to Wilderswil. From here a mountain railway takes us towards Grindelwald where we trek under the towering peaks of the Eiger, Jungfrau and M�nch into the magnificent Lauterbrunnen Valley. Lauterbrunnen Valley The high-sided valley is justifiably a UNESCO World Heritage Site: this is the most classic example of U-shaped glaciated valley in Europe with sheer cliffs over 600m high and spectacular waterfalls. Staying at the far end of the valley, we have unrivalled views and time to ride the famous Jungfrau railway and explore the quaint traffic-free village of Murren perched high on the cliff-top. A hearty meal on the trail CHAMONIX Matterhorn Mont Blanc 4478m 4807m ZERMATT FRANCE km 0 80 Monte Rosa 4634m I T A LY This trip makes the most of the time available hiking in the shadow of the most famous and impressive mountains in the Alps. Taking daywalks from Chamonix and Zermatt we see panoramic views of the Mont Blanc range and the towering majesty of the Matterhorn. The trip culminates with a tough 2-day trek along the quieter trails of the Bernese Oberland for wonderful views of the Eiger and Jungfrau. Chamonix & Mont Blanc Mont Blanc was first climbed in 1786 and has since attracted mountaineers and trekkers from all over the world. Soaring granite spires, great glaciers and impressive snow-clad mountains make Chamonix an exceptional place to walk. Spending three nights here we have ample opportunity to enjoy the mountains and relax at the pavement caf�s and restaurants. Our day-walk takes us to Lac Blanc a pretty Alpine lake where we should see marmots, Alpine flowers and panoramic views of the whole Mont Blanc massif. During your free day you can go walking or take FACTFILE Itinerary Day 1 Fly London/Geneva; transfer to Chamonix. 2 Free day in Chamonix for optional activities, including walking, rock climbing, biking or Aiguille du Midi cable car. 3 Day walk to Lac Blanc (2350m), on the Tour du Mont Blanc. 4 Travel to Zermatt. PM free for sightseeing or walking. 5 Day walk to the Hornli Hut (3260m) base camp for the Matterhorn. 6 Transfer through L�tschberg Tunnel to Kandersteg. PM free to explore the town. 7 Begin trek from Kandersteg with light backpacking. Cross Hohturli Pass (2778m) en-route to Golderli. 8 Trek over the Sefinenfurgge (2612m) and on to the Lauterbrunnen Valley. 9 Transfer to Geneva; fly London. Accommodation & Meals: 8nts hotels/inn; 8 breakfasts & 4 lunches included. See insert p2. Mode of Travel: On foot/Bus/Train/Chair lift Comment: A thorough introduction to three of the most impressive mountain ranges in the Alps. The trip is graded C strenuous - and so you should be confident of your fitness and enjoy the challenge of big ascents and descents (approx 1000m each day). The trek between Kandersteg and Lauterbrunnen on days 7 and 8 is unsupported and you will need to carry spare clothing and overnight gear. Tour Staff & Support: Explore Tour Leader plus locally organised baggage transfers. Group Size: Approx. 12 to 15. FACTFILE Bernese Oberland & the Eiger From/to Ref OB Geneva SWITZERLAND Lake Interlaken Brienzer Leissigen Lake Thun WILDERSWIL Burglauenen KIENTAL LauterBrunnen Griesalp Eiger 3970m Monch 4099m Jungfrau 4158m Lake Murren Oeschinensee KANDERSTEG Blumisalp 3664m STECHELBERG S E N E E R B 16 P S A L km 0 Itinerary Day 1 Fly London/Geneva; transfer to Kandersteg. 2 Day-walk from Kandersteg. 3 Trek along high mountain path to Kiental. 4 Day-walk from Kiental exploring this pretty valley with traditional farming and picturesque chalets. 5 Walk from Kiental to Darligen, train to Wilderswil. 6 Mountain railway to Burglauenen and walk to Lauterbrunnen. 7 Optional walk to Murren with views of Eiger, Jungfrau & M�nch, or optional ride on Jungfrau railway. 8 Transfer to Geneva; fly London. Accommodation & Meals: 7nts hotel/guesthouse; 7 breakfasts & 5 lunches included. See insert p2. Mode of Travel: Bus/On foot/Train/Chair lift. Luggage transferred by support vehicle. Comment: A hotel-based tour with hikes through flower-filled meadows and along high rocky paths amongst classic Alpine scenery. The trails are well maintained and no great ascents or descents are made. There are 3 days where walks are optional and so you have the choice of whether to take them or not. Tour Staff & Support: Explore Tour Leader plus locally organised baggage transfers. Group Size: Approx. 12 to 16. Trek length and gradients 3500m 3000m 2500m 2000m 1500m 1000m Day 3 10km Chamonix Zermatt Zermatt Kandersteg Golderli Free Day Free Day Trek length and gradients 1700m 1500m 1300m 1100m 900m 700m 500m Day 8 16km Day 2 7.5km Kandersteg Kiental Kiental Wilderswil Day 4 Day 5 18km Day 6 Day 7 13km Day 3 17.5km Day 4 12km Day 5 14.5km Day 6 15km 24 For information, inspiration and latest tour availability visit www.explore.co.uk

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