Expedition Details

Head into the magnificent Swiss Alps on a family adventure that combines hiking and biking with legendary train journeys. Stay in two stunning mountain villages: Pontresina, in beautiful Engadine Valley; and Zermatt, within view of the legendary Matterhorn mountain. Discover the wildlife, culture, and dramatic landscapes of the Alps on this expedition designed for explorers of all ages.

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Trip Highlights

• Board the legendary Glacier Express for a breathtaking journey across 291 Alpine bridges and through 91 tunnels in Switzerland.
• Bike along pristine lakes, ride a zip-line, and hike across the vast Morteratsch Glacier.
• Travel up to the Gornergrat lookout by rack-railway, and take in a spectacular panorama including the Matterhorn and more than 28 towering peaks.
• Listen to mountaineering tales from an expert climber, and meet a naturalist to learn about Alpine wildlife.

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Itinerary - 8 Days

Days 1 & 2 — U.S./Zurich, Switzerland/ Pontresina

Depart on an overnight flight to Zurich. Arrive the next morning and board a train to the charming town of Pontresina in beautiful Engadine Valley. Settle into our hotel, set against a backdrop of snowy summits. Meet your fellow travelers at a festive welcome dinner tonight.
Sporthotel (D)

Day 3 — Engadine Valley/St. Moritz

Explore Engadine Valley by bicycle this morning. Ride along Silvaplana Lake to the Maloja Pass to take in sweeping views before continuing to St. Moritz. You may also choose to travel there by train. Enjoy time to explore this fabled town on your own. Later, join a naturalist for a nature walk and learn about the plants and wildlife of the Alps.
Sporthotel (B,D)

Day 4 — Morteratsch Glacier

This morning, stop at a cheese factory to see how Swiss cheese is made. Continue to Morteratsch Glacier, one of the largest glaciers of the eastern Alps, and set out on a glacier walk with an Alpine guide. Then hit the soccer field for a friendly game with local children. Back at the hotel, relax at the spa or enjoy an ice cream in the gardens.
Sporthotel (B,D)

Day 5 — Glacier Express/Zermatt

Climb aboard the Glacier Express, the most famous train in the Alps! Cross three high-mountain passes and 291 bridges, and pass through 91 tunnels on the way to Zermatt. Keep your eye out for the twisted peak of the legendary Matterhorn as we approach the end of the journey. Zermatt is a charming Alpine village where cars are not allowed. Check into our lovely hotel and gather for a dinner of local specialties tonight.
Hotel National (B,L,D)

Day 6 — Zermatt

Hop onto a rack-railway train for a ride high above Zermatt to one of the best viewpoints in the Alps. Admire a breathtaking vista that includes Monte Rosa, the Matterhorn, and the Gornergrat Glacier. Then hike down past Alpine lakes to Riffelalp. This evening, meet a local mountaineer at the Matterhorn Museum to hear tales of the early ascents of the highest Alps. Later, walk to a nearby knoll and search for the lights of the Hörnli Hut, a remote structure built as a respite for those climbing the Matterhorn. Stroll down Zermatt's famous main street on the way back to the hotel.
Hotel National (B,D)

Day 7 — Zermatt

Experience an Alpine adventure this morning, crossing rope bridges and soaring through the valley on a zip-line course designed for all ages. Sample varieties of fine Swiss chocolate, and then take advantage of a free afternoon to explore on your own. You may choose to ride the Klein Matterhorn, Europe's highest lift, for spectacular views of Switzerland and Italy's Alpine peaks; or take a leisurely walk above Zermatt. Tonight, celebrate your Swiss adventure at a special fondue dinner.
Hotel National (B,D)

Day 8 — Zermatt/Zurich/U.S.

After breakfast, return to Zurich in record time on a high-speed train through the new Lötschberg Tunnel. Then depart on your return flight.
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