The best of the Alps in a week of gentle exploration; Mont Blanc, the Matterhorn and the Eiger

An ideal opportunity to get right into the heart of these stunning mountains at a more relaxed pace than on our various walking trips. Our three bases are the famous alpine towns of Chamonix, Zermatt and Interlaken, all of which enjoy a truly spectacular setting. Not only are these wonderful places to unwind and take in the fresh mountain air - the possibilities for exploration from here are endless. If you feel like picking up the pace there are plenty of optional adventurous activities, including walking, biking, mule trekking, tandem paragliding, rafting or sailing. And if you don't, then an array of shops, cafes and restaurants await you.

Itinerary:

Day 1 Start Chamonix, free evening. 2 Ascend by cable car to Aiguille du Midi for panoramic views of Mont Blanc; afternoon cog railway journey to Montenvers and simple walk on Mer de Glace glacier. 3 Ride the Flegere cable car then 2 hour contour walk to Planpraz with stunning views; rail transfer through valleys and gorges to Zermatt in Switzerland. 4 Gentle orientation walk in Zermatt, shadowed by the famous Matterhorn peak. Free afternoon in this lovely town, optional activities include Gornergrat cog railway, Klein Matterhorn cable car, or local adventure activities. 5 Free morning in Zermatt; afternoon scenic train journey to Interlaken. 6 Morning boat trip on the lovely tree-lined Lake Thunersee; free afternoon. 7 Free day, optional activities include; train ride to Murren and cable car to James Bond revolving restaurant, train to Grindlewald or train through the Eiger to Jungfraujoch at 3571m. Or try numerous outdoor activities. 8 Transfer by train to Geneva; end Geneva.

Mode of travel: Travel by train, public bus, cable car and boat.
Group size: Min. 6, max. 16, plus leader.
Accommodation: 7 nights hotels.
Food: All breakfasts included.
Optional Single Supplement: from $270.00
Trip Reference: AVA
Reverse Itinerary: trips that run in reverse are specified with an 'R' in the dates and prices table below.