Itinerary Details
MT Sobek: Alps Chamonix & Zermatt Hiking
Day 1 Arrive in Geneva, Transfer to Chamonix
1.5-hours private van transfer
Arrive at the Geneva airport, Switzerland, for a 2pm pick-up. Transfer by private van to the charming mountain-ringed resort town of Chamonix, France. Upon arrival at the hotel, rest or explore the town before meeting your guides and group for a trip orientation. End the day with a delicious welcome dinner at a lovely restaurant in town.
Accommodation: Park Hotel Suisse & Spa
(D)
Day 2 Hike Along the Grand Balcon
3 hours/4 miles hiking with 450' elevation gain and 1,800' loss
Start the day with the world-famous cable car ride up to Aiguille du Midi (12,605') for breathtaking views over the Mont Blanc Massif. Ride down to Plan de l'Aiguille and follow the Grand Balcon hiking path through awe-inspiring scenery with the jagged peaks of the Aiguilles de Chamonix rising above as you descend to Montenver Upper Train Station. Enjoy a charming ride on the historic cog railway as you descend over the Mer de Glace, France's largest glacier, before arriving back in Chamonix for a pleasant evening in town.
Accommodation: Park Hotel Suisse & Spa
(B, L, D)
Day 3 Tour du Mont Blanc Trail
4.5 hours/5.5 miles hiking with 1,800' elevation gain and loss
Start the day in the charming mountain village of Les Praz de Chamonix, where a cable car will whisk you up to La Flegere ski resort (6,158'). From here you'll take the iconic Tour du Mont Blanc trail to Lac Blanc (7,716') and be wowed by magnificent views of the Mont Blanc range. Take the loop trail back to La Flegere passing Lac des Cheserys, lush pastures, and mountain chalets. Return to Les Praz by cable car.
(B, L, D)
Day 4 Journey from Chamonix to Zermatt
2-hour private van transfer
2.5 mile lakeside walk
It's time to rest those legs with a leisurely drive to the Swiss Riviera! Explore Montreux, following a picturesque path from the castle turrets of Chateau de Chillon along the banks of Lac Leman (Lake Geneva) into the delightful town, known for its lakeside promenades and cultural heritage. Experience the healing properties of Lavey thermal baths, then pass through Wallis (Valais) valley to Zermatt, a storybook mountain town at the base of the mighty Matterhorn. Settle into your hotel, where you'll spend three relaxing nights, then head to dinner with the group.
Accommodation: Hotel Bella Vista
(B, L, D)
Day 5 Explore Matterhorn Trails in Zermatt
3.5-5 hours/5.5-6.5 miles hiking with up to 2,500' elevation gain and loss
Discover Zermatt's spectacular surroundings as you explore trails at the foot of Switzerland's most famous mountain: the iconic Matterhorn. Hike to the renowned Zmutt hamlet (6,352') and then to Zum See. Once at Furi mountain station (6,125') take a cable car up to Schwarzsee (8,373'), a small, picturesque lake just below the Matterhorn. If you're motivated and time allows, there's an option to push a little further to the Hirli cable car station (9,107') for an elevated view of the lake. Return to Zermatt for a well-deserved meal and rest.
Accommodation: Hotel Bella Vista
(B, L, D)
Day 6 Ride the Cog Railway & Hike to Gornergrat
4 hours/7 miles hiking with 550' elevation gain and 3,500' loss
Experience the Monte Rosa side of Zermatt's mountains, starting with a ride on the famous Gornergrat cog railway up to 10,140 feet. At the top, soak up gorgeous views of the Monte Rosa massif and Dufourspitze, the second-highest peak in the Alps. From here, follow trails down the sunny, northwestern side of the mountains passing shimmering lakes, pretty hamlets, and alpine pastures all the way back to Zermatt. End your mountain adventure with a farewell dinner this evening.
(B, L, D)
Day 7 Depart from Geneva
2.45-hour private van transfer
Bid farewell to the Alps today and return to Geneva airport for your homeward-bound flight.
(B)