ADULT ONLY

Swiss Alps Adventure

  • 7 Days
  • Avg Group Size: 12
  • Activity Level 2
    • Activity Level 2

      Hikes on our Level 2 adventures are considered easy to moderate in difficulty.

    Read more about the Active Range

  • Trip Start: Zurich
  • Trip End: Zurich
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Journey through the stunning Swiss Alps via train, biking and hiking on our Swiss Alps Adventure.

Switzerland is known for its glaciated peaks, picture-perfect mountain towns, best-in-the-world train excursions and charming culture. Spend a week discovering it for yourself on our 7-day Swiss Alps Adventure. Starting and finishing in the vibrant city of Zurich, your journey takes you from the lakeside village of Weesen, along the UNESCO world heritage route of Chur to St Moritz in the stunning Engadin Valley. Hike above Davos with 360-degree views, experience the excitement of a Via Ferrata looking down at a glacier and bike through the Rhine River Valley vineyards. Then, by night, stay in traditional Swiss castles and delightful mountain hotels. Let two experienced guides lead the way as you immerse yourself in the lovely Swiss culture and on our Swiss Alps Adventure.

Download Our Handy Trip Itinerary

Our Trip Itinerary contains all the exciting details you can expect to do on our trips. Get a clear picture of the adventures on this trip.

DOWNLOAD ITINERARY PDF

Swiss Alps Adventure ~ Itinerary

Trip Start: Zurich Trip End: Zurich

Download our Handy Trip itinerary

Our Trip Itinerary contains all the exciting details you can expect to do on our trips. Get a clear picture of the adventures on this trip

  • Day 1Arrive in Zurich, ride along the Walensee, surrounded by the Alps

  • Day 2Travel to Unterterzen, hike around Flumserberg

  • Day 3Take a scenic train ride to St. Moritz, bike from Sils Maria to St. Moritz

  • Day 4Experience a Via Ferrata for majestic views of the Alps

  • Day 5Hop on a scenic train ride to Davos, hike above the village, relax in Klosters

  • Day 6Cycle through the Rhine River valley

  • Day 7Take a scenic transfer back to Zurich, depart home

  • Day 1

    Arrive in Zurich, ride along the Walensee, surrounded by the Alps

    #59863

    After departing Zurich, you’ll be whisked away into the stunning village of Weesen along the jaw-dropping Walensee. You’ll have nothing but smiles as you ride your bicycle along the lake taking in the scenery of the Swiss Alps. Stop lakeside in the village of Walenstadt for a lunch with the possibility to swim. In the afternoon, cycle between fortresses through the Rhine River Valley. Hop into the tiny country of Liechtenstein.

    Feel like a king in a castle at the Hotel Schloss Ragaz, as we have a welcome feast.  
    Accommodation: Hotel Schloss Ragaz, Bad Ragaz
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    Biking: Up to 23 miles (37 kilometers), easy

  • Day 2

    Travel to Unterterzen, hike around Flumserberg

    #59864

    Transfer to Unterterzen, then ascend the cableway to Flumserberg where adventures await. You’ll start with a wildflower and geology hike around Flumserberg, later stopping for lunch and a feast of stunning views at Maschgenkamm. Part of our way downhill we will take a thrilling mountain coaster (called Floomzer), your choice if you will use the brakes. Spend the evening exploring Bad Ragaz or relax at the hotel pool and sauna.
    Accommodation: Hotel Schloss Ragaz, Bad Ragaz
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

    Hiking: 3 or 7 miles (5 or 11 kilometers), easy or moderate

  • Day 3

    Take a scenic train ride to St. Moritz, bike from Sils Maria to St. Moritz

    #59865

    This morning, embark on an unforgettable train journey through the UNESCO world heritage route of Chur, through Bergün, ending in St. Moritz. Mesmerizing scenery will greet you the entire way on one of the most scenic railways in the world. A quick drive will bring you to Sils Maria, where you’ll have time for lunch on your own before setting off on a scenic bike ride along three emerald lakes back to St. Moritz (and beyond to the hidden gem of Zuoz if you want to push further – we’ll get you a transfer back!). This evening, enjoy a lovely lakeside dinner.
    Accommodation: Hotel Waldhaus, St. Moritz
    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  • Day 4

    Experience a Via Ferrata for majestic views of the Alps

    #59866

    Experience the thrill of a Via Ferrata, where you are safely attached to a fixed cable, with metal rungs, pegs, and ladders for assistance which allows for a simple and safe way to experience rock climbing 10,000 feet (3,048 meters) above sea level. The views of the Alps draped with glaciers, are truly breathtaking when experienced from the heights of a Via Ferrata.

    For those who are looking for a little less of an adrenaline spike, you have the option to go on a guided nature hike instead of Via Ferrata. Your guides might be able to organize a traditional cheese fondue for lunch.

    This evening, unwind at the hotel after a memorable day in the Alps, or decide to take a stroll to do some star gazing after dinner on your own.
    Accommodation: Hotel Waldhaus, St. Moritz
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

    Via Ferrata: 4 hours
    Hiking: Geological and native plants hike (alternative activity): Varying distances

  • Day 5

    Hop on a scenic train ride to Davos, hike above the village, relax in Klosters

    #59867

    Enjoy a lovely breakfast before embarking on another unbelievable train ride through the Alps. After arriving in Davos, you’ll take a funicular straight up the mountain to set off for a stunning panoramic hike above the charming village. High up in the mountains you might spot ibex and edelweiss. Have lunch on your own at a mountain hut as the locals do before hiking down to Davos. 

    A short transfer takes you to our hotel in the charming and unspoiled mountain town of Klosters. You will sleep well with the sound of a 
    mountain stream below your window.
    Accommodation: Piz Buin, Klosters
    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

    Hiking: Optional hike above village: Varying distances

  • Day 6

    Cycle through the Rhine River valley

    #59868

    Start your day with an epic downhill bike ride dropping over 2,000 feet (610 meters) Riding along fast-flowing mountain streams you will reach the stunning Rhine River valley. Pass by vineyards, castle ruins, and mountain peaks as the scenery unfolds around you.

    After lunch there is the possibility of paragliding (weather dependent and not included in the trip price) or meander around the lovely village of Klosters and purchase mementos of your Swiss adventure!
    Accommodation: Hotel Piz Buin, Klosters
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    Biking: 18 or 25 miles (30 or 40 kilometers), downhill, easy

  • Day 7

    Take a scenic transfer back to Zurich, depart home

    #59869

    After breakfast, a scenic transfer takes you to Zurich where you will be dropped off wherever you please – at your hotel, the airport, or the train station.
    Accommodation: Not applicable
    Meals: Breakfast

    *Trip itineraries are subject to change without notice due to road, weather and other factors outside of our control, for the safety and enjoyment of our guests, as deemed necessary and appropriate.

Swiss Alps Adventure Departure Dates

Want to bring the family? Check out the Switzerland Family Vacation.

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Included

  • Our own highly experienced guides and leader, with you from start to finish
  • Industry-leading Guest-to-Guide ratio (averaging 6:1)
  • Your own ‘Account’, an online space with everything required for your adventure
  • Our knowledgeable Customer Service Team to answer your queries - just a phone call, email or chat away
  • Customer Service pre-trip phone calls to ensure you’re 'trip ready'
  • All accommodations for the duration of your trip
  • All meals except where indicated in the itinerary
  • Unlimited snacks to keep you fueled
  • Flights as outlined in the itinerary
  • All activities outlined in the itinerary
  • All necessary equipment (well-maintained and safe) for activities, including bikes (where bike rides are applicable)
  • All gratuities for hotels, restaurants, and activities
  • All park and other entry fees
  • Transportation in our air-conditioned vans - safe, clean, modern, and comfortable!

What Our Guests Say

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Take 10% off the trip price when you book a trip and pay in full

By paying in full we are able to pass on savings to our guests, but please note that by opting for this payment plan, your booking becomes non-refundable, non-cancellable, and non-changeable. This offer is only valid for reservations where the trip is no sooner than 180 days from the departure date at time of booking.

We highly recommend that you purchase Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) insurance. We recommend Redpoint Insurance - you can find details here.

*Terms & conditions apply – read more here

 

Useful Info

Where does the trip start?

On the first morning of the trip we'll pick you up at the Engimatt City-Garden at 8:30am. You are welcome to book your pre-trip stay at this hotel directly or any other hotel in Zurich, though you must make your own way to this pick-up point at the pre-designated time.

Where does the trip end?

Your trip ends with a drop-off at either the Zurich Airport in time for flights below, Zurich train station or a hotel of your choice in Central Zurich around 12pm.

What flights would you recommend?

Arrival: We recommend arriving in Zurich at least the day before your trip starts. Many guests like to arrive a day or two early to accommodate potential flight delays and/or explore the host city prior to your trip start.

Departure: Flying out on the last day of the trip, we recommend departing from Zurich after 1pm. Earlier flight times will require a separate transfer booked at your own expense.

What are the accommodations we stay at on this trip?

We have selected the accommodation on your trip for the stunning settings, unique character and adventuresome feel – it’s not designed as a tour of the fanciest hotels in Switzerland. We prefer to stay in quaint, comfortable B&B’s, and lodges and you’ll have your own bathroom everywhere.

While each of the hotels will have laundry services available, these will be very expensive and often not the same day service. We recommend bringing enough clothing for the entire duration of your trip.

How much luggage can I bring on this trip?

You are allowed one piece of luggage on your trip, plus a daypack. Your main piece of luggage should not exceed 50 pounds (23 kilograms) and can be anything from a duffle bag to a sports bag with wheels or a suitcase. You'll also want a good quality backpack sized 25-30 liters (2000 cubic inches) to use throughout the days.

You may also like to bring along a small camelbak to carry your water in and a layer of clothing for when you're on the bike trail.

Can you tell me more about the bike and gear included?

We most commonly use the Cannondale Adventure 800 Rigid, with straight or racing handlebars, 27 speeds and seat suspension.

If you want to bring your own cycling gear such as cycling shoes, pedals, helmet or seat (no seat stems please!) we’d be happy to help fit them for you - note; if you’re bringing your own shoes please also bring your own pedals, to be sure they match! All bikes come supplied with the following equipment: safety flag, rear rack and pannier, front bag with map holder, a water bottle cage, flat or toe cage pedals, helmets (small/ medium/large/XL) and water bottles, though we don’t provide electrolytes.

Is tipping expected in Europe?

Tipping is not expected in Europe however you might want to tip a little extra if you feel someone gave really fantastic service, but it's not really necessary. Many of our people also choose to tip their Active Adventures Europe trip leaders and local guides and we recommend USD$20 per day, per guest, per Trip Leader/guide. You are welcome to tip an equivalent amount in the local currency. There are plenty of ATM’s and banks in the larger towns of Europe.

How do rooming arrangements work?

Trip prices are based on shared arrangements (typically two guests per room), unless otherwise stated. For solo travelers, we’ll pair you with another person of the same gender to share rooms and if there’s no one suitable to share with, there’s no forced single supplement. However, if you specifically request your own rooms, you can opt to pay the single supplement. Solo travelers who book within 120 days of departure, where there are no other solo travelers willing to share, will be required to pay the single supplement.

For Family Vacation bookings, families consisting of four guests traveling with children aged 17 and under will be automatically assigned one shared room. However, the following alternative rooming allocations are available:

  • Families consisting of four guests with all children aged 13 and above are welcome to opt for additional rooms as per advertised double occupancy adult rates.
  • Families consisting of four guests with at least one child aged 12 and under are automatically assigned a shared room. However, families can opt to pay the adult rates for all guests in their family to have an additional room.
  • The same principles apply for families consisting of more than four guests.

Rooming preferences are subject to availability and must be communicated in writing at time of booking. Automatic assignments as per this policy will be applied in the absence of any specification provided by guests. Any request for additional rooms during trips will be at guests’ own expense and subject to rates made available by the accommodation provider at the time. All minors (guests aged 17 and under) must be accompanied by at least one adult.

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