Walking in the Swiss Alps 2012 

We depart St Pancras International by Eurostar for Lille. We travel in Standard Premier Class, with a complimentary light meal and drinks served at our seat during the journey. We change in Lille for a scenic journey to Strasbourg, where we stay at the Mercure Hotel Strasbourg Gare Centrale. (E,D)

This morning we enjoy a guided walking tour of Strasbourg, the attractive capital of Alsace. The city has changed hands several times and both German and French influences can be seen in abundance. Strasbourg's historic Old Town is dominated by the spectacular Notre Dame Cathedral, with its famous astronomical clock. The Grandle Île, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is the ancient heart of the city, with the vast main square, Place Kléber, at its centre. This afternoon we travel into the heart of the Swiss Alps, arriving mid-afternoon in the mountain village of Kandersteg, in the Jungfrau region, along the valley of the River Kander. Our hotel for five nights is the family run Hotel Bernerhof. After dinner this evening, we meet one of our Mountain Guides for a briefing about our walks. (B,D)

Today our guided walking takes us through the countryside surrounding Kandersteg. There are three different walks available depending on your ability, ranging from a gentle stroll through peaceful meadows to a challenging hike up the surrounding mountains. You could join the gentle stroll to beautiful Blausee, located in the midst of a 20 hectare nature park, then continue by cable car to Oeschinensee, one of Switzerland's most exquisite lakes. Our moderate walk begins with a cable car ride to Oeschinensee, and ascends over the Heuberg Rundweg to Oberbargli, taking in spectacular views of Blumlisalp and Doldenhorn. Otherwise, join the more challenging hike up the surrounding mountains to Blumlisalphutte at 9,350 feet (2834m). Alternatively you may wish to explore with your GRJ Swiss Tailormade Card which offers 50% reductions on fares for all train, boat, and most mountain railways. (B,D)

Today we travel by train to Interlaken. Your day is free to explore this wonderful town, nestled between Lakes Thun and Brienz, at your leisure. You could take the opportunity to take the Jungfrau Express to Jungfraujoch, which at 11,333 feet (3,454m) is the highest railway station in Europe and which will celebrate its centenary in 2012. From here it is a short walk to the summit of the mighty Jungfrau itself. Alternatively, you could enjoy a cruise on one of the lakes, and admire the stunning views of the Eiger and Mönch peaks. For those wishing to explore further on foot, you may wish to take the cog railway to Schynige Platte, where you will have the opportunity to enjoy many signposted walks. The picturesque journey offers spectacular views of the Brienzersee and the Jungfrau, travelling through lush meadows and Alpine scenery and if you wish to visit Oberberghorn, why not climb the stairway to the viewing point boasting panoramic views over the surrounding mountains. (B)

Today we enjoy another walk with our guides. Again, there are three different walks available depending on your individual ability. You may choose the gentle ramble through wildflower meadows around Arvesee, before descending by cable car and continuing alongside the River Kander on our return to Kandersteg. Today's moderate walk is also via Arvesee, to Schwarenbach, where we ascend on the Sunnbuel cable car, and walk along the Gasteretal, past rushing waterfalls and the Schwarzbach Gorge. The advanced walk leads to the Gasternvalley, then building up to the dramatic Kanderfirn Glacier. The views in this part of the Alps are incredible whichever walk you choose. Alternatively, you may wish to relax in Kandersteg or walk independently on one of the area's many other trails. (B,D)

Again, three levels of guided walk will be on offer today. Just a short walk from the hotel, we take the Allmenalp cable car, a spectacular ride to the top of a vertical cliff, and offering views over the whole valley and to the Oeschinensee. You may then choose a gentle ramble back towards Kandersteg and an afternoon at leisure. For those looking for a more moderate walk, we take a more circuitous route from the top of the Allmenalp back to Kandersteg. Our advanced walk today takes us from the top of the Allmenalp cable car to the Obere Allme and Bunderspitz (2546m) which give panoramic views over Lake Thun - weather permitting! The descent passes over the Bunderalp where there is a small mountain restaurant and then to Bonderlen and Adelboden, from where we return to Kandersteg by bus. (B,D)

This morning is free, perhaps to take a final short walk, or to simply enjoy Kandersteg's majestic surroundings. This afternoon we take the train back via Basel to Strasbourg, where we spend another night at the Mercure Hotel Strasbourg Gare Centrale. (B,D)

We leave Strasbourg this morning, travelling by train in First Class to Lille. From Lille to London, the final journey of our holiday is made in Standard Premier Class, with a
light meal and drinks served on board prior to our arrival at St Pancras International. (B,E)

E=Eurostar Meal, B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner
These meals, where shown are included in the price of your holiday

Renowned for its breathtaking views and scenic trails, the countryside around Kandersteg is the perfect base for a walking holiday. This area is within the UNESCO World Heritage Lötschberg Area, with access to over 550km (330 miles) of paths. With so many trails to choose from, our Mountain Guides enable you to really get the best out of this holiday. A wealth of hiking paths all clearly signposted make independent walking easy too.

Our guided walks are tailored to suit the general ability of the group, and our guides offer three choices to suit. For each guided walking day the group is split into three smaller ability groups for easy, medium and more difficult walks. Many of the guided walks offered are accessed by local bus, tram or cable car and these are also included in the price of your holiday. Guided walks described are subject to local weather conditions, and may be substituted with a suitable alternative in inclement conditions.