At a Glance
Unveil the allure of Graubünden and savour the magical Swiss Alps experience on this riveting 6-day walking journey from Davos to St Moritz. From cooking classes, cultural village visits, majestic glaciers to the historic Bernina Railway; uncover the wonders of Switzerland’s Swiss Alps as you hike its beauty.
Switzerland awaits with a magical journey that starts in Zurich! Soar high on a breathtaking gondola ride to the Hubelhütte mountain hut and immerse yourself in the stunning Arosa Valley. Explore charmingly rustic Guarda Val, and indulge in a culinary masterpiece at an esteemed café. Set sail on an exhilarating hike to Piz Scalottas, with thrilling routes for both casual strollers and fearless climbers. Discover the secrets behind Graubünden's signature dish, Gerstensuppe, and savour the regional flavours. Hop on the world-famous Bernina Express ...
Trip Highlights
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What's Included
- Meals: 6x breakfast, 5x lunch, 4x dinner
- 5 nights accommodation in premium hotels on a twin share basis.
- Luggage and airport transfer
- Professional guiding: two support vans, 6:1 guest-to-leader ratio
- Park and other entry fees
- Comprehensive travel planner with detailed pre-trip information
- Expertise and services of our experienced Trip Leaders
- Snacks and beverages between meals
- Van shuttles to support a variety of route options
- All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
Itinerary
THREE HIKING OPTIONS: At 9 a.m. convene with your trip leaders at Zurich Hauptbahnhof (located at Bahnhofplatz 15, Zurich, Switzerland) - the central train station. Locate your trip leaders at the specified rendezvous point (Treffpunkt) beneath the colossal clock situated across from the Oscar Café and the Time Bar & Lounge, dividing the main hall from the platforms. Please ensure that you are dressed in proper hiking gear and carry a daypack with essential rain gear, additional layers, and any other desired necessities for today's hike. (Your luggage will be transported to our first night's accommodations). Step into wonderland and immerse yourself in the wonders of Switzerland! From the bustling streets of Zurich, hop aboard a shuttle that will transport you to a land of fairy tales - welcome to the captivating Graubünden, also known as the Grisons in English. The largest and easternmost canton of Switzerland, Graubünden is a treasured gem cherished by the Swiss for its wondrous indigenous language and exclusive populations of exotic wildlife such as bears and wolves. Prepare to be amazed as we take you on a weeklong adventure through this undiscovered haven. To get to the start of our first walk, we take a high-altitude gondola ride from the lovely Landwasser Valley. Hike in the fresh alpine air to the Hubelhütte mountain hut, where you may indulge your taste buds with traditional Italian fare from the South Tyrol area while taking in the spectacular panorama from the terrace. The picturesque town of Sertig, hidden in a verdant hanging valley, awaits us at the bottom of the hill. You may stroll along and take it all in, or you can ride a trotti bike, a unique Swiss means of transportation, and zoom down the route. |
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Our destination for the evening is the iconic AlpenGold Hotel in Davos where sleek modern architecture dominates the town. But first, we celebrate the start of our adventure with a welcome reception and toast to the exciting escapades that await us. Fall under the spell of the hotel's posh Mediterranean restaurant where you are treated to a colourful and elegant feast. Get ready to revel in the magic of Switzerland as the week unfolds! |
TWO HIKING OPTIONS: Traverse the stunning Arosa valley, a winter sports mecca, as we start off from Davos on a voyage unlike any other. The dazzling peaks and labyrinthine fins of bare rock of Strela Pass' alpine landscape are well worth the climb. Relax with a deep sigh of the crisp mountain air and a careful ear for the faint whistles of marmots scampering across the alps. After a hearty lunch in the quiet village of Sapün Dorfji, take some time to see the elaborate carvings of rhyming couplets and coats of arms that adorn the chalets there. Then we make our way down to the Arosa valley on foot, where a shuttle will be waiting to bring us back to civilization. Come along with us as we go to the little mountain town of Guarda Val. We will get the chance to integrate into a community that uses Romansch, a melodious language spoken by less than 40 thousand people. |
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Spend the night in comfort at the Hotel Guarda Val, which is located in the heart of the picturesque hamlet and boasts luxurious touches like hardwood panelling and other high-end furnishings. Give in to the rustic-chic allure of the evening as you dine at an award-winning café that was once a cow shed and enjoy the amazing food. After a memorable supper, you may toast your hosts with a substantial "buna notg" and then take a stroll around the quiet hamlet, where the kind inhabitants could jovially greet you with a "allegra" or raise a glass to toast your departure with a "Eviva!" Do yourself a favour and check out this genuine Swiss experience. |
THREE HIKING OPTIONS: To start off our exciting day, we venture out of our Guarda Val hotel and explore the amazing trails in the hotel's backyard. You may choose from a leisurely walk or an exhilarating ascent; the possibilities are almost unlimited! Piz Scalottas (Scalottas Peak) is reached through a series of gradual switchbacks, and once there, we'll have enough time to immerse in the panoramic views. For those who want an easy way up can venture on a free chairlift that links two points on the hike, giving you an optional boost up several metres. And if you're feeling very adventurous, you can always take a scenic detour through the adjacent Piz Danis's sides to reach the same place. Before we go back down to Guarda Val, we all gather for lunch at the Piz Scalottas restaurant for a substantial mountain feast. As the day turns to night, we have a special culinary delight in store for you. How about learning how to make Gerstensuppe, the warming barley soup which is Graubünden's signature dish. Indulge your taste buds and create your own masterpiece before digging into the ultimate indulgence - Swiss national dishes, fondue and raclette. Em guete - bon appetit! |
THREE HIKING OPTIONS: After saying our goodbyes in Guarda Val, we take a morning shuttle down the mountain to the station where our next experience awaits: a ride on the world-famous Bernina Express. It is a World Heritage Site in its own right and a striking example of Swiss transportation history. We will be making our way towards the Albula River as we chug along the picturesque railway, which includes travelling through tunnels and over stone viaducts. Enjoy the breathtaking scenery as you soar over the snow-capped mountains and the shimmering glacier outside your window. After our thrilling train ride, we embark on the steep and exhilarating Muottas Muragl funicular train, ascending high above the Engadine Valley. From there, the views are nothing short of breathtaking, stretching out beyond the snowy peaks across the borders of neighbouring Italy, Austria, and Liechtenstein. Walk along the lofty panorama trail, soaking up the scenery and stopping to marvel at the sparkling clear mountain light that once inspired the works of the legendary painter Giovanni Segantini. Our lunch spot for the day is the famous Segantini Hut, named after the artist himself. Here, you can have plenty of time to reflect on the beauty that surrounded him, from the Bernina Glacier to the peaceful lakes of Silvaplana and St. Moritz. St. Moritz is a beautiful town perched over the equally beautiful Lake St. Moritz, and we will get there as the day winds down. The first Swiss tourist office was set up in this picturesque district, famous for its pastel houses and Belle Epoque architecture. |
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The Kulm Hotel, where we are staying, is a historic landmark; it was the first building in Switzerland to have electricity installed. Unwind by the pool or picturesque terrace. After you settle in, it's time to take to the streets for dinner on your own where your trusty leaders will be on hand with some great recommendations. |
THREE HIKING OPTIONS: Today is our chance to embark on a hike unlike any other, traversing the surface of a glacier with crampons and mountaineering gear. We take a breathtaking gondola ride up to the Diavolezza Mountain Station, where you meet your local mountain guides who will fit you with your crampons. From there, step onto the glistening surface of the Diavolezza (She-Devil) Glacier and experience terrain that's truly one-of-a-kind. This is your chance to get up close and personal with one of our planet's vanishing wonders. And if you'd rather not brave the glacier, join the hikers up to the gondola station and savour a warm drink while overflowing with the sea of ice before descending once more. Afterward, follow a gorgeous route through a V-shaped valley full of luxuriant pine and beech forests to the Morteratsch glacier wall, where our glacier hikers descend. The optioners who chose the long and short options will reunite and take the train back to St. Moritz. If you still have energy, wind down by joining your trip leaders for an afternoon excursion to the nearby village of Sils Maria. The charming centre boasts pristine sgraffito plasterwork, which gives the colourful cottages of Graubünden their distinct non-Germanic touch. If you fall in love with the pastel-coloured lanes, you're in illustrious company; the likes of Friedrich Nietzsche made Sils Maria his summer home. Alternatively, spend your last afternoon in St. Moritz, exploring the streets for last-minute souvenirs or pampering your hiking muscles with a luxurious massage (at own expense). |
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As the sun sets, we'll gather on the terrace of Hotel Kulm, raise a glass, and toast to an unforgettable week unearthing the off-the-beaten-track gems of wild Switzerland. Then, dine elegantly together for a farewell dinner to remember. |
Level 2, Approx. 3 km (2 miles), Elevation gain: 335 m (1100 ft) Relax on your last morning at Hotel Kulm while gazing out at Lake St. Moritz and the sailboats or a refreshing dip in the pool. Alternatively, if you're ready for one final adventure, you may ride the funicular with us to Corviglia, which is located almost 6,000 metres above sea level. We take a leisurely walk to adjacent Lej (Lake) Alv to see the pristine, emerald waters and rugged mountain peaks. Return back in time down to St. Moritz, where you'll freshen up and get ready to check out of the hotel, bidding a fond goodbye. Our tour concludes directly at the Hotel Kulm; the hotel will arrange individual transfers to the St. Moritz train station for you to meet your outgoing train. NOTE: This itinerary is provided as an example only – prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation. |
Dates & Prices
Please contact us for private departures and group bookings. Single Supplement is available on request.
More Info
- The departure point is Zurich
- The finish point is St Moritz.
- Major commercial flights provide convenient access to Zurich.
While Graubünden is one of the sunniest areas in Switzerland, at altitude it can rain or snow even in July and August. Therefore it's good to be prepared for a great variation in temperature and weather. Warm layers, including a hat and gloves, are essential; so are a waterproof jacket and pants. Please be aware that weather-related trail conditions, such as lingering heavy snow, may result in itinerary changes. These conditions are more common during spring and early summer departures. Rest assured your leaders are equipped with fabulous alternate routes should they be needed.
The routes on this trip are rated Levels 2-5.
Level 1, 2-5 hours, 3-8km (2-5 miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 244m (800 ft)
Level 2, 2-4 hours, 6-11km (4-7 miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 396m (1300 ft)
Level 3, 3-5 hours, 8-14km (5-9 miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 610m (2000 ft)
Level 4, 4-6 hours, 10-18km(6-11 miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 914m (3000 ft)
Level 5, 5-7 hours, 11-21+ km (7-13+ miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 1219m (4000+ ft)
Onlyluxe Travel acts as travel agency and work with different tour operators.
Payment Detail
All pricing is in Australian dollars and are quoted on a per person twin share basis. A supplementary price is available (see below). Bookings are not confirmed until full payment and the signed Booking Form has been received by Onlyluxe Travel.
A non-refundable 30% deposit is payable within 7 days of your booking, with the final balance due 120 days prior to departure. If a booking is made 120 days or less before departure, the full payment is payable immediately. Last minute bookings are payable before arrival. Failure to pay on time may result in automatic cancellation of a booking with cancellation penalties payable to Onlyluxe Travel. If you pay by credit card or PayPal a surcharge will be added to the total price.
Single Supplement
All accommodation is twin share. Single guests will share with someone of the same gender. If a single room is demanded, a supplementary price of will apply. The supplementary price refers to our quotation and needs to be stipulated at the time of booking.
General Cancellation Policies
- Outside of 120 days monies will be refunded less 30% of full fee
- Within 120 days prior to arrival all monies will be forfeited
- No refunds will be given in the event of non-arrival, any unused services or unused nights due to flight or weather disruption
- We strongly recommend guests protect themselves with travel insurance and medical insurance
Please Note: Cancellations must be advised in email and will take effect from the date they are received.
Liability
The participant agrees to indemnify Onlyluxe Travel, and its servant, tour operator and agents, in relation to any liability, loss and damage which the tour operator, or its servants and/or agents may incur as a result of the participants, negligence or misconduct during the tour.
Smoking is not permitted on the bus, or in tents or in other accommodation being used by tour operator at the time that a trip is being conducted.
Child Policy
Please consult travel consultant on age limit.
Changes to Itineraries
Local conditions may necessitate changes to sightseeing, walking and driving routes, camping and accommodation locations. While every effort will be made to provide the services and experiences as offered in our brochure, on our website, and in our trip letters, we reserve the right to vary your itinerary. In the event that we are forced to change your arrangements, substitute arrangements of a similar standard will be provided. The tour operator will not be liable where interruptions to itineraries are caused by weather conditions, technical problems to transport used by the tour operator, industrial action, political or civil commotion or other circumstances beyond our control. We refer you to the conditions regarding travel insurance.
Changes in Prices
While we will do its utmost to honour its pricing unforeseen circumstances may mean that prices may be subject to change without notice.
Pre-Existing Medical Conditions and Age Limits
You need to advise Onlyluxe travel and the tour operator on any pre-existing medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability that might reasonably be expected to increase the risk of your requiring medical attention, or that might affect the normal conduct of a trip and the enjoyment of other trip members. Onlyluxe Travel and the tour operator may require an assessment of your medical condition from a qualified medical practitioner. If you fail to adequately notify the tour operator of any pre-existing medical conditions and/or disability, the tour operator reserves the right, at its reasonable discretion, to cancel your participation in a trip at any time, including after the commencement of your trip, with no right of refund if your medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability could be reasonably expected to affect the normal conduct of the trip and the enjoyment of other trip members.
Cancellation by The Tour Operator
The tour operator is at the mercy of nature in all her beauty and all her fury. The tour operator will under no circumstance knowingly place at risk the health and well-being of our guests and guides. In the case of natural threats, acts of God and the like (e.g. bushfires, impassable snow, etc) the tour operator may need to cancel a tour with very little notice. In some cases, this can occur after the tour has commenced. The tour operator reserves the right to cancel any tour up to 60 days prior to departure if the minimum number requirement is unable to meet for a tour. If the tour operator needs to cancel for any reason, the cost of the tour or any other costs associated with travel to the designated pick up point, overnight accommodation, meals, etc will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore we strongly recommend travel insurance be taken out prior to travel.
Force Majeure
'Force Majeure' means (without restriction) any event which Onlyluxe Travel or its third party providers could not, even with due care, foresee or avoid. Force Majeure covers events such as, but not limited to, adverse weather conditions, fire and all similar events beyond our control. In the case of Force Majeure Onlyluxe Travel will not accept liability, and reserves the right to change and cancel trips.
Evacuations
In rare circumstances, due to injury or unforeseen illness, the tour operator may need to evacuate you from a remote part of the walk. Helicopter evacuations are expensive and in most cases will be at a cost to the customer.
In the genuine spirit of expedition travel, we encourage exploration and adventure offering flexibility in challenging environments. This itinerary is only a guide and is subject to change due to weather, sea and other conditions beyond our control.
For Australian residents, under the Australian Government Medicare Act, it is prohibited for any domestic travel insurance product to provide any financial reimbursement with regard to ambulance or air ambulance services. We therefore strongly advise our customers to take specific ambulance cover through their health insurance provider. Evacuation cost will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore it is also strongly recommended that our customers take out travel insurance to cover (amongst other things) the costs associated with evacuation.
Travel Insurance
In view of the heavy cancellation penalties applied to cancelled reservations in certain circumstances, we strongly recommends suitable travel insurance be purchased at the time the holding deposit is paid. We recommend insurance cover that covers any loss which may be suffered due to cancellation. We also strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance against loss of baggage and medical expenses.