Luxury Switzerland Walk, Bike & Kayak (Swiss Villages & Alpine Bliss in The Bernese Oberland) 6D5N, Fully Guided

THREE HIKING OPTIONS:
Level 2, Approx. 8 km (5 miles), Elevation gain: 122 m (400 ft)
Level 3, Approx. 10 km (6 miles), Elevation gain: 305 m (1000 ft)
Level 4, Approx. 11 km (7 miles), Elevation gain: 457 m (1500 ft)

On the first day of the trip, meet your tour leaders at 10 a.m. at the Waldhotel Doldenhorn, our first night's hotel, located a kilometre and half (a mile) from the Kandersteg train station on Doldenhornstrasse in Kandersteg.

A tour leader will be at the train station by 9:45 a.m. to pick up guests and take them to the hotel. If you get to Kandersteg train station earlier, you can call the hotel from the train station to arrange a taxi ride. Ensure you let your Trip Consultant know if you plan to meet your tour leaders at the Waldhotel Doldenhorn or any Kandersteg train station.

Please, ensure you arrive dressed in your hiking clothes and come with your luggage and a daypack with your rain gear and anything else you may want for the day's hike. (your luggage will be transported to our first night's accommodations.)

Hello, Switzerland! After we meet in Kandersteg, a gondola takes you up 1692 metres (5,550 feet) to the stunning Oeschinensee (see means "lake" in German), with its incredibly deep-blue waters, where we savour lunch at a lakeside mountain hut. Your tour leaders give you a brief trip orientation before we set out on our first hike offering a view of Kandersteg, a town whose gorgeous scenery and fresh alpine air are the perfect introduction to the locality. In the vast Kander Valley, underneath the Blümlisalp and Doldenhorn summits, Kandersteg has long been a vital mountaineering centre and a European destination. Kandersteg is famous for prolific wildflowers and Simmental cattle, which you'll probably see feeding in the green mountain pastures we pass through.

Navigate alpine meadows and pine forests to the shoreline for breathtaking vistas of Blümlisalp, 3568 metres (12,000 feet) and Hohtürli Pass, 2774 metres (9,100 feet). We trek to the Unterbärgli hut, an ideal place to relax and enjoy a cold beer or a cup of hot cocoa before hitting the trail again.

When you are rested, descend to the lake, where an amphitheater of steep limestone cliffs rises hundreds of metres before giving way to a massive cap of snowy pinnacles and hanging glaciers. Pause along the shoreline to soak in the exceptional works of art carved from stone and wood at an outdoor sculpture gallery. If you choose the longer hiking option from Unterbärgli hut, you add a short but steep climb that provides vistas of Oeschinensee. You'll remain high above the lake and skirt around to the gondola.

You’ll stay at the delightful Waldhotel Doldenhorn, a classic Swiss lodge in woodland, surrounded by lush forests and snow-capped mountains. Relax amid its charmingly cosy atmosphere featuring a fireplace corner or rejuvenate in the wellness facilities including indoor swimming pool, a hot tub, various saunas and a relaxation room. This evening, celebrate our arrival in the Bernese Oberland with a welcome reception and the first of many mouth-watering traditional Swiss meals.

THREE BIKING OPTIONS:
Level 1, Approx. 21 km (13 miles), Elevation gain: 122 m (400 ft)
Level 2, Approx. 42 km (26 miles), Elevation gain: 152 m (500 ft)
Level 4, Approx. 66 km (41 miles), Elevation gain: 488 m (1,600 ft)

To kick off our first day of riding, your trip leaders fit your bike and educate you briefly on biking techniques and safety. Then hop in the saddle and cycle through a pleasant rolling valley providing scenes of classic Switzerland, from delightful wooden chalets adorned with geranium-filled window boxes to herds of soft-eyed milk cows decked with leather collars and brass bells. We enjoy lunch in the lakeside town of Thun and then board a train for a panoramic ride along the turquoise waters of Lake Thun to Interlaken, fittingly named for its location between Lakes Thun and Brienz. If you would like a more extended option, miss the train and take a spin around the lake to Interlaken.

We take a cogwheel train from Interlaken to the Romantik Hotel Schweizerhof, an elegant chalet-style hotel, with panoramic views of the Eiger mountains. After a full day of adventure, a dip in the heated indoor pool awaits or unwind at the sauna and steam baths.

The alphorn is a traditional Swiss instrument (it can be up to 4 metres in length!) used by alpine herdsmen and villagers to announce daily activities. Tonight, we are entertained with alphorn by a local player. Dinner features a traditional menu, including cheese fondue.

TWO HIKING OPTIONS:
Level 2, Approx. 10 km (6 miles), Elevation gain: 152 m (500 ft)
Level 4, Approx. 16 km (10 miles), Elevation gain: 640 m (2100 ft)

We savour a delightful breakfast before heading to the summit of First Peak 2164 metres (7,100 feet) using a gondola, where we meet our local guide for the day's hike. Navigate winding hills to Bachalpsee, one of Switzerland's most alluring lakes, encircled by a striking background of rugged snow-covered peaks and cascading glaciers. We take a break to eat lunch along the route, soaking in magnificent views of Eiger's north face (if the weather permits).

Trek to Bort and board the gondola down to return to Grindelwald. You could also hop on a Trotti bike (a two-wheeled push scooter) and cycle along a tarred pathway to the valley floor. If you are interested in tackling more distance, you can continue along the path up to the small alpine district of Bussalp. The walk highlights panoramas of Eiger (Ogre), Mönch (Monk) and Jungfrau (Maiden) Mountains. In Bussalp, rest a bit and chug down a warm drink before taking a short shuttle back to Grindelwald.

Later in the afternoon, enjoy some downtime in Grindelwald; perhaps, get a steam bath or a massage at the hotel's space (spa treatments at own expense). This evening, enjoy dinner on your own at one of the many attractive restaurants in town.

THREE HIKING OPTIONS:
Level 2, Approx. 5 km (3 miles), Elevation gain: 244 m (800 ft) Level 3, Approx. 10 km (6 miles), Elevation gain: 671 m (2200 ft) Level 4, Approx. 13 km (8 miles), Elevation gain: 975 m (3200 ft)

We are dedicating today to hiking beneath one of the most symbolic sights in the Swiss Alps: The Eiger. Towering 3968 metres (13,020 feet) over the valleys below, the cragged snow-dusted mountain makes a gorgeous backdrop to our hike. After breakfast, we board a train for a scenic ride to the tiny village of Alpiglen, situated at the base of the Eiger. Set out on foot along the famed Eiger Trail, going through pastures decorated with cows. Be on the lookout for mountaineers trying to tackle Eiger's rugged north face, considered one of the most challenging climbs in the world. Take a lunch break at a scenic spot along the trail or in Grindelwald.

Reenergized, climb steadily to the Kleine Scheidegg alpine pass, home to Switzerland's highest major train station. Then take a scenic trail to Männlichen Gondola, where we convene for celebratory drinks with a beautiful mountain background.

Using a gondola and shuttle, we reach our final stop for today, the elegant Grandhotel Giessbach. You’ll stay at this historic hotel nestled on a secluded position on a hill above the serene Lake Brienz amid a 22-hectare park. This regal hotel stands adjacent to the striking Giessbach Falls, which tumble down the heavily wooded slopes into Lake Brienz. Savour a nice meal of regional specialties at the hotel and at your leisure for dinner.

TWO BIKING OPTIONS:
Level 2, Approx. 26 km (16 miles), Elevation gain: 305 m (1000 ft)
Level 3, Approx. 45 km (28 miles), Elevation gain: 589 m (1800 ft)

After breakfast, board a quick shuttle to Brienz to embark on a memorable ride through the Meiringen Valley. Cycle beneath towering cliffs along tarred bike paths past numerous waterfalls, picturesque farmhouses, and peaceful fields. Getting to the town of Meiringen, take your time to explore and maybe indulge in a crispy meringue; it is said that the treat was created here! If it's accessible, you may pay a visit to the Sherlock Holmes Museum as Holmes was staying in Meiringen when Professor Moriarity finally caught up to him at a nearby Reichenbach Falls. Mount your bike and pedal through the green landscape to the town of Brienz. Get aboard a ferry bound for Bönigen on the opposite shore of Lake Brienz. However, if you'd like to cover a few more kilometres, hop back in the saddle and arrive by your own steam.

While in Böningen, we savour lunch accompanied by views of the Brienzersee. After that, meet up with your kayak and push off to get a unique point of view of your attractive surroundings. You also have a rare opportunity to take a refreshing dip in the calm mountain waters of the Brienzersee!

Returning to land, we hop in a shuttle to our hotel, where we have the time to unwind before gathering for a farewell reception and dinner.

Level 2, Approx. 6 km (4 miles), Elevation gain: 91 m (300 ft)

If you'd prefer a slow start to your day, feel free to sleep in, hang around the luscious breakfast buffet, relax by the pool or simply savour the tranquility by the terrace. If not, you may go on a morning walk along the serene shore of Lake Brienz. After saying our goodbyes late morning, your tour leaders will help you catch the ferry to Interlaken.

NOTE: This itinerary is provided as an example only – prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation.