Region Overviews: Europe Travel Guide: Overview
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Multi-Adventure
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Switzerland Multi-Adventure Tour
Swiss Villages & Alpine Bliss in the Bernese Oberland
The grass really is greener in Switzerland. Just ask the dairy cows grazing in the lush alpine meadows. Or simply see for yourself while hiking and biking through spectacular Swiss landscapes encircled by snow-covered mountains and punctuated with sparkling lakes. From the idyllic peaks and valleys of the Bernese Oberland to the North Face's iconic skyline, experience the best of Switzerland's mountain playgrounds.
THIS ITINERARY: 6 days, 5 nights
ACCOMMODATIONS: Premiere Hotels
FROM:
$5,199 - $5,599 pp dbl occ
($700 for sgl occ)
Walk/Hike
Bike
Kayak
Switzerland Multi-Adventure
Switzerland
Start Kandersteg / End Interlaken
Start/End locations may vary. Do not book flights until your trip details are confirmed.
Highlights
- Breathe in fresh alpine air amid impressive glaciers, endless green meadows and impossibly blue lakes
- Bike and stroll through archetypal Swiss villages with cheery wooden chalets and friendly denizens
- Journey across sparkling Lake Thun on a historic paddleboat before taking a trip on a cogwheel train
- Savor raclette, fondue, apple strudel and local wines—Switzerland's comfort foods are unparalleled
Itinerary
Accommodations may vary based on departure date.
6 Days Premiere Hotels
Accommodations may vary based on departure.
Day 1
Savor breathtaking alpine scenery as you commute the Swiss way: by chairlift! | Hike on a ridge above Lake Oeschinen, surrounded by limestone cliffs, snowy peaks and hanging ice | Cold beer and hot cocoa await at a traditional alpine hut.
Waldhotel Doldenhorn
Kandersteg
| Premiere Hotel A family-run alpine retreat surrounded by verdant forests and soaring snowcapped mountains. A Relais & Châteaux member. (pool, spa)
Days 2-3
From flower-laden chalets to milk cows adorned with brass bells, the scenery is quintessentially Swiss as you bike through a serene valley | Ride past teal-colored Lake Thun en route to Interlaken | Indulge in decadent fondue paired with regional wines | Bike through the Lauterbrunnen Valley, famous for its thundering waterfalls and towering rock faces | Hop aboard a historical cog-wheel train for a 1,300-foot lift to the resort town of Wengen | Tackle the breathtaking hike up to Kleine Scheidegg, the base camp for the famous Eiger Glacier climb.
Romantik Hotel Schweizerhof
Grindelwald
| Premiere Hotel Catch stunning views of Eiger's north face from this luxurious chalet-style hotel. (pool, spa)
Days 4-6
Admire the iconic Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau towering above the emerald-green landscape | Hike from First Peak to Bachalpsee, one of Switzerland’s most beautiful lakes | Let loose on an exhilarating descent by Trotti bikes into Grindelwald Valley | Walk on the impressive north face of the Eiger Trail, one of Switzerland’s most legendary hiking routes | Bike into Meiringen Valley past countless waterfalls, including seven-tiered Reichenbach Falls | Bike along Lake Brienz and kayak in its turquoise waters | Amble along the lake’s shore to the charming town of Iseltwald.
Grandhotel Giessbach
Giessbach
| Premiere Hotel Elegance and old-world charm reign at this turreted beauty in a picturesque setting by Lake Brienz and the Giessbach Falls. (pool)
Dates & Prices
The earlier you book, the more choice you'll have and the lower your price. And you can always change your mind — you won't be charged to transfer to a different trip before your final payment is due. View cancellation policy
Click on dates for pricing, itinerary variations and to book your trip. Price is per person, double occupancy.
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Activity Level: 1-4
Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of interests and fitness levels. Several routes and a range of levels are offered each day so you can choose how much or how little activity you want to do. Learn more about how we determine activity levels.
Route notes
The walking and hiking terrain on this trip includes a mix of dirt paths and paved and gravel roads. Most of our hikes take place at elevations of 4,000–7,000 feet, which can make the routes feel more challenging than the mileage may suggest. The biking routes vary from level to rolling with a few steeper climbs. Most of our rides are on car-free bike paths; the Backroads support van will intersect with the routes at strategic points.
Daily Route Options
What's Included
Available Bike Options
The key to a stellar day's ride is a bike that's perfectly in tune with your cycling style… Backroads has you covered with the best bike fleet in the world! Read on for your available bike options for this trip.
Backroads Touring Bike
Touring Bike
A proven classic, our most popular custom-designed titanium bike is suited for a wide range of cyclists. It features a comfortable ergonomic seat and a long wheel base that add to the bike’s control and stability.
Backroads Electric-Assist Bike
NEW! Electric-Assist Bike
Our newly redesigned titanium e-bike is a lightweight yet powerful machine unique in the world of e-bikes. It provides plenty of power to flatten the hills and more than enough battery range to cover the distance.
Co-Motion Torpedo Tandem Bike
Tandem Bike
This hand-built frame features Co-Motion's custom-designed cro-moly steel tubeset, powerful Avid disc brakes, Shimano Ultegra drive train, and a custom, upgraded wheelset. For experienced tandem riders.
$400 rental fee
Also Included
- All breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 dinners
- Expertise and services of our experienced Trip Leaders
- Snacks and beverages between meals
- Additional guides and experts from the region on many trips
- Van shuttles to support a variety of route options
- Comprehensive Travel Planner with detailed pre-trip information
- Private guided tours at museums, historic sites, wineries and other select attractions as noted in the Travel Planner
- All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
- Special events, including wine tastings and other select attractions as mentioned in the Travel Planner
- On biking and multi-adventure trips, use of fully equipped Backroads titanium bike plus helmet and accessories
- Trailercycles, carriers, and kid-sized helmets for Family Trips
- Equipment and experienced guides for kayaking, rafting, snorkeling, sailing and canoeing as described
- Park and other entry fees
- Fares for trains, ferries and other modes of travel as listed in the Travel Planner
- Select coach transfers
- Baggage transfers and porterage
Straight talk
We want to make sure you're on the right trip and that you have the best experience possible. Every Backroads trip is unique and this one is no exception.
Terrain & Shuttles
For the best riding in Switzerland, we've chosen a combination of small quiet roads and some unpaved bike paths with short stretches of limited van support. Our bikes are equipped with slightly wider tires to accommodate the path and trail surfaces.
Air-Conditioning
While the hotels on this trip offer outstanding service and amenities, please note that they are not equipped with air-conditioning and guest rooms can occasionally become warm during peak temperatures.
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