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HIGHLIGHTS
A quick look about this trip!
DURATION
16 DAYS
COMFORT
STYLE
LANGUAGE
RATING
  • The ultimate Alps trip, with great hikes, five countries, and Europe’s best mountain scenery.
  •  Hike spectacular trails below Mont Blanc and the Matterhorn.
  •  Grand Hotel des Alpes (Chamonix), Hotel Walther (Pontresina).
  • Three special overnights at hike-in lodges in magnificent settings.
ACTIVITIES ON THIS TRIP
Primary: Hiking
Other: Local Culture & Cuisine
$7995USD
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The Great Alpine Traverse

Our five-country adventure links the best trails of France, Italy, Switzerland, Germany and Austria, crossing five international borders on foot! We feast our eyes on Mont Blanc in France, the Matterhorn from both the Italian and Swiss sides, and the glacier-clad Tyrolean Alps of Germany and Austria
This is the ultimate Alps odyssey, linking the best trails of France, Italy, Switzerland, Germany, and Austria and crossing five international borders on foot high in the mountains. Along the way, we are surrounded by some of the most stupendous mountains in the world, including Mont Blanc and the Matterhorn. We make great use of the Alps’ cog rails and cable cars and even Switzerland’s famed Glacier Express train to connect one alpine paradise to another. Our team of Wilderness Travel Trip Leaders brings style, camaraderie, knowledge, and fun to this unique adventure. Ours is a journey of cultural discovery, too, encountering a range of Europe’s alpine enclaves and traditional cuisines. A mountain adventure like this would be hard to find anywhere else.

What the Trip is Like: This trip is rated Level 4+. Most hiking is between 6,000 and 9,000 feet. However, at times we hike at higher elevations, with a maximum of 11,500 feet at the Theodul Pass on the Italian-Swiss border. On Day 3, we ascend by cable car to 12,678 feet at the top of the Aiguille du Midi above Chamonix. There is a good bit of up-and-down hiking (often 3,000- to 4,000-foot gain or loss in elevation per day) during the 5-8 hours on the trail each day. You'll carry just a daypack on most days, but on three hiking days, when we are staying in mountain refuges with no road access, you must be able to carry your overnight needs in your daypack (a toothbrush, soap, small towel, and a fresh t-shirt suffice for most people).

Note: We offer a complimentary van transfer from the Geneva airport directly to our hotel in Chamonix. A booking form is enclosed with your confirmation packet. There are also connections by public bus or train from Geneva to Chamonix (allow about 3 hours), and you can taxi from the bus or train station to our centrally located hotel.As we have very little time on Day 15 to explore Salzburg, we recommend you extend your journey with an overnight or two in the “city of Mozart.” We would be happy to book extra nights for you in our group hotel. Salzburg is one of the loveliest cities in Europe, designated a World Heritage Site in 1997 by UNESCO. The left bank of the Salzach River is the older area of the city, where ancient Roman settlements once stood. Much of the Old City is a pedestrian zone and ideal for walking and window shopping. The city’s most famous squares include Residence Square with its splendid fountain, University Square, and Mozart Square, with a memorial to the city’s favorite son. You can also visit Getreidegasse no. 9, where the Leopold Mozart family lived from 1747 to 1773. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was born in this house on January 27, 1756, and it is now a museum with exhibits featuring Mozart’s childhood violin, his concert violin, portraits, and correspondence of the Mozart family.
Day 1: Chamonix, France
Arrive in Geneva, Switzerland, and transfer to Chamonix, France. This charming mountain town sits right at the foot of Mont Blanc (15,770'), the highest mountain in western Europe. Chamonix has been a climbing and skiing center for over 100 years and is the mountaineering “capital” of Europe. It has a wonderful atmosphere and a well preserved Old Town with cobbled streets and lively sidewalk cafes. We gather for a welcome dinner this evening. Overnight at the Grand Hotel des Alpes in Chamonix. D
Lodging Grand Hotel des Alpes
Description Built in 1840 , the Grand Hotel des Alpes has always been a symbol of Savoy hospitality. Situated in the centre of Chamonix, close to the Aiguille du Midi and the Mer de Glace, it gives its guests the opportunity to appreciate in any season the typical atmosphere of the town centre as well as being within close reach of the many enchanting sites around. Entirely renovated in 2004, the Grand Hotel des Alpes welcomes you in an elegant and familial atmosphere. Enjoy its warm and elegant woodworks, its comfortable lounge with view on the Mont Blanc or relax at the bar or by the fireplace.There’s also a pool, steam room, and jacuzzi for soaking post-hike muscles. Without a doubt, this is the best place to stay in Chamonix.
Day 2: Chamonix, France
Our “warm-up” hike (about five hours round trip) brings us up to the granite massif called the Aiguilles Rouges, with remarkable Lac Blanc as our destination. From this spectacular mountain lake, we have our first views over the entire Chamonix Valley. We return by cable car from La Flegere or continue hiking along the Grand Balcon, a natural terrace at 6,500 feet, to the cable car station at Planpraz. If you prefer, you can use this day to rest and explore Chamonix. Overnight in hotel in Chamonix...BLD Hiking Details: Approx. 4-5 hours, ascent 1,700 feet, descent 1,700 feet.
Lodging Grand Hotel des Alpes
Description Built in 1840 , the Grand Hotel des Alpes has always been a symbol of Savoy hospitality. Situated in the centre of Chamonix, close to the Aiguille du Midi and the Mer de Glace, it gives its guests the opportunity to appreciate in any season the typical atmosphere of the town centre as well as being within close reach of the many enchanting sites around. Entirely renovated in 2004, the Grand Hotel des Alpes welcomes you in an elegant and familial atmosphere. Enjoy its warm and elegant woodworks, its comfortable lounge with view on the Mont Blanc or relax at the bar or by the fireplace.There’s also a pool, steam room, and jacuzzi for soaking post-hike muscles. Without a doubt, this is the best place to stay in Chamonix.
Day 3:Point Heilbronner / Aosta, Italy
We begin our journey with the spectacular cable car ride across the Mont Blanc massif, certainly one of the world’s most exciting mountain excursions. From Chamonix, we ascend by cable car to the top of the Aiguille (“Needle”) du Midi (12,678') in the heart of the Mont Blanc massif. After enjoying the many spectacular viewpoints, we continue by gondola to Point Heilbronner, crossing the massive three-milewide Vallee Blanche Glacier. Point Heilbronner marks the border between France and Italy, and we enjoy our last look over the glacier panoramas before taking one last cable car down. In good weather, this is a very special journey. However, if the weather does not cooperate, we may need to bus through the Mont Blanc tunnel and spend the extra time exploring Aosta. In the late afternoon, we arrive in Aosta, capital of the Val d'Aosta. The ancient Savoy town of Aosta functions as the gateway to the Great St. Bernard Pass, and as such has always had great strategic importance. It was ancient Augusta Praetoria, named for Caesar Augustus, and considered “the Rome of the Alps.” A triumphal Roman arch and portions of an amphitheater remain from the days of the empire, as well as some early medieval architecture in the churches and cloisters of the city. Overnight in hotel in Aosta...BLD Hiking Details: 2 miles; relatively level.
Lodging Hotel Turin
Description All is handy, in a comfortable environment, in the centre of a Valley to discover. 47ROOMS with possibility of little flats for families, all with normal comforts, PREMIUM TV WITH CINEMA AND FOOTBALL IS FREE; WI-FI IN THE ROOMS IS FREE.
Day 4: Grand Balconeta del Cervinia / Cervinia, Italy
With a choice of moderate or strenuous options, our hikes takes us along the remarkable Grand Balconeta del Cervinia, and all along the way, we are surrounded by an amphitheater of mountains and spectacular views. At hike’s end, we head to the charming town of Cervinia (6,726'), right at the foot of the Matterhorn at the head of the lovely valley called Valtournanche. The spire of this famous mountain dominates the skyline. Overnight in hotel in Cervinia...BLD Hiking Details (moderate option): 4 miles; ascent 750 feet; descent 2,500 feet. Hiking Details (strenuous option): 8 miles; ascent 1,800 feet; descent 1,800 feet.
Lodging Chalet Valdotain
Description Hotel Chalet Valdôtain blends harmoniously into the beautiful surrounding natural landscape at the doorstep of Breuil-Cervinia. It stands in a particularly splendid panoramic position among ancient larch trees and the picturesque scenery of Lago Blu with the magnificent Matterhorn dominating the background.
Day 5: Theodul Glacier / Zermatt, Switzerland
From the southern base of the Matterhorn (known as Monte Cervino to Italians), we hike or take the cable car up to the Theodul Pass at 11,500 feet on the Italian-Swiss border. Here, we are joined by an Italian mountain guide for a magnificent walk down the Theodul Glacier. This is a non-technical hiking descent that offers unusual and amazing up-close views of the pyramidal peak of the Matterhorn, perhaps the world’s most easily recognizable peak. We descend further on trails or by cable car to Zermatt, Switzerland, the storybook village at the foot of the Matterhorn. Overnight in hotel in Zermatt...BLD Hiking Details: 3 miles; descent 1,800 feet.
Lodging Hotel Alpenblick
Description The Alpenblick enjoys a quiet location close to the cable car to the Matterhorn Ski Paradise and a 5-minute walk from the centre of Zermatt. It features a sauna, a sanarium and modern fitness facilities. Wi-Fi internet is available free of charge in the entire hotel. Most rooms have balconies and offer panormaic mountains views. Home-style cuisine and selected wines are served in the à-la-carte restaurant. A large sunbathing terrace is available during the warmer months at the Alpenblick hotel.
Days 6-7: Pontresina / St. Moritz, Switzerland
In Zermatt, we board the famed Glacier Express, renowned as one of the world’s most beautiful train rides, and trace our way through the mountains of the Bernese Oberland and into the Upper Engadine, a broad mountain valley with smaller valleys that reach back into the mountains. The next day is free to explore St. Moritz, along one of the most famous and opulent of alpine towns, or to enjoy an extra hike with your guides or independent hiking and cable car excursions. Overnights in the classic mountain resort of Pontresina (near St. Moritz) ...BLD, Day 6; BD, Day 7 Hiking Details, Day 6: 3 miles; relatively level Hiking Details, Day 7 (optional rest-day hike): 5 miles; ascent 350 feet; descent 800 feet.
Lodging Hotel Walther
Description There’s stellar service at this family-owned Relais & Chateaux property, along with beautifully appointed rooms, full spa services, and a fabulous restaurant. This elegant Belle Epoque hotel celebrated its 100th birthday in 2009, and is still owned by the Walther family. The hotel's location is ideal, just 100 yards from Pontresina’s charming center.
Day 8: Pontresina to Diavolezza Refuge, Switzerland
We hike up to the Boval Refuge following a beautiful route alongside the mighty Morteratsch Glacier for several miles, with fantastic views across the glacier all the way. Descending back to our van in the afternoon, we take the cable car up to our accommodation, the Diavolezza Refuge. This refuge has a restaurant, showers, warm four-bed rooms, shared baths, and magnificent terrace panoramas across the Alps. Overnight at the Diavolezza Refuge...BLD Hiking Details: 5 miles; ascent 2,000 feet; descent 2,000 feet.
Lodging Berghaus Diavolezza
Description Accessible only on foot or by ski lift, the Berghaus Diavolezza offers comfort in an absolutely spectacular location. More like a hotel than a typical hike-in lodge, it is a modern facility with a great dining room with panoramic windows for enjoying the breathtaking mountain views. There are two- and four-bedded rooms with in-room sinks, and the showers and toilets are down the hall. It’s great to enjoy the camaraderie of fellow hikers from around the world here, and the outdoor dining terrace is surrounded by some of the most magnificent peaks in the Alps—views at sunrise and sunset are unbelievable.
Day 9: Refuge to Guarda, Switzerland
We descend by cable car and travel by Swiss train from the upper to the lower Engadine Valley. Arriving by train in the town of Lavin, we enjoy a lovely, easy hike as we follow paths through flower-filled meadows and along the cobbled streets of two or three beautiful preserved old villages along the river, surrounded by the serene setting of the Engadine Valley. Overnight at hotel in Guarda...BLD Hiking Details: 8 miles; ascent 800 feet; descent 500 feet.
Lodging Hotel Meisser
Description In the gorgeous little mountain village of Guarda, the Meisser is a historic family-owned inn now run by the fifth generation of the same Swiss family, the Meissers. Rooms are clean and cozy, each one a bit different than the next. The hotel has a stunning location and a lovely terrace garden restaurant, a good place for a glass of wine and views across the valley. The general ambiance here is warm and welcoming, and the village itself is wonderful to walk around.
Day 10: Guarda / Rest Day
We take a day hike among the classic hamlets and pine forests along the Inn River in the Lower Engadine, following the river along the valley to the fairytale medieval castle of Tarasp, a picturesque hilltop fortress where we enjoy a picnic lunch. Our afternoon options include more hiking along the Inn River or a visit to the spas at the ski village of Scuol. Overnight in Guarda...BLD Hiking Details (optional): 7 miles; ascent 650 feet; descent 1,200 feet.
Lodging Hotel Meisser
Description In the gorgeous little mountain village of Guarda, the Meisser is a historic family-owned inn now run by the fifth generation of the same Swiss family, the Meissers. Rooms are clean and cozy, each one a bit different than the next. The hotel has a stunning location and a lovely terrace garden restaurant, a good place for a glass of wine and views across the valley. The general ambiance here is warm and welcoming, and the village itself is wonderful to walk around.
Day 11: Galtur, Austria
Today’s hike is challenging as follow a route over a beautiful pass between Switzerland and Austria. We cross the remote Futschol Pass (9,100') from Switzerland into Austria and descend to the Jamtal Hutte (7,055') in the late afternoon. The hut has two- and four-bed rooms and shared baths with hot showers. Overnight at the Jamtal Hutte...BLD Hiking Details (moderate option): 6 miles; ascent 1,900 feet Hiking Details (strenuous option): 9 miles; ascent 4,000 feet; descent 2,000 feet.
Lodging Jamtal Hutte
Description With a commanding location at 5,000 feet at the junction of three alpine valleys, this simple hike-in lodge is very comfortable and recently renovated, with a great dining/lounge area and outdoor terrace for drinks and views. There are four- or six-bedded rooms with in-room sinks and shower/toilet facilities down the hall. Gotto Lorenz is the lodge guardian, as was his father before him, and he and his family always give WT groups a great welcome.
Day 12: Maria Alm, Austria
This morning we hike down a lovely valley to the village of Galtur then proceed by bus and train through the Tyrolean countryside to Maria Alm, a charming alpine village on the mountainous border between Austria and Germany. Maria Alm nestles amidst stunning picture-postcard scenery in the Urslautal (“Valley of the Bear”), one of the most beautiful valleys in Salzburg province, surrounded by the imposing limestone mountains of the Steinernes Meer (“Sea of Stone”). The village’s Gothic-style pilgrimage church dominates the town. Overnight at hotel in Maria Alm....BLD Hiking Details: 6 miles; descent 1,900 feet.
Lodging Alpenland Sporthotel
Description The Alpenland is a modern resort hotel with excellent facilities, including a beautiful pool and sauna. It's in Maria Alm, a quaint village nestled against the backdrop of the Steinernes Meer and the Hochkonig mountains. The pilgrim church in Maria Alm has a 200-foot-tall tower, the largest in Salzburg province.
Days 13: Maria Alm / Rest Day
On our rest day here, we offer wonderful optional hikes in the local area. There is also excellent easy cycling and an outdoor pool, as well as the famous alpine lakeside resort of Zell am See nearby. Overnight in hotel...B Hiking Details: 5 miles; ascent 1,000 feet; descent 1,000 feet.
Lodging Alpenland Sporthotel
Description The Alpenland is a modern resort hotel with excellent facilities, including a beautiful pool and sauna. It's in Maria Alm, a quaint village nestled against the backdrop of the Steinernes Meer and the Hochkonig mountains. The pilgrim church in Maria Alm has a 200-foot-tall tower, the largest in Salzburg province.
Days 14: Maria Alm, Austria, to the Karlingerhaus, Germany
We follow the Ramseider Trail from Maria Alm, first hiking through a lovely wooded forest, then more steeply through impressive alpine meadows with splendid panoramas to reach the Riemannhaus Refuge, magnificently located on the lip of the Steinernes Meer, a vast high limestone plateau and nature reserve. After lunch here, we hike across the border into Germany for an overnight at a fantastic inn called the Karlingerhaus, situated on an alpine lake and surrounded by limestone towers. The Karlingerhaus has comfortable 4- to 6-bed rooms (shared bathrooms), hot showers, and excellent food...BLD Hiking Details: 6 miles; ascent 3,250 feet; descent 1,900 feet.
Lodging Karlingerhaus Hutte
Description A stone hike-in lodge open only in summer, Karlinger Haus is set on the shores of a small lake called the Funtensee. The lodge is very simple, with four-bedded rooms and shared bathroom facilities down the hall. There’s a great wood-paneled dining hall/lounge where we can dine and relax with fellow hikers.
Days 15: Salzburg, Austria
On our last touring and hiking day, we make an early start, descending along occasionally steep trails through glacier-carved limestone scenery to hike around the Konigsee, the historic “lake of kings”—perhaps the loveliest of all German lakes. The Konigsee is enclosed within almost vertical rock walls which give it more the look of a fjord than a lake. We reach the boat landing at St. Barthomla and enjoy a traditional German beer-garden lunch. After lunch, we take a lovely 30-minute boat ride on the Konigsee to the north side of the lake, where we transfer back into Austria and onward to Salzburg, majestically set on the banks of the Salzach River. Architecturally, Salzburg has one single, striking style: Baroque. Perhaps no other city in the world displays such a remarkable heritage of this style and the city is virtually an open-air museum. We gather for a farewell dinner tonight. Overnight in hotel in Salzburg...BLD Hiking Details: 5 miles; descent 3,350 feet.
Lodging Hotel Stadtkrug, Austrotel, Arthotel Blaue Gans
Description Hotel Stadtkrug -This family-run hotel has a great location within the pedestrian district on Kapuzinerberg Hill, just a short stroll across the bridge to the Old Town. The hotel's style is elegant, vintage Salzburg, and it’s in a wonderful old building whose 4th floor has a terrace-restaurant offering great sunset views over Salzburg. Breakfasts include fresh eggs and meat produced on the hotel's farm outside the city. Austrotel - The Austrotel has an excellent location across from Salzburg’s famous Mirabell Castle and within easy walking distance of Old Town as well as the famous Linzergasse, an ancient shopping street lined with little stores and cafes. A clean, comfortable, and centrally located 70-room hotel, it is housed in a historic building that was once the residence of the Archbishop Paris Lodron. The staff is helpful and the buffet breakfast offers good variety. Arthotel Blaue Gans - this place has lots of character and a great location for exploring the city on foot. It's in a historic building inside the Getreidegasse, Salzburg's pedestrian zone. The guest rooms are tastefully decorated and the hotel is filled with original artwork. Temporary art exhibitions are often hosted by the hotel.
Days 16: Salzburg / Depart
Depart Salzburg by air or train. Munich is two hours away by direct train. From Munich there are excellent train and air connections all over Europe.B only

Note: As we have very little time on Day 15 to explore Salzburg, we recommend you extend your journey with an overnight or two in the “city of Mozart.” We would be happy to book extra nights for you in our group hotel. Salzburg is one of the loveliest cities in Europe, designated a World Heritage Site in 1997 by UNESCO. The left bank of the Salzach River is the older area of the city, where ancient Roman settlements once stood. Much of the Old City is a pedestrian zone and ideal for walking and window shopping. The city’s most famous squares include Residence Square with its splendid fountain, University Square, and Mozart Square, with a memorial to the city’s favorite son. You can also visit Getreidegasse no. 9, where the Leopold Mozart family lived from 1747 to 1773. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was born in this house on January 27, 1756, and it is now a museum with exhibits featuring Mozart’s childhood violin, his concert violin, portraits, and correspondence of the Mozart family.
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Theresa L.
The Great Alpine Traverse was the best trip I've ever experienced! Everything was perfect—choice of hikes, food, hotels, sightseeing—you name it—it was great!!!
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Teresa M.
This trip was over-the-top on hiking and luxury—you don’t often have both. The countries were glorious, the guides were tops.
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Rich and Nancy G.
This is the best value for the money we have ever received for a tour. We will certainly be looking at WT in the future for other trips.
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Joan P.
I would highly recommend this trip to anyone who wants and overview of these countries and who enjoys a good workout at the same time! It was physically challenging, but not overly so. The scenery was magnificent and the camaraderie was great.
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Nancy F.
A spectacular trip! Great hiking every day, often at altitude and always beautiful, and everything perfectly planned and executed. This trip really delivered. I loved every minute! I have traveled extensively and this was one of my best trips ever!
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Paul P.
A wonderful trip and terrific introduction to the local culture, history, and breathtaking natural beauty of the Alps!
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TRIP INCLUDES
  • Expert leadership of at least two Wilderness Travel Trip Leaders (and often three, depending on group size). Accommodations in hotels and three non-consecutive nights in mountain refuges. 
  • All meals included except 2 lunches and 1 dinner.
  •  Airport transfer from Geneva to Chamonix. 
  • Glacier Express train excursion (including champagne picnic lunch). 
  • Cable cars and telepheriques required to reach trailheads and overnight destinations.
TRIP DOES NOT INCLUDE
  • International airfare . 
  • Any meals not specified in the Full Trip Brochure.
  • Airport departure taxes.
  • Optional tipping or gratuities to leaders or staff. 
  • Additional hotel nights that may be necessary due to airline schedule changes or other factors.
  •  Pre-trip expenses of medical immunizations (if any). 
  • Travel insurance, or passports and visas. 
  • Other expenses of a personal nature (alcoholic beverages, laundry, etc.).
CANCELLATIONS: 20% cancellation fee applied if cancelled 60 days prior to departure. Cancellations within 60 days are 100% non-cancelable

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