From the Interlaken station we transfer into the Lauterbrunnen Valley an after checking into our hotel that commands extraordinary views of the Valley below we board the gondola to the top of the knobby summit of Maennlichen. We have ample time to take in the glorious view to the west where the ridge plunges to the mid-height terraces on the opposite side of the valley that drops to the Lauterbrunnen Valley floor. We then leave the pastoral ridge top for an enjoyable warm-up walk through green pastures of dairy farming and quaint chalets that enjoy the surroundings of massive snowy summits, waterfalls and vertical granite walls. This leisurely walk takes us to the little yellow cog-train and back down into the car-free mountain resort village of Wengen. Enjoy the stunning views of the surrounding hanging valleys as we enjoy an aperitif before dinner and watch the Jungfrau's glacial face change color. 
We start our next morning with the original Swiss hiker’s breakfast of Bircher Swiss-muesli, and then begin our hike that faces directly in front of the imposing north face of the Eiger. Along the way is a placard that points out some of the numerous routes up its face, including Heinrich Harrer’s original ascent. As we wind our way down through a forested area that spills into the gentle pastureland, we pass chalets that offer us the chance to enjoy one of the many Swiss lunchtime specialties.  To the south, crowning a string of snowy peaks, Switzerland’s most famous trio rise up in full glory, a view we re-examine throughout the day. 
Lodgings: Wengen panoramic in a 3 star chalet. 

We begin our day with a visit the Truemmelbach Falls which erupt within the mountain. This is truly a unique spectacle not to be missed. A short 1 hour transfer brings us to our 4-star 

retreat in the mountain village of Kandersteg. Two options are available; we can take a cable up above Kandersteg to walk through the Arven forest of pine and past small, crystal clear lakes to the vast stunning views along the Gemmi Pass. We are not the first to travel this way from the Canton of Bern into the Canton of Valais; the Romans walked across this mountain range, followed later by pilgrims, soldiers and merchants. Not to mention Lenin, Picasso and Mark Twain who frequently had visited this fascinating pass.

Or we have the option of a chair lift ride up to the Oeschinen Lake, considered the most beautiful high Alpine lake in Switzerland. Here we would loop high above this lake and back via the chair lift with enough time to visit town or enjoy the spa facilities at our hotel. Before dinner we visit the “touch and taste” Ricola herb garden, then sit down for an authentic Swiss fondue in a traditional Swiss Chalet.

Lodgings: 4-star resort with wellness center

We transfer to explore a mysterious valley once so isolated by nature that it developed a tradition unique to all other Swiss regions. Along the edge of a gorge that falls steeply into the Rhone Valley we make our way to the end of a valley situated at the base of Europe's largest glacier. Along the way we pass the small wooden villages built entirely of a dark rich wood and decorated with large grotesque masks. The masks are believed to ward off the spirits that are said to have haunted residents for centuries. The entire way we note the numerous glaciers spilling from the mountainside and once we arrive at the end we embark on a memorable walk to the foot of Europe's largest, Aletsch Glacier.

Lodgings: A fantastic 100 year old 3-star wooden Inn at the valley's end- dinner at Inn.

No visit to Switzerland would be complete without seeing the famous Matterhorn peak. So a short transfer across the Rhone Valley soon brings us to the end of the Matter Valley-well at least as far as cars are concerned. We thus have to transfer in by train to the car-free center of Zermatt.
Countless superb hikes have been blazed due to the high peaks, large glaciers and sheer cliffs that have cut off the upper Matter Valley on three sides, thus dictating that most all trails are circuits that return to Zermatt. We have the luxury of selecting from an incredible variety of trails to suit any level of walker.
Regardless of the trail we return each day to lively and entertaining Zermatt where from your room you command a superb view of what we've all come to see, the Matterhorn. The evening is free to wander about and enjoy this lively town.

Lodging: In the old town of Zermatt. .