Switzerland Photo Tour: Landscapes and Villages

Depart on your overnight flight to Zurich. The group tour will begin tomorrow, from the Zurich Airport, morning departure time to be announced. If you wish to spend a few days in Zurich prior to the tour starting, we recommend the Mövenpick Zurich Airport hotel (free shuttle service) www.moevenpick-zurich.com.

You will arrive in Zurich early this morning, where you will depart via rail (time will be announced) with Cathy & Gordon to the resort town of Grindelwald. It combines a foreground full of country charm, fields planted with fruit trees or maples, and dotted with pretty dwellings, with a grand rocky barrier stretching from the shoulder of the Wetterhorn to the pyramid of the Eiger. Through lush valleys we shall go with the occasional pause for mountain peaks reaching for the heavens, clusters of alpine cabins perched on ledges. (We have included the cost of one checked bag to be transferred from the Zurich rail station to your hotel in Grindelwald and return from Murren. You will need to carry your camera gear and essential items. Any additional checked luggage is at the cost of participant. For those that fly Swiss Air, it is recommended your luggage can be checked from your home departure point – through to the Grindelwald Hotel.) After checking in to the hotel, there will be time to settle in to our new environs before we meet for a brief meeting and have dinner together at the hotel. Overnight HOTEL GLETSCHERGARTEN (D)

Start early this morning, where we will have cameras pointing at magnificent walls of granite when the first rays of light strike. Return to the hotel for breakfast and meet your local guide to begin your tour of the surrounding area. We begin with incredible alpine rambles in the midst of Switzerland’s deepest valleys, most breathtaking glaciers, and towering peaks. These three full days we will explore on foot and use the vast cable car system, making our traverse as easy or moderate as desired. The network of cable cars leads us up to numerous short and long distance trails throughout the region and beyond. The massive peaks present a well-defined wall of giants sometimes known as “the North Face of the Alps.” We will take trails leading us through peaceful meadows where tranquil Swiss dairy cows roam with oversized bells around their necks. There is a hike to Bachalpsee Lake, from “First” Station above Grindelwald., with breathtakingly beautiful views. For anyone wishing to hike further, there is a one-hour walk east of the village leading to a trailhead for a scenic stroll through woodland to the awe-inspiring Oberer Gletscher, a glacier inching its way down the mountainside of Wetterhorn. Nestling under the craggy trio of the Wetterhorn, Mettenberg and Eiger, Grindelwald offers easy access to explore some large glaciers. Overnight HOTEL GLETSCHERGARTEN (B all days, two D)

After breakfast we will travel to Lauterbrunnen, where we then take a funicular to the plateau at Grutschalp. A train then takes a scenic route along the cliff-edge to Mürren. Lying at the foot of the Schilthorn, Mürren has remained a cozy mountain village, even with its being featured in a major Bond production. The cable car runs further up, on a breathtaking ride up to the ice-bound summit of the Schilthorn. From here you can enjoy dazzling panoramic views of the spectacular mountain trio, Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau (Ogre, Monk and Virgin).  Photography each day includes meadows, century-old chalets, cobalt lakes, rustic cabins, the mountain peaks, and the ‘jangling cows’ as we amble in the fields. You will burn up memory cards or film at a rate you did not expect. It is difficult to overstate how stunning the Lauterbrunnen Valley is; even seasoned Alpinists shrug their shoulders and call it the most beautiful valley in Europe! An immense U-shaped valley (the worlds deepest) with bluffs on either side, doused by waterfalls, it is utterly spectacular. The combination of snow-capped mountain peaks, fresh air, fall color, jagged rocks, and lush rolling green hills will quickly fascinate you. It’s the perfect time to relax with camera in hand in a beautiful environment. Dawn photography amid a ‘cathedral’ of mountain peaks will be the starting point each day for walks, excursions, and photographic experiences. One excursion may include Grauseeli, a small lake on the eastern side of the Schilthorn, or a funicular leads to the Allmendhubel, immediately above the village at an altitude of 1907 meters. Themed walks such as the North Face Trail provide historical mountaineering information on the north faces, and the Panorama Trail invite visitors to discover the region. There may be a couple days in which you can enjoy picnic lunches and remain in prime locations for the most opportune times for photography. The last day there will be free time in the village, where you will enjoy another slow photo-exploration amid the alpine community, and superb Swiss scenery. Overnights HOTEL ALPENRUH  (B all days, two D)

Capture the last of your photographs this morning, and then enjoy a leisurely breakfast before we make our way back to Zurich. The group will use public transport to Lauterbrunnen, where you will then travel via train back to Zurich. You can stop in the Capital City of Bern for lunch, photographing the architecture, giving your luggage time to arrive at the Zurich station. Transfer again, via hotel free shuttle. Check in to the airport hotel, and enjoy dinner on your own. Overnight MOEVENPICK ZURICH AIRPORT HOTEL (B)

After breakfast you will depart for home, or your next destination. (B)