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Seceda, Dolomites, Italy

Walking in the European Alps

Walking in the European Alps

HIGHLIGHTS

Cinque Terre, the Eiger and Matterhorn mountains and amazing Dolomites

FROM

NZ$12,580

DURATION

24 Days

Why you’ll love this trip?

  • Experience the charm of the European Alps on an active walking holiday!
  • Immerse yourself in breathtaking scenery
  • Connect with locals, savour delicious cuisine, and discover hidden gems.
  • Enjoy leisurely countryside walks and discover alpine villages for an authentic adventure.
  • Create unforgettable memories on this unique journey

What’s the Activity level?

  • Moderate to good fitness required for 4 to 6-hour walks on hilly terrain.
  • Trails may be rocky; sturdy hiking shoes recommended.
  • Consider vertigo or height issues before booking.
  • Cable cars may be used for some hikes.

What’s the transport and accommodation like?

  • Travel on European trains known for their speed, cleanliness, and efficiency.
  • Private air-conditioned minibuses used in Italy for flexibility and convenience.
  • Enjoy 3-star accommodations with private facilities and local charm.
  • Hotels are chosen for their safety, location, ambiance, and friendly staff.
  • Experience the charm of family-run guesthouses and boutique hotels, especially in village settings.

*All our tours are non-smoking

TRIP SUMMARY

Duration: 24 day Walking in the European Alps Tour
Trip focus: A moderately active walking tour with day hikes in the Swiss Alps and off the beaten track areas in Austria and Italy
Accommodation: 23 nights comfortable hotels and family run bed and breakfasts twin share
Transport: Train, bus and boat
Group size: Maximum 12 + S.E.T. tour leader, Minimum 6
Local payment: None
Single supplement: NZ$1,850 limited availability. We may accommodate up to 4 singles, however sharing in the Dolomites would be required.
Ask us about airfares to join your trip: Packages available ex NZ.

WHAT’S INCLUDED:

  • All excursions as mentioned in the itinerary
  • Bilingual tour leader
  • Walks throughout Switzerland, Austria and Italy as specified
  • All ground transport in this itinerary
  • The cost of entry for all scheduled tours
  • All breakfasts, 4 highlight dinners, 1 cooking class
  • All hotel, B&B and apartment accommodation* (on a twin share basis
  • including meals as specified)

* Additional accommodations can be arranged at the clients’ request

WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED:

  • International airfares
  • Travel Insurance
  • Meals not listed
  • Items of a personal nature, laundry, drinks, souvenirs, etc
  • Gratuities

PAYING LOCALLY

Some of our tours include a local payment. This is to be paid to the tour leader on day one of the tour. It helps our tour leader pay for local expenses that have to be paid in cash.

All prices are approximate and subject to currency fluctuations until final payment has been made.

DAY 1 – ARRIVAL DAY LUCERNE

Upon arriving at Zurich airport, you will receive comprehensive instructions on boarding the train for a delightful 55-minute journey to Lucerne. Following that, there will be a warm welcome meeting, and the day will conclude with a delightful dinner at a charming riverside restaurant.

Meals Included: Dinner

DAY 2 – LUCERNE & MT PILATUS

Prepare yourself for an awe-inspiring day, brimming with mesmerizing panoramas and thrilling adventures. Unearth the enchanting allure of Lake Lucerne and Mount Pilatus during this captivating full-day excursion. Cruise across the serene lake on a boat and ascend Mount Pilatus aboard the cog railway, granting you access to breathtaking vistas. Engage in brief hikes, savor a delightful picnic lunch amidst the mountain scenery, and descend via a cable car. If time permits, you may even make a delightful stop at a mountain pub to round off your extraordinary experience.

Meals Included: Breakfast

DAYS 3 to 5 – GRINDELWALD

Embark on a picturesque train journey, traversing the Brunnig Pass as you make your way to Interlaken and Grindelwald. This charming locale will serve as our base for the next few days in the breathtaking Jungfrau region. On one afternoon, delight in a leisurely stroll to the awe-inspiring glacier gorge of Grindelwald. Our itinerary also includes a visit to the uniquely U-shaped valley of Lauterbrunnen and the mesmerizing Trummelbach Falls. Moreover, you’ll experience an unforgettable train ride to Jungfrau Joch, the highest cog railway in Europe. At the mountain’s summit, the glacier extends for miles, with ice caves adorned with sculptures. Additionally, there will be opportunities for invigorating walks, such as the spectacular Eiger Trail beneath the north face or through meadows blooming with vibrant wildflowers.

Meals Included: 3 Breakfasts

DAYS 6 & 7 – ZERMATT

Traverse Switzerland to the mountain village of Zermatt, arriving at the home of the famous Matterhorn. We will hopefully be rewarded with a clear view of this majestic peak. Our day walk with plenty of rests and photo opportunities takes us up the lower sunny slopes and through a forest with spectacular views of the Matterhorn.

Meals Included: 2 Breakfasts and 1 Dinner

DAYS 8 to 10 – CINQUE TERRE

Today, we embark on a train expedition that will lead us into Italy, and eventually to the charming village of Monterosso, one of the five captivating Cinque Terre villages, where we will be residing for the next three nights. This exceptional region has earned the prestigious UNESCO World Heritage designation and is a collection of five fishing villages perched on cliffs, overlooking the vast ocean.

Our primary hike will guide us along the ancient pathway that connects the villages of Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore. Along this picturesque trail, we will traverse the steep terraces cultivated with olives, grapes, and chestnut trees, all while being treated to magnificent views of the ocean and the charming villages.

Meals Included: 3 Breakfasts and 1 Dinner

DAYS 11 & 12 – LUCCA

It’s only a short train ride to the ancient city of Lucca, hemmed in by 16th century ramparts and laced with cobblestone streets. We’ll enjoy a fun Tuscan cooking class, learning how to make local favourites. There may be time for an optional visit to Pisa, only 40 minutes away by bus. For fabulous views and a great morning walk, bike or run, the 5km loop on the top of the ramparts is paved and tree lined. Then we’ll head into the Tuscan hills for a delicious wine and olive oil tasting

Meals Included: 2 Breakfasts, 1 Cooking Class and 1 Wine Tasting

DAYS 13 & 14 – MONTE BONDONE

Today, we venture off the beaten track to explore the unique and less-traveled slopes of Monte Bondone.. Famous for its fabulous scenery and walks in the Three Peaks area, wine making and medieval Trento with underground Roman ruins. We will spend time walking amidst the peaks offering dramatic views making this an unforgettable Hike.

Meals Included: 2 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch and 2 Dinners

DAYS 15 to 19 – VAL GARDENA IN THE DOLOMITES

We travel a couple of hours north to our next destination.
Located in Val Gardena, South Tyrol, the stunning Dolomites await us. During our three-day stay, you will head out on invigorating hikes around Langkofel Dolomiti, Col Raiser, Dantercepies, and Seiser Alm. The charming alpine village of Wolkenstein will serve as our comfortable base for these adventures.
Promising to be a highlight of the European Alps Walking trip, the extraordinary scenery offers some of the most breathtaking views you’ll encounter. Get ready to be captivated by the majestic landscapes, creating cherished memories during this truly unforgettable adventure.
The hikes are diverse, and for those seeking relaxation, there’s an option to explore the charming villages in your own time.

Meals Included: 5 Breakfasts and 1 Dinner

DAYS 20 to 22 – STUBAITAL AUSTRIA

Embark on a unique adventure as we head to Austria for a memorable stay in Neustift, nestled in the breathtaking Stubai Valley. Our charming family-owned hotel will be the base for delightful hikes to the alpine club mountain huts scattered throughout the valley. These hikes only take around 2 hours so are manageable by all abilities. Perfect for all adventurers! Plus, with the huts accommodating up to 130 guests, you’ll relish the lively atmosphere and have plenty of opportunities to connect with the friendly locals.

Meals Included: 3 Breakfasts and 1 Dinner

DAY 23 – VIENNA

Hop aboard the train bound for Vienna, embarking on a picturesque journey through the heart of central Austria. On our final day we explore the historic centre of Austria’s capital. Dinner tonight will be local Viennese cuisine in a typical beer garden to celebrate the final night of this wonderful trip.

Meals Included: Breakfast and Dinner

DAY 24 – DEPARTURE DAY

Your Walking in the European Alps Tour has come to an end. Vienna offers an abundance of attractions and activities, making it worthwhile to extend your stay if you have the time.

Meals Included: Breakfast

TESTIMONIALS

HikingSightseeingCultural ExperiencesFood and CookingPlaneBusTrainBoatNature

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Ride Europe’s highest cog railway
  • Sample a Swiss Fondue in Zermatt & enjoy the Matterhorm views
  • Wander the walkways of the Cinque Terre and its colourful villages
  • Cooking class and wine tasting near the ancient walled city of Lucca
  • Spend time in the flowering alpine meadows of Grindelwald
  • Hike with the locals off the beaten track in Austria and Italy
  • Stay in a little known Austrian village with spectacular scenery
  • Walk through the stunning South Tirol Dolomites of Val Gardena

DATES

Start Date End Date Availability Cost
22nd Jun 2026 15th Jul 2026 AVAILABLE NZ$12,580
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