Easy Hiking Holidays

Easy hiking in the Alps
For those who would like a little bit more activity in their holidays in the alpine regions of Switzerland and Austria, we would strongly recommend adding a day or two at least, devoted to leisurely hikes. It is truly memorable, the feeling of closeness to nature is unparalleled and in the places we recommend, it is highly convenient and safe for even those who have never hiked or trekked before.

Cheat code – downhill hiking!
Depending on your fitness and proficiency, we can help you plan hikes ranging from a couple of hours to relatively more challenging full-day hikes. What’s more, for the simpler hikes you can simply take one of the multitudes of cable cars scattered all over the Alps, and then hike downhill in relative ease on well-marked trails. All our itineraries covering these countries can be customised to add hiking.
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Hiking in the Swiss and French Alps

All our holidays in the European Alps have add-on hiking options! But for someone who is yearning more than anything to just get really close to breath-taking nature, here is an amped up itinerary that maximises the hiking opportunities in the most legendary hiking hotspots in the Swiss and French Alps!

Itinerary

Day 1: Lucerne
Start your journey today by taking a midnight flight from India to Zurich and proceed by a short train journey directly from the airport to Lucerne. Once you are in Lucerne, in the evening you can go for a beautiful sightseeing cruise on Lake Lucerne surrounded by majestic mountain peaks, forests and meadows. Overnight at Lucerne.

Day 2: Lucerne
Today, visit the famous Mount Titlis which still surpasses the highest of expectations, so glorious is the panorama of nature at the top of this alpine peak. Not only that, there are also several fun snow activities at Titlis. You can also zoom downhill on devil bikes or scooter bikes available on rent. Stunning, marked hiking options from just 30 minutes long to 3-5 hours are available as well so take your pick. Overnight at Lucerne.

Day 3: Murren
You will be heading to Interlaken today by one of Switzerland’s most scenic rail journeys on the Golden Pass Train. Close to Interlaken are some truly picturesque alpine villages like Murren that have cosy alpine chalets and make the perfect outdoorsy locations for exploring this heavenly part of Switzerland, called the Bernese Oberland. Overnight at Murren.

Day 4: Murren
Today proceed for Jungfraujoch Excursion, a major highlight of the Swiss Alps. Spend time at the peak, being spell-bound by the mountain vistas and snow all around. On your way down, you have several exciting and picturesque hiking options – the Jungfrau region has more than 500km of mapped trails! So, take your time and truly experience nature on a leisurely hike. Overnight at Murren.

Day 5: Murren
Another panoramic peak beckons you – Schilthorn, with its unbeatable 360 degree views of surrounding snow-covered mountains. You have the option on your way down from Schilthorn as well to hike down the beautiful countryside on well-maintained walking paths in the Murren region. Paragliding, sky-diving and river-rafting activities are also available. Overnight at Murren.

Day 6: Murren – Zermatt
Transfer by train to Zermatt, host to the legendary Matterhorn peak. The rest of your day is free to soak in the pleasures of this peaceful, car-free alpine village. Several adventure sports like heli-skiing, sky-diving, paragliding are also available, so go ahead and take your pick. Overnight at Zermatt.

Day 7: Zermatt
From Zermatt, embark on a scenic journey to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, Europe’s highest cable car station, offering memorable views of the Matterhorn peak. It is also one of the few spots offering guaranteed skiing even in summer!

Apart from Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, the stunning alpine train to Gornergrat is another great option for Matterhorn views. Other cable cars and alpine rails include Sunnega and Schwarzsee, from where you can rush downhill on easy-to-use and highly exhilarating dirt scooters or kick-bikes. Overnight at Zermatt.

Day 8: Zermatt
Zermatt is also a great base for indulging in some breath-taking hikes that let you truly explore this region of the Swiss Alps, called Valais, where the Alps really soar high. Spend the day on your chosen hike from the several themed and marked trails available. Overnight at Zermatt.

Day 9: Zermatt – Chamonix
Travel by train to Chamonix, France’s premier Alpine destination and home to the highest mountain in the European Alps i.e. Mont Blanc. Chamonix too offers all the trappings and activities of a top Alpine holiday resort, including of course a cable car ride to Aiguille du Midi, the gateway to the high Alps at a height of 3,842 m offering 360 degree views of the Alps. Overnight at Chamonix.

Day 10: Chamonix
Indulge in adventure sports like paragliding and white-water rafting or head out on one of the 160 different hiking options in this stunning part of the Alps. There are 350km worth of mapped trails so you have unlimited options that take you to huge glaciers, alpine lakes and awe-inspiring mountain views. Overnight at Chamonix.

Day 11: Chamonix
Spend another exploring the region on foot, by cable-car or via your preferred adventure sport. Overnight at Chamonix.

Day 12: Chamonix – Geneva
Head back to Geneva, located on the shores of the grand Lake Geneva and a great last stop to enjoy a day at leisure after an active holiday or for spoiling yourself with world-class brand shopping. Overnight at Geneva.

Day 13: Geneva – India