Itinerary


Day 1 – First hours in Switzerland
Individual arrivals at Zurich Airport or Zurich Main station and transfer by train to Bellinzona (Ticino region)
In the evening, we will start our Swiss experience with a welcome dinner at Grotto San Michele at Castelgrande, part of UNESCO world heritage Castles in Bellinzona.

Day 2 – Feel Ticino
The rich variety of ways to feel and get to know Ticino offer us the opportunity to visit the enchanting Piora Valley, rich in biodiversity by taking the spectacular Ritom Funicular which has an incline of 87.8%, that ranks this ride as one of the steepest in the world. The Piora Valley is rich in biodiversity with its 21 alpine lakes and 58 streams. The Lago di Cadagno has a unique phenomena on the Alpine arch as it has 3 stratifications of waters that never merge and remain permanently separated.

During this time – some of you will get to know the Bavona valley and learn about transhumance. A place where you breathe history and admire natural jewels. The Bavona valley branches off from the Maggia Valley and is characterized by its wilderness. To this day it is deprived of electricity by a conscious choice of its inhabitants and populated only during the Summer months and the shoulder seasons. Have you ever been on an e-bike? We will offer you the option of doing a short tour to Ascona – also called the Pearl of Lake Maggiore.

Day 3 – Experience a “travelling Menu” in Ticino’s Capital, Bellinzona and start the mountains-journey in Andermatt
Bellinzona is the capital of Ticino because of its strategic location. The perfect blend of history and delicious food: you will experience a journey back in time thanks to the three UNESCO World Heritage Fortresses, as well as its paved streets and welcoming little squares. Plenty of history, but also flavours and tastes that will make you feel home. The Food & Wine Tour is more than just a tasting tour, this is a real travelling menu! It takes place through Bellinzona’s historical Old Town, during which you will stroll through the colourful farmer’s market. Several stops are included to discover diverse gastronomical specialties of Ticino, meet some of the locals, and enjoy the delicious Merlot wine.

After a scenic train ride from Ticino, you will arrive in the heart of the Swiss Alps at 1’444m above sea level, in Andermatt. A local guide will pick you up and you will discover the history of a village and region, once described by German poet Johann Wolfgang von Goethe with the words “To me this is the loveliest and most fascinating of regions.”

Day 4 – Andermatt’s myths and legends & Via Ferrata “Diavolo”
After a lavish breakfast, you will have the choice of two activities. Whilst one group will explore Andermatt from above, conquering the Via Ferrata “Diavolo”, the other will dive into the myths of this fascinating region. The first group will depart with their guides from the Mammut Alpine School, strap on their harnesses and climb up the cliffs from the Suworow monument up to the forest of the Nätschen station, using 700 meters of steel cable and ascending about 500 meters. In the meantime, the second group will be picked up once again by our local guide, a knowledgeable gem who will explain how many of the local stories were created and how the landscape played a critical role. Afterwards, the second group will return to the hotel, where they will cook and enjoy a local dish together with the Executive Chef of the hotel where we will stay.

Day 5 – The raw power of water awaits you
A train ride with the cogwheel train will take you to the picturesque village of Göschenen, where a hike up the Schöllenen gorge will start. Following the bare rocks on each side of the gorge with the mighty river Reuss always at your side, you will appreciate the efforts of earlier-century travelers even more. The highlight of this hike will definitely be crossing the river Reuss over the famous Devils Bridge. After lunch, you will board the scenic Glacier Express for an unforgettable train ride to your next destination. After the ride on the famous Glacier Express you will visit the longest Glacier in the Alps, the Great Aletsch Glacier, which is the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Jungfrau – Aletsch. Be aware of some Valaisan traditions on the Eggishorn viewpoint.

Day 6 – The Glacier village
You will experience the outdoor activity paradise Saas-Fee with its unique Glacier world surrounding the car-free village and gorges, built by the water out of this glacier world. Several options await you – from thermal baths, hikes and bikes – to a “dive” in a gorge. Saas-Fee is a holder of the “Energy Town” label, which is awarded to towns and municipalities that make above-average efforts in municipal energy and transport policy.

Day 7 – 51 degrees
This is the temperature of the natural thermal water as it flows from the sources in Leukerbad and which is used in the different public and private spas all over this historical thermal spa village. As a highlight at the end of your trip, you will either hike or bike the historical Thomas Cook path to the Bernese Oberland.

By train we will move to Interlaken for the official opening of the Switzerland Travel Mart (STM).

Day 8 – Meeting the local market
On this day exclusive pre-scheduled appointments with selected suppliers awaits us during the Switzerland Travel Mart. As an option you can choose whether to continue the STM programme or leave for the return trip.

Day 9 – Departure
AdventureWeek participants will be transferred to the airport accordingly to each individual departure flight.