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Gemmi to the Matterhorn: Kandersteg, Leukerbad, Zermatt
Sample Itinerary

Actual hikes vary from trip to trip, but our itinerary will go something like this:

Day 1
The Gemmi to the Matterhorn Tour starts with your arrival in Zürich or Geneva and a train ride to Kandersteg. The trip takes about 3 hours and will be covered by your first-class railpass. Kandersteg is a quiet and scenic village surrounded by mountains, lakes, waterfalls and miles of hiking trails. We'll stay in the 4-star Hotel Doldenhorn, a lovely chalet-style hotel on the outskirts of the village with a new pool and spa and gourmet meals. (Hotel Doldenhorn)

Day 2
One of the must-see hikes in the region starts with a gondola ride up to the Oeschinensee lake, an emerald-green jewel of a lake, surrounded on three sides by mountains. Cowbells jingle and waterfalls plunge over dramatic cliffs into the lake below. Hike up above the lake for birds-eye views through meadows and forest on a scenic loop back to Kandersteg, where we return to our hotel for a second night. (Hotel Doldenhorn)

Days 3
Hike over the historic Gemmi pass on a mellow approach trail beneath the pyramidal Balmhorn and Altels peaks. Views of the Valaisian Alps to the south spur us on as we wind our way down the serpentine mule-path to the village of Leukerbad, where we stay in an elegant 4-star hotel and enjoy a relaxing soak in one of the town's thermal baths. Convenient cablecars can be utilized for an easy hike.

Days 4
After breakfast, we'll say good-bye to Leukerbad, and travel a few hours to nearby Zermatt. You'll have a chance to check out the atmospheric village center, and perhaps a visit to the Matterhorn museum, before transferring by historic cogwheel train to Riffelalp. Enjoy wonderful views of the Matterhorn before settling in for dinner at the luxurious 5-star Riffelalp Resort, one of Switzerland's finest hotels. (Riffelalp Resort)

Days 5
Taking quiet trails through fields and forest, we have a range of choices up to the wide ridge of Gornergrat, past marmots and small glacial lakes, to unforgettable viewpoints along the Gorner ridge. The jumbled mass of the Gorner glacier stretches out before us, and behind that, Monte Rosa, Lyskamm, the Breithorn, and the Matterhorn form a spectacular backdrop. (Riffelalp Resort)

Days 6
After breakfast at our hotel, we'll say our good-byes and leave for our post-trip destinations.

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