Overview
The term, Alpine trekking, is appropriate here because this tour encompasses several of the most respected, loved, and renowned trekking centers/regions in the Alps. Travelers will fly into Zurich, be transported to Lucerne to enjoy the stunning beauty and culture of this small walled medieval city on Lake Lucerne in the heart of Switzerland surrounded by Alpine peaks. Take in local theater and concert venues, art galleries, and museums.
Mt. Pilatus guards the city and Mt. Rigi beckons as other surrounding peaks invite trekking and exploration. From Lucerne, the journey continues into the high Central Swiss Alps to the village of Grindelwald, cradled in the shadow of the Monch, the Jungfrau and the Eiger - a famous Swiss Alpine trio in whose shadow we shall bask as we wander the surrounding greener peaks offering unrivaled mountain views. Grindelwald is a hiker's paradise and from there, our tour takes us across the Italian border to Courmayeur in northwestern-most Italy, the Aoste Valley, which lies at the southern base of Mount Blanc, the highest Alp. Courmayeur offers a plethora of hiking/walking trails and we will trek again on greener peaks while bathed in the September Italian sun.
Our final transfer takes us to the French village of Chamonix, where Alpine hiking began with Saussure's assault of Mont Blanc in 1787, and in turn initiated the golden age of Alpine exploration and Alpine tourism. From Chamonix travelers depart for the USA from Geneva, Switzerland. Travelers will have the opportunity to visit some of the most important hiking centers in the Alps and experience Swiss, Italian, and French culture and of course, cuisine. A few good hours of walking entitles travelers to choose the most delightful foods a traveler could desire -an important part of traveling with Richard & Jutta!
Tour Leaders
Richard Ruppel is an emeritus professor at the University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point where he taught German for 30 years. He has led 13 UWSP Adventure Tours trips in Europe. He speaks fluent German and has spent 7 years traveling, studying and teaching in Austria, Germany and Switzerland.
Jutta Brendel taught English at UW-Stevens Point for many years and speaks both German and Italian. She has travelled to Italy every year for many years and has herself led over 8 UWSP Adventure Tours trips to Italy.
Itinerary, Details and Booking
Book Online - Complete online form and pay deposit with a credit card or check
Download Booking Form - Print and complete booking form and pay with a check
Skip to main content
