A holiday is all about exploring Europe your way. It s about U + the walking tracks and cycling trails you want to discover. Since we began in 2006, has quickly become known as the leaders in active European holidays. Our itineraries are creative and very affordable. Set your own pace on a flexible self guided trip or enjoy the benefits of an experienced local guide on a guided tour. Together with our sister company Sherpa Expeditions, we offer over 400 active tours across the continent and it s many exotic islands. There s an active holiday idea everyone including families, culinary enthusiasts, history buffs, experienced alpine walkers or those that just want to see Europe differently. The physical demands range from introductory to challenging with all offering unique opportunities to discover the untrodden Europe, spanning postcard landscapes, centuries old cultures, rural lifestyles and tempting culinary delights. Compare the price and you will see that we offer exceptional value active programs that are virtually all inclusive, giving you more time to enjoy the natural and cultural wonders you ve come to experience. Whether you prefer cycling or walking, 2 star or 4 star, small groups or self guided, land, river or sea can help you to explore Europe exactly the way you want. explore europe your way TRIP COST Joining Lac de Tseuzier : $1320 Trip Concludes: Meiringen All prices are per person OPTIONS & SUPPLEMENTS double room supplement: $90 TRIP NAME: TRIP CODE: TRIP DURATION: HIGH TRAILS OF THE BERNESE OBERLAND UBO 7 DAYS GRADE: MODERATE TO CHALLENGING 4 ACTIVITY: GUIDED WALK ACCOMMODATION: 7 DAY GUIDED ALPINE WALK Geneva Switzerland Meiringen Kiental Lac de Tzeuzier Matterhorn France Italy DATE DETAILS: 2018 24 JUN - 30 JUN, 01 JUL - 07 JUL, 08 JUL - 14 JUL, 15 JUL - 21 JUL, 22 JUL - 28 JUL, 29 JUL - 04 AUG, 05 AUG - 11 AUG, 12 AUG - 18 AUG, 19 AUG - 25 AUG, 26 AUG - 01 SEP, 02 SEP - 08 SEP, 09 SEP - 15 SEP highlights Trek through stunning alpine scenery amongst the highest peaks in Switzerland including the Eiger and Jungfrau Experience the picturesque Swiss alpine villages such as Grindelwald and Meiringen Enjoy the culinary specialities such as Raclette Share your walking day with a group of like minded travellers the trip A stunning walk capturing the essence of Switzerland emerald alpine lakes, soaring snow capped peaks, flower laden meadows and quaint wooden farm houses. The Bernese Oberland is a region dominated by high peaks, many over 4000m. Following a section of the Alpine Pass Route that crosses the country, the walk traverses from Lenk, known for its stunning variety of wildflowers across high passes to the famous ski resort, Grindelwald and Meiringen, lower down on the Aare River. From a variety of vantage points be rewarded with impressive views of vast glaciers, some of the highest peaks in Switzerland including the Eiger (3970m), Jungfrau (4158m) and Finsteraarhorn (4274m) while to the north glimpse the vast lakes surrounding Interlaken (Thunersee and Brienzersee). At night experience traditional Swiss alpine hospitality in the mountain huts designed to comfort weary walkers and feast on simple yet hearty cuisine. Page 1
itinerary at a glance Day 1 Arrive Lac de Tzeuzier, walk to Lenk (5hrs, +650m, -850m) Day 2 Walk to Engstligenalp via the Col d Ammerten (2443m) (5hrs, +1300m, - 500m) Day 3 Day 4 Walk to Kandersteg (6hrs, +700m, -1000m) Ascent of the Hohtürli Pass and descend to Kiental (6hrs, +1600m, -1100m) Day 5 Walk to Mürren Lauterbrunnen (4158m) (6hrs, +1200m, - 900m) Day 6 Day 7 Walk to Grindelwald (7-8hrs, +1200m, -1200m) Walk to Meiringen (5hrs, +600m, -600m), trip concludes detailed itinerary Note: The heading for each days description above shows the approximate time it will take to complete the walk for someone of average to good fitness and includes no provision for rest stops and the days ascent and descent. The planned itinerary can be affected by mountain weather and trail conditions. DAY 1 Arrive Lac de Tzeuzier, walk to Lenk (5hrs, +650m, -850m) You will meet your guide mid morning to start your walk. We recommend you have a pre tour night in Sion (accommodation suggestions can be found in our pre tour information). From Rawil Dam (1778m) we skirt around the lake and ascend alpine meadows to reach the col de Rawill (2429m) to cross into the Bernese Oberland. There is a long descent amidst the limestone walls of the rocky mountain landscape to reach the small settlement of Iffigenalp (1584m). Transfer to Simmenfälle and Lenk. (+650m/2133ft, -850m/2788ft) meals: L,D DAY 2 Walk to Engstligenalp via the Col d Ammerten (2443m) (5hrs, +1300m, - 500m) A beautiful ascent today past the Simmen waterfalls to the Col d Ammerten (2443m). The route takes you through pastures on the slopes of Mt Wildstrubel before the trail descends to Engstligenalp (1964m). (+1300m/4265ft, - 500m/1640ft) DAY 3 DAY 4 Walk to Kandersteg (6hrs, +700m, -1000m) The high limestone walls of the Bernese offers breathtaking views with its stark beauty against the backdrop of Mt Engstilgen. The route takes you over the Chindbetti Pass (2623m). Following time to absorb the view, we descend along a balcony trail with a frontal view of the mountains of l Altels and Balmhorn and then continue to Kandersteg. (+700m/2297ft, - 1000m/3280ft) Ascent of the Hohtürli Pass and descend to Kiental (6hrs, +1600m, -1100m) A beautiful hike to the lake of Oschinen and the mountain pastures of Bägli. In front the Glacier Blüemlisalp is in view as we ascend the Hohtürli pass (2778m) at the foot of the massif Blümlisalp (3663m). The extraordinary glacial cirque of Lake Oeschinensee altitude (1578m) is a just reward for our climbing efforts. One last look at Kandertal before a rapid descent into the Kien valley (Kiental). (+1600m/5250ft, -1100m/3610ft) Page 2
DAY 5 Walk to Mürren Lauterbrunnen (4158m) (6hrs, +1200m, - 900m) Another day of big ascents and descents as you set out this morning from Kiental. Today takes us through some of the most spectacular scenery of the Bernese as we ascend the col de Sefinen (Sefinenfurgge pass). The trail through alpine meadows takes us part small hamlets of chalets decorated with flower boxes in full bloom. From the pass we gain superb views of the Jungfrau (4158m) and the Eiger. Descend to Mürren. (+1200m/3937ft, - 900m/2952ft) DAY 6 DAY 7 Walk to Grindelwald (7-8hrs, +1200m, -1200m) Walking in the alps doesn t get much better than today s hike. The focus of the day is an ascent of the Kleine Scheidegg (2061) and skirting the north faces of the Jungfrau, Mönch and the Eiger (the Maiden, the Monk and the Ogre). These three mountains are perhaps the most famous trio in the world and have challenged climbers for over a century. We follow the passage of the Kleine Scheidegg inspired by the massive walls above us, before reaching Grindelwald. There is the option of taking an alpine train ride. (+1200m/3937ft, -1200m/3937ft) Walk to Meiringen (5hrs, +600m, -600m), trip concludes The final day takes us on an easier but no less spectacular walk to Meiringen, crossing the Grosse Scheidegg (1962m) at the foot of Weitterhorn. The descent to Meiringen takes us over pastures with wildflowers blooming. Trip concludes on arrival in the town. (+600m/1969ft, -600m/1969ft) meals: B,L inclusions 6 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 6 dinners (does not include drinks) continental breakfasts are served and usually consist of breads, jams, coffee, tea and juices. Lunch is picnic style. Dinner will consist of 2 or 3 courses which include regional specialties 6 nights accommodation in mountain refuges and gîte hostels on a dormitory share basis (upgrade to double rooms supplement applies) Luggage transfer by minibus (15kg limit) and some walking transfers Experienced mountain guide items not included Travel to and from the trail head Drinks Items of a personal nature Storage of excess luggage Transfers Travel insurance getting there BY CAR BY TRAIN Driving routes can be accessed via the following websites: www.viamichelin. com Both Sion and Meiringen are accessible by train from points throughout Europe. Obtain timetable information at the Swiss Federal Railway website www.sbb. ch/en We are happy to assist with train passes and ticket reservations. FROM GENEVA there are hourly services from Geneva Airport to Sion. The train takes 2 hours from Geneva airport. From Meiringen you take a local train to Interlaken, change for an intercity to Bern and then another intercity to Geneva Airport journey time is 3.5 4 hours. FROM ZURICH there are hourly services Page 3
BY AIR BY BUS from Zurich Airport to Sion (changing at Visp). The train takes 3 3.5 hours from Zurich airport. From Meiringen you take a local train to Luzern, change for an intercity to Zurich Airport journey time is 2.5 3 hours. Your closest airport is Geneva or Zurich Airport. See above for details of travel from these airports to the start and from the end points. To arrive at Lac de Tzeuzier you need to take a local bus (postal bus) from Sion to Rawil Dam at the lake, via Boytre. Bus timetables are available from May each year. There are a limited number of places available in our vehicle, travelling from Sion train station to the start of the walk. Places are available on a first come first served basis and must be pre booked with. This is a complimentary service. trip grading - moderate to challenging This trip is graded moderate to challenging (4) and includes daily walks of 5 to 8 hours. There are some challenging stages during the walk with steep uphill, descents, and many sections of the trail which require care. The accent is on keeping a steady pace to with time to stop and take photos (subject to weather conditions). You will need a good level of fitness to participate fully in this adventure. It is considered suitable for experienced walkers only. At any time during summer, weather conditions may be variable and you should be prepared for all conditions including snow, ice, strong sun and extreme winds. Adverse conditions can make the walk more challenging. As with all our moderate to challenging programs, we expect participants to be regular outdoors people, enjoying aerobic sport around four or five times a week over some period of time. Preferably this has been a long term interest but if not, you have set a program of fitness preparation with at least three months lead in time to your trip. The fitter you are for your trip, the more of a holiday it will be. Activities as close to the actual activity on your trip are the best training; in this instance walking with and without a pack. This builds leg strength, aerobic capacity and confidence in your ability to travel comfortably with a pack for extended periods. At the same time, you are also comfortable with the layers you like to wear and footwear. dietary requirements Provided we are advised in advance of your departure we are able to cater for vegetarian diets and can assist with medically recommended diets (allergies and intolerances). Please ensure you discuss your requirements with us well in advance (at least 1 month prior to your trip) to determine whether we can cater to such dietary requirements on your chosen adventure. Please note that options are likely to be limited in very remote locations or alternatives may be more expensive or unavailable. There may be times when those with special requirements may need to provide their own food. We are unable to guarantee a peanut free or allergen free trip, and therefore, we strongly encourage that travellers with life threatening or severe allergies take all necessary medical precautions to prepare for the possibility of exposure. Passengers must travel with all necessary medications for food allergies and be capable of self administering these medications. joining instructions Before departure you will receive your meeting point details which includes a bus timetable from Sion to the start of the walk at Rawil Dam. about your group You will be joining a group with a mix of participants from different countries, speaking different languages including English and French and other participants may not speak English. Your tour leader is likely to be a native French speaker who will guide in French and English. We recommend that you take a French phrase book. Page 4
accommodation DURING TOUR Accommodation is on a full board basis starting from lunch on day 1 and finishing at lunch on day 7. The mountain huts that you stay in are dormitory style mixed sex rooms with shared bathrooms but no showers. The gîtes are simple rural retreats, similar to a hostel with mixed sex rooms, shared bathrooms with showers. fast facts COUNTRIES VISITED VISAS Switzerland Visas not required for citizens of Australia, Canada, USA and New Zealand for up to 90 days in a period of 180 days for all Schengen countries (see www. schengenvisainfo.com/schengen visa countries list/ for countries part of the Schengen). Please ensure your passport is stamped on arrival in the Schengen area. For all other nationalities and for longer stays in countries covered by the Schengen Agreement (Australian New Zealand, Canadian and US passport holders), please contact the relevant embassy. Stays of longer than 90 days in the Schengen area require a long stay visa for the country you are spending most time in. However long stay visas are unlikely to be issued unless there is a valid reason (eg. studying in country). Unfortunately we cannot assist in obtaining visas for long stays due to individual country visa requirements. CLIMATE The walking season in the European Alps is short from mid June to mid September and many of the mountain refuges are closed outside this time. In winter parts of the trail are transformed into world class ski runs, evidenced by the comprehensive network of cablecars or téléfériques. Bearing in mind that much of the route is at altitudes of over 1000m, the temperatures can vary significantly. Please note at the beginning of the season you may experience snow and therefore the walking can be harder and slippery underfoot. Temperatures in summer range from around 6 degrees Celsius to 20 degrees Celsius during the day. Afternoon thunderstorms are quite common. At the higher elevations it is important to dress with layers as cold winds and possible snow falls can happen even in summer. MIN GROUP SIZE 8 MAX GROUP SIZE 15 SPECIALIST GEAR REQUIRED Wet weather gear, sunscreen, walking boots, warm clothes, day pack and sun hat walking sticks are recommended. special notes TRIP ORGANISATION Minibuses spare you the worry of carrying your own belongings. There is a 15kg maximum for the bags and any excess will be refused unless prior arrangements have been made, so make sure you weigh it beforehand. Lunches are picnic style and the guide will split the lunch supplies between the group members to carry during the day. The trip begins at Rawil Dam at Lac de Tzeuzier and we will confirm the meeting place and time with you at least 2 months before the departure date, together with the bus schedule from Sion. We have suggestions for pre and post accommodation. Excess luggage needs to be stored at your pre accommodation hotel for collection. If necessary we can arrange for it to be transferred to Meiringen. Ask our office for details. CONFIRMATION OF DEPARTURE The operation of this trip requires a minimum number of participants. Departures can be cancelled up to 3 weeks prior to the trip start date. While the vast majority of departures operate during the season, if there are too few people the trip will be cancelled and we will do all possible to offer you an alternative trip or an alternative departure date. Should the alternatives offered not be suitable we will provide a refund of the trip price only. No further compensation shall be payable. For further details please review our conditions of contract in our brochure. Page 5
how to book To book a UTRACKS trip, complete our booking form which is found at the back of our brochure or can be downloaded from our website www.utracks.com. On completion, fax or post the form to your nearest UTRACKS or World Expeditions office along with full payment by cheque or credit card (note: surcharges apply for credit card payments). World Expeditions/UTRACKS has access to competitive airfares to Europe. Call your nearest UTRACKS/World Expeditions office or travel agent for assistance with your travel arrangements including flights, travel insurance & additional accommodation. follow us https://www.facebook.com/ https://www.instagram.com/utrackstravel/ https://twitter.com/_travel There s even more tips and ideas on our blog at http://www.utracks.com/discover slide shows invites you to attend our inspiring adventure travel slide shows. These special evenings are designed to inform and entertain and are hosted by our most experienced and passionate adventure travellers. Ask our staff for a slide show schedule or register on our website www.utracks.com. Shows can fill early so it is important to register your attendance so we know to save a seat, or two! e-newsletter To keep up to date with our new and exciting adventure opportunities, special promotions and adventure news, subscribe to our monthly e newsletter! You can do this on line through our website, www.utracks. com or contact our office. IMPORTANT NOTE THESE TRIP NOTES REPRESENT THE MOST CURRENT INFORMATION AVAILABLE FOR THIS ITINERARY, AND SUPERSEDE ANY INFORMATION DETAILED IN THE CURRENT BROCHURE, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE ITINERARY AND PRICE. talk to us If you require any further assistance regarding this trip or any other adventure, please contact your nearest UTRACKS or World Expeditions office. Page 6
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