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BASEL

 

Switzerland's lesser-known city, Basel is Switzerland’s best kept secret, with a impressive medieval town center, several world class art museums built by architects like Renzo Piano, Mario Botta and Herzog & De Meuron, and quite possibly the most impressive Fasnacht (carnival) celebration in Europe. Its history dates back to the Roman Empire, when the city's strategically favorable position led the Romans to station its military forces on the hill now occupied by the cathedral. Today, the architecture reflects the medieval period with some older buildings such as the Romanesque and Gothic Münster church built 1019-1500.

 

Basel functions as a major industrial center for the chemical and pharmaceutical industry, and while this may not be a tourist attraction, the by-product of these industries has been billions of francs in charitable donations towards local museums, historical preservation and infrastructure. A hub for modern art, Basel hosts Art Basel every June, the world's premier fair for contemporary art, and is home to several of Europe’s best collections of modern art and design, from the private collection of Ernst Beyeler at the Foundation Beyeler, to the Vitra Design Museum, housed in Frank Gehry's first European commission, and the Kunstmuseum Basel.

 

A surprisingly “open” city, Basel is know locally as the Dreiländereck (three countries' corner) as it is located where the Swiss, French and German borders meet and reflects the heritage of all three states. Basel is a bicycle-friendly city (beware of the trams), with many well-marked bicycle lanes throughout the city and through out the surrounding countryside touring the Dreiländereck and its regions of Alsace in France and the Black Forest in Germany.

 

Basel has become one of our favorite cultural destinations. From the annual Christmas markets, which are among the best in Europe, to the world-class collections of art, and the overall open and relaxed vibe of the old town, Basel is an unexpected treasure. Come take in a Champions’ League football match at FC Basel’s storied St. Jakob Park stadium, or have a brunch along the River Rhine at the 5* Hotel Trois Rois, one of Switzerland’s best. 

 

  • Art Basel, the premier expo and sale of Contemporary Art in the world, held every June
  • Basel World, the Swiss Watch Industry's expo for Haute Horlogerie
  • Excellent Christmas Markets, holiday ambiance and gift shopping
  • 3-Countries bike tour to Alsace and the Black Forest
  • Hotel Trois Rois, one of the best in Europe, on the banks of the Rhine
Basel
 
 

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WHAT WE DO

Epic Europe is a luxury experiential adventure travel operator based in the Swiss Alps.


Epic Europe specializes in private bespoke itineraries for small groups. Experiencing the best of each region, from interacting with the local people and enjoying authentic regional food and wine, as well as time-honored traditions and festivals, to recreating in the alpine landscape, and truly understanding why the Alps are the birthplace of adventure travel. From custom ski, hiking, or cycling trips to building in city tours, cultural itineraries, or gastronomic discovery, these award-winning, multi-dimensional trips are tailored to our clients' wishes every time, and are not packaged tours. From Switzerland, Italy, and France's Alps, to world-class cultural cities and larger towns, Epic Europe can design a tailored adventure that fulfills your every need. 

  • "I would have to say that Verbier and Zermatt might be the best places I have ever ridden a mountain bike, and I couldn't imagine going without the help of Epic Europe's guides. It was a dream trip for sure." - B.S., PA USA
  • "Hiking in the Alps has always been on my bucket list, but I wasn't sure that a typical trip was my style. Epic Europe designed a custom route for our group, staying in the best little inns and hotels, and we felt like we had the trails to ourselves. I will come back again and again to explore new trails with their guides every year that I can!" - R.B., NY USA
  • “The team at Epic Europe created the most incredible trip for us, where everything came together seamlessly, and we never had to think about what came next - it just magically happened as if it was meant to be. That takes real talent, and they make it look easy." - B.N., WY USA
  • "Our family spent last Christmas in Zermatt on a bespoke Epic Europe ski trip. The special thought and care that they put into our holiday made it our best yet." - L.M.; CA USA
  • "Epic Europe's custom road biking trip that they put together for my buddy's bachelor party was great - the right combination of killer rides, great hotels, and outstanding restaurants. Great guides, and overall a perfect trip." - A.S., London UK
  • "Epic Europe has coordinated several corporate events for us over the past 5 years, and I cannot imagine a more professional operation to handle all of the details. From a team-building event for 50 people in a 17th-century castle atop a mountain pass, to marketing conferences and catalog shoots, their knowledge of the best locations in the Alps is second-to-none, and they are as good as it gets at being creative." - E.P., Lugano CH
  • "I have done trips in the Alps and surrounding regions with Epic Europe for the past 4 years, and every one has been unique and surpassed the last. The experiences that they deliver due to their personal relationships are a window into the real life in these incredible locations, and they share these friendships with us." - K.B., CT USA
  • "A day of heliskiing in Italy culminated with a sunset run off the Breuil saddle of the Matterhorn - one of the most thrilling runs of my life - and we left our tracks in a place where they remained for a week afterward, reminding us of the best day of skiing in our life!" - WG, CT USA

PROCESS

Would you like more information, or to have us create a tailored trip for you? We would be glad to begin the design process for your ultimate experience in the Alps. 


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