CASTLES
Swiss & Italian Castles throughout the Alps
Much of Switzerland has preserved its medieval heritage perfectly – partly owed to their neutral status during the world wars, and partly because there are so many castles and châteaus throughout this tiny country. While the Valais region was once a part of the Duchy of Savoy, along with the Valle d’Aosta of Italy and the Haute Savoie of France, The rest of Switzerland was wedged between the Austrian Hapsburgs and the Duchy of Burgundy – requiring a lot of strong, high walls.
There are excellent restored and preserved examples of these historic castles throughout Switzerland and the Alps – all within reach for a day-trip from any of our custom itineraries. Some of our favorites are the Stockalpler in Brig, the Schloss in Spiez, Château Chillon near Montreux, and the Chateau Gruyères. And just across the border in the Valle d’Aosta of Italy, the Savoyard castelli are even more prolific – lining the valley, each within sight of those on either side, in various states of restoration. From Castello di Fénis to the Forte di Bard, there are over 70 to explore throughout Aosta.
A fantastic day-trip for fantasy-loving children of all ages, or history buffs, the castles of Switzerland and northern Italy are accessible from any trip to the Alps.
Highlights
- Château Chillon near Montreux, on the shores of Lac Leman
- Château de Gruyères and the medieval hill town of Gruyères overlooking the Pays d'Enhaut
- Countless ruins of Savoy castles in Valais, and well-preserved examples in Valle d'Aosta
- Roman Ruins in Martigny and elsewhere
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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.
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"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
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"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
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"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
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"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
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"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
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“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
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"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
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"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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