CULTURE OVERVIEW
Central Europe has been a crossroads of history for thousands of years, and the Alps formed a natural east-west barrier across the continent, concentrating different cultures in every valley, and allowing them to interact through every mountain pass. What you lack in terms of grand classic cities, is made up for in totally unique and isolated pockets of diversity – valleys in Italy where they only speak French; pagan traditions and rituals in a remote part of Switzerland; a little-used patois dialect that is a mix of Latin and German and Italian.
Whether you find it in fine woodworking, a hand-forged cowbell, or a Swiss watch, each region has a special craft that they are known for, and is as much a fabric of their society and culture as their language. Architectural traditions like the painted chalets in the Saanenland, or dry-stone Walser huts in Monterosa are just as important to the history as modern designs of Peter Zumthor and Herzog & De Meuron or Heinz Julen in Zermatt. And just as impressionist art was taking off elsewhere in Europe, Segantini and Vallet were doing the same style paintings of their local Alps in the Engadin and Valais. Bern’s own Paul Klee has one of the great galleries with his best works just on the edge of the capital city in a museum designed by Renzo Piano.
Since the Alps have been a tourism hub for over a century, there are world-class collections in many resorts, or nearby – but the great museums and festivals of Europe are never far away – from Art Basel to the Montreux Jazz Festival. Or jump on a train and be in Milan or Paris in a matter of hours. While we can design culture or event-specific itineraries for any request, we can also build in a day or several days’ of cultural experiences to all trips.
Highlights
- Incredibly diverse cultures in a relatively small country - languages, culinary traditions, art & architecture
- World-class events like Montreux Jazz Fest, Art Basel, and more
- Pristine medieval castles, towns & villages, Roman ruins, UNESCO heritage sites
- Incredibly efficient trains and public transport
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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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"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 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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"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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"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
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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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"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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"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
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.
Please get in touch using the form below. Fields marked with a * are required.