HARVEST HIKING TOUR
Commencing on the shores of Lac Leman amongst the 1000 year old terraced vineyards of the Lavaux UNESCO region. Late September is prime season for the local vintners, and many will be in the midst of harvest and wine making - passing through medieval villages on foot, the air is filled with the aroma of crushed grapes and the beginning stages of fermentation.
Catch the train from the lake to the mountains, for 2 days under the Matterhorn in Zermatt. Whether you will spend your days meandering through small farming villages and enjoying some of the best mountain food in the world, or aim for a summit of a 4000m peak, the backdrop this time of year is always spectacular, with the changing trees and new fallen snow on the high mountains.
After a warm up in Zermatt, get off the beaten path with a “through” hike into one of the lesser known valleys of the Alps - the Turtmanntal, and on to the beautiful Val d’Anniviers & St Luc, one of the best-preserved villages in the Valais. The Belle Epoque Hotel Bella Tola will be a welcome respite after 2 days of hiking; rest and recuperate in the spa and enjoy a special diner of wild game and local seasonal specialties.
Wrap up the week getting to the source of the region’s food and wine, a visit to Sion’s Friday market: lunch and wine tasting on an ancient waterway, cheese making at a small mountain fromagerie, foraging for wild foods, and the biggest cheese event of the year - “Bagnes Capitale du Raclette”, a celebration of the end of the grazing season and the Swiss specialty raclette, where the local pride is palpable!
Highlights
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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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"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 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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"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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"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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"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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“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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"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
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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