Epic Europe

HISTORY

 

While the core of the Swiss Confederation has been fiercely independent of Europe since 1291, the country’s position made it a crossroads for every era of civilization on the European continent. Roman ruins still exist throughout Switzerland, from Martigny at the foot of the St. Bernard Pass, to the well-restored amphitheater at Augst near Basel. Legends of Hannibal’s armies of elephants crossing the Alps followed, then nearly every campaign through Napoleon, whose troops famously drank the St. Bernard Monastery dry of their wine.

 

Partly due to their neutrality during the world wars, Switzerland’s historic architecture and medieval ruins are still well-preserved, and offer a glimpse into the middle ages, whether in rural castles and chateaus, or the colonnaded cities like Bern and Basel, as well as smaller towns.

 

Religious history has also played a huge part in Switzerland’s past – from the Priory of Sion, the northern outpost of the Roman Catholic Church during the middle ages, to the Protestant reformation, based in Zurich and Geneva, where you can visit the churches where Zwingli and Calvin preached their doctrine.

 

And just as important is the history of alpinism, as the Swiss Alps became ground zero in the late 1800’s for the conquering of peaks that gained international fame. Beginning in 1865, with Edward Whymper (led by his local Zermatt mountain guides) and the first ascent of the Matterhorn, the Alps became a tourist attraction for climbers, walkers, and health-seekers alike.  

Highlights

  • Castles, churches, medieval villages all perfectly preserved
  • History of the Reformation in Geneva, Holy Roman Empire in Sion
  • Roman ruins throughout the country
  • Excellent museums from Zermatt's Matterhorn Museum to the Zentrum Paul Klee
History
 
 

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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. 

  • "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
  • "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
  • "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
  • "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
  • "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
  • “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
  • "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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