SWISS FAMILY HIKING HISTORY & CULTURE
A Swiss Alps Hiking Adventure for All Ages
A family hiking & history tour, taking in some of the best destinations of Switzerland, with a final loop through Italy and France. Start off in the UNESCO heritage city of Bern, capital of Switzerland. Based inside the historic medieval city walls, you’ll be able to wander this small town on the Aare River on foot, exploring the boutiques, cafés, and restaurants in the colonnades and platz. The Paul Klee Museum just across the river is excellent for children, with special programs and hands-on classes. A visit to the Bear Park is another kids’ favorite, and if the weather permits, float-tubing around the city in the river Aare is a local’s secret to cool off and relax in the summertime.
Next up is a trip to Gruyeres by way of the legendary Maison Caillier Chocolate Factory, Broc, where children have the opportunity to make their own chocolates - a dream come true. Then a tour of the Gruyeres Castle, and a traditional fondue lunch at the most classic of cheese chalets. From Gruyeres, head to the home of the Matterhorn, Zermatt.
No trip to the Alps is complete until you have hiked around the world’s most famous mountain, and the various trains, trams, and gondolas that encircle the peak will allow the youngest of mountaineers to gain altitude and enjoy the best views, and even take the lifts down when their legs get tired. With world-class restaurants and refuges on and off the mountain, a great meal is never far away, often with a postcard-perfect view of the Horn. Special kids’ introductory climbing and ropes courses are also possible, as well as a visit to the wonderful Matterhorn Museum. The possibility to spend a night in a Berghotel or classic rustic mountainside chalet, and even a helicopter tour around the famous peak rounds out the program in the Alps’ most historic resort.
From Zermatt, take a private van to the Grand St. Bernard Pass, a route first built by the Romans, and home to the eponymous rescue dogs and 10th Century monastery. Tour the Hospice and kennels at the top of the pass, before a descent to the historic Roman city of Aosta, complete with ruins and views to the glacial peaks surrounding Mont Blanc. Possibility to visit Savoyard thermal baths in Pré St. Didier, tour more castles in the Valle d’Aosta, before finishing the day in the alpine resort of Courmayeur.
The next day, head through the Mont Blanc Tunnel to the French capital of Alpine history, Chamonix - Mont Blanc. Another look at mountain life, this time with a French flair. Based in the Chalets de Philippe, in the tiny hillside village of Le Lavancher, you’ll experience what Haute Savoie life is like - unhurried, bucolic, and truly relaxing. Hiking & whitewater rafting are possible in the adventure capital of the French Alps, or just choose to relax at the chalet or discover the village.
Highlights
- Hikes and excursions for all ages
- Swim or tube in the Aare River around the UNESCO walled city of Bern
- Museum visits: Fine art and local history
- Private chocolate-making atelier at the Cailler Factory in Broc
- Medieval castle tours in Gruyères and in Valle d'Aosta
- Visit to a small alpine dairy for an authentic cheesemaking demonstration and tasting
- St. Bernard Hospice, walk on the Roman Road with the legendary rescue dogs
- Mini mountaineers: Ropes courses and intro-to climbing courses
- Trains, funiculars and cablecars
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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 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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"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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"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.
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