FRANCE & SWITZERLAND
GUIDED WALKING HOLIDAYS IN Dordogne, Burgundy, Mont Blanc and the Swiss Alps
This beautiful walk begins in the rolling hills of the famous food and wine regions of Dordogne and Burgundy. It then continues east to the foot of Europe's highest mountain Mont Blanc with the "piece de resistance" being our last 4 nights in the Swiss Alps walking amidst some of the world's finest alpine scenery.
In the Dordogne we spend our time walking through delightful oak forests, past ancient villages and beside the romantic Dordogne River. You will be surprised by the variety of delicious produce from this area – walnuts, fois gras, black truffles, goat's cheeses and some excellent wines. The Dordogne has a very colourful history dating back to the Stone Age and today has some of France's best-preserved chateaux.
Onto Burgundy – a land of clustered storybook hamlets, medieval chateaux, world-renowned wines and hot mustards! Our walks here, of course, concentrate on trails through some of the most famous vineyards in the world. We also introduce you to some of the lesser known regions near Autun which is renowned for its beautiful deciduous forests and a history dating back to Roman times.
Surely one of Europe's most treasured sights are "the Alps". There is nothing else in the world quite like them. It is not only the sheer grandeur of the towering peaks but it is the cozyness of the hillside villages, the unforgettable display of alpine wildflowers, the sound of cowbells ringing through the valleys and the sight of a welcoming inn as you round a bend on a mountain trail. We base ourselves in Chamonix at the foot of Europe's highest mountain - Mont Blanc. With 310 km of walking tracks, this wonderful alpine area is a walkers' paradise. Here, you also have the opportunity to ride on the world's highest cable car to Aiguille du Midi, 3842m. On a clear day the view is truly unbelievable. You can even catch another cable car across the glacier to Italy for a real Cappuccino!
Our final destination is the famous Bernese Oberland in the Swiss Alps where we have chosen the lovely village of Grindelwald as our base. Marvel at the sheer splendor of Europe's most spectacular mountain scenery. Stroll knee deep in alpine wildflowers and journey to the famous Jungfrau Joch on the highest railway in Europe. A walk not to be missed is the classic ridge walk to the Faulhorn, regarded as one of the top 10 in Switzerland. Our walk concludes in Luzern from where there are good train connections in all directions and flight connections from nearby Zurich International Airport.
OUR HOTELS & CUISINE
In the Dordogne Valley we stay in the beautifully restored Villa Romaine. This immaculate hotel is located only a few hundred meters from the Dordogne River overlooking the valley. Enjoy a pre dinner drink on the terrace and watch the colours of the sandstone buildings fade in the final evening light. Taste the delights of the famous Perigord kitchen as our hosts Emily and David spoil us each evening with some truly memorable meals.
In Burgundy we stay in a venerable old Convent building with manicured French gardens overlooking the old Roman town of Autun. We are conveniently located in a peaceful setting on the edge of the town but an easy stroll into the heart of the bustling market square for a drink after dinner or to purchase our picnic provisions in the morning. The hotel's restaurant offers a choice of classic Burgundy dishes with a huge selection of local wines to choose from.
A warm welcome awaits you in Chamonix. Our hotel is family operated and has a relaxed and personalized atmosphere. Located at the base of the Aiguille du Midi, it has stunning views across the mountains and a pool and garden to enjoy. As they do not operate a restaurant you have the opportunity to sample three lovely restaurants in the town, which we have chosen and another of your choice on your free day.
Our final hotel is in Grindelwald. It has a superb setting overlooking the village with a panorama of some of the most famous mountains in the world including the north face of the Eiger. The Brawand Family has been operating the hotel since 1708 and now Christian and Vera are the 9th generation to manage it. At night enjoy delicious dinners which highlights the influence of the German, Italian and French cuisine. Don't be late for breakfast as the Buffet offers an amazing selection of healthy treats.
Tour combination
Departure dates have been arranged to allow both the "From the Sea to the Summits" and "Discover the Pyrenees" or "Peer Gynt's Trail" walks to be combined.
 TOUR ITINERARY / PRE-DEPARTURE NOTES BOOK THIS TOUR
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“Another walk - the 4th. Didn't know how I'd handle it after so many years and no time to put in pre-walking. The enjoyment of starting out as strangers, gathering together, enjoying the atmosphere, food and walks under the reassuring hand of our guide will fill the mind in the months and years to come. Thank you Graeme. I do hope that I'll have the opportunity to walk in the company of one of the Clarke's again. It's about time we nominated you for one of the great Family Awards.
Yvonne, Cooma, NSW, Australia
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From the sea to the summits
