Dordogne, Burgundy, Mont Blanc, Swiss Alps

From the Sea to the Summits

  • 16 Days
  • France & Switzerland
  • Moderate

Moderate: Designed for hikers with some experience, offering longer trails and varied terrain.

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From the sea to the summits

Highlights

  • Dordogne's Charm: Wander through enchanting oak forests, ancient villages and alongside the picturesque Dordogne River. Discover regional delights like walnuts, foie gras and black truffles all while soaking in the area's rich history and beautifully preserved chateaux.
  • Burgundy Bliss: Explore storybook hamlets and medieval chateaux amid world-renowned vineyards. Enjoy trails through Burgundy's famous wine regions and uncover the scenic and historic gems near Autun's beautiful forests.
  • Alps Splendor: Experience the breathtaking beauty of the Alps from Chamonix where you can walk 310 kms of trails, ride the world’s highest cable car to Aiguille du Midi and even visit Italy for a cappuccino across the glacier.
  • Bernese Oberland Adventure: Base yourself in the charming village of Grindelwald and be amazed by Europe’s most stunning mountain scenery. Enjoy alpine wildflower strolls, a ride on the highest railway to Jungfrau Joch and a renowned ridge walk to Faulhorn.
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Overview

Embark on an enchanting journey through some of Europe’s most picturesque landscapes, beginning in the renowned food and wine regions of Dordogne and Burgundy. The adventure continues eastward to the majestic Mont Blanc, culminating in four unforgettable nights in the Swiss Alps, surrounded by some of the world’s most breathtaking alpine scenery. Our journey starts in the Dordogne, where we explore lush oak forests, ancient villages, and the charming Dordogne River. This region, famous for its rich culinary traditions, offers an array of delectable local produce including walnuts, foie gras, black truffles, goat cheeses, and exquisite wines. The Dordogne’s vibrant history stretches back to the Stone Age, and it boasts some of France’s most well-preserved châteaux. Next, we venture into Burgundy, a region characterised by its picturesque hamlets, medieval châteaux, celebrated wines, and distinctive mustards. Our walks here meander through world-famous vineyards and also take you to the lesser-known areas around Autun, renowned for its beautiful deciduous forests and Roman heritage. The Alps, undeniably one of Europe’s greatest treasures, await. The dramatic peaks, cosy hillside villages, vibrant alpine wildflowers, and the melodious sound of cowbells create an unparalleled experience. As you navigate the mountain trails, the sight of a welcoming inn around each bend adds to the charm. We base ourselves in Chamonix, nestled at the foot of Mont Blanc, Europe’s highest mountain. With 310 km of walking tracks, this alpine paradise offers exceptional hiking opportunities. You’ll also have the chance to ride the world’s highest cable car to Aiguille du Midi, standing at 3,842 metres. On clear days, the views are nothing short of spectacular. For an added treat, consider a cable car journey across the glacier to Italy for an authentic cappuccino. Our journey concludes in the stunning Bernese Oberland of the Swiss Alps, with the picturesque village of Grindelwald as our base. Here, you can marvel at Europe’s most spectacular mountain scenery, stroll through meadows of alpine wildflowers, and embark on the renowned Jungfrau Joch railway, the highest in Europe. Don’t miss the classic ridge walk to the Faulhorn, regarded as one of Switzerland’s top hikes. Our adventure wraps up in Luzern, well-connected by train and a short distance from Zurich International Airport for convenient onward travel.
Hotels & Cuisine

In the Dordogne Valley, we stay at the elegant Villa Romaine, a beautifully restored property just a few hundred metres from the Dordogne River. Enjoy pre-dinner drinks on the terrace as the golden hues of the sandstone buildings fade with the setting sun. Each evening, our gracious hosts, Emily and David, will delight us with exquisite meals inspired by the renowned Perigord cuisine, ensuring a truly memorable dining experience.

Our accommodation in Burgundy is a charming 18th-century farmhouse, situated in a tranquil village on the outskirts of Beaune. Lovingly restored, this idyllic retreat offers a peaceful setting with a delightful garden and terrace, perfect for a leisurely breakfast. In the evening, relax with an aperitif in the courtyard before dining at one of four superb local restaurants, where you’ll savour the finest Burgundy cuisine, accompanied by the region’s celebrated Chardonnay and Pinot Noir wines.

In Chamonix, our family-run hotel is set at the foot of the Aiguille du Midi, offering a relaxed, personalised atmosphere with spectacular mountain views. While the hotel does not have a restaurant, we have curated a selection of three exceptional dining options for you in town, with an additional evening free for you to explore a restaurant of your choice.

Finally, in Grindelwald, our hotel is perfectly positioned above the village, offering sweeping views of the iconic Eiger and surrounding peaks. Run by the Brawand family since 1708, this historic hotel is now in its ninth generation of management under Christian and Vera. Each night, indulge in gourmet dinners inspired by German, Italian, and French cuisine. Be sure to start your day with the hotel’s outstanding breakfast buffet, offering a wide selection of healthy and delicious options.

This journey promises an exceptional blend of luxury, hospitality, and regional culinary delights, set against some of Europe’s most spectacular landscapes.

For this journey, we’ll be traveling comfortably in spacious 9-seater minivans. These vehicles are perfect for accommodating our group, allowing ample room for luggage and personal space while ensuring we stay together as we explore various destinations. The minivans are well-equipped with modern amenities, providing a smooth and convenient ride across Europe’s scenic roads. Their size and flexibility make them ideal for navigating both bustling city streets and rural landscapes, ensuring we can reach even the most remote and charming locations with ease.

Carsac-Aillac

Hotel La Villa Romaine

beaune

Hotel Le Clos

Chamonix - mont blanc

Hotel L'Oustalet

Grindelwald

Hotel Kirchbühl Superior

begins

08 September 2026

Bordeaux, France

ends

23 September 2026
Luzern, Switzerland

Price

6,665 €

Single supplement

975 €
enquire

begins

08 September 2027

Bordeaux, France

ends

23 September 2027
Luzern, Switzerland

Price

AU$ 11,290

Single supplement

AU$ 1,650
enquire
I was lucky enough to join Graeme and Pascal on the Sea to Summit tour in June 2015, it was an adventure from start to finish that I didn't want to end. From the wonderful wine regions of France, to the beauty and friendlyness of Chamonix, the magical Swiss Alps and everything inbetween it certainly met my expectations and so much more. The professionalism of our tour guides would be very hard to beat, they always had plan B, C and D to ensure everyone's needs were met. It didn't matter if you were the leader of the pack or strolling along at the rear snapping the multitudes of alpine flowers your needs were catered for. Some of our group were unfortunate enough to fall ill during our tour, this was handled in the best possible way to ensure minimal disruption to the group. Oh, did I forget to mention the food... so much delicious food at a variety of amazing restaurants and hotels. I can't say enough about my trip, the group of 16 was the ideal size, the guides were very efficient, helpful, professional and knowledgeable, the selected hotels were great, food amazing and lots of it, I felt very safe traveling (which was very important to me). All of the above helped me have a holiday of a lifetime, one I would surely recommend whether you are planning to travel on your own or with a group of friends. I would be happy to communicate with anyone wanting to know more about my wonderful Walkabout Gourmet holiday.
GayeUlverstone, Australia
"The Sea to Summits Tour" with our experienced guide, Graeme, took our group of 7 through the most beautiful towns of France and Switzerland , amazing historic sites, vineyards, then on to forests, mountain lakes, cascading volcanic mountain streams, and of course breathtaking mountain peaks of beautiful Europe. We stayed in four venues over the 16 days ( and whipped along the freeways in a great auto ) - all venues were unique and we were so well looked after ! Our meals were always excellent with big breakfast spreads, then off to supermarket for packing mountain lunches, then at days end back home for divine dinners cuisine ( I may never bother cooking again ) The hiking experience was really active and everyone got into an amazing stride as it were , ( always ready for a wee rest ) and laughed and excelled. Every day opened new experiences and for myself seeing variety of nature of mountains as never before. Thank you so much to all my wonderful happy travel mates. And to Graeme and Walkabout Gourmet Adventures. For those interested in the peaks , come along with a well worn pair of shoes , and good appetite and have an absolute ball !!
JoanSydney, Australia
The tour was amazing from start to finish. We had perfect weather for walking, in the Swiss alps from Grindelwald and the French Alps in Chamonix. Cable car ride to the Top of Europe and the Aiguilles du Midi as well was just magic. The trails were challenging but the rewards so satisfying. Walking in the Soane valley through beautiful vineyards around Beaune was a complete contrast. There is so much history to enjoy as well with a visit to Cluny and Hotel Dieu. A delicious and informative wine tasting rounded off the time there. Further west into the Dordogne through lovely villages was a real treat. Our accommodation was superb, and having four nights in each location meant less packing and more time to relax at the end of each walking day with aperitives and a special dinner. Graeme is a wonderful, thoughtful guide, so helpful and knowledgeable about each place we visited. A truly memorable experience.
DeniseSydney, Australia
As repeat Walkabout guests, we once again thoroughly enjoyed our adventure exploring the spectacular mountains of Switzerland, where you really do hear the cowbells constantly ringing. Our view of the Eiger from our hotel room was special. The walking tracks in the Chamonix area in France, with Mont Blanc as our constant companion were also spectacular. Travelling west across the beautiful countryside with their numerous vineyards and farmlands to the Burgundy area and then continuing on to the Bordeaux area with a great bunch of travel companions was truly memorable. Graeme once again was a wonderful guide. Our hotel accommodation, picnics, gourmet dinners and travelling between areas exceeded our expectations. If anyone is looking for a well organized walking adventure with flexibility, we would honestly have no hesitation in recommending joining a Walkabout adventure - you will have no regrets!
Davina & Stuart Brisbane, Australia
110% wow factor! This was an exhilarating exploration of the exquisite Swiss and French alps, the vines and wines of Burgundy and the lush fields and forests of the Dordogne. We had energising walking, fascinating local sites, superb accommodation, delectable regional food and wine, the friendliest of travel companions and skilled, easy going Graeme - our guide who ensured smooth running and enjoyment of everything. A very special learning experience. Thank you. It was the BEST!
HelenAdelaide, Australia
Many thanks Graeme for this fabulous journey of discovery through the Swiss and French Alps, the Chamonix Valley, Burgundy, the Dordogne area and Bordeaux. It was truly an unforgettable experience as many of the landscapes we covered were quite magical and awe inspiring and on each and every day of walking we came across a range of new and differing vistas and landscapes. We never knew what was around each corner! The accomodation and meals were superb. I feel so grateful to you as team leader and our team of walkers for this fabulous experience. The organisation of the trip, the attention to detail, the responsive care of each member of the team was faultless. Thank you.
JenniferGold Coast, Australia
What a great holiday. The scenery through France and Switzerland was breathtaking, and the accommodation and food first class. Thanks to all our group for making this a truly memorable holiday, and a special thanks to Graeme and Dom our guides.
LaurieGold Coast, Australia
Now in my mid seventies, I have enjoyed about a dozen different tours with WGA. For me, this is one of the best. Starting with easier scenic walks it builds as one's fitness improves. By the time encountered the tougher French and Swiss Alps we were strong enough to really the walks and the vistas. As a bonus, the food was very good and the company great.
RobertNorth Manly, Australia
Another spectacular walking adventure in Europe, our third one. Every detail was well planned which made it very relaxing and enjoyable. Our very knowledgeable and helpful guides Graeme and Pascal, led us through France and Switzerland without us needing to organise anything. Thanks again for a worry free holiday. The scenery was varied from open grasslands, alpine meadows with wild flowers to snow-capped mountains and we walked amongst them all. We had many chances to explore the villages we came across during the trip. Each walking day took us to a new area with panoramic views over the country side. Some of the best we have ever seen. Walking amongst the snow in the Swiss Alps was a highlight for us Queenslanders. We looked forward to the picnic lunches we had in various locations along the way. The cable car and cog rail rides were spectacular to say the least. The accommodation and meals were amazing, well thought out and planned. Our walking group and guides were great company all the way which enhanced our adventure and holiday!
John & CherylHervey Bay, Australia
Amazing trip and thank you Graeme and Pascal! The weather, size of group, trails, hotels and food were all really great. Coming back to a WGA is like rejoining a familiar family and the other guests are always like you've known them before. One suggestion is to split the group into two on big days (with a guide each) to do a fast or less fast pace. Otherwise it was all very nice!
LysiaSydney, Australia
Thank you Graeme and Gabriela for offering the Sea to Summit in reverse this year, we feel it worked really well for our group of eight like minded fellow walkers. We started with the majestic mountains of Switzerland and France with their challenging walks and breathtaking views all made easier with the help and encouragement of our new found friend and guide Pascal. We finished our tour in the beautiful vineyards and fields of the Dordogne Valley. This walk should be on everyone's list of things they must do, we couldn't fault it. Thank you once again Graeme, Gabriella and Pascal for this wonderful experience.
Gary & SandraHervey Bay, Australia
This was our 3rd walk with Walkabout Gourmet and thoroughly enjoyed it as we did the other two. Graeme is a terrific guide and we love the way the trips are organised so the walks give variety and a wonderful look at each area. The mountains were breathtaking and loved everything. Its so nice to be able to turn up on day one and know everything is organised just the way you would like it if you had spent months organizing the itinerary yourself. Relax and have a holiday.
JanetBrisbane, Australia
What a fabulous way to sample the food, wine, culture and countryside of France and Switzerland. Walking through the fertile farmland and vineyards of the Dordogne and Burgundy, and hiking in the French and Swiss Alps was sensational and we were lucky enough to share our experiences with a terrific group of people. Fortunately the walks counteracted some of the kilojoules consumed at the wonderful restaurants, and the standard of the accommodation was high. A big thank you to Graeme and Pascal for their guiding and friendship, and to our fellow walkers for their great company.
Jane & Daryl Canberra, Australia
It was a wonderful holiday, well thought out walks in spectacular countryside married with amazing food, typical of the area we were in. The hotels were delightful & thank you Graeme & Pascale for being such wonderful guides especially as we had so many "sickies" to contend with.
Margaret Tasmania, Australia
What amazing and wonderful memories we have tucked away of 16 glorious days exploring 4 distinct regions - with stimulation of all senses scenically, culturally, historically, gastronomically, bibulously and socially. Our metaphoric hats off to our 2 magnificent guides who seamlessly arranged for the days just to unfold from one delight to the next - even on the rare wet days we encountered.
Janet Melbourne, Australia
Graeme, our expert, friendly and very patient guide, created happiest memories for us all. Memories I cherish for the rest of my life. The landscape of places we visited, the walks we did in the soft forests (forest bathing) and the hikes in iconic French and Swiss Alps were exhilaratingly gruelling but exceedingly satisfying. The accommodations we stayed at were all lovely in their unique ways. A lot of thought had gone into the selection of restaurants we dined at with authentic local food. Our group of 7 gelled quickly creating a very supportive and friendly environment to really enjoy this “adventure”. Thank you Graeme and the team for making it possible.
AcramBrisbane, Australia
This tour was really impressive, starting in the beautiful Dordogne area, with its lovely fertile valley. Then the vineyards of Burgundy with their thousands of hectares of grapes. Then the spectacular scenery at Chamonix , Monte Blanc ,glaciers this only became better when we reached Grindelwald and had the north face of the Eiger outside the dining room window. Beautiful meadows, cows with bells ringing, just as you would expect in the mountains of Switzerland. One of the nicest parts of the trip was the company of such nice people from all over Australia and a lot of different backgrounds.
Peter Narromine, Australia
Thank you. I loved every minute if the walk. The Dordogne was lovely as always, food sensational. The Burgundy region was delightful for both walking and the food. The absolute highlight for me were the French and Swiss alp walks. What stunning areas! I could walk there for weeks it is so wonderful. Finally the accommodation, the great company made it very special. I look forward to the next walk!
Sandy Port Melbourne, Australia
Fabulous. Well planned with great accommodation And consideration given to all special needs.
AnnetteBrisbane, Australia
A wonderful trip. Excellent and interesting accommodations and dinners, superb food and Graeme as always is such a good guide and friend.
ErnstCanberra, Australia
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