Price includes
: English-speaking guide, all accommodations in half-board treatment, 6 lunches, water and coffee/tea with group meals at hotels or restaurants, local transportation as per the itinerary, luggage transfers, visits to museums and other points of interest as specified in the itinerary
Price does not include
: Air travel, insurance of any kind, gratuities, 1 lunch, any expenses related to travel to/from the trip, visits to museums and other points of interest other than those specified in the itinerary, personal expenses (laundry, sodas or alcoholic beverages, telephone calls etc.). Unused transportation during the tour will not be reimbursed.
Equipment: Because of space limitations on our transfer van, we ask that you limit your luggage to one piece per person. Duffel bags are best.
Switzerland - the Great Walser Trek
A Journey to Freedom in the Alps
The
Great Walser Trek” follows a network of trails, through Switzerland and Italy,
connecting the ancient
migratory routes of the Walser, a people of Germanic origin who crossed
over
high mountain passes in search of sustainable land and freedom from
feudal
lords. It is
believed that the Walser left
their homeland in southwest Germany
and settled in what is known today as the Bernese Oberland, in Switzerland,
around the sixth century a.d., subsequently migrating to a
mountainous
region in the Swiss canton of Valais, where they settled successfully,
contending with the extremes of weather and topography. During feudal
times,
they became vassals and, prompted by a growing population and the
desire to be
free, they accepted the feudal lords’ offers for new land
with hereditary
rights. Once again, they crossed over mountain passes to settle in new
regions
near and far. The Walser communities today are still present
and active
in the Alps. They
have integrated with other
local cultures, but they still speak their unique German dialect, and
their
customs and traditions can still be admired at religious services or
regional
annual festivities. Hiking in the footsteps of these hardy and
determined
people, we explore these trails and remote passages. We visit and
overnight in
villages displaying a wealth of Walser architecture, coming to fully
appreciate
their humble but industrious way of life. We skirt majestic glaciers
and alpine
lakes, enjoy colourful waves of
wildflowers, and impressive views
of some of the highest peaks in the Alps will provide the perfect
setting for
our exciting journey through centuries of history and culture.
Daily program
1
Meiringen Switzerland Meet your trip leader in the
early afternoon at your hotel in Meiringen. Short afternoon hike.
2&3
AareValley
- Valais - Ponte
Hiking on nice alpine trails, we make our way up the AareValley, reach the Grimsel Pass, crossed by the
Walser on their way to the Valais. We continue, skirting glaciers and
alpine lakes, to the GriesPass,
and finally descend into Ponte, the first Walser settlement south of
the Alps. Visit of the
Walser museum.
4&5
Ponte - Fiesch
We explore the FormazzaValley,
hiking through beautiful forests and villages perched half way up the
mountains. We venture into the magnificent Alpe Devero, a
nat’l park and protected area, cross ArbolaPass, and descend into the BinnValley,
famous for its geology and its exemplary Walser buildings.
6
Fiesch
We dedicate today to a spectacular hike along the Aletsch Glacier, the
largest glacier in Eurasia
and one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites. The panoramic trail allows
us to enjoy this expanse of ice from a perfect vantage point. Splendid
views of famous peaks such as Jungfrau, Mönch, and Matterhorn.
7
Fiesch - Münster
The verdant valley of the Goms is dotted with traditional Walser
villages strewn with magnificent “stadels,” the old
granaries. Hiking on a combination of paved paths and trails, we reach
the exquisite village of Münster.
8
Departure The trip ends in Münster. After
breakfast, transfer on your own to the destination of your choice.
