Activity Level 4
Be prepared for some serious physical activity on our Level 4 trips. The fitter you are, the more you'll enjoy it, as most hikes will be challenging.
Read more about the Active Range
Price (Includes taxes and fees)
from USD 7599/per adult
Operated by our sister brand Active Adventures
Activity Level 1
Suitable for most fitness levels, our Level 1 adventures are the perfect introduction to adventure travel.
You'll typically experience two half day activities per day, done at an easygoing pace.
Activity Level 2
Hikes on our Level 2 adventures are considered easy to moderate in difficulty.
Those who enjoy half-day hikes with enough elevation gain to elevate their heart rate will enjoy these adventures.
Activity Level 3
Those who take on our Level 3 tours are looking for more challenging hikes that will raise their heart rate.
While not our most strenuous trips, you'll definitely feel accomplished after a day on the trails. A solid base of fitness is advised.
Activity Level 4
Be prepared for some serious physical activity on our Level 4 trips. The fitter you are, the more you'll enjoy it, as most hikes will be challenging.
Hikes may include rock scrambling, river crossings, and off trail adventures.
Activity Level 5
On our Level 5 trips get ready to conquer back-to-back days of long hikes or summitting peaks at altitude.
We require a high level of fitness as adventurers will be met with plenty of challenges and sometimes extreme conditions.
From the pink hues of the sun rising on Monte Rosa (Italy’s second highest peak), to the steely grays of the great granite cliffs, to the pure white of the snow-covered Matterhorn and surrounding glaciers, to the inky blue alpine lakes; this adventure is a treat for the senses! Experience the beauty of hiking epic mountain trails, soar above breathtaking landscapes on dramatic cable car rides, e-bike through larch-scented woodlands, and kayak pristine lakes - all the while enjoying charming alpine culture. At the end of each action-packed day, you can sit back with a well-earned drink – and we can’t travel to Italy and Switzerland without mentioning the cuisine! Fresh pasta, Swiss fondu, local cheeses, tasty traditional dishes, all washed down with Italian wines, served in delightful chalet-style hotels with stunning mountain views.
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Our Trip Itinerary contains all the exciting details you can expect to do on our trips. Get a clear picture of the adventures on this trip.
DOWNLOAD ITINERARY PDFDay 1
After we meet this morning, we’ll transfer to Varallo for a visit to the world heritage site of impressive Sacro Monte perched atop a ridge overlooking the village. We’ll enjoy a tasty snack before continuing to the beautiful mountain village of Alagna.
After checking into the hotel, we’ll settle in with a welcome drink, and briefing session complete with a packing check in preparation for the next few days’ hiking.
Accommodation: Hotel Monte Rosa, Alagna
Meals: Dinner
Day 2
It’s our warm-up day! From Alagna Valsesia we’ll transfer by cable car to Passo dei Salati at 9,514 feet (2,900 meters). After a short acclimatization stop, the descent will begin to Staffal, sitting at 6,070 feet (1,850 meters) in the Lys Valley. We’ll then board another spectacular cable car ride to ascend to Sant’Anna to start the trek, following the path upward to Colle della Bettaforca. Note there is also the option to reach this destination by lifts!
We’ll begin the descent to our accommodations for the night, the Rifugio Ferraro where we will enjoy a wonderful local dinner.
Accommodation: Rifugio Ferraro
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Elevation: Rifugio Ferraro - 6,798 feet (2,072 meters)
Hiking: 4.3 miles (7 kilometers), 2-3 hours
Elevation Gain/Loss: 1,804 feet (550 meters) ascent, -2,133 feet (650 meters) descent
Day 3
Awakening to the crisp mountain air, we’ll enjoy a tasty breakfast before descending to Piani di Verra. Next we’ll ascend along the beautiful Curtoz Valley to reach Colle delle Cime Bianche at 9,495 feet (2,894 meters). The ‘up and down’ continues with a short descent then ascent by cable car to the mountain of Testa Grigia - literally “gray head” – at 11,417 feet (3,480 meters). It’s time to farewell Italy for a few days as we cross the border to Switzerland by descending into the Zermatt Valley.
After soaring over the Teodul Glethscer (Theodul Glacier) to Trockener Steg at 9,642 feet (2,939 meters), we’ll then continue by cable car to the picturesque village of Zermatt. There is the option from Testa Grigia of continuing to Zermatt using the lifts to the Little Matterhorn at an altitude of 12,740 feet (3,883 meters).
Tonight we’ll enjoy a traditional Swiss dinner in town!
Accommodation: Hotel Base Camp Zermatt
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hiking: 10.6 miles (17 kilometers), 5-7 hours
Elevation Gain/Loss: 3,937 feet (1,200 meters) ascent, 2,789 feet (850 meters) descent
Day 4
You are in for a treat today as we transfer by minibus to Täschalp at 7,119 feet (2,170 meters) to hike along the scenic ‘Europaweg’ to Grächen. The Europaweg trail is considered to be one of the most beautiful hikes in the world, and offers panoramic mountain views including the iconic Matterhorn. Along the way we cross the spectacular ‘Charles Kuonen Bridge’ which is a third of a mile (half a kilometer) in length, and continue to the Europahütte, nestled in the heart of a larch forest.
We’ll refuel with a snack before descending to Täsch and returning to Grächen for the night.
Accommodation: Hotel Active Grachen
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Elevation: Grächen 5,315 feet (1,620 meters)
Hiking: 8 miles (13 kilometers), 4-5 hours
Elevation Gain/Loss: 2,297 feet (700 meters) ascent, 4,528 feet (1,380 meters) descent
Day 5
The picturesque Saastal region beckons today! We’ll head up the valley along the scenic ‘Altavia’ - Grächen to Saas Fee trail - at an elevation of 5,814 feet (1,772 meters).
The trail continues to descend to Saas Grund where we’ll check into our hotel to enjoy a well-earned Swiss meal.
Accommodation: Hotel Monte Moro Saas Almagell
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Elevation: Saas Grund 5,115 feet (1,559 meters)
Hiking: 12.4 miles (20 kilometers), 5-7 hours
Elevation Gain/Loss: 4,101 feet (1,250 meters) ascent, 1,050 feet (3,445 meters) descent
Day 6
From Saas Grund, we start the trek from the Mattmark Reservoir, following the Saastal to reach the Monte Moro Pass at 9,410 feet (2,868 meters). We’ll then take the cable car back to Italy, to descend to the charming village of Macugnaga.
After checking into the hotel, we’ll relish some delicious Italian cuisine in spectacular alpine surroundings.
Accommodation: Hotel Flora Macugnaga
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Elevation: Macugnaga - 4,288 feet (1,307 meters)
Hiking: 5 miles (8 kilometers), 3-4 hours
Elevation Gain/Loss: 2,297 feet (700 meters) ascent, -328 feet (100 meters) descent
Day 7
The hiking boots are swapped out for some pedaling action today! After a short drive along the valley to the village of Piedimulera, we will take our E-bikes for a guided tour along the Toce River to the medieval village of Vogogna. Post-card perfect Vogogna is listed as one of the most beautiful villages in Italy, amidst the protected woodland reserve of Ornavasso and the beautiful lake of Mergozzo.
After the ride we will drive to Orta San Giulio on the banks of the magnificent Lake Orta and celebrate with a beautiful dinner on the terrace of the hotel.
Accommodation: Hotel Il Bocciolo Orta
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Biking: 12.4 miles (20 kilometers), 3 hours
Day 8
Today we’ll take to the water kayaking Lake Orta! This is a stunning experience meandering between the lake coastline, and the sensational villas overlooking it. We’ll kayak to the island of San Giulio for a break, and then continue to Orta San Giulio.
We’ll end that day on Bagnera Beach at the Circolo Canottieri Lago d'Orta for our last meal together, reflecting on the incredible adventure of the past eight days.
Accommodation: Hotel Il Bocciolo Orta
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Kayaking: Approximately 6 miles (10 kilometers), 2-3 hours
Day 9
After a hearty breakfast, it’s time to transfer to Malpensa airport where we’ll say “ciao!”
Accommodation: Not applicable
Meals: Breakfast
By paying in full we are able to pass on savings to our guests, but please note that by opting for this payment plan, your booking becomes non-refundable, non-cancellable, and non-changeable. This offer is only valid for reservations where the trip is no sooner than 180 days from the departure date at time of booking.
We highly recommend that you purchase Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) insurance. We recommend Redpoint Insurance - you can find details here.
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With an average of 12 guests per departure and an industry-leading average 6:1 guest-to-guide ratio, you’ll enjoy a highly personalized experience.
It’s so much easier to relax and enjoy your adventure when you have fun, caring guides who know the land, sweat all the details and whip up incredible meals, too!
When we say all inclusive, we mean it! Meals and snacks, activities, lodging, transportation, guiding services and more. All you need to do is show up!
Every aspect of your trip is thoroughly considered for your safety, from highly vetted partners and well-maintained equipment to extensively trained guides.
Family travel and North American National Parks are our specialty. We’ve perfected our itineraries for decades, ensuring you'll experience your destination to the fullest.
For us, the extra mile is never extra, it’s part of the way! Count on special touches throughout your trip that will amplify your experience.
