A memorable tour is like a well written story.
It has a beginning, a middle and an end.
It has a nice, smooth, engaging pace, without rushing.
There are memorable moments and it leaves an echo.
And I have personally chosen An Alpine Adventure, in the French and Swiss Alps, as our next tour for readers, in partnership with Albatross Tours.
It brings together the Alpine region beautifully, and visits many of my favourite places. Every turn reveals snow-capped summits and panoramas, and it offers a deeper connection to the Alps.
The 16-day tour starts in Zurich on August 29, 2027, and I intend to join for the first four nights.
But, before we go, there will be pre-departure event, so that everyone can prepare for what’s ahead, and make new friends.
The group will have a maximum of 28 travellers.
OFF WE GO…
The pace is slow and considered. Three nights in the beautiful Chamonix valley.
Then comes the classic mountain trio of Mont Blanc, the Eiger and the Matterhorn.
There are three nights in Grindelwald and a day’s expedition to Jungfraujoch — a dramatic day up to a saddle connecting two major 4000m mountains in the Bernese Alps.
And I love the trip on the Glacier Express train, which comes next. Our readers will ride in panoramic carriages through the Alps.
Yes, the tour’s pace is like reading an engaging but languid story.
Just think, four nights Lake Garda, staying in Bardolino. What a way to wrap it up, before the final leg to Milan.
After the first night in Zurich, there are three in Chamonix, three in Grindelwald, two in Zermatt, two in Klosters and four in Bardolino.
Highlights include a day on the Jungfrau Railway to the highest station in Europe, a trip on the Glacier Express, and a long stay by Lake Garda.
WHAT’S INCLUDED
+ Fully escorted by an experienced Tour Manager.
+ Travel in a first-class air-conditioned touring coach.
+ 23 meals, including breakfast daily.
+ Lake Garda wine estate lunch.
+ Seven evening meals.
+ A complimentary glass of wine, beer or soft drink with all included dinners.
+ Hotel porterage of one bag per person (where available).
+ 15 nights at specially selected hotel accommodation.
+ Free wi-fi at most hotels.
+ Local specialist guides.
+ Cable car excursion to Aiguille du Midi.
+ Jungfrau Railway excursion.
+ Glacier Express train.
+ Tips for Tour Manager, driver and local guides
In addition, travellers will be invited to pre-tour briefing from Stephen before departure.
HOW TO JOIN
+ An Alpine Adventure is $14,187 per person, twin share.
+ Solo travellers, $17,187 per person.
+ Call 1300 135 015 weekdays, 6am to 2pm.
+ albatrosstours.com.au/alpine-adventure-tour
AMONG MY HIGHLIGHTS
Chamonix
A sense of calm settles over the mountains around the green valley of Chamonix in September.
After the busy-ness of summer, the valley seems to pause as just a hint of chill comes into the late afternoon and evening air.
I think it is one of the best times of year to visit Chamonix — after the big crowds have gone, and before the transition to winter.
The weather is usually nice, and there are places to stroll. The easy Chamonix Valley Floor Trail is from the centre of Chamonix to Les Praz, Les Tines or Argentiere. Flat, tree-lined paths follow the Arve River.
And from all green comes — cheese (with cattle involved in that process, of course).
For cheese shops, I head to L’Alpage Des Aiguilles in Rue Joseph Vallot.
Their 600g Fondue Savoyarde is a well-spent $31 (€19.68), in my book.
Mmm. Cheese. Expect chevre, comte and reblochon. Beaufort is a hard yellow cheese with a sharp flavour, similar to gruyere, but without the holes. Chevrotin is a farmhouse goat’s cheese that’s been made since the 12th century.
Grindelwald
The picture-postcard Swiss town of Grindelwald, at the foot of the north face of the Eiger, is at 1034m above sea level.
It is pretty and small, with fewer than than 4000 residents.
Traditional wooden Swiss chalets are surrounded by peaks. The Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau are the standouts. Literally.
It is a perfect place to stroll, and just pause in the September sun. Summer crowds have thinned out, and the weather can turn crisp.
There are easy walks, like the Grindelwald-Weidli-Abbachfall Loop. This short, gentle walk on easy surfaces starts in Grindelwald and you walk 2.8km to the Abbachfall waterfall, and either walk back or catch a bus back to Grindelwald train station.
Jungfraujoch
The train ride up to 3454m, to Jungfraujoch, in the alpine snow, is one of the most dramatic travel days I have experienced.
Jungfraujoch is the highest railway station in Europe and to take a train to such high altitude and then step out on to the snow of the high peaks of the Alps in Switzerland is simply extraordinary.
I walk the saddle between to the mountains Jungfrau and Monch, two peaks of over 4000m in the Bernese Alps. Under a clear blue sky, there is the triangle of the Jungfrau mountain and its 4158m summit.
But that isn’t the day’s only surprise. Before that are the 7.3km of tunnels that the train uses — inside the 4107m Monch and, most dramatic of all for me, the 3967m Eiger.
About Albatross
Albatross Tours have specialised in bespoke group touring in Europe for more than 30 years.
Albatross tours are a mix of highlights, smooth travel arrangements, excellent tour managers and guides, and enough free time to just wander, explore and be.
Their philosophy of true connection and looking after people fits ours. We last partnered with them for our West Travel Club Italy Tour. Trusted friends, indeed.
The Albatross spokesperson says: “When we design our Europe tours we look at each region and consider what can be done and should be done. And since our style of touring is easier and more enjoyable with longer stays, this enables you to experience a variety of exciting excursions and activities at a leisurely pace.”
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