Walking and E-biking in the Swiss Alps

Walking and E-biking in the Swiss Alps

1,071 Views
8 Days From

$2435

$2319

Walking and E-biking in the Swiss Alps

8 Days Starting and ending in Kandersteg

Visiting: Switzerland

Tour operator:

Exodus Adventure Travels

Tour code:

M07AF

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Moderate

Age range:

16-99

Interests:

Cultural, Photography

Activities:

Cycling, Walking

From: $2435 $2319 Travel Club discount: -$116

NB: Prices correct on 19-Sep-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Awe-inspiring and dramatic, the area epitomises the 'chocolate-box' Alps: lush green pastures and lowland slopes carpeted bright with wildflowers against a backdrop of rugged mountains - all topped off with sun-glistening glaciers.



On this 7 night holiday you can explore the best the region has to offer on foot and by e-bike. This single centre holiday is totally flexible, we have suggested an itinerary for you but on this holiday you are free to pick and choose where you walk and cycle each day. A stay here uncovers the very best of the region: on foot the stunning Oeschinensee mountain lake enclosed by towering cliffs, the Sudrampe; high above the youthful river Rhone passing tradtional Swiss chalets along a fertile valley and superb railway engineering with impressive viaducts tunnels and bridges and an easy stroll to the beautiful Blausee Blue Lake. You can use the extra power that the e-bike has to offer to discover the hidden Gasterntal Valley with its glacial meltwaters thundering down a narrow gorge, the glorious Gemmi Pass crossing the swiss counties of Bern and Wallis before reaching the crystal clear waters of Lake Arven and Daubensee Lake and the spectacular views of the Bluemlisalp mountain range.



Did we mention the spectacular views? One moment you will be spellbound by the glacial legacy, whilst in another it will be the cobalt blue of the Oeschinensee that will take your breath away. Woodlands, pine forest and open meadows are decorated with lady slippers, fire lilies and more than 25 varieties of scented orchid, where you walk to the the tuneful ringing of cowbells. With the company of the occasional swooping eagle, it is easy to feel on top of the world.

Highlights

  • Excellent walking and mountain biking made easier with E-bikes on this Swiss Alps multi activity holiday.Natural beauty at its finest, snow-capped mountains, beautiful glacial lakes, Alpine green slopes and meadows.Excellent family run hotel with new spa and sauna facilities, heated indoor swimming pool.Delicious high quality meals; plentiful breakfast, picnic or light restaurant lunches and 4 course dinner included every day.

  • — Excellent walking and mountain biking made easier with E-bikes on this Swiss Alps multi activity holiday. — Natural beauty at its finest, snow-capped mountains, beautiful glacial lakes, Alpine green slopes and meadows. — Excellent family run hotel with new spa and sauna facilities, heated indoor swimming pool. — Delicious high quality meals; plentiful breakfast, picnic or light restaurant lunches and 4 course dinner included every day.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : Arrive Kandersteg

Arrive at the 3-star Hotel Alfa Soleil, well known locally for its excellent cuisine and enjoy a welcome drink before dinner. Dinner is included all week along with picnics or light restaurant lunches. Below is a suggested itinerary for the week but you are free to pick and choose where you walk and cycle each day, just be sure to check the e-bike availability with the hotel as they have been reserved for your on the days specified in the itinerary.

Day 2 : Sudrampe Walk

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today starts with a 25-minute train ride (payable locally) through the Lotschberg mountain rail tunnel (14km long) to Hohtenn. The walk takes you high above a youthful River Rhone, through a landscape of gorges and hidden side valleys - and small hillside villages boasting traditional wooden chalets built on the upper edges of this fertile, vineyard-adorned valley. You follow part of the Lotschberger-Sudrampe railway trail - superb railway engineering with impressive viaducts, tunnels and bridges - but you don't need to be a train buff to enjoy this great little hike. A shorter walk is also available.

Day 3 : Gasterntal Valley By E-Bike

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today it's a glorious bike ride into the unspoiled landscape of Gasterntal. With your e-bike follow the route along the river Kander taking the steep, unpaved road up to the Gasterntal, offering the most breath taking views. The road continues through the valley to Selden or you can carry on to Heimritz. The descent passes through dark tunnels as you head back to Kandersteg.

Day 4 : Oeschinensee Walk

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Widely regarded as the jewel in the crown of the Bernese Oberland, Oeschinensee is one of the most beautiful Alpine lakes in Switzerland. After a short ride up on the gondola lift (included), follow a marvellous mountain path up to the Heuberg Viewpoint and picnic spot. The cobalt blue water of the lake, surrounded by the snow-capped, razor-edged peaks of the Doldenhorn (3,638m) and the Bluemlisalphorn (3,663m) towering 2,000m above, will be a lasting memory. Call in at the mountain chalets at Obberbargli and Underbargli for refreshments and soak up this unforgettable scenery as bell-toting cows munch at the grass in the pastures below, while dainty waterfalls trickle down from the Frunden Glacier.

Day 5 : Blausee Blue Lake Walk

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

A gentle hour's stroll takes you down to the Natural Park of Blausee - the Blue Lake (discounted entry with short boat ride). Here you can wander through verdant woodland around the little lake, visit the organic trout farm and enjoy a drink on the lake terrace before returning to the hotel.

Day 6 : Gemmi Pass By E-Bike

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

A glorious bike ride through the impressive Gemmi pass today. You'll soon discover the benefit of an e-bike as you cross the two Swiss counties of Bern and Wallis passing the crystal-clear Lake Arven, as well as the famous Schwarenbach hotel and the stunning Daubensee lake. Reaching the summit of the Gemmi pass take in the spectacular views of the eleven peaks above 4000m that make up the imposing Mischabel massif, an ample reward for your efforts.

Day 7 : Ueschinental/Allmenalp By E-Bike

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Glorious views of the Bluemlisalp mountain range today. Climb uphill from Kandersteg with steep curves on the paved path to Usser Ueschinen where you head right in the direction of Ryharts - Allmenalp. Continue your ascent where you are rewarded for your efforts with more impressive views. Descend from the Allmenalp or if you fancy a rest, you and your bike can use the cable car and then enjoy the easy bike ride back to Kandersteg via Ryharts - Usser Ueschinen.

Day 8 : Depart Kandersteg

Meals Included: Breakfast

The tour ends in Kandersteg.

What's Included

  • Meals
    7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 6 dinners.

What's Not Included

  • Travel insuranceVisasSingle accommodation (available on request - compulsory supplement)

  • — Travel insurance — Visas — Single accommodation (available on request - compulsory supplement)

Food

All meals are included throughout the trip, including picnic lunches. For dinner enjoy regional dishes and fine wines in Nico's restaurant. At the beginning of each set of notes we advise on the lunch situation and suggest good picnic spots. You can obtain supplies daily from the hotel's picnic buffet or you can return to the hotel for a light lunch. We suggest you to carry 1-5 litres water per person, there are often benches for resting and admiring the views. There are also mountain restaurants with sun-trap terraces. With such a mixture of language and tradition co-existing in such a small country, it is no wonder that there are so many regional dishes. In the Bernese Oberland, Austrian and German influences predominate; gastronomic local delicacies include geschnetzeltes Kalbsfleisch (veal in a rich cream sauce), Kandersteger Bratwurst au Mad re-Jus (roast sausage with a Madeira sauce), Lammbraten gefullt mit Krautern (herb roasted lamb) and smoked pork with sauerkraut, and a selection of colourful salads. Typical desserts include Caramel-Birne mit Rum-Sabayon (caramelised pear with a rum sabayon) and Aprikosen-Symphonie (apricot gateau).

Accommodation

The excellent 3 star superior Hotel Alfa Soleil is a wonderful family run hotel, your hosts, the charming Seiler family will ensure you receive a full introduction to the area. The food is of excellent quality and both your picnic lunches/light restaurant lunches and dinner is included each day in Nicos restaurant, with tasty regional dishes and fine wines. When you feel like a rest from walking or cycling, there's an elegant lounge, swimming pool, sauna, solarium and gym to keep you entertained.

Check out our Q&As

  • What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

    If you wish to make any changes to your booking, particularly if you need to alter any flights booked through us, please let us know as soon as possible. There is a booking or flight amendment fee of £40 per change and flight amendments often incur extra airline costs depending on the changes to be made and if the ticket has been issued or not.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Exodus has been trading since 1974

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Your final joining instructions and flight details, if booked with us, will then be sent out 2 to 3 weeks before departure. If you would like a hard copy posted, or if you require these any earlier, please contact the customer operations team. We advise that if you are booking connecting travel before receiving these, please ensure you leave plenty of time.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Travellers are welcome to opt to share a room with a tour member of the same gender for no additional charge. If you'd like your own room, we can request a single supplement so that you will have your own room throughout.

  • Can I join the tour once it has departed?

    You are welcome to meet the group after the tour has departed however there is no reduction in rate for joining a tour after the departure date.

Reviews of this operator

Gergana Racheva  

Very helpful and prompt service

06-Jan-2023

Very helpful and prompt service. I called to check for an already booked trip and once we sorted this, the agent was ready to help me with another booking as well. He actually waited for me to book my flight tickets, answered all my questions, informed me of all my options. Exodus is a tour company I am using regularly due to the quality of their trips, ease of booking and helpfulness of their customer service team

Trustpilot
Tim Hardy  

Stunning walking. Walking the Amalfi Coast

04-Nov-2021

This trip takes you through the most beautiful parts of the Mediterranean walking with a guide and also discovering the wonders of Pompeii and Vesuvius. The hotel had a nice feel as family run, spotless and comfortable rooms, we were well looked after for breakfasts and dinner each day, and the barmen fixed some mean cocktails for us.!

paul green (Google Reviewer)  

Went on a tour of...

14-Jan-2022

Went on a tour of morocco in October and loved it ,mohamed the tour guide was excellent, probably go with exodus to India next year

Paul Green  

It's amazing what you can do in a week! Cycling the Dalmatian Coast.

08-Oct-2021

This holiday was extremely enjoyable. The itinerary is well planned and the route takes you to a variety of destinations. Not having been to Croatia before I didn't know there were so many beautiful small islands and I loved the ferry and catarmaran rides. The coastal route we took was dramatic and the World Heritage sites in Split and Dubrovnik very interesting and worth visiting. The Adriatic Sea was warm, blue and inviting, good for swimming even in October. The hotels we stayed in varied in size from medium to large. I particularly liked the one just outside Dubrovnik as I had a sea view. Tourists were plentiful in Split and Dubrovnik but in the other places we stayed there was an end of season feel and it was quiet on the roads and in the resorts. The food was good and our guide was always able to recommend a nice restaurant for our evening meal. The weather in October was good for cycling - not hot, partly cloudy most days and one day it rained!

Mrs Y Morrison  

Fabulous company and trip

06-Jan-2023

We went overland from Cape Town to Zimbabwe through Botswana and Namibia. What a fantastic trip. Our first time with Exodus although we have travelled extensively around the world. We would highly recommend this company for such a brilliant trip - we got everything and more all at a good price. Thanks to everyone involved. We are looking at our next trip!

Trustpilot
John Edwards (Google Reviewer)  

I went cycling in Albania...

19-Aug-2023

I went cycling in Albania with exodus as my first holiday with them. Such a well organised and wonderful experience where I met multiple fellow travellers who have been advocates of them for many years. You can't argue with happy repeat customers and I'm planning my next adventure with them soon

Alison Payton (Google Reviewer)  

I've done 8 trips in...

17-May-2023

I've done 8 trips in the last 14 years with Exodus, and have been rewarded with a 10% discount on all future bookings. I feel very confident that I'll receive pleasant, efficient service, and have the unusual holiday experience that I'm looking for each time. I've trekked to the top of snow-capped peaks, wild-camped in the desert, seen amazing spectacles of nature, visited 4 capital cities in a week, and learned about local culture and experienced local hospitality in a way that I simply wouldn't on a conventional holiday. The quality of the accommodation and guides can vary, but this is mainly down to cultural differences and things that Exodus can't control. I've only ever complained once, my complaint was taken seriously, and I was sent a discount voucher - you can't say fairer than that. I remain a loyal customer.

David (Google Reviewer)  

Exodus are generally a good...

21-Aug-2024

Exodus are generally a good travel company. Things tend to run smoothly and trips well organised. Their customers tend to be at retirement age. Trips are a bit overpriced. I would also avoid trips in Europe, as these often focus on more coffee stops and meals, rather than walking. I would also recommend making sure your guide records any accidents you have, hopefully not applicable. I had one on Sierra de Aitana which the guide saw and knew about, but he and Exodus said it never happened when I followed up after the trip. I wasn’t putting in a claim, just suggested a safety improvement. They have since apologised and acknowledged this as an error. They are a good reliable option for outside of Europe trips.

Jacquelyn Moore (Google Reviewer)  

Food came quickly. Staff very...

07-Mar-2024

Food came quickly. Staff very friendly and polite . However the chef or person preparing the food did not seem to read the menu! If it says a meal should come with vegetables, you should not have to ask for them. They served shepherds pie with garlic bread! The munchies ice cream sundae said it should come in a glass with a flake but came in a little bowl with just a few munchies! When asking the staff were happy to replace and correct but customer should get what they order and what menu says first time round!!

johanna leonor (Google Reviewer)  

If you like to be...

07-Sep-2023

If you like to be mistreated Exodus is perfect for you. If you enjoy terrible choices for hotels and pseudo restaurants Exodus is perfect for you. Careless about their clients and loveless about their propositions. Exodus has been a dissatisfaction and disappointment about every dealing i and my group have had with him. Especially a man called Simone who just cares about the money he can get from you couldn’t care less about service.

1 Select your preferred date

Saturday - Saturday

Sep 28, 2024 - Oct 05, 2024
$2435 $2319

Travel Club discount: -$116

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  • Free Date Changes

    CTS demo white label allows you to make 20 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 0 days before the start of the tour.

  • Low Deposit

    CTS demo white label requires a minimum deposit of 55% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 30 days before departure.