Think of sun drenched mountain pastures of vivid green, mosaics of color emblazoned with wild flowers, a sea of snow capped peaks that reach to touch a sky of viridian blue, the mirrored reflections of emerald glacial lakes, cog railways that methodically scale rocky outcrops in search of unseen glaciers, window boxes overflowing with brilliant red geraniums, weather beaten 500 year old chalets clinging to hillside perches, the roar of glacial mountain rivers, the serenity of gentle mountain paths, pristine ski slopes overlooking the majesty of the mighty Matterhorn, golden brown rosti potatoes, creamy rich fondue, the latest vintage wines, duvets and fluffy pillows, breathing deeply of crisp fresh mountain air and of course lederhosen worn by German Swiss gentleman of a certain age.
Throughout the day the bright red articulated mountain train slowly begins its 20-minute uphill journey to 1600 meters (5,200 feet), headed for the mountain valley village of Zermatt in southern Switzerland. As you take account of your belongings, your attention is drawn to the picture unfolding just outside of the train window. You realize that your attention is torn between the wonders of the Swiss mountain engineering and the magnificence of the scenery.
There are 40 mountain peaks over 4,000 meters (12, 000 feet) surrounding this tiny mountain hamlet including the tallest mountain in Switzerland, Dom peaking out at 4,600 meters (15,000 feet) and of course the fabled Matterhorn.
Zermatt, originally called Prato Borni, is situated in a valley of lush green meadows, ringed by high mountain forests and vast alpine peaks dominated by mesmerizing views of the Matterhorn - arguably the most famous mountain on the planet.
The glacier based Summer Skiing takes place adjacent to the Matterhorn near the Swiss Italian border on the Klien Matterhorn (or little Matterhorn at 3,600 meters (11, 800 feet)). A web of 21 cable cars, gondolas and mountain railways service the needs of summer skiers, hikers, and mountain bikers on three mountains
and provide access to an unsuspectingly diverse array of mountainside restaurants offering unparalleled vistas of the valley and Matterhorn.
With its proximity to Italy, Germanic heritage and its French neighbours, Zermatt offers an amazing assortment of hearty regional cuisine, fine wines, tasty pilsners, local cheeses, hand made chocolate and rich coffee. Cafes, restaurants and pubs most often reflect a casual, cozy and unhurried atmosphere in village settings, on mountain paths or perched on mountain ledges.
Winter 2007
January 29 to February 04 - Closed
Zermatt
Mountain Escape Journeys
7 days/6 nights from $5595.00US / $900.00US single supplement
Spring 2007
May 13 to 19
May 25 to 31
Zermatt
Ski and Hike Mountain Journeys
7 days/6 nights from $6495.00US / $1200.00US single supplement
Summer / Fall 2007
August 20 to 26
Zermatt
Ski and Hike Mountain Journeys
7 days/6 nights from $6795.00US / $900.00US single supplement
September 09 to 15
September 21 to 27
Zermatt
Ski and Hike Mountain Journeys
7 days/6 nights from $6495.00US / $US single supplement
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