Day 1 - arrival in Saint moritz

Upon arrival at Zurich airport, your private driver will meet you at baggage claim and will take you to the main train station, where you will board an afternoon train to Saint Moritz, it’s about 3.5 hours away.

Arrive in early evening and check in to the Badrutt’s Palace Hotel overlooking Lake St. Moritz and the Engadin Alps. The five-star property which opened in 1896 has a long history of catering to celebrities, royals, and the jet set. Order a cocktail at the Renaissance bar or head right to dinner at one of the hotel’s multiple restaurants.

Day 2 - a summer day in saint moritz

The hiking, mountain biking are absolutely off the charts. On top of that you have fabulous water sports such as paddle boarding and sailing on Lake Saint Moritz, and even some kiteboarding in neighboring Lake Silvaplana. Finish your day by taking the funicular up to Muottas Muragl for sunset: stay for the views and maybe catch live alphorn music in the evening.

Day 3 - train to zermatt

This morning, board the Glacier Express in a first class car for an unforgettable ride across the length of the Swiss Alps. Known as the world’s “slowest express train”, it glides across the mountains and valleys at a leisurely pace. Large wrap-around windows give passengers sweeping views of deep valleys, high peaks, and impressive engineering feats like the Landwasser Viaduct. Eight hours, 291 bridges and 91 tunnels later, you will pull up into the Zermatt train station, at the foot of the iconic Matterhorn. 

You will be greeted at the station by personnel from your hotel who will take you to your luxury accommodations in the heart of this quintessential Swiss mountain village. It has been a long day of traveling, let yourself get immersed in the charm of the car-free village and enjoy a Swiss dinner on a terrace with mountain views.

Day 4 - endless options for your day in zermatt

Schwarzee is the highest ski area in the Alps, with glacier skiing available year-round!. Not a skier? No problem. Take the Gornergrat Railway for breathtaking views of the Matterhorn and surrounding glaciers. Spend the afternoon hiking the scenic 5 Lakes Walk, where you can see the mountain reflected in crystal-clear alpine lakes. Thinking you might go for an adrenaline-filled day?  Sign up for some paragliding, mountain biking, or a via ferrata, where you literally ascend exposed rock faces and cliffs by clipping your harness into prelaid cables.

End your day by relaxing near the riverside or unwinding at a spa with views of the Matterhorn.

Day 5 - A Perfect summer day in zermatt

For your second full day in Zermatt, the possibilities are endless.  Head up on a cable car trip to the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, the highest cable-car station in Europe. Explore the ice palace, walk to viewing platforms, and take in breathtaking glacier landscapes. This can be done in winter and summer alike!

Here is another option: take the funicular to Sunnegga, known for its sunny terrace and views over the valley. Continue to Blauherd or Rothorn for more hiking options or photography spots. The area’s well-marked trails make it easy to tailor your outing to your energy level.

Finish the day at a traditional Swiss fondue house in the heart of the village.

Day 6 - onwards to Chamonix

The last stop on your summer transalpine adventure is Chamonix, across the border into France. The train will take you down the Rhone valley, then up over the Col de la Forclaz into France. Nestled at the foot of Mont Blanc - Europe's highest peak - Chamonix is a vibrant mountain town in winter and summer alike.  Your private driver will meet you at the train station and take you to the 5-star, Hotel Mont Blanc located in the very heart of town.   

Take a late afternoon stroll through the walking street of this timeless French alpine town, then sit at a cafe to watch the sun dip behind the towering peaks. It’s a cool summer evening and the town is coming to life with a vibrant mix of locals, mountain climbers recounting the day’s conquest and vacationing families.

Day 7 - Chamonix: Summit Thrills & Village Strolls

This morning board the two-part cable car that takes you up the Aiguille du Midi. As you step out onto the narrow platform, you are treated to the most unbelievable 360-degree panoramic views of the French, Swiss and Italian Alps. Perhaps dare to “Step Into the Void”, an all-glass box suspended above the steep mountainous abyss below.

After returning to the valley, stroll through Chamonix’s town center, stopping at cafés, boutiques, and the Alpine Museum.

Day 8 - final day of your alpine adventure

Today’s outing will take you to the Train du Montenvers where you will ride for 20 minutes through breathtaking mountain scenery up to the “Mer de Glace”, a glacier located on the northern side of Mont Blanc. French for “Sea of Ice” the Mer de Glace is the largest glacier in France, you’ll be able to walk up right to it! Speaking of walking, another summer activity for today could be a hike on the Plan de l’Aiguille known for its amazing views.

Or treat yourself to a morning of relaxation at the Spa of the hotel with its sauna, hammam or Jacuzzi, for some delightful moments of well-being and mountain views.

For your last evening in the Alps, sit down to a cozy dinner at a traditional Savoyard restaurant on Chamonix walking streets.

Day 9 - departure day

Your private driver will take you to Geneva airport for your flight home to the USA to cherish the memories of this rare adventure across the high Alps of Europe.