Artistic Umbria
A journey through history, art and countryside in Umbria, a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Italy.
Call us on 01707 537290
Or, email us at customersupport@rambleworldwide.co.uk
Call us on 01707 537290
Or, email us at customersupport@rambleworldwide.co.uk
The Matterhorn is simply incredible. You have to see it with your own eyes! Beneath the world’s most immediately recognisable mountain lies the village of Zermatt, our alpine home for a week of breathtaking views.
Switzerland
Landscape
Mountains
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Average group size: 12-14
What does this mean?
What does this mean?
What does this mean?
The perfect blend of guided shorter walks, sightseeing trips, and quality accommodation for a more leisurely way to discover the world.
Overview
Discover the awe-inspiring beauty of the Matterhorn and its breath-taking surroundings in the heart of the Valais canton. Europe's second highest peak, Monte Rosa, stands majestically alongside 28 other impressive 4000m-plus mountains, creating a panorama of unparalleled natural grandeur. Witnessing this spectacular scenery is a must, an experience that goes beyond words – you truly have to see it with your own eyes.
Nestled high in the alpine sanctuary of Zermatt, our holiday unfolds in this picturesque village accessible only on foot, by train, or cable car. While tourism is the main source of income, the village's roots in farming add a charming layer to its identity. Below the iconic Matterhorn, Zermatt awaits as our alpine haven for a week of mesmerizing vistas.
Zermatt lies at a height of 1600m at the head of a high alpine valley, surrounded on three sides by thirty eight peaks towering to over 4,000m, massive glaciers and tumbling waterfalls. Dominating the views is the mighty Matterhorn, first climbed by Edward Whymper in 1865.
Embark on cable cars and trains that seamlessly transport us from the village to enchanting walks, guiding us past charming alpine huts and flower-filled meadows. Utilizing the efficient transport network, each day unfolds with a new adventure in the Matterhorn region, promising varied landscapes and unforgettable experiences. The journeys to and from the walks are as remarkable as the destinations themselves – relax and revel in the majestic mountain views as trains and cable cars effortlessly navigate the terrain.
For those unacquainted with the Alps, the vibrant display of flowers will be a revelation, adding a vivid touch to an already breath-taking landscape. Immerse yourself in the alpine wonder of Zermatt, where each day is a journey into the heart of nature's masterpiece.
Click the button below for a detailed Holiday Information Sheet containing all the particulars about this trip.
NOTE: Itineraries and Holiday Information Sheets can vary by a specific date chosen
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Adelboden is a Swiss delight, set at the foot of the dramatic Wildstrubel and surrounded by the Bernese Oberland Alps. It is the perfect setting for an unforgettable summer venture – with remarkable views of the magical alps, towering waterfalls, and easy access to a network of cable cars to some superb high level mountain walking.
Grindelwald is a fantastic destination for those seeking spectacular Alpine walks on easy trails, complemented by reliable cable car and mountain train systems. Nestled amidst majestic mountains, this charming village offers a plethora of hiking opportunities, providing easy access to stunning trails, cable cars, and mountain trains. Enjoy leisurely strolls through the meadows and immerse yourself in the breath taking scenery.
Valley deep, mountain high! This hidden gem of the Tirol has dramatic peaks, lakes, high tarns and an abundance of wildflowers. Ehrwald, at a height of 1000m, is one of the most spectacularly located villages in the Alps and is an excellent base for easy mountain walking.
Itinerary & Travel
Whilst every effort will be made to adhere to the outlined itinerary and advertised programme, local conditions can change due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances. This may mean that routes and timings need to be amended or the order of days may change, sometimes at short notice.
Accommodation
Below is the accommodation featured on this holiday across all departure dates. Please refer to the Itinerary for more detail about each night's accommodation for each departure date.
Zermatt is one of Switzerland’s best known resorts and has all the facilities you would expect from a resort which has been welcoming lovers of the mountains for over 100 years. It has two supermarkets, bakers and plenty of other small shops. There are banks, post office and several ATM machines. The village has plenty of bars to visit in the evening.
You stay in the three star Hotel Butterfly, built in traditional alpine style and is ideally located at the north end of the village with a short walk to all local amenities. The bedrooms and main rooms are charming and the whole hotel has a pleasant informal feel to it. In the evenings, it is a pleasure to relax after dinner by the comfy fireplace in the lobby or at the piano bar. The hotel has a small wellness area, where you can enjoy different kinds of saunas and a beautiful terrace area.
Rooms are decorated with wooden furnishings and pale colours. Beds are Austrian style with two separate mattresses but on the same bed frame and cannot be separated. Single rooms may also contain this double Austrian style bed. All en suite rooms are equipped with:
Trip Information
On this Grade 3, there is more emphasis on getting out into the countryside with days having more of an active content, although the walks will be on unchallenging trails and at an undemanding pace. Walks will be taken at a gentle pace. The maximum altitude reached on this holiday is at 3883m at the Kleine Matterhorn.
We use a mix of privately hired vehicles, taxis, and public transport which gives us some flexibility in our itinerary. We have a wonderful programme of walking, sightseeing and visits planned to let you fully experience the area along with opportunities to relax at our wonderful hotel and enjoy your surroundings.
Holiday Budgeting
As you plan your holiday budget, it's essential to account for expenses such as drinks, meals not covered in the holiday price, entrance fees not included, optional local excursions, and any souvenirs or additional services like laundry. For a rough estimate, budgeting around £10-£20 per person per day for lunches and drinks is a helpful guideline.
Zermatt Peak Pass
We include the the six day peak pass which gives you unlimited rides in the entire Matterhorn Paradise area (including the Görnergrat and Klein Matterhorn) as well as the Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn between Randa and Zermatt. Entrance to the glacier palace is also included. You can use your peak pass to travel on the whole of the Zermatt Cableway network!
Currency in Switzerland
The currency in Switzerland is the Swiss Franc. The euro is widely accepted in Switzerland, however occasionally change may be given in Swiss Francs. ATMs are widely available in most towns and villages throughout Switzerland.
Tipping
In your holiday price, we've included tipping for our local suppliers, covering hotel and restaurant staff, local guides, and drivers. Should you wish to make an extra contribution for a specific service, this should be given directly to the recipient at your discretion.
Your Leader
Your tour leader plays a crucial role in enhancing your holiday experience, and they share your passion for exploring the world on foot. In addition to being resourceful and organized they are also well-travelled and deeply enthusiastic about showing you new destinations. Your tour leader takes care of all the local, ensuring you can fully enjoy your holiday without worrying about the logistics. While leading group holidays, they always keep in mind that each group is composed of individuals. Each tour leader brings their unique style, talents, and professional background to the table. Rest assured, they are all trained, qualified, experienced, and dedicated to making your holiday as enjoyable, interesting, and inspiring as possible. Remember, your leader, while on holiday, is your first port of call for any issues, ensuring a smooth and worry-free experience for you.
Leaders Evening Briefing
Each evening, your tour leader will meet with you to review the programme for the next day. This is your chance to discuss details and ensure that the planned activities align with your walking ability. If you have any concerns about clothing or equipment, feel free to bring them up during this discussion. If, for any reason, you prefer not to participate in the organised group programme, please inform your leader. Your preferences are important, and your leader is there to make sure your experience aligns with your expectations.
Group Size
We believe that the best things come in small packages, and our Adagio holidays prove just that. We limit our groups to a maximum of 18 persons, plus the Adagio Leader, so that everyone has the opportunity to mix, share their love of travel and return home with new friendships. Small groups also have less detrimental local impact, allows us to use public transport on some days, eat at small local restaurants and, we believe, offers a better experience.
Getting to your Holiday
We fly from London to Geneva and return. The flight takes about 1 hour 35 minutes.
Our transfer from Geneva Airport to Zermatt is by train and will take around about 4 hours. Our hotel is just a 5 minute walk from the train station. Please note that it will be necessary to change trains once on the journey (in each direction) and you will be responsible for handling your own luggage, please therefore pack sensibly and a suitcase with wheels will be the easiest piece of luggage to navigate.
During the week we’ll travel on foot, by cogwheel-railway and cable car, train and bus.
Land only package: This applies if you will be organising your own travel arrangements to Zermatt and travelling to the hotel independently to the rest of the group. You will still be entitled to receive your Swiss rail tickets. This enables you to travel by train between the airport and Zermatt. To obtain this pass ahead of your holiday then please email Megan Bassett at megan.bassett@rambleworldwide.co.uk and we can organise the delivery of your pass. Please be aware that the passes are not usually sent to the Ramble Worldwide office until two weeks – ten days prior to the departure date. So you will receive the pass after this time. If we do not receive a request for your rail tickets then we will automatically send these to the leader to give to you on arrival at Geneva Airport with the rest of the group.
If you intend joining and leaving the party in Zermatt, we assume, unless you have advised us otherwise, that you will meet and leave the party at hotel. If this is not your intention, please let us know in writing at least 5 weeks before departure.
Booking Your Own Travel Arrangements
If you prefer to arrange your own flights from a non-UK or regional airport or travel to your holiday destination by rail or car, you may qualify for 'land only' reductions, and we can provide details upon request. Feel free to reach out to us for more information.
Before finalizing any independent travel arrangements, especially if you're doing so 12 weeks or more before your intended travel date, please check with us first to ensure your holiday has been cleared to operate. If you plan to join your holiday locally, kindly inform us at least 14 weeks in advance.
If you're joining and leaving your holiday overseas, we assume, unless you specify otherwise, that you will join and leave the holiday at your hotel.
Although airport transfers are not included for those making independent travel arrangements, you may have the option to join the group at the overseas airport, depending on your flight arrival time. If interested, contact us at least 5 weeks before departure for more details.
Please be aware that your flight must arrive within 30 minutes of the group flight to be eligible for the group transfer. Additionally, we'll need your flight number, arrival time, and departure point to ensure the group leader can meet up with you. If you have a mobile, please ensure we have the number, and it is turned on while you are traveling for effective communication.
Hotel Transfers
When you book a Flight-Inclusive holiday, transfers between the airport and hotel (and vv) are included. On some holidays, where we offer various flight options, the transfer vehicle may wait for all flights to land before transferring to the hotel.
Luggage Allowance & Tickets
If you're booking a flight or rail inclusive holiday, rest assured that details of your travel arrangements and baggage allowance will be clearly outlined in your 'Final Travel Documents'. These will be sent to you approximately 10 days before your departure, ensuring you have all the necessary information for a smooth and well-prepared journey.
Personal Details Check
To ensure the accurate administration of your holiday arrangements, kindly verify that the personal details we have for you are current and correct. Confirm that you've given us all the necessary information for securing your travel and accommodation. Please review your passport details, date of birth, and any other pertinent information crucial for the management of your holiday.
Additionally, please make us aware of any dietary allergies or intolerances you may have. Your well-being is important to us, and this information will help us make appropriate arrangements for your meals during the trip.
You can access and update the provided information or add missing details through the "Manage My Booking" feature on our website at www.rambleworldwide.co.uk. Alternatively, reach out to our Sales and Reservations team at +44 (0)1707 331133. Upon receiving your booking confirmation, promptly check the details. Your cooperation ensures a seamless and enjoyable holiday experience.
General Passport Advice
It is a good idea to carry photocopies of the personal details pages of your passport page (with your photo on). Should you lose your passport, this may assist with the issue of replacement documents and your return to your home country. Passport and visa requirements can change at any time. It is your own responsibility to ensure that you inform yourself from a professionally qualified source on, and comply with, such requirements.
General travel and destination advice for UK nationals is available from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office at www.fco.gov.uk/travel and at www.gov.uk/travelaware.
Brexit Passport Advice
If you are planning to travel to an EU country (except Ireland), or Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Andorra, Monaco, San Marino or Vatican City, you must meet the Schengen area rules.
Your passport must meet 2 requirements. It must be:
Your passport may need to be less than 10 years old during your whole visit, and the 3 months at the end of your visit may need to be within 10 years of your passport’s issue date.
Check both the issue date and the expiry date in your passport. If you renewed your passport early, extra months may have been added to its expiry date. This could affect the requirement for your passport to be less than 10 years old.
Non British Passport holders should consult the host country’s embassy for applicable passport and visa entry requirements.
You enjoy breakfast and dinners in the hotel’s delightful restaurant. Breakfasts are a large buffet and include a wide selection of food including fruit, cereals, many varieties of freshly baked breads, ham, cheese, tomatoes, eggs, bacon, pancakes and more!
Dinner is a splendid three course menu consisting of a starter, a choice of two main courses and a dessert. The hotel caters well for specific dietary needs so please advise us at the time of booking.
After the walks you can return to the hotel to enjoy afternoon tea and cake in the lounge. Lunches are not included in the price of the holiday – normally these can be taken as a picnic or in a mountain café (it may not always be possible to have lunch in a café and will depend on the walk location)
Footwear
Comfortable, broken in, walking boots or shoes with a good sole are recommended for this holiday. Walking shoes or other comfortable footwear will be suitable for sightseeing days.
General Kit List
Outdoor activities are always safer and more enjoyable if you are prepared.
If you have not travelled with us before the following list might be of use:
This list is not exhaustive and every traveller is different and may have their own preference.
Water To Go
Opting for filtered water from a reusable bottle with its built-in water filter, like the Water-to-go bottle available at www.watertogo.eu, is a sustainable alternative to single-use sealed water bottles. Simply refill it from any water source and contribute to saving the environment from disposable plastic bottles.
Exciting news: Water-to-go has introduced two new bottles to their collection. The Active bottle is designed to fit bike water bottle holders, and the Sugarcane bottle is an even more planet-friendly option. Crafted from fibrous cane, a by-product of liquid extraction, it undergoes a process to create plant-based plastic. Explore the details on the Water-to-Go website for this innovative new range.
As a token of appreciation for your commitment to the environment, we've secured an exclusive 15% discount with Water-to-Go for you. Visit www.watertogo.eu and use the code RWH17 during your order.
Note: If you're booked on a long-haul holiday departing after November 1, 2023, you'll receive a complimentary Water to Go bottle, sent to your home address 2 or 3 weeks before your holiday. Thank you for being a part of our sustainable journey!
Travel Document Checklist
To ensure your holiday gets off to a good start, please make sure that you bring the following documents and information with you:
Electricity in Switzerland
Electricity in Switzerland is supplied at 230 Volts. If you wish to use electrical equipment you will need a two prong round pin continental pug adapter which will fit into any three prong receptacle. More information can be found at www.power-plus-sockets.com.
Ideal Maps & Guidebooks
Many local libraries stock a selection of travel guides and books which may offer you more information. Apart from any books available in local libraries, the internet is now an excellent resource for information about holiday destinations. You may find the below websites, books and programmes useful.
Maps of the areas we visit (1:200 000 scale) are available locally and at specialist map shops in the UK.
The best map of the area, and one which covers most of our walks, is the 1:25,000 scale Swiss Wanderkarte Map 2515 ‘Zermatt - Görnergrat.
A waterproof 1:50,000 map of the area is available at the Tourist Office (or the Newsagent) beside the station.
The Rough Guide to Switzerland has many pages on the Zermatt area and lots of other in-depth information about the country.
The Zermatt Tourist Office has lots of information on all sorts of things in Zermatt itself, and links to the other villages in the area. Their webcams, accessible via “Planning & Booking”, are particularly good.
Cicerone guide to Alpine Flowers. We like this pocket-sized book on the 230 Alpine flowers you are most likely to come across on a holiday in the Alps. There’s a really interesting introduction to the properties flowers need to survive life at altitude and good clear photos with short descriptions arranged according to the predominant colour of the flower. Order it from Cicerone directly and quote code RAMBWH for a 25% discount.
The Map Shop
If you cannot find the maps or books locally we recommend:
The Map Shop
5 High Street
Upton upon Severn, Worcs
WR8 0HJ
England
Tel: 01684 593 146
Website: www.themapshop.co.uk
E-mail: themapshop@btinternet.com
If you key many of the local places mentioned in this holiday fact sheet into YouTube, you will find a vast array of spectacular footage of the area.
Health Advice for Switzerland
No compulsory immunisations are required for visits to Switzerland.
You should be up to date with the usual immunisations recommended in the UK.
You may wish to consider immunisations against Tetanus and Tick-borne Encephalitis.
Further Health Advice
For further advice please visit:
You might wish to take a small bottle of antibacterial hand gel with you for times when you're unable to wash your hands.
GHIC / EHIC Cards
Starting January 1st, 2021, you, as a UK traveller, can continue using your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) throughout its valid five-year period, granting you access to medical assistance during your holiday until its expiry date. Be aware, though, that this coverage will no longer extend to Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, or Switzerland. In case you don't have a valid EHIC, you can apply for a new UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC), which will replace the EHIC as it gets phased out.
It's essential to emphasize that the EHIC/GHIC, while valuable, should not be regarded as a substitute for comprehensive medical or travel insurance. For your peace of mind and comprehensive coverage, considering additional insurance is highly recommended.
For more information, please visit www.nhs.uk/ehic
Travel Insurance
It’s a condition of booking that you obtain adequate travel insurance, from a reputable provider, to undertake the holiday, including UK trips chiefly due to the cancellation element of cover.
The policy must cover the period from the date of booking to the last day of your trip and should include, as a minimum, cover for: medical expenses (including the consequences of a Covid positive test result), mountain rescue including helicopter rescue, death, repatriation, cancellation and curtailment and shall not have exclusion clauses limiting cover for the activities you will partake in on your trip, including altitudes reached in the holiday arrangement. It is your responsibility to check that your policy is adequate for the nature and destination of the holiday booked.
Once you have obtained your travel insurance, please provide us with the name of your travel insurer, the policy number and the insurer’s 24 hour emergency assistance number.
In the event that you fail to obtain suitable Travel Insurance we shall not be liable for any costs incurred or claims made against us due to your failure to comply with this term.
If travelling outside the UK you must carry proof of insurance with you and produce it if reasonably requested to do so by RWH Travel staff, tour leaders or suppliers. No refunds will be made should you be excluded from the walking programme through being uninsured or you being unable to demonstrate that you are insured.
Our house broker MPI should be considered for whom we are an affiliate and contact information is on our website and will be referred to in your booking confirmation.
If you are travelling to an EU country or Switzerland please also ensure that you have either an existing valid EU EHIC card (European Health Insurance Card) or a valid UK GHIC (Global Health Insurance Card). You can apply for a UK GHIC free of charge on the NHS website at https://services.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/cra/start.
Responsible Travel
We are dedicated to promoting responsible travel practices that prioritise the well-being of both the environment and local communities. We believe in the transformative power of travel and aim to minimize our ecological footprint by selecting eco-friendly accommodations, encouraging waste reduction, and supporting sustainable transportation options where possible. Our walking tours are designed to immerse participants in the local culture, fostering meaningful connections with the communities we visit. We strive to leave a positive impact by engaging in responsible tourism activities, respecting local customs, and contributing to the preservation of natural landscapes. Through our commitment to responsible travel, we aim to create enriching experiences for our guests while actively contributing to the conservation of the destinations we explore.
Heart and Sole
We appreciate that we are in a fortunate position to be able to use our profits to help make a difference to people's lives. Heart & Sole is a venture managed by our office staff, whose aim is to reach the heart of the communities in the countries we visit. Through Heart & Sole, we hope to make more of a long term, direct impact to these communities, particularly in less developed countries where even a small amount goes a long way.
The Ramble Worldwide Outdoor Trust
Unlike many other tour operators, we take pride in our unique approach. Ramble Worldwide channels its surplus profits back into various outdoor, walking-related, or environmental conservation projects in the UK through our own trust. When you choose us, you contribute to this impactful initiative.
The primary focus of our Trust's financial support is directed towards Britain's premier walking charity, The Ramblers. They play a crucial role in advocating the benefits and significance of walking to the British public. Additionally, our Trust invites applications for small grants from local organizations in the UK that require support for walking-oriented activities. This encompasses initiatives such as establishing footpaths and bridleways, funding for the reconstruction of bridges and refurbishing huts, and bursary funding for organisations that support individuals to enjoy the beauty of the great outdoors..
For more comprehensive details, please visit the 'About' section on our website and click on the Charitable Trust link. Your choice to travel with us goes beyond a memorable vacation; it contributes to meaningful projects that have a positive impact on our community and environment.
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January
Avg. Rain: 80mm
February
Avg. Rain: 75mm
March
Avg. Rain: 83mm
April
Avg. Rain: 94mm
May
Avg. Rain: 114mm
June
Avg. Rain: 121mm
July
Avg. Rain: 115mm
August
Avg. Rain: 125mm
September
Avg. Rain: 99mm
October
Avg. Rain: 93mm
November
Avg. Rain: 97mm
December
Avg. Rain: 86mm
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