Active Alpine Adventure in Switzerland & France - 10 Days

Highlights

• Go canyoning and rafting at waterfalls and rivers
• Ride cable cars up mountains and hike to glaciers
• Tour wine country on Lake Geneva and paraglide over the Alps
• Take an e-bike ride to the most beautiful waterfalls in Europe

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Geneva, Train to Annecy (France), E-Bike Tour

Welcome to Switzerland! This Central European nation is known for the cultural richness of its attractive cities and the unrivaled natural beauty of its Alpine landscapes. You'll experience both cosmopolitan life and outdoor adventures, starting with your arrival in Geneva. Sitting on the shores of Lake Geneva (Lac Léman) and surrounded by the Alps and Jura mountains, this city is famous for its diplomatic heritage and international organizations—after all, it's home to the European headquarters of the UN.

You won't stay long, as upon arrival, you'll transfer to the station and board a train for the 1.5-hour ride south across the border to Annecy. Located in the Savoy region of eastern France, this charming mountain town sits on the shores of Lake Annecy, where it meets the Thiou River. Its network of romantic canals set amid the colorful Vieille Ville (Old Town) has led Annecy to be christened the "Venice of France." Besides the highlights in town, Annecy is surrounded by gorgeous scenery, including snowcapped peaks of the French Alps.

After checking into your hotel, you'll leave Annecy on an adventure to explore one such nearby mountain, Le Semnoz. Except rather than on foot, you'll hop on an e-bike for a fun ride up to its summit. At the top, you'll be treated to panoramic views of Lake Annecy and the valley below. It's a relaxing mountain break, after which you'll ride back down to Annecy in the late afternoon.

Day 2: Canyoning Adventure & Lake Cruise

All around Annecy are natural wonders that make great destinations for outdoor adventures. Leave in the morning to visit one such gem: the Angon Waterfall. Located within a dense forest on the eastern shore of Lake Annecy, it's a popular hiking destination. However, its many natural pools also make it ideal for canyoning (also known as abseiling/rappelling), which is what you'll do today.

Once at the falls, your expert guide will strap you into a harness, and then you'll begin rappelling down limestone rocks alongside the falls. It's a fun and safe activity during which you're sure to get wet. This is especially true when you cap the experience with a fun ride down natural rock waterslides into the pools.

After 2-3 hours of canyoning at the falls, you'll return to town and board a boat for a leisurely cruise on Lake Annecy. During this two-hour ride, you'll zip around one of the most beautiful lakes in the Alps, enjoying the surrounding scenery of forests and snowcapped peaks. You'll also pass historic lakeshore castles and, if it's warm enough, dive right off the boat for a swim.

Day 3: Train to Chamonix, Walking Tour

This morning, board a train for the two-hour ride east to Chamonix. Located in the Rhône-Alpes region of southeastern France, this town sits at the foot of Mont Blanc, the highest peak in the Alps at 15,781 feet (4,810 m). It's a world-famous resort area that draws visitors for its world-class skiing in winter and Alpine hiking in the warmer months. In fact, after checking into your hotel. you'll learn all about Chamonix's mountaineering history on a brisk two-hour tour led by a local guide. Afterward, you'll have the rest of the day to enjoy the village.

Day 4: Aiguille du Midi Cable Car & Glacier Hike

Rise and shine! Meet your guide in the town center this morning for a ride on the famous Aiguille du Midi. This cable car will take you on a 20-minute ride up into the mountains to heights of 12,604 feet (3,842 m). At the top viewing platforms, you'll be treated to panoramic vistas of the surrounding ranges, including the French, Swiss, and Italian Alps. If you're really fearless, you can step into an all-glass viewing box and peer 3,280 feet (1,000 m) down into an abyss (watch your step!). 

On the way back, you'll stop at the Plan de l'Aiguille, a mid-point station at 7,602 feet (2,317 m). It's also the starting point for a scenic two-hour hike amid beautiful alpine scenery to Montenvers. Located within the Mont Blanc massif, this area offers sublime views of the surrounding peaks and valleys.

The best vistas, however, are of the Mer de Glace. Literally translating to "Sea of Ice," this is one of the largest glaciers in the Alps. After enjoying a meal at a mountaintop restaurant, you'll head to the station at Montenvers and board a cogwheel train for the ride back to Chamonix.

Day 5: Paragliding in the Alps, Train to Montreux (Switzerland)

You're in for a treat today, as you'll take off on a thrilling paragliding ride over the Chamonix Valley. After breakfast, transfer to the takeoff site at the mountain locale of Planpraz-Brévent, where you'll meet your guide. No experience is necessary, as you can fly in tandem with the experts who have implemented rigorous safety protocols.

Once you're strapped into the chute, you'll embark from a ledge and soar over the valley and the town of Chamonix below. The flight lasts just 15-30 minutes yet feels like an eternity, as you'll be treated to bird's-eye views of some of Europe's most famous landmarks. These include glaciers and the Alpine peaks of the Mont Blanc massif. You couldn't ask for a better vantage point because, at times, you'll be flying 3,280 feet (1,000 m) above sea level. After the flight, you'll return to Chamonix. 

Back in town, you'll transfer to the train station for the 2.5-hour ride north back into Switzerland and Montreux. Located on the northeast end of Lake Geneva, this resort town is famous for its scenic beauty and pleasant climate. All around town are UNESCO-listed vineyards and historic castles. The area here is so charming, in fact, that it's known as the Montreux Riviera. You'll visit the countryside soon enough—for now, check into your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day strolling around town.

Day 6: Dranse River Rafting Adventure

Another adrenaline-pumping activity is in store this morning as you transfer south out of town to the Dranse River. Located in the mountain wilderness, this waterway is a popular spot for river rafting excursions. Its Class III rapids mean it's a good middle ground between an easy ride and more intense whitewater experiences.

This full-day adventure begins when you arrive at the put-in, where you'll receive a safety demonstration from your professional guides. Then, it's time to hop in the raft, grab an oar, and brave the rapids as you enjoy the surrounding Alpine scenery. At the end of the ride, you'll transfer back to Montreux by vehicle. 

Day 7: Train to Grindelwald, Hike the Via Ferrata

Transfer to the station after breakfast and board a train for the two-hour ride from Montreux to Grindelwald. This village in the Bernese Oberland region of southern Switzerland is renowned for its breathtaking mountain scenery. It's surrounded by some of the most iconic peaks in the Swiss Alps—including the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau—and is a popular base for outdoor activities like hiking.

Upon arrival, you'll check into your hotel and then head out for a mountaineering experience you won't soon forget. It begins with your transfer to a mountain area above the village. There, you'll embark on a famous via ferrata. Meaning "iron path" in Italian, a via ferrata is a climbing route that utilizes a combination of fixed cables, ladders, rungs, and other artificial aids to help climbers traverse through challenging terrain.

Equipped with a harness and helmet, you'll embark on just such a path, traversing suspension bridges, riding zip lines, and following steel steps around steep mountain walls. A challenging adventure, to be sure, but every step of the way, you'll be treated to views of Grindelwald and the famous Lauterbrunnen Valley below. After a few hours on the route, you'll return to town and your hotel.

Day 8: E-Bike Tour of Lauterbrunnen Valley & Waterfalls

The adventure continues this morning with a bike ride along scenic forest paths to the storybook village of Lauterbrunnen. This entire region is part of a UNESCO-listed scenic area known as the "Valley of the 72 Waterfalls." It's filled with natural wonders, many of which you'll see on this full-day excursion. Highlights include riding through lush coniferous forests and along the Lütschine glacial river.

Also, you can bet there will be stops to marvel at the region's famous cascades. One break includes a short hike to the awe-inspiring Staubbach Falls, which plunge 974 feet (297 m) over a cliff face near a village. You'll also visit the otherworldly Trümmelbach Falls—a network of glacier-fed waterfalls inside a mountain. Lunch will be a Swiss picnic comprised of a selection of sausages and cheeses from the region. At the end of the day, you'll cycle back to Grindelwald.

Day 9: Train to Geneva, Hiking in the Lavaux Vineyards

It's time for your return trip to Geneva. This morning, you'll board a train for the four-hour ride from Grindelwald to the city. Upon arrival, you'll check into your hotel and have a bit of time to explore. If you like, take a walk around the well-preserved Old Town. Explore the maze of narrow streets and historic buildings, which include St. Peter's Cathedral, the 12th century Maison Tavel (Switzerland's oldest house), and Place du Bourg-de-Four, a lively square with cafés and shops.

A little while. Later, you'll transfer to the nearby Lavaux wine region, which consists of terraced vineyards on hillside slopes running down to the lakeshore. The history of these vines dates back to the Benedictine and Cistercian monasteries of the 11th century—and there's some evidence grapes were planted here in Roman times. Because of this rich history, the region was bestowed UNESCO World Heritage status.

You'll embark on a three-hour wine tour through the region. This excursion is unique because it takes place almost entirely on foot. Stroll the scenic vineyards and eat grapes off the vine as your guide reveals secrets and insight into the viticulture heritage of the area. There will be plenty of opportunities to snap photos of the lakeside vistas, and there will also be wine tastings during the experience. At the end of the day, you'll return to your hotel.

Day 10: Depart Geneva

You've visited some of the most scenic locales in southern Switzerland and eastern France and made memories to last a lifetime. Now, after one more leisurely breakfast in Geneva, you'll meet your driver for the ride to the airport, where your flight home awaits. Safe travels! 

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