This exciting new route is quickly becoming an Alpine classic on par with the Haute Route or the Tour du Mont Blanc. The Matterhorn Circuit offers spectacular alpine scenery, an amazing diversity of terrain, and contrasting cultures—German, French, and Italian—all with the world’s most recognizable mountain as a stunning centerpiece.
The grand finale comes as we cross over the Theodul Pass, an ancient trade route, and make our approach to the base of the Matterhorn, then on to Zermatt for a festive conclusion. Throughout the trip, our expert guide unfolds the history, lore, and natural wonders that make the Matterhorn the crown jewel of the Alps.
We stay at a carefully selected variety of mountain refuges and charming hotels in alpine villages. We shuttle your bags so that you can travel light and make the most of your adventure.
Day 1 – July 23 – Depart US
Your international flight departs the US from your choice of most major airports. In-flight meals
Day 2 – July 24 – Arrive Geneva Switzerland
You’ll be met upon arrival and transferred to the village of St. Nicklaus in the Mattertal valley where we’ll have dinner and a group orientation. In-flight meals, D
Day 3 – July 25 – St. Nicklaus to Gruben
A cable ascent takes us to the hamlet of Jungen where we begin our ascent of the Augstbordpass which leads us to the seasonal village of Gruben in the Turtmantal. B/S/D
Day 4 – July 26 – Gruben to Hotel Weisshorn
As we ascend over the Meidpass to the Val d’ Anniviers we leave the German-speaking region for our first French-speaking villages. We drop into lush alpine meadows before arriving at the historic Hotel Weisshorn with its dramatic perch over the deep valley below. B/S/D
Day 5 – July 27 – Hotel Weisshorn to Grimentz
A short descent through larch forests and meadows brings us to Grimentz with its collection of 16th century homes and traditional trades. B/S/D
Day 6 – July 28 – Grimentz to Arolla
Starting at the base of the Moiry Glacier, we make a direct ascent of the Col de Tsaté before arriving in La Sage. A transfer to the hiking center of Arolla puts us at the base of the imposing Mt. Collon. B/S/D
Day 7 – July 29 – Arolla to Prarayer
Today offers some of the most challenging glacial and alpine terrain of the trek as we cross the Arolla Glacier into Italy and arrive at the village of Prarayer. B/S/D
Day 8 – July 30 – Prarayer to Cervinia
From rocky ridges to grassy slopes covered with wildflowers we spend the day basking in the beauty of the drier Italian side of the Pennine Alps. Our resting place for the evening is the lively resort of Cervinia where we come to know the less-familiar Italian profile of the Matterhorn. B/S/D
Day 9 – July 31 – Cervinia to the Matterhorn.
Crossing the Theodulpass we descend to the base of the Matterhorn and spend the evening at the legendary Hornli Hut. We meet with climbers ready to embark on their ascent of the Matterhorn and even spend some time testing our skills on its lower flanks. B/S/D
Day 10 – Aug 1 – Matterhorn to Zermatt
A well-trodden track leads from the Hornli ridge into beautiful Zermatt where we visit immerse ourselves in history of the first ascent and see the frayed and broken rope that resulted in a tragic outcome. B/S/D
Day 11 – Aug 2 – Zermatt
An early morning train to Riffelberg should give us stunning views and shimmering reflections of the Matterhorn and put us face to face with Monte Rosa and the Gorner Glacier. Evening return to Geneva. B/S/D
Day 12 – Aug 3 – Geneva – Return flights
An early morning departure from Geneva. Welcome home. B/in-flight meals
What makes this trip such a great value?
+ Expert guide and trip leader
+ All accommodations (chalets, small hotels and mountain huts)
+ Small group (just 10-12 guests)
+ Great meals
+ Luggage transfers included (We schlep your bags, you just carry a small daypack)
+ Ground transportation included (meet and greet in Geneva)
