Hiking the Swiss Alps Alpine Pass Route TRIP AT-A-GLANCE Dates: Location:

Sept. 9 – 18, 2013 Switzerland

Cost:

$2595

Rating:

5

Activities: Hiking Meeting Place: Zurich Airport (ZRH) Arrive:

by 10:30 am on Sept. 9

Depart:

trip ends in Kandersteg on Sept. 18

* Deduct 5 % for being one of the first 5 to register (by 06/08/2013) and 3% of the entire trip fee when the balance is paid by check.

WHAT’S INCLUDED •

•

• • •

Two experienced Adventures in Good Company guides (if group size is 8 or more) nine nights accommodation, mostly double except for the hut, which is dormitory style. all breakfasts and all but two dinners. a Swiss Half Fare Card Baggage transfer where available

WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED • • • • •

•

airfare to/from Switzerland from home lunches and 1 dinner beverages guide gratuities transportation within Switzerland not covered by the Half Fare Card (about $150) single supplement (2 available for $250) Note: singles are not available in the mountain hotels or the hut.

Trip Highlights • • • • •

Hiking across high alpine meadows and passes Staying in lovely and varied Swiss villages Sampling Alpkase (mountain cheese) and other local specialties Gazing at legendary Swiss mountains, including the Breithorn, Wetterhorn, Eiger, Monch, and Jungfrau Taking advantage of the excellent Swiss transport system

Trip Overview Hiking the Swiss Alps, with their jagged peaks and myriad trails, have long been a magnet for a hikers. On this trip we hike what is widely regarded as one of the most magnificent sections of the Via Alpina, also called the High Alpine Pass Route. Our traverse goes from Grindelwald to Murren, with a side trip up the wild and scenic Obersteinberg Valley, before crossing the Sefinenfurke and Hohturli Passes and ending in Kandersteg. We'll enjoy challenging hiking, diverse accommodations, hearty and delicious meals, and the opportunity to experience the Swiss Alps as few tourists do.

Our Itinerary Note: This is our intended itinerary but may be modified depending on weather. The hiking time does not include the time we'll take for breaks, lunch, photos etc. September 9: Plan to arrive Zurich not later than 10:30 on September 9. We will meet in the airport and take the train, about a 3 hour ride, to Grindelwald. We'll go through Interlaken and past the magnificent lakes of Thun and Brienz, where we change onto the mountain railroad that takes us up the Grindelwald Valley. Our hotel is near the train station and after checking in (or dropping our luggage off if it's too early), we'll have a couple of hours to explore this small town. We'll gather in the evening for a trip orientation before enjoying a four course dinner and what will likely be an early bedtime for most of us. Last Revised: 01/11/2013

ADVENTURES IN GOOD COMPANY - HIKING THE SWISS ALPS HIGH ALPINE PASS TRIP SUMMARY - PAGE 2

CANCELLATION POLICY In the unfortunate event that you must cancel your trip, your refund will be determined by the following formula: Days Prior to Trip

Refund

120 + days

All but $50

120-91 days

50% of deposit

91-46 days

50% of trip fee

45 days or less

No refund

Adventures in Good Company reserves the right to cancel or alter a trip due to unforeseen weather, unsafe conditions, low registrations or other circumstances. On the rare occasion when Adventures in Good Company must cancel a trip, all payments received to date will be refunded, including the non-refundable portion of your deposit. Adventures in Good Company is not responsible for expenses incurred in preparation for any canceled trips, including airplane tickets.

TIPPING GUIDELINES Tipping at the end of the trip is optional. If you feel your guide(s) did an outstanding job and would like to reward them for their efforts, a suggested rule of thumb is for each participant to give US $7 to $12 per day, to each guide. Often, trip members organize a group envelope and present it at the last shared meal.

Phone: 877-439-4042

Our Itinerary Continued September 10 We plan today as an acclimatization day, not so much to the altitude as to the kind of hiking we'll experience on the trip. You could choose to stay at the hotel and have a relaxed day, but what we highly recommend is joining your guides for one of the premiere day hikes in the area, from Schynigge Platte to First. Our initial elevation gain is done for us, as we ride the slow but very scenic cog railway up to Schynigge Platte. From here it is non-stop views, as we look down on the Brienzersee and the Thunersee, admire the Grindelwald and Lauterbrunnen valleys, and are almost always in sight of the majestic towering range of the Wetterhorn, Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau. Add in beautiful small lakes and wild scree-covered slopes, and this hike has it all. Although the hike is long, much of it is along a gradually rising ridge; and though we gain significant elevation, it is much less steep than some of our hikes later in the week. At the end (as long as we make it in time) we take the three stage gondola back from First, arriving in time to enjoy another hearty dinner. Hiking time: about 6 hours, elevation gain: 3300 feet, elevation loss 2400 feet September 11 This morning we'll send our baggage ahead to Wengen to wait our arrival at the end of the day. Carrying only what we need for the day, we head out of Grindelwald on a road to Gletscherschlucht (glacier gorge), where we can learn about the dangers posed by glacial melting in the alps. From here the path climbs steadily and steeply for over an hour until we are right at the base of the Eiger. The path then leaves the woods and contours along the base, with less steep ups and downs, and views of the Eiger's Mittellegi Ridge above and Grindelwald Valley below. Shortly after passing a hut that belongs to the Swiss Alpine Club, our path descends to Alpiglen and the welcoming Berghotel Alpiglen, where we can buy lunch or refreshments or just relax a bit. The path leaving Alpiglen, this time much wider and less remote, climbs steadily for another 1420 feet to Kleine Scheidegg, the train station at the pass between the two valleys. It looks close but looks are deceiving, and it takes us about an hour and a half. At the top is another pleasant restaurant and time to make a decision - whether to descend to Wengen on foot (about 2500 feet) or save our knees for another day and take the train down. Whichever way we choose, we'll pick up our bags at the Wengen train station and walk to our nearby hotel for another hot and hearty dinner. Hiking time: 5 to 7 hours, elevation gain: 4150 feet, elevation loss 500 to 2500 feet

Outside the US: 410-435-1965

Fax: 410-435-3084

Email: [email protected]

ADVENTURES IN GOOD COMPANY – HIKING THE SWISS ALPS HIGH ALPINE PASS TRIP SUMMARY - PAGE 3

Our Itinerary Continued September 12 This morning we send our luggage to Murren and carry what we need for our overnight in Obersteinberg. Our path today goes down, then flat, then up. Leaving Wengen, we descend to the Lauterbrunnen Valley on a broad path that descends steadily down hill. We will mostly bypass the town on our path that follows the delightful Lutschine River. This is actually a detour from the Alpine Pass Route so that we can spend some time in the more wild and remote Obersteinberg. The trail through the Lauterbrunnen Valley, part path and part asphalt, is just spectacular, with soaring rock walls on either side that are reminiscent of Yosemite. Lauterbrunnen, which means "many fountains", derives its name from the waterfalls that cascade down the sides at frequent intervals, some over 900 feet high. Equally intriguing are the paragliders who practice their craft here, and we may even see base jumpers. Regardless, this two and a half mile walk is relaxing and pleasant. Once we reach Stechelberg the trail changes completely. The first hour is steadily up on wide trail that is sometimes a road, winding along the upper reaches of the Lutschine River. The path then climbs steeply for over an hour as we gain the ridge. After the first half hour the trail leaves the forest and we are treated to a breath-taking view of the upper Obersteinberg Valley, including Schmadribach waterfalls, Breithorn, Tschingelhorn, and the rock pinnacles of the Lauterbrunnen-Wetterhorn. The trail continues up through mountain meadows and then traverses across to our hotel for the night. This "Berg hotel" has one of the most isolated and beautiful settings you can imagine, and all of our effort is rewarded by a dinner whose every ingredient is local or has been brought in by mule or helicopter. Hiking time: 5 to 6 hours, elevation gain: 2850 feet, elevation loss 1580 feet. September 13: Our destination today is Murren, and there are two ways to get there. One goes up and over a ridge, with the choice of a side trip up Tanzelboden and its 360-degree panoramic views. The price of reveling in all this alpine splendor, however, is a very steep descent that is guaranteed to cause knee twinges even in healthy knees. The alternative is a more gradual descent through the forest, followed by a longer up to regain the other side of the valley. Both paths bring us to the small town of Gimmelwald, and from there it is about another hour to the somewhat larger and car-free town of Murren, where we'll spend two nights. Our lodging is a large chalet right in the middle of town that we'll have to ourselves. Hiking time: 4 to 5 hours, elevation gain: 3460 feet, elevation loss 1950 feet September 14: Today is a rest day. Of course, you don't need to rest if you don't want to. You can hike or take the cable car up to the summit of Schilthorn, splurge on the Jungfraujoch Express, try the Via Ferrata, or hike on the many trails around town. Or, knowing that the next 2 days are the most challenging of the trip, you could rest. September 15: We say goodbye to our luggage this morning, sending it on to Kandersteg and carrying what we need for the next 2 nights. Our journey today is a hike up and over the Sefinfurke Pass and down to Griesalp, taking us from the very busy and developed Bernese Oberland to the much quieter Kiental - it really feels like a different part of Switzerland. After taking our bags to the train station, our trail leaves Murren. We'll pass the cable car station and some cheese makers' huts before winding steeply up a hill for 20 minutes. From there the path is mostly flat or gently uphill to the final pass. We'll pass by the Rotstock Hut, perhaps stopping to see what baked goodies might be available. The trail up the pass switchbacks up a steep scree slope for about 20 to 30 minutes on a well-trodden path and the view at the top, with the Eiger trio behind us and the Blumisalp in front of us, is absolutely spectacular. Today the descent is actually more challenging than the descent, because of its length. The first 10 minutes is on stairs with a cable to hold onto, not difficult for anyone who is not afraid of heights, but definitely something Adventures in Good Company, Inc. - Baltimore, MD 21212

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ADVENTURES IN GOOD COMPANY - HIKING THE SWISS ALPS HIGH ALPINE PASS TRIP SUMMARY - PAGE 4 that takes your attention. From there the path widens as we descend through a meadow, then becomes a farm track (meaning that it is wide enough for farm vehicles but still dirt) and finally a road as we reach Steineberg and then our Berghotel for the night. The setting of this hotel, while not nearly as remote feeling as the previous one, is still spectacular and the food is first rate. Hiking time: 7 to 8 hours, elevation gain: 3200 feet, elevation loss: 3950 feet September 16: Today is definitely one of the most challenging of the trek as we climb to the Hohturli Pass, the highest pass on the entire Alpine Pass Route. Sometimes the path is through forest, sometimes over moraine, sometimes through meadows, and sometimes through rockslide and scree. Except for very, very short breaks, it goes steadily, often steeply, up. However, as is always true in the mountains, the views when you stop to take a break are just amazing. And at the top is not only a large flat spot that provides a perfect lunch break, but a large Swiss Alpine Club Hut with fresh baked goods and cold drinks. It is also where we spend the night. Very popular in Europe, there are only 2 similar hut systems in the US - the AMC huts in the White Mountains and the Tenth Mountain system in Colorado. If you've never stayed in a hut, it can be a bit of a shock - each room sleep 22 people, both men and women, on mattresses laid side to side. While most Americans would not choose to stay in huts like this often, it is a unique experience of European hiking culture. But we stay there not just for the experience, but because it is one of the most magnificent settings imaginable: perched on the pass next to a glacier, it is surrounded by jagged snow-capped peaks in every direction, far from any city lights. Sunset there may be the most beautiful you've ever seen. Hiking time: 4 - 5.5 hours, elevation gain: 4500 feet September 17 It's all downhill from here, literally but definitely not in any way other than elevation loss. While the descent is actually longer than the one from the Sefinenfurgge, it is not quite as hard on the knees as it has some flat areas, non-stop spectacular scenery, and variation in the trail. We descend out of the high mountains to Oeschinensee, a classic aquamarine glacial lake, and civilization. This area is a very popular day trip for families and people of all ages, with several restaurants, places to rent boats or swim, and stunning scenery. Even if it is too cold to swim, bathing our feet in the ice cold water is incredibly refreshing. We then descend another 1000 feet to reach the charming town of Kandersteg, where we'll spend our last night at a lovely 3 star hotel. Reunited with our luggage, we'll enjoy hot showers, clean clothes, and a delicious final dinner together. Hiking time: 3 to 4 hours, elevation gain: 0 feet, elevation loss: 5250 feet September 18 The trip officially ends after breakfast. There are frequent trains directly to the Zurich airport, starting at 6 am that take about 2.5 to 3 hours. However, if you're not in a rush, Kandersteg is a lovely town in which to spend some additional time.

Phone: 877-439-4042

Outside the US: 410-435-1965

Fax: 410-435-3084

Email: [email protected]

ADVENTURES IN GOOD COMPANY – HIKING THE SWISS ALPS HIGH ALPINE PASS TRIP SUMMARY - PAGE 5

Packing List

FOOTWEAR __ 1 pair lightweight hiking boots with good ankle support. They should fit comfortably, without constriction, when you are wearing one liner sock and one hiking sock. __ 1 pair comfortable walking shoes – athletic shoes, Keens, or Tevas/Chacos __ 2 pair thin liner socks: silk or synthetic equivalent (optional) __ 3 pair hiking socks: wool or synthetic equivalent (Thorlo, Smartwool, Ultrex, or Teko) CLOTHING __1-2 pair comfortable, lightweight, synthetic hiking pants (Supplex, or nylon/polyester/spandex blend). Zip-off pants are ideal. __ 1 pair lightweight long underwear top and bottoms: silk, wool or synthetic equivalent (Capilene, Thermastat, MTS, or polypropylene) __ 1 medium-weight top layer: wool shirt/pull-over or synthetic equivalent (“expedition-weight” Capilene, MTS, Thermastat, or microfleece) A wool or fleece vest works well for this layer. __ 1 fleece or pile jacket __ 1 pair shorts: nylon shorts with liners, comfortable/easy to wash (unnecessary if you use zip-offs) __ 1 lightweight long-sleeved shirt for sun protection (a button-up is easy to put on/take off.) __ 2-3 T-shirts (made of synthetic material or lightweight wool) __ 1 wide-brimmed hat for sun, rain, and high fashion __ 1 rain parka and rain pants: a waterproof/breathable fabric like Gore-tex is preferable. Partial or fulllength leg zippers are great for easily putting your pants on over your shoes or boots. __ Underwear and pajamas or whatever you like to sleep in __ warm hat and gloves __ comfortable clothes to wear after hiking/in town/etc: e.g. pants, skirts, blouses, shirts etc. EQUIPMENT __ 1 daypack lined with a plastic bag, large enough to carry every thing you need for up to 2 nights. A medium, sized or an expandable pack works well. A hip belt makes it much more comfortable to carry. __ pair of trekking poles (absolutely necessary) __sleep sack (cotton or silk) This item will be needed at 1 of the places you will be staying. You can either: bring your own or (at the Hut) rent one for the night for 8.00 FF, purchase a cotton one for 37.00 FF (cotton) or purchase a silk one for 49.00 FF. ESSENTIALS __ passport and a photocopy of your passport __ small headlamp or flashlight __ sunscreen and lip block with SPF of at least 15 __ 1-2 bandannas __ sunglasses (100% UV blocking) and retention strap __ ear plugs (for a good night’s sleep) __ 2 liter water carrying capacity (water bottle or hydration system) __ headlamp or small flashlight __ watch __ travel alarm/watch with alarm TOILETRIES (small everything) __ toothbrush, small toothpaste, dental floss, shampoo, moist towelettes, sanitary supplies and a zip- lock plastic bag, contact lens paraphernalia __ personal “patch kit”: bandaids, Compeed (or blister bandaids) and moleskin, first aid or cloth athletic tape, foot powder, ibuprofen, personal medications, if any. Individuals allergic to insect stings must bring an epi-pen. Please consult your physician and tell your guide. OPTIONAL __ small journal and pen __ camera and film/memory card __ extra batteries/charger __ book or small game __ favorite snacks __ bathing suit __ electrical adaptor/converter __ compact binoculars __ wash cloth (European linens do not typically include a wash cloth. Adventures in Good Company, Inc. - Baltimore, MD 21212

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ADVENTURES IN GOOD COMPANY - HIKING THE SWISS ALPS HIGH ALPINE PASS TRIP SUMMARY - PAGE 6

Notes on the Packing List

Please follow the packing list closely. Packing light is highly recommended since we will be moving our location several times during this trip and the lighter the luggage the easier the transport!

Items on your packing list can be purchased through a number of outdoor outfitters including:

Because we stay indoors every night, you may be tempted to skimp on the warm clothes. Don't. Weather in the mountains can be variable. It may be warm and sunny, cool and drizzly, or both. At the same time, you should pack as lightly as possible as you will be responsible for carrying your luggage up and down stairs in the inns

Recreational Equip. Inc (REI) 800-426-4840 www.rei.com

We recommend a daypack with a capacity of between 2000 and 2600 cubic inches as you will need enough space to hold all your clothing and personal items, along with your lunch and snack food, for up to 2 nights. Please line your backpack with a durable plastic bag to keep your belongings dry. Before you leave home check to be sure that your pack is comfortable to wear all day and that there is space for all of your items. Having a backpack with padded shoulder straps and a hip belt will provide for much more comfortable hiking.

Eastern Mountain Sports (EMS) 603-924-7231 www.ems.com Sierra Trading Post 800-713-4534 www.SierraTradingPost.com Also check out the websites on the Affiliate page of our website (under Resources)

Footwear: Well-fitting, sturdy boots are the most important piece of equipment in regard to your safety and enjoyment. If you plan to buy new boots, break them in by wearing them around town and taking some short hikes before your trip. For general trekking, lightweight cordura or leather boots work well. Leather boots may be waterproofed in various simple ways, and cordura boots will be waterproof if they are lined with Gore-Tex. For this trip you need boots that come above your ankle – you’ll find that this will give you more support in the rocky uneven or slippery terrain. Personal First Aid Kit: Small first aid kit with familiar medicine you might need for personal use, ESPECIALLY blister or foot remedies like moleskin, gelskin, blister bandages or similar. The amount you bring will depend on your tendency to blister but blisters are common on hiking tours. Other suggestions: remedies for respiratory ailments? Stomach ailments? Sore muscles or joints? We will have a first aid kit too.

Clothing: Layering is the most practical and efficient method of insulating the body. Several layers of varied weight materials provide better insulation than one thick layer of clothing. Also, adding or subtracting layers allows you to adjust to the temperature at your particular level of activity. You will use your long underwear as your base layer, your vest or mid-weight top as a second layer, and fleece as your third layer. If it gets cold you can use your rain gear, warm hat and/or gloves as needed. Rain Gear: You will need a parka or jacket made of a coated nylon or a waterproof/breathable fabric like Gore-tex, HellyTech, Membrane, H2No, or Ultrex. Be sure it is waterproof not just water resistant. Before making this important purchase, be sure that it fits you properly. It should be large enough to fit over all your layers. In particular, the hood needs to be effective. It should shield your face from the rain and turn with your head. Put on your daypack; can you still raise your arms? Lastly, the wind/rain pants. They should be comfortable, allow enough room for layers, and permit free movement of your legs (e.g, can you crouch comfortably?). Partial or full-length leg zippers are useful for easily putting your pants on over your boots. Hydration: It is very important to your safety and enjoyment to have an independent ability for accessing your water. As you are hiking you will need water to be accessible in order to drink frequently. One method is to have a water bottle attached to your waist strap. Another option is to use a HYDRATION SYSTEM such as CamelBak, Platypus, and Gregory bladder bags which are simply a collapsible water bag with a hose attachment that you drink from. These fit inside your pack with the hose positioned over your shoulder where you can access your water without of your hands. Some modelsEmail: are designed to attach to the outside Phone: 877-439-4042 Outside the the US: use 410-435-1965 Fax: 410-435-3084 [email protected] of your pack. Bladder bags can hold 40-100oz. of water.

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ADVENTURES IN GOOD COMPANY – HIKING THE SWISS ALPS HIGH ALPINE PASS TRIP SUMMARY - PAGE 7

Additional Trip Preparations HELPFUL WEBSITES Activity workshophttp://activityworkshop.net/hiking/s witzerland/index.html. This website is an invaluable resource if you are planning additional hikes. Also has links to other good websites. My Switzerland: www.myswitzerland.com-the official Swiss tourism website ViaAlpina: http://www.viaalpina.org/. Learn what it is. We’re hiking on the green trail, C10-12

WEATHER The weather in the Berner Oberland is notoriously hard to predict during any season. September temperatures are typically in the high 60’s low 70’s during the day and the mid to high 40’s at night. We are likely to see rain on at least 1 or 2 days. Definitely come prepared for all mountain weather.

EMERGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION If you have a GSM phone, you will have decent coverage during most of the hike and people can contact you directly. You can leave the 1877-439-4042 number but please note that there may be a delay in relaying information due to time differences and the remoteness of some of the areas you will be hiking. Telephone numbers for the hotels/huts will be sent with the pretrip letter.

CONDITIONING: This trip is rated a 5 on our scale of 1 – 5. Please read about our rating scale at HTTP://WWW.ADVENTURESINGOODCOMPANY.COM/RATING.PHP You need to be in very good physical condition and be able to enjoy walking in a hilly environment for five to ten hours. Starting a program now is not too soon. This should consist of some sort of aerobic exercise 4 to 5 times a week, at a level sufficient to make you breathe deeply but not so vigorous as to make you pant. Walking and hiking, particularly up hills, is excellent exercise. Start with 45 minutes and gradually include some walks up to 2 to 3 hours long. 6 to 8 weeks before your trip start hiking with your daypack carrying everything you will be carrying during the trip (i.e. water, rain gear, snacks, warm shirt). If you live in the flatlands, find some stadium stairs or a tall office building. This should be in addition to your regular aerobic exercise. Because of the steep uphills and downhills, knee strength is also important and we recommend conditioning exercises specifically for your knees (e.g. squats, lunges). The key is to be consistent and to increase your exercise level gradually. Being in sufficient condition is essential on this trip. If you would like a structured program, we recommend that you consider contacting our partner Fit for Trips at http://www.fitfortrips.com/adventures-in-good-company.aspx. While there is an additional cost for this, it is much less expensive than personal training and the program will be designed specifically for this trip

RECOMMENDED PRE-TRIP READING Scrambles Amongst the Alps by Edward Whymper. Whymper was a well-known alpine mountaineer and had a number of first ascents, including being the first to climb the Matterhorn. This is his own story of his nine years spent climbing in the Alps, one of the first books devoted to the sheer thrill of mountaineering. Alpine Pass Route by Kev Reynolds. It’s a guide book and not necessary to read, but he’s such a good writer. It will definitely give you a feel for the route. Heidi by Johanna Spyri. Isn’t this where we all became fascinated by the Swiss Alps Eiger Sanction. This 1975 movie starring Clint Eastwood may not be a great film, but it has beautiful shots of the area we’ll be hiking in.

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Special Considerations for International Trips PASSPORT A valid passport is required for travel in Switzerland. You will need to present it at the airports before and after your flights. Be sure to carry a photocopy of your passport in a separate location, for security’s sake. It is also a good idea to leave one with somebody at home. If you already have a passport, check to make sure it is still current (they expire every 10 years). Passports can be renewed through the mail. If you are getting a passport for the first time, you must submit your application in person. For information on how to obtain a passport, download an application from travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html, ask your travel agent, or call the Passport Office at 202647-0518. Allow at least 6 weeks.

MONEY The official currency is the Swiss franc (CHF). Although not part of the EU many prices are indicated in euros and some merchants may accept euros. Visa, MasterCard and American Express are widely accepted and ATMs are widespread; many are equipped with the Cirrus or Maestro system

HEALTH Switzerland is a very safe place to enjoy on vacation. There are few serious health concerns, and no immunizations are required. Adventures in Good Company and the Department of Health, however, recommend that you are current with your Tetanus vaccination.

At minimum, make sure you bring a plug adapter for any electrical items you travel with. Plugs are of the linear, rounded three-pin type, but rounded two-pin plugs will fit the outlet. Many outlets are sunk into the wall. Some specialty travel stores carry adapters and can help you chose the right one.

STAYING IN TOUCH Internet: Except for mountain hotels, our hotels have WiFi access for a charge of 3 CHF. There are also Internet Cafes in the larger towns Phone: From Switzerland it’s easy to telephone anywhere in the world from public phone booths. The most common way to make calls is to use a pre-paid phone card, which can be bought at post offices and newsstands. To call to Switzerland from the US, start with 011, then 41 (the international country dialing code for Switzerland). If you are calling within Switzerland on your cell phone, start with +41. When it is 12:00 noon in Zurich it is 6 a.m in New York and 3 a.m. in Los Angeles. If your cell phone is GSM compatible, you will be able to use it in Switzerland. Your carrier is also likely to have international calling plans that give you a better rate so you do not incur roaming charges; check with your carrier for options.

ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES The electrical current in Switzerland is 220V, 50 Hz so travelers from the US will need a three-tier standard power converter (or transformer) for any appliances, such as hairdryers (unless you specifically buy a travel hairdryer). This converts European 220v to 110 v. Most electronics are dual voltage and handle the wattage of European outlets without a converter.

Phone: 877-439-4042

Outside the US: 410-435-1965

Fax: 410-435-3084

Email: [email protected]

ADVENTURES IN GOOD COMPANY – HIKING THE SWISS ALPS HIGH ALPINE PASS TRIP SUMMARY - PAGE 9

Getting There OUR TRAVEL AGENT If you need assistance with making your travel plans, call Sara Schuitemaker at
 Scan East West Travel. Her toll-free number is 800727-2157 and her email is [email protected].

TRAVEL INSURANCE We highly recommend travel insurance. We know that women never want to cancel their trips, and the reasons for doing so are always excellent. Occasionally it’s a sudden illness; even more frequently it’s the illness of someone they care about. Trip insurance at least minimizes the disappointment and expense during what is often a difficult time. In addition insurance covers the cost of lost baggage; medical expenses during your trip, including emergencies, repatriation, and evacuation; and trip delay. If you decide to purchase insurance, you can secure a policy through your own insurance company or enroll with the company we use, Travelex Insurance. Call 1-800-228-9792 or visit www.travelexinsurance.com. The location code is 20-0016.

TRAVEL -- You will be flying into Zurich airport in Switzerland. The airport is accessible by many of the major airlines including: Continental, Delta, American, US Airways, as well as British Airways, Air Canada, KLM and Lufthansa. Our meeting time is 10:30am on 9/9, so please make sure your flight is scheduled to arrive no later than 10:00 am to make sure you have time to get through customs and meet the group. The trip ends in Kandersteg on 9/18,2013. There are frequent trains directly to the Zurich airport, starting about 6 am that take about 2.5 to 3 hours. Depending on what train you take, you should allow 3 hours for train ride plus another 2 hours at the airport before your flight departs. So, the earliest flight you should book is 11am.

ARRIVING EARLY -- If you arrive before the trip starts (a great idea), the easiest and best way to central Zurich is with the Swiss Rail (SBB) feeder service. Trains leave directly from the airport rail station, which is underneath the airport. It is a short and well-marked walk from the arrivals area. Trains depart the airport station for Zurich Hauptbahnhof (central) every 10 to 15 minutes all day, travel time to Zurich is 10 minutes and costs around 5CHF. You can also take a taxi for about 55CHF, which takes 20 to 40 minutes.

LODGING -- Zurich is a very pedestrian-friendly city with excellent public transport for getting anywhere you can’t walk to. It is also quite expensive. Here are a couple of less expensive options that are safe, clean, and well-located. Hotel Rothaus – http://www.hotelrothaus.ch. Basic, clean rooms. Great little grocery store right across the street. Welcome Inn www.hotel-welcomeinn.ch Reasonable rates, dedicated shuttle to/from airport/airport train station/restaurant in hotel and several within easy walking distance. Grocery store within walking distance. EasyHotel Zurich -http://www.easyHotel.com. An easy walk from the train station and inexpensive by Zurich standards. The rooms are very small. Best Western Hotel Airport Zurichhttp://www.welcomegroup.ch/en/airport/. If you just want some place to sleep until you meet the group, this Japanese-oriented hotel is a good choice. Offers a free (limited schedule) shuttle to/from the airport and is a 5 minute walk to a train station making it convenient to Zurich for touring.

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