From Easy to Challenging: There’s a Perfect Alpine Adventure for Everyone!

For walkers everywhere, exploring the Alps is the pinnacle of achievement—sometimes, quite literally! There’s something about seeing the majestic peaks of Titlis, Eiger, Mont Blanc, and the Matterhorn that sets the spirit alight—and something about the sound of crystal-clear waterfalls tumbling down a mossy mountain pass that feels delightfully idyllic. These peaks are among the world’s most majestic—and to reach them is certainly a hike. But does it have to be a difficult hike? With the incredible expertise of Country Walkers trip designers and certified alpine guides, it doesn’t! We’ve combed the Alps to find the easiest paths among these soaring peaks—riding cog rails and cable cars to the peaks where the views are pristine, and the hiking is on well-established trails. On the other hand, if a stiff day of hiking is just your cup of tea, our more challenging adventures in the Alps give you all that, and more.

With four alpine Country Walkers adventures to choose from, you can pick the level of challenge that’s right for you—knowing that whichever adventure you select will include spectacular mountain scenery, exquisite hotels, and a delightful array of alpine culture and cuisine.

The Alps—on the Easier Side

New for 2025, the Country Walkers Switzerland: Zürich, Lucerne & the Alps Guided Tour was crafted with skill and expertise to bring you our easiest alpine hiking vacation. “This adventure is an excellent mix of cultural experiences, sightseeing, and exercise,” says certified mountain guide Claire Thioliere. “The hikes are always on established trails and never technical. Most hikes are not strenuous—but they all have spectacular mountain scenery! We will take our time as we hike, so you never have to feel rushed.” With her years of experience guiding in the Alps, Claire’s expertise was instrumental in discovering the easiest hiking routes with the most dramatic views of snowcapped peaks. Explore the extensive network of Swiss cable cars and gondolas—bringing you up to the top of the mountain where you’ll hike among the incredible ridgeline scenery. When you’re not hiking, you’ll learn the fine art of yodeling from a pair of professional alpine songsters, visit a high mountain dairy where you’ll sample their array of artisanal cheeses, and enjoy the sonorous tones of the iconic Swiss alphorn against a backdrop of verdant alpine gardens.

Pick Your Own Pace with Our Alpine Self-Guided Adventure

If you like the idea of being able to control how much, or how little, you want to hike on any given day, our Switzerland: Zürich, Wengen & Zermatt Self-Guided Tour is the vacation for you! Ride the cable car to the top of the mountain and hike down—our Ride With GPS app will point out the best spots to stop and take a panoramic photo of the Matterhorn. Don’t feel like hiking that day? No problem! The charming shops and cafes of Zermatt and Wengen are at your feet. “With three-night stays in each location, guests really have flexibility,” says Country Walkers Trip Designer Melanie Morin. “There are so many wonderful things to explore, and you can pick and choose what to do each day depending on your mood.” With exquisite alpine accommodations in Wengen and Zermatt, you’ll enjoy the lively atmosphere and cultural attractions of these charming mountain towns.

Something Steeper? Explore the Italian Alps

If you’re ready to take it up a notch, the Country Walkers Italy: The Dolomites Guided Tour is a stand-out. Here, you’ll follow our certified alpine guides as you hike among the mountain’s stunning aiguilles—the dramatic stone peaks that look like gnarled fingers thrust into the clouds. Explore the Parco Naturale Puez-Odle, a UNESCO World Heritage site where you’ll hike the famous Sass de Pütia. Along the way, you’ll learn about local geology, observe high alpine wildflowers and spot sure-footed chamois, and enjoy the warm camaraderie of Italian mountain rifugios. In the evenings, explore the chic cafés and boutiques of Cortina d’Ampezzo and Bressanone—and experience the Austrian influences in the fine cuisine and charming shops of South Tyrol. “Guests are often surprised by the caliber of wines on this vacation,” says Country Walkers Trip Designer Tricia Dowhan. “The Tyrolean region is renowned for its excellent red wines, then we journey into the Veneto where you’ll find some really superlative whites—and even bubbles.” For a vacation that combines serious hiking and fine Italian culture, this adventure is simply the best.

Onwards and Upwards! Mont Blanc is Our Most Challenging Hike

At over 15,000 feet, Mont Blanc is Western Europe’s highest peak—and the beating heart of the French Alps. On the Country Walkers France, Italy & Switzerland: The Mont Blanc Circuit Guided Tour, you’ll experience alpine culture in three countries—striding easily across international borders in the high mountains. “Our certified alpine guides are based in Chamonix,” says Country Walkers Trip Designer Katerina Bacevicius. “Our leaders are trained and certified to guide on these mountains—which are literally in their own backyards. They know all the local tips and tricks—and when it comes to serious hiking in the Alps, there’s just no substitute for having this level of local expertise.” On this challenging hiking tour, you’ll strap on your hiking boots each day for a climb to your next peak—perhaps stopping for lunch in a high mountain rifugio where the food is hearty, and hikers gather from all over the globe to share stories from the trail. In the evenings, relax in classic alpine lodges offering traditional mountain fare, spectacular alpine views, and available saunas and massage treatments to refresh your muscles for the day ahead.