EASY TO MODERATE HIKING ITINERARY DAY 1: SILS MARIA  Travel independently to Sils Maria, Switzerland and meet your guides for orientation and dinner in our outstanding hotel in the heart of this tiny and quiet village. DAY 2: SILS MARIA LOOP HIKE  Explore the mystical Val Fex and Muott ‘Ota, a charming valley that descends into downtown Sils. Hikes in this itinerary are options only. The guides will tailor each day to the interests and abilities of all individuals in the group. DAY 3:  MOUT OTA LOOP HIKE  Cross to the far side of the Silsersee and ascend to the micro hamlets Grevasalvas (where the movie Heidi was filmed) and Blaunca before descending to Maloja where a lakeshore ramble returns us to Sils, or summit the Piz Lunghin for those seeking a bigger day. DAY 4: LOCARNO   Transfer through Italy and Menaggio on the shores of the Lago di Como and back into Switzerland and the ancient canton of Ticino. Arrive in Locarno on the shores of Lake Maggiore. This ancient town boasts a vibrant lakeside vibe with colorful cafes and pubs. Intoxicating trails connect antique hill villages offering stunning glimpses into life in times long past. DAY 5: LOCARNO TO VERSZASCA  Visit the serpentine, glacial and waterworn granite valley of the Verszasca. The waters of the river that snakes down this glistening valley are alternately emerald green and ultramarine. It is truly visually stunning. DAY 6: LOCARNO TO CIMETTA AND MERGOSCIA  Ascend by funicular, cable car and chairlift to the Cimetta where a delightful ridgewalk ensues with endless views in all directions. Finish in the charming village Mergoscia for transfer back to Locarno. DAY 7: ZERMATT  What a fun transfer day! The slow journey through the Valle Maggia to the Italian border town Dommodossola could not be more memorable. Finish with the spectacular cog rail crawl up the Mattertal to Zermatt. That afternoon, ascend to the Gornergrat for the most inspiring views in the Alps. DAY 8: ZERMATT EXPLORATION   Both challenging and gentle options are offered to explore the vast terrain on the flanks of the North Face of the Matterhorn. DAY 9: ZERMATT TO TASCHALP/HORNLI HUT  Wander to the remote hamlet of Taschalp beneath the towering Dom (highest peak entirely in Switzerland) or hike to the legendary Hornli Hut at the base of the most popular route up the Matterhorn (for those in need of a touch more adrenaline). DAY 10: DEPART 15 "The guides were accommodating, personable, skilled, knowledgeable, pleasant, and darn good company! All in all - they are Ryder/Walker family and what I have learned to expect!" – Diane A. *All ground transportation between Sils Maria and Zermatt included during tour. Luggage transfer daily. NOTE: Daily itineraries on all our guided treks are subject to change. Your guide(s) will make route decisions based on weather and terrain conditions as well as hiker's abilities. TRIP RATINGS Easy to Challenging hiking – this trip is designed to accommodate all levels. (Trip rating descriptions found on page 8.) EFFORT 1-4/ 4 COMFORT 4/ 4 1-4/ 4 TERRAIN Piz Lunghin Matterhorn SWITZERLAND ITALY Cimetta Sils Maria Locarno Zermatt