Magic Moments in the Alps
 |
| There's no better time or place to hear alp horns and cowbells. |
Day-by-day itineraries can't prepare you for how Europe's Alps will simply knock your socks off. Here are a few "wow" memories from several of our tours that deliver totally yodel-y alpine thrills...
Just before dawn in Murren, Switzerland we looked out and saw the reflection of the full moon on the snow covered Alps — the absolute "wow" moment of a lifetime.
— Bill in Winston-Salem, NC (Germany, Austria & Switzerland in 16 Days)
I had many "wow" moments, but the beauty of the Alps in Switzerland and Austria was just awesome. In Switzerland, in just walking the valley floor there is such a pristine, peaceful, cathedral-like feeling that truly soothes the soul.
— Linda in Concord, CA (Best of Europe in 21 Days)
Our free day in the Swiss Alps was one wow moment after another. We rode gondolas to the top of the Schilthorn where we were eye-level with the Eiger, the Monch and the Jungfrau. We explored the tiny village of Gimmelwald set in a high mountain meadow, we took the riverside hike that goes the length of the Lauterbrunnen Valley and visited Trummelbach Falls. Add the good company of our tour group and a beautiful clear cloudless day, and you end up with memories worth reliving.
— Becky in Redmond, WA (Germany, Austria & Switzerland in 16 Days)
One memorable time was a hike I went on with four other tour members in the Dolomites. The five of us took a gondola above our hotel in Alpe di Siusi. Then we began hiking up the mountain. The clouds rolled in and a drizzle began. After hiking 3 hours not being able to see much of anything we were getting cold and damp. Suddenly a warming hut appeared in front of us. We went in to discover a full bar and a friendly bar tender. We sat down and had wonderful pear schnapps with pear hunks in it and warmed up. When we left the hut the sun broke out to a fabulous view of the valley below. Two hours later we made it back to the hotel, cold and damp but having had a great time and having made new friends.
— Vance in Sherwood, OR (Best of Italy in 17 Days)
The entire trip was a "wow." One moment that will be in my memory forever, was after dinner in the Swiss Alps. Our guides had arranged for some local men to play the alp horn for us. We were standing there, the air was crisp and you could hear the horn echoing through the hills. Intermingled with the horn, you could hear the faint sound of cowbells...priceless.
— Pamela in Alpharetta, GA (Family Europe in 14 Days)