Switzerland

August 2-10, 2027

Let’s see Switzerland by train!

Bar chart showing increasing difficulty levels from 1 to 5, with the difficulty labeled as 2/5 at the bottom.

This adventure is rated 2 out of 5 with an optional add-on that is a 3/5. The Murren Via Ferrata is rated a K3. It’s fairly difficult, but doable for people with via ferrata or climbing experience.You should not book this add-on if you have a fear of heights. All hikes are listed as easy-moderate on All Trails and are optional. No training is necessary for this trip

Switzerland's timeless beauty awaits you, promising an unforgettable travel experience.

Over the course of this unforgettable 9-day adventure, you’ll travel by train to some of Switzerland's most picturesque and iconic destinations including Zurich, Mürren and Zermatt. These destinations offer a perfect blend of Swiss heritage, breathtaking landscapes, and outdoor adventures. Together we’ll hike to some of Zermatt’s most stunning viewpoints, conquer Mürren’s Via Ferrata, indulge in delicious fondue and Swiss chocolate, soak in the scenic views on Switzerland’s famous Glacier Express, and enjoy some free time to shop, relax or check off your personal Swiss bucket list activity. 

The best part of it all will be the dynamic, fun and adventurous group of women you’ll share this incredible experience with forging new friendships and memories that will last a lifetime!

***The dates for this adventure were secured to fall over the Folklore Festival in Zermatt. Historically, this is been the second weekend in August, but 2027 dates have not been released yet. The itinerary does not include the festival for this reason, but we are keeping all our fingers/toes crossed because it looks awesome! This will means that Zermatt will be busier than usual, but we think it will be worth it. The itinerary while in Zermatt might be adjusted slightly if the festival is happening during this trip.

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

  • Journey by Scenic Swiss Trains: Skip the highway stress. We’ll traverse the country using the legendary Swiss rail system, taking in panoramic floor-to-ceiling views of emerald valleys, pristine alpine lakes and cascading waterfalls. It’s the best way to travel when visiting Switzerland!

  • Explore the Fairytale Lauterbrunnen Valley: Walk through the dramatic "Valley of 72 Waterfalls" and stay in Mürren, a breathtaking mountain village perched high on a cliffside that is only accessible by cable car or foot.

  • Traverse the Thrilling Mürren Via Ferrata: For the ultimate adrenaline rush, take on the optional guided Via Ferrata (iron path). Cross a suspension bridge hanging 400 meters above the valley floor and traverse steel steps anchored directly into the cliff face! Don’t worry, this activity is an add-on if heights aren’t your thing!

  • Stand in the Shadow of the Matterhorn: Travel to the world-famous alpine hub of Zermatt. Explore its charming, cobblestone pedestrian streets, watch the sunset hit the iconic peak of the Matterhorn and ride the scenic Gornergrat Bahn mountain railway.

  • Authentic Swiss Fondue & Culture: What’s an active outdoor trip without snacks? Wind down after a day of hiking by bonding with your fellow travelers over traditional Swiss cheese fondue, local charcuterie and world-class Swiss chocolate.

  • Built-In Community & Solo-Travel Friendly: Come alone, leave with a lifelong group of adventure friends! Led by our Women Who Explore trip host, this small-group experience blends epic alpine exploration with a deeper community connection.

Five women inside a cable car, holding a turquoise banner that reads 'Women Who Explore,' with a snowy mountain landscape visible through the windows behind them.
Four people lifting a seesaw on a grassy mountain field with a wooden cabin and snow-capped mountains in the background.
Scenic mountain valley with lakes, forests, and a small town, mountain peaks in the background, under a partly cloudy sky.
Majestic mountain range with snow-capped peaks, lush green forest at the base, and a partly cloudy sky.
Scenic view of lush green fields, dense forests, and small buildings in a valley, with towering snow-capped mountains in the background under a clear blue sky.
People visiting a mountain viewpoint with a red train, a small stone building, and a snow-capped mountain in the background, likely the Matterhorn in the Swiss Alps.
Snow-capped mountains and glaciers behind a small lake in a mountainous landscape with rocky terrain and sparse vegetation.
A street scene in a mountain town with buildings, people walking, outdoor seating, and mountain peaks in the background.

ITINERARY

    • Arrive at Zurich International Airport (ZRH) where you will be greeted with stunning views of the Swiss Alps in the distance. You will make your way to the hotel where you will meet your fellow travelers and trip host. There will be one group transfer provided from the airport to the hotel today.

    • Enjoy free time to rest, take a stroll along Lake Zurich or explore the city's vibrant old town, rich in history, culture, and delicious treats.

    • Tonight we will meet as a group and head out to enjoy our first Swiss dinner together as we get to know each other over a delicious fondue.

    • Meals: Dinner

    • Enjoy breakfast, check out of the hotel and grab a lunch to go. Today we begin our train journey!

    • Take the train from Zurich to the picturesque village of Mürren located in the Lauterbrunnen Valley. This is a car-free village that can only be reached by a gondola or on foot, making it a unique Swiss experience.

    • Check into the hotel and enjoy an afternoon at your leisure hiking or exploring Lauterbrunnen Valley.

    • Tonight enjoy dinner at the place of your choice with sunset and a view.

    • Meals: Breakfast

    • Today is a choose your own adventure day!

    • You can choose to relax in the small village of Murren, take the gondola to Lauterbrunnen for some gift shopping, or choose one of the amazing hikes that starts right from the village.

    • Join your host on an optional hike and picnic lunch today. The hike will be determined based on interest.

    • Tonight we’ll dine together and enjoy the stunning views that surround us.

    • Meals: Breakfast and dinner

    • It’s Via Ferrata Day!

    • Mürren is known for its thrilling Via Ferrata. This is an add-on activity. This is a guided via ferrata tour that takes approximately 3-4 hours to complete and is considered challenging (K3). It is 1.4 miles in length with 985 feet of descent. It includes navigating our way along the mountain side following steel steps, zip lines, ladders, and a lofty suspension bridge 400m over the valley floor. We’ll enjoy some incredible views of the Lauterbrunnen valley as we complete the challenge together!

    • If the via ferrata isn’t for you, this area has lots of hikes through lush alpine meadows and gorgeous views like the Murren Flower Trail or North Face Trail. You can also hop over to Grinnewald on local train and take a cogwheel train to Jungfraujoch (the "Top of Europe"), explore the sky walk hike/bike ride down or simply relax and soak in the tranquility of this mountain paradise.

    • Tonight enjoy dinner at your leisure.

    • Meals: Breakfast

    • Today, we’ll wake up and hop on the train towards Zermatt. The ride takes approximately 3.5 hours.

    • After we arrive and get settled into our hotel, we’ll set out to explore the city of Zermatt. Every street is a pedestrian street since only small, electric vehicles (made specifically for Zermatt) are allowed to drive the city streets.

    • Just like Murren, this area is known for paragliding so make sure to book your spot if this is high on your bucket list.

    • Dinner is on your own tonight, there are a lot of options in Zermatt but our favorite is Brown Cow pub which has delicious burgers.

    • Meals: Breakfast

    • Today’s adventure begins on the first fully electric cogwheel train in the world. Make sure to grab a seat on the right side of the train so you can catch the sweeping views of Matterhorn and Swiss Alps on the way up!

    • The train’s final stop drops us at Gornergrat located at an altitude of 3,089 meters (10,314 feet). From here we’ll take a short walk to a view point where you will be able to see Europe’s second largest glacier, the Gorner Glacier, along with Switzerland’s highest peak, the Dufourspitze, the Monte Rossa Massif, and of course, the magnificent Matterhorn.

    • Here our hike down to Riffelberg begins where we will enjoy stunning views along the way and enjoy a picnic lunch. When we arrive in Riffelberg, you will have the option to continue on your own adventure or extend the hike down to Zermatt.

    • Head back into town on the Riffelberg Express if you’d like to relax, grab lunch or shop. For those who would like to continue hiking, take the cable car to Furi making your way over to Blatten.

    • Once we are back at the hotel, the evening is yours to explore or rest. Dinner will be at the place of your choice tonight.

    • Meals: Breakfast and charcuterie style picnic lunch

    • Enjoy breakfast before the morning adventure begins. Today begins with a hike up from Sunnegga station to Blauherd to rent mountain carts. Enjoy a cruise from Blauherd back down to Sunnegga. Racing carts in the Alps might not have been on your bucket list, but we promise it’ll be a ride to remember!

    • After you can also do the optional Five Lakes Trail. This is a 9.8 km (6.1 mile) hike that is mostly downhill passing by 5 different lakes, Stellisee, Grindjisee, Grünsee, Moosjisee, and Leisee. It should take approximately 3-4 hours to complete.

    • The rest of the day is up to you. Enjoy dinner at a place of your choice this evening.

    • Meals: Breakfast

    • Enjoy coffee, breakfast, and views of the Matterhorn this morning before checking out of the hotel. Today we’ll make our way back to Zurich in the afternoon.

    • Before catching the train at 2:30 p.m., you will have a few hours to explore, shop, check off an optional hike or enjoy a relaxing spa treatment. 

    • The group will be meeting at the hotel at 2:30 p.m. sharp to catch the next train back to Zurich together. Please note that if you miss this train you will be responsible for making your way back to Zurich on your own. The ride takes just over 3 hours to arrive in Zurich.

    • Arrive in Zurich, check into the hotel and enjoy some free time.

    • Join the group for a farewell dinner to celebrate this incredible adventure!

    • Meals: Breakfast and dinner

    • Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before packing your bags and checking out.

    • Say your farewells to your fellow travelers as you make your way to the airport or onto your next adventure. We recommend the train now that you're an expert at the Swiss train system.

    • Meals: Breakfast

Woman rock climbing on a steep cliffside, using safety gear and positioned high above a green valley with mountains in the background.
The photo shows a scenic mountain landscape with a snow-capped peak in the background, green slopes, and rocks. There is a sign in the foreground with the word 'ZERMATT' on it, indicating the location in Switzerland.
A street signpost in a mountainous area with snow-capped peaks in the background, nearby buildings, and a clear sky.
A cow standing on a grassy field with wildflowers, mountains in the background, under a partly cloudy sky.
Flowers in the foreground overlooking a river or canal with houses and buildings on the sides, mountains with clouds in the background, and a partly cloudy sky.
Group of seven hikers standing on a trail in front of green mountains with snow-capped peaks under a partly cloudy sky, on a bright sunny day.
Four women hiking outdoors in a mountainous area, holding a blue banner that reads "Women Who Explore". Snow-capped mountain peak in the background, clear blue sky, and green grassy terrain.
Woman standing on a wooden balcony of a multi-story building, looking outside, with potted flowers on the balcony railing.
A woman with long brown hair looking out of a window at the Matterhorn mountain in the Swiss Alps, with a clear blue sky and some clouds. The window has wooden framing and is partially open, and part of a bed with white rumpled bedding is visible in
A person standing in a field of white flowers, looking at a mountain with snow and clouds in the background.
A church with a tall steeple and a small cross on top, located near a rocky mountain with a thin waterfall cascading down, surrounded by green trees and buildings, in a scenic mountain setting.
Mountain landscape with steep rocky cliffs and snow-capped peaks in the background; green trees in the foreground; part of a modern building with balconies on the right side.

Questions? Please reach out to us at info@womenwhoexplore.com

Ready to Book?

Ready to Book?

  • $4,695 USD double occupancy.

    $6,295 USD single occupancy (availability pending, TBC after August 7, 2027)

    If you are traveling solo, you will be assigned a roommate upon request. Rooms are assigned on a first come basis.

    A deposit is due at booking to hold your spot with regular monthly payments. Additional payments may be applied to the trip balance prior to payment due dates.

  • • 9 days/8 nights in double occupancy in 3-4 star hotels and guesthouses in Zurich, Murren, and Zermatt.

    • 8-day Swiss Travel Pass with access to unlimited travel by train, bus and boat, plus free admission to more than 500 museums, and additional discounts on mountain excursions, gondolas and other activities. Option to upgrade to 15 day pass at booking.

    • Train rides from Zurich to Murren, Murren to Zermatt, Zermatt to Zurich

    • Gornergrat Bahn Scenic Train Ride

    • Mountain carts rental

    • Free time to explore shops and cafes, plan your own bucket list adventures (paragliding anyone?) and time to enjoy hikes in the villages of Murren and Zermatt

    • One private group train transfer from the Zurich Airport to the hotel in downtown Zurich. Y

    • Meals as noted in itinerary, in total this includes 8 breakfasts, a charcuterie lunch, 3 dinners and some hiking snacks

    • Trip checklists, detailed packing list, training guide, and pre-travel support provided in a private Facebook and/or WhatsApp group

    • WWE Trip Host available 24/7 during the trip for support

    • WWE Swag to make your heart happy!

    • Small group; maximum of 11 women + your WWE trip host

  • • International flights to/from Zurich International Airport (ZRH)

    • Airport transfers outside of designated group transfer. One group train transfer is provided on arrival day and one on departure day.

    • Mürren Via Ferrata and any other additional excursions or activities not included in the above itinerary

    • Alcohol, additional beverages, snacks and meals as noted above - 6 lunches and 5 dinners not included.

    • Tips and gratuity for lead guides (at the discretion of the client)

    • Visa and entry requirements as applicable and any pre-travel medical expenses such as immunizations or required Covid-19 testing 

    • Travelers insurance to cover medical expenses while traveling abroad (proof of insurance required)

    • Personal expenses not included in the itinerary such as additional accommodations, transportation, meals, souvenirs, etc.

  • 8 breakfasts, a charcuterie lunches, 3 dinners and some hiking snacks

    All meals will be provided as noted in the itinerary. Please reach out to the trip host after booking if you have any food allergies/sensitivities. We always do our best to accommodate dietary restrictions but cannot make any guarantees.

  • This trip requires a minimum number of women to register in order for it to be confirmed. Once the trip reaches the minimum participant number, you will receive a trip confirmation email and a link to be added a private Facebook group just for trip guests. In this group further trip details will be provided along with pre-travel support. Please let us know if you do not have or use Facebook (see contact information below).

  • Please see our Terms of Service.

    All deposits are non-refundable at the time of booking, but may be transferable if done so within the timeframe outlined in the Terms of Service.

    Once a trip has been confirmed (no matter the booking or trip timeline), the deposit is both non-refundable and non-transferable. Please make sure you are purchasing adequate travel insurance at the time of booking to ensure you are covered in case you need to cancel.

    Please note: some of our trips have a non-refundable fee that will be stated in the trip description. Please make sure to refer to the full Terms of Service to make sure you understand fully the Cancellation Policy of each trip.

  • Travel (and medical) insurance is required for anyone traveling on a Women Who Explore adventure. Your insurance should include adequate protection for overseas medical treatment, evacuation/repatriation, your baggage and equipment and the specific activities involved on your adventure. Your insurance policy should also include specific Covid-19 cover, including cancellation and curtailment cover if you or a close relative are diagnosed with Covid-19.

    For recommended travel insurance providers click here.

  • Please note that the itinerary provided for your adventure is subject to change. While we strive to adhere to the proposed plan, unforeseen circumstances such as weather conditions, safety concerns, or other factors beyond our control may necessitate adjustments to the itinerary. We prioritize your safety and enjoyment throughout the adventure, and any modifications made will be done with careful consideration. We will make every effort to inform you in advance of any changes and provide suitable alternatives to ensure a fulfilling experience.