Itinerary
Day 01 Arrive Thusis
Upon arrival into Zurich International airport, take the train to Thusis (own expense). After checking into your hotel, the day is free at leisure.
Meal: Breakfast
Stay: hotel, Thusis
Day 02 Thusis – Tiefencastel
A spectacular trail leads from Domleschg through the Schinschlucht gorge. You will be rewarded with spectacular views on the climb to the hamlet of Muldain. More highlights await you as you hike along The Solis viaduct and St. Peters church in Mistail, dating back to the 8th century.
Meal: Breakfast
Stay: hotel, Tiefencastel
Hiking Distance: 20 KM appox. Hiking Hours: 6 hours est.
Elevation: +925 M / -770 M
Day 03 Tiefencastel – Filisur – Bergün
One of the highlights today is the impressive Landwasser viaduct. Prior to this, walk alongside the foaming Albula river and then on the «Wasserweg ansaina». Take a photo at the most strategic spot for the world-famous RhB Rhaetian Railway viaduct. Continue past Filisur with its historic village centre. Then passing through the tanzenden Hexen von Bellaluna (dancing witches of Bellaluna) to the trail that leads up to the well-kept, historic railway station at Stugl. Finish the hike at Bergün with its Engadin houses, a mecca for railway enthusiasts.
Meal: Breakfast
Stay: hotel, Bergün
Hiking Distance: 21 KM approx. Hiking Hours: 6 hours est.
Elevation: +860 M / -345 M
Day 04 Bergün – Preda – Albulapass – Spinas (by train: Spinas – St. Moritz)
Hike through a true masterpiece of engineering today. The mountain trail follows the banks of the Albula river and crosses the railway line several times, which features the boldest of railway routes on this strecth. The Bahnerlebnisweg (Railway experience trail) illustrates this 100-year-old railway engineering feat.
Past Preda, the mountain hike leads past the crystal-clear Palpuognasee lake, over Weissenstein Alp or Crap Alv up to the Fuorcla Crap Alv (2,466 m altitude), then steeply down into Val Bever to the idyllic stage destination of Spinas. From here, take the train to Str.Moritz.
Meal: Breakfast
Stay: hotel, St Moritz
Hiking Distance: 18 KM approx. Hiking Hours: 6 hours est.
Elevation: +1,035 M / -530 M
Day 05 (by train: St. Moritz – Morteratsch) Morteratsch – Berninapass – Alp Grüm
Hike through moorland and alpine pastures to the Berninapass. One highlights after another keep unfolding right in front of your eyes; The Stazerwald forest, Pontresina, the Morteratsch glacier world, Lago Bianco-Lej Nair watershed and Graubunden’s highest mountain. After the white glacier waters of Lago Bianco, the route leads you up to the fantastic vantage point of Sassal Mason with views of Piz Palü. Its glacier seems almost close enough to touch. Adore the heart-shaped Lagh da Palü, Alp Grüm and Val Poschiavo.
Meal: Breakfast
Stay: hotel, Alp Grüm
Hiking Distance: 16 KM approx. Hiking Hours: 4.5 hours est.
Elevation: +1,320 M / -880 M
Day 06 Alp Grüm – Poschiavo
Worthwhile to take a detour to the glacial mills of Cavaglia, made accessible with great effort. Just like the Rhaetian Railway, the hiking trail winds down the slope to the Poschiavo valley.
Meal: Breakfast
Stay: hotel, Poschiavo
Hiking Distance: 10 KM approx. Hiking Hours: 3 hours est.
Elevation: +30 M / -1,155 M
Day 07 Poschiavo – Tirano (Italy)
The massive curved Brusio viaduct will amaze you today. The varied route will lead you through orchards, chestnut groves and vineyards to Italy. S. Perpetua in Tirano gives an excellent overview of the Mediterranean landscape and the town with its venerable palazzi.
Meal: Breakfast
Stay: hotel, Tirano
Hiking Distance: 19 KM approx. Hiking Hours: 4.5 hours est.
Elevation: +380 M / -950 M
Day 08 Depart Tirano (Italy)
Choose to sleep in or simply rest and relax until check out.
Meal: Breakfast
Inclusions
~ 7 nights in desired accommodation with breakfast;
~ luggage transfer on day 2 – day 7;
~ admission to the Albula Museum in Bergun;
~ 2nd class railway pass Thusis > Tirano (valid for all regular train connections day 2 – day 7) ;
~ detailed digital tour documentation;
~ elaborated route description;
~ service hotline.
Exclusions
~ air/rail travel;
~ personal travel insurance;
~ expenditure of personal effects;
~ tourism tax at each accommodation check in;
~ anything not specified in the itinerary.
Important Notes
~ Non – refundable deposit, 30% of total tour price is required at the time of booking. Full or balance payment is 60 days prior to departure.
~ This self-guided trip is good for 1 hiker to go.
~ Should you require a visa to enter Switzerland and Italy, it is your responsibility to obtain such a document before departure.
~ Our utmost priority is always the safety of the hikers. Therefore inclusion of the itinerary may be altered due (not limited to) bad weather, local conditions, accommodation book out, the skill levels of the hikers and/or other unexpected circumstances beyond our control. We reserve the right to make changes necessary and there will be no refund should you decide to discontinue with the trip.
~ Because hiking requires a certain level of cardio and stamina exertion, it is not suitable for participants with chronic and/or acute disease. Please consider your physical condition before booking. Hikers must ensure they are medically and physically able to hike/walk.
~ Trip grading is an indication on the difficulty of the activities included. Preparation and engaging in regular exercise to maintain good physical condition and active lifestyle prior to the trip will be most beneficial in ensuring you have full enjoyment of the trip. We are glad to discuss your concerns and answer your queries.
~ All hikers are strongly encouraged to be appropriately dressed in the right footwear (covered hiking shoes) and attire suitable for hiking.
~ Every effort is made to ensure the trip and included experiences take place during the ideal time or period of the year, however certain sights are subject to weather conditions and seasonal variations that are not within the control of Travel Wander. Although you may get to see and/or experience, we cannot guarantee the sightings.
~ Provision of meals during the trip showcases local authenticity, cuisine and food culture of the places we are visiting. All food allergies and dietary restrictions must be disclosed to Travel Wander at the time of booking. We will use reasonable efforts to accommodate special requirements or requests but this is not always possible given the nature of the destinations visited and availability of options. We cannot guarantee that dietary needs or restrictions can be accommodated. Travel Wander is not liable for failure to accommodate or fulfil such requests. Meal supplementary charges may be imposed to meet your dietary needs.
~ If hiker presents difficulty in completing the hike of the day, we strongly discourage the hiker from continuing for the day with top priority on the safety of the hiker (and travel companions) in mind. The hiker can fast track to the next accommodation making use of public transportation (where available) or booking private transfer at hiker’s own expense. Hikers can use mobile applications such as Google Search, Google Map, etc. to source for fast-track options.
~ Hiker may choose to terminate the hike early during any time of the planned hiking day or make it a rest day, and fast track to the next accommodation by making use of public transportation (where available) or booking private transfer at hiker’s own expense. Should the hiker wish to partake in other activities or sightseeing on the rest day, it will be at the hiker’s own expense. Hikers can use mobile applications such as Google Search, Google Map, etc. to source for fast-track options.
~ There is no refund for uncompleted hiking distances or missed inclusions.
~ Purchasing comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended. See HERE for details.
~ By making a payment to Travel Wander LLP, you (and on behalf of the rest of travelling companions) acknowledge that you have read, understood and agree to Travel Wander’s Booking Conditions and Other Important Information: Cancellation and Amendment, Modes of Payment, Privacy Policy, Indemnity Policy, and Terms & Conditions.
