Your exploration of this tranquil corner of the Alps begins in the hamlet of Orvin. On your first morning you'll meet and learn to take care of the mules who'll be your companions for the week. Introductions complete, you'll take the first of two exploratory day walks, enjoying picnics in alpine meadows and visiting isolated farmsteads where cheese is still made in the traditional way.

You embark on a three-day trek through the mountains to reach the shores of Lac de Bienne. En route you'll bed down in the traditional way ' sleeping on straw in high pasture bergeries. You'll leave your mules shortly before arriving at the lakeside village of Twann. From the comfort of your hotel here there's plenty of time to swim in the lake and cross by small boat to St Peter's Peninsula, site of an 11th century monastery and now a nature reserve. This is also Swiss wine country so what better way to spend your last night than relaxing over a celebration meal in a vineyard!

Itinerary:

Day1 Join trip Zurich; transfer to Orvin2/3 Bread & cheese making; day walks with mules to Chasseral & Les Copperies4-6 Walk with mules through the Jura, overnighting in the high pastures to reach Twann on the shores of Lac de Bienne7 Twann; St Peter's peninsula; boat ride to Ligerz to visit wine museum and vineyards8 Trip ends Zurich

Transport, accommodation and meals:Train, bus, on foot, mule Chalets (3nts), farmsteads (2nts), hotel (2nts) The chalet is dormitory-style accommodation, and at the farmstead you'll spend traditional nights sleeping on straw. These are both multi-share accommodations. 7 breakfasts, 5 lunches & 7 dinners
Other costs: International airfare not included. Airport tax abroad not included.
Other info: Minimum age: 5 years This is a gentle walking trip suitable for active families. Walks range from 3 to 5 hours each day. Bags (and sometimes small children) are carried by mules. Sleeping on straw is a common (and fun) way to spend a couple of nights and much more comfortable than you might expect!
Group size: Maximum 16 people. 3-5 families.
Grade:
Climate:Year round destination.
Trip Reference: FSZ