Home to the infamous Matterhorn, Valais in Switzerland is a land full of contrasts. From majestic mountains at 4,000m high and fascinating glaciers, to unspoilt valleys and sprawling vineyards, there's something for every adventure seeker to relish on this trip. Accounting for almost 40% of Switzerland's wine production, Valais is a true paradise for wine lovers.
This sun-kissed valley enjoys 300 days of sunshine a year which bathes the mountains and meadows in a magnificent light. Spectacular bike trails meander over mountain slopes and through speckled forests as you delight in the awe that Valais has to offer you.
You'll be welcomed each night by traditional alpine hospitality and delicious regional food at our 3* and 4* hotels. Most of your accommodations are situated in beautiful mountain villages and feature a wellness centre for you to relax in after your days cycling.
Highlights
Adventure into the homeland of the majestic Matterhorn
Follow exceptional single trails down the flanks of the Rhone and Nanztal Valleys
Unwind in Leukerbad, renowned for its historical thermal spa and springs
What's Included
7 nights hotel-to-hotel accommodation in a mix of 3* and 4* hotels
All breakfasts
Management by your local Headwater-appointed agent
Headwater navigation app
High quality bikes
Luggage transfers between hotels
What's Not Included
Travel insurance
Single accommodation (available on request - compulsory supplement)
Solo traveller supplement (where only one person is travelling on a departure date)
Visas or vaccinations
Lunches & dinners
7Days of Cycling
Day 2
27 km / 16.8 miles
Day 3
33 km / 20.5 miles
Day 4
33 km / 20.5 miles
Day 5
48 km / 29.8 miles
Day 6
49 km / 30.4 miles
Day 7
29 km / 18 miles
Responsible Travel
At Exodus we believe in the power of Responsible Travel.
Every time we travel, we are part of a global movement that creates jobs, builds more sustainable societies, encourages cultural understanding and safeguards common natural and cultural heritage. To learn more about what Responsible Travel means to Exodus click here…
Itinerary
Crans-Montana
Grimentz
London
London
Day
1
Arrive in Crans-Montana
The two neighbouring resorts of Crans and Montana sit at 1,500m on a sun-drenched plateau high above the Rhone Valley. These twin towns have an impressive view of mountain peaks from the Matterhorn to Mont Blanc; the perfect place to begin your Valais voyage.
Overnight Hotel Valaisia 3*, Crans-Montana.
Day
2
Crans-Montana to Leukerbad
Begin your first ride with a steady climb to Cabane de la Tiéche, a small alpine cabin which is sometimes open for local food and drinks. From here, you’ll ride past stunning Alps as you descend into Varen through the delightful vineyards and vines of the Rhône valley before reaching Leuk. Once in Leuk, the bus will take you to Leukerbad, known for the largest alpine thermal spa in Europe.
Overnight Hotel Quellenhof 3*, Leukerbad.
Distance covered: 17mi (27km)
Meals included: Breakfast
Day
3
Leukerbad to Unterbäch
Take a short cable car up to Rinderhütte where one of the most beautiful trails in Switzerland awaits you. Upon reaching Erschmatt, you’ll follow the trail down into the picturesque Rhône valley surrounded by an extraordinary mountain panorama. Once you arrive in Raron, you’ll take the cable car to the next town up in Unterbäch.
Overnight Hotel Alpenhof 3*, Unterbäch.
Distance covered: 21mi (33km)
Meals included: Breakfast
Day
4
Unterbäch to Grächen
From Unterbäch, you take the chairlift up to Brandalp where you’ll journey to Moosalp along clear trails. Here you can take a moment to appreciate the remarkable landscapes and even enjoy the legendary Moosalp restaurant cream cake! After your well-deserved break, begin your descent to the Mattertal via the mountain village of Törbel and Stalden valley. The stunning Matterhorn trail will guide you up through the Mattertal and into St. Niklaus where a bus will take you to Grächen.
Overnight Hotel Hannigalp 3*, Grächen.
Distance covered: 21mi (33km)
Meals included: Breakfast
Day
5
Grächen to Brig
Today brings you incredible mountain and glacier views as you ride along both the Mattsand Enduro Trail and the Matterhorn Valley Trail. You’ll take a cable car up to Gspon where a beautiful trail leads through the Sädol forest to the Gibidumpass. From here, you’ll follow a lovely leisurely trail down into the wild Nanztal valley where you can take a short break at Alp Nidristi. Finish your day in Brig, an alpine town nestled at the foot of Simplon Pass which leads to the Italian border.
Overnight Hotel Stockalperhof 4*, Brig.
Distance covered: 30mi (48km)
Meals included: Breakfast
Day
6
Brig to St Luc
Take the train and cable car from Brig to reach your starting point in Lauchernalp. Today takes you to the magical Lotschental valley with stunning views of Bietschhorn. Descend through alpine forest, passing charming villages before reaching Leuk with its striking castle. Continue through the wine-growing villages of Varen and Salgesch before arriving in Sierre and taking a bus to St Luc.
Overnight Hotel Beausite 3*, St Luc.
Distance covered: 30mi (49km)
Meals included: Breakfast
Day
7
St Luc to Grimentz
This is a very special end to your week in Valais! Take the funicular up to Tignousa where you’ll head high above the Val d’Anniviers to Zinal surrounded by the highest mountains in the Alps. The cable car takes you to almost 2,700m to Sorebois where it’s all downhill as you whizz past Lac de Moiry reservoir to the small mountain village of Grimentz.
Overnight Hotel Alpina 3*, Grimentz.
Distance covered: 18mi (29km)
Meals included: Breakfast
Day
8
Depart Grimentz
Enjoy a relaxing morning in the comfort of your beautiful hotel before departing for home.
Essential Info
Joining Instructions
Full joining instructions including route notes, hotel list, map and local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.
Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.
There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for tetanus, rabies and tick-borne encephalitis. Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.
Visa
Switzerland
Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter Switzerland. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.
Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.
Benefiting from a quiet location next to the Grand Signal-Bella Lui cable car station, this lovely hotel is just 5 minutes from the centre of Crans Montana. The wellness centre features a 33°c salt spa, sauna, massage, and fitness room. In the summer months, you can enjoy a heated swimming pool and sunbathing area in addition to a terrace and garden. The hotel restaurant serves a breakfast buffet and a seasonal four-course menu in the evening.
Hotel Quellenhof 3*, Leukerbad
Located on the spa promenade of Leukerbad, this hotel is conveniently set next to the famous Alpentherme spa and the Torrentbahn cable car station. With ten relaxing baths and a wide range of wellness treatments, Leukerbad Therme is the largest thermal spa in the entire alpine region. The hotel restaurant serves delicious regional dishes, after which you can enjoy the cosy fireside bar.
Hotel Alpenhof 3*, Unterbäch
Sat almost 1,200m above sea level, this relaxing hotel is right next to Raron gondola station and the chair lift station. You can relax in the sauna or enjoy an aperitif before dinner at the hotel bar. Enjoy lovely mountain views from the hotel restaurant or on the cosy sun terrace as a breakfast buffet and regional evening meals are served.
Hotel Hannigalp 3*, Grächen
Around 400m from the village centre, this delightful hotel enjoys a peaceful location in the car-free area of Grächen. Featuring an indoor pool and hot tub, their wellness centre also boasts a sauna, whirlpool, ice fountain, and a relaxation area with a fireplace. There is also a tennis court and ping-pong table available to guests. The restaurant serves delicious Swiss and international cuisine.
Hotel Stockalperhof 4*, Brig
Named after Stockalperhof Castle, a proud landmark of Brig, this boutique hotel offers a modern yet historical ambience. The rooms are high-quality and contemporary, most of which feature a balcony. Their restaurant offers an Italian influence, serving seasonal, healthy cuisine.
Hotel Le Beausite 3*, St Luc
This family-run hotel boasts uninterrupted views of the Matterhorn, set in a lovely sunny location and close to a bus stop. There is a private spa centre by appointment only which includes a jacuzzi with breathtaking Matterhorn views. The hotel restaurant offers a generous selection of dishes made with fresh produce and a raclette night if you’re lucky enough to stay on a Friday.
Hotel Alpina 3*, Grimentz
This lodge style hotel has the authentic charm of a traditional Swiss chalet. Located close to the ski lifts in the peaceful village of Grimentz, there’s a fantastic wellness area with sauna and jacuzzi for you to relax in. Regional and Italian dishes are served in the hotel restaurant along with homemade gourmet desserts.
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