Alpine Flowers of Wengen (no single room supplement)
Alpine Flowers of Wengen (no single room supplement)
Alpine Flowers of Wengen (no single room supplement)
8 Days Starting in London, UK and ending in London
Visiting: Zürich, Lauterbrunnen, Wengen, Kleine Scheidegg, Wengernalp, Männlichen, Mürren, Schilthorn, Grindelwald, First, Schynige Platte
Tour operator:
Tour code:
BWEN
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
6 - 25
Physical rating:
Medium, Active
Age range:
1-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Vegans, Meat, Please contact Brightwater with any specific dietary requirements
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Lying in the Bernese Oberland region at the heart of Switzerland, Wengen, at a height of some 1,274 metres, is ringed by some of Europe’s highest and best known mountains including the Eiger and Jungfrau. With breaktaking scenery, rich green alpine meadows and spruce forests below, it is a superb destination for a range of native flora as well as bird and butterfly spotting opportunities. Once the snow retreats there is a wealth and profusion of flowers on both the high tops and in the lush pastures of the valleys. The list of flowers is endless and included on our target list will be: Campanula cenisia, Campanula thyrsoides, Gentiana acaulis, Gentiana verna, Gentiana lutea, Globularias, Lilium martagon, Lloydia serotina, Paradisea liliastrum, Veratrum album, Primula farinosa, Androsace alpina, Aquilegias, Anemones, Pulsatillas and many more. Indeed, there can be between 250 and 350 species of plants in the Bernese Oberland area, depending on season. In Wengen, timber-framed buildings and Belle Epoque hotels transport the visitor back to another century, an experience enhanced by the town’s car free policy. In the summer months, it is a popular choice for walkers and climbers attempting some higher peaks, but with 500km of walking trails and 15 mountain railways, accessing the alpine meadows is easy. Each day we will walk a different route of up to five miles, sometimes taking a mountain railway to the starting point. We will also take the rack railway to Schynige Platte where we will visit the Alpine Botanic Garden which has 600 different species of local plants. Our guide will co-ordinate our programme depending on weather conditions and naturally our itinerary is subject to change. Should you feel that you would prefer to miss certain days and relax in Wengen please let our guide know. We have included return rail travel between Zurich Airport and Wengen, together with a 6-day Berner Oberland Pass to cover rail journeys. This pass entitles the user to six free days’ rail and bus travel and a 50% reduction on most mountain trains and cable cars. Walking fitness: while we are not expecting any severe conditions it is expected that in order to get the most out of our holiday participants should be able to walk up to 2 - 5 miles per day in mountain conditions. Suitable footwear, i.e. walking boots and all-weather clothing will be essential. NB: there is no single room supplement for the first 12 rooms. Thereafter, a supplement will apply
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1
Location: Zürich, Lauterbrunnen, Wengen
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Bellevue, Wengen
Meals Included: Dinner
We depart from London on a flight to Zürich (regional flight connections and overnight accommodation before or after the tour available on request). On arrival we board the train for Lauterbrunnen. We change trains here and continue to Wengen, a car-free village which offers stunning views of the imposing Jungfrau. On arrival at Wengen, we will be met by a representative from the hotel, and walk the short distance to the hotel. Please note that our luggage will be transported separately from Wengen station to the hotel. Our accommodation is at the Hotel Bellevue, a traditional chalet-style hotel in a spectacular location, with breath-taking views of both the Jungfrau and the majestic Lauterbrunnen Valley. All rooms have private facilities with south-facing balconies. Following dinner the evening is free to explore your surroundings.
Day 2
Location: Wengen, Kleine Scheidegg, Wengernalp, Wengen
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Bellevue, Wengen
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Following breakfast we will depart on the first of our outings as we take the train from Wengen to Kleine Scheidegg (6761 feet), gateway to the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau where the mountain farmers converge with their cattle and where some of Switzerland’s most attractive walks begin. We will walk back to Wengernalp, which offers spectacular views of the surrounding peaks and Ibex Wood, looking for flowers on the way. From here we return by train to Wengen.
Walk – Gentle walk.
Day 3
Location: Wengen, Männlichen, Kleine Scheidegg
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Bellevue, Wengen
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
After breakfast today we take the cable car from Wengen to Männlichen and walk to Kleine Scheidegg, approaching the peak from the opposite direction to yesterday’s walk, and looking for flowers on the way. From here we return by train to Wengen.
Walk – Gentle walk.
Day 4
Location: Lauterbrunnen, Mürren, Schilthorn, Wengen
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Bellevue, Wengen
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Following breakfast today we take the train to Lauterbrunnen, the bus to the end of the valley and then an exciting cable car ride to Mürren and on to Schilthorn. We will then have a moderate walk from Birg back to Mürren, seeking out wildflowers on the way. We then return by cable car and train to Wengen.
Walk – Gentle walk with the option to do a moderate to difficult walk.
Day 5
Location: Wengernalp, Wengen
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Bellevue, Wengen
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Following breakfast we will have a long but most rewarding day as we take the train to Wengernalp and have a moderate walk from there down to Slipper Valley to look for the most spectacular plant of the area, including the Lady Sipper Orchid (Cypripedium calceolus).
Walk - Moderate to difficult.
Day 6
Location: Grindelwald, First, Wengen
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Bellevue, Wengen
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
After breakfast this morning we travel by cable car to the glacier village of Grindelwald. There's a fine view of the massif that features the Wetterhorn, Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau mountains, and the start of many classic walks. The Upper Grindelwald Glacier terminates a short distance from the village. From Grindelwald we will travel to First for a gentle walk and look at the flowers in this most scenic part of the Bernese Oberland.
Walk – Gentle walk with the option to do a moderate walk.
Day 7
Location: Schynige Platte
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Bellevue, Wengen
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Following breakfast we will travel on the rack railway to Schynige Platte. The Schynige Platte Railway climbs for 50 minutes to an alpine plateau (1987 Metres/6519 Feet) from Wilderswil, 4km from Interlaken Ost. This is the finest picture postcard panorama of the surrounding area overlooking both lakes and mountains. It is hoped that we will be able to enjoy a visit to the delightful Alpine Garden with its spectacular flora and fauna. Many of the 500 different species of plants in the garden have been saved from extinction and now the garden contains 80% of the Swiss mountain flora growing above treeline.
Walk – Gentle walk with the option to do a moderate walk.
Day 8
Location: Wengen, Lauterbrunnen, Zürich
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today we must check out of our hotel – please ensure any extras are paid and take your luggage to reception. Once again our luggage will be transported separately to the station in Wengen. We will travel by train to Lauterbrunnen and on to Zürich in time for our return flight to London. On arrival our group will disperse or travel on to regional airports.
What's Included
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Accommodation
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Services of a professional tour manager
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Comfortable coach travel throughout
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Meals - as per the itinerary
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Train travel
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All Domestic Transportation (including internal flights)
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Drinks with Meals
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Entrance Fees
What's Not Included
Check out our Q&As
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
Yes
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes
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Are flights included in this tour?
Yes
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Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
Yes
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Will I receive more details of the holiday before I travel?
You will receive detailed joining instructions around 10 days prior to you departure, but you are of course welcome to contact us at any time should you have any queries.
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What facilities do your coaches have?
Generally, our coaches have reclining seats, air-conditioning and toilets, however this cannot always be guaranteed as sometimes we have to use smaller vehicles. Toilets are recommended for emergency use only and regular comfort stops will be made throughout your holiday while travelling around.
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Do I have to go on the included excursions?
Absolutely not. You are more than welcome to spend the day at your hotel or exploring independently should you wish. All we ask is that you inform your Tour Manager, so they are not left waiting for you to join the group.
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Is there time to relax?
Although our itineraries may seem jam-packed, boasting access to some of the most exclusive sites across the UK and beyond, a Brightwater Holiday is just that: a holiday. Each trip will counter in more than enough free-time for you to explore places at your own leisure. And with most nights and the majority of meals being included in our tour prices, you can relax in hand-picked accommodation.
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Do I need to be an expert?
Absolutely not! Although some of our tours are specifically focused on one thing, all you need to enjoy a Brightwater holiday is interest and bags of enthusiasm! Even on our most specialist tours, we take travellers from all skill levels, from experts to beginners.
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How fit or active do I need to be for one of your holidays?
You need to be able to get on and off the coach unassisted, and most – but not all – coaches have a kneel facility that lowers the front step for ease of boarding
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Do you have self-drive holidays?
Yes, we do – tailored to your exact requirements!
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What’s the luggage allowance on your coaches?
There’s no fixed limit, but we generally say one large suitcase to go in the luggage compartment and a smaller bag that you can take onto the coach with you. For flight-inclusive holidays, we include a luggage allowance of at least 20kg.
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Where are your departure points?
UK garden holidays generally depart from London, with additional pick-ups depending on the route of the coach, while holidays to Scotland depart from Glasgow, Edinburgh and Perth, with Dundee, Inverness and Aberdeen sometimes included. All Eurostar holidays depart from London St. Pancras and flight-inclusive holidays depart from one or more of the main London airports, with regional flights .
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What about the company that will be kept?
For single travellers, those with a companion or even those travelling in a larger group, you'll find that the signature of any Brightwater Holiday is the company. You won't ever be travelling with a group of strangers, instead, you'll find yourself surrounded by like-minded people with a strong shared interest who will soon become your firm friends.
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What is a Brightwater Holiday?
Bursting with enthralling, educational and enlightening itineraries, a Brightwater Holiday, by its very nature, is packed with bucket-list-worthy destinations, behind the scenes passes and expert-led experiences. From creating bespoke quality garden and special interest tours for groups and individuals alike, we have made it our business to make our guests' travel dreams come true.
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Why is there a single supplement?
Unfortunately, single room supplements are charges that are often imposed on us as a company when we book rooms for group holidays. However, most hotels do charge less for single occupancy, and we always pass this saving on to our solo travellers in the form of a modest single supplement.
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How much are your optional excursions?
Prices start from as little as £20, but please contact our friendly team for questions about specific itineraries or excursions.
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Can I pre-book my coach seats?
Yes, you can. In the case of front seats, guests with limited mobility are given priority. Please get in touch with our friendly team to discuss any requirements you may have.
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How to get there? Easy!
With a Brightwater Holiday, the journey is just as important as the destination and we make getting you to your tour start point easy. From organising group flights and individual travel plans, to offering accessible local departure and pick-up points, we go out of our way to ensure that your journey is as convenient and hassle-free as it can be.
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Do I need to have travel insurance?
Travel insurance is required for all overseas holidays and is also strongly recommended for UK holidays – primarily to protect yourself against cancellation charges should you be unable to travel.
Reviews of this Operator
Book with Confidence
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Brightwater Holidays allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform brightwater holidays, 25 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Brightwater Holidays requires a minimum deposit of 15% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of brightwater holidays charges.
At 40 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 7 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.