Swiss and Austrian Alps

Hiking here is from inn to inn along beautiful pathways via traditional alpine huts.

Incomparable! Imagine living in a picture postcard of dramatic peaks, lush meadows and tiny hamlets of flower-covered chalets. For 8 days we will be there - in the heart of some of Europe's most picturesque scenery!

From Zurich our travels take us to the Appenzellerland in Switzerland between the Bodensee and the Alpstein mountains, to the Rhine valley on the Swiss-Austrian border, and to the lovely Bregenzerwald mountains of Vorarlberg and the high alpine peaks of Montafon in Austria.

Our first stop is the delightful town of Appenzell. Our hotel sits on the main street with its artistically painted shops and houses and intricately worked signs.

Our first day of walking is a taste of things to come. This magical hike wanders through scenic villages up to a tiny mountain side church and alpine hut. We eat lunch here, beside a prehistoric cave with the massive cliff face of The Ebenalp towering above us.

From Appenzell we cross The Rhine River and find ourselves in Austria, where just a few miles from the border, we discover the incredible Rappenlochschlucht! Few people outside Austria know of this spectacular gorge, which would surely be a national park if it were in America. At the far end of the gorge lies an idyllic alpine village and a hike up to a peak that offers views of the Rhine Valley, The Bodensee and beyond.

The experiences continue as we head into the area of soft rolling hills, impressive walls of rocky cliffs, gentle pastureland and lush forest that is the Bregenzerwald. Villages here are quite charming and different from anything found elsewhere in Austria. The buildings are shingled and have colorful shutters and windows trimmed with hand made lace. The women still wear the handsome, stiffly starched folk dresses of their ancestors.

Hiking here is from inn to inn along beautiful pathways via traditional alpine huts. You can choose the cable car to reach the many trails that fan out across the higher peaks or you can work your way up the switchback trails to the sound of cow bells!

Our inn in the Bregenzerwald is very old and has been beautifully preserved in the traditional style, while also offering such modern amenities as tennis courts and a swimming pool. Gracious hosts serve us typical cuisine accompanied by the local beer!

South now to the grandeur of the Montafon Valley and the wonderful amenities of the Post Hotel Rossle in the village of Gaschurn. The hiking from here is remarkable. One route winds around a lake that sits at 6000' and up to a mountain hut below magnificent year round glaciers, while another leads up to a ridge for an unparalleled view of both countries.

• Spectacular Alpine scenery
• Rare alpine flora
• European mountain hut system
• Traditional farming and living
• Hiking in two countries
• Inns dating back to the 15th century
• The amazing world of Appenzellerland