Day 16-17: To the Heart of the Swiss Alps
Daily Briefing
The bus ride from the Cinque Terre to the Lauterbrunnen Valley was beautiful. It's under 200 miles as the crow flies but over 300 miles by bus. The scenery starts out flat but once you cross the Swiss border, around Lake Como, you're in for a spectacular view. Lakes, snow covered mountains and tunnels are common. I rode most of the way in the front seat and was able to get some memorable pictures and video. We were all glad Joe was driving because as we approached our final destination the switchbacks were narrow and sharp and required excellent driving skills.
We had to get Swiss Francs at the first rest stop in Switzerland since the Swiss are not part of the EU and use there own currency. While everyone agreed that the Swiss have the best looking currency, we also agreed that the prices were outrageous. Switzerland is the land of $5 cokes and coffee. Plain meals can easily cost $25. Dinner for both nights at this stop were provided by the tour because there are very few restaurants near the hotel. This was really a cost savings. We figured the high cost of living must be the price you pay for living in so much beauty. After arriving at the hotel, we had time for a walk around the valley before a special dinner that included a fondue class led by the hotel owner Carl. The spring wild flowers were abundant, the streams were flowing with the spring snow melt and the light was spectacular. The next morning, Day 17, we took the gondola to Murren and then took the optional three part gondola ride to Schilthorn. Although this ride is optional, everyone in our group opted in and we felt it was well worth it. The gondola ride takes you from approximately 5,000 feet to 10,000 feet and ends with one of the most spectacular views in Europe. According to RailEurope it is the longest gondola ride in the world. We stayed at the Schilthorn for about an hour and took photographs of the surrounding snow covered mountains. We returned to Murren for lunch and then joined 8 other group members for an optional hike through the Swiss alps. This hike, although difficult, turned out to be an adventure that Pam and I will remember forever. It was perhaps the most memorable part of the trip. |
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