As summer draws to a close and the tourists head for home,
the local people start to enjoy the very special season of autumn; those
in theknow venture into the forests in search of mushrooms, winemakers
harvest the grapes hoping for a vintage year, and the landscape mellows,
taking on the rich golden hues of autumn. "A taste of autumn"
gives you the chance to experience the real Switzerland with walks in
the crisp clear air, the opportunity to taste lots of regional dishes
and evenings when you can relax in front of the fire in the company of
like minded people.
ITINERARY (subject to change given the vagaries of the weather!)
Arrive Geneva for 15:00 transfer to your chalet in Morgins. There will be time to settle in and take a short walk around the village before welcome drinks and dinner.
DAY 1 (Sunday): Local walk via the picturesque Chemins des Ponts to Tovassiere. Fondue lunch - cheese provided by the celebrated herd of Val d'Herens. We then return via the Fountaines Blanches waterfall & the Fecon.
Day 2: Today we visit one of the many vineyards in the famous Saviese region above Sion. Here we have the chance to walk in the vineyards & experience the grape harvest followed by a wine tasting session.
Day 3: We spend the morning on Lac Leman (Lake Geneva) with a local fisherman and sample the delicate "filets de perche" In the afternoon there is time to relax in the spa baths, saunas and Turkish baths of Lavey les Bains.
Day 4: Today begins with a morning mushrooming in the local forest (be warned - it's an early start!) and continues with a walk through the remote Bellevue Natural Reserve in search of chamois, ibex, deer, and marmots. We return to Morgins via the Ferrage cheese farm where they make that other famous Swiss cheese - raclette.
Day 5: Today we step back in time with a visit to the
caves of Fabrice Neyroud - a small wine grower who still uses the traditional
barrel shaped, wooden wine press. Savour the atmosphere of the Lavaux
vineyards tumbling down to Lac Leman, ride on the funicular and taste
the exquisite wines.
Day 6: We spend the day walking from the isolated, & totally unspoilt
alpine hamlet of Barme to the Col de Cou, one of the most important migratory
routes for birds in Europe. This is a fabulous walk which meanders gently
up the Balme valley and returns in dramatic style following the smugglers
route on a wide ridge offering sensational views of the Dents Blanche,
the Dents du Midi and beyond to the Diablerets massif.
DAY 7: Our tour comes to an end after breakfast with a transfer at 10:00 to Geneva airport.
Included in the price:
Return transfers from Geneva airport to Morgins
All transportation whilst on the tour
Full accommodation in en-suite twin or double rooms
All tours & activities
