South Coast Walks & Historical Sites
Bring intriguing coastal trails and history alive in South Hampshire
The world's more beautiful on foot...
Call us on 01707 331133
Or, email us at info@ramblersholidays.co.uk
Call us on 01707 331133
Or, email us at info@ramblersholidays.co.uk
Adelboden is a Swiss delight, set at the foot of the dramatic Wildstrubel and surrounded by the Bernese Oberland Alps. It is the perfect setting for an unforgettable summer venture – with 300km of hiking paths, remarkable views of the magical alps, plus a network of cable cars for access to some superb high level mountain walking.
Switzerland
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Tour codes: 53050
Our range of Adagio leisurely walking holidays and sightseeing tours are designed at a slower pace than the average Ramblers Walking Holidays, perfect for those who would like to slow things down but keep active.
Our Adagio Plus holidays are great for those seeking a more active holiday experience, with slightly more challenging terrain, but in keeping with our easy-going Adagio pace.
Overview
Step into the enchanting chalet style village of Adelboden, set at the foot of the dramatic Wildstrubel and surrounded by the Bernese Oberland Alps. Adelboden is a Swiss delight, it has been awarded the Alpine Wellness Holiday Resort certificate and is the perfect setting for a unforgettable summer venture – with 300km of hiking paths, remarkable views of the magical alps, plus a network of cable cars for access to some superb high level mountain walking. It is an ideal location for winter and summer sports with access to over 300km of hiking paths and a network of cable cars for access to some superb high-level mountain walking, ideal for our new Adagio Plus holiday!
During our week here we will use superb and reliable Swiss local transport to help us to discover as much of the area as possible. We’ll be whisked up to high altitudes by cable car to get up close to the magnificent snow-capped peaks. With a bustling main street filled with cafés, shops, cheese dairies with fresh Alpkäse (Alpen Cheese) and Swiss chocolate – what more could you want? Get your camera’s ready – you are in for a delightful Swiss summer!
Click the button below for a detailed Holiday Information Sheet containing all the particulars about this trip.
NOTE: Itineraries and Holiday Information Sheets can vary by a specific date chosen
If you long for spectacular Alpine walking on easy trails, reliable systems of cable cars and mountain trains then Wengen is the perfect place for you, a car-free village perched above a magnificent valley. Ride up, ride down, and stroll through the meadows in between.
Departure dates
Itinerary & Travel
Whilst every effort will be made to adhere to the outlined itinerary and advertised programme, local conditions can change due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances. This may mean that routes and timings need to be amended or the order of days may change, sometimes at short notice.
Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, we may unfortunately need to withdraw a tour that is currently confirmed to operate and we therefore reserve the right to cancel your booking. We would always do our utmost to give you plenty of notice should we have to do this. Selected elements of this tour, including local attractions and restaurants, may change at late notice. Please ensure you have valid insurance cover before you travel.
Accommodation
Below is the accommodation featured on this holiday across all departure dates. Please refer to the Itinerary for more detail about each night's accommodation for each departure date.
Adelboden is an enchanting chalet style village and has everything you could ever want from a Swiss village. Buildings are decorated with window shutters and colourful flower boxes, set against the backdrop of the snow-capped mountains, this really is a magical place. There are cafés, shops, bakeries with fresh filled rolls and pastries, a post office, sport shops, a doctors surgery and a chemist. This bustling centre also has bars and restaurants, a great place to visit in the evening after dinner. There are a handful of ATMs and a tourist information office for further details of the local attractions. There is a local swimming pool that is free to use with the local guest pass. In the surrounding areas there are many traditional cheese dairies with fresh Alpkäse (Alpen Cheese) – worth a visit!
The four star family run Hotel Steinmattli is located close to the centre of Adelboden and only 150m from the village gondola, perfect for our holiday. This alpine hotel is both traditional and modern, with its wooden beams, Swiss décor and modern furnishings. The Hotel Steinmattli is filled with Swiss charm, decorated with picture perfect window boxes and panoramic views of the beautiful surrounding mountains. After a day’s walking you can choose to relax in its sauna, solarium, steam bath and fitness room. For an extra cost you can treat yourself to a massage or a dip in the jacuzzi. The hotel does not have a swimming pool but there is access to a nearby local pool which is free to use with the local guest card provided.
We stay in standard twin and single bedded rooms. Bedrooms are bright and simple with modern furnishings, light décor with a dash of colour from matching bright curtains and pillows. Rooms include:
There are no mini fridges or tea/coffee making facilities in the rooms.
Trip Information
On an Adagio Plus holiday, there is more emphasis on getting out into the countryside with days having more of an active content, although the walks will be on unchallenging trails and at an undemanding pace. You will need to be able to walk for longer periods than on a standard Adagio holiday. Adagio Plus holidays, in general, have less sightseeing days and are more about being out in the open countryside.
Some walks will be at high altitude; some walking days will see us venture up to a maximum altitude of 2096m and 1974m.
We use a mix of privately hired vehicles, taxis, and public transport which gives us some flexibility in our itinerary. We have a wonderful programme of walking, sightseeing and visits planned to let you fully experience the area along with opportunities to relax at our wonderful hotel and enjoy your surroundings.
Holiday Budgeting
Local transport costs, entrance fees and tips to local providers are included in your holiday price. You may wish to budget for any meals and drinks not included in the holiday arrangements, non-included entrance fees and any optional excursions you may choose to participate in locally. A general guideline for lunches and drinks is £10-£20 per person per day.
Wanderpass and Local Guest Card
We include the local Adelboden guest card and Wanderpass in the cost of the holiday. The hotel issues these to guests on arrival and they entitle clients to free transport on all buses and lifts for the duration of your stay. Please keep these cards with you at all times as we will use these for our proposed itinerary. However, transport beyond Frutigen, Thun and Bern are not included.
Currency in Switzerland
The currency in Switzerland is the Swiss Franc. The euro is widely accepted in Switzerland, however occasionally change may be given in Swiss Francs. ATMs are widely available in most towns and villages throughout Switzerland.
Tipping
We include tips in the holiday cost and your Adagio Leader will take care of making sure tips are given to hotel and restaurant staff and to local guides and drivers. If you feel that someone has gone out of their way to make your holiday enjoyable or help you in anyway, please feel free to give a personal tip to the person should you wish. If you are having an independent lunch or other service not included in the holiday arrangements, tipping is at your own discretion.
Leaders Evening Briefing
Your Adagio Leader will discuss the programme for the following day with the group at each evening briefing. This will be your opportunity to find out more details and ensure the planned activities suit your walking ability. Also, if you have any questions or concerns on clothing or lunch arrangements, this can be discussed then. If you wish to opt out of the organised group programme, this is fine, just let your Leader know.
Group Size
We believe that the best things come in small packages, and our Adagio holidays prove just that. We limit our groups to a maximum of 18 persons, plus the Adagio Leader, so that everyone has the opportunity to mix, share their love of travel and return home with new friendships. Small groups also have less detrimental local impact, allows us to use public transport on some days, eat at small local restaurants and, we believe, offers a better experience.
Your Leader
An Adagio Leader will accompany you throughout the holiday. They are all experienced travellers with a love for exploring and will help capture the true essence of the destination with their stories, knowledge and insights. They are well-organised, pay great attention to detail and enjoy being with people. They are there to help make your holiday as enjoyable and stress free as possible.
Luggage Allowance & Tickets
When booking a flight or rail inclusive holiday with us, details of your travel arrangements and baggage allowance will be confirmed in your travel documents, sent to you approximately 10 days prior to departure.
Personal Details Check
Please ensure that the personal details we have on file for you are up to date and that you have provided the information we need to secure your holiday travel and accommodation arrangements.
Please check your passport details, date of birth and any other important details necessary for us to accurately manage your holiday booking are correct at the time of booking (including health and dietry requirements). You can view and update information already provided, and add details not yet asked for, by using the Manage My Booking facility on our website www.adagio.co.uk, or by calling our Sales and Reservations team on +44 (0)1707 386700. When you receive your booking confirmation please check the details as soon as possible.
Getting to your Holiday
We have return flights from London to Zürich. Regional flights are available on some dates. Please be aware that there may be a wait at the airport as the transfers for all flights are combined on arrival and departure. The flight takes about 1 hour 45 minutes.
Our transfer from Zurich Airport to Adelboden is by private coach and will take approximately 2 hours. During the week we’ll travel on foot, by bus and by cable car.
If you intend joining and leaving the party in Adelboden, we assume, unless you have advised us otherwise, that you will meet and leave the party at our hotel. If this is not your intention, please let us know in writing at least 5 weeks before departure.
Booking Your Own Travel Arrangements
If you wish to organise your own flights from either a non-UK or UK regional airport, or travel by rail or car to your holiday destination, 'land only' reductions are often available. If you choose to do this, before finalising any independent travel arrangements, please check with us first - especially if doing so 12 weeks or more before your intended date of travel. If you do intend to join your holiday locally please do tell us at least 14 weeks in advance.
If you are joining and leaving your holiday overseas we assume, unless you advise us otherwise, that you will join and leave the holiday at the hotel. Although airport/train station transfers are not included for those making their own independent travel arrangements, if you wish to join the group at the overseas airport/train station, depending on your flight/train arrival time, you may be able to be included on the group's transfer. Please contact us at least 5 weeks before departure for more details.
Please note that your flight/train must arrive within 30 minutes of the group flight/train to be able to join the group transfer. We also need your flight/train number, arrival time and departure point so that your Adagio Leader is able to meet up with you.
General Passport Advice
It is a good idea to carry photocopies of the personal details pages of your passport page (with your photo on). Should you lose your passport, this may assist with the issue of replacement documents and your return to your home country. Passport and visa requirements can change at any time. It is your own responsibility to ensure that you inform yourself from a professionally qualified source on, and comply with, such requirements.
General travel and destination advice for UK nationals is available from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office at www.fco.gov.uk/travel and at www.gov.uk/travelaware.
Brexit Passport Advice
If you are planning to travel to an EU country (except Ireland), or Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Andorra, Monaco, San Marino or Vatican City, you must meet the Schengen area rules.
Your passport must meet 2 requirements. It must be:
The guidance for Schengen border guards may not be updated until the spring of 2022. Until then, for some Schengen countries your passport may need to be less than 10 years old during your whole visit, and the 3 months at the end of your visit may need to be within 10 years of your passport’s issue date.
Check both the issue date and the expiry date in your passport. If you renewed your passport early, extra months may have been added to its expiry date. This could affect the requirement for your passport to be less than 10 years old.
Non British Passport holders should consult the host country’s embassy for applicable passport and visa entry requirements.
We eat a large buffet breakfast and enjoy a four course dinner in the hotels highly rated restaurant, the ‘Alpen Chic’. The buffet breakfast consists of a wide variety of fruit, yogurt, local cheeses, meats, eggs, fresh rolls and bread.
Dinners consist of a starter, salad, a choice of main courses and dessert. Local products are used to create regional traditional and contemporary dishes. Maybe relax by the cosy fireplace or in the bar after an enjoyable dinner?
We don’t include lunches in the price of the holiday – normally these can be taken as a picnic or in a mountain café – lunch with a view!
Footwear
Comfortable, broken in, walking boots or shoes with a good sole are recommended for this holiday. Walking shoes or other comfortable footwear will be suitable for sightseeing days.
General Kit List
We recommend you bring the following items with you:
Water To Go
An alternative to bottled water from single-use sealed water bottles is filtered water from a refillable bottle containing its own water filter such as a Water-to-go bottle available from www.watertogo.eu. Just fill up from any water source and save the environment from disposable plastic bottles.
We have negotiated an exclusive 15% discount with our partners Water-to-Go for you as a thank you for helping the environment. Please go to their website at www.watertogo.eu and enter the code RWH17 when ordering. In addition, Water-to-Go will match the discount with a donation to our charity, Heart & Sole, which will allow us to continue to make a difference in the countries you visit on our holidays.
Travel Document Checklist
To ensure your holiday gets off to a good start, please make sure that you bring the following documents and information with you:
Electricity in Switzerland
Electricity in Switzerland is supplied at 230 Volts. If you wish to use electrical equipment you will need a two prong round pin continental pug adapter which will fit into any three prong receptacle. More information can be found at www.power-plus-sockets.com.
Ideal Maps & Guidebooks
Many local libraries stock a selection of travel guides and books which may offer you more information. Apart from any books available in local libraries, the internet is now an excellent resource for information about holiday destinations. You may find the below websites, books and programmes useful.
Maps of the areas we visit (1:200 000 scale) are available locally and at specialist map shops in the UK.
The Wanderkarte Adelboden 1:25,000 map is available in Adelboden at various shops and in the tourist information centre at CHF19.00.
A free hiking map is available locally and at the hotel. This is very useful for showing the local area and the lifts.
The Adelboden Tourist Office is useful as it provides lots of information about Adelboden.
Cicerone guide to Alpine Flowers. We like this pocket-sized book on the 230 Alpine flowers you are most likely to come across on a holiday in the Alps. There’s a really interesting introduction to the properties flowers need to survive life at altitude and good clear photos with short descriptions arranged according to the predominant colour of the flower. Order it from Cicerone directly and quote code RAMBWH for a 25% discount.
The Map Shop
If you cannot find the maps or books locally we recommend:
The Map Shop
5 High Street
Upton upon Severn, Worcs
WR8 0HJ
England
Tel: 01684 593 146
Website: www.themapshop.co.uk
E-mail: themapshop@btinternet.com
If you key many of the local places mentioned in this holiday fact sheet into YouTube, you will find a vast array of spectacular footage of the area.
Health Advice for Switzerland
No compulsory immunisations are required for visits to Switzerland.
You should be up to date with the usual immunisations recommended in the UK.
You may wish to consider immunisations against Tetanus and Tick-borne Encephalitis.
Further Health Advice
For further advice please visit:
You might wish to take a small bottle of antibacterial hand gel with you for times when you're unable to wash your hands.
EHIC Cards
Please take your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) with you; it will help you in the event of you needing medical assistance during your holiday. Please note that the EHIC has an expiry date, so please check that your card is valid for the duration of your holiday. Please note however the EHIC should not be considered a substitute for medical or travel insurance.
For more information please visit ehic.org.uk.
Travel Insurance
It is a condition of booking with Adagio that you have adequate valid travel insurance. It is your responsibility to arrange appropriate travel insurance and ensure you have read and understood the full terms and conditions of your travel insurance policy to ensure that you are covered for all activities you intend to undertake whilst on the trip, including all optional activities.
Your travel insurance policy must fully cover you for medical expenses and emergency repatriation. Please ensure your policy covers the entire duration of your holiday. If you are walking at altitude please ensure that there is no upper altitude limit which may limit or exclude cover for your trip. Medical and repatriation insurance cover are not mandatory for UK residents who are travelling on trips within the United Kingdom.
Whoever you insure with, please ensure that you take full details, and ideally the policy itself, with you on holiday and provide our tour leader with your insurer's name, the policy number and emergency assistance contact numbers.
Please note that it is very difficult to obtain travel insurance once your holiday arrangements have started.
Looking for travel insurance cover?
If you have not already arranged cover, please visit SunWorld who offer travel insurance.
SunWorld policies include cover for COVID-19, subject to applicable terms and conditions.
Height
It is important to ensure while purchasing insurance that you are insured for guided walking up to 2100m.
Responsible Travel
We're committed to operating responsible tours in all our destinations as best we can. Our holidays are designed for you to discover the essence of the country you are visiting. Travelling in small groups not only gives you an up close and personal experience of your destination, but minimises your impact on the immediate environment. We feel that the most important starting point to protect the environment is to be out in it. For more details visit our website.
Heart and Sole
We appreciate that we are in a fortunate position to be able to use our profits to help make a difference to people's lives. Heart & Sole is a venture managed by our office staff, whose aim is to reach the heart of the communities in the countries we visit. Through Heart & Sole, we hope to make more of a long term, direct impact to these communities, particularly in less developed countries where even a small amount goes a long way.
Ramblers Holidays Charitable Trust
Unlike many tour operators we have our own trust through which RWH Travel Ltd’s (inc Adagio) profits are channelled back into a variety of outdoor, walking-related or environmental conservation projects in the UK. The focus of the Trust’s financial support is Britain’s leading walking charity, The Ramblers, and their role in promoting the benefits and importance of walking to the British public.
In addition the Trust welcomes applications for small grants from local organisations in the UK who need support for walking-orientated activities. This includes the establishment of footpaths and bridleways, funding for rebuilding bridges and renovating huts, as well as bursary funding for the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award for children who could not otherwise afford to do it. Please visit the ‘About Us’ section of our website and click on the Charitable Trust link for more details.
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Useful Information
Capital
Currency
Language
Time Difference
Flight duration
Visas and Passports
January
Avg. Rain: 80mm
February
Avg. Rain: 75mm
March
Avg. Rain: 83mm
April
Avg. Rain: 94mm
May
Avg. Rain: 114mm
June
Avg. Rain: 121mm
July
Avg. Rain: 115mm
August
Avg. Rain: 125mm
September
Avg. Rain: 99mm
October
Avg. Rain: 93mm
November
Avg. Rain: 97mm
December
Avg. Rain: 86mm
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