The Valais-Matterhorn region of Switzerland and wholesale FIT tour operator Avanti Destinations have partnered on a campaign to educate advisors on independent travel options in this southwestern Swiss canton, with10 off-the-beaten-path Valais locations.
A new 18-page downloadable e-brochure, “Switzerland: An Alpine Wonderland," describes Avanti’s two new itineraries: One featuring a vintage railway and one covered on foot for hiking and wine enthusiasts, besides three classic Swiss rail journeys. Information on Switzerland’s public transportation system and a map are included.
“We always encourage advisors to suggest destinations beyond the obvious to their FIT clients”, said Paul Barry, CEO of Avanti Destinations. “The Valais-Matterhorn region is an excellent ‘new’ place in Switzerland to recommend, especially for those who enjoy the outdoors in winter or summer. The towns, villages and rural areas are all connected in a variety of ways through walking paths, buses, trains, gondolas, and funiculars to name the most popular. Using these modes allows you to experience the spectacular countryside in a novel way. We are pleased to introduce the region to our advisor partners.”
The 10 featured destinations within the Valais Matterhorn region include:
- The Aletsch Arena, named after the Alps’ largest glacier and home to a family-friendly mountain resort
- The town of Brig at the foot of the Simplon Pass to Italy, filled with artisanal breweries, wine-tasting, and a 17th-century castle
- Leukerbad, a wellness haven known for its natural thermal waters
- Saas-Fee, a car-free resort village (Switzerland has 11) near Italy, surrounded by a total of 13 peaks above 13,123 feet, where clients can visit the Allalin Ice Pavilion, a frozen grotto filled with ice sculptures
- Nendaz-Veysonnaz, actually two separate towns, filled with abundant resorts, in the region of the 4 Vallées
- Thyon, another mountain resort in 4 Vallées, where clients can try their hand at dogsledding, axe-throwing, horseback riding, ice hockey, or sample the area’s cheeses and milks from Hérens cattle
- Les Dents du Midi, a range of seven, two-mile-high peaks close to the French border, with trails for running, hiking and biking, besides wildlife refuges and “slow food” culture
- Martigny, a city surrounded by orchards and vineyards, and home to the St. Bernard breed of dogs
- Crans-Montana, a high-elevation ski area in one of the snowiest parts of Switzerland, overlooking the Rhone River Valley, featuring French-style resort villages and over 100 miles of hiking trails
- Sion, home to vineyards and wine makers
The two new Valais itineraries can be combined with stays in other Swiss, French or Italian destinations. Avanti offers a total of over 10 recommended itineraries in Switzerland, including the 11-day “Grand Train Tour,” eight-day “Winter Grand Train Tour” and the three-day “Glacier Express.”
The four-day “Furka Steam Railway Discovery” (available June to September) includes an excursion to the town of Oberwald; second class rail tickets and seat reservations for the Furka Steam Railway that travels through the nearly 8,000 foot-high Furka Pass; an excursion to the Aletsch Arena, home of the largest glacier in Europe; complimentary additional rail journeys and 50 percent discount on some mountaintop excursions; and accommodation and daily breakfast.
The five-day “Valais Wine Hiking Trail” (available March-October) includes hikes from Martigny to Saillon, from Saillon to Sion, from Sion to Sierre, from Sierre to Leuk; shared Sion Tour with wine-tasting; rail transfers from airport/Swiss border to Martigny and return from Leuk; luggage transfers between hotels; admission to wine museums in Sierre and Salgesch; SwitzerlandMobilityPlus subscription for planning/printing/accessing helpful information on non-motorized travel in Switzerland; and accommodation and daily breakfast.
For more details, visit book.avantidestinations.com.
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