AROSA - 10 Nights
THE HOLIDAY is based in the mountain top village of Arosa in the Grisons canton of southeast Switzerland. Arosa lies at 5,000 feet at the end of an amazing mountain cog railway, which snakes its way up from Chur. Above the village towers the mighty Weisshorn, reachable by cable car from close to the hotel whilst across the valley the equally impressive Schiesshorn dominates the view. The scenery is wild and rugged yet very beautiful and offers absolutely superb hiking in every direction. Arosa has all the shops, cafes, restaurants, bars, banks and other facilities you need. There are two lakes where you can swim and many of the hotels offer dancing in the evening. Or try your hand at curling in the local ice-rink!
THE HOTEL
You will stay 7 nights at the Hotel Alpina, one of our favourite hotels. The hotel is conveniently located in the centre of the village and has a very cosy lounge and bar, a writing room and a lovely dining room. Bedrooms are large and comfortable with each having en-suite bathroom, hairdryer, cable TV, internet connection and a safe.. Some of the twins have a balcony, available at a supplement of $70 for the duration of your stay. A small attractive garden with patio furniture and a view of the mountains completes the picture.
THE HIKING PROGRAMME.
You will hike in fabulous scenic surroundings. Cable cars, chair lifts, post-bus services and mountain railways open up a great variety of terrain and enable you to reach higher altitudes without the strain and pain of climbing up unaided! The rolling Alpine pastures give way to towering peaks with dramatic views and walks at all grades. Hikes will generally be at grades 2 & 3 but will be tailored to the abilities of the party. With two leaders there is the option of some more challenging hikes for those who prefer.
NON-HIKING EXCURSIONS.
From Arosa your optional excursions by train include to the fashionable resorts of St. Moritz or Pontresina, the Diavolezza Glacier and the Bernina Alps. The town of Chur with a cathedral and museum lies at the foot of the railway.
FLIGHTS
Footloose Europe does not arrange flights from the USA to Switzerland. We can however assist you by putting you in touch with suitable American Travel Agents who will be pleased to arrange your flights, travel insurance etc.
TRAVEL
Travel from Zurich and within Switzerland will be by deluxe coach or by passenger vans, train, mountain railway, post-bus, cable car or chair lift, as appropriate.
THE HIKING GRADES
The hiking programme is designed at Footloose Grades2 & 3. With two Leaders we can offer a choice of two hikes on each of the 7 or 8 hiking days. The distances and ascents / descents may be modified to suit the needs and abilities of the group members but will generally be :-
Grade 2 : Up to 3,000 feet of ascent / descent, on way-marked paths. Terrain may be steeply inclined and rough underfoot, with loose rock at times. Snow may be encountered at higher levels. Distances 10-15 miles.
Grade 3 : Up to 1,500 feet of ascent / descent, on way-marked paths. Terrain may be steeply inclined at times and rough underfoot, with possibly loose rock. Distances usually 5 - 8 miles.
PRICING
10 Nights, 28th June : £1045.00
10 Nights, 12th July : £1045.00
10 Nights, 26th July : £1045.00
10 Nights, 9th August : £1045.00
10 Nights, 23rd August : £1045.00
10 Nights, 6th September : £1045.00
THE PRICE INCLUDES
* 10 nights accommodation in twin / double rooms, with private bathroom & toilet, in good quality 3 star hotels.
* 10 evening meals with buffet breakfast each morning.
* All transport costs necessary to fulfil the hiking programme.
* Airport transfers from Zurich Airport to and between hotels and return, by deluxe coach or comfortable mini-buses, or by train as appropriate.
* The Arosa Card, giving free access to all gondola lifts and cable cars in the Arosa system, rowing boats and pedalos on the Obersee Lake, the Untersee beach facilities, the Arosa local bus system and the ice rink
* Services of one or two Footloose Leaders. * All local service charges and taxes.
THE PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE
Flights to Zurich ; Lunches ; insurance (medical and accident & emergency cover, including repatriation expenses to the U.K. is essential) ; optional extra sightseeing excursions (details will be advised by the Footloose Leaders) ; admissions to castles, museums etc. ; local transportation costs not part of the hiking programme not covered by the passes ; items of a personal nature, e.g. drinks, telephone calls etc.
UNESCORTED HOLIDAYS FOR INDEPENDENT, INDIVIDUAL HIKERS
In addition to our Escorted Group Holiday we can arrange virtually the same holiday on an unescorted, individual basis. Departures can be any date from 15 June to 13 October 2007. Prices and other details on application!
ZURICH EXTENSION.
At the end of the holiday you will have the option of extending your stay in Zurich for as many days as you wish. If you prefer to spend some time in Zurich, please advise the number of nights and the class of hotel you prefer - we will do the rest!
