A Hiking Adventure Across Four Countries

Bergamo to Innsbruck

Italy, Switzerland, Austria, Liechtenstein

12 Days

From $7,295

Level 3+

Moderate

Overview

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    Overview

    Join our four-nation odyssey of superb day hikes in the Alps—and in true WT style, we'll cross all international borders on foot! We hike through the vineyards of northern Italy's Valtellina region, famed for viticulture since Roman times, and into Switzerland's sunny Engadine Valley, with its ice-blue skies. Crossing into tiny Liechtenstein, a land of mountain panoramas and turreted castles, we make our way into the Alps of Austria as we hike the ridgetop Eschnerberg Trail, enjoying views into the Rhine Valley. As we move from country to country, we'll enjoy Romanesque architecture, ancient spa towns, and culinary delights, with a special wine tasting at the renowned cellars of the Prince of Liechtenstein.

    Arrive: Bergamo, Italy

    Depart: Innsbruck, Austria

    Highlights

    • Unique hiking journey through Italy, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, and Austria, crossing borders on foot
    • Wine tasting, delicious meals at agriturismos and family farms
    • Terraced vineyards, tiny alpine villages, the snowy peaks of the Alps
    • Medieval Bergamo, Innsbruck's architectural gems, the spa town of Bormio, renowned for its hot springs
    • Superb accommodations, from an atmospheric spa hotel to a mountain-top aerie we reach by funicular

    Itinerary

    Download Itinerary Expand All Days
    After exploring medieval Bergamo in the foothills of the Italian Alps, we head into the green Valtellina Valley to see the World Heritage-listed petroglyphs at Valcamonica. Our first mountain hike brings us to the alpine town of Bormio, a hot springs spa since Roman times.
    Our hike in the Valle di Fraele leads to a wonderful “alm,” a mountain chalet where cattle graze, and past sparkling lakes to the village of Livigno, close to the Swiss border. Hiking into the pristine wilderness of Swiss National Park, we head by train to Davos, take a funicular ride to our hotel, then set out on a breathtaking ridge hike up to the summit of Weissfluhjoch (8,835').
    We cross the Liechtenstein border on foot, then walk to the 12th century Gutenberg Castle in Balzers for sweeping views. Peaceful trails link Liechtenstein's villages, farms, and forests, and we explore Vaduz, the capital, with its atmospheric castle perched on a hill. The Prince of Liechtenstein resides in the castle, and we'll savor dinner and a tasting at his winery.
    Hiking into Austria, we follow the Eschnerberg Trail to the enchanting medieval town of Feldkirch, right on the border between Austria, Liechtenstein, and Switzerland. In marvelous Innsbruck, a funicular carries us up a mountain for our last hike. Depart on Day 12.

    Dates & Pricing

    Pricing below is per person and based on double occupancy. The earlier you book, the more choice you’ll have. WT also has the most generous cancellation and transfer policies in the industry, we make it easy if you change your mind. Have a small group of your own? Take over an existing date or choose your own. You’ll have your own private guide–and the adventure–all to yourselves!

    Payment & Cancel Schedule

    $600 due at time of reservation
    90 days prior to departure: Balance

    Cancellation & Transfer Schedule

    Up to 91 days prior to departure: No Charge!
    61-90 days prior to departure: 25% of trip cost
    46-60 days prior to departure: 50% of trip cost
    45 days or less: 100% of trip cost

    Included
    • Expert leadership of at least two Wilderness Travel Trip Leaders
    • Accommodations in hotels
    • All meals included except 3 dinners as indicated in Detailed Itinerary
    • A glass of wine or beer with dinner
    • All ground transportation and baggage handling from meeting until departure
    • All activities as indicated in Detailed Itinerary
    Not Included
    • Travel to and from the arrival and departure location as indicated in Detailed Itinerary
    • Additional hotel nights outside the trip's scheduled dates
    • Optional gratuities to Trip Leaders or staff
    • Optional travel insurance
    • Other expenses of a personal nature (some alcoholic beverages, laundry, etc.)

    Accommodations

    Scroll through our signature accommodations for this trip below. Although it is highly unlikely, we may make substitutions when necessary.

    Gombit Hotel

    Bergamo, Italy

    Day 1 (1 night)

    This ultra-modern 13-room hotel is set within a restored medieval tower in a fantastic location right in the heart of the “Citta Alta,” just steps from the central square. Guest rooms are clean and spacious with chic decor, comfy beds, and well appointed bathrooms. The staff is kind and efficient,...

    Hotel Bagni Vecchi

    Bormio, Italy

    Days 2-3 (2 nights)

    Perfectly situated in a breathtaking mountain setting, this lovely 36-room hotel is full of character and an amazing place to stay and relax, boasting one of the finest natural hot springs/spas in the world. The resort is the oldest thermal complex in the area; the soothing waters were known...

    Hotel Spol

    Livigno, Italy

    Days 4-5 (2 nights)

    In the heart of the charming village of Livigno, the alpine-style Hotel Spol offers comfortable guest rooms and a great location. There is a lovely garden facing the Alps, a wellness center, and a traditional restaurant.

    Schatzalp Snow and Mountain Resort

    Davos, Switzerland

    Days 6-7 (2 nights)

    This mountain “aerie” sits on a sunny shelf high above the resort town of Davos, and is reached by a short funicular ride up the mountainside. Its picture-postcard alpine views and pure mountain air are complemented by the staff's warm and friendly Swiss hospitality....

    Residence Hotel

    Vaduz, Liechtenstein

    Days 8-9 (2 nights)

    Set right beneath the castle in the heart of Vaduz, this charming 29-room hotel offers all the amenities, including Wi-Fi. Guestrooms are spacious, some with views of the mountains, and there are gym facilities if you still need a workout after your daily hike! The staff couldn't be more kind...

    Penz Hotel

    Innsbruck, Austria

    Days 10-11 (2 nights)

    A nice change from the Tyrolean theme in many Bavarian hotels is the sleek, contemporary decor of the Penz, located on a quiet “platz” (square) a five-minute walk from the old town. The 5th floor rooftop restaurant terrace is a highlight, with fantastic 360-degree panoramas of the town and the...

    Trip Leaders

    Tim Burford

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    Gianluca Canalicchio

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    Irene De Benedictis

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    Vicky Sotriffer

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    Leila Thompson

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    James Fuss

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    Annie Hawkins

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    What the Trip is Like

    This trip is rated a Level 3+ (Moderate to Strenuous). You will need to be comfortable hiking 8 miles a day, being on your feet for 3-5 hours a day, and hiking on uneven surfaces including downhill over loose scree. Trail conditions, weather, and the group's level of fitness can affect hiking times and pacing.

    Average Hiking Day
    • 5-6 miles
    • 3-4 hours
    • 500-1,000 feet gain/loss
    • Altitudes up to 8,800 feet
    Challenge Day
    • Day 7: 8 miles, 5 hours, 1,700 feet gain, and 2,500 feet loss
    Review Trip Level Details
    While not technically difficult and staying in moderate to low altitudes, this trip is aimed at those who have at least some experience mountain hiking. We will hike on variable hill and mountain trails, with occasional steep, uneven sections with loose scree, so participants must have good balance and be confident on their feet. Hiking poles are highly recommended.
    As with all mountain environments, the weather can be unpredictable. Summer temperatures can range from the low 70s°F to 80s°F, with nighttime temperatures in the mid-40s°F. Rain showers are a possibility at any time.
    We spend our nights in picturesque inns, full of charm and character. All hotels are chosen for their local history and central locations. Since they are often in historic buildings, the rooms are not always of uniform or international size. Our leaders do their best to assign rooms in a fair way so that all participants experience an equal advantage throughout the trip as a whole. Single rooms can be requested but are not always available, due to the limited space in the hotels. If you prefer a single room, please make your request as early as possible.
    Each day, we'll sample the culinary delights that these countries have to offer. The meals included in the trip itinerary will be taken at our hotels, at rural agriturismos, and at restaurants in the towns, with the occasional packed lunch to enjoy in a scenic spot on our hike. For lunches and dinners “on your own,” the Trip Leader will be happy to recommend options for local restaurants. Please note that in Europe, the dinner hour is considerably later than what it is in the US. We do our best to secure early reservations for our groups, but most often the evening  meal will be at 7:30 pm.
    Our van will transport the group's luggage, so you only need to carry a daypack for items you need for the day (rain gear, sweater, camera, water bottle, etc.). Trip members are always free to skip a day's hike and travel to the next destination in the support vehicle (or remain at the hotel if we are not transferring that day).

    Client Testimonials

    "Another memorable trip with Wilderness Travel! We took the entire family and they loved it."

    David R.

    Kenosha, WI

    "Of my 22 WT trips the food on this was the best!"

    John L.

    Highland Park, IL

    "Fun trip, nice group of people, and the food was exceptional. I gained weight despite the exercise."

    John S.

    Monona, WI

    "I've traveled all over the world with many outfitters/trip operators and find that my first experience with Wilderness Travel to be one of high caliber."

    Lynda B.

    Villa Ridge, MO

    "Just a great Itinerary! We really enjoyed all of the locations."

    Mike D.

    Aurora, OH

    "We had a great time hiking the Italian Alps and especially loved the variety of the hikes and the four different countries and cultures we experienced. Liechtenstein was an unexpected jewel and the hikes there, the winery, and the dinner were fabulous! Once again, Wilderness Travel has exceeded our expectations and has shown why they continue to rack up awards as the best travel company for hiking experiences! Thanks to the entire company for never failing to delight us!"

    Nancy F.

    Sarasota, FL

    "Would do this trip all over again. It went by too fast."

    Sandy M.

    Prescott, AZ

    "Lovely hikes. wonderful guides, great food and drink—what could be better?!"

    Sharon T.

    Abingdon, VA

    Book your trip today

    Our Area Specialists know every detail about our tours. They will be happy to answer any questions and help you choose the journey that’s right for you. Contact us to learn more or book your trip today!

    Itinerary

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    Trip Levels

    With more than 200 different adventures to choose from, we want to help you find the trip that’s right for you. Our Trip Level system ranks each trip in two ways: a number rating from 1 to 6 according to the activity, and general travel rigors. 1 is the easiest and 6+ the most difficult—see descriptions below for explanations of each number. A plus (+) sign means the trip is a bit more strenuous than other trips of that level. The detailed explanation of each trip—below the bar with the number rating—is perhaps more important, specifying activities, altitudes, hiking, and travel conditions. The Detailed Itinerary, available by download or mail, gives further information. Our Area Managers can also answer questions and guide you to the trip that best suits your interests.

    Level 1 – Easiest

    Non-camping journeys, optional walks, little elevation gain or loss.

    Level 2 – Easy to Moderate

    Hotel nights and/or safari-style camping, hikes of two to four hours on some days. Other physical activities are sometimes included, such as optional sea kayaking.

     

    Level 3 – Moderate

    Half- to full-day hikes (3-6 hours) over rolling countryside on most days, occasional steep trails. Many of our hotel-based walking tours are in this category, as are our snorkeling adventures.

    Level 4 – Moderate to Strenuous

    Full-day hikes (4-6 hours), mountainous terrain, significant elevation gains and losses (hiking up or down as much as 3,000 feet) on many days. Altitudes no greater than about 10,000 feet.

     

    Level 5 – Strenuous

    Full-day hikes (4-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Trips with hiking at average altitudes of 10,000 to 12,000 feet are in this category.

    Level 6 – Very Strenuous

    Full-day hikes (5-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Most hikes take place at altitudes above 10,000 feet, with some days ascending as high as 18,000 feet.

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After a brief orientation, we set off for a walking tour of this gorgeous town, once the ancient site of Bergomum and later an important Roman hub. We'll explore the &ldquo;citt&agrave; alta&rdquo; (upper city), the medieval town of artisans and historic monuments encircled by 17th century defensive walls. The shops and restaurants here sport vintage signage, lending a delightful Old World flavor. We&apos;ll also see the Piazza Vecchia, said by the architect Le Corbusier to be one of the most classic squares in the world, as well as the Duomo and Il Campanile, which we can climb up into for a breathtaking view. In the evening we gather for a Welcome Dinner. Overnight at the Gombit Hotel, set on a tiny street in central Bergamo, just a short walk from the cathedral.\r\nHiking Details: 4 miles, 3 hours, 100 feet ascent, 400 feet descent","Breakfast":0,"Lunch":0,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":2,"DayTo":2,"Headline":"Capo di Ponte \/ Bormio","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"From Bergamo, we head to the Valcamonica and the town of Capo di Ponte, where we explore a collection of prehistoric stone carvings dating back some 8,000 years. Set in a forested valley, this astonishing rock art&mdash;a World Heritage Site&mdash;depicts more than 140,000 symbols and figures connected with agriculture, hunting, navigation, war, and magic. It&apos;s one of the most extraordinary archaeological sites in all Italy and gives us an insight into the lives of ancient peoples. After a short walk to the beautiful 11th century pieve, or monastery, of San Siro, a perfect example of Romanesque architecture, we head to our jewel of a hotel, the Hotel Bagni Vecchi, perched in a stunning mountainside location overlooking the green Valtellina valley. With its ancient Roman baths, natural thermal spring, and panoramic open-air pool, the hotel's spectacularly set outdoor spa is the perfect place for you to experience this age-old tradition of rejuvenation.\r\nHiking Details: 3 miles, 1.5 hours, 400 feet ascent\/descent\r\nDriving Time: 3.5 hours","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":3,"DayTo":3,"Headline":"Bormio","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"Starting right from our hotel, we follow a trail that leads down to the beautiful town of Bormio, renowned for its natural hot springs that fuel the spa baths of our hotel. In ancient times, the Roman aristocracy traveled here to enjoy the therapeutic benefit of its thermal waters, and it was also a stop on the trade route from Venice to Switzerland. Our explorations include the medieval town center, the historic Piazza Cavour, dating back to the Iron Age (550-1200 BC), and the civic museum.\r\n\r\nThe Valtellina is a land of traditional flavors&mdash;typical dishes include pizzoccheri (a rustic noodle made of buckwheat flour), sciatt (a beignet filled with cheese), polenta taragna, alpine cheeses like casera, bitto, and scimudin, and bisciola (a cake made with raisins, figs, and nuts). We can try to sample some of these local delights at lunch, and, of course, we'll enjoy the wonderful wines of the Valtellina made from Nebbiolo grape, perhaps the noblest Italian red grape. Braulio, the renowned liqueur of Bormio, is also a local specialty.&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter our lunch, we return to the hotel with the afternoon free to explore on your own (you might want to try out the thermal baths). Later, we head to the Bagni Nuovi (sister hotel to the Bagni Vecchi), in operation since 1836 and a fine example of Belle Epoque design. We'll enjoy dinner here in the grand ballroom. Overnight at Hotel Bagni Vecchi.\r\nHiking Details: 5 miles, 3 hours, 700 feet ascent, 1,200 feet descent","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":4,"DayTo":4,"Headline":"Bormio \/ Valdidentro \/ Livigno","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"Heading north to our trailhead, we stop at the Torri di Fraele, two ancient watchtowers built in 1481 by the Duke of Milan for the defense of Bormio. Our hike in the Valle di Fraele leads to sparkling lakes and up to a wonderful alm, a mountain chalet set in an alpine meadow where cattle graze each summer. These seasonal pastures are owned by local families. For our lunch, we sample cured meats and cheeses, along with specialty polenta and pasta dishes at a local farm stay&mdash;even seeing for ourselves the cheese-making process.&nbsp;After lunch, we'll walk across the grassy meadows and arrive at the entrance of the beautiful alpine village of Livigno, set in an enchanting valley surrounded by mountains and offering a wonderful &ldquo;end of the road&rdquo; ambiance. Dinner and overnight at hotel.\r\nHiking Details: 6 miles, 3 hours, 1,200 feet ascent, 800 feet descent\r\nDriving Time: 1.5 hours","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":5,"DayTo":5,"Headline":"Livigno","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"A cable car brings us to a mountain ridge for a hike offering breathtaking views of the Alps. In summer, a profusion of alpine flora paints the hillsides in stunning colors. Our spectacular hike begins with a long descent to a welcoming agriturismo where the farm-to-table local specialties include homemade pastas, sciatt (cheese-filled beignets) and cured meats. For an extra indulgence, try a homemade tart with seasonal fruit! We return to our hotel in Livigno for overnight. Dinner is on your own this evening to sample the culinary delights of Livigno&apos;s many restaurants. Your Trip Leader will be happy to make recommendations.\r\nHiking Details: 7 miles, 4 hours, 1,350 feet ascent, 3,000 feet descent","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":0,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":6,"DayTo":6,"Headline":"Livigno \/ Engadine Valley, Switzerland \/ Davos","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"Today we'll journey across the Italian border into Switzerland. Skirting Lake Lavigno, created by a tributary of the Danube, our van brings us right in front of the road tunnel to the Switzerland. We'll hike into a canyon, with a quick descent to bring us down to the river, and we follow a narrow trail close to its banks before ascending to a pass. We drive into the picturesque Engadine village of Zernez, set at the foot of Switzerland&apos;s Parc Naziunal Svizzera (Swiss National Park). The park is the oldest in the Alps, having celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2014. We'll visit its intriguing museum to learn about the natural history of the area and the park's pioneering role in conservation. After lunch in Zernez, we head toward Lavin and catch a train to Klosters, then travel to our hotel in Davos, which we reach by funicular. Dinner and overnight at the wonderful Hotel Schatzalp, set on a mountainside above Davos. Built more than a hundred years ago as a sanatorium, the Hotel Schatzalp was the inspiration for Thomas Mann&apos;s The Magic Mountain (his wife was a patient here). The hotel also has a botanical garden with more than 1,300 species of plants.\r\nHiking Details: 4 miles, 2 hours, 400 feet ascent, 1,000 feet descent\r\nDriving Time: 1 hour; Train Time: 30 minutes","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":7,"DayTo":7,"Headline":"Davos \/ Weissfluh Hike","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"<meta charset=\"utf-8\"\/><body>Our hike starts right from our hotel, and brings us to a funicular and then a cable car that takes us to the summit of the Weissfluh (9,330'). We enjoy our lunch on a sunny terrace of the restaurant on the saddle below the summit with views across a marvelous panorama of Swiss alpine scenery. After lunch, a steep descent leads us down the trail back to our hotel, with the option to take the cable car back down for those who don't want to make the steep descent. Overnight at the Hotel Schatzalp.\nHiking Details: 8 miles, 5 hours, 1,700 feet ascent, 2,800 feet descent<\/body>","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":8,"DayTo":8,"Headline":"Davos \/ Maienfeld \/ Vaduz, Liechtenstein","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"An hour&apos;s drive brings us from Davos close to the border with Liechtenstein. We hike from Malans to Maienfeld through vineyards and villages, which are the settings for Johanna Spyri&apos;s classic book, Heidi. After lunch at&nbsp;Schloss Maienfeld, we cross the border on foot, arriving in Balzers. After crossing the border, we stop at the neo-Romanesque Church of Saint Nicholas, set on the edge of vineyards. Most of the vineyards have a southwest exposure, making them ideal for growing Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes. A short ride brings us to Vaduz, the capital of Liechtenstein, with its own atmospheric castle perched high on a hill above town. A walking tour of the town reveals its many medieval, gothic, and baroque structures. Dinner is on your own this evening. Overnight at the Residence Hotel in Vaduz, close to the car-free center of town.\r\nHiking Details: 6 miles, 3.5 hours, 500 feet ascent\/descent\r\nDriving Time: 1.5 hours","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":0,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":9,"DayTo":9,"Headline":"Vaduz \/ Malbun","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"Today's hike transports us to the heart of Liechtenstein, with extensive views of the Rhine Valley. We&nbsp;head to the quiet haven of Malbun (5,250'), a mountain resort area, then hike down toward the picturesque hamlet of Steg (4,270') following the Valunerbach mountain stream. We continue toward G&auml;nglesee lake, then start climbing and join the Via Alpina. Passing the cheesery at S&uuml;cha, we head to Kulm, then down to&nbsp;the village of Masescha (4,051') for lunch.&nbsp;We return to Vaduz for dinner and overnight. Dinner this evening is at Restaurant Torkel in the Hofkellerei (wine cellar) of the Prince of Liechtenstein, who makes his home in Vaduz. Overnight at hotel.\r\nHiking Details: 4.5 miles, 3 hours, 980 feet descent, 800 feet ascent, 1,000 feet descent\r\nDriving Time: 1 hour","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":10,"DayTo":10,"Headline":"Vaduz \/ Feldkirch, Austria \/ Innsbruck","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"Today we hike into Austria, following the Eschnerberg Trail, a footpath through peaceful forests that passes several sites of historical and archaeological interest, including the remains of prehistoric settlements. Along the way we stop in Schellenberg, where we enjoy great views of the Rhine Valley&mdash;and even see the oldest house in Liechtenstein, dating from the 1500s. Our hike ends in Feldkirch, Austria, a medieval town with many well-preserved buildings, including an interesting Marktgasse, or market alley. After lunch we drive to Innsbruck and our hotel, the Penz, a stylish hotel in the city center offering grand views from its top floor. Dinner is on your own this evening.\r\nHiking Details: 8 miles, 3.5 hours\r\nDriving Time: 2.5 hours","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":0,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":11,"DayTo":11,"Headline":"Innsbruck","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"Innsbruck was the imperial capital of the Habsburg Empire in the 1490s. Nowadays it is a lively haven for summer hikers and winter sports enthusiasts and was host to the 1964 and 1976 Winter Olympic Games. The historic Maria Theresiastrasse, the main street of the old town, has beautiful porticoed medieval buildings and Baroque structures, including the Goldenes Dachl (House of the Golden Roof), with its 2,600 gilded copper tiles. Joined by a local expert, we explore the old town of Innsbruck, then catch the Nordkettenbahn funicular all the way up to 7,400 feet where we stretch our legs on a short hike and take in a beautiful panorama of the surrounding mountains. We return to town where the rest of the afternoon is on your own to explore before we gather for a festive Farewell Dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight at Penz Hotel.\r\nHiking Details: 3 miles, 3 hours, 150 feet ascent\/descent","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":12,"DayTo":12,"Headline":"Depart","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"After breakfast, your Trip Leaders can assist you with information on transferring to the Innsbruck railway station or Innsbruck airport.","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":0,"Dinner":0,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":1,"DayTo":3,"Headline":"Bergamo, Italy \/ Valcamonica \/ Bormio","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"After exploring medieval Bergamo in the foothills of the Italian Alps, we head into the green Valtellina Valley to see the World Heritage-listed petroglyphs at Valcamonica. Our first mountain hike brings us to the alpine town of Bormio, a hot springs spa since Roman times.","Breakfast":0,"Lunch":0,"Dinner":0,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":true},{"DayFrom":4,"DayTo":7,"Headline":"Livigno, Valle di Fraele \/ Engadine, Switzerland \/ Davos","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"Our hike in the Valle di Fraele leads to a wonderful &#8220;alm,&#8221; a mountain chalet where cattle graze, and past sparkling lakes to the village of Livigno, close to the Swiss border. Hiking into the pristine wilderness of Swiss National Park, we head by train to Davos, take a funicular ride to our hotel, then set out on a breathtaking ridge hike up to the summit of Weissfluhjoch (8,835').","Breakfast":0,"Lunch":0,"Dinner":0,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":true},{"DayFrom":8,"DayTo":9,"Headline":"Liechtenstein \/ Vaduz","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"We cross the Liechtenstein border on foot, then walk to the 12th century Gutenberg Castle in Balzers for sweeping views. Peaceful trails link Liechtenstein&apos;s villages, farms, and forests, and we explore Vaduz, the capital, with its atmospheric castle perched on a hill. The Prince of Liechtenstein resides in the castle, and we&apos;ll savor dinner and a tasting at his winery.","Breakfast":0,"Lunch":0,"Dinner":0,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":true},{"DayFrom":10,"DayTo":12,"Headline":"Innsbruck, Austria","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"Hiking into Austria, we follow the Eschnerberg Trail to the enchanting medieval town of Feldkirch, right on the border between Austria, Liechtenstein, and Switzerland. In marvelous Innsbruck, a funicular carries us up a mountain for our last hike. Depart on Day 12.","Breakfast":0,"Lunch":0,"Dinner":0,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":true}],"itinpdf":[{"ItinYear":"2023","docType":"1","FileName":"https:\/\/s3.us-west-1.wasabisys.com\/wildernesstravel\/portal\/bergamo-to-innsbruck-itinerary-2023.pdf"},{"ItinYear":"2024","docType":"1","FileName":"https:\/\/s3.us-west-1.wasabisys.com\/wildernesstravel\/portal\/bergamo-to-innsbruck-itinerary-2024-101123.pdf"},{"ItinYear":"","docType":"2","FileName":"https:\/\/s3.us-west-1.wasabisys.com\/wildernesstravel\/itins\/bergamo-to-innsbruck-predeparture.pdf"}],"whattoexpect":[{}],"highlights":[{"DisplayOrder":1,"HighlightText":"","Description":"Unique hiking journey through Italy, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, and Austria, crossing borders on foot","Image":"","VideoLink":"","ImageAltTag":"","image_id":29582,"caption":""},{"DisplayOrder":2,"HighlightText":"","Description":"Wine tasting, delicious 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Itinerary","Highlight":0,"AdditionalText":"","Category":"","ProductType":0,"ImagePath":"","ImageAltTag":""}],"destinations":[{"DestinationID":216,"Name":"Alps"},{"DestinationID":56,"Name":"Austria","Type":"Country"},{"DestinationID":46,"Name":"Europe","Type":"Region"},{"DestinationID":83,"Name":"Italy","Type":"Country"},{"DestinationID":197,"Name":"Liechtenstein","Type":"Country"},{"DestinationID":106,"Name":"Switzerland","Type":"Country"}],"activities":[{"ActivityID":217,"Name":"Cultural","Primary":0},{"ActivityID":225,"Name":"Hiking & Trekking","Primary":0}],"guides":[{"GuideID":850643,"First_Name":"Tim","Last_Name":"Burford","BioShort":"Tim Burford&apos;s jovial persistence to explore the ends of the world, which led him to write hiking guidebooks for such destinations as Chile and Alaska, is only matched by his contagious passion to lead hiking adventures closer to his native England. &ldquo;I love going to other parts of the world, but one can never really be bored in Europe, it&apos;s just packed with beauty and variety.&rdquo; Tim holds a master&apos;s in French literature from Oxford, and lives in Cambridge. When not writing or leading our hiking adventures, he enjoys sailing and cycling.","BioLong":"Tim Burford&apos;s goal to explore the world led him to write nine hiking guidebooks for destinations from Latin America to central Europe, including the definitive Travel Guide to Georgia (the former Soviet Union). With hiking poles in hand, he has been leading Wilderness Travel trips all across Europe for over 20 years. Tim studied French language and literature at Oxford University, lives in Cambridge, England, and when not writing or leading our hiking adventures, enjoys sailing and cycling."},{"GuideID":850678,"First_Name":"Gianluca","Last_Name":"Canalicchio","BioShort":"Gianluca Canalicchio was born and raised in Rome, where his parents moved in 1960 from Umbria, when they left their life of hard work on their farm in search of new opportunities. He has a degree in accounting, and loves dancing, singing opera, and cooking. Gianluca is a devoted follower of the Italian food channel, Gambero Rosso, and friend to many noted chefs. \"My cooking teacher is my mother, whose love for cooking always amazed me. I opened a pizza restaurant in Rome and a restaurant in San Francisco, but the problem is I prefer to be a client, not a chef!\" Gianluca also loves sports and has competed in triathlon races for many years. Another passion of his is history, which he says &ldquo;is essential for our times: not understanding the past makes us see the present in a distorted way.&rdquo; When guiding, Gianluca loves taking people to his favorite off-the-beaten-path places and introducing them to local people.","BioLong":"Gianluca Canalicchio was born and raised in Rome, where his parents moved in 1960 from Umbria, when they left their life of hard work on their farm in search of new opportunities. He has a degree in accounting, and loves dancing, singing opera, and cooking. Gianluca is a devoted follower of the Italian food channel, Gambero Rosso, and friend to many noted chefs. \"My cooking teacher is my mother, whose love for cooking always amazed me. I opened a pizza restaurant in Rome and a restaurant in San Francisco, but the problem is I prefer to be a client, not a chef!\" Gianluca also loves sports and has competed in triathlon races for many years. Another passion of his is history, which he says &ldquo;is essential for our times: not understanding the past makes us see the present in a distorted way.&rdquo; When guiding, Gianluca loves taking people to his favorite off-the-beaten-path places and introducing them to local people."},{"GuideID":851149,"First_Name":"Irene","Last_Name":"De Benedictis","BioShort":"Originally from Rome, Irene began traveling at the age of 17, and has lived in various countries including the UK, Germany, Belgium, Brazil and Finland. Her love of different cultures and languages (she knows seven!), paired with her love for pilgrimages (she walked the Camino de Santiago...twice) makes her a wonderful travel companion on the pilgrim&apos;s trail. Irene's father is a member of the Italian congregation of St. James, which is responsible for the upkeep of the pilgrim's trails from Italy into Spain and Jerusalem, and she has also worked as a \"hospitalera\" (pilgrims' albergue host) for the pilgrim's trail in Italy.","BioLong":"Originally from Rome, Irene began traveling at the age of 17, and has lived in various countries including the UK, Germany, Belgium, Brazil, and Finland. Her love of different cultures and languages (she knows seven!), paired with her love for pilgrimages (she walked the Camino de Santiago...twice) makes her a wonderful travel companion on the pilgrim&apos;s trail. Irene's father is a member of the Italian congregation of St. James, which is responsible for the upkeep of the pilgrim's trails from Italy into Spain and Jerusalem, and she has also worked as a &ldquo;hospitalera&rdquo; (pilgrims&apos; albergue host) for the pilgrim&apos;s trail in Italy. Fun fact: Irene wrote a book called Spaghetti and Sauna about the cultural differences between Italy, her home country, and Finland, where she lived for four years."},{"GuideID":851071,"First_Name":"Vicky","Last_Name":"Sotriffer","BioShort":"As an adventure-seeking traveler and Trip Leader, Vicky Sotriffer thrives in new places. She has led trips on nearly every continent for more than 10 years, including sea kayaking trips. Originally from South Tyrol, Italy, Vicky now resides in Ibiza, Spain, and is fluent in a handful of languages. She spends parts of her year in Oman, where she follows her passion for hiking in the country&apos;s striking desert environment and diving in the warm waters off the coast (and trying to improve her Arabic along the way). In her free time, she enjoys tennis, rock climbing, horseback riding, and in the winter, she heads to the Dolomites to ski.","BioLong":"As an adventure-seeking traveler and Trip Leader, Vicky Sotriffer thrives in new places. She has led trips on nearly every continent for more than 10 years, including sea kayaking trips. Originally from South Tyrol, Italy, Vicky now resides in Ibiza, Spain, and is fluent in a handful of languages. She spends parts of her year in Oman, where she follows her passion for hiking in the country&apos;s striking desert environment and diving in the warm waters off the coast (and trying to improve her Arabic along the way). In her free time, she enjoys tennis, rock climbing, horseback riding, and in the winter, she heads to the Dolomites to ski."},{"GuideID":850536,"First_Name":"Leila","Last_Name":"Thompson","BioShort":"With a solid repertoire of outdoor skills including rock climbing, river guiding, and mountaineering, Leila Thompson surely lives the life of an adventurer. Since the early 1990s, she has led trips for us in Nepal, India, Tibet, Republic of Georgia, Canada, and Europe, and shows no sign of stopping. &ldquo;One of the most wonderful things about guiding for me is starting a trip with a group of strangers and finishing with a group of friends,&rdquo; she says. Through travel, she has fulfilled some of her passions such as environmental stewardship and engaging in the local culture of each place. Leila is conversant in German, Nepali, and French. When she is not guiding, Leila works as a nurse at the local hospital in Bend, Oregon, where she lives with her husband (and fellow WT guide) Sean Morrissey, and enjoys cycling, hiking, climbing, skiing, and her latest sports addiction&mdash;pickleball.","BioLong":"With a solid repertoire of outdoor skills including rock climbing, river guiding, and mountaineering, Leila Thompson surely lives the life of an adventurer. Since the early 1990s, she has led trips for us in Nepal, India, Tibet, Republic of Georgia, Canada, and Europe, and shows no sign of stopping. &ldquo;One of the most wonderful things about guiding for me is starting a trip with a group of strangers and finishing with a group of friends,&rdquo; she says. Through travel, she has fulfilled some of her passions such as environmental stewardship and engaging in the local culture of each place. Leila is conversant in German, Nepali, and French. When she is not guiding, Leila works as a nurse at the local hospital in Bend, Oregon, where she lives with her husband (and fellow WT guide) Sean Morrissey, and enjoys cycling, hiking, climbing, skiing, and her latest sports addiction&mdash;pickleball."},{"GuideID":850548,"First_Name":"James","Last_Name":"Fuss","BioShort":"James Fuss is a trekking guide, photographer, cyclist, and chef extraordinaire. Born and raised in South Australia, James found his wanderlust early on family camping trips across Australia. As a young chef in Europe, he undertook many explorations from the wilds of the British Isles and the Alps to the Himalayas, and later returned to Australia to become a guide in the legendary Outback. A WT leader since 1997, James is always up for an adventure. James is conversant in French, German, and Nepali, and when he&apos;s not guiding, he enjoys camping, boating, and fishing with family and friends.","BioLong":"James Fuss is a trekking guide, photographer, cyclist, and chef extraordinaire. Born and raised in South Australia, James found his wanderlust early on family camping trips across Australia. His love of the culinary arts is deep-rooted as well, and as a young chef, he headed off to Europe to expand his repertoire. A WT leader since 1997, James is always up for an adventure, from the mountains of Europe to the shores of Tasmania. &ldquo;It&apos;s a joy to guide in such divergent places. I love the gastronomic diversity of Europe, especially France. And I&apos;m always happy to help trip members discover the pristine wilderness, unique wildlife, bountiful seafood, and superb wines of Tasmania. Wherever I&apos;m guiding, I try to make a journey a once-in-a-lifetime experience for people.&rdquo; James is conversant in French, German, and Nepali, and when he&apos;s not guiding, he enjoys camping, boating, and fishing with family and friends. "},{"GuideID":850549,"First_Name":"Annie","Last_Name":"Hawkins","BioShort":"Annie Hawkins, born and raised in a small village in Burgundy, is a passionate world traveler and one of our most enchanting Trip Leaders. After studying art history in Provence, Annie moved to California, where she led adventure tours in the American Southwest and realized that leading adventure trips was her vocation&mdash;nothing would keep her inside an office again! She has led exclusively for Wilderness Travel since 1995 and has led journeys for us in France, Spain, Sri Lanka, Morocco, Niger, Oman, and more! She divides her time between Europe and San Francisco, where she lives with her husband.","BioLong":"Annie Hawkins, born and raised in a small village in Burgundy, is a passionate world traveler and one of our most enchanting Trip Leaders. After studying art history in Provence, Annie moved to California, where she led adventure tours in the American Southwest and realized that leading adventure trips was her vocation&mdash;nothing would keep her inside an office again! She has led exclusively for Wilderness Travel since 1995 and has led journeys for us in France, Spain, Sri Lanka, Morocco, Niger, Oman, and more! &ldquo;As a Trip Leader, I see myself as the personal ambassador to a place. In France, I love introducing the products of the \u2018terroir&apos; such as wine or cheese, or in southern Spain, taking the group to my home to share a paella with them. And in the Sahara, I have a passion for the wind-created landscape I call \u2018the yellow circle&apos; and the ingenuity of the people who live in this place of extremes. I'm also fascinated by the friendships that people forge while traveling together day after day. I remember how six guests become lifetime friends after our trip in Niger&mdash;this warms my heart!&rdquo; While scouting our trip in southern Spain in 1999, Annie bought a 300-year-old house in a village clinging on the flanks of the highest mountains in Spain. It took her three years to transform it into the home she calls La Casa del Milagro. She divides her time between Europe and San Francisco, where she lives with her husband."}],"guestreviews":[{"GuestNames":"David R.","GuestLocation":"Kenosha, WI","GuestReview":"Another memorable trip with Wilderness Travel! We took the entire family and they loved it."},{"GuestNames":"John L.","GuestLocation":"Highland Park, IL","GuestReview":"Of my 22 WT trips the food on this was the best!"},{"GuestNames":"John S.","GuestLocation":"Monona, WI","GuestReview":"Fun trip, nice group of people, and the food was exceptional. I gained weight despite the exercise."},{"GuestNames":"Lynda B.","GuestLocation":"Villa Ridge, MO","GuestReview":"I've traveled all over the world with many outfitters\/trip operators and find that my first experience with Wilderness Travel to be one of high caliber."},{"GuestNames":"Mike D.","GuestLocation":"Aurora, OH","GuestReview":"Just a great Itinerary! We really enjoyed all of the locations."},{"GuestNames":"Nancy F.","GuestLocation":"Sarasota, FL","GuestReview":"We had a great time hiking the Italian Alps and especially loved the variety of the hikes and the four different countries and cultures we experienced. Liechtenstein was an unexpected jewel and the hikes there, the winery, and the dinner were fabulous! Once again, Wilderness Travel has exceeded our expectations and has shown why they continue to rack up awards as the best travel company for hiking experiences! Thanks to the entire company for never failing to delight us!"},{"GuestNames":"Sandy M.","GuestLocation":"Prescott, AZ","GuestReview":"Would do this trip all over again. It went by too fast."},{"GuestNames":"Sharon T.","GuestLocation":"Abingdon, VA","GuestReview":"Lovely hikes. wonderful guides, great food and drink&#8212;what could be better?!"}],"Extensions":[{}],"SimilarTrips":[{"TripID":10394,"SimilarTripID":10310,"Trip_Code":"SLOVENIA","Trip_Name":"Hiking in Slovenia"},{"TripID":10394,"SimilarTripID":10464,"Trip_Code":"ALPEADRIA","Trip_Name":"Hiking the Alpe Adria: Salzburg to Trieste"},{"TripID":10394,"SimilarTripID":10307,"Trip_Code":"HRTSWISS","Trip_Name":"Hiking the Heart of Switzerland"},{"TripID":10394,"SimilarTripID":10411,"Trip_Code":"TUSCCINQ","Trip_Name":"Tuscany and the Cinque Terre"}],"Specialists":[{}],"TripSegments":[{"VendorID":71819,"ProductID":84584,"SelectType":"Optional","ChoiceGroup":0,"ProductType":"Extra Hotel Night","Vendor":"Gombit Hotel","Address1":"","Address2":"","City":"Bergamo","State":"","Postal":"","Product":"Pre-Trip Extra Services: Gombit Hotel (DATES, 1 night)","Day":0,"Sequence":20,"Duration":1,"PropertyDescription":"<p>This ultra-modern 13-room hotel is set within a restored medieval tower in a fantastic location right in the heart of the &#8220;Citta Alta,&#8221; just steps from the central square. 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Also, a couple of the hotels have great heated pools and spa facilities, so we suggest you bring your bathing suits with you on the trip.<\/p>","Custom_FB_Additional_Notes_-_MISC_1":"","Custom_FB_Additional_Notes_-_MISC_2":"","Custom_Arrival":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-06-03T18:17:23 --><p><strong>ARRIVING IN BERGAMO<\/strong><br \/>Your Trip Leaders will meet you in the lobby of the Gombit Hotel in Bergamo at 2:00 pm on Day 1. Trip members are responsible for getting to the group hotel on their own.<\/p><p>If arriving into Bergamo Orio al Serio Airport, a taxi from the airport directly to your hotel will take 20-25 minutes and costs around &euro;50.<\/p><p>Taxis from Milan Malpensa Airport to Bergamo start at around &euro;220 per car. Taxis from Milan Linate Airport to Bergamo start at around &euro;150 per car. If you would like to book a car in advance, please go online to www.shuttledirect.com\/transfers\/Bergamo. There is also a bus shuttle service available for about &euro;30 from Milan Malpensa to central Bergamo. Once in Bergamo, it's a short taxi ride to the hotel. Please go online at www.orioshuttle.com for the current fares and schedules.<\/p><p>If you're staying in Milan before going to Bergamo, you can take the train from the Milano Centrale station or from the Milano Porta Garibaldi station to Bergamo for about &euro;7-9. The trains run every hour and can be booked through www.raileurope.com. From the Bergamo railway station, it's about a 20-minute taxi ride to the hotel and costs around &euro;40.<br \/><\/p>","Custom_Arrival-_Meeting_Place":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-05-01T00:22:21 --><p><strong>Gombit Hotel<\/strong><br \/>Via Mario Lupo<br \/>6 - Bergamo<br \/>+39.035 247009<\/p>","Custom_Arrival_Transfer":"","Custom_Departure":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-04-26T12:36:12 --><p><strong>DEPARTING INNSBRUCK<\/strong><br \/>On Day 12, your Trip Leaders can assist you with transportation from Innsbruck to Munich. Trains to Munich take approximately 2 hours to downtown or 3 hours to the Munich Airport. In general, reservations are not needed and tickets can be purchased on the day of departure. Please go online at www.bahn.de or www.raileurope.com for the current fares and train schedules.<br \/><\/p>","Custom_Extra_Services":"","Custom_Contact_Information_for_Friends_and_Family":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-04-26T12:36:22 --><p>If friends or family wish to contact you during the trip, we encourage them to call, text, or email you directly. Another option is to reach you by calling the hotel (please see the enclosed Hotel List). If they are unable to reach you directly, please instruct them to call our office in Berkeley, California, and we will get a message to you as soon as possible. If they need to reach you outside of our office hours, we ask that they reach out to our Trip Leaders (contact information is listed below) and also leave a message with our Berkeley office, so that we can follow up with our team on the ground.<\/p>","Custom_Outfitter_Contacts_Left":"","Custom_Outfitter_Contacts_Right":"","Custom_name_slug":"italy-austria-switzerland-bergamo-innsbruck-hiking-tour","Custom_Meta_Description":"Cross four international borders on foot on this unique hiking adventure and enjoy the alpine cultures and varied cuisines of Italy, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, and Austria.","Custom_List_Description":"Cross four international borders on foot on this unique hiking adventure and enjoy the alpine cultures and varied cuisines of Italy, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, and Austria.","Custom_Redirect":"","Custom_PJ_-_Best_Months":"","Custom_After_Dates":"","Custom_Trip_Web_Note":"","Custom_Title_Tag":"Bergamo to Innsbruck Hiking Tour | Italy, Switzerland & Austria","Custom_Before_Days":"","Custom_After_Days_Header_1":"","Custom_After_Days_Text_1":"","Custom_After_Days_Header_2":"","Custom_After_Days_Text_2":"","Custom_Choosing_Right_Trip_Office_Contact":"","Custom_About_WT_Expeditions":"","Custom_Arrival_-_Sales":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-04-27T12:08:53 --><p><strong>Suggested Airport<\/strong>: Orio al Serio International Airport (BGY) or Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP)<br \/><strong>Suggested Date &amp; Time:<\/strong> Day 1, by 11:00 am<br \/><br \/><strong>Meeting Place:<\/strong> You will meet your Trip Leader in the lobby of the Gombit Hotel in Bergamo at 2:00 pm on Day 1. Trip members are responsible for transferring from the airport to the Gombit Hotel on their own. There are several options to choose from:<br \/><br \/>From Bergamo Orio al Serio, a taxi from the airport directly to your hotel will take 20-25 minutes and costs around &euro;40.<br \/><br \/>From Milan Malpensa, a taxi starts at &euro;170 per car from the airport directly to the hotel. If you would like to book a car in advance, visit <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shuttledirect.com\/en\/destination\/it\/bergamo.html\">www.shuttledirect.com\/transfers\/Bergamo<\/a>. There is also a bus shuttle service available for about &euro;30 from Milan Malpensa to central Bergamo. <br \/><br \/>From Milan, you can also take the train from the Milano Centrale station or from the Milano Porta Garibaldi station to Bergamo for about &euro;6-9. Trains run every hour and can be booked through <a href=\"https:\/\/www.raileurope.com\/\">www.raileurope.com<\/a>.<br \/><br \/>Once in Bergamo, it's about a 20-minute taxi ride to the hotel and costs around &euro;40.<\/p>","Custom_Departure_-_Sales":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-04-27T12:01:45 --><p><strong>Suggested Airport<\/strong>: Innsbruck Airport (INN) or Munich (MUC)<br \/><br \/><strong>Suggested Date &amp; Time:<\/strong> Day 12, anytime if departing via Innsbruck; or no earlier than 10:00 am if departing via Munich<br \/><br \/>On Day 12, you'll transfer on your own to the train station or airport in Innsbruck or Munich. Your Trip Leaders can assist you with your return transportation. Trains to Munich take around 2 hours to downtown or 3 hours to the Munich Airport. In general, reservations are not needed and tickets can be purchased on the day of departure. Please visit <a href=\"https:\/\/www.oebb.at\/\">www.oebb.at<\/a>, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.bahn.de\">www.bahn.de<\/a>, or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.raileurope.com\/\">www.raileurope.com<\/a> for the current fares and train schedules.<\/p>","Custom_International_Air_Travel":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2022-11-09T17:00:57 --><p>You are responsible for making your own arrangements for flights to and from Europe. There are many online consolidators for booking travel, but for more personal help arranging air transport, you can contact Exito Travel at 1-800-655-4053 in the US or 1-800-670-2605 in Canada. They are very adept at putting flight itineraries together, to even the most far-flung places. More information can be found on Exito's website at <a href=\"https:\/\/exitotravel.com\/\">www.exitotravel.com<\/a>. <\/p><p><br \/>Depending on your routing, it is necessary to depart from the US one or possibly two days prior to Day 1 of the trip itinerary. The name on your airline ticket must match the name on your passport exactly, and your passport must be valid for at least six months after your date of return to the US. <br \/><br \/><strong>Please do not purchase your tickets until you are confirmed on the trip<\/strong>. Once your tickets have been purchased, please send us a copy of your airline schedule. It is your responsibility to ensure your flight times coordinate with the arrival and departure logistics for this trip.<\/p>","Custom_Extra_Hotel_Nights":"","Custom_Recommended_Hotels":"","Custom_A_and_D_Misc_-_Header_1":"","Custom_A_and_D_Misc_-_Text_1":"","Custom_A_and_D_Misc_-_Header_2":"","Custom_A_and_D_Misc_-_Text_2":"","Custom_FAQ_-_Header_1":"","Custom_FAQ_-_Text_1":"","Custom_FAQ_-_Header_2":"","Custom_FAQ_-_Text_2":"","Custom_FAQ_-_Header_3":"","Custom_FAQ_-_Text_3":"","Custom_FAQ_-_Header_4":"","Custom_FAQ_-_Text_4":"","Custom_FAQ_-_Header_5":"","Custom_FAQ_-_Text_5":"","Custom_Passport":"A valid passport is required for your trip. Be sure to check the expiration date. Your passport must be valid for six months after your date of exit from Europe. In addition, we recommend your passport has at least two completely blank visa pages for every country you will be visiting. It is very important that the blank pages say &#8220;Visas&#8221; at the top. The last few pages of your passport, which say &#8220;Amendments and Endorsements,&#8221; and the final page of your passport, which may not have a page number, are not considered to be legitimate visa pages. You can request a new passport through <a href=\"http:\/\/travel.state.gov\/passport\/passport_1738.html\">US Passport Services Office<\/a> (the service of adding pages for visas was discontinued as of January 1, 2016) or use a visa service agency, which can take care of your passport renewal and expedite the process, if needed. We recommend <a href=\"http:\/\/www.passportvisaexpress.com\/?affId=2120\">Passport Visas Express<\/a>. Be sure to allow sufficient time to acquire this before your trip. <br><br>It is a good idea to carry photocopies of your passport's photo page and any acquired visa pages for your trip (if applicable) in case your passport is lost or as an additional piece of identification, as well as two extra passport photos.<br>","Custom_Visas_and_Entry_Notes":"US citizens do not need a visa for countries visited on this trip. If you are a citizen of any country other than the US, check with a local consulate for entry requirements.","Custom_Money":"The Euro is the official currency of Italy and Austria. The Swiss franc is the official currency of Switzerland and Liechtenstein. The most convenient way to obtain either currency is to use your debit card at ATMs. <br><br>To use an ATM internationally, you must have a four-digit PIN. Major credit cards are accepted in most shops in cities and larger towns. If you plan to use your credit cards, inform your credit card company before your departure that you will be using the card abroad. <br><br>In many large towns and cities in Switzerland, and often in smaller villages close to an international border, hotels and restaurants accept Euros, you give change in Swiss francs.","Custom_Tipping":"Tipping is completely discretionary, but over the years, clients have asked us for tipping guidelines to reward guides for outstanding service. We suggest a tip of $205 or more per trip member for each of the Trip Leaders, preferably in local currency. The Trip Leaders take care of gratuities for hotel and restaurant staff, and for local guides and drivers.","Custom_Food":"Please reach out to us directly to discuss any dietary restrictions or concerns you may have. We can easily make arrangements for most diets, but please keep in mind that certain cultural differences or logistical limitations can make it difficult or at times impossible to accommodate all requests. With this in mind, please inform us at least eight weeks before your trip if you have a special diet, and any food allergies in particular, so we can do our best to meet your needs.","Custom_Communications":"<strong>\r\nTelephone<\/strong><br>\r\nInternational dialing codes are as follows:<br>\r\nItaly: 39<br>\r\nSwitzerland: 41<br>\r\nLiechtenstein: 423<br>\r\nAustria: 43<br>\r\nPlease contact your cell phone company for specific instructions for international use. <br><strong>\r\nEmail &amp; Internet Access<\/strong><br>\r\nInternet access is available at most of our hotels.","Custom_Electricity":"Europe has 220-volt current. Plugs usually have two or three prongs.","Custom_Laundry":"","Custom_Ship_Notes":"","Custom_Inoculations":"No inoculations are required. However, it is easy to get a small cut, so a tetanus booster is strongly recommended (good for 10 years). If you take prescription medicines, be sure to bring enough for the duration of your trip.","Custom_International_Health":"","Custom_Malaria_Prevention":"","Custom_Staying_Healthy":"You can reduce your risk of getting sick on the trip by washing your hands often and not touching your face with unwashed hands. If you arrive on the trip with a cold or feel the symptoms of a cold, avoid close contact with others and move away from people before coughing or sneezing. The CDC recommends coughing or sneezing into a tissue or into the crook of your elbow or upper sleeve, not your hands.","Custom_Getting_In_Shape":"We strongly urge you to train for your trip, as your enjoyment will be highly dependent on your level of fitness. The best training for a hike is to hike, especially over hills or rough terrain. Next best are running, swimming, bicycling, or other cardiovascular exercises. Stair-climbing machines are excellent preparation for hiking uphill. Your feet should also be well prepared&mdash;make sure your hiking boots are sturdy, comfortable, and thoroughly broken-in. Altitude is generally not a problem on these trips. The itineraries are designed to take you gently to higher altitude, giving you plenty of time to acclimatize. However, some people still experience a few problems when they first reach high altitude. Slight headache and sleeplessness are the most common symptoms.","Custom_Medical_Care":"","Custom_Altitude_Considerations":"","Custom_Reading_List":"Elevate your travel experience by delving into this curated collection of books tailored to your upcoming adventure. They will not only entertain but also provide invaluable insights into the history, culture, cuisine, wildlife, mountain trails, or even folklore of the places you're about to explore. Discover the perfect companions for your journey ahead by <a href=\"https:\/\/bookshop.org\/lists\/wilderness-travel-bergamo-to-innsbruck\">following the link<\/a> or scanning the QR code.","Custom_Photography":"","Custom_Cultural_Considerations":"","Custom_Giving_Back":"","Custom_Enviromental_Concerns":"","Custom_Shopping_and_Souvenirs":"","Custom_Seasickness":"","Custom_Explore":"","Custom_Additional_Information":"","Custom_Essentials":"<ul><li>Air tickets (or E-tickets)<\/li><li>\nPassport<\/li><li>\nOne other picture ID, such as a driver's license<\/li><li>\nExpense money<\/li><\/ul>","Custom_Luggage":"<ul><li>Soft-sided suitcase, with a small padlock (must be unlocked for air travel)<\/li><li>\nDaypack, large enough for rain gear, water bottle, camera, and items you want on the trail<\/li><li>\n(Optional) Small roll-up bag to carry home purchases<\/li><\/ul>","Custom_Clothing":"<strong>Notes on Clothing<\/strong><br>\nBring clothes you find most comfortable for walking. Although it will be warm enough for shorts on most days, bring some lightweight long pants for cooler weather. Dressing in layers is the best way to stay comfortable. You'll want a change of clothes for the evening, but nothing dressy is necessary. Casual wear is fine, and coats and ties are not required. Note: In Europe, there are dress requirements to enter churches: Shorts (or skirts) should come to the knees, and shoulders should not be bare. Women can use a shawl or large scarf to cover bare shoulders; short-sleeved t-shirts are acceptable. The dress code applies to both men and women. <br><br>\nPlease pack everything in one piece of luggage, as this simplifies the transportation of luggage en route. Although airline service to Europe is generally reliable, it is best to wear or carry your hiking boots with you on your flights in the event that your luggage is lost or delayed. Likewise, don't pack valuables, such as travel documents, camera gear, or prescription medicines in your checked luggage.<br><strong><br>Layers<\/strong><br>\nFor your base layer, look for t-shirts and long underwear in synthetic fabrics. Synthetic fabrics (Polypropylene, Capilene, fleece) insulate and retain warmth even when they are wet, and they are far lighter than wool. They also have the added benefit of drying quickly. Avoid cotton because it is not a good insulator, especially as the first layer next to the skin. Once cotton gets wet from perspiration, it stays wet and keeps you cold. (Cotton is fine for city wear and touring.) As your insulating layer, we suggest a fleece jacket and pants, which are lightweight, warm, and breathable, or wool, which also keeps you warm even when wet. Finally, a good outer layer is necessary to block the wind and keep you dry in case of rain. Gore-Tex and equivalent fabrics are waterproof and breathable and are a practical choice. Your outer layer should be roomy enough to fit over other layers of clothing.<br>\nThe clothing list below is provided as a guideline only:<br><ul><li>\nGore-Tex rain\/wind shell jacket with hood, and Gore-Tex rain\/wind pants (preferably with leg zippers so that they can be taken off without removing your boots). These are among the most essential items you should bring. Whether you choose Gore-Tex, Supplex, or a similar fabric, make sure your jacket has a hood and sealed seams to prevent leaking.<\/li><li>\nFleece jacket or heavy wool sweater<\/li><li>\nFleece or down vest (great for layering)<\/li><li>\nFleece sweater or sweatshirt<\/li><li>\nPolypropylene or Capilene long underwear, bottoms, and tops<\/li><li>\nLong-sleeved shirt. Quick-drying &#8220;travel&#8221; fabrics like nylon are ideal.<\/li><li>\nT-shirts<\/li><li>\nHiking pants, one or two pairs. Jeans are not suitable because they are made of dense cotton, and once wet, will stay wet. Pile pants or synthetic hiking pants are a practical choice.<\/li><li>\nHiking shorts, two pairs. Quick-drying nylon is best.<\/li><li>\nShade hat with a wide brim<\/li><li>\nFleece hat for warmth<\/li><li>\nFleece mittens or gloves<\/li><li>\nWaterproof medium to heavyweight hiking boots designed for on- and off-trail hiking with multi-day hikes in mind. They should be comfortable, warm, and well broken in. It is a sensible precaution to wear or hand-carry your hiking boots on the plane. Nearly everything else can be replaced in case of baggage loss, but not a pair of well-fitted, fully broken-in hiking boots.<\/li><li>\nComfortable walking shoes<\/li><li>\nSandals or flip-flops&mdash;optional, for use at the huts<\/li><li>\nHiking socks. Thick pairs (Thorlo-type) as well as synthetic liner socks.<\/li><li>\nUnderwear. Synthetics dry faster.<\/li><li>\nBathing suit (for hotel pools)<\/li><li>\nSleepwear (long underwear can double)<\/li><li>\nCasual city\/hotel attire. For certain evenings when we dine in some quite fine restaurants, you might feel more comfortable wearing dressier, non-hiking clothes.<\/li><\/ul>","Custom_Hiking_Boots":"","Custom_Equipment":"<ul><li>Collapsible walking stick or trekking poles&mdash;highly recommended<\/li><li>\nTwo reusable water bottles, 1 qt. capacity.<\/li><li>\nQuick-drying washcloth or small towel<\/li><li>\nGood quality sunglasses with case. A spare pair of sunglasses is a good idea should your first pair be broken or lost.<\/li><li>\nStuff sacks or plastic bags to compartmentalize items in your duffel<\/li><li>\nPlastic bags to carry small items in during the day<\/li><li>\nMoney belt or neck pouch<\/li><\/ul>","Custom_Personal_First_Aid":"Every trip member should bring a small kit for personal use. Your own experience will influence your choices.<br><ul><li>\nSunscreen SPF 30 or higher and lip balm with sunscreen. We recommend mineral-based sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide because they do not contain harsh chemicals that are harmful to the environment. Brands such as Honest Company, Badger, and Alba Botanica are found in most sporting goods stores and drugstores.<\/li><li>\nAspirin, ibuprofen, or Tylenol for muscle pain or headaches Tylenol PM for sleep<\/li><li>\n\nBlister kit. Look for the long-lasting gel-type bandages that you can apply directly on blisters, such as Band-Aid Advanced Healing Bandages or Curad Gel Multi-Day Bandages. &#8220;Liquid band-aids,&#8221; such as New-Skin, are useful because they dry rapidly to form a tough protective cover over a blister.<\/li><li>\nPrescription medications properly labeled<\/li><li>\nSpare contact lenses or spare prescription glasses<\/li><\/ul>","Custom_Optional_Items":"<ul><li>Voltage converter and plug adapter for appliance use in hotels<\/li><li>\nCamera, spare batteries, and memory cards<\/li><li>\nReading\/writing material<\/li><li>\nBandanas<\/li><li>\nTravel clock<\/li><li>\nFlashlight or headlamp and extra batteries (always useful)<\/li><li>\n\nSmall umbrella<\/li><li>\nLaundry soap for hand-washing clothes<\/li><li>\nWashcloth, if you like to use one (most European hotels do not provide them)<\/li><\/ul>","Custom_Prohibited_Items":"","Custom_When_to_Go":"","Custom_Children":"","Custom_Tag_Line":"A Hiking Adventure Across Four Countries","Custom_Lodging":"11 nights hotels","Custom_Meals":"All meals included except 3 dinners","Custom_Difficulty":"9 hiking days on moderate to steep trails, 2-5 hours a day, altitudes up to 8,800 feet, van support","Custom_Currency_Exchange_Rate":"","Custom_Fuel_Surcharge":"","Custom_Signing_Up_For_a_Trip_-_Email":"","Custom_Optional_Hotel_Upgrades_-_This_Year":"","Custom_Optional_Hotel_Upgrades_-_Next_Year":"","Custom_Trip_Cost_Misc_Header":"","Custom_Trip_Cost_Misc_Text":"","Custom_What_the_Trip_is_Like":"<meta charset=\"utf-8\"\/><body>This trip is rated a <strong>Level 3+ (Moderate to Strenuous).<\/strong> You will need to be comfortable hiking 8 miles a day, being on your feet for 3-5 hours a day, and hiking on uneven surfaces including downhill over loose scree. Trail conditions, weather, and the group's level of fitness can affect hiking times and pacing. <br><br><strong>Average Hiking Day<\/strong><ul><li>5-6 miles<\/li><li>3-4 hours<\/li><li>500-1,000 feet gain\/loss<\/li><li>Altitudes up to 8,800 feet<\/li><\/ul><strong>Challenge Day<\/strong><ul><li>Day 7: 8 miles, 5 hours, 1,700 feet gain, and 2,500 feet loss<\/li><\/ul><\/body>","Custom_Terrain":"While not technically difficult and staying in moderate to low altitudes, this trip is aimed at those who have at least some experience mountain hiking. We will hike on variable hill and mountain trails, with occasional steep, uneven sections with loose scree, so participants must have good balance and be confident on their feet. Hiking poles are highly recommended.","Custom_Getting_in_Shape":"","Custom_Weather":"As with all mountain environments, the weather can be unpredictable. Summer temperatures can range from the low 70s\u00b0F to 80s\u00b0F, with nighttime temperatures in the mid-40s\u00b0F. Rain showers are a possibility at any time.","Custom_Accommodations":"We spend our nights in picturesque inns, full of charm and character. All hotels are chosen for their local history and central locations. Since they are often in historic buildings, the rooms are not always of uniform or international size. Our leaders do their best to assign rooms in a fair way so that all participants experience an equal advantage throughout the trip as a whole. Single rooms can be requested but are not always available, due to the limited space in the hotels. If you prefer a single room, please make your request as early as possible.","Custom_Cuisine":"Each day, we'll sample the culinary delights that these countries have to offer. The meals included in the trip itinerary will be taken at our hotels, at rural agriturismos, and at restaurants in the towns, with the occasional packed lunch to enjoy in a scenic spot on our hike. For lunches and dinners &ldquo;on your own,&rdquo; the Trip Leader will be happy to recommend options for local restaurants. Please note that in Europe, the dinner hour is considerably later than what it is in the US. We do our best to secure early reservations for our groups, but most often the evening&nbsp; meal will be at 7:30 pm.","Custom_Transportation":"Our van will transport the group's luggage, so you only need to carry a daypack for items you need for the day (rain gear, sweater, camera, water bottle, etc.). Trip members are always free to skip a day's hike and travel to the next destination in the support vehicle (or remain at the hotel if we are not transferring that day).","Custom_What_the_Trip_is_Like_-_Header_1":"","Custom_What_the_Trip_is_Like_-_Text_1":"","Custom_What_the_Trip_is_Like_-_Header_2":"","Custom_What_the_Trip_is_Like_-_Text_2":"","Custom_Trip_Level_Note_1":"","Custom_Trip_Level_Note_2":"","System_Choosing_the_Right_Trip":"<p>Adventure travel often involves exotic destinations, unusual levels of physical exertion, or activities you may not have participated in previously. We work hard to help you choose the right trip for you, paying attention to your individual interests, abilities, and needs. If you have questions about the level of comfort or any of the activities described in this itinerary, please call Wilderness Travel at 1-800-368-2794 or email us at <a href=\"mailto:\/\/info@wildernesstravel.com\">info@wildernesstravel.com<\/a>.<\/p>","System_References":"<p>We&rsquo;d be happy to put you in touch with a past client that has traveled with us on this trip.<\/p>","System_Visit_Our_Website":"<p>At <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wildernesstravel.com\/\">www.wildernesstravel.com<\/a>, you can book your trip online or find out about added departures, last-minute deals, and one-time Limited Edition adventures that aren&rsquo;t listed in our catalog. You can also access our complete library of detailed itineraries filled with enticing photos and videos, read bios of our Trip Leaders, find descriptions of trip accommodations, and check real-time availability of any trips that interest you.<\/p>","System_Helpful_Links":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-01-27T07:52:03 --><p>Wilderness Travel has compiled a list of useful websites for travelers. Find the Toucan Club tab on the home page of our website and choose Helpful Links: <a href=\"http:\/\/www.wildernesstravel.com\/ toucan\/links\">www.wildernesstravel.com\/ toucan\/links<\/a>.<\/p>","System_About_Private_Journeys":"<p>Wilderness Travel Private Journeys are designed for people who want to travel with their own small private group, but who still want to experience the same superb itinerary design, great accommodations, and signature quality of Wilderness Travel's escorted group trips. These Private Journeys allow you to choose your own dates and your traveling companions&mdash;and enjoy the WT touch on all aspects of the journey.<\/p>","System_About_New_Trips":"This is a new adventure and one that we are particularly excited about offering. However, as with all new departures, flexibility and a spirit of adventure are always appreciated! Activities are described in the itinerary but they can vary, sometimes considerably, depending on weather conditions, the group, and other factors.","System_Social_Media":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-03-29T11:33:43 --><p><strong>SOCIAL MEDIA:<\/strong> We invite you to share your adventure with us on social media. Tag @wildernesstravel and we may even feature your content on our pages!<\/p>","System_If_You_Miss_Your_Flight":"<p><strong>IF YOU MISS YOUR FLIGHT<\/strong><br>If you miss your flight or are otherwise delayed, contact our Wilderness Travel office, as well as our local partners, with your new flight information. Refer to the Emergency Contact Information listed in this Final Bulletin.<\/p>","System_Valid_Passport":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-06-16T10:26:21 --><p><strong>VALID PASSPORT:<\/strong> Check that your passport is valid for at least six months from the last day of your trip, and that you have at least two blank pages for any necessary visa or entry and exit stamps.<\/p>","System_Insurance_Policy":"<p><strong>INSURANCE POLICY:<\/strong> If you have purchased the Travelex Travel Protection Plan, you should have received an email confirmation of your policy. Please bring a digital or printed copy of this policy with you. If you cannot find your email confirmation, please contact Travelex's Customer Solutions team at 844-877-1885 or e-mail customersolutions@travelexinsurance.com. If you have not purchased Travelex insurance already, you have the option to do so up to 24 hours prior to your departure.<\/p>","System_Covid-19_Travel_Requirements":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-04-19T13:27:44 --><p><strong>COVID-19 TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS:<\/strong> Please double-check COVID-19 entry requirements for any countries you may be traveling to or transiting through, on this website: <a href=\"apply.joinsherpa.com\/travel-restrictions\">apply.joinsherpa.com\/travel-restrictions<\/a><\/p>","System_Pre-Trip_Safety":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-03-29T11:37:06 --><p><strong>PRE-TRIP SAFETY:<\/strong> In the next weeks, we encourage you to do everything possible to stay healthy. Please practice social distancing, steer clear of potential COVID-19 exposure, and take an at-home antigen or lab based PCR test before you depart.<\/p>","System_Wilderness_Travel_Office":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-03-29T11:38:07 --><p>Our office in Berkeley, California can be reached at 510-558-2488, or by email at info@wildernesstravel.com. We are available during regular business hours (M-F, 8:30 am-5:00 pm, PST). <\/p>","System_ECI_Travel_Insurance":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-03-29T11:38:31 --><p>If you have purchased the Travelex Travel Protection Plan through Wilderness Travel, please remember to bring your Confirmation of Coverages (COC) with you on the trip, including your Plan Number and important emergency contact information.<\/p><p>If you've purchased a travel protection plan on your own, we recommend that you bring a copy of your policy, including all coverages, with you on your trip.<\/p>","System_Face_Masks_and_Hand_Sanitizer":"","System_DidNotPurchase_Insurance":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-02-28T12:27:44 --><p>Travel Insurance: We recommend that you purchase travel insurance for this trip. For your convenience, we offer Travelex travel protection. Please let us know if you would like us to add the Travelex Travel Protection Plan to this final invoice. You can learn more about the policy on our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wildernesstravel.com\/toucan\/travel-insurance\">website<\/a>.<\/p>","System_Purchased_Insurance":"Please remember to bring a copy of your Travelex Confirmation of Coverage and State Specific Policy with you on your trip. You should have received an email directly from Travelex with these documents. If you need this email to be re-sent, please contact Travelex's Customer Solutions team at 844-877-1885 or e-mail customersolutions@travelexinsurance.com. <br><br><br>","System_Photography":"<strong>Camera Recommendations<\/strong><br>With the many advances in digital technology, a simple compact digital camera or even your smartphone is capable of taking pictures suitable for the needs of most people. For higher quality images and the ability to use long lenses for closer wildlife pictures, a DSLR camera is well worthwhile, though heavier. Most digital cameras and phones have good video options, but you may want to consider a GoPro for a lightweight, waterproof option. Always practice ahead of time with new equipment and bring your manual with you. You may want to consider renting camera equipment for your trip from places such as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.borrowlenses.com\/\">borrowlenses.com<\/a>. This is an especially good idea for renting large zoom lenses that you may need for just one trip. Adding their extra insurance fee to cover expensive equipment is recommended. <br><strong><br>Camera Accessories<\/strong><br>We recommend bringing at least two large capacity memory cards or a small digital storage unit (or tablet) to back up your photos, freeing space on your memory cards. Don't forget to bring a battery charger and a backup battery so one is always charged and ready to use. For trips where you may be away from power sources for multiple days, consider looking into a solar-powered battery charger or buying additional backup batteries, and check that you have the appropriate adapter for the electrical outlets in your destination.<br><strong><br>Sharing Your Images<\/strong><br>We would love for you to share photos from your trip, and with your permission, may even use your photos in our marketing materials or on our photo blog. We request that you send us a small sample of your best images. Please email your photos to wtphotoblog@gmail.com or tag us @WildernessTravel on social media.<br><strong><br>Photography Etiquette<\/strong><br>When taking pictures of local people, be aware of cultural considerations. Approaching people with a warm smile and using polite gestures or simple phrases to ask permission to photograph them usually works well. It is always recommended to engage people in conversation before asking to photograph them, but if people do not wish to have their photo taken, please honor their requests. We urge travelers to avoid giving money in exchange for photo opportunities, which makes it harder for future travelers to have a meaningful personal interaction with local people. Please always heed your Trip Leader's guidelines for what is appropriate. ","System_Gear_Store":"To help you prepare for your next WT adventure, we've put together a great collection of top brands including Patagonia, Outdoor Research, Eagle Creek, and more at our WT Gear Store (<a href=\"https:\/\/wildernesstravel.newheadings.com\/\">wildernesstravel.newheadings.com<\/a>).","System_Questions?":"<p>Our Area Specialists are your single point of contact and would be happy to answer any questions about your trip!<br>800.368.2794 | 510.558.2488<\/p>","System_Travel_Insurance":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-01-27T07:58:05 --><p>We highly recommend you purchase travel insurance. You can take advantage of a comprehensive Travel Protection Plan designed for Wilderness Travel by Travelex, or purchase other insurance on your own. See our website for details: <a href=\"http:\/\/www.wildernesstravel.com\/insurance\">www.wildernesstravel.com\/insurance<\/a><\/p>","System_Make_it_Your_Trip":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-03-29T11:44:18 --><p>The prices above are for the ready-to-book adventure outlined in this Detailed Itinerary, a popular option that has been handcrafted by our Area Specialists to include the best of every destination. While many travelers choose to book this tour as is, our Area Specialists are also happy to work with you to customize this Private Journey to suit your specific interests and style of travel. We can arrange for longer or shorter stays, offer hotel upgrades (see below for sample costs), or add an extension to additional places of interest. We can even add special activities or customize excursions depending on your interests. We invite you to contact us to discuss your options!<\/p>","System_Signing_up_for_a_Trip":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-03-29T11:44:42 --><p>Early reservations are recommended since accommodations often sell out far in advance. Please call 1-800-368-2794 and ask for our [Africa Manager] or email us at [africa@ wildernesstravel.com] with any questions that you may have about this trip. To reserve your Private Journey, we will need to know your preferred dates of travel. We will then check availability and send you a proposed itinerary with exact pricing for your adventure. We can typically hold a provisional booking for one week. At that time, we must collect your initial deposit or accommodations will be released. We accept Visa, Mastercard, or American Express card. Upon receipt of your deposit, we will send you a Welcome Packet that includes a letter of confirmation, Detailed Itinerary, Trip Application, Medical Form, and Pre-Departure Information Booklet with information to help you prepare for your adventure. Please see our Cancellations and Transfer Fee Schedule for specific payment information.<\/p>","System_Trip_Leaders":"<p>Wilderness Travel Trip Leaders have a passion and a joy for creating an unforgettable journey. We are extremely proud of them and the incredible travel experiences they make possible. For more information, including client comments about them and which specific trips they will be leading, please visit <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wildernesstravel.com\/leaders\/\">wildernesstravel.com\/leaders<\/a>.<\/p>"},"terms":{"PaymentSchedule":"<meta charset=\"utf-8\"\/><body><p>$600 due at time of reservation <br \/>90 days prior to departure: Balance<\/p><\/body>","CancelSchedule":"<p>Up to 91 days prior to departure: No Charge!<br>61-90 days prior to departure: 25% of trip cost<br>46-60 days prior to departure: 50% of trip cost<br>45 days or less: 100% of trip cost<br><\/p>"}}