Our first Gate 1 hiking tour was nothing short of extraordinary. With 22 fellow travelers and two exceptional guides, we embarked on an unforgettable journey through the majestic Swiss Alps. Every day was an adventure—riding trains, cable cars, and ski lifts to reach the trails, where we immersed ourselves in breathtaking scenery. We hiked through misty rain, warm sunshine, and pastures dotted with grazing cows, savoring brown bag picnic lunches amid the mountains. The beauty around us was beyond words, and the experience of walking these trails allowed us to connect with nature in a way that no bus window ever could. We explored the UNESCO World Heritage Domaine Bovy Winery, took in the awe-inspiring views from the Harder Klum after a funicular ride, and dined at the summit’s restaurant. Lucerne, the Aareschlucht Gorge, Interlaken, Grindelwald, Lauterbrunnen, Murren, Montreux, and the Staubbach waterfalls felt like stepping into a fairytale. Hiking the Four Lakes Trail, Panorama Trail, and Flower Trail offered us sweeping views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau mountains, as well as the towering Eiger and Wetterhorn North Faces. Our hotel rooms in Lucerne and Geneva provided us with stunning lakeside vistas, adding a touch of serenity to each evening. This was one of our most remarkable trips ever. The flights were smooth, the camaraderie with our group was heartwarming, and our guides, Sabine and Marina, were outstanding. If you haven’t yet added a walking or hiking tour to your travel bucket list, don’t wait. This enriching and meaningful way of exploring offers a profound connection to the places you visit, turning a trip into an unforgettable experience.”