For Immediate Release

May 14, 2010

Contact: Chris Pranskatis -Phone: 970.708.7359

Telluride, CO- Backpacker Magazine painted a seductive portrait of the internationally acclaimed Via Alpina when they wrote; "Your first view of the Eiger Massif will spoil you for the rest of your hiking days.” They added, "The chocolate, historic villages, on-time trains and luxe hut system are pure gravy.”
 
Gravy it is. The Via Alpina, Europe’s longest and newest long distance footpath, travels through 8 different countries and covers a distance of more than 3,000 miles. While an exploration of all three hundred forty-two stages might seem like an alpine trekker’s nirvana, it’s the lofty alpine section through Switzerland that Backpacker recently named the World’s Best Hike.

Ryder-Walker Alpine Adventures proudly presents the entire length of the World's Best Hike in 4 consecutive stages during the next four summers. The Via Alpina Stage 1, the 2010 segment, covers five different cantons and traverses some of the wildest and seldom-traveled passes and valleys found anywhere in Switzerland. Like all of their tours, luggage is transported so guests hike only with a day pack. Intrepid hikers also dine on the finest local delicacies and rest in the most atmospheric, hand picked accommodations along the way.

Tour Highlights:

• Expert guiding on the World’s Best Hike.
• Switzerland’s newest UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Swiss Tectonic Arena Sardona.
• Five Swiss cantons in one tour, each boasting their own unique culture and traditions.
• Luggage transport, dreamy Swiss Villages and delectable cuisine.
  

Tour Dates: August 1-8, 2010.
Length: 7 nights/8 days.
Cost: $2990 per person double occupancy, $3290 per person single.

Cost includes: Expert guiding, hand picked accommodations, breakfasts and dinners, luggage transport, incidental ground transport and more. Airfare not included.

Have you ever dreamed of exploring the World’s Best Hike? Now is your chance. Please contact Ryder-Walker Alpine Adventures for more details, or visit their website. www.ryderwalker.com

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