Trefoil Guild holidays and Trefoil Guild tours - Adelboden, Switzerland - Venture Abroad

Saturday 15th - Saturday 22nd September 2012

Venture Abroad has been arranging holidays to Adelboden for members of the Guiding movement for over 40 years and we are delighted to be offering one of our ever popular tours for 2012.

Lying deep in the heart of Switzerland in the picturesque region of the Bernese Oberland, Adelboden is treasured by all members of the guide movement as it is home to the WAGGGS World Centre, Our Chalet. Traditionally Swiss, surrounded by snow capped mountains, the village centre is one long, narrow street abundant with quaint little shops selling local goods and a variety of souvenirs and unique gifts. Also to be found are various cafes and small eateries.

WAGGGS World Centre, Our Chalet

Our Chalet is the first and oldest of the WAGGGS World Centres. It opened in 1932 as a place where girls and adults from all over the world could come together, enjoy an ‘International Jamboree Experience’, be challenged by the terrain and share the Girl Guide/Girl Scout Spirit while having adventures in the Swiss Alps in the beautiful village of Adelboden. Celebrating its 80 years in 2012, the WAGGGS World Centre still welcomes Girlguiding members from all over the world for what is often a once in a lifetime experience.

Follow all the highlights of our Trefoil Guild Holidays in 2011 and 2012… as they happen in India, Adelboden and Mexico.

Itinerary

Saturday 15th September

After a flight from the UK you will arrive in Switzerland and make your way to your accommodation centre where you will have the evening to settle in and get to know your fellow travellers.

Sunday 16th September

A full day excursion will take in a visit to La Maison Cailler and the cheese factory at Gruyère. During the trip you will uncover the secrets behind two of Switzerland’s most famous exports; chocolate and cheese!

Monday 17th September

The morning will take you to the woodcarver to see his workshop – a perfect opportunity to buy authentic, engraved Swiss gifts for friends and family or as a memento of your trip. The afternoon will be filled with a trip to discover the natural wonders of Choleren gorge where you won't only find an impressive waterfall; you will also see numerous watermills and rocks polished by the water flow.

Tuesday 18th September

Today you will travel by coach from Adelboden across the border into Italy, to the city of Stresa, situated on the beautiful Lake Maggiore. There are many ways to spend your time in Stresa, from island hopping between the beautiful Borromee Islands such as Isola Bella, shopping and, of course, enjoying an Italian lunch! Don’t forget your passport!

Wednesday 19th September

Spend some time discovering all that the traditional village centre of Adelboden has to offer. Its hotels, shops and restaurants, which compete for space on the steep hillside, mean that there is plenty to see and do right on your doorstep.

Thursday 20th September

Day at leisure or take part in the following day excursion: You will travel to the Niesenbahn, a funicular on a 2,262m (7,749-ft) mountain overlooking Lake Thun. The funicular takes 28 minutes to reach the summit, at which point you have a wonderful panoramic view of the Bernese Alps, down into the Simmen and Frutigen valleys and over Lake Thun.

Friday 21st September

The final day of your trip will be spent at Our Chalet, one of the four World Centres of the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS). After all, this is why most members of the Guiding movement choose to visit this fascinating country in the first place.

Saturday 22nd September

You will say goodbye to Adelboden as you fly back to the UK. The above itinerary is subject to amendments.

Tour Inclusions

• Return Flights to Zurich Airport from London with British Airways (regional airports may be available subject to passenger numbers and supplements may be applicable)
• Return Airport Coach Transfers in Resort
• 7 nights’ half board (breakfast and evening meal) accommodation at The Hotel Alpina in Adelboden
• The services of a Venture Abroad representative
• Coach transportation for a day trip to Stresa and the chocolate and cheese day
• Day at Our Chalet
• Chocolate and Cheese entrance fees

Hotel Alpina

You will be accommodated in The Hotel Alpina during your stay. The hotel is just a 20 minute walk from the centre of Adelboden and is run by the Swiss Methodist Church. You will receive a warm welcome from the staff at the hotel who, together with the Venture Abroad representative, will ensure that you have a most enjoyable and relaxing week in Adelboden. All rooms have TV, radio, telephone and en suite facilities. There are also a limited number of rooms with disabled facilities for any of our guests with special requirements. Breakfast and evening meals are included in the tour price and will be taken in the hotel’s restaurant.