Aare River, from the Swiss Alps to the Rhine
Switzerland Bike & Hotel Tours
Biking on Switzerland’s famous cycle route number 8
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Tour Type
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Skill Level
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Length7–8 days
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Prices fromCHF 1601 Rates
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Overview
The Aare Route, also known as National Route Number 8, is Switzerland’s first fully signposted long-distance bicycle route.
This itinerary gives you an excellent idea of the variety of landscapes that characterize Switzerland. The starting point lies in the midst of the Bernese Alps – but don’t panic! The action of the Aare river over millions of years has made this trail manageable for even the average cyclist.
The bike trail winds its way pleasantly through woods and meadows, along fertile fields, and through isolated villages where the charm of the countryside and the old way of life will enchant you. The beauty of Switzerland is on full display! Choose between various itineraries to suit every type of traveler.
Highlights
- Lakes formed by the Aare – Lake Thun, Lake Wohlen, and Lake Brienz
- The capital city of Bern
- The many small towns and villages of the Swiss Alps
- The Rhine River
- "Ambassadorial City" of Solothurn
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Itinerary
8-day: From Grimselpass to Bad Zurzach
Day 1: Arrival in Grimselpass
Day 2: Grimselpass - Iseltwald, 36 mi. (58 km)
Day 3: Iseltwald - Bern, 29 mi. (47 km)
Day 4: Bern - Biel, 30 mi. (49 km)
Day 5: Biel - Solothurn, 19 mi. (31 km)
Day 6: Solothurn - Aarau, 37 mi. (60 km)
Day 7: Aarau - Bad Zurzach, 32 mi. (51 km)
Day 8: Departure from Bad ZurzachDay 1: Arrival at Grimselpass
Welcome to Switzerland! There is no better place to start this incredible bike tour than in Grimselpass, an imposing dam surrounded by a mountain world of rock and ice. Jaw-dropping panoramas await around every corner. This is the source of the Aare River, the longest river in the country – your guide for the next several days.Day 2: Grimselpass - Iseltwald, 36 mi. (58 km)
You'll start with a steep descent into the Aare Valley before reaching Meiringen. Here you can visit the Sherlock Holmes Museum and stroll around this typical town. Be sure to try some meringue, as Meiringen is believed to be the birthplace of this tasty treat. At the shore of the Lake of Brienz, there is another hill to conquer before reaching Iseltwald, your destination of the day.Ascent +560 m | Descent -1,720 m
Day 3: Iseltwald - Bern, 29 mi. (47 km)
Cycling the quiet shores of Lake Brienz, you will soon reach Lake Thun and the town of Interlaken nestled in between. Interlaken is a hub for adventure seekers who come from all over to explore the Alps. The dominant peaks of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau are a constant presence. You will continue by boat to Thun, the gateway to the Bernese Oberland. You'll continue in the wide Aare Valley until reaching Bern, the capital of Switzerland.Ascent +365 m | Descent -410 m
Day 4: Bern - Biel, 30 mi. (49 km)
From Bern, you'll pass Lake Wohlen, a birding paradise. The river will lead you into the Seeland and then to Lake Biel. The town of Biel-Bienne, where you'll hear German and French spoken equally, is a famous watch-making center. Most are familiar with the prestige and precision of Swiss-made watches, and Biel is where you'll find the headquarters for the most prominent brands.Ascent +400 m | Descent -500 m
Day 5: Biel - Solothurn, 19 mi. (31 km)
Today's route is short, so you have enough time to spend in the old town or on the lake at the beach. Solothurn is the capital of the canton of the same name and is considered to be Switzerland's most beautiful Baroque town. The number eleven has particular significance here: there are 11 churches and chapels, 11 fountains, 11 towers, and 11 steps. Be sure to stop in any of the numerous riverfront cafes to try the tasty sweet: Solothurner Torte.Ascent +15 m | Descent -20 m
Day 6: Solothurn - Aarau, 37 mi. (60 km)
The River Aare, which has increased considerably in size, is what shapes the landscape in this region. Villages, fields, and a magnificent castle accompany you on your way to Aarau, which still bears features dating back to the 16th century, when the town was once the capital of the Helvetic Republic. Walk through the town – and keep looking up! This town is famous for its lovely gables.Ascent +340 m | Descent -390 m
Day 7: Aarau - Bad Zurzach, 32 mi. (51 km)
Finally, you will arrive at where the Aare meets the Rhine River in Koblenz, Switzerland. Hugging the border of Germany, you will pass gabled houses, wetlands, and wildlife. Soon you will arrive in the spa town of Bad Zurzach. Consider booking an extra night in this Swiss village to have time to relax in the thermal baths after your bike tour.Ascent +165 m | Descent -195 m
Day 8: Bad Zurzach departure
This incredible bike tour comes to an end in Bad Zurzach.7-day: From Interlaken to Bad Zurzach
Day 1: Arrival in Interlaken
Day 2: Boat ride to Thun, Thun - Bern, 22 mi. (36 km)
Day 3: Bern - Biel, 30 mi. (49 km)
Day 4: Biel - Solothurn, 19 mi. (31 km)
Day 5: Solothurn - Aarau, 37 mi. (60 km)
Day 6: Aarau - Bad Zurzach, 32 mi. (51 km)
Day 7: Departure from Bad ZurzachDay 1: Arrival in Interlaken
Welcome to Switzerland's adventure capital! Surrounded by the Bernese Alps and situated between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, this small city is as scenic as they come. If you arrive early, be sure to take in the views from Harder Kulm or enjoy a boat ride on Lake Thun.Day 2: Boat ride to Thun, Thun - Bern, 22 mi. (36 km)
Your ride begins in the wide Aaretal (Aare Valley). You'll pass large villages, open fields, and lush meadows, all while the powerful River Aare accompanies you. Soon you will arrive in the capital of Switzerland and a UNESCO World Heritage Site: Bern. The Bern Cathedral, with its towering viewing platform, the impressive Houses of Parliament (Bundeshaus) just a stone's throw from the train station, and the elevated rose garden are just a few of the highlights that await you in this city.Ascent +143 m | Descent -161 m
Day 3: Bern - Biel, 30 mi. (49 km)
From Bern, you'll pass Lake Wohlen, a birding paradise. The river will lead you into the Seeland and then to Lake Biel. The town of Biel-Bienne, where you'll hear German and French spoken equally, is a famous watch-making center. Most are familiar with the prestige and precision of Swiss-made watches, and Biel is where you'll find the headquarters for the most prominent brands.Ascent +400 m | Descent -500 m
Day 4: Biel - Solothurn, 19 mi. (31 km)
Today's route is short, so you have enough time to spend in the old town or on the lake at the beach. Solothurn is the capital of the canton of the same name and is considered Switzerland's most beautiful Baroque town. The number eleven has particular significance here: 11 churches and chapels, 11 fountains, 11 towers, and 11 steps. Be sure to stop in any of the numerous riverfront cafes to try the tasty sweet Solothurner Torte.Ascent +15 m | Descent -20 m
Day 5: Solothurn - Aarau, 37 mi. (60 km)
The River Aare, which has increased considerably in size, is what shapes the landscape in this region. Villages, fields, and a magnificent castle accompany you on your way to Aarau, which still bears features dating back to the 16th century, when the town was once the capital of the Helvetic Republic. Walk through the town – and keep looking up! This town is famous for its lovely gables.Ascent +340 m | Descent -390 m
Day 6: Aarau - Bad Zurzach, 32 mi. (51 km)
Finally, you will arrive at where the Aare meets the Rhine River in Koblenz, Switzerland. Hugging the border of Germany, you will pass gabled houses, wetlands, and wildlife. Soon you will arrive in the spa town of Bad Zurzach. Consider booking an extra night in this Swiss village, to have time to relax in the thermal baths after your bike tour.Ascent +165 m | Descent -195 m
Day 7: Departure from Bad Zurzach
Your tour comes to an end! Consider extra nights in Bad Zurzach or Interlaken. -
Map
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Hotels & Bikes
This bike tour features two levels of accommodation.
For the itinerary starting in Grimselpass:
Category A: 3 and 4-star hotels
Category B: 3-star hotels
For the itinerary starting in Interlaken:
Category A: 4-star hotels
Category B: 3 and 4-star hotels
Bicycles
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Standard Touring Bike
Touring Bike Country-Bike TdS
- 18-speed
- Aluminium frame
- Derailleur gears, 2x9-speed
- V-Brake Shimano Alivio Brakes
- 26" wheel size
Frame sizes
- S = 44 cm (body height 145 - 165 cm)
- M = 50 cm (body height 165 - 175 cm)
- L = 56 cm (body height 175 - 196 cm)
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Electric Bike
E-Bike Flyer C-series
- Aluminium frame
- Gearshift:
- built 2021: Shimano Nexus 8-speed hub gears
- built 2022: Shimano Nexus 5-speed hub gears
- Magura HS33R (hydraulic) rim brakes
- SR Suntour NCX, 50mm suspension fork
- Panasonic 36V/250W mid-engine
- Panasonic Li-ion-manganese 540 Wh / 715Ah / 36V battery
- Operating distance: max. 100 km
- 28" (size XS: 26") wheel size
- Weight limit 330lbs
- Front and rear mudguards
- Lights and hub dynamo
- Luggage rack
- Chain guard
- Frame lock
- Side stand
Frame sizes:
- XS = 41 cm (body height 150 - 160 cm)
- S = 45 cm (body height 160 - 170 cm)
- M = 50 cm (body height 170 - 180 cm)
- L = 55 cm (body height > 180 cm)
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Inclusions
What’s Included
- Accommodations for the tour & category selected
- Breakfasts
- Daily luggage transfers, 2 pieces per person weighing no more than 20 kg
- 18-Speed Tour de Suisse Touring Bike, with 1 saddlebag, service kit, air pump, bike lock, & phone holder
- Boat ride Interlaken - Thun including bike
- Carefully elaborated route descriptions
- Travel documents (1 x per room)
- Navigation app and GPS data
- Subsidy for arrival by train
- Service hotline
What’s Not Included
- Remaining meals
- Helmets (Available for purchase; must be reserved in advance)
- Tourist tax, if applicable (to be paid at each hotel)
- Travel Insurance
- Bike Protection
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Dates & Pricing
Dates & Pricing
Questions about dates or pricing? We’re here to help! Call 800-951-4384 to talk to a Tour Specialist now.
Mar 20–31 (Daily)Mar 20–31 (Daily) 6 nights fr. 1601 Book Mar 20–31 (Daily)Mar 20–31 (Daily) 6 nights fr. 1956 Book Apr 1–23 (Daily)Apr 1–23 (Daily) 6 nights fr. 1601 Book Apr 1–23 (Daily)Apr 1–23 (Daily) 6 nights fr. 1956 Book Apr 24–30 (Daily)Apr 24–30 (Daily) 6 nights fr. 1661 Book Apr 24–30 (Daily)Apr 24–30 (Daily) 6 nights fr. 2016 Book May 1–31 (Daily)May 1–31 (Daily) 6 nights fr. 1661 Book May 1–31 (Daily)May 1–31 (Daily) 6 nights fr. 2016 Book Jun 1–30 (Daily)Jun 1–30 (Daily) 6 nights fr. 1661 Book Jun 1–30 (Daily)Jun 1–30 (Daily) 6 nights fr. 2016 Book Jun 12–30 (Daily)Jun 12–30 (Daily) 7 nights fr. 2002 Book Jun 12–30 (Daily)Jun 12–30 (Daily) 7 nights fr. 2381 Book Jul 1–31 (Daily)Jul 1–31 (Daily) 6 nights fr. 1661 Book Jul 1–31 (Daily)Jul 1–31 (Daily) 6 nights fr. 2016 Book Jul 1–31 (Daily)Jul 1–31 (Daily) 7 nights fr. 2002 Book Jul 1–31 (Daily)Jul 1–31 (Daily) 7 nights fr. 2381 Book Aug 1–31 (Daily)Aug 1–31 (Daily) 6 nights fr. 1661 Book Aug 1–31 (Daily)Aug 1–31 (Daily) 6 nights fr. 2016 Book Aug 1–31 (Daily)Aug 1–31 (Daily) 7 nights fr. 2002 Book Aug 1–31 (Daily)Aug 1–31 (Daily) 7 nights fr. 2381 Book Sep 1–10 (Daily)Sep 1–10 (Daily) 7 nights fr. 2002 Book Sep 1–10 (Daily)Sep 1–10 (Daily) 7 nights fr. 2381 Book Sep 1–24 (Daily)Sep 1–24 (Daily) 6 nights fr. 1661 Book Sep 1–24 (Daily)Sep 1–24 (Daily) 6 nights fr. 2016 Book Sep 11–26 (Daily)Sep 11–26 (Daily) 7 nights fr. 1942 Book Sep 11–26 (Daily)Sep 11–26 (Daily) 7 nights fr. 2321 Book Sep 25–30 (Daily)Sep 25–30 (Daily) 6 nights fr. 1601 Book Sep 25–30 (Daily)Sep 25–30 (Daily) 6 nights fr. 1956 Book Oct 1–17 (Daily)Oct 1–17 (Daily) 6 nights fr. 1601 Book Oct 1–17 (Daily)Oct 1–17 (Daily) 6 nights fr. 1956 Book Pricing details and extra options
8-day: Grimselpass to Bad Zurzach
- Season 1 2027 Daily Sep 11–26 • 7 nights from fr. 19422027 departures: Daily Sep 11–26
2027 September Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Category A Double occupancy fr. 2058 Single occupancy fr. 2537 Category B Price Double occupancy fr. 1942 Single occupancy fr. 2321 Bike Rentals Price Standard touring bike, 27-gear Included Electric bike fr. 164 - Season 2 2027 Daily Jun 12–Sep 10 • 7 nights from fr. 20022027 departures: Daily Jun 12–Sep 10
2027 June Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2027 July Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2027 August Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2027 September Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Category A Double occupancy fr. 2142 Single occupancy fr. 2621 Category B Price Double occupancy fr. 2002 Single occupancy fr. 2381 Bike Rentals Price Standard touring bike, 27-gear Included Electric bike fr. 164 - Extra Options
Extra Nights Bad Zurzach, Cat. A Double occupancy fr. 139 Single occupancy fr. 194 Bad Zurzach, Cat. B Double occupancy fr. 119 Single occupancy fr. 139 Grimselpass, Cat. A & B Double occupancy fr. 159 Single occupancy fr. 219 Tour Documents Price Printed route documents (Digital documents are included in the tour cost)fr. 20 Helmet Price Helmet for purchase Must be reserved in advanceOn request
7-day: Interlaken to Bad Zurzach
- Extra Options
Extra Nights Bad Zurzach, Cat. A Double occupancy fr. 135 Single occupancy fr. 185 Bad Zurzach, Cat. B Double occupancy fr. 119 Single occupancy fr. 129 Interlaken, Cat. A Double occupancy fr. 129 Single occupancy fr. 204 Interlaken, Cat. B Double occupancy fr. 99 Single occupancy fr. 164
- Season 1 2027 Daily Mar 20–Apr 23 & Sep 25–Oct 17 • 6 nights from fr. 16012027 departures: Daily Mar 20–Apr 23 and Sep 25–Oct 17
2027 March Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2027 April Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2027 September Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2027 October Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Category A Double occupancy fr. 1767 Single occupancy fr. 2222 Category B Price Double occupancy fr. 1601 Single occupancy fr. 1956 Bike Rentals Price Standard touring bike, 27-gear Included Electric bike fr. 154 - Season 2 2027 Daily Apr 24–Sep 24 • 6 nights from fr. 16612027 departures: Daily Apr 24–Sep 24
2027 April Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2027 May Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2027 June Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2027 July Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2027 August Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2027 September Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Category A Double occupancy fr. 1817 Single occupancy fr. 2272 Category B Price Double occupancy fr. 1661 Single occupancy fr. 2016 Bike Rentals Price Standard touring bike, 27-gear Included Electric bike fr. 154 - Extra Options
Extra Nights Bad Zurzach, Cat. A Double occupancy fr. 139 Single occupancy fr. 194 Bad Zurzach, Cat. B Double occupancy fr. 119 Single occupancy fr. 139 Interlaken, Cat. A Double occupancy fr. 125 Single occupancy fr. 200 Interlaken, Cat. B Double occupancy fr. 95 Single occupancy fr. 160 Tour Documents Price Printed route documents (Digital documents are included in the tour cost)fr. 20 Helmet Price Helmet for purchase Must be reserved in advanceOn request
Please Note
- Rates are per person, based on double occupancy
- Tour prices are based on the fuel costs at time prices are set, often months or years in advance. In rare cases, additional fees may apply for fuel cost increases.
- Information to read before you book
- We recommend purchasing trip insurance
- Please see our FAQ
- Season 1 2027 Daily Sep 11–26 • 7 nights from fr. 1942
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Extra Info
Skill Level — Moderate
This self-guided bike tour is rated moderate. The route is perfectly signposted and takes place mostly on trails far from car traffic. Some of the route takes place on “natural” or dirt paths, but most is asphalted. While this tour is predominately flat, there are stages with steep uphills. You’ll find the elevation gain/loss in the day-to-day itinerary.
Airport Info
Fly to Bern International Airport (BRN) or Zurich (ZRH).
Local Travel
Train travel in Switzerland is safe, convenient, and efficient! The SBB (Swiss Federal Railways) offers a CHF 10.00 discount on the ticket price for anyone participating in a hiking or biking tour. The reduction can be obtained on the SBB website or on the SBB App when you buy your ticket.
Climate
This area of Switzerland has a humid continental climate characterized by warm summers and cold winters. June to August is the peak season for tourism as temperatures are quite pleasant. The Aare River is a popular spot in summer as locals and tourists swim and raft.
Day of Rest
The stages of this itinerary can be shortened or bypassed entirely via train. Certain train cars are designated for passengers with bicycles.
Remarks
It is possible to add an extra night before, after, or during your tour.
Important to know
Travel Documents
Each traveler must ensure that you comply with the country or countries you plan to visit. This includes and is not limited to passport validity, visa requirements and acquisition, blank passport pages required for your destination (s), etc.
US citizens: A good website to research the requirements of the Schengen Agreement and entry into other countries is travel.state.gov.
Non-EU and EU residents: Please research the requirements of your country of residence for international travel and your destination country or countries.
*Important note: Please check on the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) status as once implemented, this will be required to visit any of the 26 Schengen-member countries for tourism, business, medical, or transit. This is an additional check on security rather than a visa.Tour Operator
This tour is run by EuroTrek.
We value the strong relationship we have with our local partners and the services we provide.
We are not a broker.
We do not inflate tour prices.
We are simply travelers helping travelers.Would you like to learn more About Us? How about What Makes Us Different than other companies?
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Photos
![Grand house on the lake in Iseltwald, Switzerland. Unsplash@Manuel Boxler]()
![Iseltwald on the lake, Switzerland. Unsplash@Manuel Boxler]()
![Array of boats on the lake in Iseltwald, Switzerland. Unsplash@Allphoto Bangkok]()
![View of the Aare River flowing beneath a large arched bridge in Bern, Switzerland. Unsplash@Alin Andersen]()
![Grimsel Pass and Furka Pass, Switzerland. Unsplash@Claudio Biesele]()
![Aerial view of the turquoise Aare River flowing through Bern, Switzerland. Unsplash@Mads Egmose]()
![Aare River through Bern, Switzerland. CC:CucombreLibre]()
![Aerial view of the old town of Bern, Switzerland. Unsplash@Rich Martello]()
![Town of Iseltwald from above, Switzerland. Unsplash@M Fildza Fadzil]()
![Aare River through Bern, Switzerland. CC:Dmitry A. Mottl]()
![Flowers on the lake boardwalk in Iseltwald, Switzerland. Unsplash@Lisa Shauma]()
![Lake in the Grimselpass, Switzerland. Unsplash@Ansgar Scheffold]()
![Incredible Grimselpass. Flickr:Lisa Stevens]()
![The turquoise Aare River flows beside the historic cityscape of Bern, Switzerland. Unsplash@Will Truettner]()
![The Zytglogge clock tower in the center of Bern, Switzerland. Unsplash@Andreas Fischinger]()
![The Federal Palace of Switzerland in Bern. Unsplash@Andreas Fischinger]()
![Biking on the Aare Trail. Flickr:eurotrekaktiv]()
![Beautiful promenade in Iseltwald, Switzerland. Unsplash@Allphoto Bangkok]()
![Boardwalk on the lake in Iseltwald, Switzerland. Unsplash@Bjorn Schmidt]()
![Swiss fondue. Unsplash@Andri Aeschlimann]()
![Road by the lake in Iseltwald, Switzerland. Unsplash@Manuel Boxler]()
![Swiss cheese ready for fondue. Unsplash@Boris Ho]()
![Swiss chocolates. Unsplash@Marquise de Photographie]()
![Alpine cabin in Iseltwald, Switzerland. Unsplash@Aswathy N]()
![Walking into Iseltwald, Switzerland. Unsplash@Aswathy N]()
![Roads around Iseltwald, Switzerland. Unsplash@Tulin Yucel]()
![Field of blooming sunflowers under a clear blue sky, with a lush, forested mountain range in the background near the Aare River, Solothurn, Switzerland. Unsplash@Hansjoerg Ryser]()
![Drone shot of Iseltwald, Switzerland. Unsplash@Yasintha Perera]()
![The incredible views of Switzerland. Flickr:mescon]()
![Majestic views from the Grimselpass, Switzerland. Unsplash@Stephan hinni]()
![Clock tower in Solothurn, Switzerland. Unsplash@Stephan hinni]()
![Historic stone building and St. Ursus Cathedral bordering the Aare River in Solothurn, Switzerland. Unsplash@Martin Zenker]()
![Delectable chocolates in all of Switzerland, here Zurich. Flickr:Internationales Tourism-Management]()
![St. Ursus Cathedral and a bridge spanning the Aare River in Solothurn, Switzerland. Unsplash@Stephan hinni]()
![Historic old town of Bern, Switzerland. Unsplash@Alin Andersen]()
![Low-angle view of the neoclassical St. Ursus Cathedral in Solothurn, Switzerland. Unsplash@Martin Zenker]()
![Relaxing along the lake in Switzerland. Flickr:Christof Sonderegger]()
![View from Harder Kulm in Interlaken, Switzerland. Flickr:James Petts]()
Tripsite Traveler Photos
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Reviews
Reviews
Julie S.
1 month agoVerified Reviewer
It was so exciting coming down the Alps on the first day! Absolutely stunning views. And cowbells could be heard constantly! Such amazing scenery, especially the lake in Iseltwald. We had the most spectacular view at dinner. We had a flat tire on one day but the local tour company helped us find the nearest train station to get us to a bike shop for help. We take these bike trips yearly and are excited for next year’s adventure!
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Eliza Tripsite Staff 1 month ago
Thank you for sharing this wonderful review and your beautiful photos, Julie! The views look stunning and we're so glad that you had such an immersive journey. We hope to travel with you again in 2027!
Gigi S.
September 13, 2024Verified Reviewer
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Tripsite Customer Reviews
Julie S.
1 month ago
Verified Reviewer
Gigi S.
2 years ago
Verified Reviewer
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