Our pilots, each with an average of 29 years of commercial balloon pilot experience, are highly skilled in creating a steady flow of wonderful experiences to enjoy in our balloons, such as: Slowly drifting along the tops of snow-covered pine trees, close enough to reach out and gently caress the powdered boughs... Easing up a snowy ridge as a herd of wild mountain goats, just below your basket, scamper through deep snow and over rocky outcrops on an energetic mission to nowhere. And then there will be the fox who thought he was alone on the mountain side… Floating through quaint mountain villages at window-level, as villagers step onto chalet terraces to joyfully embrace our magical appearance in their lives.... Dipping down into a pretty valley to follow a crystal mountain stream, and the pleasant babble of its fast-moving water… Leisurely crossing the walled and massive medieval castle of Gruyere, exchanging greetings with delighted people in the square… Gently landing on a snowy slope for a brief visit with surprised and greatly amused skiers... And the never-ending views of the majestic snow-covered Alps, surrounding us as we carry you over fascinating rock formations and into valley after sculpted, glistening, snow covered Alpine valley.

Day 1 - We will meet you at Hotel le Richemond in Geneva at 3:00 p.m. and drive to the lovely Alpine village of Gstaad, the gracious winter playground for Europe’s well-to-do. Known for its elegant lifestyle, the pedestrian-only promenade is lined with intimate restaurants and fashionable boutiques. The charming Hotel le Grand Chalet, perched on a hilltop overlooking the village, will be our home during our seven nights in Gstaad. Dinner this evening will be at la Bagatelle, the acclaimed gourmet restaurant
located in our lovely hotel.

Day 2 - DAYS 2-7 Each day after breakfast we will be driven to our balloon take-off site, carefully selected to make the most of that day’s wind direction. By 11:00 a.m. we will be drifting through some of the most breath-taking scenery in the world. For approximately the next three hours the magnificent wonders of the Swiss Alps will gently slip by as we enjoy lavish buffet luncheons in our balloons, prepared each day by our very own chef and complete with fine wine.

Our mid afternoon landings are often greeted by excited locals who share in our champagne celebrations. If time permits we might sightsee or shop in the village, or return to the hotel for a drink by the fire or to snuggle in a mountain of down before gathering for dinner. Our gracious evening parties in Gstaad’s finest restaurants are the perfect ending to each day, including le Grand Chalet's gourmet la Bagatelle; Cafe du le Cerf serving superb raclette and cheese fondue for 400 years; The Chesery, voted Switzerland's best restaurant; and venerable "Guido's" at the 5 star Palace Hotel.

Day 8 - After breakfast we will drive you back to Hotel le Richemond in Geneva, arriving approximately at noon.

Highlights of the Alps
February 5-12, 2009
$16,510 per person, double occupancy, single supplement $2,217

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