Heavenly Hideaways

Wow.... There are many times that I have been shocked by the beauty of the landscape, astonished by the architecture, and captivated by the culture of places in Europe but nothing like our hiking-filled week through hidden towns in Switzerland and Italy.

Our awesome friends, Kevin and Jessie, bravely decided to let us plan a fun-filled week in Europe. They flew out from Colorado, hiking boots in tow, ready for an adventure. We decided to see some towns only accesible by foot, cable car, or train. These car-less towns are hidden away in the mountains of Switzerland and the hills of Tuscany.

Our adventure began in Interlaken, Switzerland where we stayed at a dirty, old hotel with a view to die for.

We took the cable car and train to the car-less town of Muerren, Switzerland where we hiked to the little known town of Gimmelwald. This town has been locked in time with only access by foot or one cable car, it has no large buildings and is filled with farmers. There are herds of sheep, hay to be raked, and a few little restaurants that serve a "backpackers special" to those few tourists that visit. The best part is the stunning views of the Alps, shooting up from the Lauterbrunnen valley.

 

We drove south from Switzerland through the mountains into Tuscany. The drive was quite scary but one of the most beautiful I've ever experienced.

We enjoyed several days at a beautiful Tuscan resort relaxing and driving around the area. The highlight, though, was our day spent in the Cinque Terre (Five Lands). These cities are only accessible by foot or train. We hiked from a few and took the train to some others. This dramatic landscape is of rocky hills shooting up out of the Mediterranean sea. The crisp blue of the ocean contrasts with dark grey rocks on which brightly colored Italian homes sit below the green vineyards and forest up top. The weather was amazing, the views stunning, and the atmosphere was magical.

The "Heavenly Hideaways" that we experienced with Kevin and Jessie were something I will never forget. It was such a blessing to spend such an amazing week with such amazing people. We have yet to meet any couple more open-minded, laid-back, and full of adventure. Thank you K&J for a time we will never forget!!!