Travel

Item Description

Six night stay at a classic, picture perfect chalet in Mayens de Chamoson in the Swiss Alps in French speaking Canton Valais. Two hours from Geneva airport. Chalet sleeps up to eight. Five minutes from ski slopes and famous thermal baths of Ovronnaz. While there, enjoy a personal wine introduction and tasting at Cave Exelcius and discover grape varietals such as Cornalin, Arvigne and local specialties such as Johannesburg, Dole and Eranthis among others. And, how about a cheese fondue for two at Restaurant La Promenade, with a panoramic view of the Rhone Valley and the Alps?

About the area:

Mayens-de-Chamoson lies in the heart of the Valais on a south facing sunny terrace and overlooking the Rhone Valley and the Valais Alps. The area is renowned for its wonderful micro-climate, sparkling sunny days and an abundance of snow in the winter with a terrific scenery over the Rhone Valley and the Alps. Facing south and surrounded by a circle of majestic mountains, the area offers the walkers and hikers of all ages a beautiful well-marked hiking network of over 90 miles and a 12 mile-long mountain bike route. In the winter, chairlifts and ski lifts provide access to the ski region at an altitude of over 8000 feet above sea level. And there are 7 miles of trails for snow-shoe trekkers and about 15 miles for cross-country enthusiasts. Neighboring village Ovronnaz is a renowned thermal spa resort with three naturally heated indoor and outdoor pools (90 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit), jacuzzi, whirlpools and water jets that offers a fantastic range of health and beauty therapies in a majestic setting with panoramic views of the mountains all around.

About Swiss wines

Wines have been produced in Switzerland since Roman times, probably before. Swiss wines are not produced in large enough quantity to be exported in any significant way and because of high production costs, and with shipping and duties they are too expensive in export markets. However, individual wineries and regional wine promotion offices are increasingly entering wines in the best European competitions where the wines perform outstandingly well, taking home a disproportionately large number of top awards in relation to the modest quantities of wines submitted. Chamoson is the leading wine-producing commune in Valais, the most productive canton in Switzerland, accounting for over 40% of Swiss wines.

Item Special Note

Must be redeemed by March 31, 2011. Not valid July 15-August 15, 2010 and during Christmas vacation. Other restrictions may apply. Early booking is recommended.