Step by Step in Switzerland is an adventure for women seeking to challenge themselves following a significant life change. Taking different modes of transportation to trailheads for moderately paced hikes will allow each woman to experience the beauty of Switzerland. The slower-paced rhythm of walking will allow time for self-reflection–time to look at herself, others, and God in new ways. The trip is led by a member of Ministry Essentials international who has experienced widowhood and is actively pursuing ways to thrive in her new circumstances.

Typical Day: The day will begin with breakfast after a short time of guided personal reflection on your own. For the rest of the morning, we will be taking various modes of transportation (bus, train, boat, and gondola) to our trailhead for the day’s hike. We’ll enjoy a sack lunch on the trail and continue with the day’s adventure. The late afternoons can be spent resting, journaling, enjoying the spectacular views, or visiting a local cafe.

We will debrief the day over dinner. Four of six dinners will be in the dining facility of our hotel. The two other dinners will be in local restaurants. After dinner activities may include things such as a movie, a creative project, sampling Swiss chocolates, and relaxing, ending with a brief meditation.

Accommodations: We will be staying in a seven-bedroom apartment in the Bibelheim Hotel. One room is double occupancy, the others are single occupancy with sinks in all the rooms. The apartment includes a balcony with a panoramic view of the mountains.

Airfare: You will need to book your own air travel, planning to arrive in Zurich by 3:15 pm on September 7 in order to catch the train to Interlaken. On September 14, we will take the train to Zurich for an overnight before our departing flights on September 15.

Preparation: You will be responsible to obtain mandatory travel/health insurance. The daily hikes will be moderate, but you should plan to do some hiking and physical conditioning to prepare.

Cost: The cost is $1,600. This amount covers your train travel between Zurich and Interlaken, lodging, 7 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 4 dinners, chocolate tasting, a Swiss Travel Pass, and your hotel room in Zurich.

A $600 deposit is due on June 1, 2021. The remaining $1,000 is to be paid by September 1, 2021.

The remaining costs will be your airfare, 3 dinners, snacks, and travel/health insurance. The estimate of these costs is $1,300 based on airfare from Los Angeles. Approximate total cost: $2,900.

This trip is organized by Jeanie Stirling. Contact her at 805-320-2946 or jstirling@meintl.org.