For me this was an outstanding holiday. Lovely wild flowers, stunning scenery, amazing trains and local transport, very good hotel, outstanding leader and a lovely friendly group.
S.K. Worcestershire
Tour Itinerary and Reports
- Itinerary
- Tour report - July 2023
- Tour report - July 2022
- Tour report - July 2022
- Tour report - July 2019
- Tour report - June 2019
- Tour report - July 2018
- Tour report - July 2018
- Tour report - July 2017
- Tour report - July 2017
- Tour report - July 2016
- Tour report - July 2016
- Tour report - July 2015
- Tour report - June 2015
- Tour report - July 2014
- Tour report - June 2014
- Tour report - July 2013
- Tour report - June 2013
- Tour report - July 2012
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Switzerland - Alpine Flowers of the Upper Engadine
Tour Code: CHE01An 8-day, single-centre holiday focusing on the alpine flora and glorious scenery of the Upper Engadine Valley during a week-long programme of mountain walks in the Swiss Alps.
£2,595 (Inc flights)
£2,295
Highlights
Tour Itinerary and Reports
- Itinerary
- Tour report - July 2023
- Tour report - July 2022
- Tour report - July 2022
- Tour report - July 2019
- Tour report - June 2019
- Tour report - July 2018
- Tour report - July 2018
- Tour report - July 2017
- Tour report - June 2013
- Tour report - July 2016
- Tour report - July 2016
- Tour report - July 2015
- Tour report - June 2015
- Tour report - July 2014
- Tour report - June 2014
- Tour report - July 2013
- Tour report - July 2017
- Tour report - July 2012
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Summary
Spring arrives late in the high Alps, and this tour is timed to coincide with the best of the region’s diverse alpine flora. We will be based for the week in the charming town of Pontresina, situated at 1,800 metres and near to the region’s key sites of botanical interest. We will explore the colourful hay-meadows in the lower valleys and the forests of Arolla Pine and Larch that cover the lower slopes. Above these, in mountain pastures, we find an abundance of alpine flowers that includes Gentians, Primulas, Pulsatillas and orchids. Stunning displays of Dwarf Snowbell (Soldanella pusilla) and Entire-leaved Primrose (Primula integrifolia) are characteristic of wet turf by the melting snow. Cable cars and funiculars allow us to explore the higher regions of rocks and screes, where we find Glacier Crowfoot (Ranunculus glacialis), Alpine Rock-jasmine (Androsace alpina) and the beautiful blue King-of-the-Alps (Eritrichium nanum), surrounded by a stunning landscape of high peaks and glaciers.
- Spectacular mountain scenery
- Travel on the spectacular UNESCO Albula/Bernina Railway
- 7 nights in a comfortable hotel in Pontresina
- Daily botanical walks between 1,800 & 3,000 metres
- Rich flora including many regional specialities
- Glaciers and periglacial features
- Botanise at Val da Fain, Val Minor & Piz Nair (3,057m)
- Delicious picnic lunches surrounded by mountain scenery
- Alpine Marmots, Alpine Ibex and a range of birds and butterflies
- Can be combined with ‘Wengen – Alpine Flowers of the Swiss Alps’
- Led by expert botanist tour leader, David Tattersfield
Grading
Grade B (occasionally C, but optional). We will be walking Between 1,800 and 3,000 metres (though most ascents by cable-car or railway).
The Engadine Valley lies in the south-eastern corner of Switzerland, around the deep glacial trench of the River Inn, which drains eastwards on its long journey to the Danube and the Black Sea. Surrounded by 3,000-metre peaks, the area has long been known for its concentration of winter resorts, centred on the opulent spa town of St. Moritz. To the south lies the intricate mountain frontier with Italy, dominated by the awe-inspiring Bernina group, a jagged panorama of ice-clad peaks, culminating in the 4,049-metre Piz Bernina, from which glacial tongues descend to the valleys. The rocks are typically crystalline, but the Livigno group, to the east of the Bernina Pass, and the Albula group, to the north, contain notable areas of limestone. Most of the plants typical of the central Alps are found here, with the addition of species more characteristic of the eastern Alps. To enjoy the best of the flora, this tour is later than most of our other botanical departures in Europe, since the continental climate combined with the high altitude of this region means that spring arrives late.
Our base for the week is the quiet and charming town of Pontresina. Lying at 1,800 metres, among forests of Arolla Pine and Larch, on a south-west-facing terrace at the foot of the Val Bernina, this is an ideal base from which to explore the area. As elsewhere in Switzerland, the transport network is well developed and efficient, allowing us to make full use of the local railways, buses and cable cars to reach the best sites with a minimum of effort. The extensive footpaths further provide excellent access to the region and our programme of daily walks (broken by delicious picnics!) will include flexibility to cater for different levels of walking ability.
Our holiday begins with a flight to Zürich, then a train journey — on the UNESCO World Heritage Albula/Bernina railway, one of the most spectacular narrow-gauge railways in the world — through the beautiful Swiss countryside to Pontresina. We will make daily use of the railway and bus service, which interconnect with cable cars and funiculars, giving us easy access to all parts of the region. Here, the valley floors are filled with colourful hay meadows, and the forests of Arolla Pine and Larch which cover the lower slopes are home to the rare Twinflower, such avian residents as Nutcracker, Firecrest, Crested Tit and Crossbill, and that charming mammalian denizen of the forest, the Red Squirrel. Above these, in the mountain pastures, rocks and screes, there is an astonishing diversity of flowers, including primulas, gentians, pulsatillas, orchids and many regional specialities.
Towards the Bernina Pass, the valleys on either side of the limestone pyramid of Piz Alv are famous for their rich flora. In a jumble of limestone boulders and screes, at the foot of Val da Fain, a profusion of flowers includes Martagon Lily, Greater Yellow Gentian, Alpine Aquilegia, Alpine Clematis and Mountain Avens. Val Minor offers a circular route around Piz Lagalb, with colourful displays of Alpine Gypsophila, Large-flowered Rock-rose and Dragon-mouth in its lower part. Higher up, where snow lingers late into the season, we find drifts of yellow Alpine Pasque Flower and myriad Dwarf Snowbell and Entireleaved Primrose in the sodden turf. Alpine Marmots are common in these valleys and herds of Alpine Ibex roam freely over the summits. On other days we follow easy trails alongside Lago Bianco, which straddles the watershed, and descend through the forests that extend beyond Alp Grum into the beautiful Poschiavo Valley, where a different range of flora reflects the milder climate of these south-facing slopes.
Throughout the region there are many classic landscape features associated with glaciation. From the Diavolezza, we will have breath-taking views of the mountains and glaciers of the Bernina group, while, on a walk up to the Morteratsch Glacier, we witness the processes of plant colonisation during its rapid retreat. The cable cars that serve the ski resorts on either side of the Inn Valley also offer exciting summer possibilities. From Surlej, we ride above the treetops to Murtel, where the wet rocks and moraines below the Corvatsch Glacier are covered in Glacier Crowfoot and stunning displays of nowbells, primulas and saxifrages. From Fuorcla Surlej, the flora changes dramatically as we make the long descent into Val Roseg and we return to our hotel through the forested valley floor. On another day, usually our last, we ascend to the dizzy heights of Piz Nair (3,057 metres), high above St Moritz, where the airy summit ridge and screes beneath it hold stunning displays of Glacier Crowfoot, the beautiful blue King-of-the-Alps, pink Alpine Rock-jasmine and other alpine gems. We descend through the limestones of Alp Nova, where an astonishing display of flowers includes Edelweiss and abundant orchids, before marking the end of our botanical explorations with a little time to relax in St. Moritz.
Outline Itinerary
What's Included?
- Flights
- Accommodation:
This is a single-centre holiday based in a very comfortable hotel in Pontresina; all rooms have private facilities.
- Food:
All food is included in the price.
Reviews
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We were well prepared ahead of time in what to bring for the trip. Our guide, David, was excellent and gave a broad view of the Engadine Valley. He knew the names of the flowers, birds, and butterflies very well. I loved each hike, the glaciers and mountains, all the types of transportation, and the great group of hikers we were with. It was an exceptional week. Thank you.
L.W. USA, July 18 -
I would strongly suggest that this trip deserves a permanent place in your brochure. The combination of excellent botanical content, superb scenery, easily accessed transport and not-too-difficult paths, made this a most memorable week. The hotel was the best I have experience with Naturetrek.
M.C. London -
Once again an excellent holiday with charming fellow travellers - led by David, the gentleman botanist with contagious enthusiasm.
J. & M.G. Australia -
A walking and botany tour of the Upper Engadine valley in Switzerland with the most assured and knowledgeable leadership, great hotel and unbelievably superb scenery. The tour included travel on the UNESCO World Heritage Bernina Glacier Express and all the numerous cable cars, buses and gondolas travelled on during the week. Great value for money and we fully intend to travel with Naturetrek again soon.
D.M. North Yorkshire, July 18 -
An excellent tour revealing the wealth of flora in the Swiss Upper Engadine. Every aspect such as travel, lodging, and food very well planned by Naturetrek and the leader. The botanist leader (David Tattersfield), chose the locations and timing expertly, ensuring that we saw a full range of flora. He was always patient and available to answer questions and explain environmental factors. Plus a fun group!
J.B. Canada, July 18 -
We travelled around as a group on amazing public transport (bus, train and cable cars) to reach areas of great botanic and scenic interest. The company and its very knowledgeable leader had arranged every detail. At the hotel, the staff were amazing with even the owner serving one evening at a barbecue for all the guests. Apart from one wet morning, the weather was wall-to-wall sunshine.
H.N. Nottinghamshire -
David Tattersfield is an outstanding tour leader -knowledgeable, enthusiastic, patient and caring. He adapted the itinerary to accommodate ability/ interest levels, and was very attentive to the party’s needs throughout. A hugely enjoyable week.
D.P. Surrey -
My first holiday with a wildlife slant. I’m very pleased with my choice of venue and leader. David Tattersfield is inspirational! Having climbed mountains in Scotland in the recent past, I found the expeditions pleasantly exercising, but not challenging - which was what I wanted. I hope to try Wengen or the Pyrenees next year!
P.W. Bristol -
David Tattersfield is a real credit to Naturetrek - he is a remarkable person, a walking encyclopaedia!
F.C. East Sussex -
An excellent trip, David (Tattersfield) is a super leader, doing all he could to make sure everyone got the most out of the week despite very different interests.
S.W. Cheshire -
I have to say that I thoroughly enjoyed this trip; the best I have been on with Naturetrek.
A.E. Manchester -
David was a very competent and organised leader. His knowledge of botany was incredible and I learnt such a lot. He is a great asset to your company. His enthusiasm is unending.
B.P. Worcestershire -
The hotel was the best I have ever stayed in. The leadership of David Tattersfield was outstanding. Indeed, not only were the tour members photographing the flowers, but they were photographing David photographing the plants which is a tribute to the man and his leadership and stature in itself. The fact that he had a number of people who had previously travelled with him speaks for itself too. I regard him as a friend, not just a leader.
P.S. Nottinghamshire -
David was extremely knowledgeable and interacted well with the group members. All in all an excellent introduction to the flora of Engadine. An impressive area!
Mr & Mrs D. Greater Manchester -
Such a beautiful area, amazing scenery and flowers. Very good itinerary – every day was perfectly planned. The leader was brilliant, very knowledgeable and provided excellent company.
S.N. London -
The highlights of the trip were the carefully chosen walks with glorious alpine views in every direction. As well as the beautiful alpine flora, we had butterflies, birds and the company of marmots. The flexibility of the trip with the use of trains and cable cars meant that the walks were accessible to all.
P.B. Lancashire
Dates & Prices
2025
Array ( [167] => stdClass Object ( [id] => 167 [parent_id] => 165 [level] => 2 [path] => tour-focus/botanical-holidays [title] => Botany [alias] => botanical-holidays [description] =>Botanical Tours – See Wild Flowers with our Expert Botanical Guides
There are few more pleasing sights in the natural world than a meadow filled with wildflowers. Seeing plants in their native habitat is always exciting and our flower tours offer you an incredible choice, from dazzling tropical blooms and the thrill of finding elusive orchids or delicate alpines, to seeing island endemics or British flora. Our tours range from week-long holidays focusing on the ‘Alpine flowers of the Swiss Alps’, the ‘Italian Dolomites’ and the ‘Alpine Flowers of Slovenia’s Julian Alps’, to orchid-hunting on Italy’s Gargano Peninsula and searching for the Autumn Plants of Greece’s Peloponnese. We also visit more remote areas of the world in search of plant-life, from the Tien Shan Mountains of Kazakhstan where we look for wild tulips, to the rainforests and spiny deserts of Madagascar where over 80% of the flora is endemic.
Many of us want to know more about the plants we see around us. Whether inspired by an appreciation of the aesthetic appeal of flowers, or a more focused desire to identify individual species, everyone with an interest in botany will derive pleasure from joining one of Naturetrek’s flower tours.
Why choose Naturetrek’s botanical holidays?
- All our botanical holidays are led by expert botanist guides
- All levels of interest and expertise are catered for, from hobby gardeners and complete beginners to keen botanists who wish to explore a new area with the help of a knowledgeable leader
- We keep the overall focus on flora, though expert guidance is also given on other wildlife
What can I expect on a typical Naturetrek botanical holiday?
- Travel with a group of like-minded people
- Stay at a comfortable hotel or lodge, close to an area of outstanding botanical interest
- Enjoy a series of leisurely day excursions with ample time to appreciate the local flora
In addition to our dedicated flower tours, we also offer holidays with a wider theme to encompass birds, butterflies and other aspects of natural history as well as the flora. Our spring tours to 'Crete' and ‘The Island of Cyprus’ are both timed to allow us to enjoy the botanical highlights as well as the spring bird migration, whilst ‘Croatia and Slovenia – Spring in Istria’ also allows time to enjoy a little of the local culture. ‘Romania – the Wildlife of Transylvania’ combines an appreciation of the flora of the Carpathian Mountains with birding, butterflying and a trip to look for Brown Bears from a purpose built hide, and our holidays in both the ‘French Pyrenees’ and the ‘Spanish Pyrenees’ combine birds, butterflies and botany throughout the week.
Our specialist recommends...
David Tattersfield - Tour Leader
Prefer to Travel in a Private Group?
For any interested natural history club or society, we can arrange for a private departure of this tour.
EnquireTour Reports
- Tour report - July 2023
- Tour report - July 2022
- Tour report - July 2022
- Tour report - July 2019
- Tour report - June 2019
- Tour report - July 2018
- Tour report - July 2018
- Tour report - July 2017
- Tour report - July 2017
- Tour report - July 2016
- Tour report - July 2016
- Tour report - July 2015
- Tour report - June 2015
- Tour report - July 2014
- Tour report - June 2014
- Tour report - July 2013
- Tour report - June 2013
- Tour report - July 2012
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Why Naturetrek?
At Naturetrek we craft expertly-guided group and tailor-made wildlife holidays and cruises to all seven continents. On one of our holidays, you can be assured that our passionate team will enable you to experience and enjoy the best of the world's wildlife and natural spectacles in as comfortable and rewarding a manner as possible, caring as best we can for the environment in the process. We are proud to provide:
- The widest choice of wildlife holidays worldwide
- Tours managed and led by naturalists, for naturalists
- Outstanding value and exceptional customer service
Furthermore, as a Naturetrek client, our office team are always to on hand to help you – so if you have any queries about your holiday, whether before or after you have booked, we will be delighted to answer them on the phone. Please just give our team a call!