Here, in a high alpine village under the Matterhorn, join a small, friendly gay and lesbian group for a week of hiking. Each day is easily tailored to make it as easy, or as challenging, as you wish.

Nestled below the Matterhorn lies the Swiss alpine village of Zermatt. A renowned ski center in winter, base camp for intrepid summer mountaineers, Zermatt also offers 388 kilometers of unforgettable hiking trails. We'll base ourselves in this bustling village for a week.

Hiking is the national pastime for the Swiss, who have created an elaborate network of well-marked trails. One day you can hike over wooden footbridges, past gushing waterfalls, then stop for soup and strudel in a tiny mountain hamlet. Another day, ride the cablecar to a high peak, then walk past summer skiers, over a snowfield, past a mountain lake, and back to a hearty dinner.

Each day, our guide will strike out with those who would like to start on that day's selected trail. Typically, most of the group heads out together. As the day progresses, our guide offers advice to those who want shorter and easier hikes - and to anyone looking for something longer. Zermatt's network of overhead cablecars, cog railroad, and an underground "funicular" railroad make it easy to tailor each day to your needs. Whether you want less hiking and more relaxing, or want a full week of hiking, Edelweiss is easily adapted to meet your goals.

Highlights:

• Ten minutes from your door, hike through a mountain meadow sprinkled with wildflowers.
• Feel the immense power of the ice ages, as you follow the catwalks bolted to the narrow walls of the Gornerschlucht canyon.
• Ride up the Gornergrat train, Europe's highest open-air railway, for spectacular views of the Swiss Alps and easy downhill walking.
• Hop over a serpentine stream, and hike past tunnels carved through the shimmering ice, as you explore the surreal world of an alpine glacier.
• Try out Zermatt's many other vacation activities, including paragliding, horseback riding, wildlife walks, and even summer skiing.
• And finally, reward yourself with an apfelkuchen at the end of the day.