Program Overview
Get ready for the ultimate adventure! The Alps are legendary for their breathtaking beauty and adrenaline-pumping activities. Set off on an unforgettable journey with Travel for Teens filled with majestic views, fresh alpine lakes, and postcard-perfect mountain scenery. Our Alpine Adventure is perfect for any nature-loving teen and includes the best outdoor activities such as hiking, mountain biking, water sports, and even the opportunity to go skiing! We will also climb, jump and slide our way through natural rock formations and waterfalls during a thrilling canyoneering adventure.
In addition to these exciting activities, we will enjoy quaint villages nestled in both the Swiss and French Alps and discover what the mountain life is all about. We’ll relax on the shores of Lake Annecy, one of France’s hidden gems. During our time in Switzerland, we’ll visit Zermatt, home to the most famous of the Alps: the Matterhorn itself. We will finish our trip with a visit to experience the laid-back lifestyle in Lake Como, Italy. Here we will enjoy peaceful lakeside landscapes, hiking, and a relaxing boat cruise around the lake to visit several of the towns!
This program is the perfect combination of natural beauty and outdoor activities to help us appreciate the best of Alpine culture in Europe!
During this program, you will…
- Hook up to a ropes course and conquer incredible heights
- Experience the thrill of paragliding while flying high above the French Alps in Annecy*
- Try out stand-up paddle boarding or kayaking on gorgeous Lake Annecy
- Go for a swim in Lake Geneva on the grounds of a beautiful medieval castle
- Hit the mountain to go ski (yes, even in summer!) on the glacier slopes of the Swiss Alps*
- Take a mountain biking trip through the idyllic Swiss Alps (Can accommodate all skills levels)
- Climb, slip, slide and jump your way through rocks and waterfalls on a canyoning adventure in Switzerland
- Stay in a traditional Swiss chalet and spend an evening relaxing at the spa in our quaint mountain village
- Ride the traditional mountain cog train to Zermatt for unbeatable views of the Matterhorn
- Breathe the pure air of the Swiss Alps while hiking through alpine highlands
- Go swimming in a pool overlooking the Italian Alps
*Summer skiing in Switzerland is an optional add-on available at an additional cost for travelers with intermediate skiing experience and is not suitable for beginners. The summer skiing season typically begins in the second week of July, therefore the June departure of this program is not eligible for this add-on. Our summer skiing excursion is weather-dependent and not guaranteed.
Important Note: Keep in mind that we will be participating in physical outdoor activities such as mountain biking, hiking, and canyoning. Please come physically prepared to be active, hike in the mountains, and participate in this range of supercool activities.
Trip Itinerary
DAY 1: DEPART FROM NEW YORK (JFK)
DAYS 2-4: ANNECY
We begin our alpine expedition in the heart of the French Alps exploring the quaint town of Annecy, often referred to as the “Venice of the Alps” due to its beautiful canals. We’ll be spoiled by the unbelievable mountain views surrounding us and the breathtaking turquoise blue lake in the center of this picture-perfect city. We’ll wander through the enchanting old town, lined with pastel buildings covered in flowers and charming cafes, to the iconic Palais de l’Isle Chateau sitting serenely in the center of the main canal.
We’ll get the adrenaline pumping on the Via Ferrata, a high altitude ropes course where after being hooked up to a safety harness you will reach incredible heights and navigate the mountains while marveling at the views over Lake Annecy. Later we’ll enjoy a boat cruise around the lake and stop to do some hiking, stand-up paddle boarding, kayaking, and hanging out at the beach. The highlight of our time in the French Alps will be soaring through the air above Lake Annecy as we will have an option to go paragliding in this beautiful mountain town.
DAYS 5-7: MONTREUX > SAAS-GRUND
On the way to our next destination, we will make a stop in Montreux, Switzerland for lunch and shopping. Here we will visit the Chateau de Chillon, one of the best-preserved medieval castles in Europe, and take a dip in Lake Geneva with a stunning view of the Chateau! Then we’ll continue on to Saas-Grund, where fresh mountain air awaits us at our chalet in the Swiss Alps, a sunny paradise of rivers, alpine pastures, forests, and glaciers. Using a mountain lodge as our base, we’ll explore the area and all of the outdoor activities on hand including mountain biking, hiking the spectacular trails nearby, and canyoning through waterfalls. We will also have the option to go skiing on a glacier mountain in one of the most renowned ski resorts in the Saas Valley!* Of course, no visit to Switzerland would be complete without a visit to the impressive Matterhorn! As always, our emphasis is on safety and we will be accompanied by professional local guides as we hike, bike, canyon, and ski.
*Summer skiing in Switzerland is an optional add-on at an additional cost for travelers with intermediate skiing experience and is not suitable for beginners. The summer skiing season typically begins in the second week of July, therefore the June departure of this program is not eligible for this add-on.
DAYS 8-9: LAKE COMO
We’ll head to Lake Como for the final destination of our trip. We’ll immerse ourselves in rich Italian culture with a constant backdrop of beautiful Lake Como and magnificent alpine peaks. We’ll take a cable car to a hillside village for the best views over the Lake. No trip to Como is complete without swimming at the local lido, or lakeside pool club. There’s no better place to end our Alpine Adventure than Italy, and we’ll spend our final night dining on incredible Italian food and reminiscing on the trip of a lifetime. And of course, we’d be remiss if we didn’t get a gelato (or two)!
DAY 10: RETURN FLIGHT HOME
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is unique about the Alpine Adventure: Switzerland, France & Italy trip?
From an option to soar over one of the paragliding capitals of the world in Annecy, to our stunning accommodation in a Swiss chalet, and relaxing at Lake Como and soaking up the Italian lifestyle, the Alpine Adventure: Switzerland, France & Italy program provides unique insider access to all three places. It also provides an adrenaline pumping opportunity for adventure, and in no better place than the alps!
From an option to soar over one of the paragliding capitals of the world in Annecy, to our stunning accommodation in a Swiss chalet, and relaxing at Lake Como and soaking up the Italian lifestyle, the Alpine Adventure: Switzerland, France & Italy program provides unique insider access to all three places. It also provides an adrenaline pumping opportunity for adventure, and in no better place than the alps!
Where do we stay on this program?
Students stay in centrally located, safe, and well-supervised accommodations in each city.
They are well suited to facilitating group supervision and usually within walking distance of the main attractions. We do not use large, impersonal chain hotels on the outskirts of cities; we prefer to select smaller, family-run hotels where we establish personal relationships with the owners.
In Annecy, we stay at a charming hotel in the center of the old town, just steps from the best shopping, restaurants, and beautiful canals of this medieval city. In Saas-Grund, we stay in a traditional Swiss chalet complete with absolutely stunning views of the Alps from our balconies. In Lake Como, we will stay in a top-rated hostel overlooking the lake.
For safety reasons, we do not publish the names of the accommodations we use. We do not feel it is safe to publish the name of a hotel where a group of teenagers is staying abroad. After registering, participants and parents are given access to our secure parent website where you will be able to see the names of all of the accommodations for the program.
Students stay in centrally located, safe, and well-supervised accommodations in each city.
They are well suited to facilitating group supervision and usually within walking distance of the main attractions. We do not use large, impersonal chain hotels on the outskirts of cities; we prefer to select smaller, family-run hotels where we establish personal relationships with the owners.
In Annecy, we stay at a charming hotel in the center of the old town, just steps from the best shopping, restaurants, and beautiful canals of this medieval city. In Saas-Grund, we stay in a traditional Swiss chalet complete with absolutely stunning views of the Alps from our balconies. In Lake Como, we will stay in a top-rated hostel overlooking the lake.
For safety reasons, we do not publish the names of the accommodations we use. We do not feel it is safe to publish the name of a hotel where a group of teenagers is staying abroad. After registering, participants and parents are given access to our secure parent website where you will be able to see the names of all of the accommodations for the program.
What is included?
Tuition cost includes: ground transportation; accommodation; chaperones and guides; program-related activities and admissions; taxes and tips; all breakfasts, three lunches, and dinners.
Not included in the cost (not intended to be an exhaustive list): Airfare, lunches, visas and visa application fees, beverages other than filtered water at meals, activities and admissions not referenced in the itinerary or deemed not program related, such as movies, expenses incurred by the participant that are outside the program description, such as excess baggage fees and damage to hotels, expenses related to unforeseen circumstances, such as transportation strikes and natural disasters, as well as personal and medical expenses.
Tuition cost includes: ground transportation; accommodation; chaperones and guides; program-related activities and admissions; taxes and tips; all breakfasts, three lunches, and dinners.
Not included in the cost (not intended to be an exhaustive list): Airfare, lunches, visas and visa application fees, beverages other than filtered water at meals, activities and admissions not referenced in the itinerary or deemed not program related, such as movies, expenses incurred by the participant that are outside the program description, such as excess baggage fees and damage to hotels, expenses related to unforeseen circumstances, such as transportation strikes and natural disasters, as well as personal and medical expenses.
What is the food like on the Alpine Adventure: Switzerland, France & Italy trip?
The food on this program is authentic, delicious, and a central part of the cultural travel experience.
We prioritize eating at local, authentic establishments rather than Americanized chains, encouraging students to sample the local specialties wherever we go. We fully accommodate all dietary needs, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten allergies, and other restrictions.
In France, we’ll enjoy classic French café fare, including the world-famous croissants, French bread, and a classic fondue dinner. And for the brave, escargot of course!
The cuisine in Switzerland has a French influence, and every meal during this duration of our stay is served fresh daily and specifically for our group at our accommodation. There will be fresh veggies and fruit available every day to keep us healthy for all of the activities we will be participating in!
Italian food is all about fresh, simple ingredients. We’ll sample the best of the “three Ps”- pizza, pasta, and panini! Indulging in these Italian specialities for the first time is a life changing experience, and we will be there to document every minute of it as you fall in love with the fresh mozzarella, warm Italian bread, mouth watering prosciutto, and homemade pasta. Don’t forget about gelato! After your trip to Italy, no dessert will ever be the same.
The food on this program is authentic, delicious, and a central part of the cultural travel experience.
We prioritize eating at local, authentic establishments rather than Americanized chains, encouraging students to sample the local specialties wherever we go. We fully accommodate all dietary needs, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten allergies, and other restrictions.
In France, we’ll enjoy classic French café fare, including the world-famous croissants, French bread, and a classic fondue dinner. And for the brave, escargot of course!
The cuisine in Switzerland has a French influence, and every meal during this duration of our stay is served fresh daily and specifically for our group at our accommodation. There will be fresh veggies and fruit available every day to keep us healthy for all of the activities we will be participating in!
Italian food is all about fresh, simple ingredients. We’ll sample the best of the “three Ps”- pizza, pasta, and panini! Indulging in these Italian specialities for the first time is a life changing experience, and we will be there to document every minute of it as you fall in love with the fresh mozzarella, warm Italian bread, mouth watering prosciutto, and homemade pasta. Don’t forget about gelato! After your trip to Italy, no dessert will ever be the same.