Program Overview
Set off on a winter adventure through the mountains of Switzerland and France! There’s no better area of Europe to explore in the winter months than the stunning French & Swiss Alps. The journey begins in the quaint mountain village of Annecy, France, known as the Venice of the Alps. Enjoy the charming village atmosphere and shop for souvenirs and handicrafts at the local Christmas Market that uniquely remains open through the new year.
On the way to Switzerland, stop in France at the world-class resort of Chamonix for an opportunity to downhill ski or tube! Choose your adrenaline pumping snow-based activity or opt to peruse the plentiful shops of Chamonix village.
In Switzerland enjoy the comfort of staying in a classic Swiss Chalet with incredible mountain views. The chalet offers access to both cross country and downhill alpine skiing right outside your front door. The abundance of trails surrounding the chalet provides ample opportunities for any winter sport you could think of, including snowshoeing and sledding!
Eat as much Swiss Fondue and chocolate as you can handle and warm-up from winter adventures each day with a spicy cup of cider by the fire with your fellow travelers. On this trip the outdoors never looked so inviting and the food never tasted so good!
What’s Included
- Centrally located accommodation in both countries
- Transportation between destinations via bus and train
- Private walking tour of Annecy
- A comprehensive list of activities in each location with insider tips, advice, and discounts
- All breakfasts
- 2 dinners
- Two TFT guides
Optional Activities
- Skiing at one of the most famous resorts in the Alps
- Ice skating in the quaint village of Chamonix
- Tubing down snow-packed slopes
- Snowshoeing through the French and Swiss Alps
Trip Itinerary
DAYS 1-4: ANNECY, FRANCE
This winter adventure through the alps begins in Annecy. Home to the cleanest lake in Europe, this alpine village is the perfect place to visit any time of year. Explore the quaint streets that line Annecy’s canals to see why it’s become known as the Venice of the Alps. Strap on some snowshoes to explore the beautiful countryside surrounding this gem of a French town or glide across the ice on the local ice skating pond!
Annecy also provides the opportunity to experience a European Christmas Market since the village extends its holiday market through the New Year! At the end of the day, indulge in raclette, a melted cheese dish indigenous to both the Alpine Savoie region of Annecy and, of course, Switzerland — the next stop on the journey!
DAYS 5-8: CHAMONIX, FRANCE > SAAS-GRUND, SWITZERLAND
En route to the Swiss Alps, stop in a world-class skiing destination: Chamonix. Choose to downhill ski, cross country ski, or simply explore the town! After enjoying the day in Chamonix, cross the border into Switzerland and set up home base in a classic mountainside Swiss Chalet in the cozy village of Saas-Grund. Here, winter activities abound. Ski, snow tube, ice skate, or even go dog sledding!
End each day by a crackling fireplace and a warm cup of rich Swiss chocolate cocoa with your fellow TFT travelers.
Switzerland and France are the perfect countries for a winter escape with outdoor activities, delicious cuisine, and plenty of holiday cheer!
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where do we stay?
We stay in centrally located accommodations, 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 or trendy hostels with functional common areas and places to socialize.
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.
Who can go on this program?
This program is open to adults ages 18-22 from around the world! Typically, our participants are culturally curious individuals who are excited to make new friends, experience something unique, and interested in stepping out of their comfort zones.
What's Included?
Tuition cost includes ground transportation; accommodation; some tours and activities, chaperones and guides; taxes and tips; all breakfasts, and some dinners.
Not included in cost (this is not intended to be an exhaustive list): airfare; lunches; visas and visa application fees; personal and medical expenses; activities and admissions unless otherwise specified; beverages other than filtered water at meals; participant expenses that are outside of the program description, such as excess baggage fees and damage to hotels; expenses related to unforeseen circumstances, such as transportation strikes and natural disasters.
Do most travelers go on their own?
Yes! In fact, over 75% of students who travel with us choose to come independently. This encourages teens to step further outside their comfort zone and make new friends. We believe that one of the most rewarding and exciting elements of travel is the new friendships that form along the way. When we travel by ourselves, we are bound to make new friends from all over the country and even the world. The best part is, you can travel again with your new friends on another TFT program the next summer!
If you are thinking about joining a TFT program by yourself but you are feeling unsure, please let us know! We have plenty of references from solo travelers who had great experiences and would be happy to chat with you about it.
What do traveler's like most about this program?
Traveler’s love that they are able to explore the beautiful Alpine towns of two different countries. This program allows them to discover the similarities and differences of the unique cultures in France, and Switzerland.
What is unique about this program?
You’ll have the chance to check skiing in the Alps off your bucket list in two different countries! Explore what makes Europe special in the winter months outside the typical summer tourist season.
What is the average group size?
We pride ourselves on small group sizes to create a more authentic and personalized experience. Our group sizes fall between 14 and 21 students – the perfect size to facilitate new friendships without feeling lost in a crowd! We believe smaller groups eliminate the likelihood of cliques, and allows for a well-rounded, healthy group dynamic.
The maximum group size is 30 participants. Most tours average between 10-30 participants. Please contact us for more information about this specific program.
Do I need any vaccinations for this program?
We recommend checking with your family doctor regarding vaccinations and medical advice for the destination you are visiting. For more information, please check the World Health Organization’s website. Upon registration, we provide a list of recommended vaccinations that can be discussed further with your doctor.
What kind of visa do you need for this trip?
Any US citizen that enters Europe is automatically granted a free 90-day tourist visa.
When joining a TFT trip from outside of the US, please be sure to check your country’s specific visa requirements.