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Overview

An unforgettable adventure

This whirlwind trip whisks you through quaint Alpine towns, famed hiking trails, and charming family-run mountain huts. Utilizing the European mountain lift system, you’ll ride funiculars, gondolas, aerial trams, and cable cars to some of the most gorgeous hiking trails in the world. 

Wander the streets of Zermatt, in the shadow of the Matterhorn, and hobnob in Chamonix, considered the birthplace of mountaineering. Summit the Great St Bernard Pass to reach Italy’s Aosta with its ancient Roman ruins, then search for ibexes and eagles as we walk along brillant alpine lakes and through sleepy meadows and larch forests. 

Dates

September 4–12, 2024

Duration

9 days

Price

From $11,395 per person

Trip size

20 participants

Minimum age

18 years
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Faculty leader

A different kind of classroom

With renowned Stanford faculty and scholars leading the way, every Travel/Study trip is a one-of-a-kind educational experience.

Scott Burns, '69, MS '70

Geology, Portland State University

A teacher of geology and ecology for more than 52 years, Scott is well-versed on the unique natural forces that shape mountain environments as well as the plants and animals that inhabit them.

Scott is knowledgeable, approachable, energetic, and enthusiastic about his subject. His effervescent personality added an element of fun to the group.

—Timothy Rippey, ‘81, MS ‘82

Itinerary

The beauty and majesty of Switzerland, Italy, and France

Flying in and out of Geneva, criss-cross the Alps from Zermatt through Italy to Chamonix, France. Take lifts to reach trails offering stunning views—under the shadow of the Matterhorn, in Gran Paradiso National Park, and along sections of the famed Tour de Mont Blanc. As we walk, delve into the geology of the region and savor the regional cuisine at quaint mountain huts. 

  • Geneva, Switzerland / Zermatt

    After arriving in Geneva, transfer to our hotel in Zermatt by train, enjoying a picnic lunch on the way. Explore Zermatt independently this afternoon before gathering for a welcome dinner.

    Accommodations:

    Zermatt Hotel Allalin

    Included meals: Lunch and dinner
  • Zermatt, Switzerland

    Today we take the funicular and gondola lifts to reach the Five Lakes Trail, where we hike past beautiful alpine lakes under the backdrop of the iconic Matterhorn. Stop for a lunch of locally sourced regional cuisine at the Ze Seewjinu Hutte then return to Zermatt by funicular for some free time before dinner at a local restaurant.

    Accommodations:

    Zermatt Hotel Allalin

    Included meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
  • Zermatt / Verbier, Switzerland / Aosta, Italy

    Depart Zermatt early this morning and drive to Verbier, where we enjoy a day of lift-assisted hiking, taking in incredible views of the entire Alps range. Then continue by road over the Great St Bernard Pass into Italy and the fortified ancient Roman city of Aosta. 

    Accommodations:

    Hotel Duca D’ Aosta

    Included meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
  • Gran Paradiso National Park

    Begin the day with a scenic drive to the mountain village of Cogne in Gran Paradiso National Park. Explore the woodland and its inhabitants as we hike the Belvedere Nature Trail, marveling at the birds of prey living on the cliffs and the visible effects of glaciation. Keep an eye out for ibex, chamois, marmots, hares, and foxes as well as the numerous species of birds that inhabit the alpine pastures.

    Accommodations:

    Hotel Duca D’ Aosta

    Included meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
  • Aosta / Courmayeur, Italy

    Depart Aosta for the Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB), one of Europe’s most famous walks spanning more than 100 miles over three countries. Hike a section of the trail, stopping for lunch in one of the mountain huts that dot the route. Later this afternoon, check in to our hotel in Courmayeur and spend time exploring this picturesque Alpine village before dinner.

    Accommodations:

    Hotel Royal e Golf

    Included meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
  • Courmayeur, Italy

    Return to the TMB trailhead today and continue along another section of the trail, hiking through spruce and larch conifer forests to alpine meadows brimming with fragrant myrtle, rhododendron, and Edelweiss. Return to our hotel this afternoon to rest before dinner. 

    Accommodations:

    Hotel Royal e Golf

    Included meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
  • Courmayeur, Italy / Chamonix, France

    We leave Italy this morning, traveling under Mont Blanc through the 7-mile-long Mont Blanc Tunnel to France. Arrive in Chamonix, the cradle of mountaineering. Take the gondola at Le Tour to our trailhead for a hike into Switzerland and then back to France. Return to Chamonix for dinner. 

    Accommodations:

    Alpina Eclectic Hotel & Spa

    Included meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
  • Chamonix, France

    Rise early this morning to catch our cable car to Aiguille du Midi, transferring to trams for the final ride to the summit. Look out over the Mont Blanc Massif and across the entire Alps Range, catching a glimpse of the Matterhorn, our starting point of the journey. Descend to the base station to begin our hike over rolling terrain. Gather this evening with fellow travelers to toast our adventure at a farewell dinner.

    Accommodations:

    Alpina Eclectic Hotel & Spa

    Included meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
  • Chamonix, France / Geneva, Switzerland

    Depart for the Geneva airport this morning for flights homeward bound.

    Included meal: Breakfast

Trip details

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Pricing

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The price of your trip covers a comprehensive educational program in addition to meals, accommodations, tours and excursions. Continue reading for a full list of what’s included.

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