Switzerland/Italy/France

Hiking Below and Beyond Mont Blanc: Switzerland, Italy and France

Program No. 15870RJ
Explore some of the world’s most picturesque vistas as you walk amid wine regions in Switzerland, pristine glaciers in France and quaint Italian villages in the European Alps.

Enroll with Confidence

We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. Learn more

Protecting the Environment

We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Learn more

At a Glance

Experience the majesty of the Alps in three countries on this walking adventure. In Switzerland, Italy and France, find charming villages, grand castles and chalets and spectacular natural environments. From Swiss glaciers to Italy’s Grand Paradiso National Park to Mont Blanc, savor the beauty and fascinating human heritage held within these mighty mountains.
Activity Level
Outdoor: Spirited
Walking 1-5 miles daily; trails and dirt roads are well-marked and generally gently undulating with some rocky sections and steep ascents and descents. Sturdy walking/hiking shoes are required. Elevations up to 12,700 feet.
Small Group
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.

What You'll Learn

  • Walk through the Great St. Bernard Pass, an ancient Alpine pass that has been used since the Bronze Age and was used by Napoleon’s army.
  • Absorb the beauty of Mont Blanc on walking excursions near Chamonix and from atop a neighboring mountain peak reached by cable car.
  • Take a field trip to Aosta, the “Rome of the Alps,” founded by the Romans in 25 B.C.
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
Year
2024
  • 2024
  • 2025
Date and Direction
Sep 22 - Oct 04 (Cogne to Geneva)
  • May 30 - Jun 11 (Villars sur Ollon to Geneva)
  • Jun 06 - Jun 18 (Villars sur Ollon to Geneva)
  • Jun 13 - Jun 25 (Villars sur Ollon to Geneva)
  • Jun 20 - Jul 02 (Villars sur Ollon to Geneva)
  • Jun 27 - Jul 09 (Villars sur Ollon to Geneva)
  • Jul 04 - Jul 16 (Villars sur Ollon to Geneva)
  • Jul 11 - Jul 23 (Villars sur Ollon to Geneva)
  • Jul 18 - Jul 30 (Villars sur Ollon to Geneva)
  • Aug 22 - Sep 03 (Villars sur Ollon to Geneva)
  • Sep 01 - Sep 13 (Cogne to Geneva)
  • Sep 08 - Sep 20 (Cogne to Geneva)
  • Sep 15 - Sep 27 (Cogne to Geneva)
  • Sep 22 - Oct 04 (Cogne to Geneva)
Please Note: The program differs on certain dates.
Please Note: The program differs on certain dates.
Select trip year and date
2024
  • 2024
  • 2025
Sep 22 - Oct 04 (Cogne to Geneva)
  • May 30 - Jun 11 (Villars sur Ollon to Geneva)
  • Jun 06 - Jun 18 (Villars sur Ollon to Geneva)
  • Jun 13 - Jun 25 (Villars sur Ollon to Geneva)
  • Jun 20 - Jul 02 (Villars sur Ollon to Geneva)
  • Jun 27 - Jul 09 (Villars sur Ollon to Geneva)
  • Jul 04 - Jul 16 (Villars sur Ollon to Geneva)
  • Jul 11 - Jul 23 (Villars sur Ollon to Geneva)
  • Jul 18 - Jul 30 (Villars sur Ollon to Geneva)
  • Aug 22 - Sep 03 (Villars sur Ollon to Geneva)
  • Sep 01 - Sep 13 (Cogne to Geneva)
  • Sep 08 - Sep 20 (Cogne to Geneva)
  • Sep 15 - Sep 27 (Cogne to Geneva)
  • Sep 22 - Oct 04 (Cogne to Geneva)
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Print All
Map details are not available for this location.
13 days
12 nights
26 meals
11 B 7 L 8 D
DAY
1
In Transit
In Flight
DAY
2
Arrivals
Cogne
D
Hotel du Grand Paradis

Activity note: Getting on/off motorcoach; riding approximately 128 miles, about 2.5 hours. Hotel check-in is at 2:00 p.m.

Afternoon: Upon arrival at the hotel, we will check-in and take some time to freshen up and relax. If time permits, we will take a stroll through the town including a visit to the Maison Gérard Dayné, which is one of the best examples of Aosta Valley traditional architecture, before our Orientation session. Orientation: 6:00 p.m. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. Our knowledgeable Group Leader and local experts will conduct the educational program including hiking and walking field trips. Periods in the schedule designated as "Free time" and "At leisure" offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.

Dinner: Welcome dinner at the hotel.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
3
Valnontey, Italy, Alpe Vermiana, Lillaz, Urtier River, Italy
Cogne
B,L,D
Hotel du Grand Paradis

Activity note: Getting on/off public bus, riding approx. 25 minutes, over 7 miles total. Up to 7 miles of easy walking for 4.5 hours on forest trails and on cobblestones. At first the trail has a gradual elevation loss of 655 feet, followed by a gentle ascent of 165 feet.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: After a short walk to the bus stop, we will transfer by local bus to the village of Lillaz (5304 feet) and the Lillaz waterfall. Our walking field trip begins here, continues along the Urtier River, and ends in Cogne. Enjoy the beautiful views of the mountain peaks and glaciers.

Lunch: At the hotel.

Afternoon: Following lunch, we will return to the public bus stop and transfer by local bus to the hamlet of Valnontey, where our next walking field trip begins. We will start on a gentle one-way trail along the Valnontey River, passing through forests of coniferous and larch trees to the Alpe Vermiana (5800 feet). Experience fabulous views as we walk closer to the permanently snow-covered Gran Paradiso Mountains. Today's field lectures include "Alpine Garden in Valnontey". We will return by public bus to Cogne and walk back to the hotel.

Dinner: At the hotel.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
4
Aosta, Italy
Cogne
B,D
Hotel du Grand Paradis

Activity note: Getting on/off public bus, riding approx. 1 hour and 40 minutes, over 34 miles for return journey. Up to 2 miles of walking for 2 hours on cobblestones with minimal change in elevation.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: After a short walk to the bus stop, we will then transfer by public bus to the attractive mountain town of Aosta (1912 feet), founded by the Romans in 25 BC - primarily a military camp, and called the “Rome of the Alps.” The setting of this town is pure enchantment, surrounded by mountains. The Roman layout of the streets of Aosta, with its narrow cobbled streets and overhanging upper stories, give the town a very alpine flair. We will hear a lecture called "Aosta and Cogne – Past and Present."

Lunch: On your own.

Afternoon: Take this opportunity for personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most, before returning by public bus to Cogne. Please refer to the list of Free Time Opportunities, which can be found in the first Information Packet. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions and give directions.

Dinner: At the hotel.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
5
Gimillan, Italy
Cogne
B,L,D
Hotel du Grand Paradis

Activity note: Getting on/off public bus, riding approx. 15 minutes, over 4 miles for return journey. Up to 6 miles of walking for 4.5 hours on mountain and natural trails. There are some passages on rough terrain with narrow paths or tree roots. This is a circular trail with a gradual elevation gain and loss of 1315 feet.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: Departing the hotel on foot, we will then transfer by local transportation to the old village of Gimillan (5900 feet), built on a natural terrace. From there, we will walk across alpine meadows and take in the panoramic views of the majestic mountains of the Gran Paradiso National Park. We will learn about Gimillan and the national park during a field lecture.

Lunch: Picnic on the trail.

Afternoon: We will return to Cogne by public bus. In the late afternoon, we will have a demonstration of how to cook the traditional polenta, learning about the story of this dish while tasting local wine.

Dinner: At a local restaurant.

Evening: At leisure. Prepare for check out and departure in the morning.

DAY
6
St. Bernard Pass, Transfer to Villars, Switzerland
Villars sur Ollon
B,L
Victoria Hotel & Residence

Activity note: Getting on/off motorcoach, driving approximately 83 miles, up to 2.5 hours. Up to 1 mile of walking for 2 hours on natural trails and cobblestones.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: Following check-out, we will transfer by private coach up to the incredible St. Bernard Pass (8114 feet), an ancient Roman transalpine route and more recently the path of Napoleon's army into Italy in 1800. En-route there is an excursion to the St. Bernard Museum, the first hospice founded as early as 1049 and appropriately named after Saint Bernard. This name later became famous for the St. Bernard dogs, loyal companions to the monks and mainly used as rescue and watchdogs. Learn about the "History of the Great St. Bernard Pass and the St. Bernard Dogs" during a field lecture.

Lunch: At a local restaurant.

Afternoon: We will continue on the winding road down down to the Rhone Valley and up to Villars-sur Ollon. After checking in, take some time to freshen up before meeting the group for dinner.

Dinner: At the hotel.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
7
Villars, Switzerland
Villars sur Ollon
B,L,D
Victoria Hotel & Residence

Activity note: Getting on/off public bus and train, riding approx. 25 minutes, over 8 miles for return journey. Up to 6 miles of walking for 4 hours on natural forest trails and on cobblestones. There are some passages which are quite steep and slippery. Trails could be muddy and some small streams could have a extra water. In the morning, there is an elevation gain of approx. 330 feet, and a loss of approx. 1165 feet. In the afternoon, there is first a loss of 315 feet, followed by a gain of 65 feet.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: Starting from the hotel, we will take a short walk to the bus station to transfer by public bus to Solalex (4820 feet), a beautiful mountain pasture under the breathtaking cliff, Miroir d’Argentine. We will discover local geology and then walk through pine forests and alpine meadows to Barboleuse (3973 feet).

Lunch: At a local restaurant in Barboleuse.

Afternoon: After lunch, we will gently walk to Gryon (3655 feet) and enjoy a visit of this picturesque village full of history. We will return to Villars via train.

Dinner: At the hotel.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
8
Bretaye, Switzerland, Alpine Farm
Villars sur Ollon
B,L,D
Victoria Hotel & Residence

Activity note: Getting on/off public transportation; Up to 5 miles of walking for 3.5 hours on natural and mountain trails. The trail goes up and down with a total gain of approx. 165 feet and an elevation loss of approx. 230 feet.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: We will begin the morning with a walk to the bus stop and travel by local transportation to Bretaye (5922 feet), the starting point of today's walking field trip. We'll walk across alpine meadows with the stunning Swiss and French Alps at every turn. During our hike, we will hear a field lecture on Bretaye Lake. We will continue our hike until we reach an alpine farm. Upon arrival, we will meet the farmer and learn the details of alpine farming and cheese making.

Lunch: Fondue at the farm.

Afternoon: From the farm, we will continue our hike through forested trails to the bus stop where we board the bus back to Villars.

Dinner: At the hotel.

Evening: At leisure. Prepare for check out and departure in the morning.

DAY
9
Transfer to Chamonix, France
Chamonix
B,L,D
Chalet Hotel Le Prieure

Activity note: Getting on/off motorcoach, driving about 2 hours, over 50 miles. Up to 1 mile of walking for 2 hours on cobblestones in town with minimal change in elevation.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: After checking out of the hotel, we will transfer by private coach to Chamonix.

Lunch: At the hotel.

Afternoon: After check-in, rejoin the group for a walking field trip of Chamonix. Today's field lecture covers the past and present of Chamonix, and Michel Paccard, first climber of Mont Blanc (15,780 feet) in 1786.

Dinner: At a local restaurant.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
10
Scenic Circular Trail to the Swiss Border
Chamonix
B,L
Chalet Hotel Le Prieure

Activity note: Getting on/off public bus and cable car, riding approx. 1 hour, over 14 miles for return journey. Up to 5 miles of walking for 3.5 hours on natural and mountain trails. At first the trail has minor elevation changes, and at the end there is an elevation loss of approx. 985 feet.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: We will walk to the local bus stop, take a short bus ride to the village of Le Tours, and then continue by cable car to "Les Autannes" (7200 feet). From there, we will start a circular hike with only minor elevation changes to "Refuge de Col de Balme" (at the Swiss border). From this point, we can enjoy wonderful views over the whole valley and the Mont Blanc range. We will learn about the Chamonix Valley and Mont Blanc during a field lecture.

Lunch: Picnic on the trail.

Afternoon: We will walk down to "Charmillon," the intermediate station of the cable car (elevation loss of 1130 feet) and continue back by cable car and local bus to Chamonix.

Dinner: On your own.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
11
Aiguille du Midi, France
Chamonix
B,D
Chalet Hotel Le Prieure

Activity note: Getting on/off cable car, riding approx. 40 minutes for return journey. Up to 1 mile of walking for 1 hour on a flat rocky dirt path. At some passages there are large rocks and loose scree. We recommend poles. Visiting Aiguille du Midi involves standing for 2 hours at 12,604 feet and a short walk.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: Following breakfast, we will take a short walk to the valley station. Here, we will ride the cable car up Mont Blanc, enjoying the marvelous views as it first climbs to Plan de l’Aiguille (7600 feet) and then to Aiguille du Midi (12,604 feet). The panorama on a clear day is simply one of the best in the Alps, with views of mountains as far as the eye can see. If the sky is clear, you may even get a glimpse of the Matterhorn! This is a wonder that attracts people from all over the world. We'll hear a field lecture on the Aiguille du Midi and Mont Blanc. We will then walk from the middle station Plan de l'Aiguille (7600 feet) to the Lac Bleu Lake. We will return to the valley by cable car and walk back to the hotel.

Lunch: Explore local fare on your own.

Afternoon: Take this opportunity for personal independent exploration to see and do more of what interests you most. Please refer to the list of Free Time Opportunities, which can be found in the first Information Packet. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions and give directions.

Dinner: Farewell drink and dinner at the hotel.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
12
Transfer to Geneva, Switzerland
Geneva
B
Crowne Plaza Geneva

Activity note: Getting on/off motorcoach, driving about 1 hour, over approx. 51 miles; getting on/off rack railway and cable car, riding approx. 25 minutes for return journey. Up to 2 miles of walking for 2 hours on packed snow, natural trails, and on cobblestones. At La Mer de Glace there are over 400 steps up and down.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: We will take a short walk to the valley station of La Mer de Glace. The Montenvers rack railway starts from Chamonix and in 20 minutes reaches the bottom of the Mer de Glace (6279 feet), France's largest glacier (approx. 4 miles long, 656 feet thick). Then a cable car will take us to the ice cave. This historic site marked the start of Alpine tourism in the 19th century and offers a panoramic view of famous peaks such as Les Drus and Les Grandes Jorasses. We will travel back to the valley by the railway.

Lunch: Explore local fare on your own in Chamonix.

Afternoon: We will meet at a predetermined time and place to board our private coach to transfer to Geneva, Switzerland. Upon arrival, we will check in to the hotel. The remainder of the afternoon is free to explore Geneva. You may want to see the large fountain Jet d'eau, the European headquarters of the United Nations, Palais des Nations, or Saint Peter's Cathedral. There are also many museums and gardens to see in Geneva. Please refer to the list of Free Time Opportunities, which can be found in the first Information Packet. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions or give directions.

Dinner: Explore local fare on your own.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
13
Departures
In Flight
B

Activity note: Hotel check-out by 12:00 Noon. See your program’s “Transportation Information” regarding transfers.

Breakfast: At the hotel. This concludes our program.

Morning: If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!






Recommended For You

loading spinner