Hike, climb, and raft your way through Europe’s most legendary mountains
Don’t forget to bring a camera for this outdoor tour of the European Alps! We’ll take in the splendor of the Mont Blanc massif by hiking the world’s most famous trail, crossing through Italy and France on foot. In Chamonix, the outdoor adventure capital of the world, we’ll explore by whitewater rafting during the day and cooking up nourishing meals with local ingredients at night. This adventure offers some of the most breathtaking scenery of any Bold Earth trip.
Length
14 DAYS
Download the Sample Itinerary
Curious what a Bold Earth Alps: France and Italy trip looks like? Download a sample itinerary to get a feel for the types of activities, destinations, and experiences your adventure may include. Every trip is a little different — that’s part of the magic — but this will give you a great sense of what’s in store!
What You'll
experience
Everything You Need for Adventure
Preparing for your child’s adventure is an exciting journey! We’ve compiled all the essential information you need to ensure a smooth experience. From paperwork to packing tips, we’re here to help every step of the way.
Included
- All meals and camping accommodations (13 nights)
- Professional instruction for all activities
- Technical gear and equipment
- Transportation during the trip
- Experienced Bold Earth trip leaders
- Entry fees to all parks and attractions
What to Bring
- Personal clothing and toiletries
- Sleeping bag and personal camping gear
- Travel to/from Alps: France and Italy (flights not included)
Accommodations
- 4 nights in mountain huts or hostel chalets.
- 9 nights of camping, Bold Earth will provide comfortable tents and technical equipment.
Trip Preparation
Getting ready for your adventure is part of the excitement! Join a Bold Earth summer director in the spring for a webinar about preparing for our international trips. Your Trip Leader will call you two days prior to departure to help you feel confident and prepared for your Bold Earth experience.
You’ll receive a comprehensive preparation information that includes:
- Detailed packing lists specific to Alps: France and Italy’s varied climates
- Physical preparation recommendations to get the most out of your adventure
- Travel information and arrival/departure logistics
- What to expect on your first day and throughout the trip
- Tips for going tech-free and making the most of your unplugged experience
Our goal is to make sure you feel excited and ready to dive into 14 days of epic Alps: France and Italy adventure with your new Bold Earth crew!
...What Past Adventurers Say
Our daughter's adventure with Bold Earth was truly transformative! Exploring nature beyond U.S. borders opened her eyes to the world. The program struck a perfect balance—thrilling outdoor challenges that pushed her boundaries while maintaining a reassuring level of safety. The staff's expertise shone through, ensuring the kids had a blast while learning skills and forging friendships. Watching her return home brimming with confidence and unforgettable memories was priceless. Bold Earth delivered on its promise of adventure, safety, and fun - an experience we'd recommend to any family looking to broaden their child's horizons.
What Past Adventurers Say
Cannot thank Bold Earth enough for the amazing experience they provided for my daughter. Bold Earth provided a safe and enjoyable environment and itinerary focused on many outdoor pursuits that helped her build confidence and independence along the way. My daughter came back from the trip with tales of challenging hikes, rock climbing adventures, exciting white water rafting trip, and daring Via Ferrata excursions. She was a new person who thrived on the new experiences when she was pushed out of her comfort zone and she had grown in confidence during her time with Bold Earth.
FAQS
Find answers to your questions about our adventure programs and get ready for an amazing experience!
What's the physical fitness requirement?
This trip requires students to be physically fit, as you’ll be tackling physically strenuous days hiking 5–12 miles with several thousand feet of steep elevation gain and loss. We recommend regular aerobic exercise for at least 6 weeks before your trip to get the most out of your Bold Earth experience. Walking, jogging, swimming, or riding a bike are all great ways to prepare for your summer adventure! You don’t need to be an elite athlete, but serious preparation is key:
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Train with your gear: Hike on local trails wearing your fully packed 30–40L backpack to get used to the weight.
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Break in your boots: Walk at least 20 miles in your hiking shoes before the trip to prevent blisters.
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Build core strength: Practice balance and stabilization exercises (like planks or yoga) to handle variable, rugged terrain safely.
What gear do I need to bring?
All technical equipment is provided. You’ll find a complete packing list specific to this adventure in your enrollment materials.
What about weather and seasons?
The Alps can have varying day and nighttime temperatures ranging from 55°F to 72°F. Weather will remain fairly moderate throughout the trip, with evenings being more brisk at higher elevation.
What are the arrival and departure windows for this trip?
For all Alps trips, students will fly into and out of Geneva International Airport (GVA) in Geneva, Switzerland. They will need to arrive at GVA between 8 a.m. and 12 p.m. on the first day of their trip, and depart GVA between 6 a.m. and 1 p.m. on the last day of their trip.
Our trip leaders will be awaiting each student’s arrival at the airport. As per international unaccompanied minor policy, a representative will bring each UM student to meet trip leaders directly outside of security. For all other, non-UM students, please follow your group off the plane down to baggage claim. Once bags have been picked up, students will exit security to meet trip leaders waiting directly on the other side. Students will call home as soon as they meet with our group.
Please do not book flights until your child has been officially accepted and enrolled on their Alps trip and you’ve received the detailed travel guidelines.
Explore More Adventures
Looking for longer or gap programs? Check out our sister program, ARCC Programs
time to be bold
Your Alps: France and Italy Adventure Awaits
We’re excited to welcome you into the Bold Earth community! Questions about Alps: France and Italy? Call us at +1 828-435-3971 or email info@boldearth.com. You can also join one of our Info Sessions to learn more about what makes our adventures special.
Ready to apply? Complete our enrollment form to secure your spot on this incredible Alps adventure.
