Chamonix , France
New ! Alpine Europe : France , Italy ’ s Dolomites , Switzerland & Austria
France : Chamonix | Italy : Biella , Bolzano , San Candido | Switzerland : Lugano | Austria : Innsbruck For departure dates , available single space , and pricing , visit www . oattravel . com / fsapricing
18 days from $ 6295 including international airfare Single Supplement : FREE
Save a FULL 10 %, up to $ 670 , with our Good Buy Plan — reserve by 3 / 31 / 23 Valid for June 2023-December 2024 departures
Learn what it means to follow the Alpine way — from its snow-capped peaks , mountain valleys , and glacial lakes to the warmth , charm , and culture of the cities and villages of the foothills . See what draws visitors here when you ride a funicular up the peak of Aiguille Du Midi in Chamonix , France or trek across Italy ’ s Dolomites . Glide across Lake Lugano on a private boat tour , gaze at the cascading Riva Waterfalls , and discover the simple way of life for the people who call this unique region home .
WHAT TO EXPECT
View all physical requirements at www . oattravel . com / fsa
ITINERARY
DAY 1 • Depart U . S . Depart today on your flight to Geneva , Switzerland .
DAY 2 • Geneva , Switzerland • Chamonix , France Upon arrival in Geneva , transfer to Chamonix , France , where you ’ ll meet your fellow travelers , including those on our Catalonia , Spain : Barcelona , Girona & Tarragona pre-trip extension .
Hotel Mercure Centre Chamonix or similar
DAY 3 • Chamonix • Aiguille Du Midi hike Explore the mountain resort town of Chamonix , including the medieval Eglise Saint Michel and the
Statue of de Saussure . Then , take a funicular to Aiguille Du Midi , the highest mountain peak that can be reached by an aerial lift .
B , D — Hotel Mercure Centre Chamonix or similar
DAY 4 • Montenvers Train ride • La Mer de Glace glacier • Mountain chalet lunch Take the historic Montenvers Railway up the sides of the Aiguilles de Chamonix to an altitude of around 6,276 feet , then disembark to explore La Mer de Glace glacier and learn how melting glaciers are impacting the environment . After , enjoy lunch in an Alpine chalet .
B , L — Hotel Mercure Centre Chamonix or similar
DAY 5 • Biella , Italy • Aosta Journey to Biella , Italy today , driving through the Mont Blanc Tunnel . Along the way , visit the ancient city of Aosta — founded by the Romans in 25 BC with the second largest number of Roman ruins in Italy . We ’ ll also stop to sample some regional Fontina cheese .
B , L — Augustus Hotel or similar
DAY 6 • Biella • Home-Hosted Dinner Discover the city of Biella , including the medieval Piazzo Square , the cathedral , and historic Palazzo Ferrero . We ’ ll also visit the Museo del Territorio Bellesa , which features both country-wide and regional exhibitions . Then , meet a local Alpine Italian family during a Home-Hosted Dinner .
B , D — Augustus Hotel or similar
DAY 7 • A Day in the Life of a local cheese farm Experience A Day in the Life of an Italian cheese farm . The farm ’ s owners will take us on a tour — showing us their animals and explaining the cheese making process . We ’ ll pitch in with some chores , then head to the farmhouse to help the family prepare a midday meal .
B , L — Augustus Hotel or similar
DAY 8 • Lugano , Switzerland • Winery visit • Arborio village Along the way to Lugano , stop to visit a winery in Italy ’ s Piedmont region , famous for their red wines .
26 Alpine Europe : France , Italy ’ s Dolomites , Switzerland & Austria