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Italy, Switzerland and France (June)

Faculty: David Martínez, Wendi Upjohn-Hankel, Craig Inglesby
Class meeting time: Mondays from 6:30 to 9 p.m.
Trip Dates: June, 2025
Cost: $2,400

chamonix

Highlights

This journey promises an exquisite blend of majestic mountains, vibrant cities, serene coastlines, and picturesque countrysides. It offers a myriad of activities, including hiking, biking, sightseeing, and immersive cultural experiences. From the dynamic atmosphere of Milan to the enchanting shores of Lake Como, the itinerary extends to the charming mountain villages of Chamonix, situated at the crossroads of the French, Swiss, and Italian Alps. From there, we venture to the coastal beauty of Cinque Terre and the rustic charm of Tuscany before culminating in the Eternal City of Rome. This adventure seamlessly integrates diverse landscapes and cultures, ensuring unforgettable moments at every destination.

We’ll first spend the day walking around the city of Milan, stopping to view the Duomo Di Milano, visit the Leonardo da Vinci National Museum of Science and Technology, or take in the beauty of the Milan Cathedral.

We will travel to Chamonix, the mountain resort in the French Alps. The town is surrounded by the peaks of a rugged mountain chain, including Mont Blanc, the highest mountain in Western Europe. Have a chance to ride the highest cable-car system in the world, embark on a hiking or biking excursion in the Chamonix Valley, explore scenic trails, all while enjoying the fresh mountain air. Spend time taking in the rich French culture, food, and history amongst the breathtaking views of Mont Blanc and the Alps, and on a clear day, have the possibility of seeing the iconic Matterhorn.

Then, we travel to the Italian coast to spend time relaxing on the beach, walking through the quaint coastal towns, or hiking along the scenic coastal trails to take in the breathtaking views. Take a day to travel south to the city of Pisa to visit the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Take in the beauty of the Tuscan countryside and visit the historic center of Florence. Florence, Italy, the cradle of the Renaissance, is a captivating city with timeless charm. Renowned for its exquisite art and architecture, including the iconic Duomo and Uffizi Gallery, Florence's cobbled streets invite exploration.

To end our trip, we will travel to Rome to throw a coin into the Trevi Fountain, visit the historic Vatican and Sistine Chapel, and enjoy a guided tour of the Coliseum. Spend time enjoying gelato and people-watching at Piazza Navona before concluding our trip.

Tentative Itinerary

Day 1 Fly from PDX to Milan, Italy
Day 2 Day in Milan
Day 3 Day trip to Lake Como
Day 4 Free day in Milan
Day 5 Travel to Chamonix, France
Day 6 Day in Chamonix
Day 7 Day in Chamonix
Day 8 Day trip to Geneva, Switzerland
Day 9 Travel to Cinque Terre, stay the night
Day 10 Day in Cinque Terre
Day 11 Day in Cinque Terre
Day 12 Travel to Florence
Day 13 Day trip to Pisa, Leaning Tower of Pisa, and lunch
Day 14 Half day in Florence, travel day to Rome that afternoon
Day 15 Day in Rome - The Coliseum (guided tour)
Day 16 The Vatican, free second half of the day
Day 17 Free day in Rome, optional trip to the city of Pompei
Day 18 Fly home from Rome to PDX

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