France + Switzerland

Expedition Dates: 

July 5 - 17, 2027

Cost: 

$4495 + Airfare

Ages:

Worldwide youth ages 15-19

Trip Pace:

Moderate

Physical Activity:

Moderate

Highlights:

Paris, French Alps, Swiss Alps, Annecy, Mountain villages, Canyoning, Paragliding, Alpine hut, Aiguille du Midi, Matterhorn, Zermatt, Scenic railways, Lake Lucerne, Grindelwald, Hiking, Eiffel Tower, Seine River, European adventure

Vaccine Requirements:

None

Visa Requirement:

None

International Airport:



About This Trip

From the charming streets of Paris to the breathtaking peaks of the French and Swiss Alps, experience one of Europe’s most unforgettable adventures. Wander through storybook villages, stand atop towering mountains, spend the night in a remote alpine hut, and discover why this spectacular corner of Europe has inspired travelers for generations.
Stroll the canals of Annecy before heading into the heart of the French Alps, where you’ll descend mountain waterfalls while canyoning, soar above Chamonix on an optional tandem paraglide, ride the historic cog railway to the Mer de Glace, then hike to a remote mountain hut for an unforgettable night high in the Alps. Wake above the clouds before ascending to the breathtaking summit of the Aiguille du Midi, where France, Switzerland, and Italy stretch across the horizon.
Cross into Switzerland and stand beneath the iconic Matterhorn in the car-free village of Zermatt. Ride one of the world’s most scenic mountain railways, hike through spectacular alpine landscapes, or even cross into Italy for lunch before returning to Switzerland the same afternoon. Cruise across beautiful Lake Lucerne before arriving in Grindelwald, where cliff walks, alpine trails, and exhilarating trotti bikes become the perfect finale to your alpine adventure.
Your journey comes full circle in Paris, where you’ll stand beneath the Eiffel Tower, cruise the Seine, explore world-famous landmarks, wander the city’s vibrant neighborhoods, and celebrate an unforgettable adventure with one final evening in the City of Light.
YOUR TRIP LEADER

Justin Bowen

Even though Justin dreamed of being a sheep herder in New Zealand when he grew up, he is a photographer by trade and has led hundreds of youth across the globe with National Geographic for nearly 10 years and 12 years with youth who are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints with Illuminate Youth Trips. He has worked with the industry greats including Canon, National Geographic, Spin Magazine, and has photographed many stars including Taylor Swift, Britney Spears, Michael Jordan, and Paul McCartney.

He is oddly obsessed with everything penguin, won’t eat vegetables to save his life, has an affinity for swimming in arctic waters next to his favorite natural wonder that are icebergs. He is a wizard at creating once in a lifetime itineraries and often works his best magic with the help of a few hundred Instagram searches at 2am. Justin’s the guy who woke up one morning and realized that he had visited all seven continents in the span of eight months without consciously trying. Justin’s passion for the world, the youth, and life in general is contagious and captivating.

Justin is the co-founder of a non-profit organization, ROAM Humanitarian, giving adults and families meaningful humanitarian experiences around the world.

Justin met his wife Lindsay when he was 14 years old and after over 20 years of marriage still has any adventure with her and their four incredible children at the top of his bucket list. Justin’s world goes round from Heber Valley, Utah which is remarkably beautiful enough to get this wanderer to plant roots and call Utah home.