Swiss Alps summer vacation: Geneva to Chamonix & Mont Blanc

Highlights

• See famous summits and glaciers up close in France, Italy and Switzerland, including Mont Blanc and the Matterhorn.
• Discover the incredible geology and tectonic forces that shaped the Alps and learn about the history of mountaineering.
• Traverse through famous mountain passes, each with its own unique story.
• Travel by exhilarating travel by cable cars and mountain railways to reach amazing heights without a hard climb.
• Stay in two excellent four and five-star hotels, guided by our expert Tour Leaders Prof Rob Butler and Dr Taija Torvela.

Overview

Take an unforgettable journey through the majestic Alps on this 7-day small group guided tour.

Alps vacation highlights

Join us for an exploration of nature’s grandeur, complete with expert insights, delicious local cuisine and unforgettable vistas. This tour is ideal for everyone from geology enthusiasts to those simply looking for an enriching holiday that’s big on discovery and relaxation.

Our Alpine tour is a unique opportunity to delve into the geological history and beautiful landscapes of the French, Italian and Swiss Alps. You’ll see iconic mountains including Mont Blanc and the instantly recognisable peak of the Matterhorn. As you explore the charming Alpine towns, you’ll experience an exciting variety of transport, from leisurely walks, cable car rides and scenic train journeys.

Meet your Alps vacation tour leaders

Your tour is led by renowned geologists. Professor Rob Butler has spent years unravelling and explaining the history of the Alps to all levels of interested students and visitors (hear about a Day in the Life of Rob in the Alps here).

Dr Taija Torvela, is an associate Professor and an expert in earth structures and mineral resources.

We’re only running this tour once in 2025, so reserve your place soon!

Start/finish

Your tour starts and finishes in Geneva, Switzerland.

Activity Level

Leisurely. Walks are generally easy and less than 1.5km (1 mile) on well marked paths and trails (view our activity level definitions). The tour will require boarding cable cars and gondolas.

Transport

We will use a comfortable coach suited to the number of attendees. The tour also includes rides in several cable cars.

Weather

Accommodation

Testimonials

"Hard to imagine a better geoculture tour – quality leaders, quality geology and scenery, quality food, quality hotels and quality everything else, plus perfect September weather. Oriol also had the unique knack of drawing real time sketches on a whiteboard that brought out the essence of the geoviews such that a non-geologist could immediately absorb.

In all the perfect tour for both the professional geologist interested in the broader picture and those just wishing to learn about geology and the geography it creates. The Pyrenees had it all in abundance."

The Geology of the Pyrenees, Spain | Nick C, September 2024

"Having now been on two GeoCultura tours I would recommend them to anyone with an interest in finding out about geology.

The tour leader and his assistant were great. I cannot emphasis how good the tour leaders on both tours have been. It is what has made the tours for me. Their knowledge and the ability to impart it to someone who is not a geologist and make it understandable has been amazing. After all I come on these tours to be educated.

The meals were spectacularly good."

The Geology of the Pyrenees, Spain | Paul W, September 2024

"Outstanding communication and organization prior to the tour and the knowledge and enthusiasm of the tour guide made the time well worth our while.

Special thanks to Julie for her prompt responses to my questions."

Dinosaur Short Tour, Canada | Wayne M, July 2024