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Travel programs with the Smithsonian Institution for grades 8–12

Challenge yourself academically at the world's most prestigious universities

Non-profit organization offering student travel scholarships

High school youth summit focused on public health, climate change, and equity

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Campus-based climate change program for grades 9–12

Switzerland, Italy, France, & Holland

Cities to Peaks in Western Europe

June 26 — July 24
July 6 — August 3
$10,990 + airfare

Switzerland, Italy, France, & Holland

Cities to Peaks in Western Europe

June 26 — July 24
July 6 — August 3
$10,990 + airfare

From the mountain trails and summer snowfields of the Swiss Alps and the Italian Dolomites to the rich culture of Florence and Paris to the bike paths, cheese markets, and beaches of rural Holland, join us to experience Europe as an actively engaged traveler with a group of like-minded students. This is the original Putney Student Travel program, first led 73 years ago by founders George and Kitty Shumlin.

• Hike and rock climb with professional guides
• View iconic artwork in Paris, Florence, and Amsterdam
• Cycle along Amsterdam’s canals and the Dutch coast
• Savor Swiss chocolate, French baguettes, and Italian pasta
“I wouldn’t change a single thing. This was the best summer of my life.”
—Minnie R., NSU University School, Weston, FL

Itinerary

This itinerary represents our best projection of the group’s schedule. However, we may implement changes designed to improve the quality of the program.

Departure — Travel Day

Meet your fellow high school student travelers and one or more of your leaders in New York, and fly together to Geneva, Switzerland. To learn more about how we organize travel, click here.

Swiss Alps — 5 days

Begin in a chalet in the idyllic Swiss village of Leysin, high on an Alpine mountainside. Spend five days getting to know your group and taking advantage of the stunning natural beauty of the Alps by hiking through alpine meadows, trekking atop glaciers, and canyoning in mountain streams. Take a day trip to the nearby city of Montreux to visit the medieval Chateau de Chillon and swim in Lake Geneva.

Daystay in Italy — 4 days

Join an Italian family in a small village not far from the sea and lakes, and get to know your host siblings. Learn about day to day life in the Italian countryside and taste local, home-cooked food. In the evening, reunite with your leaders and group in town and share stories about your days.

Florence — 3 days

Next, travel to Florence and stay in a small hotel in the heart of the city. Visit the Duomo, Piazza della Signoria, Uffizi Gallery, Medici Chapel, and the Pitti Palace.

The July 6 departure visits Florence before the Daystay in Italy, then continues on to the Dolomites.

The Dolomites — 3 days

Travel by train and private bus to join local mountain guides for three days of spectacular trekking in the Dolomites of northern Italy, staying in a mountain rifugio.

Milan — 1 day

On your way from the Dolomites to France’s capital, spend an evening enjoying Milan’s delicious restaurants and incredible Gothic architecture.

Paris — 4 days

Board a train to Paris, “The City of Light,” to explore monuments, museums, markets, and cafés as we walk the streets and boulevards of the Left Bank, Île de la Cité, Montmartre, and other iconic neighborhoods.

Dutch Coast — 4 days

Next, travel by train through Belgium to Holland. Take a five-day bicycle trip along rural bike paths, as you wind your way through sand dunes and past windmills and Dutch farms. Along the way, stop to swim in the North Sea, take paddleboarding or sailing lessons, and visit the picturesque towns of Noordwijk, Egmond, and Heemskerk.

Amsterdam — 3 days

Cap off your journey with three days in Amsterdam to explore its busy canals and streets, visit Anne Frank’s house, and see paintings by Rembrandt and van Gogh.

Return — Travel Day

Fly from Amsterdam to New York with your group and a leader, then continue on to your final destination. To learn more about how we organize travel, click here.

Itinerary

This itinerary represents our best projection of the group’s schedule. However, we may implement changes designed to improve the quality of the program.

Departure — Travel Day

Meet your fellow high school student travelers and one or more of your leaders in New York, and fly together to Geneva, Switzerland. To learn more about how we organize travel, click here.

Swiss Alps — 5 days

Begin in a chalet in the idyllic Swiss village of Leysin, high on an Alpine mountainside. Spend five days getting to know your group and taking advantage of the stunning natural beauty of the Alps by hiking through alpine meadows, trekking atop glaciers, and canyoning in mountain streams. Take a day trip to the nearby city of Montreux to visit the medieval Chateau de Chillon and swim in Lake Geneva.

Daystay in Italy — 4 days

Join an Italian family in a small village not far from the sea and lakes, and get to know your host siblings. Learn about day to day life in the Italian countryside and taste local, home-cooked food. In the evening, reunite with your leaders and group in town and share stories about your days.

Florence — 3 days

Next, travel to Florence and stay in a small hotel in the heart of the city. Visit the Duomo, Piazza della Signoria, Uffizi Gallery, Medici Chapel, and the Pitti Palace.

The July 6 departure visits Florence before the Daystay in Italy, then continues on to the Dolomites.

The Dolomites — 3 days

Travel by train and private bus to join local mountain guides for three days of spectacular trekking in the Dolomites of northern Italy, staying in a mountain rifugio.

Milan — 1 day

On your way from the Dolomites to France’s capital, spend an evening enjoying Milan’s delicious restaurants and incredible Gothic architecture.

Paris — 4 days

Board a train to Paris, “The City of Light,” to explore monuments, museums, markets, and cafés as we walk the streets and boulevards of the Left Bank, Île de la Cité, Montmartre, and other iconic neighborhoods.

Dutch Coast — 4 days

Next, travel by train through Belgium to Holland. Take a five-day bicycle trip along rural bike paths, as you wind your way through sand dunes and past windmills and Dutch farms. Along the way, stop to swim in the North Sea, take paddleboarding or sailing lessons, and visit the picturesque towns of Noordwijk, Egmond, and Heemskerk.

Amsterdam — 3 days

Cap off your journey with three days in Amsterdam to explore its busy canals and streets, visit Anne Frank’s house, and see paintings by Rembrandt and van Gogh.

Return — Travel Day

Fly from Amsterdam to New York with your group and a leader, then continue on to your final destination. To learn more about how we organize travel, click here.

Featured

Leaders

Meet some of our featured leaders. Please note that these may not be your leaders for the program. 

CropXSWITZA Diego Cerda_1
Diego Cerda
View Bio
CropXSWITZA Caroline Livaditis_1
Caroline Livadatis
View Bio
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Featured

Leaders

Meet some of our featured leaders. Please note that these may not be your leaders for the program. 

CropXSWITZA Diego Cerda_1
Diego Cerda
View Bio
CropXSWITZA Caroline Livaditis_1
Caroline Livadatis
View Bio
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About the Destination

Since its formation in the early 1990s, the European Union has provided a network for cross-cultural communication, understanding, and exchanges. Despite monetary and political unification, each country maintains the richness of its individual identity through traditions, languages, regional history, and cuisine. Join us to experience a fascinating cross-section of Europe as we explore the incredible cultural diversity and natural beauty of Switzerland, Italy, France, and Holland.

Language

Italian is the national language in Italy, French is the national language in France, and Dutch is the national language in Holland. Switzerland has four national languages: French, German, Italian, and Romansh.

Climate

Summer weather in Europe is generally pleasant and warm. Average daytime temperatures range from 80–90°F (65–75°F in the mountains), while nighttime temperatures average 60–70°F (50–60°F in the mountains).

Cuisine

Europe is a cornucopia of diverse culinary styles and regional specialties—reflections of the history, climate, customs, and geography of each place. Delve into homemade pasta, pizza, and rice dishes in Italy, and the famous cheeses and pastries of Holland. Enjoy fresh quiche, baguettes, and croissants in France, and sample raclette and fondue in Switzerland.

About the Destination

Since its formation in the early 1990s, the European Union has provided a network for cross-cultural communication, understanding, and exchanges. Despite monetary and political unification, each country maintains the richness of its individual identity through traditions, languages, regional history, and cuisine. Join us to experience a fascinating cross-section of Europe as we explore the incredible cultural diversity and natural beauty of Switzerland, Italy, France, and Holland.

Language

Italian is the national language in Italy, French is the national language in France, and Dutch is the national language in Holland. Switzerland has four national languages: French, German, Italian, and Romansh.

Climate

Summer weather in Europe is generally pleasant and warm. Average daytime temperatures range from 80–90°F (65–75°F in the mountains), while nighttime temperatures average 60–70°F (50–60°F in the mountains).

Cuisine

Europe is a cornucopia of diverse culinary styles and regional specialties—reflections of the history, climate, customs, and geography of each place. Delve into homemade pasta, pizza, and rice dishes in Italy, and the famous cheeses and pastries of Holland. Enjoy fresh quiche, baguettes, and croissants in France, and sample raclette and fondue in Switzerland.

What to Expect

Review specific program expectations here. For more general information:

Exploration

To learn more about our Exploration programs click here.

Independent Project

Pursue an independent project and explore an aspect of local culture of particular interest to you—become an expert on van Gogh’s most famous pieces, create a book of family recipes learned during your homestay in Italy, or explore the effects of climate change on glaciers in Switzerland.

Technology

To encourage full engagement and immersion in the Putney travel experience, we limit the use of cell phones and other devices on our High School programs. Students are allowed to use their phones in transit to the program, and keep their devices throughout. During in-country orientation, leaders will lock phones with a code, unlocking them for the second half of the program. During the tech-free portion of the program, students have the opportunity for a weekly call home according to a pre-arranged schedule. For more details, please see our FAQ.

Physical Activity

This is a physically active summer travel program. You will be walking in cities, hiking in the mountains, and biking in Holland. You do not need to be at peak fitness to participate, but it is important that you have a desire to be physically active, and that you are excited about trying all activities.

Accommodations

We stay in various types of accommodations throughout this program, including Old World-style hotels to mountain chalets, many of which are run by welcoming families Putney has known for years. Accommodations are simple and comfortable. Rooms are a mix of doubles, triples, and quads. Students have access to common and outside space at our accommodations for community meetings, working on projects, and socializing. Leaders stay together with students throughout the program.

Meals

We begin each day with a traditional breakfast at our residence. While we eat many of our lunches and dinners in restaurants, we also purchase supplies for healthy and delicious picnic lunches full of fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, breads, and cheeses.

Altitude

This program visits several high-altitude destinations. On hikes in Switzerland and France, we climb up above 9,000 feet/2,743 meters, and in Italy we spend three nights above 7,000 feet/2,134 meters.

What to Expect

Review specific program expectations here. For more general information:

Exploration

To learn more about our Exploration programs click here.

Independent Project

Pursue an independent project and explore an aspect of local culture of particular interest to you—become an expert on van Gogh’s most famous pieces, create a book of family recipes learned during your homestay in Italy, or explore the effects of climate change on glaciers in Switzerland.

Technology

To encourage full engagement and immersion in the Putney travel experience, we limit the use of cell phones and other devices on our High School programs. Students are allowed to use their phones in transit to the program, and keep their devices throughout. During in-country orientation, leaders will lock phones with a code, unlocking them for the second half of the program. During the tech-free portion of the program, students have the opportunity for a weekly call home according to a pre-arranged schedule. For more details, please see our FAQ.

Physical Activity

This is a physically active summer travel program. You will be walking in cities, hiking in the mountains, and biking in Holland. You do not need to be at peak fitness to participate, but it is important that you have a desire to be physically active, and that you are excited about trying all activities.

Accommodations

We stay in various types of accommodations throughout this program, including Old World-style hotels to mountain chalets, many of which are run by welcoming families Putney has known for years. Accommodations are simple and comfortable. Rooms are a mix of doubles, triples, and quads. Students have access to common and outside space at our accommodations for community meetings, working on projects, and socializing. Leaders stay together with students throughout the program.

Meals

We begin each day with a traditional breakfast at our residence. While we eat many of our lunches and dinners in restaurants, we also purchase supplies for healthy and delicious picnic lunches full of fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, breads, and cheeses.

Altitude

This program visits several high-altitude destinations. On hikes in Switzerland and France, we climb up above 9,000 feet/2,743 meters, and in Italy we spend three nights above 7,000 feet/2,134 meters.

A Day in the Life: The Dutch Countryside

Due to the traveling nature of this student program abroad, each day is different. Here is a snapshot of a day in Holland.
8:00am
Wake up and eat a traditional Dutch breakfast at your residence
9:00am
Cycle with your group to the small coastal town of Wijk aan Zee
12:00pm
Stop for a hearty lunch at a traditional Dutch pancake house
1:00pm
Relax on the beach and take a refreshing dip in the North Sea
3:00pm
Cycle along rural paths and make your way to the charming city of Heemskerk
5:00pm
Stop to explore the 13th century Heemskerk Castle
7:00pm
Enjoy dinner at a local eatery with your group and a few Dutch teenagers
10:00pm
Group meeting to discuss the day and upcoming schedule

A Day in the Life:
The Dutch Countryside

Due to the traveling nature of this student program abroad, each day is different. Here is a snapshot of a day in Holland.
8:00am
Wake up and eat a traditional Dutch breakfast at your residence
9:00am
Cycle with your group to the small coastal town of Wijk aan Zee
12:00pm
Stop for a hearty lunch at a traditional Dutch pancake house
1:00pm
Relax on the beach and take a refreshing dip in the North Sea
3:00pm
Cycle along rural paths and make your way to the charming city of Heemskerk
5:00pm
Stop to explore the 13th century Heemskerk Castle
7:00pm
Enjoy dinner at a local eatery with your group and a few Dutch teenagers
10:00pm
Group meeting to discuss the day and upcoming schedule
“We cannot say enough positive things about the leaders, Luke and Amanda. They exceeded our every expectation. Their educational backgrounds, language skills, interpersonal skills, judgment, and travel savvy were impressive.”
—Carol & Brooks O’Kelley, Atlanta, GA

Program Directed by

Emma Smith

If you have questions or would like to talk further about this program, please get in touch!

Program Directed by

Emma Smith

If you have questions or would like to talk further about this program, please get in touch!

Enroll in two programs & save $1,000!

$800 tuition discount + no application fee

Eligible for 8th grade*
*These programs are typically for students in grades 9–12, however motivated rising 9th graders will be considered
Switzerland, Italy, France, & Holland
Cities to Peaks in Western Europe

2025 Dates
June 26 — July 24
July 6 — August 3

Duration
29 days

Tuition
$10,990 + airfare

Eligibility
Currently* in grades 9–12
*Your grade as of the day you apply

Typical Group
16–18 students, 2 leaders

Group Flight
Departs from New York


 

Additional Info

Questions? Visit our FAQ or call us at (802) 387-5000

 

2025 Dates
June 26 — July 24
July 6 — August 3

Duration
29 days

Tuition
$10,990 + airfare


 

Eligibility
Currently* in grades 9–12
*Your grade as of the day you apply

Typical Group
16–18 students, 2 leaders

Group Flight
Departs from New York

 

Questions? Visit our FAQ or call us at (802) 387-5000

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