Program Directed by
Emma Smith
If you have questions or would like to talk further about this program, please get in touch!
Travel to Europe for outdoor adventures and cultural immersion on this high school exploration program in Switzerland, France, and Holland. Begin in an idyllic mountain village in the Swiss Alps, hiking, canyoning, and taking in the stunning landscapes. Then continue to Paris to experience its iconic art, cuisine, cafes, and monuments. Next, set out on a multi-day bike trip, pedaling through the pastoral Dutch countryside in Holland, passing sand dunes and windmills. Conclude your journey in Amsterdam, exploring the canal-lined neighborhoods, and centuries-old architecture of one of Europe’s most vibrant cities.
- Program Highlights
• Hike and rock climb with professional guides in the Vaud Alps
• Experience iconic artwork and architecture in Paris and Amsterdam
• Cycle along Amsterdam’s canals and the Dutch coast
• Savor Swiss chocolate, French baguettes, and Dutch cheese
• Experience iconic artwork and architecture in Paris and Amsterdam
• Cycle along Amsterdam’s canals and the Dutch coast
• Savor Swiss chocolate, French baguettes, and Dutch cheese
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 Newark, 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, which has been hosting Putney students for generations, 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.
Paris — 5 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. Visit the Chartres Cathedral with the world’s foremost expert on the history of the building.
Dutch Coast — 4 days
Next, travel by train through Belgium to Holland. Take a four-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 at beaches on the North Sea, take paddleboarding or sailing lessons, and visit the picturesque towns of Haarlem, 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. Cap off your journey with four days in Amsterdam to explore its busy canals and streets. Take a stroopwafel class and try your hand at preparing the iconic and delicious Dutch treat.
Return — Travel Day
Fly from Amsterdam to Newark with your group and a leader, then continue on to your final destination. To learn more about how we organize travel, click here.
Featured
Program Leaders
Meet some of our featured leaders. Please note that these may not be your leaders for the program.
Frequently Asked Questions
Review specific program questions here. For more general information, visit our full FAQ:
What are the main focuses of this program?
The main focuses of this program are outdoor adventure, cultural immersion, and active exploration across Western Europe, blending big city exploration with hiking and cycling adventures through some of Europe’s most beautiful mountains and countryside. Students hike and canyon through the Swiss Alps, experience the art, history, and neighborhoods of Paris, and complete a multi-day bicycle journey along Holland's scenic coast, balancing physical adventure with meaningful engagement in local cultures. Along the way, they explore world-renowned museums, historic landmarks, vibrant cities, and picturesque villages while discovering the distinct traditions, cuisines, and daily life of each country. The result is a dynamic introduction to Europe's remarkable diversity through hands-on adventure, cultural discovery, and shared experiences.
Will students have the opportunity to practice the local language?
Proficiency in French or Dutch is not required for this program. However, if you study French or Dutch in school, you will have opportunities to practice while communicating with local people. If you don’t speak French or Dutch you will have the opportunity to learn some basic language skills.
What is an Independent Project?
All students on Putney programs pursue an independent project as a way to more deeply engage with aspects of local culture that are of particular interest to them—in Switzerland, France, and Holland, you might interview someone from each destination that the group visits, create a recipe book highlighting dishes you sampled, or draw a series of the architectural features on buildings you encounter.
What is the technology and cell phone policy?
To encourage full engagement and immersion in the Putney Student 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 and from the program. During in-country orientation, leaders facilitate a call home, then collect and securely store all phones for the first half of the program. At the end of this tech-free period, leaders return student phones 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.
How physically active is this program?
This Europe program is highly active and includes multiple days of hiking and biking. Students may also participate in a guided rock climbing activity and swim, kayak, and paddleboard. 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.
Does this program visit high altitudes?
Yes, the group hikes at high altitudes during their time in the Alps around Leysin, Switzerland. During these hikes, the group may reach altitudes equal to or greater than 9,000 feet/2,742 meters. The group’s accommodations in Leysin, however, are not at altitude.
What are the accommodations for this program?
The group stays in varied accommodations over the course of the program, including a charming mountain lodge in Switzerland and hostels in Paris and the Netherlands. Students stay in shared rooms with 4–6 of their peers. Leaders reside together with students for the duration of the program.
What are meals like in Switzerland, France & Holland?
The group takes breakfast daily at their accommodations. The group may enjoy picnic lunches on hikes or excursions, or eat at local restaurants. Dinners are also taken at local restaurants or at the group’s accommodations. Students are encouraged to delve into the famous cheeses and pastries of Holland, enjoy the fresh quiches, baguettes, and croissants of France, and sample the rich raclette and fondue of Switzerland.
What type of student is most successful on this program?
This European program is designed for high school students (grades 9–12) who are active, curious, and excited by variety. It is a strong fit for students who enjoy spending time outdoors but are equally interested in exploring cities, museums, food, history, and local culture. The most successful participants are flexible, open-minded, and comfortable moving between hiking, canyoning, cycling, and urban exploration. They should be willing to challenge themselves physically, contribute positively to the group, and embrace unfamiliar experiences with enthusiasm. Above all, students who enjoy experiential learning through travel and want a balanced mix of adventure, cultural immersion, and independence will get the most from this journey through Switzerland, France, and Holland.
What makes Switzerland, France & Holland a good location for a Putney Student Travel program?
Putney’s extensive experience in Switzerland, France, and Holland over many decades, combined with our longstanding relationships with our local contacts, make this program unique. Local people in Leysin, Switzerland, have been welcoming Putney groups for over 70 years! This program is one of our longest-standing and most popular itineraries. Putney has wonderful contacts that support our groups in each of the places they visit, whether during their big city time in Paris or in the small towns of Heemskerk and Egmond on the Dutch Coast. Our destinations in Switzerland, France & Holland give students an adventurous view of three distinct and historically significant Western European cultures through exploration and immersion.
How does the Switzerland, France & Holland program compare to Putney’s other Exploration programs?
This is one of our most active high school Exploration programs, and one of our longest, offering plenty of outdoor adventure and one of our broadest introductions to European cities, art, and culture. It is also one of our longest-running Exploration programs, perfect for students who want to spend their summer on the go! This program is an excellent choice for high school students who are excited by the outdoors and want to understand and explore European history, culture, and lifestyles.
Do students need prior experience or specific skills to join this program?
Students spend several days of this program cycling through the European countryside, so comfort and enjoyment of riding on a bicycle is highly recommended.
What outcomes, skills, or growth can students expect to gain from this experience?
Because this is one of our longest programs, and involves a lot of movement from place to place, students tend to form deep bonds within their group, and come away with lifelong friendships. Students return home with greater confidence, independence, and adaptability after navigating a varied itinerary across three countries. Hiking, canyoning, and cycling help build resilience, teamwork, and a willingness to take on new challenges, while time in cities, museums, and local communities broadens cultural awareness and curiosity. Students also strengthen communication and problem-solving skills as they travel with a group and adjust to unfamiliar environments. Students leave with a deeper appreciation for Europe’s cultural and geographic diversity, lasting friendships, and greater confidence exploring the world beyond their comfort zone.
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.
- Morning
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
- Afternoon
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
- Evening
7:00pm
Enjoy dinner at your accommodation with your group
10:00pm
Group meeting to discuss the day and upcoming schedule
