European Explorer

Overview

From the Pyrenees to the French Alps, Europe’s mountains offer magnificent valleys, stunning passes and quaint villages. We’ll hike sections of two world-famous hiking routes: the GR 11, a mountain traverse from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean, and the Tour Mont Blanc, a demanding circuit around Mont Blanc, the highest mountain in Europe.

We’ll meet in Barcelona where we’ll enjoy a picnic and a walk in town before we head to the rugged and timeless Pyrenees for an extended backcountry hike. We’ll backpack over spectacular mountain passes and through small villages along trails established by shepherds centuries ago. After our hike, we’ll return to Barcelona for a relaxing day at the beach and a celebratory tapas dinner out on the town.

The next leg of our month together will take us to the French Alps, where we’ll hike one of the world’s premier mountain routes, the Tour Mont Blanc. From Chamonix, we’ll make our way south and east around Mont Blanc for 12 days, hiking through three countries—France, Italy and Switzerland—along the way. The hike is demanding, with an average of eight miles per day over challenging terrain, but the rewards are many, as we’ll hike through a spectacular land of deep green valleys and giant snowcapped mountains. At trip’s end, we’ll look back on having hiked in two of the world’s most beautiful mountain settings while enjoying the camaraderie and fun of an adventurous Overland group.

"I traveled abroad, met amazing people from different places and climbed challenging mountains. Thank you for an awesome summer." Tina Hirt, Fort Worth, Texas

Highlights

• Backpack Spain’s Pyrenees
• Swim in the Mediterranean
• Backpack the Tour Mont Blanc in France, Italy & Switzerland
• Visit Barcelona & Chamonix

Grade

For students who will finish grades 9-12 in June 2010. Call us (800.458.0588) to check on current availability.

Challenge Level

7 (1-10, 1 is easiest)

Start and End Location

Starts in Barcelona, Spain

Ends in Geneva, Switzerland

Families are responsible for making travel arrangements to and from the trip start/end locations. Overland’s leaders will be on hand at the arrival and departure airports to provide supervision and assistance. European Explorer starts at the airport in Barcelona, Spain and ends in Geneva, Switzerland.

Dates and Fees

Sunday, June 27 to Saturday, July 24

$5395 (airfare not included)

". . . a wonderful challenging program that gave Abby a true sense of accomplishment." Ellen Smithberg, Chappaqua, New York

Itinerary

Trip Start

We'll meet in Barcelona for a quick introduction to Spain and Catalan culture. After an afternoon walk and some last minute preparations for our first hike, we'll get a good night's sleep before travelling to the Pyrenees the next morning.

The Pyrenees of Spain

Starting in the quaint mountain town of Espot, our eight-day backcountry hike through the Pyrenees will take us over spectacular mountain passes and through small villages along ancient trails. We'll average five miles a day over challenging terrain including demanding climbs and slow descents. Some nights will be spent camping in the backcountry; other nights we’ll stay in traditional mountain huts, opening a window for us into Spanish life and culture. Our last day on the trail will take us to the charming town of Benasque, surrounded by the Pyrenees' highest peaks.

 Swimming in the Mediterranean

After backpacking the Pyrenees, we’ll head back to Barcelona for a day to explore the archicture and beaches for which this city is famous. We'll enjoy a walk down the famous Ramblas and allow our feet to soak in the azure waters of the Mediterranean before boarding our train for the Alps!

The Tour Mont Blanc

Leaving Spain, we'll head to Chamonix in the heart of the French Alps. The following day we'll begin our hike along the world-famous Tour Mont Blanc. The next 13 days will take us through France, Italy, and Switzerland, over Alpine Passes, and through charming villages. Our days will be challenging, as we average 9 miles per day. We will spend our nights camping in both the remote Alpine backcountry and alongside quaint Alpine huts. At the end of our hike, we will have travelled through three countries and completed almost a complete 360 degree loop around the highest peak in Western Europe, the towering 15,771 foot Mont Blanc!

Trip End

From the heart of the mountains, we’ll train to Geneva and celebrate all that we've achieved together during our month of hiking on European Explorer!

"Completing the Tour du Mont Blanc was the greatest accomplishment of my life!" Abby Margolis, Chappaqua, New York

Trip Details

What's it like?

Here's how a former Overland leader described the hiking on European Explorer:

"Hiking in Europe is different from hiking in the U.S. In the U.S., there are hikes that can take you in to the backcountry for days with little to no contact with others. Not so in Europe. You will hike through beautiful mountain areas and small Alpine villages everyday. You will hike on mountain trails, dirt roads and paved roads. While there is less solitude than in the U.S., there is far more in the way of culture and opportunities to experience Alpine life.

“Matt returned home with a glow and a skip in his step.  He was so happy.” Kathryn Smerling, New York, New York

Photos

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Videos

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Prepare & Pack

European Explorer is rated 7 on a scale of 1- 10 (1 is easiest). This rating places European Explorer in a high moderate category and means that participants must be prepared for some long days on the trail (groups average five to nine miles a day over challenging terrain).

Your trip will be significantly more enjoyable if you have a basic level of fitness and well-broken-in boots. We cannot overemphasize the importance of well-broken-in boots. There have been students who have had to leave their trips because of blisters from boots that were not broken in. The training guidelines below are designed to help you properly break in your boots and develop a solid fitness base.

Five weeks before your trip: Wear your boots for 15-30 minutes a day to walk around your house or neighborhood so your boots will begin to conform to your feet.

Four weeks before your trip: Take three 30-minute hikes or walks in your boots.

Three weeks before your trip: Take three 1-hour hikes or walks in your boots.

Two weeks before your trip: Take three 1-hour hikes or walks in your boots with a backpack loaded with 10% of your body weight.

One week before your trip: Take two 2-hour hikes or walks in your boots with a backpack loaded with 15-20% of your body weight.

Experience among participants will vary and your enjoyment of this trip will hinge on several factors:

1. The quality, duration and intensity of your preparation. Your health, safety and well being on the trip will depend on your pre-trip preparation.
2. Your desire to hike. There are travel days built into the itinerary that allow for rest and relaxation but when we're in the mountains, we're on the trail, loaded up and hiking.
3. Your understanding that while the route is beautiful, this is not a sightseeing trip. There are short visits in Barcelona and Geneva, but these are simply a chance to walk the outdoor public spaces of these vibrant cities.
4. Your commitment to teamwork and the group. A trip such as this requires compromise, patience and selflessness. Support your trip leaders and your trip mates, and you’ll find that you have a great experience!

Train hard for the trip, be prepared for a challenge and come ready to be an important member of a close-working team.

“The best part of Overland is the leaders!" Lora Gettleman, Evanston, Illinois

Packing for Your Trip

Our packing list is designed to keep you safe and comfortable while hiking and camping this summer. Nighttime temperatures are much cooler when you are at high elevation than they tend to be in the regions most of us are from. The warm clothing and layers listed may seem unnecessary now, but we guarantee you'll appreciate them this summer! Keep in mind, however, that there are a wide range of products available in terms of clothing and equipment. Overland programs are relatively short, and although you want your clothing and equipment to be durable, this does not mean it has to be top of the line. Oftentimes more basic and less expensive options perform just as well. Some of our favorite brands in terms of quality of product for a reasonable price include REI, EMS and L.L.Bean.

Label the following items with your name, address and phone number.  Bring only what you need and pack everything in your backpack or daypack. You should wear your hiking boots on the plane and carry your sleeping bag and sleeping pad on the plane with you in case your checked luggage fails to arrive on time.

Please bring only the clothes listed below. Do not wear an extra set of clothes for the flight. By layering you will stay cool on warm days, dry on rainy days and warm on cool nights. You will have the chance to do laundry periodically. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact our office.

Clothing

• Fleece Jacket or Pullover & Long Fleece Pants
  The fleece should be medium to heavy weight and reasonably compact. Please don't bring jeans or sweatpants. They are heavy, bulky and will not keep you warm if wet.


• Synthetic Long Underwear Top or Synthetic Long-Sleeve Shirt
  One only. Synthetic material will keep you warm in varying weather and is a comfortable layer to wear while hiking or in camp.


• Winter Hat and Gloves/Mittens
  For cool nights in camp.


• Waterproof, Breathable Rain Jacket and Pants
  Your rain gear must be waterproof (not just water and/or wind resistant). GoreTex is one of the better-known waterproof, breathable fabrics, but there are many of these fabrics to choose from. Ponchos are not acceptable as they are difficult to hike in and don't provide the same protection that a rain jacket does.


• Insulated vest
  An insulated fleece, Thinsulate or down vest will help keep your core warm during cool mornings out on the trail. Be sure it's compactable.


• Shorts To Hike In
  Two pairs of synthetic (no cotton) shorts. Athletic shorts or hiking shorts work well.


• T-Shirts
  Three. Synthetic are recommended; cotton are acceptable. At least one synthetic shirt is recommended because it will dry faster than cotton. One cotton shirt works well for at night in camp.

• Underwear
  Five.


• Socks
  Three pairs of thick wool/synthetic blend socks made for hiking. Synthetic socks dry faster after a day on the trail and help protect your feet better than a cotton sock.


• Pajamas
  One pair only. Pajamas aren't required as many students sleep in shorts and a t-shirt.


• Bathing Suit
  One only.


• Sport Sandals
  With a heel strap for swimming and around camp. Crocs or heavy duty flip-flops are okay, if you do not have sport sandals.

Hiking and Camping Equipment

• Hiking Boots
  Waterproof backpacking boots (recommended price range $125 to $175). Choose a comfortable boot that is designed for hiking with a medium weight pack. Your boots should have a durable leather upper that can be treated with waterproofing wax or liquid, or have a waterproof fabric/leather combination. If the boots you like have a GoreTex liner, that is great but your boots do not need to have GoreTex liners to be waterproof; good quality leather when treated properly is waterproof. Follow the waterproofing instructions from the boots' manufacturer prior to the start of your trip; typically you must wear the boots for at least a week before they will accept waterproofing treatment.


• Backpack
  4,000-5,000 cubic inches.  Before you purchase a backpack, find your backpack size by measuring your torso length and your hips.  We recommend getting fitted at a store where you can try on a number of different packs. Follow REI's guidelines on how to find your backpack size:
  Measure Your Torso Length.  This is key: Your torso length, not your height, determines your pack size.  Here's how to measure it: 1. With the help of a friend, locate the bony bump at the base of your neck.  This is where the slope of your shoulder meets your neck, also known as the seventh vertebra. Tilt your head forward to locate it more easily. 2. Using a flexible tape measure, have your friend start measuring at that spot down your spine, following the curves of your back. 3. Place your hands on your hips to feel your iliac crest, the twin pointy protrusions on the front of your hips. Position your hands so your thumbs are reaching behind you. 4. Finish measuring at the point where the tape crosses an imaginary line between your thumbs. This distance is your torso length.  
  Measure Your Hips. While less critical than torso length, this is helpful if you're considering a pack that offers mulitiple sizes of interchangeable hipbelts. To measure, take your tape measure and wrap it around the tops of your hips. This is the "latitude line" where you can feel your iliac crest, the two pointy bones on the front of your hips. A properly positioned hipbelt will straddle your iliac crest at this line.
  

• Sleeping Bag
  We recommend a lightweight, compact sleeping bag either synthetic or down that is warm to 30 degrees or less. Your sleeping bag should compress enough to fit into your backpack. Some sleeping bags come with a stuff sack, which is a small bag that you can stuff your sleeping bag into and then cinch down to make it compact. If your bag does not have one, you can purchase one at most outdoors stores. A stuff sack that compresses your bag to 12" to 20" is recommended. Carry your sleeping bag on the plane with you.


• Sleeping Pad
  Either a full length or 3/4 length pad that is inflatable like a ThermaRest or a closed cell foam (thin and firm) like a Therma Ridge Rest is appropriate. It should be compact enough to either fit in your pack or be strapped to the outside. Carry your sleeping pad on the plane with you.


• Water Bottle
  One 1-liter Nalgene (or similar) water bottle. Overland will provide you with a second water bottle on arrival. A Camelbak or similar water bladder is acceptable.

• Small Flashlight / Headlamp
So you can see in camp when it's dark outside.  A headlamp is a small light attatched to a band that you can wear on your head, which is nice because it allows both hands to be free.

• Small Safety Whistle
  Plastic or metal with a string or lanyard attached. This is for safety reasons in case a student is separated from the group.


• Utensils
  For meals you will need a 6" to 8" plastic Tupperware/Rubbermaid (or similar) dish or bowl with a top and a spoon. We also recommend a plastic insulated mug to be used for hot drinks.

Miscellaneous Gear

• Towel
  Medium size cotton towel or synthetic camping towel.


• Plastic Bags
  Ten large ziplocks (1-2 gallon) and 4 large trash bags. The trash bags will be used to line your pack and to wrap your sleeping bag and pad in. The ziplocks will be used to organize and waterproof the rest of your gear.


• Toiletries
  All travel size (in a plastic bag). If necessary, you will be able to restock en route.


• Moleskin or Molefoam
  One full package for blister protection.


• Sunglasses & Hat
  With visor (e.g., baseball cap).

• Sunscreen (SPF 15+), Chapstick (with SPF protection) & Insect Repellent


• Paperback Book and/or Journal
  Optional. Your group will collectively keep a group journal, and you will receive a copy of the journal after your trip. If you would like to keep your own journal, you should bring one.


• Camera/Batteries/Memory Card

Optional. Interested in seeing your photographs or videos on Overland's website next year? Bring a camera with lots of pixels (10 or more) and lots of memory (4GB or more). Buying a new camera? One of our favorites is the Canon PowerShot SD960 IS digital camera.

• Valid Passport
  Leave a photocopy of your passport at home just in case.


• Spending Money
  $50/week for souvenirs, gifts and necessities (like more sunscreen if you run out, camera film or envelopes to mail letters).

Note: Please do not bring any type of knife or multi-tool (e.g., Swiss Army Knife, Leatherman).

We do not permit personal electronics on our programs (e.g., cellphones and iPods). We do, however, allow students who fly to their program to carry a cell phone while traveling; on arrival, Overland's leaders will collect all cell phones for the duration of the program and return them for flights home. Perhaps, a better option would be to bring a pre-paid phone card so that the leaders do not have to carry cell phones for the duration of the program.

Contact Us: Phone: 1.800.458.0588/1.413.458.9672 Email:

info@overlandsummers.com

Admissions

Below is the Admissions Material packet and other information for European Explorer.

Admission Material 2010

Flight & Travel Information 2010

Program Start & End Information 2010

Apply

We welcome your interest in joining Overland this summer!

To apply, please complete and sign the application on page 47 of the Overland catalog or download an application. (You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to download the application).

Please refer to page 46 of our catalog for important information you should know before signing the application.

Send your application and $795 deposit to:

Overland
P.O. Box 31
Williamstown, MA 01267

For overnight mail via UPS or FedEx, please use our street address:

Overland
63 Spring Street
Williamstown, MA 01267

Sorry, we are unable to accept applications by fax, and we do not take credit cards. Applications are reviewed in the order in which they arrive at our office and we cannot hold spots over the phone.

To learn about our admissions process, please click here.