14-Day Program | Discover the land famous for mountains, chocolates and cheese! Delve into the rich cultural heritage of Switzerland through its historic museums and castles as you travel through Lausanne and Montreux. This unique French language immersion experience begins for your student group when they meet their famille d’accueil. French language skills learned in the classroom come to life in this in-depth language immersion experience in France. Our unforgettable Family Stay Experience® allows students to become temporary locals and appreciate the French lifestyle. Students live, speak the target language, and learn about cultural exchange in a very authentic way. Conclude your journey in Paris, “The City of Lights.”
All travel dates are tentative, pending teacher approval and airline confirmation.
Program Overview
14 Days
Teacher Led
Family Stay: Xperitas Family Stay
$3,799 per student (plus cost of international flights)
Features
Round-Trip Airfare Overnight Accommodations per itinerary In-Country Transportation per itinerary Insurance 24/7 Emergency Support While Abroad
Program Itinerary
Day 1Departure
En route to Geneva, Switzerland.
Included meals:
None
Day 2Lausanne
Called the “San Francisco” of Switzerland because of its hills and beauty, Lausanne is home to the Musée Olympique and to Switzerland’s largest university. You can take the funicular metro that runs from the lake to the top of the city or visit the Cathédrale de Lausanne, one of the largest medieval churches in the country.
Included meals:
Dinner
Day 3Montreux
A motor coach will take you to the resort city of Montreux with its picturesque views of the Lake Geneva, enhanced by the beautiful background of the Alps. Walk the cobblestone streets of the small village of Gruyère, visit the cheese factory and enjoy a raclette lunch. Visit the Broc fabrique, home of Nestlé chocolate, and enjoy complimentary chocolate samples.
Included meals:
Breakfast, Lunch
Day 4Montreux
Visit the Château de Chillon, built in the mid-12th century, home to the Counts of Savoy. Continue your day with an interactive visit to the Food Museum in Vevey. Your day concludes with a relaxing boat ride on Lake Geneva.
Included meals:
Breakfast
Day 5En route to Family Stay
-Get ready for one of the most exciting parts of your adventure! Today, you’ll hop on a bus and head to your family stay in one of France’s charming communities-Lyon, Vienne, Nantua, or Mâcon. Each city offers its own unique vibe: Lyon, a bustling city known for its rich history, vibrant food scene, and Renaissance architecture; Vienne, steeped in Roman heritage with stunning ruins and riverside views; Nantua, nestled by a beautiful lake and surrounded by the Jura Mountains; and Mâcon, famed for its picturesque vineyards and warm southern atmosphere. Upon arrival, meet your famille d’accueil and begin this immersive experience.
Included meals:
Breakfast, Dinner
Day 6 - 10Family Stay
-Embrace five more nights of authentic French living as you practice your language skills and take part in the daily life of your host family. From lively conversations at the dinner table to exploring local traditions, you’ll make memories that last a lifetime. This is your chance to connect, learn, and experience the culture firsthand.
Included meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11Paris
Take the TGV to Paris and enjoy the “City of Lights.” Explore the Quartier Latin and the Jardin de Luxembourg. Then stroll through the Quartier St. Michel where you can take a walk down the Seine River on the Île de la Cité. Visit the Cathédrale de Notre Dame, la Sainte Chapelle et la Conciergerie.
Included meals:
Breakfast
Day 12Paris
Discover the Louvre and its famous pyramid, and then experience the quaint Montmartre district. Visit the Basilique du Sacré Coeur and celebrate French artistry at the Place du Tertre.
Included meals:
Breakfast
Day 13Paris
Spend one more day soaking up the magic of Paris! Experience Paris from a new perspective with an unforgettable Bateaux Mouches Seine river cruise. Glide down the iconic river as you take in panoramic views of landmarks like Notre-Dame, the Louvre, and the beautiful bridges of Paris. Feel the city’s vibrant energy as you pass by its stunning architecture and waterfront scenes. In the evening, celebrate your journey with an exciting farewell dinner, indulging in classic French cuisine and sharing stories and laughs with your fellow travelers.
Included meals:
Breakfast, Dinner
Day 14Return
Transfer to airport and return to the U.S.
Included meals:
Breakfast
The Family Stay Experience®
We believe that spending time with a family, speaking their language and participating in their customs is the best and most authentic way to experience another culture. It’s also what makes our programs different from any other travel experience. After 50 years of arranging family stays, we’re no longer surprised when our participants say that spending time with a family was the best part of their experience!
Non-Profit | Since 1972 | 100 Host Communities & Growing
Xperitas is a community of lifelong intercultural learners who believe in a world built on deeper understanding
between cultures. Our values are reflected by our commitment to increasing accessibility to language immersion
programs. We provide aid and merit-based scholarships to qualified participants. Xperitas also achieves this goal by
providing grants to schools, better helping to promote global communication through language learning.
