Compare Cannes Film Festival by Smithsonian Journeys vs Mont Blanc Highlights by Intrepid Travel
Compare details and see what other travelers are saying.
| Trip |
3 | Average
|
4.5 | Great
|
| Duration | 9 days | 8 days |
| Price From | $ 5,495 | $ 2,464 |
| Price Per Day | $ 611 | $ 308 |
| Highlights |
|
|
| Trip Style | Group tour | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Luxury | Standard |
| Physical Level |
|
|
| Travel Themes |
|
|
| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions |
|
|
| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Ground transport included |
| Activities | N/A | N/A |
| Meals Included | N/A | N/A |
| Description |
The Riviera at its most glamorous - starlets posing on sparkling beaches for eager paparazzi, veteran directors enjoying an espresso in a seaside cafe, elegant soirées along the Croisette, and - best of all - the artistic wealth found in films from around the world. The Cannes Film Festival is an exclusive annual event that celebrates the best names in film today. Through a special accreditation granted by the Festival itself, the Smithsonian offers an in-depth, one-week program to explore the world of film in Cannes. Smithsonian travelers will attend various film screenings and meet with a film professional for a presentation and discussion. |
If you’re looking for unforgettable alpine views, rewarding hikes and a fantastic place to rest your head each night, you’ve come to the right place. Set out on an eight-day hiking adventure through the Alps, walking through inspiring scenes each day before returning to your base in Chamonix. With cable car rides included on several days, you’ll spend more time exploring and less time tackling tiring climbs, and with an International Mountain Leader guiding the way, you can trust that you’re in safe hands. From shimmering glaciers to mirror-like lakes, the best of the Alps is revealed on foot. |
Day 1-2: U.S. and Cannes, France
Meals: Reception and Dinner
Fly from the U.S. to Nice. Upon arrival, transfer to Cannes, your home for the next five nights. After a brief orientation walking tour, check into your hotel, the Montaigne. Later gather for a welcome reception and dinner to meet fellow film lovers this evening. Your accreditation badges, giving you access to the festival, will be distributed this evening. Those with plenty of energy Day wish to attend a screening tonight.
Day 3: Introduction, Palais des Festivals, American Pavilion
Meals: Breakfast and Reception
This morning over breakfast your study leader will give you an introduction to the history and organization of the Cannes Film Festival at the hotel. Review the schedule and identify screening opportunities, before heading to the Palais des Festivals. From here, after an orientation to the various screening rooms by your study leader, you are free to pursue films of your choice for the rest of the day. Early in the evening, gather at the American Pavilion in the International Village for a presentation by a film professional, followed by a private reception overlooking the Mediterranean. Later you Day choose to continue to attend screenings, including those from the Cannes Classics series, Un Certain Regard, or the short films.
Day: 4-7 Screenings
Meals: Breakfast
After a review of the screenings with your study leader over breakfast each day, you are free to select and attend screenings of your choice.
Day 8: Final Wrap-Up with Study Leader, Farewell Dinner
Meals: Breakfast, Reception and Dinner
Gather for a final session with the study leader to share thoughts, experiences, film critiques, and more. Spend the rest of the day enjoying Cannes as the city returns to its post-Festival life. Celebrate your cinematic discoveries this evening at a farewell reception and dinner with fellow travelers on the Croisette by the sea.
Day 9: Depart Cannes
Meals: Breakfast
Depart Cannes early this morning for Nice and individual return flights home.
Day 1 Chamonix
Bienvenue! Welcome to the Alps. We recommend flying into Geneva airport, where bus transfers are readily available to Chamonix, the French town where you will be based for your adventure. On arrival, settle into your splendid accommodation, a historic and scenic hotel which has been run by the same family since its opening in 1914. Placed on Chamonix’s main street and surrounded by snow-capped peaks, the location is a perfect base for your explorations. A welcome meeting will take place this evening where you will meet your local leader and the other travellers joining you on your adventure. Your leader will fill you in on what to expect over the coming days and provide recommendations on equipment. After the meeting, you may like to get to know each other over dinner in one of Chamonix’s fantastic restaurants. Pair alpine cuisine with an incredible atmosphere and you’re in for a real treat – bon appetit!
Day 2 Hike to Bionnassay glacier
It’s time to get those legs moving! First, let a cable car do the climbing for you and enjoy a ride up to Bellevue. Not only does this cable car journey make the day’s walking a whole lot more pleasant, you’ll also be treated to spectacular sweeping views of the surrounding landscape, including the Chamonix Needles, the Mont Blanc massif and the Aravis Range. Hike along the path of famous Tour du Mont Blanc, in the forests below the Bionnassay glacier, before hiking up a relatively little summit of Tête de la Charme (1882m). Descend to the village of Bionnassay for a taste of typical life in the mountains, and perhaps pay a visit to the local museum for further insight. Transfer back to your accommodation in Chamonix and put your feet up.
Day 3 Hike to the Swiss border
Wake up and breathe in the fresh mountain air before heading out for another day of hiking. Catch a train to the village of Le Tour, then begin a hike through the Balme mountain pastures, first crossing through the untamed Posettes pass. Take some time to admire the iconic needles of the Mont Blanc massif, stretching from the Aiguille du Tour through the Drus and the famous Aiguille du Midi. You’ll also be able to see across to Switzerland and the magnificent Emosson Dam. Return to Chamonix by train and enjoy and evening at leisure.
Day 4 Free day in Chamonix
The day is yours for your own discoveries – be sure to speak to your local leader for tips on how to make the most of your downtime, as there’s no shortage of incredible things to do in this beautiful part of the world! You may like to spend some time exploring the numerous bars, cafes and restaurants that line the streets of Chamonix. Or perhaps you’d rather set out in search of breathtaking views – there are several cable car excursions available from Chamonix, one of the most spectacular being the ascent to Aiguille du Midi (3842m/12600ft), offering fantastic views of Mont Blanc and surrounding peaks. If you fancy getting really active, there are loads of mountain biking, white water rafting, paragliding and hiking options in the area.
Day 5 Hike to " Lac Blanc"
Today’s hike will lead you to a truly stunning sight, Lac Blanc, also known as the mirror of Mont Blanc. First, climb into the mountains on the Flegere cable car, offering up unforgettable alpine views that can only be seen by those travelling this way. After your ride, begin your hike towards the lake – one of the most beloved and celebrated walking routes in the region. Follow a high balcony path while keeping an eye out for wildlife – marmots, ibex and eagles are all frequently spotted along this trail! On arrival at Lac Blanc, take some time to admire the image of snowy peaks in the reflective water – this is one scene you won’t forget. Give your legs a well-earned rest and return via the Flegere cable car, descending into the beautiful valley below.
Day 6 Chamonix
Your hike today will lead you from Chamonix to Mer de Glace, France’s largest glacier. Lying above the Chamonix valley, this sprawling stretch of ice is one of the region’s most impressive sights. Walk uphill through dense patches of forest, taking in fantastic views of the valley and the surrounding peaks. After reaching the glacier, you have the option to continue on a downhill loop back to Chamonix, or you may prefer to take the Montenvers train for a shorter scenic trip back.
Day 7 Planpraz and Brevent pass
Prepare to feast your eyes on something really special today. Take the cable car up to Brevent station, and be rewarded with perhaps the best view of Mont Blanc possible, plus sweeping views over the Chamonix valley. Take a peek over the Brevent pass, then continue hiking to the Bel Lachat refuge and up to Brevent Lake, the perfect spot to pause and admire the magnificent landscape. Soak in views of the Mont Blanc massif and a land of ice and rock below. In the afternoon take a scenic cable car ride, dropping from 2500 all the way to Chamonix, sitting at 1000m above sea level. Tonight you may like to gather with your group for a final dinner to look back on everything you’ve seen and achieved over the past week.
Day 8 Montets pass
Your adventure comes to an end after breakfast today, but for those keen to keep the fun going, there’s time for one last walk. Speak to your leader about the option of an unaccompanied bus ride and 1-hour signposted walk through flower-covered meadows to the Col des Montets.
