talk to the experts 01737 214 214 29Outline ItinerariesOur Recommended Experiences Parc de Merlet 3 hoursA short drive from Chamonix, the park has panoramic views of Mont Blanc and is home to alpine fauna in their natural setting, including marmots, ibex, chamois and mouflon. Open May-Sept. Chamonix & Glacier Discovery Hiking Tour This tour introduces the evolution and processes of glaciers and is led by an experienced local guide with the assistance of a glaciologist. And no trip would be complete without some exciting activities! Departures: year roundDay 1 Arrive in Chamonix. Hike to Aiguilles Rouges (Environmental Discovery) Day 2 Orienteering. Montenvers train to La Mer de GlaceDay 3 Aiguilles Rouges Nature Reserve. South Balcony Hike Day 4 Hiking with a Glaciologist. Aiguille du Midi by cable car and Lac Blue Hike Day 5 Mountain biking to the Source of the L'ArveyronDay 6 Depart ChamonixEvian & Les Gorges du Pont du Diable 3 hoursVisit the elegant spa town of Evian on the shores of Lake Geneva and one of its water bottling plants. At Les Gorges du Pont du Diable walk along the steep jagged gorge. Open May-Sept.Multi-Mountain Tour Explore the mountains and the fascinating geology and geography of the region, together with plenty of adventurous activities thrown into the mix! Departures: year roundDay 1 Arrive in Chamonix Day 2 Aiguille du Midi by cable car and Lac Blue Hike Day 3 Montenvers train to la Mar de Glace for hikingDay 4 Mountain biking/orienteering Day 5 Rock climbing/archery Day 6 Activity choice - orienteering, archery, mountain biking, rock climbing. Depart ChamonixFrench Alps HighlightsAiguille du Midi Glaciers This jagged pinnacle is one of Chamonix's most famous landmarks. The cable car to the summit, built in 1955, was the world's highest cable car for two decades - it still holds the record as the world's highest vertical ascent cable car, from 1035m to 3842m. From the summit you are rewarded with a 360° panoramic view of Mont Blanc.Bossons Glacier Glaciers/Outwash Plains The largest ice fall in Europe, the Bossons Glacier is retreating rapidly as a result of climatic change. Students have the opportunity to carry out field studies at this dramatic location.Les Gorges du Pont du Diable (The Devils Bridge Gorge) Geology/Erosion Visited as early as 1893, this gorge is one of a few places that clearly illustrate the power of erosion. The Dranse de Morzine River has carved a narrow gorge through grey marble leaving behind impressive jagged cliff faces.Lake Annecy The second largest lake in France, and Europe's cleanest, Lake Annecy was formed about 18,000 years ago, at the time the large alpine glaciers melted. It is fed by many small rivers from the surrounding mountains and a powerful underwater source - it can be explored on a boat trip.Les Gorges du Fier Geology/Erosion These spectacular limestone gorges eroded by the River Fier, demonstrate the power of flowing water over a long period of time. A breathtaking walkway is suspended 27m high above the river.La Mer de Glace (Sea of Ice) Glaciers Situated on the northern slopes of Mont Blanc, the Mer de Glace is the largest glacier in France, 7km long and 200m deep. Access is via the Montenvers funicular railway which makes it way up to an altitude of 1913m. From here a small cable car takes visitors onto the glacier.MTB Alps © Auosh SavojiLa Mer De Glace © Bruni Lengo

30 Our trips are bound by our Booking Terms & Conditions - for details visit discover-the-world.co.uk/educationalvisitsGreece: SantoriniGeology, volcanoes and the legend of AtlantisThe island of Santorini (historically known as Thira) is one of the most photogenic islands of the Aegean Sea. It is actually the largest island of a circular archipelago, the remnants of a volcanic caldera. The area has seen frequent major volcanic eruptions over hundreds of thousands of years and each has left its mark on these tranquil islands, part of the Cyclades group. The devastating eruption of 1613BC (give or take a decade!), produced one of Earth's largest ever explosions, giving rise to the legend of Atlantis and providing Santorini with it's own Bronze Age Pompeii, currently undergoing excavation. The crescent-shaped island of Santorini and smaller Therasia form the outer ring of the now flooded caldera, almost encircling the uninhabited islands of Nea Kameni, Palea Kameni and Aspronisi. Why Santorini with Discover the World?Direct liaison with your own dedicated educational travel specialist who has first hand experience of what the region has to offer school groupsThe low-level, white-washed buildings, tiny churches with blue domed roofs and sun-shaded alleyways are typical of the Cyclades islands. Their concentration in places such as the main town of Fira, along the top of sheer cliffs is distinctive of Santorini. These cliffs display layer upon layer of solidified lava and drop 300m into the equally blue waters of the Aegean. This is the inner crescent - the outer crescent boasts sandy beaches of varying colours, dependent on the layer of rock exposed. Santorini and the nearby island of Anafi are the only places in Europe to experience a hot desert climate. It has no rivers and water is precious. However, with the rich volcanic soil, climate and unique ecology, and the help of a desalination plant, agriculture thrives - for example there is a small wine industry and Santorini cherry tomatoes are renowned. This opportunity to visit a unique Volcanic study location will definitely inspire your students.Our itinerary to Santorini begins with a Volcano Lecture and Presentation in the company of a leading Volcanologist who will introduce the island and its geological and geographical past. This invaluable introduction will provide countless areas of focus throughout the duration of the tour.Itineraries cover the following Geography topics: Tectonic Processes; Hazard Management; Tsunamis and Earthquakes; Coastal Landforms; Erosion; Impacts of Tourism; Fossils and Rocks; GeologyThe opportunity to visit a unique Volcanic study location situated in the glistening blue Aegean Sea. Prices from£548Based on 40 students and 4 staff on a 5-day tripView from Fira © Mikael Damkier