As we approach 100 days until the Overland summer begins, we wanted to take some time to highlight our three brand new itineraries!
Dolomite Explorer
A section of Overland’s new Dolomite Explorer trip will be traversing a section of the iconic Carnic Haute “High” Route, a high-alpine trail that traces the rugged border between Austria and Italy. Also known as the Peace Trail, this historic route winds along a dramatic ridgeline in the Carnic Alps, offering sweeping views of the two countries at once. Each day of hiking will bring long ridge walks and expansive alpine scenery.
What makes the Carnic Haute Route especially meaningful is that students will be able to fully immerse themselves in the region’s culture. The group will hike from hut to hut, sampling local cuisine through prepared breakfasts and dinners. Along the way, students will encounter preserved remnants of World War I history carved directly into the mountainsides.
Hiking along this storied border will be both challenging and rewarding, and will leave students with unforgettable memories of their accomplishments. Paired with the dramatic beauty of the Dolomites and Carnic Alps, this route captures the heart of exploration and growth that defines an Overland summer, making the Dolomite Explorer a truly standout adventure!
Eastern Alps Expedition
Overland students who find themselves yearning for a physically challenging backpacking experience through some of the most recognizable peaks in Italy and Slovenia may take on Overland’s new Eastern Alps Expedition. After flying into Munich, Germany, groups will head straight for the Dolomites to warm up their legs hiking above stunning alpine lakes, such as Lago di Braies in South Tyrol. Once everyone has become accustomed to the single track trails that slice through the Dolomites, they will embark on their first of two backpacking experiences – The Carnic Haute Route. See “Dolomite Explorer” above for more details!
At the conclusion of their first trek, our groups will be picked up by private transportation and will head to the small mountain village of Bled, Slovenia. Here, Overland students will have the opportunity to recover from their time in Italy while exploring Slovenian culture through food, hikes, and interactions with the locals. It is truly a stunning place to spend a weekend! After a few days, our groups will pack up their bags and head towards the Julian Alps in Triglav National Park, where they will spend four days and three nights hiking from alpine hut to alpine hut. This trek will challenge students physically during the day, while affording them all of the comforts of a cozy dormitory in the evening. The sunrises and sunsets from the peaks of the Alps are simply unmatched.
Once students head back to civilization, they will gear up for their challenge hike, a single day hike that is meant to put together all of the skills they have acquired over the past two and a half weeks. They will lean on each other to summit a peak that overlooks the entire trek that they had just completed, sharing a snack and endless memories at the top. Finally, after three weeks on the trails, the trip will end with a day rafting on the emerald waters of the Soca River.
Spending time in Germany, Italy, Austria, and Slovenia, Eastern Alps Expedition is a unique Overland trip that you don’t want to miss!
Environmental Stewardship Montana
Environmental Stewardship Montana is an excellent opportunity for students eager to learn more about the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. Overland groups will spend time on an organic farm in the Gallatin valley learning about sustainable food systems and the seasonal weather cycles that drive our climate. Not only will the group be harvesting vegetables for the community, but they will have the chance to take fresh veggies back to camp for lunch and dinner!
Out on trail they will explore the Gallatin Canyon, Bridger Range, and Yellowstone National park with time spent backpacking and hiking with a trained naturalist. These days will be filled with learning about the flora and fauna of the area while learning important wilderness skills such as Leave No Trace.
Time will also be spent working with the local chapter of Trout Unlimited restoring stream and river ecosystems. The group will work on a variety of projects including planting native trees to provide habitat for birds, building beaver dam analogs to raise the water table, and creating habitat for native cutthroat trout. The trip will conclude with a day of whitewater rafting down the Gallatin River – the river that all of the TU projects flow into!
Excited about our new trips? So are we! Apply now to secure your spot on a brand new itinerary this summer!
