Program Overview
France is the very first country to which Travel For Teens began running programs and, thanks to our local knowledge and insider connections, there is no better way to discover this European gem than with us! Organized by Gwynedd Mercy Academy and Travel For Teens, we’ll begin our voyage in the City of Light, where you’ll explore this city from the heights of the Eiffel Tower to the depths of its intricate subway system! This legendary city is home to artists and emperors, writers and composers, and the site of some of the most important events in history. Come to know it like a local with us by biking through its historical neighborhoods, taking a sunset cruise down the Seine, and eating your way through the 20 arrondissements.
Stroll through Marie Antoinette’s gardens at the spectacular Chateau de Versailles and shop ’til you drop on the Champs-Élysées, Paris’ version of 5th Avenue.
From Paris, we’ll head down to Provence! Step back in time and immerse yourself in the medieval charm of Avignon, France. Nestled within the picturesque Provence region, Avignon is renowned for its rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant cultural scene. Explore the iconic Palais des Papes, stroll along the cobbled streets of the old town, and marvel at the majestic Pont Saint-Bénézet bridge. With its lively markets, quaint cafes, and enchanting atmosphere, Avignon promises an unforgettable experience for travelers seeking a taste of authentic French culture.
Discover the captivating charm of Arles, France, on a day trip brimming with history and culture. Explore ancient Roman ruins, including the remarkable amphitheater,antique theatre, Constantine’s baths and Alyscamps. Wander through the picturesque streets that inspired Vincent van Gogh’s iconic paintings. Immerse yourself in the rich heritage of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, where every corner tells a story of the past.
Then we’re off to the gem of the French Riviera, the glittering city of Nice! Stroll the Promenade des Anglais and watch the street performers at dusk, gelato in hand. Peruse the traditional Cours Saleya marketplace for treasures, and climb to the top of the hill to visit a hidden waterfall and get the best view of the Mediterranean Sea from above. To cap off our European adventure, we’ll hop over to the neighboring country of Monaco for an afternoon of glitz and glam, exploring the Royal Palace, Old Monaco, and Monte Carlo.
Trip Itinerary
DAY 1: DEPART FROM THE USA
Group flight departs to Paris, France!
DAY 2: Bienvenue en France!
- Flight arrives in Paris
- Meet your TFT Counselors at the airport and transfer to the hotel
- Lunch and TFT First-Day Meeting
- Snap a photo of the Arc de Triomphe
- Head out to Montmartre! See the Moulin Rouge, discover the famous artist neighborhood, and the view from the Sacré-Coeur Basilica!
- Authentic French dinner in Montmartre
DAY 3: Feel like a royal in Versailles
- Morning visit of the Palace of Versailles and the incredible Gardens
- Lunch in Versailles
- Return to Paris
- Explore the Latin Quarter and admire the Notre Dame
- Dinner in the Latin Quarter
DAY 4: The one and only Eiffel Tower!
- Sunday Mass
- Morning Options: Visit the D’Orsay, home to a world-renown collection of impressionist art OR Shop at Champs Elysees OR Visit the Perfume Factory
- Lunch
- Ascend the Eiffel Tower! Dinner
- Twilight river cruise down the Seine
DAY 5: Meet the Mona Lisa!
- Tour the famous Musée du Louvre
- Lunch in the Tuileries Gardens
- Afternoon bike tour of Paris’ hidden alleys and ancient history.*
- Dinner in Le Marais
*An alternative activity will be offered for those not comfortable on a bike
DAY 6: The City of Popes
- Morning TGV train to Avignon
- Get your introduction to Avignon during our walking tour
- Lunch in Avignon
- Visit the Papal Palace, admire the beautiful gardens, and dance on the Pont d’ Avignon
- Dinner in Avignon
DAY 7: Arles Day Trip!
- Catch the train to Arles
- Arrive in Arles and learn about the city of Van Gogh during our TFT-led walking tour
- Lunch
- See the remarkable Roman remains of Arles: the amphitheater, antique theatre, Constantine’s baths, and Alyscamps
- Dinner in Arles
- Train back to Avignon
DAY 8: French Riviera
- Morning train to Nice
- Lunch in Nice
- Seaside stroll around Vieux Nice, including the port and the “#ILoveNice” sign
- Climb up to the cliff-top fortress and waterfall for incredible views
- Your first dinner of Niçoise cuisine
DAY 9: City on the Rock
- Catch the train to Monaco–time to check another country off the list!
- Explore Old Monaco and the Royal Palace
- Lunch
- Return to the hotel, pack, and get ready for dinner
- Upscale final dinner to celebrate the end of an amazing trip
- One last evening walk for gelato
DAY 10: Au Revoir France!
Flight back to USA!
Informational Webinar
Informational Webinar Details
Missed the webinar? Watch it here
Travel with us and discover why we are consistently winning awards for Top Youth Travel Organization.
Photo Gallery
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Travel For Teens?
We are in our 21st year in the teen travel business and have emerged as the industry leader for teen travel in the United States, Canada, Europe, Latin America, Asia, Oceania, and Africa. We operate over 100 programs in 47 countries on 6 continents.
Our philosophy: We offer genuine and authentic trips for travelers, not tourists.
Our goal is to engender a passion for learning about other cultures and places through living like a local in that place.
Who can go on this trip?
This trip is open to Gwynedd Mercy Academy students in 11th and 12th grade. Space is limited and is awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis.
This trip is open to Gwynedd Mercy Academy students in 11th and 12th grade. Space is limited and is awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis.
How much is tuition and what does it include?
Tuition for the trip is $4985, which INCLUDES round trip airfare, all breakfasts, dinners, and two lunches, accommodations, transportation, entrance to museums/events, and taxes and tips
Tuition does NOT INCLUDE meals not listed in the itinerary, COVID-related expenses (PPE equipment, testing), beverages other than filtered water at meals, laundry, souvenirs, shopping, visas and visa application fees, personal and medical expenses, activities and admissions that are not program-related or referenced in the itinerary, excess baggage fees, damage to hotels, expenses related to unforeseen circumstances (e.g. transportation delays or natural disasters).
Tuition for the trip is $4985, which INCLUDES round trip airfare, all breakfasts, dinners, and two lunches, accommodations, transportation, entrance to museums/events, and taxes and tips
Tuition does NOT INCLUDE meals not listed in the itinerary, COVID-related expenses (PPE equipment, testing), beverages other than filtered water at meals, laundry, souvenirs, shopping, visas and visa application fees, personal and medical expenses, activities and admissions that are not program-related or referenced in the itinerary, excess baggage fees, damage to hotels, expenses related to unforeseen circumstances (e.g. transportation delays or natural disasters).
What is the payment timeline?
Deadline to register: October 1, 2024
$750 trip deposit due within three business days of registration
Balance due in four installments: TBD
Deadline to register: October 1, 2024
$750 trip deposit due within three business days of registration
Balance due in four installments: TBD
If I cannot afford the payment schedule listed above, does Travel For Teens provide flexible payment plans?
Yes, Travel For Teens is willing to customize a payment plan for any participant who needs a little flexibility in the payment schedule. Please email help@travelforteens.com for details on payment plans.
Yes, Travel For Teens is willing to customize a payment plan for any participant who needs a little flexibility in the payment schedule. Please email help@travelforteens.com for details on payment plans.
How much is trip cancellation insurance?
The standard Trip Protection Plan is $305, and the Trip Protection Plan with Cancel for Any Reason is $454. For more information, please see this page.
The standard Trip Protection Plan is $305, and the Trip Protection Plan with Cancel for Any Reason is $454. For more information, please see this page.
How much is airfare? How do the flights work?
Travel For Teens will reserve a group contract for all participants traveling roundtrip from to Paris (CDG) and the connecting flight from Nice (NCE) on the return. The exact flight path will be determined closer to the trip date. TFT reserves the right to adjust the trip cost difference with a tuition supplement.
Participants will not be permitted to deviate from the group flights i.e. all participants must take the chaperoned group flight to and from the trip.
Travel For Teens will reserve a group contract for all participants traveling roundtrip from to Paris (CDG) and the connecting flight from Nice (NCE) on the return. The exact flight path will be determined closer to the trip date. TFT reserves the right to adjust the trip cost difference with a tuition supplement.
Participants will not be permitted to deviate from the group flights i.e. all participants must take the chaperoned group flight to and from the trip.
After I register, what happens next?
Once your deposit of $750 is paid, you will receive an email that confirms receipt of your deposit and registration.
Closer to the trip, you will receive an email that contains your USERNAME and PASSWORD to MyTFT. All forms to be completed by parents and physician as well as packing lists, travel tips, travel insurance information, and other important information can be found on the MyTFT portal (hard copies of the essential legal/medical forms can be mailed to participants upon request). Our contract and release must be signed by all custodial parents (or guardians) and the participant. We will host a second meeting, via webinar in advance of your departure to go over all last minute questions and details.
Once your deposit of $750 is paid, you will receive an email that confirms receipt of your deposit and registration.
Closer to the trip, you will receive an email that contains your USERNAME and PASSWORD to MyTFT. All forms to be completed by parents and physician as well as packing lists, travel tips, travel insurance information, and other important information can be found on the MyTFT portal (hard copies of the essential legal/medical forms can be mailed to participants upon request). Our contract and release must be signed by all custodial parents (or guardians) and the participant. We will host a second meeting, via webinar in advance of your departure to go over all last minute questions and details.
What are the safety qualifications for our staff?
Our staff members undergo a rigorous hiring process. They receive the same background check as school educators, an extensive training process to go over all safety precautions and protocols, and are required to be certified in CPR and First Aid. We exclusively hire responsible, multi-talented individuals who are safety-minded and are as passionate about teen travel as we are.
Do I need to speak the language?
No, our skilled staff members will help you get around and even teach you a few fun phrases!
Are participants allowed to have their cell phones on the program?
We do allow participants to bring their phones, but we ask that they use it solely as a camera when we are out and about during the day. We want everyone to focus on living in the moment and fully experience each new destination we are visiting without being absorbed in their phones. We ask that participants look at their journey with us as a way to disconnect. When we have downtime at our hotels in the evenings it is okay for participants to use their devices to connect with friends and family back home.