Program Overview
Journey through four European countries and discover what it really means to backpack Europe with Travel For Teens! Our approach is rooted in the classic backpacker strategy – travel by rail, explore cities with a wide variety of daily choices, and leave ourselves open to the spontaneous possibilities that every day brings. This is our original Older Teens trip and is a classic combination of some of the best cities and natural beauty in Europe. We will begin with the northern canals in quaint Amsterdam and travel all the way down to the canals of charming Venice. In between, there will be plenty of time to explore famous sites such as Anne Frank’s House and fairytale castles in Munich. Take a guided tour of the Van Gogh Museum, and get your adrenaline pumping with adventure activities such as hiking and canyoneering in the Swiss Alps.
Our Older Teens trips are specially designed for high school students who want to gain a global perspective before heading out into the “real world.” We are all about a hands-on approach to travel, where we go beyond the casual tourist experience, take public transportation, and learn how daily life really is in each place we visit. We provide a unique and carefully crafted itinerary that allows for more challenges and independence. We encourage teens on these trips to learn how to use a Eurail pass along with other handy travel skills so that they become confident and able to take on even more of the world in the future!
Join us for the ideal mix of insider knowledge, travel know-how, and fun as our groups winds its way by train through some of the best of the continent!
During this program, you will…
- Discover the famous Dutch tulips at the Singel Flower Market along Amsterdam’s canals
- Take in Bavarian culture in Munich, including a dinner at an authentic beer hall
- Visit the fairytale castle of Neuschwanstein, explore the grounds, and go for a swim in the lake
- Come face to face with WWII history at the Dachau concentration camp
- Cool off with a swim in Lake Geneva right next to a 12th-century chateau
- Relax in a pool in the Alps
- Adventure through the Alps as you bike down mountain paths, conquer ropes courses, and slide down waterfalls on a canyoneering excursion
- Savor the best pizza, pasta, and gelato of your life in Italy
- Wander through Venice’s picturesque canals and explore the charming island of Murano
Trip Itinerary
DAY 1: DEPART FROM NEW YORK (JFK)
DAYS 2-4: AMSTERDAM
Welcome to Europe! Amsterdam, in the Netherlands, is known for its vibrant culture of young travelers eager to explore the city’s treasures. The city itself is a sight to behold, filled with bicycles and gorgeous old buildings, which make it ideal for exploring on foot. Our focus is on providing a safe and energetic tour of this dynamic place as we tour the Vondelpark and check out the masterpieces on display at the Van Gogh Museum. Throughout, we’ll peer back into the origins of Dutch culture, and pause to reflect on the events of modern history as we visit the Anne Frank House, where the famous diarist and her family lived while in hiding from the Nazi forces that occupied the city.
*Please note tickets to the Anne Frank Haus cannot be guaranteed until they are released in the spring.*
DAYS 5-7: MUNICH
From Amsterdam, we travel south to Munich, the exciting German city near the Bavarian Alps. Munich was heavily damaged by Allied bombs in WWII, but unlike most other German cities it was carefully rebuilt with the original street plans and traditional architecture. We will take a bike tour of this beautiful city and relax in the Englischer Garten (larger than Central Park!), see the famous glockenspiel in the Marienplatz (central square of the city) and even visit a traditional beer hall to taste the local weißwürste (white sausages) and pretzels. At Dachau, just outside of Munich, we’ll visit the first concentration camp that the Nazis founded in Germany and take a moment to reflect on this dark chapter in recent history.
During our time in Munich, we will also visit the Neuschwanstein Castle in the Bavarian Alps. This is the fairytale castle that inspired Walt Disney, and you will have the opportunity to go inside and tour its many lavish rooms and hallways, walk through the alpine forest for a postcard-worthy photo op of the castle, and even go for a swim in a fresh alpine lake!
DAYS 8-10: SWISS ALPS
Fresh mountain air awaits us at our chalet in the Swiss Alps, a sunny paradise of rivers, alpine pastures, forests and glaciers. Using a mountain lodge as our base, we’ll explore the area and all of the outdoor activities on hand. We will go on an exciting mountain biking trip (for all skill levels) through some spectacular trails. We will go on a hiking adventure high up in the Alps with incredible views and even stop on the way for an authentic Swiss cheese tasting with a local family who makes the cheese themselves! Another day will be spent climbing and gliding through the air on a high ropes course in an outdoor park popular with Swiss locals.
We will also go canyoning–always a group favorite! On our canyoning adventure we will climb, slip, slide and jump through natural rock formations and waterfalls!
As always, our emphasis is on safety and we will be accompanied by professional local guides as we hike, bike, and climb. All of these activities are open to all levels and we can easily accommodate anyone from beginner to advanced.
A day trip to the nearby resort town of Montreux rounds out our time in Switzerland. During our time in Montreux we will visit a famous Swiss Chateau that sits right at the edge of Lake Geneva and climb its highest towers and explore its eerie dungeons. We will go for a dip in the fresh alpine water right outside the chateau and experience stunning mountain scenery while we enjoy a refreshing swim.
DAYS 11-12: VENICE
From Switzerland, the iron road will carry us down to the floating city of Venice, on the Adriatic Sea. When you walk out of the train station facing the water, you’ll be amazed at your first look at the splendor of the Grand Canal, lined with Renaissance palaces and filled with passing gondolas. We’ll wander the city’s tangled streets, marvel at the colors and reflections that only Venice can offer, and visit St. Mark’s Basilica and the palace of the Doges. We will visit the island of Murano to enjoy a live glass blowing demonstration and learn about this delicate craft. You will also have the opportunity to ride a gondola and live your very own Italian dream!
The enchantment of Venice won’t wear off anytime soon, and we promise you’ll go home with the memories of a lifetime and a strong case of the “travel bug”.
DAY 13: RETURN FLIGHT TO THE USA
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Frequently Asked Questions
What do students like most about the Europe for Older Teens: Amsterdam, Munich, Swiss Alps & Venice trip?
On the Europe for Older Teens: Amsterdam, Munich, Swiss Alps & Venice trip, students love that this is an older teen trip that caters to their age group. They appreciate the additional independence they are given and that the trip puts a focus on helping them learn to be confident travelers. They love using the Eurail pass and having the classic backpacker experience traveling Europe by rail.
On the Europe for Older Teens: Amsterdam, Munich, Swiss Alps & Venice trip, students love that this is an older teen trip that caters to their age group. They appreciate the additional independence they are given and that the trip puts a focus on helping them learn to be confident travelers. They love using the Eurail pass and having the classic backpacker experience traveling Europe by rail.
Where do we stay?
Our hotels are chosen specifically in safe areas and are well suited to facilitating group supervision. We stay in centrally located accommodations, usually within walking distance of the main attractions. We do not use large, impersonal chain hotels on the outskirts of cities; we prefer to select smaller, family-run hotels where we establish personal relationships with the owners.
In Amsterdam we stay in a spacious family-oriented hostel just a short tram ride away from the Anne Frank House, in one of the city’s up-and-coming residential neighborhoods. In Munich we are in a centrally located, clean hotel, while in Switzerland we will stay in a traditional Swiss chalet in the breathtaking Swiss Alps. All of the rooms even have private balconies overlooking the mountains! In Venice we enjoy a perfect location and a great hotel with many rooms opening right onto a beautiful piazza.
For safety reasons, we do not publish the names of the accommodations we use. We do not feel it is safe to publish the name of a hotel where a group of teenagers is staying abroad. After registering, participants and parents are given access to our secure parent website where you will be able to see the names of all of the accommodations for the program.
Our hotels are chosen specifically in safe areas and are well suited to facilitating group supervision. We stay in centrally located accommodations, usually within walking distance of the main attractions. We do not use large, impersonal chain hotels on the outskirts of cities; we prefer to select smaller, family-run hotels where we establish personal relationships with the owners.
In Amsterdam we stay in a spacious family-oriented hostel just a short tram ride away from the Anne Frank House, in one of the city’s up-and-coming residential neighborhoods. In Munich we are in a centrally located, clean hotel, while in Switzerland we will stay in a traditional Swiss chalet in the breathtaking Swiss Alps. All of the rooms even have private balconies overlooking the mountains! In Venice we enjoy a perfect location and a great hotel with many rooms opening right onto a beautiful piazza.
For safety reasons, we do not publish the names of the accommodations we use. We do not feel it is safe to publish the name of a hotel where a group of teenagers is staying abroad. After registering, participants and parents are given access to our secure parent website where you will be able to see the names of all of the accommodations for the program.
What is included?
Tuition cost includes ground transportation; accommodation; chaperones and guides; program-related activities and admissions; taxes and tips; all breakfasts and dinners.
Not included in cost (this is not intended to be an exhaustive list): airfare; lunches; visas and visa application fees; personal and medical expenses; activities and admissions that are not program-related or referenced in the itinerary; beverages other than filtered water at meals; participant expenses that are outside of the program description, such as excess baggage fees and damage to hotels; expenses related to unforeseen circumstances, such as transportation strikes and natural disasters.
Tuition cost includes ground transportation; accommodation; chaperones and guides; program-related activities and admissions; taxes and tips; all breakfasts and dinners.
Not included in cost (this is not intended to be an exhaustive list): airfare; lunches; visas and visa application fees; personal and medical expenses; activities and admissions that are not program-related or referenced in the itinerary; beverages other than filtered water at meals; participant expenses that are outside of the program description, such as excess baggage fees and damage to hotels; expenses related to unforeseen circumstances, such as transportation strikes and natural disasters.
What is the food like on this program?
In a word – delicious! At Travel For Teens, we believe food should be an integral part of the travel experience and always make an effort to eat at authentic establishments when we can. What better way to immerse yourself in the culture of a place than by sampling the local delicacies, and we encourage students to do so whenever possible! Just as we stay away from Americanized hotel chains, we try to avoid restaurants with menus that cater only to tourists because every good traveler knows the best food is found wherever the locals are eating!
In Amsterdam we will experience its wide variety of cuisine and indulge in some of the city’s favorite specialties including sweet and decadent stroop waffles and even enjoy a tasty pancake dinner one night at one of the city’s most famous pancake houses! We will also sample some of Holland’s famous cheese and for those who dare, try a salty herring sandwich!
In Germany, we’ll have a chance to discover delicious Bavarian specialities. German cuisine is primarily based around bratwurst (sausage), schnitzel (breaded meat), and potatoes (in every form you can imagine!). Students will also get a chance to sample authentic German pretzels of course!
No trip to Switzerland would be complete without a Swiss fondue night! In addition to fondue we will enjoy other tasty swiss treats including an authentic Swiss cheese tasting with a local family who make their own cheese at a farm nestled in the Swiss Alps!
In Italy you are in a treat for some world famous Italian food! Mouthwatering pizza and pasta and incredible seafood are all on the menu during our time here. And of course we will enjoy plenty of delicious gelato!
Of course, we are always willing and able to accommodate vegetarians, vegans, gluten allergies, and other dietary restrictions.
In a word – delicious! At Travel For Teens, we believe food should be an integral part of the travel experience and always make an effort to eat at authentic establishments when we can. What better way to immerse yourself in the culture of a place than by sampling the local delicacies, and we encourage students to do so whenever possible! Just as we stay away from Americanized hotel chains, we try to avoid restaurants with menus that cater only to tourists because every good traveler knows the best food is found wherever the locals are eating!
In Amsterdam we will experience its wide variety of cuisine and indulge in some of the city’s favorite specialties including sweet and decadent stroop waffles and even enjoy a tasty pancake dinner one night at one of the city’s most famous pancake houses! We will also sample some of Holland’s famous cheese and for those who dare, try a salty herring sandwich!
In Germany, we’ll have a chance to discover delicious Bavarian specialities. German cuisine is primarily based around bratwurst (sausage), schnitzel (breaded meat), and potatoes (in every form you can imagine!). Students will also get a chance to sample authentic German pretzels of course!
No trip to Switzerland would be complete without a Swiss fondue night! In addition to fondue we will enjoy other tasty swiss treats including an authentic Swiss cheese tasting with a local family who make their own cheese at a farm nestled in the Swiss Alps!
In Italy you are in a treat for some world famous Italian food! Mouthwatering pizza and pasta and incredible seafood are all on the menu during our time here. And of course we will enjoy plenty of delicious gelato!
Of course, we are always willing and able to accommodate vegetarians, vegans, gluten allergies, and other dietary restrictions.