Program Overview
Adventure through Europe with us and get the real backpacking experience as we navigate our way from Italy through Switzerland to Paris! Our approach is rooted in the classic backpacker strategy – get a railpass, explore cities with a wide variety of daily choices, and leave ourselves open to the spontaneous possibilities that every day brings.
Our Older Teens programs are specially designed with older high school students and students about to enter university in mind. They are all about a hands-on approach to travel where we go beyond the casual tourist experience, take public transportation, and learn how life really is in each place we visit. They 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!
This is one of our most popular Older Teens trips and combines a great mixture of classic European cities, mountain adventure, and Mediterranean beaches. Those looking to discover a nice mix of European cultures will love experiencing the best Italy, Switzerland, and France have to offer. We will begin in the buzzing student city of Florence which is popular with both travelers and locals! In Florence, we will experience the masterpieces of the Renaissance, incredible cuisine, delightful cobblestone streets, and the city’s laidback charm. After Florence, we will head to the seaside and enjoy the beauty of the Cinque Terre. This is a lesser-known tourist destination and one that should not be missed! After enjoying the sea and incredible hiking trails, we will head to Switzerland for some alpine adventures in the classic backpacker haven of Interlaken. After feeling refreshed from the mountain air and scenery we will be ready to hit up our final destination: the City of Light, the one and only Paris!
During this program, you will…
- Stroll across the famous Ponte Vecchio, gelato in hand, and experience Florence lit up at night
- Enjoy a private invitation to a famous local leather shop for an introduction to the Italian leather market
- Take the cable car to Birg and test your limits on the Thrill Walk and the Skyline Walk
- Stay in the heart of the Cinque Terre and hike between five tiny fishing villages
- Relax on a pristine beach in the Italian Riviera and swim in the Mediterranean
- Fly high over the Swiss Alps on a once-in-a-lifetime paragliding adventure*
- Pay a visit to the Mona Lisa at the world’s most famous museum, the Louvre
- Visit the Palace of Versailles, at the top of every history-lover’s travel bucket list!
- Take a local0-led walking tour through Paris’s off-the-beaten-path alleyways and explore the artsy neighborhood of Montmartre
*This is an optional add on
Trip Itinerary
DAY 1: DEPART FROM NEW YORK (JFK)
DAYS 2-4: FLORENCE
Welcome to Europe! We’ll kick off this trip of a lifetime in Florence. Here, in the center of the Italian Renaissance, artists such as Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci, as well as writers like Dante and Machiavelli completed some of their most famous masterpieces. We’ll stand in awe of Michelangelo’s gorgeous David at the Accademia gallery, and we’ll tour the Uffizi, the world’s best collection of Italian Renaissance art, marveling at paintings by Botticelli, Caravaggio, and others. Art and culture are not all that is in store for us in Florence, however; we’ll also enjoy an amazing pizza dinner, challenge ourselves to complete a tasty nighttime tour of some of the best handmade gelato places in the city, and even enjoy a special invitation to a leather shop for an introduction to the Italian leather industry. No trip to Florence would be complete without a visit to the Duomo, the magnificent Gothic-style basilica. We’ll climb to the top of the famous terracotta dome for a breathtaking view of the city. And don’t forget a sunset stroll over the Ponte Vecchio, Florence’s oldest and most iconic bridge that crosses the Arno River. Before you know it you will truly understand the meaning of “la bella vita!”
DAYS 5-6: THE CINQUE TERRE
We leave Florence for the Cinque Terre, which is one of Italy’s hidden gems! Often referred to as the Italian Riviera, this region is home to five idyllic fishing villages with pastel colored houses perched on dramatic cliffs that plunge into the crystal-blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea. We stay right in the center of one of the villages (Monterosso) just steps from the beach! We do not stay outside the towns in La Spezia which is not technically part of the Cinque Terre. Instead, we are right in the middle of everything and able to walk just a few steps to the beach or charming shops. In Monterosso we have established strong relationships with the locals from some of the service projects we have done there in the past, and you will see you are treated like family during your stay here!
The Cinque Terre is known for its spectacular hiking trails that connect the towns and we will have the opportunity to hike them for ourselves! On the hike we will enjoy spectacular views of the sea and the vineyards that line the cliffs and be inspired by the natural beauty in this region. During our time here we will also sampling local specialties like pesto and focaccia. We’ll dine on fresh seafood and relax on the beach in our seaside paradise.
DAYS 7-9: THE SWISS ALPS
Backpackers in the know head for the green valleys and dramatic alpine mountains of Switzerland. We’ll hop on the train in the Cinque Terre for our next destination, the breathtaking Swiss Alps. The backpacker mecca of Interlaken, nestled in a valley between two large lakes in the mountains, is our base to explore this elegant country and culture. Outdoor sports and activities abound for those who wish to breathe in the fresh mountain air. We will go on a hike in the Alps to discover breathtaking scenery and views and spend plenty of time getting to know traditional Swiss culture and history in the nearby towns. We will take a cable car to one of the highest restaurants in Switzerland for dinner with the best view in Interlaken! You’ll even have the option to fly high above the Alps while paragliding!*
*Please note that the weight restriction for paragliding is 30-100 kg*
DAYS 10-12: PARIS
In Paris, we’ll experience the best of French culture as we marvel at priceless masterpieces and stunning architecture, stroll along the quintessential Parisian boulevards, and eat our way through the different arrondissements, or neighborhoods. You’ll climb the Arc de Triomphe, see where famous artists used to live and be inspired in Montmartre, and shop ’til you drop on the Champs-Elysées. You’ll visit the Palace of Versailles and learn about the rise and fall of the French Monarchy, as well as stroll through Marie Antoinette’s gardens and go for a rowboat ride on the lake. Take a local-led walking tour through Paris’ hidden alleyways and learn interesting aspects of the city’s long history. Explore the Luxembourg Gardens or Père Lachaise Cemetery, take in the best of Impressionist art at the Musée d’Orsay, and relax on a sunset river cruise down the Seine. Try some of your favorite recipes at authentic restaurants, such as crêpes, fondue, and omelettes, or maybe taste something new–escargot anyone? Finally, let’s not forget the experience of a lifetime going all the way to the top of the Eiffel Tower!
DAY 13: RETURN FLIGHT TO THE USA
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where do we stay?
Students stay in centrally located, safe, and well-supervised accommodations in each city.
They are well suited to facilitating group supervision and 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 Florence we stay in a great 3-star hotel right by the Duomo. In the Cinque Terre we are in a beautiful, clean hotel in the center of town just steps from a private beach. In Switzerland we will stay in a hip backpackers villa right in the center of town where you will see paragliders flying through the valley outside your window every day. In Paris we stay in a gorgeous 14th century mansion right in the heart of the Marais neighborhood, next to the Cathedral of Notre Dame.
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.
Students stay in centrally located, safe, and well-supervised accommodations in each city.
They are well suited to facilitating group supervision and 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 Florence we stay in a great 3-star hotel right by the Duomo. In the Cinque Terre we are in a beautiful, clean hotel in the center of town just steps from a private beach. In Switzerland we will stay in a hip backpackers villa right in the center of town where you will see paragliders flying through the valley outside your window every day. In Paris we stay in a gorgeous 14th century mansion right in the heart of the Marais neighborhood, next to the Cathedral of Notre Dame.
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 unique about the Europe for Older Teens: Florence, Cinque Terre, Switzerland & Paris trip?
The Europe for Older Teens: Florence, Cinque Terre, Switzerland & Paris program provides the best combination of dynamic cities and outdoor adventures. Touring and sightseeing in large cities can become overwhelming, so we include fun activities to keep the trip engaging and exciting! Whether it’s attending an event at a leather shop in Florence, taking a French cooking class or hiking the trails of the Cinque Terre, each day is sure to leave you inspired and having a blast!
The Europe for Older Teens: Florence, Cinque Terre, Switzerland & Paris program provides the best combination of dynamic cities and outdoor adventures. Touring and sightseeing in large cities can become overwhelming, so we include fun activities to keep the trip engaging and exciting! Whether it’s attending an event at a leather shop in Florence, taking a French cooking class or hiking the trails of the Cinque Terre, each day is sure to leave you inspired and having a blast!
What is included on the Europe for Older Teens: Florence, Cinque Terre, Switzerland & Paris trip?
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?
The food on this program is authentic, delicious, and a central part of the cultural travel experience.
We prioritize eating at local, authentic establishments rather than Americanized chains, encouraging students to sample the local specialties wherever we go. We fully accommodate all dietary needs, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten allergies, and other restrictions.
In Paris, we’ll have many culinary delights such as crepes, pastries, gourmet food, and for those who are brave enough, escargot!
No trip to Switzerland would be complete without a Swiss fondue night! In addition to fondue we will enjoy other tasty swiss treats including authentic Swiss cheese and chocolate!
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!
The food on this program is authentic, delicious, and a central part of the cultural travel experience.
We prioritize eating at local, authentic establishments rather than Americanized chains, encouraging students to sample the local specialties wherever we go. We fully accommodate all dietary needs, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten allergies, and other restrictions.
In Paris, we’ll have many culinary delights such as crepes, pastries, gourmet food, and for those who are brave enough, escargot!
No trip to Switzerland would be complete without a Swiss fondue night! In addition to fondue we will enjoy other tasty swiss treats including authentic Swiss cheese and chocolate!
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!