Program Overview
Organized by Travel For Teens and Gwynedd Mercy Academy, this Spanish and Italian cultural immersion will have you discovering the best of Italy’s mouthwatering cuisine, Spain’s awe-inspiring art, and the fascinating history and ruins between both incredible countries!
Our first stop is regal Madrid, where we’ll stroll through the the Puerta del Sol, pay homage to the legendary Real Madrid Football Club at the Bernabéu Stadium, and go for a rowboat ride in Retiro Park.
Next: fun and funky Barcelona. Beaches, history and Catalan culture are all waiting for you in this Mediterranean city. Gaze in wonder at Gaudí’s avant-garde masterpiece, the Sagrada Familia Cathedral. Explore the whimsical Park Guell, relax on a pristine white sand beach and take a bike tour through the city to see some of the best sites.
Then we’re off to Italy, where we’ll be stepping back in time. In Florence, we will experience the masterpieces of the Renaissance, incredible cuisine, delightful cobblestone streets, and the city’s laidback charm. Then it’s off to the Eternal City, where we will discover the Colosseum and Roman Forum, wander through medieval Italy in Trastevere after spending our morning in the Vatican City.
This program is open to Gwynedd Mercy Academy students in 11-12th grade.
During this trip, you will…
- Have an up-close visit of the FC Barcelona soccer stadium
- Learn how to make your very own paella at a cooking class with a local chef
- Indulge in churros con chocolate at the king’s favorite churrería
- Practice your royal wave at the Palace of Madrid
- Soak up the sun and swim in the bright blue sea at the lively Barcelona beach
- Attend a Flamenco Show and take in the hand clapping, percussive footwork, and intricate hand, arm, and body movements.
- Soak in Gaudi’s architectural masterpieces at the Sagrada Familia, Casa Mila, and Parc Guell
- Bike through Barcelona’s wide boulevards for an insider’s look at the city’s off-the-beaten-path sights
- See the incredible lights and music show at the Magic Fountain
- Dine on mouthwatering patatas bravas and other authentic Spanish tapas
- Get acquainted with the city on a private tour of the Gothic Quarter
- Guarantee your return to Rome with a coin tossed into the Trevi Fountain
- Stroll across the famous Ponte Vecchio and experience the Renaissance city of Florence
- Wander through the vast interior of St. Peter’s Basilica and stare in awe at Michelangelo’s masterpiece in the Sistine Chapel
- Discover the ancient ruins and marvel at the Colosseum in Rome
- Climb the Duomo for incredible views of Florence
- Explore local neighborhoods of Rome in search of the best artisan pizza
Trip Itinerary
DAY 1: DEPART FROM THE USA
DAYS 2-3: MADRID
Upon your arrival in Spain, you’ll be greeted at the airport by your Travel For Teens guides, who will accompany you for the duration of your journey. We’ll head out immediately to discover the incredible city of Madrid. Hear the true, authentic castellano spoken in the streets and in the shops, taste local specialties like calamari and fried green peppers, and shop til you drop along the grand boulevards. You’ll get a tour of the Royal Palace (still in use by the Spanish monarchy) and relax in the Parque del Retiro just as Spaniards do on Sunday afternoons. Laugh at the street performers in la Puerta del Sol, Madrid’s version of Times Square, and get an ice cream in Plaza Mayor–formerly the site of several bullfights and beheadings. Take in some of the world’s best art at the Reina Sofia and the Prado museums. And let’s not forget Madrid’s most famous resident–a trip to the Bernabéu Stadium to see the home of Real Madrid Football Club.
DAYS 4-5: BARCELONA
Barcelona awaits you with its sandy Mediterranean beaches, lively boulevards, and traditional cuisine. Marvel at Antoní Gaudí’s spectacular architecture at Parc Guell, Casa Mila, and of course the Sagrada Familia Cathedral. Explore for yourself all the hidden twists and turns of the ancient Gothic Quarter, and take an off-the-beaten-path bike tour to learn the city’s secrets. You’ll even get to see the Magic Fountain of Montjuic, an amazing lights and music show, and of course go to Camp Nou to try to get a glimpse of Messi. You’ll even get try your hand at making your own paella in TFT’s favorite cooking class! A trip to Spain wouldn’t be complete without attending a Flamenco Show!
DAY 6-7 : FLORENCE
Then it’s time to discover Firenze, the city most often referred to as an outdoor museum. Every turn in this beautiful city reveals a new statue, fountain or fresco. In the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance, we’ll see Michelangelo’s famous “David,” climb to the top of the Duomo, and visit the Uffizi Museum, which houses the best collection of Italian Renaissance art in the world. Art and culture are not all that are in store for us in Florence, however. We’ll shop in the city’s famous markets and go to an exclusive event at one of the best leather shops in the city. We’ll enjoy the best pizzeria in the city and challenge ourselves to go all the way on TFT’s famous gelato tour!
DAYS 8-9: ROME
Then we’re off to the Eternal City, where a long and mighty history awaits us. As the city streets buzz with antiquity around every corner, you’ll be in awe as we transport ourselves thousands of years back in time while exploring the most important monuments and structures. From the Colosseum, where we’ll try to imagine the bloody spectacle of gladiator competition, to the Roman Forum, which once housed the ancient city’s bustling center and main marketplace. There’s no better way to learn about the Roman Empire than with a view of the city from atop the Palatine Hill–the very place where it all began.
We’ll then fast-forward to the Renaissance, crossing the Tiber to Vatican City and marvel at the massive basilica dedicated to St. Peter. We’ll lose ourselves in the Vatican’s extensive collection of artistic masterpieces from the ancient world to the present day, culminating with a look at Michelangelo’s elaborate ceiling frescos in the Sistine Chapel. We’ll stroll down the Tiber and venture slightly off the beaten path to Trastevere, one of Rome’s hippest neighborhoods, to see the local Romans in action and indulge in some of the best food in the city, including fresh homemade pastas and pizza “al taglio.”
Before our trip ends, we’ll make sure to toss a coin over our shoulders into the Trevi Fountain, making sure we will return to Rome!
DAY 10: RETURN FLIGHT TO THE USA
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Frequently Asked Question
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.
How much is tuition & what does tuition include?
Tuition for the trip is $4,395 which INCLUDES all airfare, breakfasts and dinners, accommodations, transportation, entrance to museums/events, taxes and tips,
Tuition does NOT INCLUDE lunches and meals not listed in the itinerary, COVID-related expenses (PPE equipment and testing, as applicable), 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), and Trip Protection Plans
Tuition for the trip is $4,395 which INCLUDES all airfare, breakfasts and dinners, accommodations, transportation, entrance to museums/events, taxes and tips,
Tuition does NOT INCLUDE lunches and meals not listed in the itinerary, COVID-related expenses (PPE equipment and testing, as applicable), 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), and Trip Protection Plans
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.
Who can go on this trip?
The trip is open to all students in 11-12th grade at Gwynedd Mercy Academy. Students must apply internally at GMA prior to registering. Space is limited and is awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis.
The trip is open to all students in 11-12th grade at Gwynedd Mercy Academy. Students must apply internally at GMA prior to registering. Space is limited and is awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis.
What is the payment timeline?
Deadline to register: May 1, 2023
$750 trip deposit due within three business days of registration
Balance due in four installments: September 15, 2023, October 15, 2023, November 15, 2023, and January 15, 2023.
Deadline to register: May 1, 2023
$750 trip deposit due within three business days of registration
Balance due in four installments: September 15, 2023, October 15, 2023, November 15, 2023, and January 15, 2023.
After I register, what happens next?
Once you have completed your registration and paid your deposit, 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.
Where do we stay?
We will be staying in three-star hotels throughout the program. The names of the accommodations are available to all families once they have signed up.
Single rooms can be requested and will cost $400 additional per person per single.
Note: singles must be requested at the time of registration to be guaranteed.
We will be staying in three-star hotels throughout the program. The names of the accommodations are available to all families once they have signed up.
Single rooms can be requested and will cost $400 additional per person per single.
Note: singles must be requested at the time of registration to be guaranteed.
Trip Emails & Photographs
PHOTOGRAPHS
We will take dozens, if not hundreds, of photos each day. The best photos will be posted as regularly as possible (ideally every day) to a private photo-sharing platform (Waldo Photos) where you can follow along with the trip. We will send you an email to alert you when we post new photos. Low-resolution photos can be viewed for free during and after the trip. All of your High-Resolution matched photos can be purchased and downloaded in real-time during the trip or after the trip for $50.
EMAILS
The Trip Director will be in regular email contact every 24-48 hours, internet willing, with our families. Emails will include fun detailed updates about the day’s activities and are a great way for families to follow along with the journey. Email will be the best way to communicate messages to the Trip Director.
Safety, Sickness & Communication
SAFETY AND SICKNESS
The safety of our participants is our #1 concern, which is why we have only experienced trip leaders running the show. We offer 24/7 communication throughout our programs and have detailed risk management and safety policies in place. Please review our policies here.
For information regarding our specific policies with Covid-19 please review our Covid-19 protocols page here.
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.
What is the food like on a TFT program? Can you accommodate dietary restrictions?
In a word – delicious! At TFT, 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!
We also love to have picnics al fresco and do this whenever possible, which is a great way to taste some local food while sitting out in the fresh air taking in the sights and sounds of our surroundings.
As always, we are willing and able to accommodate vegetarians, vegans, gluten allergies, and other dietary restrictions.
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.