Program Overview
From the pristine sandy beaches of Barcelona, its bustling Gothic Quarter and markets, to the cosmopolitan streets of Paris and its stunningly beautiful monuments and galleries, this trip will stay with you long after you return home. We start our program in fun and funky Barcelona, where we will take a walking tour around this beautiful city, sample local cuisine at an old-world marketplace, and marvel at the unique architecture.
Then it’s over to Paris, Europe’s gem that will exceed your highest expectations. Stroll the wide boulevard of the Champs-Elysées, savor crêpes at outdoor cafés, and climb the Eiffel Tower! Plus, enjoy a delicious fondue dinner in the heart of the Latin Quarter, followed by a sunset cruise of the Seine to see the Eiffel Tower lit up and sparkling! See for yourself what makes the European lifestyle unique, learn about the Spanish, French, and Catalan cultures, and of course savor the delicacies of these two metropolises.
Join Travel For Teens this summer for an adventure you’ll never forget!
*Please note, this is an extended version of our Barcelona Explorer program
During this program, you will…
- Discover Barcelona’s beautifully unique architecture at La Sagrada Familia and Parc Guell!
- Have an up-close visit of the FC Barcelona soccer stadium
- Watch flamenco dance show at a traditional tablao
- Learn how to cook traditional Spanish tapas in a private cooking lesson
- Soak up the sun on the lively Barceloneta beach
- See the incredible lights and music show at the Magic Fountain
- Soak in the most iconic Parisian sites such as Notre Dame Cathedral, the Arc de Triomphe, the Musée d’Orsay and the Champs-Elysées
- Explore the Royal Palace of Versailles, learn about the Sun King’s lavish parties, and stroll through the gardens
- See where Van Gogh and Picasso spent time in Paris’ hippest neighborhood, Montmartre
Trip Itinerary
DAY 1: DEPART FROM NEW YORK (JFK)
DAYS 2-5: BARCELONA
Dive right into this funky city with a walking tour of downtown Barcelona, including stops at La Rambla, the Gothic Quarter, Santa Eulalia Cathedral, and Plaça Catalunya. Have lunch at the Boquería Market, a hip old-world marketplace that sells the freshest fruit juices, tastiest tapas, and the best meats and cheeses fresh from countryside farms. Learn how to make your own tapas during our master chef-style cooking competition and shop along La Rambla, the main boulevard in the downtown area. We’ll take a fantastic walking tour around the city and visit the home of FC Barcelona, the Camp Nou soccer stadium. Spend an afternoon relaxing on the beach, then try to keep track of the dancers’ fast-moving feet at a flamenco show. A trip to Barcelona wouldn’t be complete without marveling at Gaudi’s masterpiece cathedral, La Sagrada Familia, and sit on the world’s longest bench at Parc Guell!
DAYS 6-9: 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 see Quasimodo’s home at the Cathedral of Notre Dame, where all of the famous artists hung out in Montmartre, and shop on the Champs-Elysées. You’ll visit the lavish Palace of Versailles and learn about the rise and fall of the French Monarchy, as well as stroll through Marie Antoinette’s gorgeous gardens. Bike through some of Paris’ “hidden” neighborhoods, explore the Luxembourg Gardens or Père Lachaise Cemetery, and take a sunset 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 10: RETURN FLIGHT TO THE USA
Photo Gallery
Check out other TFT programs similar to this one!
Authenticity is engrained in everything we do. Eat, stay, and travel like a local.
Check out what past travelers have to say about TFT and discover why we are consistently awarded “Top Youth Travel Organization” year after year.
Travel with us and discover why we are consistently winning awards for Top Youth Travel Organization.
FAQs
What do students like most about the Barcelona & Paris trip?
Students love that they are able to explore major European cities in two of the most-visited countries in the world. The Barcelona & Paris program allows them to discover the similarities and differences of the unique French, Spanish, and Catalan cultures.
Between our local connections in Barcelona that allow us experiences like private cooking classes and bike tours, and TFT’s years of expertise in leading programs through Paris, the Barcelona & Paris program provides unique insider access to these two countries.
Students love that they are able to explore major European cities in two of the most-visited countries in the world. The Barcelona & Paris program allows them to discover the similarities and differences of the unique French, Spanish, and Catalan cultures.
Between our local connections in Barcelona that allow us experiences like private cooking classes and bike tours, and TFT’s years of expertise in leading programs through Paris, the Barcelona & Paris program provides unique insider access to these two countries.
Where do we stay on this 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.
Our hotel in Barcelona lies right at the intersection of the beautiful Gothic Quarter and the Rambla, the main pedestrian boulevard. It has been recently renovated and is a modern gem in a historical neighborhood. In Paris we’ll stay in safe, comfortable 3* hotel in the heart of the 9th arrondissement, right next to the Opera House.
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.
Our hotel in Barcelona lies right at the intersection of the beautiful Gothic Quarter and the Rambla, the main pedestrian boulevard. It has been recently renovated and is a modern gem in a historical neighborhood. In Paris we’ll stay in safe, comfortable 3* hotel in the heart of the 9th arrondissement, right next to the Opera House.
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 on the Barcelona & 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 in Spain and France?
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.
The food in Spain can be a variety of styles. In Barcelona, tapas are a very popular cultural specialty. Tapas are appetizer sized dishes that amount to a full meal. Both the Spanish and the French love their ham and cheese products. They also eat a lot of bread, have plenty of egg dishes, and many desserts have Nutella. In France, we’ll enjoy classic French café fare, including the world-famous croissants, French bread, and a classic fondue dinner. And for the brave, escargot of course!
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.
The food in Spain can be a variety of styles. In Barcelona, tapas are a very popular cultural specialty. Tapas are appetizer sized dishes that amount to a full meal. Both the Spanish and the French love their ham and cheese products. They also eat a lot of bread, have plenty of egg dishes, and many desserts have Nutella. In France, we’ll enjoy classic French café fare, including the world-famous croissants, French bread, and a classic fondue dinner. And for the brave, escargot of course!