Europe for Middle Schoolers Program Overview
Say cheerio to London and bonjour to Paris on this perfect introduction to Europe for middle school travelers! From London’s bustling modern vibe to Paris’ chic, elegant atmosphere, these fun, vibrant cities offer something for everyone. Take in London’s iconic sites, go to a theater show in the West End, hang out at the Brighton Pier, and get a bird’s-eye view of the Thames from atop the London Eye!
In Paris, soak up the City of Light as you get the best view from the top of the Eiffel Tower, enjoy delicious French delicacies (macarons anyone?), take a tour of the Musée du Louvre, and so much more! Your expert TFT guides will tie together history, day to day life, cuisine and the arts to create the ultimate travel and immersion experience, tailored to suit middle school students’ interests.
Come with Travel For Teens to London and Paris to experience two of the greatest European capitals in one unforgettable trip. This incredible journey, designed with middle school students in mind, will leave you with the travel bug forever!
During this program, you will…
- See London’s most famous sites, including Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, and Westminster Abbey
- Try traditional afternoon tea and scones at Kensington Palace
- Marvel at the Queen’s Crown Jewels and meet a real Beefeater at the Tower of London
- Hear London’s bloody history on a nighttime ghost walk
- Explore Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre and attend a modern play in the West End
- Take an off-the-beaten-path walking tour through Paris’s hidden neighborhoods
- Learn about masterpieces like the Mona Lisa at the world-famous Louvre Museum
- Explore the Royal Palace of Versailles and learn about the Sun King’s lavish parties
*This is an optional add on
Trip Itinerary
DAY 1: DEPART FROM NEW YORK (JFK)
DAYS 2-5: LONDON > BRIGHTON
Our first stop is London. Bright, buzzing and full of life, London is one of the most exciting cities in the world. We’ll start by exploring downtown, stopping at familiar sights like Westminster Abbey, the Houses of Parliament, Trafalgar Square, the River Thames, and of course, Big Ben! Our next few days will be focused on getting to know the city like locals. We’ll visit the bustling Southbank neighborhood, home to Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, the Cutty Sark ship, Borough Market, and of course the London Eye! You’ll soak up Britain’s royal heritage with a Beefeater-led tour at the Tower of London and Buckingham Palace, as well as trying traditional tea and scones at Kensington Palace. We’ll take a day trip out of the city to the fun seaside city of Brighton, where you’ll hang out on the pier like the locals and even have the chance to go on the amusement park rides. Finally, what better way to wrap up our time in one of the world’s most culturally-rich cities than with a theater show in the artistic West End district?
DAYS 6-10: PARIS > VERSAILLES
Say farewell to England as you speed through the Chunnel to France, where you will spend four days in Paris. Here 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*, explore the artsy Montmartre neighborhood, and shop til you drop on the Champs-Élysées. You’ll visit the spectacular Palace of Versailles, where you’ll learn about the rise and fall of the French Monarchy, walk through Marie Antoinette’s gardens, and go for a rowboat ride on the lake. Have a tour through the Louvre and take a sunset cruise down the Seine. Take a walking tour through Paris’ hidden alleyways with our local guide and learn interesting aspects of the city’s long history. Try some of your favorite recipes, such as crepes, fondue, and omelets, at authentic bistros–or maybe taste something new (escargot, anyone?). You’ll even attend a pastry-making class to learn how to make delicious French pastries on your own! Finally, let’s not forget the experience of a lifetime going all the way to the top of the Eiffel Tower!
*Please note reservations for the Notre Dame are not yet guaranteed for 2025
DAY 11: RETURN FLIGHT HOME
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FAQs
What do students like most about the Europe for Middle School: Bonjour Paris, Cheerio London trip?
On the Europe for Middle School: Bonjour Paris, Cheerio London program students love that they are able to explore two of Europe’s most important cities on an in-depth trip that experiences all the sights they’ve heard about but never before seen. They also like discovering the cultural differences between England, France, and the US.
On the Europe for Middle School: Bonjour Paris, Cheerio London program students love that they are able to explore two of Europe’s most important cities on an in-depth trip that experiences all the sights they’ve heard about but never before seen. They also like discovering the cultural differences between England, France, and the US.
Where do we stay on 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.
Our London hotel is right in the heart of the city, right near two main train stations and dozens of wonderful restaurants and museums.
In Paris, we will be staying in a beautiful, centrally-located hotel close to the Opera House, surrounded by tons of little cafes, creperies, and shops.
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.
Our London hotel is right in the heart of the city, right near two main train stations and dozens of wonderful restaurants and museums.
In Paris, we will be staying in a beautiful, centrally-located hotel close to the Opera House, surrounded by tons of little cafes, creperies, and shops.
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 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!
Even though a lot of food will look familiar to you, we encourage you to be adventurous, and step out of your comfort zone, try something new! Most British food will be similar to American food, although we will try fish and chips, meat pies, scones, and other local delicacies. The French love ham, cheese, and bread, and maybe you’ll be brave enough to try escargot!
Of course, we are always willing and able to accommodate vegetarians, vegans, gluten allergies, and other 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!
Even though a lot of food will look familiar to you, we encourage you to be adventurous, and step out of your comfort zone, try something new! Most British food will be similar to American food, although we will try fish and chips, meat pies, scones, and other local delicacies. The French love ham, cheese, and bread, and maybe you’ll be brave enough to try escargot!
Of course, we are always willing and able to accommodate vegetarians, vegans, gluten allergies, and other dietary restrictions.