Program Overview
Come experience a quintessential European summer amidst the buzzing streets of London, elegant squares of Paris, sun-drenched promenades of the French Riviera, and vibrant markets of Barcelona! We’ll explore these legendary destinations like locals with an epic train journey — so we can soak in the varied cultures and landscapes of these dynamic countries!
Our travels begin in London where we’ll enjoy everything this fantastic city offers – from visiting royal Buckingham Palace, to browsing the colorful stalls of Camden Market, to catching a theater production in the bustling West End. From St. Pancras station, we’ll hop aboard the Chunnel train to be whisked beneath the English Channel toward the City of Light. In Paris, we’ll glimpse the city from atop the Eiffel Tower, taste homemade macarons from a famous patisserie, and take a tour of the world-renowned art of the Musée du Louvre.
After perusing Paris we’ll head south to the pebbly shores of Nice — the gem of the French Riviera. Then we’ll answer the call of the mountains and venture into the French Alps. Our adrenaline will surge as we whitewater raft or aqua trek* our way through Europe’s most picturesque canyon, Gorges du Verdon!
Onto country number three, as our trip of a lifetime concludes in lively, funky Barcelona! We’ll wander amongst the ornate architecture of Gaudí, sample tapas in the old town, admire the dancer’s flying feet at a flamenco performance, and relax on the beautiful beaches of the Mediterranean. Get ready to travel like a pro as you cruise down the River Seine at twilight, take in the best views from atop the London Eye, savor the fresh fruits at the Boquería Market, and visit medieval fortresses!
Our Older Teens trips are specially designed for any teen who wants to gain a global perspective before leaving high school and heading out into the “real world”. Because as you grow, your interests and needs do too. 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 international public transport, along with other handy travel skills, so that they become confident and able to take on even more of the world in the future.
*Depending on the dam schedule we may aqua trek through the gorge instead, an activity specific to this region of France!
During this program, you will…
- Stroll along the River Thames and see the world-famous Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, Trafalgar Square, and Buckingham Palace from atop the London Eye
- Browse the trendy Camden Market for hip treasures
- Savor mouthwatering crêpes in the funky artistic neighborhood of Montmartre
- Watch a fireworks show over the Mediterranean Sea
- Relax on pristine beaches in the French Riviera
- Go on an all-day rafting or aqua-trek* and ropes course adventure in France’s version of the Grand Canyon
- See the home of FC Barcelona at Camp Nou Soccer Stadium
*Depending on the dam schedule we may aqua trek through the gorge instead, an activity specific to this region of France!
Trip Itinerary
DAY 1: DEPART FROM NEW YORK (JFK)
DAYS 2-4: LONDON
Our trip of a lifetime begins in regal London, home of the Queen, afternoon tea, and the famous red double-decker buses! Upon arriving, we’ll take a walk downtown to get acquainted with this buzzing capital city. Visit the royal family at Buckingham Palace, listen to Big Ben chime on the hour, and see where the royals get married at Westminster Abbey. Observe the seats of the British government at the Houses of Parliament and 10 Downing Street before crossing the River Thames to the London Eye. No trip to the United Kingdom would be complete without a visit to the Crown Jewels at the Tower of London, where the Yeoman Warder guards will tell you all the spooky stories of this infamous prison. Spend an afternoon browsing for treasures at the fantastic Camden Market, where you can try foods from all over the world and find just about any souvenir you’re looking for. Finish off our time in Great Britain with dinner and a live show in the West End (London’s version of Broadway).
DAYS 5-7: PARIS
After enjoying our time in London, zoom underneath the English Channel to Paris on the high-speed Eurostar train. What better way to welcome you to France than by going up the Eiffel Tower? Enjoy a fresh ham-and-cheese baguette on the Champs de Mars and savor homemade fondue in the Latin Quarter for dinner. Cruise down the Seine at twilight and watch the Eiffel Tower sparkle. Marvel at the world’s best masterpieces in the Louvre Museum–Will you be able to figure out what the Mona Lisa is smiling at? Experience the charm of Paris, exploring the iconic streets, lush parks, and past famous landmarks, all while soaking in the city’s vibrant atmosphere. Stroll through the lush Tuileries Gardens with a fresh macaron in hand, and gaze in awe at the Arc de Triomphe. Wander through the charming streets of Montmartre, and marvel at the vibrant art scene, and of course, shop ’til you drop on the Champs-Elysées. On this program, you’ll even go to the spectacular Chateau de Versailles, where you’ll see where history happened in the Hall of Mirrors and stroll through Marie Antoinette’s gardens!
DAYS 8-10: NICE > CASTELLANE
Say “adieu” to the City of Light as we catch the high-speed train down to the gem of the French Riviera, Nice! We’ll spend time relaxing on Nice’s pristine pebbl beach before embarking on the journey to our next stop: the mountain village of Castellane. In this outdoor paradise, we’ll go on adrenaline-pumping rafting adventure or aqua trekking* in the Gorges du Verdon–the Grand Canyon of France. After our morning on the water, we’ll tackle a ropes course.
*Depending on the dam schedule we may aqua trek through the gorge instead, an activity specific to this region of France!
DAYS 11-12: BARCELONA
After another train ride, we’ll cross the border from France into Spain. Barcelona is famous for its rich Catalan culture, delicious cuisine, and vibrant nightlife. Explore the colorful Boquería Market and choose your favorite fruit juice flavor from the friendly vendors. Meander through the enchanting pathways of Park Güell, absorbing the vibrant mosaics and fantastical architectural wonders masterfully crafted by Gaudí. Shop along the Passeig de Gràcia Boulevard or soak up the sun on Barceloneta Beach. Marvel at Antoní Gaudí’s incredible unfinished basilica, the Sagrada Familia–no other church in the world looks like it! For soccer fans, make the pilgrimage to Camp Nou, the football stadium where FC Barcelona plays. We’ll even watch a flamenco performance–watch the dancers’ feet fly!
DAY 13: RETURN FLIGHT TO THE USA
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FAQs
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 London, we stay in a residential neighborhood just steps from two main train stations, which means we can easily travel over the whole city.
In Paris, we stay in the heart of the 9th Arondissement, close to the Opera House. In Nice, we will be in the historical quarter. In Castellane, we will be in the center of town. In Aix we are in the city center. Our hotels are modern with air conditioning except for Castellane, which does not have AC. The good news it that Castellane is in the Southern French Alps and as a mountain town it gets cool at night in the summer time and there are fans in the rooms.
Our Barcelona hotel is in the center of the Gothic Quarter, just steps from La Rambla but located on a quiet side street away from all the noise.
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 London, we stay in a residential neighborhood just steps from two main train stations, which means we can easily travel over the whole city.
In Paris, we stay in the heart of the 9th Arondissement, close to the Opera House. In Nice, we will be in the historical quarter. In Castellane, we will be in the center of town. In Aix we are in the city center. Our hotels are modern with air conditioning except for Castellane, which does not have AC. The good news it that Castellane is in the Southern French Alps and as a mountain town it gets cool at night in the summer time and there are fans in the rooms.
Our Barcelona hotel is in the center of the Gothic Quarter, just steps from La Rambla but located on a quiet side street away from all the noise.
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 the Europe for Older Teens: London, Paris, French Riviera & Barcelona 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.
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!
The food in Spain can be a variety of styles, but one of the most amazing food traditions to ever exist remains the same throughout the whole country – tapas! Can’t decide on what to order? No problem! With tapas, you can try a little bit of everything. Tapas are small, shared dishes that accumulate to a full meals served in multiple appetizer sized plates.
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.
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!
The food in Spain can be a variety of styles, but one of the most amazing food traditions to ever exist remains the same throughout the whole country – tapas! Can’t decide on what to order? No problem! With tapas, you can try a little bit of everything. Tapas are small, shared dishes that accumulate to a full meals served in multiple appetizer sized plates.
What is unique about the Europe for Older Teens: London, Paris, French Riviera & Barcelona trip?
Between the mix of adventure activities and cultural exploration, the opportunity to see the French alps, and our local connections who give us off-the-beaten-path experiences, the Europe for Older Teens: London, Paris, French Riviera & Barcelona program provides unique insider access to these three countries.
Between the mix of adventure activities and cultural exploration, the opportunity to see the French alps, and our local connections who give us off-the-beaten-path experiences, the Europe for Older Teens: London, Paris, French Riviera & Barcelona program provides unique insider access to these three countries.