Program Overview
Join us this summer as we travel around Europe to seven unique countries! Our approach is rooted in the classic European traveler strategy – hop on a train, explore cities with a wide variety of daily choices, and leave ourselves open to the spontaneous possibilities that every day brings.
This perfectly-paced itinerary will ensure that you get the most out of each destination. Don’t just see these beautiful European destinations (although the views from atop St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican or the London Eye are not to be missed!). Our Ultimate Europe for Older Teens program puts a focus on experiencing activities to the max with true travel freedom! Whether that’s cooking lessons, bike tours, fun excursions, or other cultural activities, our itineraries our constructed to keep the program exciting and bring each unique culture to life!
Enjoy high tea in London, visit the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam, take a bike tour through Munich’s flower-filled streets, breathe the fresh Alpine air in Switzerland, tour the iconic Colosseum in Rome, relive the Renaissance in Florence, and so much more! Get ready to travel like a pro as you explore Amsterdam’s maze of islands and canals on an epic evening cruise, soak in Bavarian culture at an authentic beer hall in Munich, and eat more amazing pizza and pasta than you can begin to imagine in Italy while making lasting memories with your new friends during your travels throughout some of the most amazing cities in Europe!
Savor the world-famous Mediterranean diet as you sample local delicacies from each country. Hike the rugged wilderness of the Swiss Alps and make new friends from around the world at a traditional German beer hall. Don’t just glimpse the sights through a bus window! Ride the modern trains from country to country and catch public transportation in each city, immersing yourself in the best parts of every region and living like a local, so you can be a traveler, not a tourist!
Our Older Teen programs are carefully crafted with 11th and 12th graders in mind. We understand that older teens require a different type of program, and need itineraries with more challenges and independence to help them grow and encourage even more confidence in traveling.
During this program, you will…
- Enjoy afternoon tea and scones at Kensington Palace
- Have a night out at the theater in London’s buzzing West End
- Get up close with WWII history at the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam and Dachau Concentration Camp in Munich
- Hike, bike, and then ride a cable car through the breathtaking Swiss Alps
- Partake in a Swiss chocolate making workshop
- Float high above the Swiss Alps on a once-in-a-lifetime paragliding adventure*
- Wander the leather markets of Florence and cross the Ponte Vecchio, gelato in hand
- Toss a coin in the Trevi Fountain at the heart of Rome
*This is an optional add on
After 21 exciting days in Europe, most participants choose to continue the fun as part of our full Europe for Older Teens: Ultimate Europe 30-day version of this program!
Trip Itinerary
DAY 1: DEPART FROM NEW YORK (JFK)
DAYS 2-4: LONDON
Our adventure begins traveling around London. Bright, buzzing and full of life, London is one of the most eclectic and exciting cities in the world. You’ll see all of the main sites, including Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, the River Thames and the Houses of Parliament. You will ride the London Eye for incredible city views, explore some of the greatest museums in the world, take a midnight serial killer tour with the scariest guide in London, walk in the steps of the Beatles at Abbey Road, and shop at Camden Market with its urban appeal. Learn about the Tower of London’s gruesome history from a Yeoman Warder and see the Queen’s Crown Jewels. Witness the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace, and even see a live West End show in London’s hip theater district!
DAYS 5-7: PARIS
Bienvenue à Paris! Soak up the joie de vivre as you stroll the cobblestone streets of the Marais, Quartier Latin, and Montmartre. We’ll visit the Musée du Louvre – the world’s largest art collection and home to da Vinci’s beguiling Mona Lisa – and enjoy an afternoon of shopping along the Champs-Élysées, where boutiques from the world’s best designers line the wide boulevards. We’ll ascend to the very top of the Eiffel Tower, enjoy a twilight cruise along the Seine, and take in spectacular views of the city from atop the Arc de Triomphe. You may choose to visit the Centre Pompidou or the Musée d’Orsay, both home to sublime artistic masterpieces. Wander the ancient streets of Montmartre, once the city’s artistic center, also encompassing the infamous Moulin Rouge. The food is of course incredible, and the baguettes, escargot, crêpes and fondue will be plentiful during our Parisian adventure!
DAYS 8-9: AMSTERDAM
Welcome to Amsterdam! Doesn’t the very name conjure up visions of wooden shoes and tulips? This is a teen traveler’s dream destination. Known for its vibrant culture of young travelers eager to explore the city’s treasures, it is a sight to behold. Amsterdam is filled with bicycles and gorgeous old buildings, which makes it ideal for exploring on foot. Our focus is on providing a safe and energetic tour of this dynamic city, as we tour the Vondelpark, check out the masterpieces on display at the Van Gogh Museum and stroll along the picturesque canals. Throughout, we’ll peer back into the origins of Dutch culture, and pause to reflect on the events of modern history as we visit the Anne Frank House, where the famous diarist and her family lived while in hiding from the Nazi forces that occupied the city. Feel connected to her story when you see for yourself where they huddled for years making a life for themselves under very difficult circumstances.
DAYS 10-12: MUNICH
From the Netherlands, we move on to Munich, a charming Bavarian city known for its lively restaurants and beer halls, enchanting public gardens, and fascinating history. We will pay a visit to Dachau, one of the most sobering concentration camps. Once in Munich, we’ll bike through the cobblestone streets, and visit the iconic central square of Marienplatz. On our bike tour of Munich, we’ll learn about the most famous Glockenspiel in the world, explore the medieval heart of Munich, and see the famous wave surfers in the Englischer gardens. The surfers actually ride on the natural wave in the river that cuts through the park–an awesome sight! You’ll also take a day trip to the Bavarian Alps and visit the fairytale Neuschwanstein Castle and swim in an Alpine lake!
DAYS 13-15: INTERLAKEN
Travelers in the know head for the green valleys and dramatic alpine terrain of Switzerland. 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 hike 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’ll even participate in a Swiss chocolate-making workshop! Visit one of the tallest peaks in Switzerland and have the option to fly high above the Alps on a paragliding adventure!*
DAYS 16-17: FLORENCE
Florence was the center of the Italian Renaissance, where greats like da Vinci, Dante and Machiavelli completed some of their most famous masterpieces. En route from Interlaken to Rome, we’ll stop here and spend a few days absorbing this city’s artistic vibes. Stand in awe of Michelangelo’s gorgeous David at the Accademia Gallery – no other sculpture will be able to compare afterwards!
In addition to the art and culture, enjoy some world-class shopping, including a special invite to one of the city’s best leather stores. Peruse the exquisite handbags and jackets and grab the perfect Italian souvenir. When we’ve had our fill of shopping and seeing the sights, we will enjoy amazing pizza dinners followed by homemade gelato at TFT’s favorite gelaterias. Finally, let’s not forget a visit to the Duomo (you can even climb to the top of the famous terracotta dome for a breathtaking view of the city!) and a sunset stroll over the Ponte Vecchio, Florence’s oldest and most iconic bridge that crosses the Arno River.
DAYS 18-20: ROME
When we arrive in the Eternal City it’s like being transported back in time. Rome never ceases to amaze with its talent for fusing ancient buildings and streets right into an incredibly modern and pulsing city. From the Colosseum, where we’ll envision the bloody spectacle of gladiator competition, to the Roman Forum, which once housed the ancient city’s bustling center and main marketplace, site of Caesar’s oratories and his death, our expert guides will bring Rome’s history to life. 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 marveling at the massive basilica dedicated to St. Peter. This is the largest church building in the world, and definitely the most impressive. St. Peter himself is entombed beneath its massive altar, and you can see Michelangelo’s breathtaking painting “Pietà” before staring up at the world’s most famous ceiling 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 or pizza al taglio. Shop on the famous Via del Corso, toss a coin over your shoulder into the Trevi Fountain and hang out on the Spanish Steps enjoying a classic Roman evening of people-watching in a beautiful piazza.
DAY 21: RETURN FLIGHT TO THE USA
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can go on this trip? What kind of teen typically goes on this trip?
Teens from all over the world join this program! Typically, our participants are culturally curious individuals who are excited to make new friends, experience something unique, and interested in stepping out of their comfort zones and expanding their horizons.
This program is exclusively for students who are currently in 11th or 12th grade and approximately 16 to 18 years old. Students living outside of the USA are welcome to join!
Where do we stay?
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.
On this program we stay at centrally located hotels and high standard hostels in ensuite private rooms. For example, in London we stay in close proximity to metro stations and London King’s Cross train station, for easy access within the city and to our next destination. In Rome we stay at an elegant hotel near the central Piazza Santa Maria Maggiore, close to the city center and the main train station. Our hotel in Munich is a favorite, right in the city center with modern rooms and fast wifi – perfect for Facetiming home and telling your parents all about your adventures!
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.
Do most travelers go on their own?
Yes! In fact, over 75% of students who travel with us choose to come independently. This encourages teens to step further outside their comfort zone and make new friends. We believe that one of the most rewarding and exciting elements of travel is the new friendships that form along the way. When we travel by ourselves, we are bound to make new friends from all over the country and even the world. The best part is, you can travel again with your new friends on another TFT program the next summer!
If you are thinking about joining a TFT program by yourself but you are feeling unsure, please let us know! We have plenty of references from solo travelers who had great experiences and would be happy to chat with you about it.
Can I bring a friend?
Absolutely! We ask that if you do come with a friend, you and your friend(s) maintain openness to meeting new people and sharing this special experience with the entire group.
What do students like most about the Europe for Older Teens: Ultimate Europe (21 Days) trip?
Students love that the Europe for Older Teens: Ultimate Europe (21 Days) program packs in seven different countries at a comfortable pace, giving them the ultimate European adventure! Older teens love that this program is hands-on and provides much more in-depth experience than the standard sightseeing European tour. The combination of all the major sights, engaging activities like kayaking, cooking lessons, and bike tours, as well as ample free time to choose between activities in order to tailor their own incredible itinerary, means students love their Ultimate Europe adventure!
What is unique about the Europe for Older Teens: Ultimate Europe (21 Days) trip?
The Europe for Older Teens: Ultimate Europe (21 Days) 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 program engaging and exciting! Whether it’s attending an event at a leather shop in Florence, taking an Italian cooking class, or bike riding through beautiful Munich, each day is sure to leave you inspired and having a blast!
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.
How do the optional group flights work?
Upon registration, you will be contacted by our International Logistics Team to discuss the program’s flight details. There is no requirement to take the group flight, but there are several advantages to doing so. The group flight is usually chaperoned by a TFT staff member, and it also offers an opportunity for the students to get to know one another prior to the start of the program. Parents are responsible for coordinating transport to the departure airport – however, the logistics team will send out instructions detailing the exact meeting spot and airport point person. For additional information about flights, visit our dedicated flight page.
Who leads the program?
Our staff is a cut above the rest! We seek out two main characteristics in our counselors – extensive knowledge of and experience in our destinations, and a passion for working with teens. Our staff’s backgrounds include living abroad and working in summer camps or other educational settings. Team members are proven leaders and role models, who connect easily with others and form genuine friendships with each student – all while bringing each destination to life.
We celebrate diversity! Our staff represents 49 different nationalities, speak a combined total of 21 languages, and visited 142 countries. Additionally, 80% of our staff lived or worked abroad in their lives. With so many unique experiences to share, you are sure to gain a global perspective.
Our average minimum ratios are one staff member to every seven participants. Each program has one Trip Director with several support staff, depending on the group size. Directors must be at least 25 years old within the calendar year and have prior experience working with TFT.
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 average group size?
We pride ourselves on small group sizes to create a more authentic and personalized experience. Our group sizes fall between 13 and 24 students – the perfect size to facilitate new friendships without feeling lost in a crowd! We believe smaller groups eliminate the likelihood of cliques, and allows for a well-rounded, healthy group dynamic.
How does this program connect to other programs?
Our program dates are designed specifically so that participants can opt to combine trips throughout the summer. When connecting to another program, your counselor will escort you to the airport on the last day of the program and assist you in meeting your next group at your new destination.
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! This program really offers a culinary odyssey through so many amazing cuisines.
In London, we’ll sample cuisine from all over the world–after all, London’s population is the most diverse in the world! We’ll also enjoy traditional British fare like fish and chips and meat pies.
Experience a wide variety of Dutch cuisine and indulge in some of the city’s favorite specialties, including sweet and decadent stroop waffles and even enjoy a tasty pancake dinner one night at one of the city’s most famous pancake houses! We will also sample some of Holland’s famous cheese and for those who dare, try a salty herring sandwich!
In Germany, we’ll have a chance to discover delicious Bavarian specialities. German cuisine is primarily based around bratwurst (sausage), schnitzel (breaded meat), and potatoes (in every form you can imagine!). Students will also get a chance to sample authentic German pretzels, of course!
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!
During your time in Italy, mouthwatering pizza and pasta and incredible seafood are all on the menu, with a pesto cooking class and of course plenty of delicious gelato!
Of course, we are always willing and able to accommodate vegetarians, vegans, gluten allergies, and other dietary restrictions.
Do we ever get time to go off on our own?
Our staff and teens are nearly always together, but we do provide the opportunity to break up into smaller groups to allow for flexibility and customization within the itinerary.
We offer free time in defined safe areas – for example, shopping in a market or exploring a museum. During these times, students remain in groups of at least two and are given no more than an hour. Of course, the counselors remain nearby and available. Additionally, a lifeguard-certified counselor supervises the campers any time they are involved in water activities.
Do I need any vaccinations for this program?
We recommend checking with your family doctor regarding vaccinations and medical advice for the destination you are visiting. For more information, please check the World Health Organization’s website. Upon registration, we provide a list of recommended vaccinations that can be discussed further with your doctor. For Specific questions pertaining to the COVID-19 vaccine, click here.
What kind of visa do you need for this trip?
Any US citizen that enters the UK is automatically granted a free 180-day tourist visa.
Any US citizen that enters Europe is automatically granted a free 90-day tourist visa.
When joining a TFT trip from outside of the US, please be sure to check your country’s specific visa requirements.
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!
Do I have to bring a backpack?
No–the bag you bring is up to you, but we strongly recommend a smaller lighter bag, preferably one with rolling wheels to make your travel a bit easier. Larger “backpacker-style” backpacks are also appropriate. Please keep in mind you will be responsible for your own bags throughout the duration of the trip so packing light like a true traveler is key!