Europe for Older Teens: Ultimate Europe (30 Days)

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 nighttime 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. Get the chance to witness the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace, and catch a live West End show in London’s vibrant theater district!

Bienvenue à Paris! Soak up the joie de vivre as you stroll the cobblestone streets of the Marais, Quartier Latin, and Montmartre, exploring all the hidden corners of this wonderful city! 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!

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 and check out the masterpieces on display at the Van Gogh Museum. 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.

*Please note tickets to the Anne Frank Haus are not able to be guaranteed until they are released in the spring.*

From the Netherlands, we move on to Munich, a charming Bavarian city known for its lively restaurants and popular 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, visit the fairytale Neuschwanstein Castle, and swim in an Alpine lake!

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, which is one of our travelers’ favorites!  Visit one of the tallest peaks in Switzerland and have the option to fly high above the Alps on a paragliding adventure!*

*Please note that the weight restriction for paragliding is 30-100 kg*

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 afterward!

In addition to the art and culture, enjoy some world-class shopping, including a special invitation 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 and a sunset stroll over the Ponte Vecchio, Florence’s oldest and most iconic bridge that crosses the Arno River.

The next stop on our journey takes us to the rolling green hills of Tuscany! There will be an optional excursion to a private vineyard just outside the town of Montalcino to experience the stunning Tuscan countryside in real Italian fashion. This day is a TFT favorite! We have an exclusive invitation to a family’s private Tuscan estate. We have been friends with the family for many years and they (along with their adorable young daughters) welcome us to their home and winery. We will receive a hands-on tasty Italian cooking lesson using freshly harvested vegetables straight from their garden! Enjoy a special tour of the winery where they produce award-winning wine and receive an introduction to this important part of Italian culture. The rest of the afternoon will be spent relaxing at their pool overlooking the rolling hills of Tuscany.

For those who choose not to go on the excursion, stroll the quaint cobblestone streets of the hill town of Montalcino. Visit its beautiful medieval church and cathedral and check out the grand fortress before heading to the nearby town of San Quirico d’Orcia for some breathtaking views of this famous region. Everyone will then hop back aboard our private bus to finish the long-anticipated journey to 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.

After experiencing the spectacular Cinque Terre, we guarantee you’ll never want to leave Europe. Often referred to as the Italian Riviera, the Cinque Terre region is home to five idyllic fishing villages with pastel-colored houses perched on dramatic cliffs that plunge into the crystal-blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea. We stay right in the center of one of the villages, just steps from the beach and charming shops! In Monterosso, we have established strong relationships with the locals, and you’ll be treated like family during your stay here.

The Cinque Terre boasts incredible hiking trails that connect the towns, so we will spend a day hiking, taking time to explore each beautiful village! Enjoy spectacular views of the sea and the vineyards that line the cliffs and be inspired by the natural beauty in this region. Shop in the little villages, sunbathe on beaches and rocks and enjoy a refreshing swim in the brilliant blue water. Those who choose not to hike will have the option to take the train between the villages.

While you’re here, sample local specialties like focaccia and authentic pesto, which was invented here. We’ll dine on seafood caught that very day and kayak the crystal-clear waters of this seaside paradise. This region is made for wandering the stone streets amongst ancient walls spilling over with flowers, so you’ll have plenty of free time here as well.

From the Italian Riviera to the French Riviera, compare these two countries’ famous coastlines back to back! Spend your days enjoying the Mediterranean in midsummer, relaxing on the sprawling crescent beach or prowling narrow alleyways filled with shops and restaurants in Old Nice. Visit the medieval town of Èze, tour a famous perfume factory and soak in some of the most stunning views in all of Europe. Discover why this area has inspired artists for years and why so many celebrities choose to vacation here! You’ll also take a trip to Monaco, spotting the lifestyles of the rich and famous at the elegant Monte Carlo casino.

Last but not least, we will head to the most happening city on the Mediterranean for tapas, paella, strolling La Rambla, and good times on the beach. We’ll see Gaudi’s masterpieces, such as the breathtaking Sagrada Familia cathedral – still being built after 130 years! Sit on the longest bench in the world at the whimsical Parc Guell, full of color and mosaic statues of dragons. We’ll take a Spanish cooking class and learn to cook our own mouthwatering tapas. Stroll through the city’s hip Gothic Quarter and down its bustling beachside boardwalk. Of course, no trip to Barcelona would be complete without catching some rays on the beach, and shopping at some of the most lively outdoor markets and trendy shops in Europe!