30-Day European Discovery Teen Tour

Course Description: 30-Day European Discovery Teen Tour

European Discovery Teen Tour 🌍

List everything you’d want in a dream Europe trip for high schoolers, and this teen tour pretty much has it all. From London to Paris, through the Swiss Alps and into the sun-soaked towns of Italy, you’ll hit iconic landmarks, experience unforgettable adventures, and soak up local culture at every stop. Think whitewater rafting, skiing or snowboarding, gondola rides, beaches, clubs (teen-appropriate), and late-night laughs with new friends. With caring leaders who specialize in building a close, inclusive group, this European summer won’t just be a vacation — it’ll feel like a month-long family adventure. ✨

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Program Highlights ⭐

• Climb the Eiffel Tower and see the Arc de Triomphe

• Float through Venice in a gondola

• Lounge on beaches at the Amalfi Coast, Cinque Terre, Portofino & the Adriatic Riviera

• Swim by the grottos of Capri

• Ski or snowboard in the Swiss Alps*

• Dance the night away at European clubs (age-appropriate, supervised)

• Whitewater raft the Isère River

• Marvel at Michelangelo’s masterpiece in the Sistine Chapel

• Imagine gladiators fighting in the Colosseum

• Toss coins into the Trevi Fountain

• Cruise down the River Seine

• Swim in the crystal-clear waters of Lake Annecy

*Weather permitting. Skiing/snowboarding require intermediate-level ability or better.

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Itinerary 🗺️

Day 1 – Flight to London, England 🇬🇧

Fly overnight to London. When you land, orientation kicks off with fun icebreakers and “get to know you” games so everyone starts bonding right away.

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Days 2–4 – London, England

London calling! Your adventure begins in one of the most iconic cities in the world. You’ll stay in Kensington, one of London’s poshest neighborhoods.

• Take a ride on the London Eye for epic city views

• Guided city tour with highlights like:

• Buckingham Palace

• Big Ben

• Tower of London

• Leicester Square

• Covent Garden

• Piccadilly Circus

• Explore trendy, colorful Shoreditch

• See a West End theatre show (past shows include SIX and Mamma Mia!)

• Browse the world-famous Harrods

• Stroll down pedestrian-friendly Carnaby Street

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Days 5–7 – Paris & Versailles, France 🇫🇷

Welcome to the city of fashion, art, and pastries.

Paris highlights:

• See major landmarks:

• Eiffel Tower

• Notre-Dame Cathedral (exterior)

• Arc de Triomphe

• Experience classic Parisian life:

• Sip café on the Champs-Élysées

• Croissants for breakfast, baguettes at lunch, crepes for dinner

• Visit the Louvre and say hi to Mona Lisa

• Explore:

• Latin Quarter

• Île de la Cité

• Montmartre, the famous artist district

Versailles:

Step into royal life at the Palace of Versailles:

• Walk through the glittering Hall of Mirrors

• Stroll pristine formal gardens

• Imagine life as a king or queen in one of Europe’s grandest palaces

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Days 8–10 – Annecy, France 🏔️🏞️

Known as the “Little Venice of the Alps,” Annecy is a postcard-perfect town between the Alps and stunning Lake Annecy.

• Chill along the shores of Lake Annecy

• Bike leisurely along the lakeside cycle path

• Whitewater raft the roaring Isère River through the Tarentaise Valley

• Enjoy breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks and crystal water

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Days 11–12 – Zermatt, Switzerland 🇨🇭

Welcome to the Swiss Alps and the shadow of the Matterhorn.

• Explore a charming Alpine village in a car-free zone

• Sip hot chocolate and enjoy classic Swiss fondue

• Ski or snowboard* in the Valaisan Alps

• Ride a gondola for spectacular mountain views

*Weather permitting & for intermediate-level skiers/snowboarders or better.

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Days 13–14 – Cinque Terre, Italy 🇮🇹

Five small cliffside towns perched above the sea — just as they looked centuries ago.

• Hike between the villages with stunning coastal views

• Enjoy pesto where it was invented

• Relax on the beach and swim in the Mediterranean

• Spend evenings with group activities overlooking the sea

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Days 15–16 – Venice, Italy

Canals, bridges, and gondolas everywhere — Venice is like nowhere else on earth.

• Explore over 100 islands connected by 150 canals and 400 bridges

• Watch a glass-blowing demonstration on Murano

• Wander narrow streets packed with artisan shops

• Visit Piazza San Marco and the Doge’s Palace

• Feast on pizza, pasta, parmigiana

• Take a classic gondola ride through the canals 🚤

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Days 17–18 – Adriatic Riviera (Rimini), Italy 🏖️

Beach time on the Adriatic!

• Relax on sandy beaches

• Stroll bustling promenades

• Enjoy lively nightlife in a destination loved by Italians and visitors alike

• Unwind and recharge mid-tour

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Days 19–21 – Rome & Pompeii, Italy

Rome – The Eternal City

• Step into history at:

• Colosseum

• Pantheon

• Roman Forum

• Visit Vatican City:

• St. Peter’s Square

• Sistine Chapel and Michelangelo’s legendary ceiling

• People-watch at the Spanish Steps

• Dine in the lively Piazza Navona

• Experience a fun Roman toga party

• Toss coins into the Trevi Fountain to guarantee your return 💧

Pompeii:

• Explore the ruins of the city buried by Mount Vesuvius 1,900 years ago

• Walk through ancient streets frozen in time

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Days 22–24 – Amalfi Coast (Sorrento, Capri & Positano), Italy

After some participants on shorter programs depart, the rest continue to Italy’s legendary coast.

• Cruise to Capri and swim near its famous grottos

• Spend the day in chic Positano:

• Beach time

• Wandering colorful streets and boutique shops

• Enjoy Sorrento, perched high above the Bay of Naples

• Savor evenings in lively Piazzas with friends and views for days

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Days 25–27 – Florence & Pisa, Italy

Florence – Birthplace of the Renaissance

• Visit the Duomo by Brunelleschi

• See Michelangelo’s David at the Accademia

• Learn Italian cooking at a private class and enjoy the feast

• Taste world-famous gelato 🍨

• Explore leather markets and shops on Ponte Vecchio

• Enjoy an afternoon of stand-up paddleboarding and zip-lining before returning to Florence for more Tuscan charm

Pisa:

• Visit the Campo dei Miracoli

• See (and photograph!) the Leaning Tower of Pisa

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Days 28–29 – Milan & Portofino, Italy

• Take a ferry to Portofino

• Enjoy the beach at Niasca and go kayaking or paddleboarding

• Back in Milan, visit the Piazza del Duomo and admire the cathedral that took almost 600 years to complete

• Celebrate your final nights at a farewell banquet, sharing summer memories and inside jokes from the tour 💛

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Day 30 – Return Flight Home from Milan, Italy ✈️

Say goodbye to new friends as you head home. The trip might be over, but the memories and friendships will last long after summer ends.

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Accommodations 🛏️

• London, England – Holiday Inn Kensington or similar, in one of London’s most prestigious neighborhoods, close to major sights.

• Paris, France – Novotel Tour Eiffel or similar, with AC, Wi-Fi, and easy access to the city’s highlights.

• Annecy, France – Le Pelican, Moxy Annecy, or ibis Annecy Centre Vieille Ville, all comfortable properties in this charming mountain town.

• Zermatt, Switzerland – Hotel Plateau Rosa, a cozy Alpine-style hotel with wood-beamed décor, near both town center and cable cars.

• Cinque Terre, Italy – CDH Hotel in La Spezia, just minutes from the harbor and well placed for exploring the Cinque Terre villages.

• Venice, Italy – Hotel Carlton on the Grand Canal or similar, within a short walk of the Rialto Bridge and St. Mark’s Square.

• Adriatic Riviera (Rimini), Italy – Hotel Polo or similar, a comfortable seaside hotel near the beach.

• Rome, Italy – Hotel Eliseo or BW Hotel President, close to major monuments like the Colosseum, Spanish Steps, and Trevi Fountain.

• Sorrento, Italy – Hotel Michelangelo, Zi Teresa, or La Meridiana, all 4-star properties in the heart of town and perfect for exploring Capri and Positano.

• Florence, Italy – Hotel de la Ville or similar, in the city center just a short walk from the Duomo and Ponte Vecchio.

• Milan, Italy – NYX Hotel, a trendy property with art-filled spaces and a terrace overlooking the Milan skyline.

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What It’s Like 💫

An exciting, fast-paced tour packed with legendary sights, cool activities, local flavor, and a close-knit group vibe. Expect bucket-list moments, late-night laughs, and a real feeling of “we’re all in this together.”

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Key Details 🧾

Accommodations

Hotels & resorts throughout the program.

Meals

Includes breakfast and dinner daily. Lunches are purchased individually at local cafés, markets, or restaurants.

Activities

All recreation and activities listed in the itinerary are included.

Transportation

Chartered, deluxe, air-conditioned motor coach with a professional driver.

Group Size

Up to 48 participants.

Dietary Options

Most dietary preferences and allergies can be accommodated (e.g., vegetarian, lactose intolerance, food allergies, celiac, kosher-style).

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Program Specifics ✈️

Flight to London, England

Participants may fly on a chaperoned group flight from the New York area to London.

Students from other regions can either:

• Connect into New York to join the chaperoned flight, or

• Fly directly to London, with staff helping coordinate arrival times and greeting them at the airport.

Return Flight from Milan, Italy

For the return, a chaperoned flight to New York is available.

For travelers from other areas:

• You may join the New York flight and then connect onward, or

• Fly directly home from Milan after staff assist with check-in and departure within designated times.

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Food & Meals 🍕🥐🍫

Enjoy some of Europe’s best food:

• Fresh pasta and pizza in Italy

• Fondue in Switzerland

• Baguettes and pastries in France

Dinner is often at authentic local restaurants. Sometimes the group eats together, and other times you’ll select a smaller group of friends to explore different cuisines. Lunches are more flexible so you can try cafés, bistros, and markets. Think: gelato, crepes, churros, and more treats as dessert options along the way.

Most dietary needs (vegetarian, allergies, lactose-free, celiac, kosher-style) can be accommodated.

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Rooming 🏨

You’ll stay in high-quality, safe, centrally located hotels and resorts. Rooms are typically doubles or triples:

• Triples may be two beds plus a rollaway or a suite-style room with a sofa bed

• Each participant has their own bed

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Laundry 🧺

You’ll only need about one week’s worth of clothing. Laundry is done by:

• Dropping clothes at local wash-and-fold services, or

• Going together to a laundromat (detergent provided and staff help first-timers)

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What’s Included ✅

• All lodging

• Breakfast and dinner daily

• All listed activities and excursions

• Airport transfers at designated times

• Taxes and gratuities

Not included:

• Application fee

• Transportation to/from Europe (international flights)

• Lunches & snacks

• Personal spending money for souvenirs

• Laundry

• Optional travel insurance