21-Day European Escape for Middle Schoolers

Course Description: 21-Day European Escape for Middle Schoolers

The Ultimate Middle School Europe Trip �*

Pack your bags for a 21-day European adventure designed especially for students currently completing 7th and 8th grade. This middle school–exclusive trip explores some of Europe’s most exciting cities and storybook towns across England, France, Switzerland, and Italy. Teens will balance big landmarks with cozy cafés, museums with beaches, and adrenaline-filled activities with relaxed evenings among friends. With caring, experienced leaders and a fun, co-ed group of peers their own age, participants will build confidence, independence, and lifelong friendships while seeing some of Europe’s most iconic sights—safely and in great style.

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Program Highlights ✨

• Whitewater raft the Isère River.

• Float through Venice in a gondola.

• Climb the Eiffel Tower and visit the Arc de Triomphe.

• Zipline through the Swiss Alps.

• Swim in the crystal-clear waters of Lake Annecy.

• Imagine gladiators fighting in the Colosseum.

• Explore a glacier cave on Mount Titlis and walk on one of Europe’s highest suspension bridges.

• Cruise down the River Seine.

• Sing and dance the night away at karaoke.

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Itinerary �*

Day 1 – Flight to London, England ✈️

Begin your journey with an overnight flight to London. Upon arrival, the group meets in person, plays icebreakers, and starts building friendships that will last the rest of the trip.

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Days 2–5 – London, England 🇬�*

Welcome to London, the perfect start to your European summer. Settle into the stylish neighborhood of Kensington, one of the city’s most elegant boroughs. Kick things off with dinner and a ride on the iconic London Eye, one of the world’s largest Ferris wheels, for sweeping views of the city.

Take a guided city tour to see classic landmarks like Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, the Tower of London, Leicester Square, Covent Garden, and Piccadilly Circus. In the evening, experience the magic of London’s West End with a live theatre performance (past shows have included Wicked and Mamma Mia!).

Round out your stay browsing the dazzling displays at Harrods and soaking up the energy of Carnaby Street, with its lights, shops, and youthful atmosphere.

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Days 6–8 – Paris & Versailles, France 🇫�*

Paris, France

Bonjour, Paris! From your first croissant at breakfast to crêpes for dessert, you’ll get a delicious taste of French life. Visit the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and the Arc de Triomphe to see why Paris is known as the “City of Light.”

Spend time at the Louvre and stand face to face with the Mona Lisa. Wander through the student-friendly Latin Quarter and soak up the artistic vibe of Montmartre. Enjoy café terraces, cobblestone streets, and picture-perfect viewpoints that make Paris a favorite stop for many travelers.

In the evening, cruise down the River Seine to see the city’s landmarks beautifully lit from the water.

Versailles, France

Take a day trip to the Palace of Versailles and step into royal history. Tour the spectacular Hall of Mirrors, stroll through meticulously manicured gardens, and imagine life as a king or queen centuries ago. Visiting Versailles offers a memorable, grand experience that brings European history to life for middle schoolers.

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Days 9–11 – Annecy, France 🇫�*

Known as the “Little Venice of the Alps,” Annecy sits between majestic mountains and the turquoise waters of Lake Annecy. Explore this charming town by bike, following scenic lakeside paths with friends.

Cool off with a swim in the crystal-clear lake and relax on its shore. Then turn up the adventure as you whitewater raft down the Isère River in the Tarentaise Valley, surrounded by alpine scenery and snow-capped peaks. Annecy offers a beautiful blend of calm, relaxation, and exciting outdoor activities.

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Days 12–13 – Engelberg, Switzerland 🇨�*

Engelberg is a classic Swiss alpine village, surrounded by dramatic peaks and fresh mountain air. Take a gondola up Mount Titlis for stunning glacier views and a true “top of the world” feeling. Explore a glacier cave and step onto a high suspension bridge for thrilling views over the valley below.

Near Lake Trübsee, zipline through the alpine adventure park, gliding over crystal-clear mountain waters. In your downtime, enjoy cozy alpine charm and sample Swiss favorites like hot chocolate and fondue.

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Days 14–15 – Venice, Italy 🇮�*

Welcome to Venice, one of the world’s most unique and beautiful cities. Built on more than 100 islands and connected by countless bridges and canals, Venice is a dreamlike place to explore.

Visit a workshop in Murano to see glassblowers demonstrate their craft. Wander winding streets and hidden alleyways filled with artisanal shops and small piazzas. Explore Piazza San Marco and visit the Doge’s Palace.

Experience Venice the classic way—with a gondola ride through its canals—before indulging in Italian favorites like pizza, pasta, and parmigiana at dinner.

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Days 16–17 – Adriatic Riviera Resort (Rimini), Italy 🏖️

Head to the Adriatic seaside town of Rimini for beach time and relaxation. Known for its golden sands and lively boardwalk, this popular Italian resort area gives the group a chance to slow down and recharge.

Spend your days swimming, relaxing by the water, strolling the promenade, and enjoying the cheerful, vacation atmosphere. It’s a well-timed break in the middle of your fast-paced European journey.

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Days 18–20 – Rome, Italy 🇮�*

Finish your adventure in the Eternal City, where ancient ruins stand beside modern boulevards. Visit the Colosseum and imagine gladiators battling for the crowd’s attention. Explore the Roman Forum and the Pantheon, and feel the weight of history under your feet.

Visit Vatican City to see St. Peter’s Square and the Sistine Chapel, where Michelangelo’s ceiling artwork is unforgettable. In the evenings, enjoy time at the Spanish Steps, dine in Piazza Navona, and soak up the nightlife and gelato culture.

You may even attend a fun, themed toga-style group event—and of course, toss coins into the Trevi Fountain to wish for a future return to Rome.

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Day 21 – Return Flight Home from Rome, Italy ✈️

Say goodbye to new friends and your leaders as you fly home from Rome. The group’s final morning includes time for last photos, last gelato, and big hugs—ending a trip packed with new experiences, independence, and memories that will last a lifetime.

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Accommodations �*

London, England – Dorsett Shepherds Bush

Stay in one of London’s prestigious neighborhoods with easy access to the city’s top sights. This modern hotel offers comfortable rooms and a great base for exploring the capital.

Paris, France – Mercure Paris La Défense

Located within easy reach of major monuments and shopping areas, this hotel features comfortable, modern rooms that are perfect for relaxing after busy days in Paris.

Annecy, France – Moxy Annecy Hotel

Enjoy a stylish and comfortable stay in this charming mountain town, with modern amenities and easy access to lakeside activities and the historic center.

Engelberg, Switzerland – H+ Hotel & SPA

Set in the heart of Engelberg with magnificent mountain views, this hotel offers cozy rooms with Wi-Fi and access to the village’s alpine atmosphere.

Venice Area, Italy – Antony Palace

After exploring Venice’s canals and historic streets, unwind at this modern, comfortable hotel that provides a peaceful end to each exciting day.

Adriatic Riviera (Rimini), Italy – Hotel Genty

Stay just steps from Rimini’s beaches and lively boardwalk. Hotel Genty offers comfortable rooms and a classic seaside resort vibe.

Rome, Italy – Hotel Genova

Conveniently located near many of Rome’s famous sites—including the Roman Forum, Colosseum, Spanish Steps, and Trevi Fountain—Hotel Genova offers comfortable rooms and an ideal base for exploring the city.

Accommodations throughout the trip are hotels and resorts selected for safety, comfort, location, and suitability for middle school travelers.

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What It’s Like �*

This is an exciting, fast-paced travel program filled with big-name landmarks, fun activities, and time to simply enjoy being with friends. The group remains close-knit, supported by attentive leaders who understand middle schoolers’ needs—balancing structure with freedom, adventure with rest, and cultural experiences with plenty of fun.

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Key Details �*

Accommodations:

Hotels and resorts in major cities and resort towns.

Meals:

Breakfast and dinner daily.

Activities:

All listed recreation, excursions, tours, and cultural experiences.

Transportation:

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

Flights:

Chaperoned international flights (New York–London and Rome–New York) available; see Program Specifics.

Internal Flights & Extra Fees:

No internal flight surcharge is specified for this itinerary.

Group Size:

Up to 48 participants.

Dietary Options:

Most dietary preferences and allergies can be accommodated, including vegetarian, lactose intolerance, celiac disease, and kosher-style needs.

Middle School Exclusive:

This is an exclusive departure for students currently completing 7th or 8th grade, ensuring age-appropriate pacing, supervision, and activities.

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Program Specifics ✈️

Flight to London, England:

Participants may join a chaperoned overnight flight from the New York area to London. Leaders are present at the airline counter to help with check-in, introduce travelers to one another, and accompany them throughout the flight. Teens from outside the New York area can connect into New York at suitable times to join the chaperoned flight, or they may meet the group directly in London with coordinated arrival times and a staff greeting.

Return Flight Home from Rome, Italy:

A chaperoned flight from Rome to New York is offered at the end of the program. Participants from other regions may join this flight and then connect home from New York after the group has cleared customs and immigration in the USA. Alternatively, families may arrange for their teen to fly home directly from Rome within designated time windows, with leaders assisting at check-in and staying in the airport until those flights have departed.

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Meals & New Cuisines 🍽️

Meals are an important—and fun—part of this European journey. Breakfasts are typically enjoyed at the hotels. Dinners are taken at authentic local restaurants, bistros, and popular eateries, often as a full group and sometimes in smaller staff-led groups so students can explore different cuisines.

Lunch is usually on-the-go in smaller groups, allowing participants to choose from local cafés and casual restaurants. Teens can look forward to:

• Fresh pasta and pizza in Italy

• Warm fondue and other specialties in Switzerland

• Crispy baguettes and pastries in France

Desserts are a highlight, with opportunities to try gelato in many flavors, tiramisu, churros with chocolate, sweet crêpes, macarons, and other local treats. Even picky eaters usually find plenty they enjoy, and dietary needs are taken seriously and planned for in advance.

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Laundry / Rooming �*

Laundry:

Teens only need about one week’s worth of clothing. During the trip, laundry is done either by dropping clothes at local wash-and-fold services (returned clean, dried, and folded) or by visiting laundromats together as a group. Staff are there to help first-timers understand how the process works, making it a simple part of the travel experience.

Rooming:

Participants stay in quality hotels and resorts chosen for safety, security, amenities, and location. Rooms typically range from doubles to triples. Triples may have two beds and a rollaway or a suite-style layout with a sofa bed. Each participant has their own bed.

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What’s Included / Not Included ✅

Included:

• All lodging in hotels and resorts

• Breakfast and dinner daily

• All scheduled recreation, tours, and activities

• Airport transfers during designated times

• Taxes and gratuities

Not Included:

• Application fee

• Transportation to and from the program (international flights)

• Lunches and snacks

• Personal spending money (souvenirs, extra treats, additional activities not listed)

• Laundry costs

• Optional travel insurance