28-Day European Experience ON TOUR

Course Description: 28-Day European Experience ON TOUR

European Experience Teen Tour 🇬🇧🇫🇷🇨🇭🇮�*

Spend 28 unforgettable days exploring some of Europe’s most iconic cities and dream destinations across England, France, Switzerland, and Italy. This ON TOUR itinerary is created specifically for older teens (currently completing 11th or 12th grade), combining famous landmarks, outdoor adventure, beaches, culture, and just the right amount of independence. With caring leaders and a close-knit group, teens enjoy big-city energy, alpine thrills, and coastal chill all in one summer.

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Program Highlights ✨

• Float through Venice in a gondola.

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

• Lounge on beaches at the Amalfi Coast, Portofino and the Adriatic Riviera.

• Zipline across breathtaking canyons in Tuscany.

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

• Imagine gladiators fighting in the Colosseum.

• Whitewater raft the Isère River.

• Ski or snowboard the Swiss Alps (weather permitting; intermediate level required).

• Prepare authentic Italian dishes at cooking school.

• Swim by the grottos of Capri.

• Cruise down the River Seine.

• Dance the night away at European clubs (age-appropriate venues).

• Glide through turquoise waters on a paddleboard beneath towering canyon walls.

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Itinerary �*

Day 1 – Flight to London, England

Overnight flight to London. Meet your leaders and new friends, then start orientation with fun icebreakers and group activities.

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Days 2–4 – London, England

Stay in stylish Kensington and get to know the city:

• Ride the London Eye for incredible views.

• Guided city tour: Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, Tower of London, Leicester Square, Covent Garden, Piccadilly Circus.

• Explore Shoreditch and its colorful, trendy streets.

• Enjoy a West End theatre show (such as Wicked or Mamma Mia!).

• Browse Harrods and wander pedestrian-friendly Carnaby Street.

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Days 5–7 – Paris & Versailles, France

Paris

Experience the “City of Light” and its café culture:

• Visit the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and the Arc de Triomphe.

• See the Mona Lisa at the Louvre.

• Explore the Champs-Élysées, Latin Quarter, Île de la Cité, and Montmartre.

• Enjoy croissants, baguettes, crêpes, and classic Parisian café stops.

Versailles

• Visit the Palace of Versailles, including the Hall of Mirrors and expansive gardens.

• Learn about royal life in one of Europe’s grandest palaces.

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Days 8–10 – Annecy, France

Discover “The Little Venice of the Alps”:

• Stroll canals and lakeside promenades in this postcard-perfect town.

• Bike along scenic paths by Lake Annecy.

• Relax and swim in the crystal-clear lake with your friends.

• Whitewater raft the Isère River in the Tarentaise Valley, surrounded by alpine peaks.

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Days 11–12 – Zermatt, Switzerland

Classic Swiss Alps charm at the foot of the Matterhorn:

• Explore the car-free village and its cozy streets.

• Ride a gondola for sweeping mountain views.

• Ski or snowboard (intermediate level+ and weather permitting) in the Valais Alps.

• Warm up with hot chocolate and fondue in a true alpine setting.

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Days 13–14 – Venice, Italy

Step into one of the world’s most unique cities:

• Wander narrow streets and hidden alleys over canals and bridges.

• Visit Piazza San Marco and the Doge’s Palace.

• Watch artisans at a Murano glass-blowing workshop.

• Enjoy classic Italian meals of pizza, pasta, and parmigiana.

• Take a gondola ride through the famous canals.

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Days 15–16 – Adriatic Riviera (Rimini), Italy

Slow down on the Italian seaside:

• Relax on golden sandy beaches and stroll the lively boardwalk.

• Enjoy warm evenings by the sea and classic Italian summer vibes.

• Experience local nightlife in age-appropriate beach clubs and venues.

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Days 17–19 – Rome & Pompeii, Italy

Rome

Dive into the Eternal City:

• Explore the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Pantheon.

• Visit Vatican City, St. Peter’s Square, and the Sistine Chapel.

• See the Spanish Steps and dine in Piazza Navona.

• Enjoy a fun toga-themed evening.

• Toss coins into the Trevi Fountain to ensure a return to Rome.

Pompeii

• Visit the ruins of Pompeii, frozen in time by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius nearly 2,000 years ago.

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Days 20–22 – Amalfi Coast (Sorrento, Capri & Positano), Italy

Sun, sea, and iconic coastal views:

• Stay in Sorrento, perched above the Bay of Naples with a lively piazza and seaside atmosphere.

• Boat trip to the Isle of Capri with time to swim in the clear waters near its grottos.

• Visit Positano, with its colorful cliffside houses, beach time, and charming streets lined with shops and cafés.

• Evenings soaking up the coastal ambiance and relaxed Italian lifestyle.

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Days 23–25 – Florence & Pisa, Italy

Florence

Renaissance art and Tuscan charm:

• See the Duomo by Brunelleschi and visit the Accademia to view Michelangelo’s David.

• Join a private Italian cooking lesson and prepare an authentic meal together.

• Sample Florence’s famous gelato.

• Shop the leather markets and cross the historic Ponte Vecchio.

• Enjoy stand-up paddleboarding and ziplining in a nearby canyon area before returning to the city.

Pisa

• Visit the Campo dei Miracoli and capture classic photos by the Leaning Tower of Pisa.

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Days 26–27 – Milan & Portofino, Italy

Portofino

• Take a ferry to this picturesque coastal town.

• Relax, kayak, and paddleboard at Niasca Beach in turquoise waters.

Milan

• Visit Piazza del Duomo and climb or visit the famous cathedral that took centuries to complete.

• Enjoy your farewell banquet, sharing stories and highlights from your summer together.

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Day 28 – Return Flight Home from Milan, Italy

Say goodbye to new friends and leaders as you fly home. The program ends, but the memories and confidence gained last far beyond the summer.

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Accommodations �*

London, England – Dorsett Shepherds Bush, in a prestigious neighborhood with easy access to major sights.

Paris, France – Mercure Paris La Défense, comfortable and modern, well placed for exploring the city.

Annecy, France – Le Pelican or Moxy Annecy Hotel, cozy and convenient in this charming mountain town.

Zermatt, Switzerland – BaseCamp Hotel, centrally located with Wi-Fi.

Venice, Italy – Antony Palace, a modern and comfortable base after exploring the canals.

Adriatic Riviera (Rimini), Italy – Sovrana Hotel, close to the beach and boardwalk.

Rome, Italy – Hotel Eliseo or BW Hotel President, near Rome’s major monuments and landmarks.

Sorrento, Italy – Hotel Michelangelo or Hotel Zi Teresa, centrally located with easy access to Capri and Positano.

Florence, Italy – Hotel Roma or Hotel de la Ville, both in the city center near the Duomo and Ponte Vecchio.

Milan, Italy – NYX Hotel, a trendy, centrally located hotel with city skyline views.

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What It’s Like �*

An exciting, fast-paced European journey filled with famous landmarks, active adventures, seaside relaxation, and a strong group bond—designed specifically for older teens who are ready for a bit more freedom within a safe structure.

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Accommodations

Hotels and resorts throughout the itinerary, chosen for safety, comfort, and location.

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Meals 🍽️

Breakfast and dinner daily are included.

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Activities �*

All listed recreation and activities are included.

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Transportation �*

Chartered, deluxe, air-conditioned motor coach between destinations, plus local transport where needed.

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ON TOUR Format 🧑‍�*

This is an ON TOUR program for students currently completing Grades 11 and 12. It balances:

• More freedom of choice and later curfews (where appropriate),

• With the structure, supervision, and safety parents expect.

Teens get limited, supervised free time in small groups to explore local cafés, shops, or neighborhoods.

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Group Size �*

Up to 48 participants.

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Dietary Options �*

Most dietary needs and allergies can be accommodated (e.g., vegetarian, lactose-free, gluten-free, kosher-style).

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Program Specifics ✈️

Flight to London, England

• Optional chaperoned group flight from the New York area to London.

• Leaders are present from check-in and throughout the flight.

• Participants from other regions may connect into New York to join the group flight, or meet the group directly in London with coordinated arrival times.

Return Flight Home from Milan, Italy

• Optional chaperoned group flight back to New York.

• Participants from elsewhere can join this flight and connect home afterward, or fly directly from Milan with leader support at check-in and until their departure window.

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Food & Meals in Europe 🍕�*

Teens enjoy a mix of:

• Group dinners at local restaurants, bistros, and popular spots.

• Occasional smaller-group dinners to explore different cuisines.

• Free-choice lunches at local cafés and eateries.

Expect fresh pasta and pizza in Italy, fondue in Switzerland, and crispy baguettes in France, plus plenty of gelato, crêpes, macarons, and other local sweets.

Special diets (vegetarian, food allergies, lactose intolerance, celiac, kosher-style) are commonly accommodated.

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Rooming 🛏️

• Hotels and resorts with rooms typically in doubles or triples.

• Triples may have two beds and a rollaway, or a sofa bed in a suite-style room.

• Each participant has their own bed.

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Laundry �*

• Only one week of clothing is needed.

• Laundry is done weekly via local wash-and-fold services or laundromats.

• Detergent is provided, and staff help teens who are new to doing their own laundry.

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What’s Included / Not Included ✅

Included:

• All lodging

• Breakfast and dinner daily

• All listed activities and excursions

• Airport transfers at designated times

• Gratuities and taxes

Not Included:

• Application fee

• Transportation to and from the program (to London / from Milan)

• Lunches and snacks

• Personal spending money (souvenirs, extra treats, etc.)

• Laundry costs

• Optional travel insurance