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European Experience ON TOUR 28 Days
Get ready for a summer like you never imagined on this European teen tour! You will visit some of Europe’s greatest cities across England, France, Switzerland and Italy, with charming little villages in between. Enjoy museums, cafés, theater and dance clubs on this student tour. Then, work off all of those croissants and gelatos by getting active with whitewater rafting, skiing, snowboarding and more.
All departures on this itinerary are ON TOUR travel programs. They are specially designed for high schoolers completing 11th or 12th grades. By focusing on the needs of older teenagers, the activities on this trip are chosen with the independent nature and maturity of a young adult in mind. Our amazing summer program leaders are experts at creating a tight, inclusive family.
An adrenaline-filled trip with the coolest activities, picture-perfect landmarks, and a close group bond.
Hotels & resorts.
Includes breakfast and dinner daily.
Includes all recreation & activities listed.
Chartered deluxe, air-conditioned motor coach with a professional driver.
ON TOUR departures offer more independence and age-appropriate activities for older teens completing grades 11 & 12.
Varies from 28 to 48 participants.
Fly overnight to London. Once you land, your orientation will officially begin with some of our favorite icebreakers and “get to know you” activities.
London calling! Your adventure of a lifetime starts in this eclectic city. You will be staying in one of the poshest boroughs in town: Kensington. Get to know your trip mates over dinner followed by a ride on the world's biggest Ferris Wheel, the London Eye. Fall in love with London during an entertaining guided city tour. See how the Royal Family lives at Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, the Tower of London, Leicester Square, Covent Garden, and Piccadilly Circus. Take in a London theatre show (past shows include Wicked and Mamma Mia!) in the famed West End. Browse world-famous Harrods' and stroll down the pedestrian-friendly Carnaby Street.
Welcome to the city of fashion, art and fabulous food! You will experience la joie de vivre (joy of living) discovering this unforgettable city filled with amazing sights, world-class museums and the best people-watching in the world. Our trip mixes Paris' iconic landmarks of the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and Arc de Triomphe with Parisian living - sipping a café on the famous Champs-Élysées, eating croissants for breakfast, munching on baguettes at lunch and crepes for dinner. Admire Mona Lisa at the Louvre. Get to know the student hangout of the Latin Quarter, Île de la Cité, and the artist haven of Montmartre.
Versailles, France
It's good to be King! The court of Louis XIV set the cultural standard for all of Europe, this can be seen nowhere better than at his famed country home. Be amazed by the majestic Hall of Mirrors and elegant gardens on your guided visit of this historic treaty site. It is said that if you're planning to visit one palace in all of Europe make it Versailles.
The Little Venice of the Alps! This endearing city is magnificently set between the Alps and crystal clear waters of Lake Annecy that reflect them. This is the hidden gem you tell all your friends about. Chill out lakeside after spending some time leisurely biking along the cycle path. Whitewater raft along the roaring Isère River through the Tarentaise Valley, beautifully set amongst the snow-capped peaks.
Burgundy Region, France
The world's best wine! Burgundy-Bourgogne, as the French call it, is an experience not to be missed. Take in the beautiful scenery of this fabled countryside where vineyards and Romanesque abbeys inhabit the landscape while enjoying a vineyard tour and sampling the vineyard's wines.
When you think of the Swiss Alps, what comes to mind? Charming Alpine villages? Check. Breathtaking mountain scenery? Got that too! Sipping on hot chocolate and eating yummy fondue? You bet! Ski* or snowboard*? Naturally, we do that as well in the Valaisan Alps in the shadow of the mighty Matterhorn. You can also ride the gondola for scenic mountain views and explore the eco-friendly car-free zone village. (*Weather Permitting. Note skiing and snowboarding require intermediate-level ability or better.)
Bridges, canals and gondolas! Described as one of the most beautiful and unique cities for the past 500 years, no trip to Europe would be complete without a visit to Venice. Comprised of over 100 islands connected by 150 canals and 400 bridges, Venice is the perfect place to start exploring this country of art, cuisine, romance, and fashion. Visit the workshop of the 700-year-old glass blowers of Murano. Wander through the winding streets exploring small storefronts and artisanal shops until you reach the Piazza San Marco, where you can visit the Doge's Palace or feed the pigeons. Indulge your taste buds with Italian feasts of pizza, pasta and parmigiana after experiencing the ultimate Venetian transport, a gondola!
Beach time! This seaside resort is hot and the nightlife is even hotter. Soak up the sun and sea before dancing the night away at a fantastic international club on the Adriatic Riviera.
The Eternal City! Visiting this amazing city, you'll see it has one foot in the past and one in the present. Relive gladiator games at the Colosseum, and discover ancient, architectural wonders at the Pantheon and Roman Forum. Check out the enormous St. Peter's Square, home of the Vatican, Pope and the Sistine Chapel showcasing Michelangelo's masterpieces. However, Rome is not all ruins, churches and Vespas! Watch the beautiful people and maybe even a fashion show at the Spanish Steps, dine in the celebrated Piazza Navona and even attend a Roman toga party. Guarantee your return to this city by tossing three coins into the Trevi Fountain.
Pompeii, Italy
Before getting to the Amalfi Coast, stop by the Forgotten City! Explore ancient ruins of Pompeii buried in volcanic ash when Vesuvius erupted 1,900 years ago. These excavated ruins offer a fascinating and unforgettable view of history.
After bidding farewell to our 20-day participants we continue to the Amalfi Coast, playground for the rich and famous! Cruise like the locals to the Isle of Capri to enjoy a refreshing swim in the crystal waters near the grottos. Relax on the sand of the beautifully chic beach resort of Positano. Soak up the street carnival atmosphere in this cliff-side town overlooking the Bay of Naples, while dining and taking in the scene in Piazza Umberto. Top off your night by dancing the night away in one of Europe's hottest clubs!
Birthplace of the Renaissance! For centuries it has captured the heart of travelers, who have come seeking rooms with views and phenomenal art. Check out the famous Duomo by Brunelleschi and behold Michelangelo's impressive David at the Accademia. Learn from the locals at a private cooking lesson as you prepare an authentic feast. Top it off with world-famous gelato at Vivoli. Check out the deals at Florence's very own leather market, talk with merchants and browse the shops on the famous Ponte Vecchio. Finish your tour of this incredible city by dancing the night away at a disco!
Pisa, Italy
The most photographed place in all of Italy! Visit the Campo dei Miracoli, home to the Leaning Tower of Pisa.
The French Riviera! For your final days in Europe you will be lounging, soaking up some Mediterranean sun on the Cote d’Azur. Swim in the blue waters off the coast of Nice or have fun banana boating with your friends in the sea.
Visit Monte Carlo, Monaco, home of the Grimaldi Family who has ruled this tiny nation since 1297. Spend an evening in the city of high stakes and affluence. Visit the palace, explore the gardens, and gaze at the enormous yachts on the harbor. During our farewell banquet, we will laugh a lot while sharing stories and memories from our summer together.
Say farewell to your new friends as you part ways for your return home. The summer might be over, but all the memories you’ve made will last a lifetime!
London, England
While staying at the Hilton London Kensington, you will get to enjoy the contemporary spacious rooms, LCD TVs, and access to the fitness center. This hotel is centrally located to visit all of London’s most famous sights and attractions.
Paris, France
Stay in the heart of the capital at the Novotel Paris Centre Eiffel Tower or Mercure Paris Gare Montparnasse. The best monuments and shops in Paris are easily accessible. This property offers comfortable and modern rooms to unwind in after your exciting days exploring all of Paris’ top attractions!
Annecy, France
While staying in the heart of Annecy’s city center at either the Ibis Annecy Centre Vieille Ville, Adagio Annecy Centre, or Novotel Annecy Centre, you'll be very comfortable in this charming mountain village. All hotels are only a few minutes walk from the old town and Lake Annecy.
Zermatt, Switzerland
Hotel Excelsior is located in the center of Zermatt. All rooms offer panoramic views of local mountains and free Wi-Fi internet access. French and Swiss cuisine is served in the La Ferme restaurant with a summer terrace.
Venice, Italy
After exploring the classic streets and canals of Venice, relax in the modern and comfortable Hotel NH Venezia Laguna Palace.
Adriatic Riviera, Italy
Enjoy fun in the summer in the amazing seaside city of Rimini. Staying at the Hotel Polo or Hotel Genty, you’ll enjoy a restful night after enjoying the beach and sea.
Rome, Italy
While staying at Hotel Diana or Best Western Hotel President, you will be surrounded by Rome’s famous monuments and landmarks such as the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, the Roman Forum, the Colosseum, the Spanish Steps, and the Trevi Fountain.
Sorrento, Italy
After a day of relaxation and exploration on the Island of Capri and Positano, find yourself swimming in the great outdoor pool or resting comfortably at one of three beautiful and centrally-located hotels: Hotel Michelangelo, Hotel Zi Teresa, or Hotel La Meridiana.
Florence, Italy
In the heart of downtown Florence, Hotel Cellai, Hotel Diplomat, Hotel Ambasciatori, or Hotel Roma are just minutes from the Duomo, Ponte Vecchio and famous leather markets. These hotels are ideal to discover the city of Florence and all it has to offer.
Nice, France
Enjoy your stay at either the Hotel Nice Riviera or The Deck Hotel located just steps away from the famed Nice promenade and the French Riviera.
Flight to London, England
Participants on this trip have the option to fly overseas on our chaperoned flight that leaves in the evening from the New York area to London. Our leaders are at the airline counter area to help you to check in, introduce you to other travelers and are with you from check-in onward. For the many travelers from outside the New York area, you can choose to join the chaperoned flight and we are happy to assist you with arranging connecting flights at suitable times into New York. You may also choose to meet us in London and we’ll help coordinate your flight times and greet you upon arrival.
Return Flight Home From Nice, France
For your return from Nice, we offer a chaperoned flight to New York. For travelers from other areas, you may choose to join that flight and arrange transfers at suitable times from New York after the group has cleared customs and immigration in the USA; or you may fly from Nice to your home city and our leaders help you to check-in and remain in the airport until flights in designated times have departed.
About ON TOUR
This is an ON TOUR program. Meaning it is targeted toward older teens, currently completing 11th or 12th grade. These itineraries offer more freedom of choice than our other TRAVEL programs by balancing the greater independence that young adults crave with the structure and safety that parents expect. Itineraries include amazing activities, sights and added nightlife for the more mature student, as well as a later curfew. Opportunities to do some safe exploring in smaller groups to find that local cafe or indie boutique also makes this a standout experience for older students.
Food and Meals
Eating well while away from home is an important part of a summer’s success. We understand how it helps our travelers feel secure, happy and looking forward to their day. Breakfasts in Europe are eaten at our hotels and served buffet style with a variety of options. For dinners, either the whole group goes to the same restaurant or we divide into smaller groups of your choosing with our staff. For lunch, you will enjoy eating in smaller groups and choosing from local cafés, bistros and other restaurants. Are you ready for fresh pasta and pizza in Italy, warm fondue in Switzerland and crispy baguettes in France? The food in Europe is terrific, so get set to eat extremely well!
We have satisfied the choosiest of eaters and gladly accommodate most special dietary requests including vegetarian, anaphylactic food allergies, lactose intolerance, celiac disease, and kosher style. We welcome discussing your individual requirements with you and have extensive experience in this area.
Rooming
You will stay in the finest hotels and resorts, which are chosen based on safety, security, amenities, comfort and location. Indoor accommodation rooms vary from doubles to triples. Triples may contain two beds and a rollaway or be a suite-style with a sofa bed. Each trip member has their own bed.
Laundry
You will only need one week’s worth of clothing as outlined in the packing list that will be sent to you prior to departure. Every week you may drop off your laundry at a local wash and fold service and then pick it up clean, folded and ready to go.
What’s Included
Included in your program tuition is all lodging, breakfast and dinner daily, recreation & entertainment listed, airport transfers in designated times, gratuities & taxes.
Not included is transportation to and from the program, lunches, snacks, personal spending money for souvenirs, and laundry. We also make available optional travel insurance that is not included, but highly recommended.
Please contact us with any questions. We are happy to hear from you!
Do you separate different age groups?
It depends on the program, so it’s always best to contact us. On some programs, we assign a specific departure date by age group to create the best possible social dynamics. For example, if grades 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11 are listed on a program, note they will not all be traveling together on the same departure.
To find the programs with exclusive age-specific departures, look for tags saying “middle school” for students completing 7th and 8th grades, or “ON TOUR” for students completing 11th and 12th grades.
Who are the staff and what are their qualifications?
Our staff are educators, guidance counselors, coaches, college and university students, former camp counselors, residence life coordinators, community volunteers, world travelers, and other leaders with diverse backgrounds. Many are former participants themselves who couldn’t get enough of the Westcoast experience! Learn more about our summer leaders.
What is the difference between an Active Teen Tour and a Global Adventure program?
Our Active Teen Tours offer larger group sizes (generally 35-48 participants) and travel in deluxe motor coaches. Accommodations include quality hotels and fun college residences.
Global Adventures are smaller group experiences (generally up to 26 participants). Groups travel by private motor coaches and occasional public transportation internationally, and use passenger vans in the USA. While these programs have a slightly bigger focus on adventure travel, we stay in quality hotels and lodges, always ensuring a good night’s rest.
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