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Outstanding summer programs for teens since 1982
France, Switzerland & Italy Trip for Teens
Rail pass? Check. Metro maps? Check. Get ready to explore France, Switzerland and Italy on this small group adventure for high school students. As you tour Europe with your backpack on, of course you’ll see some of its great masterpieces and monuments, but you’ll also have time to stop at charming cafés, browse the local art galleries, and savor authentic cuisine. Along the way, connect with locals, make lifelong friends, and create unforgettable memories as you journey through three of Europe’s most exciting countries.
Please note that a limited number of participants depart on day 14 and new participants may join as the group continues on to Italy.
Program Highlights
Ride in a gondola on the canals of Venice.
Prepare authentic delicacies at an Italian cooking school.
Cruise the River Seine.
Visit the Vatican and the Sistine Chapel.
Marvel at the sight of David at the Accademia.
Explore the ruins of Pompeii.
Ski or snowboard in the French Alps.
Discover the Mona Lisa and other works of art at the Louvre.
Hike the spectacular coastal trails of Cinque Terre.
Dance the night away at a European club.
Zipline across breathtaking canyons in Tuscany.
Slide down the Aquaslide and do acrobatic tricks into the Lac de Tignes.
Lounge on the beaches of the Amalfi Coast.
Swim by the grottos of Capri.
Itinerary
Accommodations
Paris, France
Steps from quaint cafes and shops you will stay at Ibis Paris 17 Clichy Batignolles. This property offers a warm atmosphere and all rooms have air conditioning, WiFi, and are furnished with a modern flare.
Tignes, France
Hotel Le Paquis is set on the edge of the slopes in Espace Killy, this cozy hotel is perfectly located for our sojourn in Tignes.
Geneva, Switzerland
Hotel Royal is a 4-star luxury hotel in the heart of the Geneva city center. The hotel includes a fitness center and sauna for the guests to enjoy during their stay.
Interlaken, Switzerland
The Hey Hotel is situated in the center of Interlaken. From here you are able to reach all the essential sites and locations in town on foot.
Milan, Italy
While exploring the beautiful city of Milan, you'll be staying in the city center at either the iH Hotels Milano Centrale.
Cinque Terre, Italy
You will stay at the Hotel Palme, an ideal location to explore the villages of Cinque Terre.
Florence, Italy
While in Florence you will be staying in the heart of the city center at Hotel Cellai, just a short walk to the Duomo, Ponte Vecchio, and famous leather markets.
Venice, Italy
Staying at Hotel Nazionale we’ll be situated in the center of Venice just a few minutes from San Marco Square. All rooms have satellite TV, air conditioning and are furnished in a typical Venetian style.
Sorrento, Italy
You will be staying at the Hotel Savoia, located in the heart of Sorrento, a short walking distance to all of the nightlife and a perfect hub for exploring the Island of Capri and the beach of Positano.
Rome, Italy
Staying at the Best Western Blu Hotel Roma, you’ll be surrounded by Rome’s famous monuments and landmarks, such as the Roman Forum, the Colosseum, the Spanish Steps, the Villa Borghese gardens and the Trevi Fountain.
About This Program
What it’s like
Backpack style traveling! Experience new cultures and thrilling activities in a smaller, tight-knit travel group.
Accommodations
Hotels.
Meals
Includes breakfast and dinner daily.
Activities
Includes all recreation & activities listed.
Transportation
Public transportation such as metro, train and bus.
Group Size
Up to 24 participants.
Luggage
A large traveler's backpack is needed as you will travel by train and metro throughout this program.
Dietary Options
We can accommodate most dietary preferences and allergies.
More Details
Frequently Asked Questions
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 if I need to contact my teen during the program?
Participants may bring their cell phones so parents may call and message their kids directly. You may also contact our Communication Centers which serve as the official link between programs on the road and parents. We are staffed every day during the summer and have somebody on call for after hours emergencies ready to assist you 24/7.
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 occasional fun college residences.
Global Adventures are smaller group experiences (generally up to 26 participants on all itineraries other than the 17, 20 or 25-day Greece & Italy, 20-day Greece & Portugal or 10-day Greek Islands, which varies from 24-36 participants.)
Groups travel by private motor coaches and occasional public transportation internationally, and use passenger vans in the USA. Select European programs travel exclusively by train and public transportation. 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.