France, Switzerland & Italy 28 Days
Rail pass? Check. Metro maps? Check. Get ready to explore France, Switzerland and Italy on this small group adventure travel program for high school students. As you tour Europe, 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, taste the authentic cuisine and interact with the locals. This European summer program allows for a little more flexibility and spontaneity, by allowing the teens traveling to take part in the planning alongside their trip leaders – all within the structure of our carefully-planned itinerary.
Please note that a limited number of participants depart on day 14 and new participants may join as the group continues on to Italy.
Experience new cultures and thrilling activities in a smaller, tight-knit travel group.
Hotels
Includes breakfast and dinner daily.
Includes all recreation & activities listed.
Public transportation such as metro, train and bus.
Up to 24 participants.
ON TOUR departures offer more independence and age-appropriate activities for older teens currently completing 11th or 12th grade.
A large traveler's backpack is strongly recommended. A rolling duffel bag is also acceptable.
We can accommodate most dietary preferences and allergies.
Fly overnight to Paris. Once you land, your orientation will officially begin with some of our favorite icebreakers and “get to know you” activities.
Bienvenue à Paris! After a warm welcome and orientation, view the city from atop the Eiffel Tower and listen to the chimes at Notre Dame. Dine in the artist colony of Montmartre and cruise down the River Seine at night. Smile back at Mona Lisa at the Louvre and bike around Paris' back streets & local neighborhoods. Browse along the Champs Elysees and take a photo next to the Arc de Triomphe. Marvel at Versailles' majestic palace, Hall of Mirrors and elegant gardens of Louis XIV on your guided visit. After breakfasts of croissants, fresh baguettes at lunch, and crepes on evening visits to the Latin Quarter, you'll leave the City of Lights with a new appreciation of la joie de vivre!
Summer ski* and snowboard* in the French Alps site of the '92 Winter Olympics. Choose to canoe, swim or hike with gorgeous mountain views. Slide down one of three different slides at Acroland and finish with an acrobatic jump into the lake. Stroll through the town and enjoy the breathtaking scenery of this great Alpine village. (*Weather Permitting. Note skiing and snowboarding require intermediate-level ability or better.)
Tour the United Nations* and check out the famous Jet d'Eau, shooting 132 gallons of water per second 459 feet into the air above Lake Geneva. Sample mouthwatering Swiss chocolate and devour the best fondue!
*The UN is closed on weekends.
This Swiss resort village in the Jungfrau region is at the foot of Switzerland's largest mountains and is home to all things adventurous. Master the T-grip for your roaring whitewater rafting excursion. Dine high above the rooftops and indulge in the spectacular sights before bidding farewell to Switzerland and its glacial charm. Challenge yourself through the outdoor ropes course, a forest playground with wooden bridges, Tarzan swings and zip lines.
Part of the Italian Riviera, these five small, classic Italian towns are built into the cliffs and rise from the sea looking much like they did when they were first settled in the 17th century. Enjoy some chill time in these quaint fishing villages of the Cinque Terre. Hike from village to village, stopping for amazing coastal views and irresistible pesto (this is where it was born!). Soak up the Italian sun during a relaxing day at the beach, and chill with a night of group activities and bonding overlooking the Mediterranean.
The city known for its canals! Explore this "maze" of over 100 islands connected by 150 canals and 400 bridges first by foot, then by gondola. Wander the shops of Venice filled with Venetian masks. Watch a demonstration of the 700-year-old craft of Murano glass blowing. Feed the pigeons in Piazza San Marco. Enjoy the Italian feasts of pizza, pasta, and parmigiana.
Ah, Florence! Home of the Renaissance, the works of Botticelli, Da Vinci, and Michelangelo. Check out the famous Duomo by Brunelleschi and behold Michelangelo's impressive David at the Accademia. Search the leather markets for the perfect gifts, then put on your apron and attend an authentic Italian cooking class. Savor Florence's greatest treat - classic Italian gelato. Soar above the emerald waters of the Lima River within a secluded canyon while zip lining in Tuscany followed by stand up paddleboarding in this spectacular natural setting.
Soak up the street carnival atmosphere in this cliff-side town overlooking the Bay of Naples. Cruise to the Isle of Capri stopping to hop off and swim in majestic green waters and grottos. Ride the funicular to the town of Capri and take in the cafe scene near Piazza Umberto. Spend the day at the chic beach resort town of Positano.
Imagine gladiators in the Colosseum and people-watch at the Spanish Steps. Dine in the celebrated Piazza Navona, discover the ancient treasures of the Pantheon and Forum and visit Vatican City and enormous St. Peter's Square. Try to picture Michelangelo painting the famous ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, attend an authentic Roman Toga Party and don't forget to toss three coins in the Trevi Fountain - to guarantee your return to the Eternal City! Enjoy a final night of laughs before you say "arrivederci" to your new friends and your summer of a lifetime!
Pompeii, Italy
Explore the ruins of Pompeii buried in the volcanic ash when Vesuvius erupted 1,900 years ago. These excavated ruins offer a fascinating and unforgettable view of history.
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!
Paris, France
Steps from quaint cafes and shops you will stay at Hotel Paris 17 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.
Cinque Terre, Italy
Your stay at the Hotel Genova or Hotel Palme are ideal locations to explore the villages of Cinque Terre.
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.
Florence, Italy
Enjoy your stay at either the Hotel Cellai or Hotel Corona d'Italia located in the heart of downtown Florence just minutes from the Duomo, Ponte Vecchio, and famous leather markets.
Sorrento, Italy
You will be staying at either the Hotel Savoia or La Meridiana, 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.
Flight To Paris, France
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 Paris. Our leaders greet you at the airport 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 Paris and we will help coordinate your flight times and greet you upon arrival.
Return Flight Home From Rome, Italy
For your return from Rome, we offer a chaperoned flight to New York. For travelers from outside the New York area, we can help you arrange transfers at suitable times after the group has cleared customs and immigration; or you may fly home directly from Rome 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 program features separate, age-compatible departure dates, including ON TOUR departures for older teens currently completing 11th or 12th grade. These ON TOUR departures 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 and sights 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.
Meals
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. 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, food allergies, lactose intolerance, celiac disease, and kosher style. We welcome discussing your individual requirements with you and have extensive experience in this area.
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.
Luggage
On this program, we ask that participants pack in a large traveler’s backpack or internal frame backpack which are essential for mobility and convenience of travel. Participants are responsible for carrying their luggage while traveling throughout our destinations, on public transportation (ex: trains, metro) as well as up stairs, along cobblestone streets and for extended distances. Rolling duffel bags are permitted but not recommended as they are difficult to maneuver and transport through European city streets and public spaces.
Your traveling backpack or duffel should be a maximum of 6400 cubic inches or 105 liters, and not longer than 32″. Common acceptable bag sizes are 30”x15”x14” and 32”x15”x12”.
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!
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.