European Discovery 22 Days
List everything you’d expect to see in your dream Europe trip for high schoolers, and we’re convinced that this once-in-a-lifetime summer teen tour has it covered! Travel through some of Europe’s greatest cities across England, France, Switzerland and Italy, hitting all the major attractions and taking in all the incredible sites. This student program also offers adventures like whitewater rafting, skiing and snowboarding. Enjoy museums and quaint cafes in the daytime, and theater shows, karaoke, and dancing at night. Our caring and friendly summer program leaders are experts at creating a genuinely close, inclusive family. This unique combination of amazing sights, activities, leaders and new friends will leave you wishing that this tour would last forever. All that is missing is you!
Teens on this trip participate in the first 22 days of the longer 30-day European Discovery program.
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.
Varies from 28 to 48 participants.
We can accommodate most dietary preferences and allergies.
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 and marvel at the extravagant rooms in the Palace of Versailles. 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.
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 also do that 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.)
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 enjoy a night of group activities and bonding overlooking the Mediterranean.
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, it is the perfect place to discover Italy's art, cuisine, romance, and fashion. Visit the workshop of the 700-year-old glassblowers of Murano. Wander through the winding streets, exploring small store fronts and artisanal shops. Visit Doge's Palace or feed the pigeons in the most famous square of Venice, Piazza San Marco. Indulge your taste buds with Italian feasts of pizza, pasta, and parmigiana after experiencing the ultimate Venetian transport, a gondola!
Beach time! This Adriatic seaside resort is known for beautiful sandy beaches, bustling promenades and lively nightlife. Rimini is an extremely popular resort destination for local Italians and Europeans alike. Unwind and chill during this popular stop.
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. 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.
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
Your stay at either the Holiday Inn Kensington or Dorsett Shepherds Bush places you in one of London's most prestigious neighborhoods. These hotels are centrally located to visit all of London’s most famous sights and attractions.
Paris, France
You will be staying at either the Novotel Tour Eiffel or Pullman Paris Montparnasse. These hotels feature air-conditioned rooms, free WiFi, and are close proximity to the highlights of Paris.
Annecy, France
While staying in Annecy at either Le Pelican or Hotel International, you'll be very comfortable in this charming mountain village.
Zermatt, Switzerland
Offering free Wi-Fi, Hotel Plateau Rosa is located a short walk from Zermatt’s center and the Zermatt Cable Car, at the foot of the Matterhorn. Rooms are decorated in traditional mountain style with light-wood furniture and wood-beamed ceilings.
Cinque Terre, Italy
In Cinque Terre, we stay at CDH Hotel. Enjoy this ideal location in the city center of La Spezia just minutes away from the Harbor.
Venice, Italy
While in Venice, we stay in the heart of the action at Hotel Carlton on the Grand Canal, just minutes away from the Rialto Bridge and St. Mark's Square.
Adriatic Riviera, Italy
Enjoy summer fun in the breathtaking seaside city of Rimini. Staying at the Hotel Polo, you’ll rest well after enjoying the beach & sea.
Rome, Italy
While staying at Hotel Eliseo, Hotel Nord Nuova Roma or Hotel Pace Helvezia. 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.
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 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 London and we help coordinate your flight times and greet you upon arrival.
Return Flight Home From Rome, Italy
For the return flight from Rome, our leaders help you to check-in and remain in the airport until flights in designated times have departed. They remain in Europe for the duration of the longer 30-day program and chaperone that flight home. Depending on the number of students departing after 22 days, one staff may chaperone that flight as well.
Food and Meals
Savor the tastes of Europe, where every meal is an adventure in itself! We raise the bar for teen dining experiences with our group dinners at authentic local restaurants, savory bistros and popular eateries. For some dinners, we divide into smaller groups of your choosing to explore local hot spots with a variety of different cuisines. For lunch, you will enjoy eating in smaller groups and choosing from local cafés 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 prepare to eat extremely well! Cap off some meals with dessert at delicious local establishments where you can find countless gelato flavors to choose from, tiramisu, churros & chocolate, sweet crepes, macarons, and other local sweet treats.
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.
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 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.