Europe
Mediterranean Wanderlust
Italy, Spain & France
The Experience
Three exceptional Mediterranean countries. Countless memorable European destinations. One adventure you will never forget!
Trip Highlights
- Get familiar with Park Guell and Sagrada Familia, Barcelona’s artistic wonders
- Make your own signature Spanish dish alongside locals
- Discover hidden corners of Paris with a street art graffiti tour
- Hit up the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre in Paris
- Make your own French perfume at a private atelier du parfum
- Bask in the Mediterranean sun from the seat of a Venetian Gondola
Europe
Mediterranean Wanderlust
Program Overview
Taking a trip to Europe this summer can be a lot to plan, and there’s so much to see.
That’s why we recommend a multi-country trip so you can see more during your time on the continent, and Teen Travel Network’s Europe: Mediterranean Wanderlust program takes you on an adventure across three exceptional countries linked by their Mediterranean influences: Italy, Spain and France.
While all three countries are linked by the sea, they each have their own unique culture and heritage to explore!
Travel to Barcelona for a riveting expedition through the Catalonia region of Spain. Discover its one-of-a-kind architecture, including a visit to the world-famous Park Güell and the basilica of the Sagrada Familia.
See the iconic “City of Lights,” Paris, during the French leg of your adventure. From the Eiffel Tower, the most famous landmark in the world, to a street tour taking you to see a hidden side of Paris few travelers get to experience, you won’t want to leave at the end of your time here.
You will also spend time in the Italian city of Venice, home to the most incredible system of canals in a European city. Take a gondola ride as you wander through the historic cityscape. And then head to the islands of Murano and Burano for a bit of a break from city life!
Europe
Mediterranean Wanderlust
AT TEEN TRAVEL NETWORK, YOU'RE NOT ONLY TAKING A JOURNEY IN MILES, BUT A JOURNEY OF SHARED EXPERIENCES AND SELF-DISCOVERY.
PROGRAM ITINERARY
THIS ITINERARY IS AN APPROXIMATION OF THE OVERALL PROGRAM EXPERIENCE. THE ORDER OF ACTIVITIES ON YOUR TRIP MAY CHANGE.
IF A PARTICULAR SCHEDULED EXPERIENCE IS CANCELED, WE MAY REPLACE IT WITH AN ALTERNATIVE ACTIVITY.
Day 1: Arrival
Arrive into Barcelona, Spain, where staff will be waiting to welcome you with open arms!
Get settled into lodging and meet for a program orientation, where we will go over the itinerary, rules and expectations for the coming days.
We’ll spend some time getting to know one another before turning in early. After all, we have a big day of adventure ahead!
Day 2: Barcelona (Park Guell & Gothic Quarter)
Let’s explore Barcelona!
We’ll rise early and head to Park Gûell, where we’ll explore the gardens and intricate, colorful mosaics that overlook the city.
After a Spanish lunch in the heart of the city, walk down Las Ramblas, a large boulevard famous for its street performers and festive atmosphere. Stroll through the Gothic Quarter with an ice cream cone, taking in the cobblestone alleyways and architecture that dates back centuries.
Later, enjoy some typical European cuisine with a pinch of American flavor. We’ll wrap up our first full day in Spain together with some evening group activities and games before turning in.
Day 3: Barcelona (Sagrada Familia & Cooking Class)
Continue to discover this magical city with a visit to the infamous Sagrada Familia, one of the most breathtaking cathedrals in all the world. With all of its intricate architecture, towering stained glass, and cavernous chambers, it’s no wonder that it has been under construction for over a century!
Relax on a city tour and take in Barcelona by (air conditioned) bus, stopping for a picnic lunch at the Ciutedella Park. Take a leisurely stroll to the city center to pick up some souvenirs.
For dinner tonight, we’ll be our own chefs as we learn to make various recipes for traditional Spanish cuisine.
Day 4: Barcelona → Paris
Adios, España!
Today, we’ll board a bullet train to Paris, taking in the beautiful French scenery as we head north. Pass the time reading, playing games with your fellow students or resting up for the days ahead.
After our full day’s journey, you’ll have some time to get settled in our new home before savoring our first French meal and unwinding with a movie night to help ease us into Parisian culture.
Day 5: Paris (Louvre & River Cruise)
Hit the ground running with a morning tour of the Louvre, where we will see some of the world’s most famous works of art, including the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo statue. This museum is home to over ten thousand paintings, sculptures, and other creative pieces, some dating back to 7,000 BC.
Later, visit the Trocadero Steps for a panoramic view of the Eiffel Tower: we’ll get a closer look tomorrow!
Take a stroll along the Seine before embarking on a river cruise. We’ll learn all about the various parts of the city as we float past.
Next up is dinner at our hotel followed by group activities.
Day 6: Paris (Eiffel Tower & Bike Tour)
It’s not a visit to Paris without an Eiffel Tower selfie!
Climb the city’s most iconic architecture by foot and elevator to earn a bird’s eye view of Paris. Lunch in the Eiffel Gardens beneath the tower and learn more about its history and cultural significance.
Hop on bikes to explore the city the Parisian way. Ride through the 14th Arrondissement and marvel at the murals that cover the walls and bridges of this laid back and artsy neighborhood.
Enjoy a nice slice of focaccia and a cold drink at Station F, a renovated train hanger that houses some of the most innovative startups in France, as well as restaurants following the concept of sustainability and the slow food movement.
After this activity we will head back to our hotel to freshen up and have dinner before regrouping for discussion about the day’s activities.
Day 7: Paris (Palace of Versailles)
Travel outside the city and back in time to the period in which the French had a monarchy and where Napoleon reigned as emperor.
Tour the Palace of Versailles, with its sprawling labyrinth of gardens, echoing halls, and decadent living quarters. Picnic in the gardens and join a group discussion on personal goal setting and what it means to be a global citizen.
After lunch, head back to our hotel and visit the nearby Paris catacombs, a mysterious and eerie underground tomb that holds the remains of over six million people dating back to the 18th century.
Day 8: Paris (Montmartre & Perfume Activity)
We’ll kick off our last day in Paris in Montmartre, a charming village in the heart of the city.
Visit the Sacre Coeur, a white-domed basilica nestled among the neighborhood’s ancient cobbled streets.
Next, we’ll titilate our noses with a visit to a perfumerie, where you’ll have the opportunity to create your own signature scent.
In the evening, we’ll get prepared for the next leg of our journey with a pizza and movie night featuring authentic Italian cuisine and a documentary about our final destination: Venice!
Day 9: Paris → Venice
Bid Paris adieu. It’s time to move on!
Back on the train, this time traveling southeast to the coastal city of Venice in northern Italy.
This special city is built on a cluster of over 100 small islands separated by canals, earning it the nickname “the floating city.” We’ll learn more about its fascinating history in the coming days.
But first, settle in to your new accommodations and get acquainted with the Marghera Fortress, a 19th-century stronghold that now houses art exhibits and various cultural events.
Day 10: Venice: Gondola & Island Visit
Start the day with an early morning gondola experience! These small, thin boats are the traditional mode of transportation on the streets of water. Cruise through narrow canals and discover quaint dockside eateries, ancient cathedrals, and residential buildings all build on the water. Get ready for some island hopping!
Next we’ll visit the islands of Murano and Burano, known for their production of incredible blown glass and intricate lace, respectively. Check out the brightly colored houses that line the canals here and learn more about each island’s unique export (and maybe even purchase some to bring home with you!).
Day 11: Venice: Doge's Palace & Boat Cruise
We’ll spend our final day in Venice (and Europe!) exploring some of the city’s iconic landmarks. Climb the bell tower at Doge’s Palace for some amazing views, then spend time in San Marco Square.
Learn more about the history of the Venetian masks–the type you might wear to a masquerade ball–and try your hand at creating your own. In the evening, join a boat cruise and watch a beautiful sunset from the deck–the perfect end to the day! We’ll have a farewell dinner, during which we will say our final goodbyes and enjoy special closing activities to wrap up the experience.
Day 12: Departure
Sadly, our time in the Mediterranean has come to an end.
Staff will accompany students to the airport and help them check in for their flights home. As you settle into your seat, reflect on the places you have seen and the people you have met during your journey.
We hope that your time in Europe has been eye-opening and fueled a life-long passion for travel and exploration!
Europe
Mediterranean Wanderlust
Dates & Tuition
12-Day Travel Program
| 2023 Dates |
|---|
| JUN 18 – JUN 29, 2023 |
Tuition Includes All Major Program Expenses, Such As:
- 24/7 parent support hotline during the program
- Secondary medical and evacuation insurance
- Cultural activities, tours and excursions
- Pre-departure materials and support
- Educational materials
- Airport pick-up/drop-off
- Local transportation to each destination
- Secure overnight lodging at each location
- 3 meals per day
- Professional full-time staff and experts
TRAVEL CHANGES EVERYTHING
Request a Free Catalog
