Day by Day Itinerary

12-Day Teen Travel Summer Program: Paris (4), Rome (3) and Madrid (3)

Day 1: Departure to Paris

Board your overnight flight to Paris, ready for an unforgettable educational adventure!

Day 2: Bonjour Paris! Arrival & Seine River Cruise

Arrive in Paris, where your local Program Director will meet you at the airport. After settling into your hotel, take an orientation tour of the City of Light and join your group’s welcome dinner! Tonight, embark on a Seine River Cruise, floating past illuminated landmarks like the Louvre, Notre-Dame, and the Eiffel Tower!

Day 3: Highlights of Paris & French Cooking Class

Begin your day with a guided walking tour of Paris’s most iconic landmarks, including the Palais Garnier opera house, the charming streets of the Latin Quarter, and the majestic Notre-Dame Cathedral. Later, ascend Montparnasse Tower, where a swift elevator ride takes you to the 56th-floor observatory for breathtaking 360-degree views of the Paris skyline and one of the best views the Eiffel Tower! In the evening, roll up your sleeves for a hands-on French cooking class and enjoy your creation for dinner!

Day 4: Impressionist Art Class, Musée d’Orsay & Montmartre

Start your morning at the Musée d’Orsay, home to Impressionist masterpieces by Monet, Van Gogh, and Renoir. Then, unleash your creativity in an interactive Impressionist art class, painting your own Parisian-inspired masterpiece. Later, visit Montmartre, the bohemian heart of Paris. Wander through cobblestone streets that once inspired legendary artists like Picasso and Van Gogh. Climb the steps to Sacré-Cœur Basilica for breathtaking panoramic views of Paris. Stroll through the lively Place du Tertre, where street artists capture the magic of the city on canvas. End the evening with dinner at a local bistro!

Day 5: Excursion to the Loire Valley

Escape the city for a day and journey into the breathtaking Loire Valley, known for its fairy-tale châteaux. Explore the grand Château de Chambord, famous for its double-helix staircase. Stop at a local market to pick up fresh baguettes, cheese, and other regional specialties before visiting the elegant Château de Chenonceau, often called the “Ladies’ Castle.” Return to Paris for the evening.

Day 6: Royal Splendor in Versailles & Arrival in the Eternal City

Step into the world of French royalty with a visit to the Palace of Versailles. Walk through the dazzling Hall of Mirrors, admire the grand apartments, and explore the manicured Versailles Gardens. After a day immersed in royal history, board your flight to Rome, the Eternal City, where ancient ruins, Renaissance masterpieces, and Italian cuisine await!

Day 7: Ancient Catacombs & Coastal Escape

Start your morning with a journey beneath the surface of Rome as you explore the eerie and fascinating Catacombs—underground burial chambers where early Christians once gathered in secret. Then, trade the city’s cobblestones for the sand as you head to Ostia, Rome’s ancient port city. Spend the afternoon unwinding on the shores of the Mediterranean: take a swim, join a game of beach soccer, or just relax and soak up the coastal sunshine with friends.

Day 8: Colosseum Legends & Vatican Marvels

Begin the day with a guided walk through Ancient Rome. Step inside the Colosseum, where gladiators once fought for glory, and explore the Roman Forum, the bustling hub of public life during the empire’s peak. In the afternoon, cross into Vatican City, the world’s smallest independent country. Marvel at the grandeur of St. Peter’s Basilica, gaze up at Michelangelo’s masterpiece in the Sistine Chapel, and take in the impressive scale of St. Peter’s Square—a truly awe-inspiring finish to your Roman adventure

Day 9: Arrival in Madrid & Exploring Retiro Park

Say arrivederci to Italy and board your flight to Madrid! Upon arrival, settle into your hotel before heading to the stunning Retiro Park. Explore its lush gardens, row boats on the lake, and sip traditional horchata. In the evening, enjoy a traditional tapas dinner!

Day 10: Art, Culture & Cooking in Madrid

Start your day with a guided tour of Madrid’s highlights, including the Prado Museum, where you’ll admire works by Goya, El Greco, and Velázquez. Then, go behind the scenes at Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, home of Real Madrid. In the evening, get hands-on with Spanish culinary traditions in a paella cooking class, learning the secrets of this beloved dish.

Day 11: Explore Toledo & Sweet Farewell in Madrid

Venture to Toledo, a city rich in multicultural history. With a local guide, explore the Gothic cathedral, the Santa María la Blanca synagogue, and the Santo Tomé chapel, home to El Greco’s masterpiece. Return to Madrid for a final dinner and indulge in churros and chocolate at the iconic Chocolatería San Ginés—the perfect way to end your Spanish adventure!

Day 12: Departure Day

Say goodbye to Spain and depart Madrid, taking home unforgettable memories and a deeper appreciation for the cultures you’ve explored.