Day by Day Itinerary

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

Day 1: Departure to Madrid

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

Day 2: Welcome to Madrid

Arrive in Madrid, where your Program Director will meet you at the airport. After settling into your hotel, head to Retiro Park, where you’ll explore the beautiful gardens, row boats on the lake, and taste traditional horchata. In the evening, join a welcome dinner with your group, introducing you to Spanish cuisine and customs.

Day 3: Art, Culture, and Cooking in Madrid

Kick off the day with a guided city tour and a visit to the Prado Museum, studying masterpieces by Goya, El Greco, and Velázquez. Then, head to the legendary Santiago Bernabeu Stadium for an exciting behind-the-scenes look at Real Madrid’s home turf. In the evening, dive into Spanish culinary traditions with a hands-on cooking class, learning to make paella.

Day 4: Explore Toledo

Travel to Toledo, where a local guide will lead you through its rich multicultural history, visiting the Gothic cathedral, Santa Maria la Blanca synagogue, and Santo Tomé chapel, where you’ll see El Greco’s famous artwork. Return for dinner in Madrid and end the night with churros and chocolate at the iconic Chocolatería de San Ginés.

Day 5: Bonjour Paris! Arrival & Exploring Montmartre

After breakfast, say adiós to Spain and board your flight to Paris, the City of Light! Upon arrival, take in the first glimpses of this iconic city before heading to Montmartre, the bohemian heart of Paris. Wander through its cobblestone streets, once home to legendary artists like Picasso and Van Gogh, and soak in the creative energy of this historic district. Climb the steps to the magnificent Sacré-Cœur Basilica, where breathtaking panoramic views of Paris await. Stroll through the lively Place du Tertre, where street artists capture the magic of the city on canvas. As the sun sets over Montmartre, have dinner at a local bistro —your French adventure has officially begun!

Day 6: Highlights of Paris & The Best View of Paris

Begin your day with a guided walking tour led by a local expert, delving into Paris’s most iconic landmarks. Marvel at the architectural grandeur of the Palais Garnier, the city’s opulent opera house. Stroll through the historic Latin Quarter, with its charming streets and vibrant atmosphere. Admire the majestic Notre-Dame Cathedral, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. Later, ascend the Montparnasse Tower, where a swift elevator ride transports you to the 56th-floor observatory in just 38 seconds. From this vantage point, 210 meters above the city, take in breathtaking 360-degree views of the Paris skyline. As dusk settles, witness the city transform under the glow of twilight. The Eiffel Tower, directly in your line of sight, begins its hourly sparkle, adding a touch of magic to the panorama.

Day 7: Impressionist Art Class, Musée d’Orsay and Seine River Cruise

Begin your day at the Musée d’Orsay, where you’ll admire Impressionist masterpieces by artists like Monet and Van Gogh. Afterward, participate in an interactive Impressionist art class, creating your own masterpiece inspired by the beauty of Paris. In the evening, enjoy a magical Seine River Cruise, where you’ll see the Eiffel Tower and other iconic landmarks illuminated against the night sky.

Day 8: Excursion to the Loire Valley

Escape the hustle of Paris for a day and journey into the breathtaking Loire Valley, a region known for its stunning châteaux, rolling vineyards, and charming villages. Explore Château de Chambord, a Renaissance masterpiece with its iconic double-helix staircase and grand architecture. Visit a local market, and get fresh baguettes, cheese, and regional specialties. After lunch, visit Château de Chenonceau, often called the “Ladies’ Castle” for its fascinating history of women who shaped its legacy. Wander through its stunning gardens and admire its unique arches spanning the Cher River. As the afternoon winds down, return to Paris for the night.

Day 9: Royal Splendor in Versailles & Arrival in the Eternal City

Step into the world of French royalty with a morning visit to the Palace of Versailles, one of the most opulent residences ever built. Wander through the Hall of Mirrors, where kings and queens once entertained in dazzling luxury, and explore the grand apartments filled with gold accents and intricate tapestries. Stroll through the meticulously designed gardens, where fountains and manicured hedges create a picture-perfect landscape straight out of a fairytale. Take a moment to relax by the Grand Canal, soaking in the grandeur of this UNESCO World Heritage site. After a day immersed in royal history, return to Paris and board your evening flight to Rome, the Eternal City, where ancient ruins, Renaissance masterpieces, and Italian cuisine await your arrival!

Day 10: Step into Ancient Rome & Beach Time!

Start your day by stepping back in time with a guided tour of Ancient Rome, exploring the legendary Colosseum, where gladiators once battled before crowds of 87,000. Wander through the ruins of the Roman Forum, once the heart of political and social life, and imagine the echoes of history beneath your feet. In the afternoon, shift gears and head to Ostia, Rome’s historic port city, for a well-earned beach escape. Feel the Mediterranean breeze as you relax on the sand, take a refreshing swim, or join play beach soccer.

Day 11: Vatican Wonders, Underground Mysteries & Hands-On Pizza Making

Begin your morning in Vatican City, the world’s smallest country. Stand in awe beneath Michelangelo’s dome in St. Peter’s Basilica, marvel at Bernini’s grand architecture, and soak in the energy of St. Peter’s Square during this Jubilee Year. Then, journey underground to the Roman Catacombs, a network of ancient tunnels where early Christians secretly worshipped and buried their dead. The eerie yet fascinating passageways offer a unique glimpse into Rome’s hidden history. In the evening, roll up your sleeves for a hands-on pizza-making class, where you’ll learn the secrets of crafting the perfect Roman-style pizza. From kneading the dough to choosing fresh toppings, you’ll create your own masterpiece—then enjoy your delicious creation for a celebratory farewell dinner with your group. It’s the perfect way to wrap up your Roman adventure!

Day 12: Departure Day

Say goodbye to Italy and depart Rome in the morning, taking home unforgettable memories and a deeper appreciation for the cultures you’ve experienced.