Experience Europe by getting to know several European countries in one adventurous summer! Encounter amazing sites, ancient ruins, thriving and contemporary cities, gorgeous beaches and hidden gems.  

 We begin in the vibrant city of Barcelona, Spain. This captivating seaside city offers endless culture, incredible architecture, and amazing cuisine. You will have the opportunity to visit Sagrada Familia, a UNESCO-listed basilica, and learn about the incredible history, dated back to 1882.  

 Off to the glamorous seaside city of San Sebastián. Take this opportunity to sunbathe and swim in the finest urban beaches in the world and one of Europe’s best locations to catch a wave, La Concha.  

A short drive away is the seaside town of Biarritz, France. This beautiful beach town along the southwest coast of France is a popular surf location and a perfect spot for our group surf lesson. After a day at the surf, we will explore the vibrant marketplace area of Les Halles and take in all the restaurants and shops.  

A train ride north will take us to one of the most picturesque cities, Paris. Paris is known for its fashion, culture, cuisine and art. Experience and learn everything Paris has to offer on your walking tour and Louvre visit. Paris is also home to other incredible landmarks: Eiffel Tower, Sacré-Coeur Basilica Notre-Dame and Arc de Triomphe, among many others. You will have the option to take in even more history with an excursion to the Palace of Versailles. When in Paris, one must indulge in croissants and lattes, as you people watch on the cobblestoned streets of Paris.  

Off to Germany and the city of Munich, the birthplace of Oktoberfest packed with Bavarian culture, and bratwurst. Take an included biking tour around the city and explore the century-old buildings, numerous museums and picturesque parks. On your biking tour, stop at the town hall to watch the famous glockenspiel show that chimes and re-enacts stories from the 16th century. 

During this program we will embark on a day trip to Liechtenstein, a tiny country in the heart of the Alps between Switzerland and Austria. Experience Vaduz, the capital of Liechtenstein, exploring and admiring the small, picturesque city. On your walking tour you will learn and see the Vaduz Castle, that since 1938 has been home to the Princes of Liechtenstein.  

Continuing our journey, we head to the beautiful Alpine village of Zermatt, Switzerland.  Explore this car-free village and hike the magnificent Matterhorn. Indulge in the traditional Swiss fondue and treat yourself with Swiss chocolate.  

From Zermatt, we head south to the fashion capital of Italy, Milan. Just wandering the city will allow you to take in its rich history; from the gigantic Sforzasco Castle, the opera La Scala, and the Leonardo da Vinci Museum. Sit in the main piazza to watch the world go by with a top-notch view of the majestic Duomo Cathedral, one of the world’s largest cathedrals. Wander through the glamorous Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II where you will be able to window shop through some of the world’s best-known fashion designers. 

Next, we visit one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, Florence. Florence, the capital of Tuscany’s region and home to the birthplace of Renaissance art. Enjoy this breathtaking city, with its cobblestone streets, cafes and gelateria’s, and the gorgeous sunrises and sunsets. Take a walking tour and visit the Piazzale Michelangelo, Ponte Vecchio and go inside the Galleria dell’Accademia, famous for its sculptures by the great Renaissance artist, Michaelangelo. Climb to the rooftop of Florence’s cathedral, Santa Maria del Fiore, the second-largest cathedral in Italy.  

Our final stop is Rome, the capital city of Italy and the home to the Colosseum and Roman Forum. Open your minds and books and learn how classical mythology and philosophy shaped Western civilization. Visit the Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps and the Vatican City, home to the Pope and Sistine Chapel.  Enjoy your final banquet by indulging in an Italian feast and taking in all the breathtaking views of Rome.

Age group: 15-19 

Greece, where ancient history meets breathtaking sunsets, beaches and piercing blue skies. Start your adventure in the ancient city and capital of Athens and explore both classical architecture and modern city life. Join in on an included excursion through the Acropolis and be amazed by the Parthenon and the Temple of Athena Nike. Enjoy the shops, and vibrating cafes and restaurants. Fill your minds with the extensive history in local museums and galleries.

Our island-hopping adventure begins on Syros. One of the islands of the Cyclades, Syros is known for its long white sandy beaches and clear turquoise waters. When coming into the island by boat, you will have a stunning view of the island, and a preview of the incredible architecture. Walk the streets of Ermoupoli, the capital of the island, and explore the local shops, admire the Venetian marble buildings, and take in the amazing scenery that Cycladic nature provides. 

Next, we head to the stunning and glamorous island of Santorini, known for its symbolic white buildings and blue rooftops. We will explore the unique shops, pathways and side streets on a walking tour of Fira, Santorini’s capital. Fira is the most picturesque capital of the island, and Oia is the spot you want to be to catch the most breathtaking sunset.  The whole archipelago of Santorini is still an active volcano. Students will have the option to take a tour to see the unique volcanic landscapes.

From Santorini, we will make our way to Crete, the country’s largest and most populous island. Crete has it all, from their gorgeous beaches, the richness of history, Cretan traditions and wonderful cuisine. Take a walking tour of Heraklion’s Old Town, which was first established in roughly 820AD. Visit Knossos – the largest Bronze Age archaeological site on Crete, and often called Europe’s oldest city – to explore the ruins of the Palace of the Minoans. 

From Crete, we will head back north to spend the final few days in Athens. Enjoy your farewell banquet with delicious Greek food overlooking the old city and the Parthenon. 

Age group: 15-19 

Spend your summer in France, exploring medieval towns, vibrating cities, and Mediterranean beaches.

We will spend the first half of our program in one of the most picturesque cities, Paris, known for its fashion, culture, cuisine and art. Experience and learn everything Paris has to offer on walking tours of the various neighbourhoods, visits to the Eiffel Tower, Musée d’Orsay and the Louvre. Paris is also home to other incredible landmarks; Sacré-Coeur Basilica Notre-Dame and Arc de Triomphe, among many others. You will have the option to take in even more history with an excursion to the Palace of Versailles or a day trip to Vimy Ridge. When in Paris, one must indulge in croissants and lattes, as you people watch on the cobblestoned streets of Paris and enjoy a picnic on the banks of the Seine.

Next, we will take a high-speed train and head south to the glorious Côte d’Azur (the French Riviera). This is the place you want to be for celebrity gazing and relaxing on the beaches. We’ll begin in Mandelieu where we will take a walking tour to visit Chateau de la Napoule, a restored French Castle and visit the glamorous resort town of Cannes, famous for its international film festival and the world’s superyacht fleet.

Our final stop is Nice, an elegant, vibrant, university city in southern France. Immerse yourself in history, culture and fascinating shops and cafes, that offer a perfect environment for learning and studying. We will stroll the Promenade des Anglais and recharge by the glorious seaside.

A thousand years of culture, philosophy, fashion, and more awaits you in France.

Age group: 15-19 

Learn about the history of civilization and travel to two of the country’s most growing empires, Rome and Greece. This is where history really comes to life!

Dolce Vita! Rome, the capital city of Italy and the home to the Colosseum and Roman Forum. Open your minds and books and learn how classical mythology and philosophy shaped Western civilization. Visit the Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps and the Vatican City, home to the Pope and Sistine Chapel. While in Italy, consider taking the opportunity to visit Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance.

All aboard our private sailboats around the Saronic Islands. Explore and learn about each individual island and take in all the picturesque views.

Spend three days in Poros, a small Greek island in the southern part of the Saronic Gulf. With its beautiful pastel houses stacked up on the hillside, you will feel like you are in a picturesque lakeside resort.

Our next stop is Kalamata, the second-most populous city of the Peloponnese Peninsula. Kalamata is known for its famous worldwide olives and long beaches. Have the opportunity to visit the 13th century Kastro Fort, and the excellent views over Kalamata.

Finish the program in Athens and discover both classical and modern Greece. Join in on an included excursion through the Acropolis and be amazed by the Parthenon and the Temple of Athena Nike. Enjoy the shops, and vibrating cafes and restaurants. Fill your minds with the extensive history in local museums and galleries, and have the option to head to Olympia, the site of the first Olympic Games.  Enjoy your farewell banquet with delicious Greek food overlooking the old city and the Parthenon.

SPECIAL PROGRAM NOTE: Students break up into small groups to board cabin cruise sailboats in the Greek Islands for two nights and three days before rejoining as a whole group in Kalamata.

Age group: 15-19 

From castles and cobblestones on the mainland of Portugal to the art and many languages of Spain, and beaches and sun throughout, this Mediterranean adventure is bursting with culture.

The first stop along our travels is Portugal’s coastal capital city, Lisbon. Here we will discover ancient ruins, white dome cathedrals, vibrant beaches and hilltop views. Lisbon is one of the most vibrant cities in Europe that beautifully combines its heritage with a contemporary culture.

Next, we head north to Porto, a coastal city with over 2,000 years of European history. Located along steep hills overlooking the Douro River, the city’s centre is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The multicoloured 14th-century homes that give the city its charm are filled with vibrant shops and cafés. Porto’s mix of history and modern living make it a renowned global city, and the perfect jumping-off point for the rest of the program.

After a few days in the bustle of Porto, we will retreat to the southern beaches of the Algarve. Its cliffs, white sands, and remote islands are the backdrop for exploring ancient castles and the Atlantic Ocean.

We’re off to Spain! Our first stop is the charming and historically rich city of Seville in the south. Seville’s stunning Gothic and Renaissance architecture, delicious tapas and exotic Flamenco dancing will win your heart over. Seville boasts 3 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the Royal Alcázar of Seville, the Cathedral and the Archive of the Indies.

We then head north to explore the Golden Age streets of Madrid, a veritable museum of outdoor sculptures. We will view the contemporary art collection of the Reina Sofia, gaze at classic works at the Prado, study in Retiro Park, people-watch at the cafés in Plaza Mayor, and shop at Mercado de San Miguel.

Finally, we will travel east and wander through the beautiful quarters of Barcelona, immersing ourselves in Catalan language, culture, and cuisine. Be awestruck by examples of Antoni Gaudí’s architecture, including the Sagrada Família and Park Güell; study the intricacies of the elaborate buildings in the Gothic Quarter; sun yourself on the Mediterranean beaches; wander down café-lined streets in search of the perfect souvenir to bring home.

Age group: 15-19 

Italia! The land of art, philosophy, architecture, fabulous food, and fashion. Italy boasts having the most UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the world and has often been described as one big living museum.

Siena, Italy’s best-preserved medieval city, is home to one of the most beautiful Gothic cathedrals in all of Europe, the Duomo di Siena. The city’s red brick buildings envelop the fan-shaped historic square in the city centre, Piazza del Campo. A visit to Siena in the summer would be incomplete without viewing the Palio, a thrilling, centuries-old horse race between competing civic wards held annually in the Piazza del Campo and throughout the city.

To the Tuscan north is Florence, surrounded by vineyard-covered hills and valleys. In the birthplace of the Renaissance, visitors slowly stroll the banks of the Arno River, take in the vistas from Piazzale Michelangelo, and enjoy some delicious gelato. A day excursion to Venice lends the opportunity to stroll Piazza San Marco and the cobblestone alleyways, canals and bridges of this famous city.

Hop on a ferry ride to Sardinia and relax on the island’s expansive beaches, which have sand so soft that local authorities have had to ban tourists from taking it with them! Enjoy the peace and take the opportunity to study and rest, or venture out on an optional excursion to the impressive stalactite cave of Neptune’s Grotto.

Next, we head to the Sorrentine Peninsula on the southern coast of Italy. The beautiful coast offers everything from beautiful landscapes, views of the Gulf of Naples, to colourful, eye-catching homes and villas. From here, take an included day trip to the Ancient Roman City, Pompeii. This UNESCO archaeological site was destroyed by Vesuvius volcanic destruction in 79AD. Today, Pompeii remains one of the most captivating ancient monuments in all of Italy. 

No program in Italy could possibly end without seeing the Eternal City of Rome. Explore the majesty of the Roman Empire at the celebrated Colosseum and the Forum, and visit Vatican City to view its museums and the glorious Sistine Chapel.

Italy is also home to some of the best shopping on earth, so be sure to leave room in your suitcase for all the treasures you’ll acquire in this storied country.

Age group: 15-19 

Greece, where ancient history meets breathtaking sunsets, beaches and piercing blue skies. Start your adventure in the ancient city and capital of Athens and explore both classical architecture and modern city life. Join in on an included excursion through the Acropolis and be amazed by the Parthenon and the Temple of Athena Nike. Enjoy the shops, and vibrating cafes and restaurants. Fill your minds with the extensive history in local museums and galleries.

Our island-hopping adventure begins on Syros. One of the islands of the Cyclades, Syros is known for its long white sandy beaches and clear turquoise waters. When coming into the island by boat, you will have a stunning view of the island, and a preview of the incredible architecture. Walk the streets of Ermoupoli, the capital of the island, and explore the local shops, admire the Venetian marble buildings, and take in the amazing scenery that Cycladic nature provides. 

Next, we head to the stunning and glamorous island of Santorini, known for its symbolic white buildings and blue rooftops. We will explore the unique shops, pathways and side streets on a walking tour of Fira, Santorini’s capital. Fira is the most picturesque capital of the island, and Oia is the spot you want to be to catch the most breathtaking sunset.  The whole archipelago of Santorini is still an active volcano. Students will have the option to take a tour to see the unique volcanic landscapes.

From Santorini, we will make our way to Crete, the country’s largest and most populous island. Crete has it all, from their gorgeous beaches, the richness of history, Cretan traditions and wonderful cuisine. Take a walking tour of Heraklion’s Old Town, which was first established in roughly 820AD. Visit Knossos – the largest Bronze Age archaeological site on Crete, and often called Europe’s oldest city – to explore the ruins of the Palace of the Minoans. 

From Crete, we will head back north to spend the final few days in Athens. Enjoy your farewell banquet with delicious Greek food overlooking the old city and the Parthenon. 

Age group: 15-19 

Experience Europe by getting to know several European countries in one adventurous summer! Encounter amazing sites, ancient ruins, thriving and contemporary cities, gorgeous beaches and hidden gems.  

 We begin in the vibrant city of Barcelona, Spain. This captivating seaside city offers endless culture, incredible architecture, and amazing cuisine. You will have the opportunity to visit Sagrada Familia, a UNESCO-listed basilica, and learn about the incredible history, dated back to 1882.  

 Off to the glamorous seaside city of San Sebastián. Take this opportunity to sunbathe and swim in the finest urban beaches in the world and one of Europe’s best locations to catch a wave, La Concha.  

A short drive away is the seaside town of Biarritz, France. This beautiful beach town along the southwest coast of France is a popular surf location and a perfect spot for our group surf lesson. After a day at the surf, we will explore the vibrant marketplace area of Les Halles and take in all the restaurants and shops.  

A train ride north will take us to one of the most picturesque cities, Paris. Paris is known for its fashion, culture, cuisine and art. Experience and learn everything Paris has to offer on your walking tour and Louvre visit. Paris is also home to other incredible landmarks: Eiffel Tower, Sacré-Coeur Basilica Notre-Dame and Arc de Triomphe, among many others. You will have the option to take in even more history with an excursion to the Palace of Versailles. When in Paris, one must indulge in croissants and lattes, as you people watch on the cobblestoned streets of Paris.  

Off to Germany and the city of Munich, the birthplace of Oktoberfest packed with Bavarian culture, and bratwurst. Take an included biking tour around the city and explore the century-old buildings, numerous museums and picturesque parks. On your biking tour, stop at the town hall to watch the famous glockenspiel show that chimes and re-enacts stories from the 16th century. 

During this program we will embark on a day trip to Liechtenstein, a tiny country in the heart of the Alps between Switzerland and Austria. Experience Vaduz, the capital of Liechtenstein, exploring and admiring the small, picturesque city. On your walking tour you will learn and see the Vaduz Castle, that since 1938 has been home to the Princes of Liechtenstein.  

Continuing our journey, we head to the beautiful Alpine village of Zermatt, Switzerland.  Explore this car-free village and hike the magnificent Matterhorn. Indulge in the traditional Swiss fondue and treat yourself with Swiss chocolate.  

From Zermatt, we head south to the fashion capital of Italy, Milan. Just wandering the city will allow you to take in its rich history; from the gigantic Sforzasco Castle, the opera La Scala, and the Leonardo da Vinci Museum. Sit in the main piazza to watch the world go by with a top-notch view of the majestic Duomo Cathedral, one of the world’s largest cathedrals. Wander through the glamorous Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II where you will be able to window shop through some of the world’s best-known fashion designers. 

Next, we visit one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, Florence. Florence, the capital of Tuscany’s region and home to the birthplace of Renaissance art. Enjoy this breathtaking city, with its cobblestone streets, cafes and gelateria’s, and the gorgeous sunrises and sunsets. Take a walking tour and visit the Piazzale Michelangelo, Ponte Vecchio and go inside the Galleria dell’Accademia, famous for its sculptures by the great Renaissance artist, Michaelangelo. Climb to the rooftop of Florence’s cathedral, Santa Maria del Fiore, the second-largest cathedral in Italy.  

Our final stop is Rome, the capital city of Italy and the home to the Colosseum and Roman Forum. Open your minds and books and learn how classical mythology and philosophy shaped Western civilization. Visit the Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps and the Vatican City, home to the Pope and Sistine Chapel.  Enjoy your final banquet by indulging in an Italian feast and taking in all the breathtaking views of Rome.

Age group: 15-19 

Costa Rica is a country like no other. Twenty-six percent of this tiny Central American country is composed of conservation and natural protected territory. Breath-taking rainforests, booming volcanoes, and some of the rarest and endangered wildlife on the planet are just some of the reasons why Costa Rica is a must-see.  

Our first stop, Playas Del Coco, is one of the most popular beach towns in the country. Here you can experience Pura Vida, or “pure life”.  It is a very relaxed and simple way of looking at life. Costa Ricans are very friendly and laid back, so get used to Pura Vida! Spend some days swimming and enjoying the beautiful beaches, get to know the locals, enjoy the cuisine, and learn and study with a beautiful beach vibe.  

Playas Del Coco is conveniently located on the North Pacific side, which gives our students easy access to a variety of excursions and adventures. Zipline above treetops, walk across hanging bridges, relax in the mineral-rich – hot spring and swim along the idyllic coastline.  Ecotourism in Costa Rica has been able to actively contribute to the conservation of the natural environment of the country. In the jungles or at the beach, you may see monkeys, sea turtles, colourful Scarlet Macaws, tapirs and many more animals that are unique to Costa Rica.  

The Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve has been described as “the jewel in the crown of cloud forests”. Discover this unique area by trekking across walkways built in the forest canopy. This will give you an opportunity to learn about cloud forest ecology and thousands of species. Take an included nighttime hike to uncover nocturnal animals not visible during the day. 

Our third location takes us to the fascinating Arenal Volcano National Park. Arenal is known to be the adventurous capital of Costa Rica, having access to the rainforest, a volcano, waterfalls and the country’s largest lake.  

Head back to Playas Del Coco and continue to enrich your knowledge and frame of mind. Pura Vida!

Age group: 15-19 

Costa Rica is a country like no other. Twenty-six percent of this tiny Central American country is composed of conservation and natural protected territory. Breath-taking rainforests, booming volcanoes, and some of the rarest and endangered wildlife on the planet are just some of the reasons why Costa Rica is a must-see.

Our first stop, Playas Del Coco, is one of the most popular beach towns in the country. Here you can experience Pura Vida, or “pure life”.  It is a very relaxed and simple way of looking at life. Costa Ricans are very friendly and laid back, so get used to Pura Vida! Spend some days swimming and enjoying the beautiful beaches, get to know the locals, enjoy the cuisine, and learn and study with a beautiful beach vibe.

Playas Del Coco is conveniently located on the North Pacific side, which gives our students easy access to a variety of excursions and adventures. Zipline above treetops, walk across hanging bridges, relax in the mineral-rich – hot spring and swim along the idyllic coastline.  Ecotourism in Costa Rica has been able to actively contribute to the conservation of the natural environment of the country. In the jungles or at the beach, you may see monkeys, sea turtles, colourful Scarlet Macaws, tapirs and many more animals that are unique to Costa Rica.

The Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve has been described as “the jewel in the crown of cloud forests”. Discover this unique area by trekking across walkways built in the forest canopy. This will give you an opportunity to learn about cloud forest ecology and thousands of species. Take an included nighttime hike to uncover nocturnal animals not visible during the day.

Our third location takes us to the fascinating Arenal Volcano National Park. Arenal is known to be the adventurous capital of Costa Rica, having access to the rainforest, a volcano, waterfalls and the country’s largest lake.

Head back to Playas Del Coco and continue to enrich your knowledge and frame of mind. Pura Vida!

Age group: 15-19