Southern Europe 27-Day Youth Leadership Adventure

Explore Southern Europe by trekking and whitewater rafting through the Alps, kayaking in the Mediterranean, and exploring the rich history of Paris and Rome on this 27-day youth leadership adventure with This Adventure Tour Supplier. As you experience a mosaic of cultures and languages through three European nations, enjoy learning about a region known for its natural beauty as you stretch your boundaries and experience the great outdoors. Adventures Cross Country is known for our excellent youth adventures, providing young adults with the student travel experiences of a lifetime. As you dip your paddle into the cobalt waters off the coast of Italy, trek to a mountain pass overlooking France and Italy, and walk in the footsteps of heroic gladiators in the Colosseum, the lives of leaders past will inspire a transform participants from kids to young adults.

Exploring Rome and Sea Kayaking in the Mediterranean
Our European youth leadership adventure begins in Rome, the Eternal City, which is rich in history customs, a delectable cuisine. Aside from the mighty Colosseum, we will gaze upon Michelangelo’s masterpieces and the mysterious Pantheon as we travel through Rome on foot. From here, we will travel to a warm coastal island, once used as Napoleon’s island getaway, for three days of sea kayaking. After mastering the fundamentals of kayaking in the Mediterranean’s turquoise waters, we will paddle around the island’s edge, passing lively villages and friendly fishermen on our journey. We will also paddle beside volcanic rock formations, into isolated inlets, and camp along secluded beaches beneath the island’s mountainous center.

Backpacking through Tuscany
The setting for our three-day trekking excursion through Tuscany begins with olive trees lining the boulevards of walled medieval villages. As sunlight bathes the warm coastal mountains of Tuscany, our trek will begin at the base of the Apuane Alps, a region famed for its pristine marble cliffs and lush forests of chestnut trees. Each day, the physical difficulties and group dynamic will foster our leadership skills as we learn the fundamentals of backcountry camping. Along the way, we will stay in rifugios, or alpine huts, feasting on savory Italian pastas and pizzas.

Hiking and Exploring Cinque Terre
The classic Italian destination of Cinque Terre is our next destination on this youth leadership adventure. Drenched with stunning views of the Mediterranean, colorful villages built into the hillside, and ancient walking paths connecting the classic Italian towns, Cinque Terre provides a wonderful cultural immersion experience as life continues as it has for ages. Enjoy the daily jaunts along the coast and end with a swim in the gentle Ligurian Sea.

Alps Whitewater Rafting
The next adventure-filled activity will take us to the French Alps, located in the crossroads between Italy, France, and Switzerland. After setting up camp along the banks of the Isère River, we will spend the day with professional French guides learning the basics of whitewater rafting. Enjoy the lofty peaks of the snowcapped Alps as we plunge down some of France’s best whitewater.

Trekking through the Alps, Chamonix-Mont Blanc and Paris
Our final backpacking adventure will take us along one of the most famous trekking routes in Europe, Le Tour du Mont Blanc. This hiking trail is dominated by views of Europe’s tallest peak, Mont Blanc. As we trek across three different countries and meet backpackers from around the world, our journey will lead us to the charming outdoor haven of Chamonix. Pass through the rolling pastures of Switzerland and spend the night in a chalet-style lodge as you sample delicious Swiss treats.

Our trip will end after exploring the many sights of Paris on foot. Climb the Eiffel Tower, explore the many halls of the Louvre, and stroll down the Champs Elysees, one of the most famous avenues in France. During our final two days in the City of Lights, our European Vacation will end with a delicious French feast.

After many amazing adventures, countless new friends, and unique cultural experiences, we will say goodbye and return home after an unforgettable Southern European leadership adventure!

This Adventure Tour Supplier has been the world leader in teenage adventures since 1983. We specialize in unique and unforgettable study abroad experiences for young adults interested in worldwide travel. With over 20 years of experience, we also offer an impeccable safety record, rich educational programming and outstanding trip leaders. Contact us for additional information regarding our extensive inventory of student travel programs.

Day-to-Day Itinerary DAY 1:
The adventure begins when the group gathers together in Rome for the first time. Students can be met by a member of the This Adventure Tour Supplier staff at either JFK International Airport in New York on June 29th or at the Leonardo Da Vinci International Airport in Rome on June 30th. From the airport, the youth leadership adventure will begin as the group travels to a campground on the outskirts of Rome. Here, we will spend the afternoon getting to know one another through games and activities. ARCC guides will also introduce the concept of “Leader of the Day,” an integral part of every This Adventure Tour Supplier summer trip.

DAY 2:
This morning marks the beginning of the European adventure of a lifetime. This leadership expedition will begin by touring the relics left behind by other historic leaders, including the Colosseum, an enduring symbol of the Eternal City. Other sites on the agenda include the Sistine Chapel within Vatican City, the ancient Roman Forum, and the underground catacombs. Enjoy the delicious delights of Italy tonight as we dine on savory pizzas and pastas for which Italy is so well known.

DAY 3 - 6:
Today will begin with a ferry ride to Elba Island, an idyllic retreat most famous for being Napoleon’s island getaway (currently home to a pristine national park). For the next three days, our group will enjoy the sand and surf by sea kayaking with professional Italian guides. As we paddle past colorful villages and rocky inlets, the group will be treated to stunning views of the Italian coastline where the mountains meet the shore. During the nights, the group will explore deserted beaches, set up camp along the ocean, and watch the golden sunset over the Mediterranean.

DAYS 7 - 8:
After enjoying life on Elba Island, our group will travel by train to Cinque Terre, a colorful national park spanning the plunging Italian coastline. Known as the “five lands” of Italy, Cinque Terre has incredible sun-washed beaches, quaint alleys, and pastel buildings teetering over turquoise waters. Spend the day tracing the ancient footpaths that connects the five villages and spend two nights at a lively hostel above the Ligurian Sea.

DAY 9 - 12:
After our adventures hiking around Cinque Terre, our group of youth adventurers will head to Marina Di Massa, a coastal village nestled at the base of the Apuane Alps. This region is cherished for the pure marble used by the famous sculptor Michelangelo. From here, we will begin our three-day backpacking adventure through the rugged terrain of the Apennine Mountains. Known for its lush velvet forests and towering rock pinnacles, the Alpi Apuani are the ideal setting for our introduction into the European wilderness expeditions. At the beginning of our hiking adventure, we will learn how to pack our backpacks and comfortably hike with them as well as become versed in using a camping stove and how to plan routes using maps and compasses. The group will also learn about the majestic mountain range and have the chance to meet hikers from around the world as we stay in mountain huts, or “rifugios,” in Italian.

DAY 13 - 14:
After trekking through a section of the Alps, our expedition will hop into a private coach and cross the mountains into France. Our destination will be a cozy ski town. After setting up camp along the river, we will tour the town that sits in the shadow of the world famous Alps. In the morning, we will be met by professional whitewater rafting guides who will help us train for a rafting adventure. Under their guidance, the group will begin using basic skills before progressing to exhilarating whitewater rapids rushing down from the Alps.

DAY 15 - 22:
For the next eight days of this youth leadership trip, we will hone our backpacking and hiking skills by conquering Le Tour du Mont Blanc, or simply “Le Tour” as it is known locally. This world renowned alpine trek will skirt the Mont-Blanc Massif, cross flower laden meadows, traverse lush, green valleys, and even summit a few small peaks while passing through three countries: France, Italy, and Switzerland.

Along the route, we will pass through charming villages and small towns in which we can relax and swim during layover days, re-supply with fresh groceries, and drop a postcard in the mail. Along the way, we will sleep in alpine huts, which are rustic and perfectly suited for our summer vacation. By staying at rifugios, we will be able to pack light (no tent) and enjoy the delectable cuisine of the region en route.

DAYS 23:
After a successful completion of Le Tour, we will depart Switzerland by private charter back to France. We will eventually arrive at an outdoor wonderland and the birthplace of mountaineering, Chamonix. Revered as an international crossroads and known for its ideal location in the heart of the Alps, Chamonix-Mont Blanc is truly an adventurer’s paradise. Our expedition will enjoy the outdoors by camping on the fringe of town as we celebrate our completed alpine trek.

DAY 24:
Leaving the mountains behind, our journey will turn to Paris, the City of Lights. Traveling between mountains, through tunnels, and over mountain passes, we will reach the station to board an overnight train. After settling into our couchettes, we will fall into a deep slumber as the train carries us, full of anticipation, to Paris.

DAY 25 – 26:
For the next two days, our expedition will take Paris by foot. Climb to the top of the Eiffel Tower, view the enchanting gaze of the Mona Lisa in Le Louvre, and shop along the famous Champs-Elysees. Students will also enjoy options to explore Monmartre, a region home to countless artists, the majestic Sacre Coeur, and the infamous Moulin Rouge. As our time in Europe winds down, we will say goodbyes over a final French feast.

DAYS 27:
Eventually all good things must come to an end and so does our ARCC leadership adventure. Our group will say our goodbyes in Paris and begin our journey back across the Atlantic. An ARCC trip leader will stay with anyone not aboard the escorted flight until his/her departure from Paris.

Price Description: The price of this tour is US$5,295 per person for a 27-day program. International airfare is not included in the tour price.

Note: All activities, lodging, and meals are included in your tuition. In terms of additional spending money, you will have the chance to buy souvenirs, post cards, and gifts for friends and family on your trip. We suggest bringing $50 per week for all domestic and Canadian trips, which has been more than adequate for the majority of our students in the past. For international trips, we recommended $75 a week.