GoAbroad.com

Description

Westcoast Connection is in our 28th summer of showing teenagers the summer of a lifetime. We offer Active Teen Tours as well as Adventures, Community Service, Language Immersion, Pre-College Enrichment, and Ski/Snowboard programs. Our itineraries travel throughout the United States including Alaska and Hawaii, Canada, Europe, Australia, Costa Rica, Africa, China, Peru, Israel, and Belize.

Backpack Europe by Westcoast Connection is a 28-day program. The trip begins in Paris and continues onto the following locations: Tignes, Interlaken, Cinqueterre, Florence, Vecine, Rome, Sorrento and The Isle of Capri.

Highlights

Alpine and Mediterranean Exploration:
* Lucerne
* Interlaken
* Geneva
* Cinque Terre
* Sorrento

Romance, Renaissance & Ruins:
* Paris
* Florence
* Venice
* Rome

Cultural Immersion & Adventure Highlights:
* Hike & Kayak the Italian Riviera
* Explore the Louvre & Cruise the River Seine
* Summer Skiing or Snowboarding in Tignes
* Florence Cooking School
* Swiss Fondue & Alpine River Rafting
* Boat Tour to Capri
* Tour the United Nations in Geneva
* Ride a Gondola in Venice& and so much more!

Amazing Details

* PARIS
Bienvenue a Paris and our group orientation! After viewing the city from atop the Eiffel Tower, you'll have no trouble remembering why you came to Europe in the first place. Picnic by day and cruise by night on the River Seine, climb the stairs to the Sacré Coeur for dinner in the artist colony of Montmartre, and admire the impressionist collection at the Musée D'Orsay. Smile back at the Mona Lisa at the Louvre, check out the moderns at the Centre Pompidou, stroll down the Champs Élysées and take in the action from a different perspective at the top of the Arc de Triomphe. You'll leave the City of Lights with a new appreciation of joie de vivre!
You'll never forget the first time you show your train pass! When you cross over from cosmopolitan Paris, France to rugged Switzerland, don't forget to ask the conductor to stamp your passport!
* TIGNES
Get set for summer skiing and snowboarding in the French Alps. Enjoy the breath taking scenery of this great alpine village. Non-skiiers have the option to mountain bike, hike, or enjoy other activities of their choosing.

* INTERLAKEN
A backpacker favorite, this Swiss resort village in the Jungfrau region and at the foot of Switzerland's largest mountains is home to all things adventurous. Master the T-grip for our roaring whitewater rafting excursion. Jump on a "trotti-bike", a cross between a bike and a scooter, for a downhill adventure. Take the high-ropes challenge - cross the suspension bridge and zip-line through the forest. Dine on schnitzel on the terrace of a restaurant overlooking lakes Brienz and Thun, and bid farewell to Switzerland and its glacial charm.

* CINQUE TERRE
Here's your first Italian lesson: Cinque means five and Terre means land. Enjoy some chill time in the quaint fishing villages of the "Cinque Terre". Part of the "Italian Riviera", these five small, classic Italian towns are built into the cliffs and look much like they did when they were first settled in the 17th century. Kayak from village to village, stopping on occasion for the equally amazing scenic hikes & irresistible pesto (this is where it was born!). Soak up the Italian sun during a relaxing day at the beach. Commemorate this trip highlight with a night of group activities and bonding on the beach overlooking the Mediterranean.

* FLORENCE
Boticelli. Da Vinci. Michelangelo. Since Florence is the home of Renaissance, spend some time admiring the David at the Accademia and checking out the masterpieces at the Uffizi. Search the leather markets for the perfect gifts, and then put on your apron as you participate in an authentic Italian cooking class! Finish off your time in Florence with a night out at the international Space Electronic disco.
* VENICE
The city known for its canals! You can explore this "maze" of over 100 islands connected by 150 canals and 400 bridges first by foot, then by gondola. Venice is known for its great art, cuisine, romance, and fashion. Wander through Doges Palace, cross the Bridge of Sighs, watch a demonstration of the 700 year old craft of Murano glass blowing, feed the pigeons in Piazza San Marco and enjoy the Italian feasts of pizza, pasta, and parmigiana.

* ROME
Imagine gladiators in the Colosseum and people watch at the Spanish Steps. Dine in the celebrated Piazza Navona, discover the ancient treasures of the Pantheon and Forum, and visit Vatican City and enormous St. Peter's Square. Try to picture Michelangelo painting the famous ceiling of the Sistine Chapel&and don't forget to toss three coins in the Trevi Fountain - to guarantee your return to the Eternal City!

* SORRENTO & THE ISLE OF CAPRI
Soak up street carnival atmosphere in this cliff-side town overlooking Bay of Naples. Cruise to the Isle of Capri stopping to hop off and swim in majestic green waters and grottos. Ride the funicular to the town of Capri and take in the café scene near Piazza Umberto.

Travel Types

• BackPacking Abroad
• Camping
• Canoeing
• Cross/Back Country Skiing
• Cycling (Mountain)
• Cycling (Road/Touring)
• Dancing
• Downhill Skiing
• Hiking
• Horseback Riding
• Kayaking (Sea)
• Rafting
• Sailing
• Scuba
• Snorkeling
• Snowboarding
• Surfing
• Student Tours
• Tours
• Water Skiing

Type of Programs

• Adventure Travel
• Cultural Exploration
• Student Tours
• High School Study Abroad

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

USD 7,699 Plus airfare to Paris and home from Rome

Cost Include Description:

Accommodations: All Hotels. Includes all lodging, breakfasts and dinners daily, all recreation, entertainment, gratuities & taxes. Students have the choice of local options for lunch.

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel

Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work

in Groups

Application Process Involves

• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Other

Post Services Include

• Exit Debriefing Abroad

360 Student Travel's Mission Statement

360 Student Travel will allow you the opportunity to step in a new direction. Travel, volunteer, or improve your foreign language skills we are here to help you take that new step by helping you keep your other foot planted. Regardless of travel style, all programs are created with the understanding that no matter what you want to accomplish during the summer, it is still summer, and the challenges and experiences should be enjoyable as well as rewarding. On our Community Service Program you'll be making the world a better place and discovering the world at the same time - ziplining in Costa Rica, exploring a glacier in Alaska, or marveling at the "Big 5" in Africa. If you're open-minded and interested in achieving goals, volunteering, and helping others, then this will be a meaningful and adventurous summer for you. If you're thinking of studying Spanish or French and want the excitment of travel join us in either Spain, Costa Rica or France. On most of these language programs, we study at multiple locations within a country so you experience its full diversity. On our Pre-College Enrichment program get a sneak peek at college life while being immersed in the culture and excitement of Barcelona. We have teamed up with the renowned International House School, centrally located just steps from Plaza Cataluna, to bring you exciting courses from Creative Writing and International Business to Spanish Language, and SAT prep with Princeton Review. Join us on our Global Adventures if adventures are for you. We offer the most unique variety of activities imaginable that encourage individual growth and character.

Year Founded

1992