Backpacking Programs in Western Europe

At International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ), we unite people from over 96 countries who want to make a meaningful difference while exploring the world. With 300+ projects in 40+ destinations, IVHQ offers the widest selection of volunteer programs globally from Teaching and Childcare to Wildlife Conservation, Medical Outreach, and Environmental Sustainability. Since 2007, IVHQ has supported over 155,000 volunteers on life-changing journeys. We specialize in fully-hosted volunteer trips that are safe, affordable, and accessible—starting from just $20 per day. Your experience includes airport pick-up, accommodation, meals, and round-the-clock support from our local teams. With flexible booking options and no change fees, planning your volunteer adventure has never been easier. Our programs run year-round and are available for 1 to 24 weeks across Africa, Asia, Europe, the Pacific, South and Central America, North America, the Caribbean, and the Middle East. Volunteering with IVHQ is about more than giving back; it’s about growing, learning, and building genuine global connections.

Join us this summer for an unforgettable experience in Berlin, Paris, and London, three cities that are not only historically intertwined but also among Europe’s most vibrant and cultural. See Berlin by bike, visit its museums and memorials, and get a glimpse of what it was like to live during WWII with a tour of its bunker system. In Paris, stroll the wide boulevards and browse the quaint riverside bookshops, cruise down the Seine at sunset, eat on an outdoor terrace, and of course, go to the very top of the Eiffel Tower! Finish off this trip of a lifetime in London, where you’ll shop the eclectic stalls at Camden Market, see the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace, and get the best view over the Thames from the London Eye! Learn how to be a savvy traveler as you ride the train from France to the UK, interact with locals, and immerse yourself in these three metropolitan cultures. Don’t miss out on this life-changing experience–join us this summer for a trip you’ll never forget!

Experience the ancient pilgrimage of the Camino de Santiago, hiking through the stunning landscapes of northern Spain. This historical journey, dating back to the 10th century, invites you to walk in the footsteps of millions of pilgrims who have ventured this sacred path before you. Each day, you’ll trek from village to village, soaking in the rich cultural heritage and natural beauty that defines the region. The journey culminates in the breathtaking city of Santiago de Compostela, home to the shrine of St. James the Apostle. Along the way, you'll stay in authentic albergues (pilgrim hostels) or cozy guest houses, connecting with fellow travelers from all over the world. As you hike, you’ll witness firsthand the spirit of community that unites pilgrims on this incredible trail. From the picturesque countryside to the vibrant towns, every step brings you closer to history, beauty, and inner peace. Join this transformative experience in Spain, where the Camino offers a unique opportunity to connect with yourself, embrace nature, and create lifelong memories.

Join one of our Educational School Trips to Spain with Seville Abroad, a unique and unforgettable experience that helps students develop a deeper love and respect for the Spanish language, while increasing their motivation and interest in future studies. Our educational tours allow students to learn firsthand about Spain’s language, history, culture, traditions, and way of life. Schools also have the option to include our family immersion program, where students live with a Spanish host family and experience daily routines, local customs, and traditional food. Our school trips are based in Seville, a truly Spanish city known for its rich history and artistic heritage. From Seville, students will enjoy cultural activities, Spanish classes, and a variety of excursions around the region. If you do not find a tour that matches your needs, we can also design a customized program for your school group. We are open to collaborations with schools from all over the world, and we also offer special programs such as IB CAS trips abroad and partnerships for ERASMUS+ projects.

Experience the best of Western Europe on this high school exploration across Switzerland, France, and Holland. Begin in the Swiss Alps, hiking through alpine meadows, canyoning through mountain gorges, and taking in sweeping views of glaciers and peaks. Continue to Paris to immerse yourself in iconic art, architecture, cafés, and historic neighborhoods. Then set out on a multi-day bike journey through the Dutch countryside, pedaling past windmills, sand dunes, and coastal villages. Conclude your adventure in Amsterdam, exploring vibrant canals, museums, and neighborhoods while building deep cultural connections along the way.

There's nothing like visiting France through a Westcoast Connection program. As one of the top tourist destinations worldwide, we'll show you that France is even more beautiful and amazing than you thought it could be. You won't simply visit the star landmarks of Paris like the Arc de Triomphe, the Eiffel Tower, and the Louvre—home of the Mona Lisa. You might also discover quaint local areas, not to mention the historic cathedrals and castles at every other turn, on a guided bike tour. You will also have croissants for breakfast and fresh baguettes for lunch. Maybe exploring Tignes in the Northern Alps is more of your style with skiing, snowboarding, soccer, hiking, and a wild Aquaslide - there's no lack of activities for you to try. France is bold and adventurous, yet also chic and modern; come discover what part you love best on one of our programs.

Adventure, Culture, and Purpose: Grow, Connect, and Explore the Mediterranean Sail the Aegean, wander ancient cobblestone streets, and awaken your sense of purpose on this six-week journey through Greece and Croatia. Island-hop among sun-soaked shores, explore ruins that tell the stories of ancient civilizations, kayak hidden coves, and immerse yourself in vibrant local cultures. Learn traditional crafts and cuisine alongside locals, practice teamwork while sailing between islands, and reflect on your growth with a close-knit group of like-minded peers. This program blends adventure, cultural immersion, and hands-on learning to build confidence, resilience, and clarity about your path forward. Whether you’re taking a gap year, seeking an alternative to study abroad, prioritizing ethical travel, building skills and leadership, or craving authentic cultural experiences, this journey meets you where you are—helping you grow, connect, and discover meaning. This isn’t just travel—it’s a transformative experience that shapes your story.

Our Whole of Europe route is a fast-paced tour of Europe’s most popular cities. Experience authentic European backpacking, travel with a small group of likeminded people, stay in great hostels, and ride on public transport with an experienced guide. You’ll have between one and four nights in each city, making this the ultimate way to experience many of Europe’s most famous destinations in a short amount of time. We offer a mix of unmissable included activities, exciting optional excursions, and plenty of free time, allowing you to tailor your adventure to your interests and explore at your own pace with your new friends. Travelling with you throughout, your trusty tour leader will ensure your trip goes smoothly, making sure you arrive in each destination safely. Euroventure take all the stress out of travelling so that you’re free to relax and enjoy your trip!

Join conservation efforts along the west coast of Greece, where GVI partners with a local organisation to protect loggerhead turtles and their breeding sites. You will monitor nests and turtles, build protective structures, and collect data. With your assistance, the growing awareness of these turtles will lead to better protection for them, ensuring more hatchlings join the population each year. Combine your conservation efforts with learning about the arts and culture of the country. Traverse archaeological sites, medieval ruins, fortresses, and learn about ancient olympic history. Or, develop your palate with local dishes before exploring nearby mountain terrain and heading back to your beachside campsite for the night’s nesting activities. With short- and mid-term contributions, you are supporting the long-term goal of the project, and assisting in measuring our contribution to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, including: Goal 14: Life Below Water, Goal 15: Life On Land, Goal 17: Partnerships For Goals, and Goal 11: Sustainable Cities And Communities.

This all-in-one semester begins with one month traveling Spain by train, followed by two months in Barcelona where you choose your pathway. You’ll build soft skills (communication, confidence, problem-solving), hard skills (Spanish, digital tools, cooking), and leadership abilities focused on positive impact. Choose one of three pathways: - The Internship Pathway offers full-time hands-on experience, real projects, and strong hours for future credit or professional goals. - The Entrepreneurship Pathway combines a part-time internship with entrepreneurship labs, mentorship, and Spanish classes, ending in a Shark Tank–style pitch. - The Special Interest Pathway lets you blend part-time internship, volunteering, and classes, or focus fully on volunteering plus Spanish or creative electives. If you want to explore Spain, improve Spanish, travel sustainably, and gain real-world experience with impact, this semester is for you. The next session dates: September 5th to November 28th, 2026 Eligibility: - 18 years old or over - Must be in good health - High school graduate with at least a 2.8 GPA - Interest in chosen pathway

Don't miss the opportunity to explore the South of Italy, the land of passion, great food, and Italian customs, with a local team without spending a fortune. This four-day trip departing from Naples to Sorrento is full of relaxation, fun, and breathtaking scenery that you will never forget. Visit the ruins of Pompeii, join an optional boat trip to Capri Island, taste local products, and immerse yourself in the crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean. Additionally, explore Amalfi and Positano, be impressed by the incredible views of the coastline, and spend some time in Naples, one of the most folkloristic towns in Italy! Departures are available on Thursdays from March to October. Itinerary: DAY 1: Meet your tour leader in Naples at 11:30 am. Naples - Pompeii - Sorrento. Free time in Pompeii. Orientation Walk of Sorrento. Optional Guided Tour of Pompeii. Optional welcome Dinner in Sorrento DAY 2: Full day at your leisure in Sorrento. Optional Boat tour to Capri Island & Chairlift DAY 3: Day tour to Amalfi & Positano with free time to swim in both destinations DAY 4: Sorrento - Naples. Orientation Walk of Naples. Free time in Naples. The tour finishes at 2:00 - 2:30 pm.

Join us for an incredible 7-day travel experience through England, exploring world-famous cities, coastal charm, and magical movie moments. From the energy of London, to the history of Oxford, the seaside fun of Brighton, and the magic of the Harry Potter Studios, this adventure blends culture, excitement, and independence in true L&E style. Highlights Include London: Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, the London Eye, Covent Garden & West End show Oxford: Explore the world’s oldest English-speaking university, college tours, and punting on the River Cherwell Brighton: Iconic pier, beach time, street art, and coastal activities Harry Potter Studios: Step inside the Wizarding World with a behind-the-scenes tour of the legendary Warner Bros. Studios Local Experiences: Street markets, British meals, and hands-on cultural discovery Team Challenges & Freedom: Guided independence with choices, journaling, and reflection

Our 16-day Nordic Elements program balances backcountry trekking with an adventurous road trip down the southern coast. This program is designed for active participants who want to hit Iceland's highlights, camp beneath the midnight sun, and test their backcountry skills on our 4-day Laugavegur trek. Program Includes: Cultural Immersion, Explore, Swim, Hiking Expedition, Thermal Pools, Whale Watching, Glacial Lagoon Tour, Folklore Tour. Completing Grades: 9-12 Sessions: Multiple sessions - See our website for dates and full details!

Dreaming of a sailing trip to Santorini? Or, are you more of an outdoor enthusiast who prefers the mystery of Machu Picchu? Whatever adventure you have in mind, Contiki will make it happen. We arrange adventure trips for participants 18-35 years old, along with the guarantee of sorting out the details to ensure a stress-free experience. Explore incredible places while discovering yourself. Make new friends and return home with more than just photos, but also lifetime memories. At Contiki, we offer tailor-made tours that include accommodation, food, and, most of all, unique experiences. All these elements help make your trip truly unforgettable. Whether your sense of adventure is roughing it out or immersing in fascinating cultures, we have the perfect trip for you. Contact us today and find out how we can turn the travel of your dreams into a reality.

Travel to historic Pamplona for the Running of the Bulls festival in the first week of July. Called San Fermin by locals, this big celebration features much more than the exciting bull run. It's a city-wide street party with unlimited sangria, delicious food, live music, fireworks, and plenty of Spanish good times. Next to the infamous bull run is Stoke Travel’s massive campsite parties with live performances. Take advantage of an all-inclusive package with pre-erected twin-share tents, sleeping bag and mattress, daily breakfast and dinner, huge international crowd, and Stoke chilled-out campsite. This year, we’re also hosting the Stoked in the Park music and food festival. Plus, we offer awesome guides to make your running with the bulls extra special and a truly unforgettable experience!