GoAbroad

TFT Older Teens: Florence, Cinque Terre, Switzerland & Paris

VerifiedProvider
4.8 / 5Overall Rating
29Reviews
2003Year established

Program Overview

Adventure through Europe with us and get a real backpacking experience as we navigate from Italy through Switzerland to Paris! Our approach is rooted in the classic backpacker strategy—get a rail pass, explore cities with various daily choices, and leave ourselves open to the spontaneous possibilities that every day brings.

Our Older Teens trips are specially designed with older teens in mind. They are all about a hands-on approach to travel where we go beyond the casual tourist experience, take public transportation, and learn how life is in each place we visit. They provide a unique and carefully crafted itinerary that allows for more challenges and independence. We encourage teens on these trips to learn how to use a Eurail pass along with other handy travel skills so that they become confident and able to take on even more of the world in the future!

This is one of our most popular Older Teens trips and combines a great mixture of classic European cities, mountain adventure, and Mediterranean beaches. Those looking to discover a nice mix of European cultures will love experiencing the best Italy, Switzerland, and France has to offer.

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Program Highlights

Stroll across the famous Ponte Vecchio and experience Florence lit up at night.
Stay in the heart of the Cinque Terre and hike between five tiny fishing villages.
Relax on a pristine beach in the Italian Riviera and swim in the mediterranean.
Hike, bike, and ride a cable car through the breathtaking Swiss Alps.
Visit the most iconic Parisian sites such as Notre Dame Cathedral, the Arc de Triomphe, the Luxembourg Gardens and the Champs Élysées.

What's Included

Tuition & Fees
Accommodation / Housing for Program Duration
Some Program Activity Costs
Some Meals / Partial Meal Plan
In-Country Transportation To & From Project
On-Site / In-Country Staff Support

Program Details

Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know

Locations

  • Paris, France
  • Florence, Italy
  • Interlaken, Switzerland

Types & Subjects

  • Adventure Types
  • Student Tours
  • Focus Areas
  • Experiential Learning
  • Outdoor Education

Available Terms / Availability

  • Years Offered
  • Year Round

Eligible Nationalities

  • All Nationalities
  • This Program is also open to Group

Education Levels & Language

  • Language
  • English
  • Education
  • High School Freshman (1st Year)
  • High School Sophomore (2nd Year)
  • High School Junior (3rd Year)
  • High School Senior (4th Year)
  • High School 5th Year or More

Accommodation Options

  • Guest House

Application Procedures

  • Online Application
  • Physical Exam/Health Records

Age Requirement

14-20

Duration

  • 1-2 Weeks

Program Reviews

Hear what past participants have to say about Travel For Teens

4.8
29 reviews

Rating breakdown

5
24
4
5
3
0
2
0
1
0

Top categories

Itinerary
4.9
Satisfaction
4.8
Health & Safety
4.7
Program Administration
4.7
Cultural Immersion
4.6
Living Situation
4.6

Participated in this program? Share your experience now.

Review this Program

Showing 1-20 of 29 reviews

Delaney Vander DussenUnited States · October 2026

Amazing trips with TFT

I've had the privilege of traveling with TFT for the past few years on several different trips, and each trip not only taught me something about the world, but about myself. I can accredit TFT with some of my best friends and some of my favorite memories!! It is one of the best decisions I've ever made and I would recommend it to anybody!!!

Elizabeth McGowanUnited States · October 2026

My second tft trip- the time of my life!!

I did my second trip with TFT to Italy, Switzerland, and France and it couldn't have been better!! TFT's trips create a really open yet safe environment- giving us freedom in safe areas to feel like locals while having structured tours of important sites. They created a really awesome environment that allowed me to make quick friends with the other kids on the trip. If you're able to do a trip with TFT, definitely do it. I have memories that will stick with me forever!

Photos

Lyla OmanUnited States · October 2026

This trip was so much fun!!

This trip was such a good experience! Everyday we would have a group activity and we would also get free time which was nice because we got to explore around each city. All of the accommodations were really nice and clean. The meals were very flexible and the restaurants were nice and had some good variety. Overall I’d say this trip was amazing and if you’re considering going you should!

Lyla OmanUnited States · October 2026

This trip was so much fun!!

This trip was such a good experience! Everyday we would have a group activity and we would also get free time which was nice because we got to explore around each city. All of the accommodations were really nice and clean. The meals were very flexible and the restaurants were nice and had some good variety. Overall I’d say this trip was amazing and if you’re considering going you should!

Livi Buhler-LiebermanUnited States · October 2026

Best way to spend summer!

I have done other teen tours but nothing compared to Travel for Teens. Starting with both of my chaperones (Noah and Claudia), they were genuinely amazing, the sweetest, coolest, and “older sibling” energy. Then, the places we went: My favorite was Switzerland so beautiful and between canyoning and paragliding COULD NOT have asked for anything better. Italy was beautiful and Paris was so much fun. All of the other students on my trip were great, after a couple hours together we all clicked. I came into the trip on my own and left with 15 new friends. I know my parents really appreciated the daily updates from my trip leaders and the pictures they would send. I felt super safe and comfortable the entire time. I would 110% recommend going on a trip with TFT!

Jake HandelsmanUnited States · October 2026

I had a great time

I had lots of fun on this trip I went with a friend we had a great experience. Our counselors were awesome. We went swimming in Italy and paragliding in Switzerland. Switzerland was probably my favorite stop. It was super beautiful and I would love to go back. I made lots of new friends and had an amazing time. I’m still in contact with some of the people I went on the trip with even though it’s been almost 4 months and I still talk to some from my trip last year. it was overall a great experience.

Jermicah OBAmerican Samoa · July 2026

An Unforgettable Journey Through Europe with Amazing Memories

As someone who travels full-time and enjoys blogging about new experiences, this trip was one of the most memorable journeys I've had. Visiting Florence, Cinque Terre, Switzerland, and Paris gave me the opportunity to experience different cultures, beautiful landscapes, and incredible history in a single adventure. Florence impressed me with its stunning architecture and rich artistic heritage, while Cinque Terre offered colorful coastal villages and breathtaking sea views that were perfect for photography and relaxing walks. During the trip, I captured many memorable moments and later shared some of my travel experiences alongside my gaming and technology articles on my website, 33RS Game (33rsgame.net). Traveling inspires much of my writing, and exploring new places always gives me fresh ideas for creating engaging content. Switzerland was everything I hoped for, with its breathtaking mountain scenery, crystal-clear lakes, and efficient transportation making every day enjoyable. Paris was the perfect destination to end the journey, offering iconic landmarks, charming cafés, beautiful architecture, and an unforgettable atmosphere. The itinerary was well organized, giving us enough time to explore each destination without feeling rushed. I also met wonderful people throughout the journey, making the experience even more enjoyable and meaningful. I would happily recommend this tour to anyone who loves travel, discovering new cultures, and creating unforgettable memories. Whether you're visiting Europe for the first time or returning to experience more, this journey offers an excellent combination of history, nature, culture, and adventure that you'll remember for years to come.

Jermicah OBAmerican Samoa · July 2026

An Unforgettable Journey Through Europe with Amazing Memories

As someone who travels full-time and enjoys blogging about new experiences, this trip was one of the most memorable journeys I've had. Visiting Florence, Cinque Terre, Switzerland, and Paris gave me the opportunity to experience different cultures, beautiful landscapes, and incredible history in a single adventure. Florence impressed me with its stunning architecture and rich artistic heritage, while Cinque Terre offered colorful coastal villages and breathtaking sea views that were perfect for photography and relaxing walks. During the trip, I captured many memorable moments and later shared some of my travel experiences alongside my gaming and technology articles on my website, 33RS Game (33rsgame.net). Traveling inspires much of my writing, and exploring new places always gives me fresh ideas for creating engaging content. Switzerland was everything I hoped for, with its breathtaking mountain scenery, crystal-clear lakes, and efficient transportation making every day enjoyable. Paris was the perfect destination to end the journey, offering iconic landmarks, charming cafés, beautiful architecture, and an unforgettable atmosphere. The itinerary was well organized, giving us enough time to explore each destination without feeling rushed. I also met wonderful people throughout the journey, making the experience even more enjoyable and meaningful. I would happily recommend this tour to anyone who loves travel, discovering new cultures, and creating unforgettable memories. Whether you're visiting Europe for the first time or returning to experience more, this journey offers an excellent combination of history, nature, culture, and adventure that you'll remember for years to come.

Molly MelitoUnited States · November 2023

Trip of a Lifetime

From paragliding above the Swiss Alps to cruising along the Seine past the Eiffel Tower, this was the most incredible trip I have ever experienced. While the company and friends I made along the way were what ultimately made the trip, the counselors, adventures, and new cultures also left behind a truly impactful effect. This trip allowed me to build my confidence, skill set, and independence by creating an environment that allowed me to make mistakes, learn, and grow. Travel For Teens fosters an amazing family through their communication and leaders that make their trips feel like family by the end. I wouldn't trade my experience for the world.

Photos

Khloe ThompsonUnited States · November 2023

Great programs

I just learned about the TFT programs. The programs look amazing I plan on doing a trip in 2024. I really excited to meet new people, travel and learn about different cultures. I want to try as many programs that they offer so I can see the world

Christina MarcianoUnited States · December 2019

Once in a life time experience

This past summer I got to travel through Europe. We started in Florence where we explored magnificent art museums and got a feel for the Italian city life. Next we hopped on the train to Monterosso. Here we hiked the Amafi Coast and got to make our own pesto. Our next stop was Interlaken, Switzerland where we got an adrenaline with paragliding. We also filled up on fondue and chocolate! Our adventure ended in Paris, France. We got a beautiful view of the city from the top of the Eiffel Tower. For dinner I tried escargot and rabbit! One day we got to tour the city via bike and even got to see the Mona Lisa up close! This trip has been such an amazing experience and I have made life long friends. If I had the chance to do it again I would.

Photos

Sierra WhitneyUnited States · November 2019

Best graduation trip ever!!

My experience traveling with TFT was nothing but extraordinary. In the summer of 2017 I set off, by myself for the first time, to travel abroad in Europe. Not only did Travel for Teens place me in a group with amazing people that I grew to be very close with, but I was guided through this trip with knowledgeable group leaders who cared about giving us the best experience possible. Through TFT I was able to visit the countries of Italy, Switzerland, and Paris. Each day was jam packed full of different activities including museums, hiking, eating delicious local cuisine, and creating new relationships with my group. My leaders, Taylor and Holden, knew facts regarding each area we ventured to, which made the trip so much more interesting and thoughtful. My favorite part about this trip, and the TFT company as a whole, was that travel, accommodation, and each experience was local and unique. We never loaded onto a tour bus, did not wait in long lines, stand in big crowds, or follow someone with a giant sign to each destination. Travel for Teens was personal, giving chief importance to an authentic experience abroad. I felt so secure with my team throughout the whole trip, with each activity being very well researched and planned, so there was never any confusion or worry. It was through this safe environment I was able to experience the true beauty of travel, which has inspired me to go out of my comfort zone, not to be timid, but to run towards any new opportunity in my life with an open mind!

Videos

Gwendolyn HoffmanUnited States · November 2019

Florence, France and fondue - a trip to savor

My experience going on an adventure with Travel For Teens was incredible and unforgettable. Last summer, I went on the two week trip to Florence, Cinque Terre, Switzerland and Paris with Older Teens. My trip had a rough start, since I did not go on the group flight, and my flight missed a connection in Portugal. I was scared that I would be missing out on activities and that it would be difficult to make friends if I joined the trip after it started. It was such a relief when I finally arrived in Florence and was greeted by my counselor Mike at the airport. He made me feel comfortable right away. It turned out that multiple people on my trip had problems with flights and TFT was able to keep track of everyone and collect them one by one from the airport. Once I got over the sleep deprivation from the long overnight flight, all of my worries went away and I had the best time travelling around Europe with people from all over the country, none of whom I had met before yet all of whom I became friends with. From Italy to Switzerland to France, we saw all of the famous sites and tried all of the amazing food. Just a few of the memorable experiences included learning how to make delicious homemade pesto in Cinque Terre, sampling fondue in Interlaken, paragliding through the Alps, and climbing up the Eiffel Tower in Paris. I must have taken over two thousand pictures over the span of the trip, and I look at them all the time to keep the memories of the trip intact and to put a smile on my face. I had the best summer of my life, and I couldn’t have done it without TFT.

Sarah PinkowskiUnited States · November 2019

Best two weeks of my life

For all four years of high school, it was my dream to go on a Travel for Teens Trip. After begging my parents and working for a majority of my senior year, my parents allowed me to go on a trip right before I went off to college. I was so nervous leading up to it, as I had never been on a flight alone and I didn't know anyone else going on the trip, but as soon as I landed in JFK and met the people on my trip, my anxiety disappeared. I met some of my best friends on this trip that I still talk to on a daily basis months later even though we are across the country from each other. The itinerary that was planned enabled me to push myself out of my comfort zone and face my fears through things such as canyoning in the rivers Switzerland, paragliding over the Swiss Alps, and hiking through the trails through the cities of Cinque Terre. I am so thankful that I was able to go on a Travel for Teens trip as it not only prepared me to live on my own in college, but it made me so much more confident and sure of myself. I recommend going on a Travel for Teens trip to people of any age but especially older teens about to go off to college because it will change your life and make your transition to college much smoother and easier.

Photos

Allison OligschlaegerUnited States · October 2019

Most wonderful experience of my life!

I have been so fortunate to experience two unbelievable TFT trips, including TFT Older Teens: Florence, Cinque Terre, Switzerland and Paris. I have visited destinations in Europe that were so beautiful that words cannot describe it. Through these trips I have gained many stories that I look forward to sharing, I have gained confidence in myself to be independent, and I have tasted food that can only be dreamt about. I was able to go paragliding through the Swiss Alps, go canyoning in Slovenia, island hopping in Croatia, visit the Louvre, and climb the Eiffel Tower. The opportunities that were provided through TFT were amazing and I would recommend any of their trips because you will have a once in a lifetime experience.

Lindsay SolomonUnited States · February 2019

Amazing and unforgettable experience!

This trip was one of the best weeks of my life. The cities we visited were beautiful and the itinerary had a perfect balance of learning and adventure. There is a mix of activities from visiting museums, trying new foods, going paragliding, hiking, sight seeing, and the list goes on. There is a great amount of time to break off from the group (obviously within a certain area and are still close by to staff) and explore the city, eat, shop, and more. I created lifelong friends on this trip who I still stay in touch with. The staff is amazing; they are well trained, they know what they are doing, and are seen not only as staff but another friend made on the trip. They always make sure we are safe but still having fun. This trip is something I will never forget and is an amazing choice!

Hana hayesUnited States · November 2018

Craft your dream adventure!

My trip with Travel For Teens was filled with adventure, opportunities for growth, excitement, and laughter. The staff at TFT is dedicated to making each traveler’s experience the best that it can be. Last summer, I visited Paris, Italy, and Switzerland with travel for teens. The trip I traveled with was small, only about 14 students, which is an average size group for TFT. Each traveler experienced each city in the way that was most beneficial for them. You were allowed to go off on her own with your friends and eat at local restaurants and shop at thrift stores, as well as having the opportunity to explore the Louvre, go paragliding in the Swiss Alps, and so much more. I will always be a fan of TFT, and plan on staying involved in the company for as long as I am able to. Going from a traveler to a CIT has allowed me to see the trip from the perspective of a student as well as the perspective of an employee and has taught me how much effort goes into making sure each traveler has incredible experience.

Alayna DonovanUnited States · November 2018

I fell in love with travel

In the summer of 2018 I went on Travel for Teens’ “Europe for Older Teens: Florence, Cinque-Terre, Switzerland, and Paris” AND “Europe for Older Teens: Amsterdam, Munich, Swiss Alps, and Venice.” I can very honestly say that it was the best summer experience of my entire life thanks. I set out with the simple intention of being more well traveled and hopefully making a couple new friends, and that I certainly did. I couldn’t believe it! I actually made connections with people that I truly feel are going to last a lifetime. I’ve met up with friends I met over the summer since then and I carry the memories of those trips with me everyday. I would recommend those two trips especially because I felt as though I saw a good spread of Europe. Those are also some of the most historically fascinating destinations in the world, not to mention the food (nothing quite like Gelato in Florence). Switzerland is probably my new favorite place in the world and I absolutely can not wait to return to the karaoke nights and basking in the beautiful mountain range view from the balcony. If you have the opportunity to travel with TFT...take it! I will never forget my experience:) Alayna Donovan 16 Kansas

Melania HilleryUnited States · November 2018

The best experience of my life!

Travel for Teens provided me with the opportunity to not only explore new cultures and sights, but also allowed me to experience life as a local not a tourist. My trip to Italy, Switzerland, and France completely changed my life by instilling an appreciation for other languages, foods, and traditions. One of my favorite parts was traveling with a group of students my age and the extremely knowledgeable and passionate counselors who I still communicate with to this day.

Muskan UppalUnited States · October 2018

Best trip through Europe ever!

The Travel for Teens trip to Florence, Cinque Terre, Switzerland and Paris was the best experience of my life! The itinerary for each location was full of amazing activities and excursions that helped me experience the culture of each city like a local. The counselors made sure we always felt safe, but gave us freedom to explore on our own. There is nothing I would change about my two weeks in Europe as they were the best of my life! Thank you Travel for Teens for some unforgettable memories.

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Travel For Teens Interviews

Read interviews from alumni or staff

Sofia Casale

Sofia Casale

Participated in 2017

Alumni

Sofia Casale is an 18-year-old college student, attending Roger Williams University studying International Business. So far, she has been to four coun...

I've always had a passion for traveling and dreamed about going overseas. Last winter I was planning out my summer and stumbled upon TFT and immediately knew that I wanted to spend my summer traveling with them.

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Ashley Allen

Ashley Allen

Participated in 2017

Alumni

Ashley Allen grew up in the Midwest where she gained an addiction to outdoor adventure from time spent camping and hiking. Ashley studies internationa...

Ultimately my love for adventure, cultural exploration, and stories. I wanted to experience life abroad before I went to university that would allow me to experience different cultures, to challenge what I held as my core beliefs, and what I wanted my life to look like as an emerging adult.

Show Full Interview

Recognitions & Awards

Awards and accreditations earned by this provider

GoAbroad Top Rated Provider 2025 - Adventure Travel
Top Rated Provider 2023 - High School Abroad
Top Rated Notable Mentions 2022
Top Rated Organization 2021 - High School Abroad
Top Rated Organization 2019 - High School Abroad
GoAbroad Top Rated Organizations 2018 (Notable Mention)
Notable Mention - GoAbroad Top Rated High School Abroad Providers 2024
GoAbroad Top Youth Travel Program 2017

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