Trip Leaders meet all teenagers after they clear customs at the terminal and we drive to our campsite South of Paris to set up camp and begin orientation. During orientation we get to know each other and learn what to expect in the days ahead. Our daily routine, daily jobs, safety rules, and all trip logistics are explained and the process of growing together as a group begins.
Ile de France, the area around Paris, is our camp for the next three nights. We spend time bouldering in the forest of Fontainbleu and on our third day in France we take the train into Paris and discover the famous city landmarks: the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, the Seine River, the Bobourg centre, the Champs Elysees, and some of the great museums in this city of culture and history. We also have a picnic in one of the parks of this beautiful city. In order to get the most out of our visit to Paris we will stay one night in a hostel.
Traveling to the south of France is a long but scenic journey full of beautiful landscapes and culture. We set up camp close to Vaison-la-Romaine at the base of Mont Ventoux and get organized for our most challenging hike. Mont Ventoux is about 7,000 feet in elevation and our ultimate goal is to reach the summit before sunrise. We leave in the evening, hike through the night, and reach the summit to watch the sunrise over France. This is one of our highest rated activities and an experience not to be missed. After viewing the sunrise, we hike back to base camp to relax, sleep and get re-energized for more adventure. In the afternoon we visit the Toulourenc River for some local "river walking" a unique sport combining hiking, climbing, and swimming in the riverbed.
Traveling into Sort, Spain we begin our water sport adventures in the northern shadows of the Pyrenees. Sort is a mecca for whitewater adventurers from around the world. Our campsite is on a peninsula near the Noguera Palleresa river where we spend one day learning how to white water raft the class III and IV rapids. We also receive instruction in paddling techniques, river safety and commands. This is a great rafting trip which takes teamwork and hard work. We also spend a half day hiking with our river guides in full wet suit and climbing gear to the top of a canyon to experience the great sport of canyoning; a sport that consists of climbing, rappelling, and swimming through a fixed course in a canyon. This is a new, safe, thrilling and totally unique European sport. Get prepared to swim! Sort is also a place where we give back to the area by doing an environmental restoration service project.
Continuing south we travel to the coast of Barcelona, the "jewel of the Spanish crown", and center of Gaudi architecture, Spanish arts and culture. We have two days to visit historical sites like the former Olympic stadium, Gaudi's La Sagrada de Familia, and the downtown port and shopping district of Las Ramblas. We are a short metro ride from our Youth Hostel to the Mediterranean Sea; a great place for volleyball, swimming, frisbee and people watching! A night is spent out on the town eating authentic and delicious Spanish paella.
Continuing north into the French Pyrenees near the Spanish border, we set up camp in Caudies-de-Fenouilledes. This designated wilderness area is the perfect setting for rock climbing and mountain biking in this beautiful region and to visit old castle ruins and the Gorges de Galamus.
On our way into Italy we stop on the south coast of France near Monaco for a relaxing evening and a two night stay in a hostel in the Mediterranean city of Nice. We'll rest and enjoy the Mediterranean sea life as we swim in the clear coastal water and visit neighboring Monaco.
We continue traveling east and stop in the remote Mercantour mountain range, where we explore for the next four days. Our instructors teach us everything about Via Ferrata, a traditional and unique way of climbing. This exhilirating activity is one of our highest-rated adventures! We'll backpack for two days staying overnight in mountain cabins and plan for another thrilling canyoning experience on our last day in France.
It's off to Italy and one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, Florence. We explore this fascinating city and former home of Leonardo da Vinci by mountain bike and foot. We bike along the foothills of Florence for amazing views of the city with stops at cultural spots like the place where da Vinci first tested his flying apparatus and through the region of Tuscany, where picturesque rolling fields, Cypress trees, vineyards, sunflowers and small villages abound. On our visit to Florence we explore the downtown area including the Duomo, museums, the "David", Ponte Vecchio and the San Lorenzo market. This is a quality way to see the entire city of Florence, inside and out. Our visit to this region would not be complete without going to Sienna for a look around the famous square and a visit to the famous leaning tower of Pisa!
We spend our last night together as Bold Europe in the 13th century medieval hilltop village of Labro, Italy. Cobblestone streets, towers, castles, and breathtaking views from the top of the village make you want to stay forever. Hiking to Lake Ventana for a swim and relaxing afternoon in the sun is the perfect way to end our adventure in Europe.
We travel to Rome/Leonardo da Vinci/Fiumicini international airport in Rome early in the morning to say our goodbyes after a summer of incredible travel in three different countries, outdoor adventure, new friends, and fun. Ciao!
Three CPR and First Aid Certified Venture Europe guides; all ground costs, all ground transportation including airport pickup and drop-off; all camping and camping gear (except sleeping bags, sleep mats and mess kits); all activities and gear listed in the above itinerary; all meals; local gratuities to wait-staff and all hotels or hostels.
Flights to/from Paris & Rome; extra snacks and souvenirs.
LEARNING • SERVICE • LEADERSHIP
