The Alps and the Mediterranean Coast
Nicknamed the "Instagram tour," each stop on this 11-day journey will leave you awe-inspired and snapping photos—from the tranquility of lakes Lucerne and Como, to the Mediterranean shores of Cinque Terre and Nice, to the culture and architecture of Provence and Barcelona. Travel to Europe will surely never disappoint. Museums will always have their place, but sometimes it’s what’s outside that really takes your breath away.
The physical rating of this program is: Average: 2 (out of 3)
Read our FAQs for this program
Explore the many ways girls can take the lead on this tour
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Day 1: Fly overnight to Switzerland
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Day 2: Zurich • Lucerne
Meet your Tour Director at the airportTravel to Lucerne
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Day 3: Lucerne
Take a walking tour of Lucerne
With your Tour Director you will see:
- Lion Monument
- Kapellbrücke
- Lake Lucerne
Add this in-depth excursion:
Swiss Alps Experience
Venture to the roof of the Swiss Alps, atop one of the majestic peaks that tower over charming Lucerne. Take a boat across Lake Lucerne (in season) and ride a cog railway to the top of either Mount Pilatus (best known for its steep railway and its iconic craggy summit) or Mount Rigi (beloved for its original mountain railway and its history as a favorite spot of Mark Twain). Enjoy the splendid views of the quaint villages and fields of Switzerland as you trek along the mountain with your group. (Note: Warm clothes and appropriate shoes recommended).
Add this in-depth excursion:
Swiss Fondue Evening
Savor a taste of Swiss culture as you enjoy a fondue meal—the country’s national dish that consists of (delicious) melted cheese and a lot of bread. Then, experience a bit of Swiss tradition in the form of yodeling, folk dances, and Alpine horns. (Just remember to pack your appetite.)
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Day 4: Lucerne • Lake Como • Cinque Terre
Travel via Lake Como to Cinque Terre
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Day 5: Cinque Terre
Explore Cinque Terre by train
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Day 6: Cinque Terre • Monaco • French Riviera
Travel via Monaco to the French Riviera
Take a tour of Monaco
With your Tour Director you will see:
- Prince’s Palace
- Monaco Cathedral
Take a walking tour of Nice
With your Tour Director you will see:
- Vieille Ville
- Promenade des Anglais
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Day 7: French Riviera • Provence
Travel to Provence
Visit the Papal Palace
Take a walking tour of Avignon
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Day 8: Provence
Visit the Pont du Gard
Take a tour of NîmesVisit the Nîmes Ampitheater
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Day 9: Provence • Barcelona
Travel to Barcelona
Take a walking tour of Las Ramblas
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Day 10: Barcelona
Take a guided tour of Barcelona
With your expert local guide you will see:
- La Sagrada Família
- Park Güell
- Montjuïc
Visit Park Güell
Add this in-depth excursion:
Barcelona by bike
Feel the warm Mediterranean breeze as you explore Barcelona on a guided bicycle tour. This bicycle-friendly city has more than 75 miles of cycling lanes providing a safe, fun, and fast way to gain a deeper understanding of Barcelona’s richly diverse streets and neighborhoods. Stop along the way to learn historical details about the city’s famous sites before pedaling on to your next destination.
Add this in-depth excursion:
Barcelona flamenco evening
Feel the pulse of Spain when you attend an unforgettable flamenco performance! Born of Indian, Moorish, Arabian, and gypsy influences, flamenco dance is a passionate display of dramatic poses and colorful costumes, accompanied by song and guitar. Marvel at the intricate rhythms created by a dancer’s steps, castanets, and clapping. Note: A beverage is included during the one-hour performance.
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Day 11: Depart for home
Add 3 more days
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Day 11: Barcelona • Paris
Travel by TGV train to Paris
Walking tour of the Latin Quarter
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Day 12: Paris
Take a guided tour of Paris
With your expert local guide you will see:
- Place de la Concorde
- Champs-Élysées
- Arc de Triomphe
- Les Invalides
- Eiffel Tower
Add this in-depth excursion:
Versailles
Enjoy an excursion to the grand palace of Versailles, where Louis XIV held court in the most lavish style imaginable. On a tour, stroll through the elegantly landscaped gardens, the historic Hall of Mirrors, and the ornately decorated State Apartments. Note: Versailles is closed on Mondays.
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Day 13: Paris
Take a tour of Paris
Visit the Louvre
Take a walking tour of Montmartre
Visit Sacré-Coeur Basilica
Explore Paris on your own
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Day 14: Depart for home
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Day 1: Fly overnight to Switzerland
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Day 2: Zurich • Lucerne
Meet your Tour Director at the airportTravel to Lucerne
-
Day 3: Lucerne
Take a walking tour of Lucerne
With your Tour Director you will see:
- Lion Monument
- Kapellbrücke
- Lake Lucerne
Add this in-depth excursion:
Swiss Alps Experience
Venture to the roof of the Swiss Alps, atop one of the majestic peaks that tower over charming Lucerne. Take a boat across Lake Lucerne (in season) and ride a cog railway to the top of either Mount Pilatus (best known for its steep railway and its iconic craggy summit) or Mount Rigi (beloved for its original mountain railway and its history as a favorite spot of Mark Twain). Enjoy the splendid views of the quaint villages and fields of Switzerland as you trek along the mountain with your group. (Note: Warm clothes and appropriate shoes recommended).
Add this in-depth excursion:
Swiss Fondue Evening
Savor a taste of Swiss culture as you enjoy a fondue meal—the country’s national dish that consists of (delicious) melted cheese and a lot of bread. Then, experience a bit of Swiss tradition in the form of yodeling, folk dances, and Alpine horns. (Just remember to pack your appetite.)
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Day 4: Lucerne • Lake Como • Cinque Terre
Travel via Lake Como to Cinque Terre
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Day 5: Cinque Terre
Explore Cinque Terre by train
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Day 6: Cinque Terre • Monaco • French Riviera
Travel via Monaco to the French Riviera
Take a tour of Monaco
With your Tour Director you will see:
- Prince’s Palace
- Monaco Cathedral
Take a walking tour of Nice
With your Tour Director you will see:
- Vieille Ville
- Promenade des Anglais
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Day 7: French Riviera • Provence
Travel to Provence
Visit the Papal Palace
Take a walking tour of Avignon
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Day 8: Provence
Visit the Pont du Gard
Take a tour of NîmesVisit the Nîmes Ampitheater
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Day 9: Provence • Barcelona
Travel to Barcelona
Take a walking tour of Las Ramblas
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Day 10: Barcelona
Take a guided tour of Barcelona
With your expert local guide you will see:
- La Sagrada Família
- Park Güell
- Montjuïc
Visit Park Güell
Add this in-depth excursion:
Barcelona by bike
Feel the warm Mediterranean breeze as you explore Barcelona on a guided bicycle tour. This bicycle-friendly city has more than 75 miles of cycling lanes providing a safe, fun, and fast way to gain a deeper understanding of Barcelona’s richly diverse streets and neighborhoods. Stop along the way to learn historical details about the city’s famous sites before pedaling on to your next destination.
Add this in-depth excursion:
Barcelona flamenco evening
Feel the pulse of Spain when you attend an unforgettable flamenco performance! Born of Indian, Moorish, Arabian, and gypsy influences, flamenco dance is a passionate display of dramatic poses and colorful costumes, accompanied by song and guitar. Marvel at the intricate rhythms created by a dancer’s steps, castanets, and clapping. Note: A beverage is included during the one-hour performance.
-
Day 11: Depart for home
Add 3 more days
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Day 11: Barcelona • Paris
Travel by TGV train to Paris
Walking tour of the Latin Quarter
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Day 12: Paris
Take a guided tour of Paris
With your expert local guide you will see:
- Place de la Concorde
- Champs-Élysées
- Arc de Triomphe
- Les Invalides
- Eiffel Tower
Add this in-depth excursion:
Versailles
Enjoy an excursion to the grand palace of Versailles, where Louis XIV held court in the most lavish style imaginable. On a tour, stroll through the elegantly landscaped gardens, the historic Hall of Mirrors, and the ornately decorated State Apartments. Note: Versailles is closed on Mondays.
-
Day 13: Paris
Take a tour of Paris
Visit the Louvre
Take a walking tour of Montmartre
Visit Sacré-Coeur Basilica
Explore Paris on your own
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Day 14: Depart for home
Interested in leading this tour?
Your experience includes
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Airfare & transportation
Your flights—covered. Buses, trains, cruise ships, ferries and subways—covered. We take care of getting you around so you can enjoy the ride.
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Hotels
Safe, comfortable hotels with private bathrooms will be waiting for you at your destination.
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Regional-style meals
Traditional breakfasts and dinners bring local flavors to life as part of your tour experience. Lunches are left up to you to discover favorite dishes of your own.
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Full-time Tour Director
Your culturally connected Tour Director is with your group 24/7, providing deep local insight while handling all on-tour logistics.
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Guided Sightseeing
Gain insider knowledge and cultural perspective from your licensed local guides while they lead you on sightseeing tours.
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Entrances
Step inside the world’s most cherished treasures with your local guide—we’ll take care of lines and tickets.
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Expert Local Guides
Your expert local guides are natural historians, adding cultural insight and global perspective on your sightseeing tours.
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Continuous Support
Your dedicated EF team helps you every step of the way—from recruiting and enrolling travelers to planning and managing your tour.
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Worldwide Presence
EF has over 500 schools and offices in more than 50 countries worldwide so wherever you go, we're there too.
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24-hour Emergency Service
Travelers and their families can count on EF's dedicated emergency service team.
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Peace of Mind Program
Feel secure knowing your group can change their destination or travel dates due to unforeseen circumstances. Learn more about your flexible options at eftours.com/peaceofmind.
