ACA @ Portugal, Spain, France, Monaco, Italy & Greece
European Riviera Adventure
Join ACA the Summer-of-a-Lifetime!
European Riviera Teen Tour:
Portugal, Spain, France, Monaco, Italy, & Greece
Discover the best Europe has to offer on this exciting Teen Tour! Explore a blend of energetic cultures by visiting the cities that boast the most renowned sights. Get an authentic taste of Europe while experiencing the best of Portugal, Spain, the South of France, Monaco, Italy and Greece!
Take a flavor-filled walk through the lively street markets. Browse chic boutiques and soak up the sun on some of the most popular beaches. Discover quaint plazas, inspiring galleries and magnificent museums. Sample traditional specialties at truly authentic bistros and trattorias. Stop into popular wood-fired pizzerias, savor late-night tapas, sip a cappuccino or enjoy a gelato.
Our outgoing and responsible staff members dedicate themselves to creating an inclusive program filled with fun activities and amazing sights. Make new friends, explore new cultures, and soak up the European sun on ACA’s once-in-a-lifetime summer teen tour!
2023 Dates & Tuition
Transportation is not included in tuition.
This teen tour is for students completing 9th through 11th grades.
Safety
At ACA, we believe safety comes first. That’s why we maintain an eight-to-one student-to-staff ratio – one of the lowest in the industry! This lets us offer unmatched attention and unique personalized programs.
As part of our commitment to student safety, ACA staff members live on every student-occupied floor and accompany students on all activities and excursions. ACA also uses chartered coach and taxi services to get around town, never public transportation. All ACA staff members are always equipped with cellphones.
ACA chosen hotels add additional elements of security, as well. The front desks are staffed 24 hours a day with trained personnel for your comfort and convenience.
Parents will be reassured to know that all European cities we visit are friendly cities with all the modern medical and safety resources one would expect of a popular European tourist destination.
Travel to Europe*
Students attending the 3 week program starting in Portugal will fly on ACA-staffed group flights from the New York area to Lisbon. Students attending the 2 week program starting in Spain will fly on ACA-staffed group flights from the New York area to Barcelona. We are also happy to make arrangements for students connecting to our ACA overseas group flights. Please contact the ACA office for additional information.
Students attending the 2 and 3 week programs will return home on ACA-staffed group flights from Rome to the New York area. Students enrolled in the Greek Isles Extension will also fly on ACA group flights, accompanied by ACA staff from Athens to the New York Area.
Of course, parents are also welcome to bring students to the programs directly.
Please Note: For your safety and convenience, we strongly encourage students traveling to our international programs to fly on ACA group flights.
*Transportation is not included in tuition.
July 1: Flight to Lisbon, Portugal
Fly overnight on ACA’s chaperoned group flight from the New York area to Lisbon. Make lots of new friends and start bonding from the moment you get to the airport stateside. Once you arrive in Lisbon, your orientation will start with fun icebreakers and introductions to get to know your staff and trip mates.
July 2 - 4: Lisbon + Lagos
Your European Adventure begins in Lisbon, Portugal – famous for its seafood dishes, popular beach destinations, soccer legends, and 16th to 19th-century architecture, from when this country was a powerful maritime empire. Start by zipping around the city on a Segway Tour for a fun way to learn about the city. Visit the Belem Tower, a landmark in Lisbon, that rises 466 feet above the city’s harbor. See the city from above on a cable car ride. Check out the handmade jewelry, pottery and crafts at Feira da Ladra. Tour Castelo St George, built on top of an ancient Roman temple and has been a part of Lisbon’s history for over 2,000 years. Shop at LX Factory, once a fabric production plant, boasting more than 50 shops, restaurants & cafes in a creative and industrial environment. Grab lunch at Time Out Market, where you can find the best of Lisbon under one roof: the best chefs, restaurants, and cultural events.
A trip to Portugal is not completed without a stop in Lagos! Surrounded by stunning waters and rock formations, Lagos, is the epitome of the words dream destination. This popular town boasts some of the best beaches of Portugal, not to mention a climate to die for, with an abundance of summer sun.
July 4 - 7: Costa del Sol
Marbella & Granada
A combination of familiar Spanish charm, timeless medieval appeal and sizzling celebrity playground, Costa del Sol has something for everyone. This gorgeous vacation destination has miles of pristine beaches such as Marbella, where you’re likely to rub shoulders with an international film star. We’ll get to visit the world-famous Puerto Banus, where the rich and famous regularly pull up in their huge luxury yachts. The Costa del Sol is a favorite European vacation destination, renowned for its beautiful beaches, water sports and thriving dining and entertainment scene. This is truly the fun side of Spain!
Granada is a place so rich in history and architecture that the entire city has been declared a national monument! Visits to The Alhambra, a legendary series of castles and fortresses recognizable the world over; the Royal Chapel, the resting place of King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella; the Alcaiceria, where everyone bargains with the artisans for jewelry and handicrafts; and Caldereria Street, famous for good Andalucian cuisine.
July 7 - 9: Seville
July 9 - 11: Barcelona (2 Week Tour Joins)
Fly from Seville to Barcelona on our chaperoned flight. Barcelona is known the world over for its stunning modern architecture and historic beauty. Compare the grandeur of ancient cathedrals and the middle-age majesty of the Gothic Quarter with modern fixtures like the Picasso Museum and Gaudi’s famous church – Sagrada Familia. Explore Park Guell, a magical park with amazing buildings, sculptures, and tile work designed by Gaudí. Of course, a stroll down Las Ramblas, one of the most famous bustling boulevards in all of Europe, is a must! Grab a bite at La Boqueria sprawling with fruit, vegetables, nuts, sweets, meat, fish and cheese stalls. A trip to Barcelona would not be complete without soaking up the sun at the famed Barceloneta Beach.
Students joining the tour on July 8 will fly overnight on ACA’s chaperoned group flight from the New York area to Barcelona. We will hold orientation and engaging ice breakers for our new students to get to know their staff and trip mates.
July 11 - 13: French Riviera
Nice, Cannes & Monaco
Fly from Barcelona, Spain to Nice, France on our chaperoned flight. Catch a glimpse of the royal family in Monaco or the hottest A-list celebrity. It’s all possible in the fabulous French Riviera. Believed to be one of the oldest settlements in Europe, Nice has been a cultural crossroads for thousands of years. A beautiful blend of Italian and French, ancient and modern – no wonder it’s one of the most cosmopolitan places in the world! Swim in the blue waters off the coast of Nice and soak up some Mediterranean sun. Monaco is known for Grand prix racing, famed casinos and a bastion for beautiful people – this independent nation is ready to give you the royal treatment! Famed for its international film festival, Cannes is sure to impress you. Its Boulevard de la Croisette, curving along the coast, is lined with sandy beaches, upmarket boutiques and palatial hotels. It’s also home to the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès, a modern building complete with red carpet and Allée des Étoiles – Cannes’ walk of fame.
July 13 - 15: Venice
July 15 - 17: Florence
Fabulous Florence – A City Like No Other! With hundreds of famous museums, galleries, cathedrals and more, Florence remains the spiritual capital of the Renaissance. But don’t think Florence is stuck in the past. Today, its quaint squares buzz with Vespas, shoppers stroll the piazzas in search of the latest styles, and countless trattorias are alive with conversation and amazing cuisine. Visit the Piazza Michelangelo to hear the haunting beauty of Gregorian chants coming from the Church of San Miniata. Shop for the latest in Italian fashion from the most famous designers. See the sights from the Boboli Gardens at Fort Belvedere for a truly commanding view of the city. Sip a cappuccino and enjoy a snack in the Piazza della Signoria, alive with restaurants, tavernas and ice cream shops. Just make sure you save room for a taste of real Italian pizza!
July 17 - 20: Amalfi Coast
Sorrento, Capri, & Positano
Enjoy touring some of world’s most scenic towns when you visit the Amalfi Coast – Ancient Rome’s version of the Hamptons – where emperors built villas into the cliffs of Italy’s spectacular coastline. Marvel at the picturesque cliffs of Sorrento and explore the Blue Grotto, Capri’s underwater sea cave. You’ll also visit the celebrity beach playground of Positano and stroll the whitewashed streets of Amalfi. And wait until you check out the famous city of Pompeii – completely covered by an eruption from Mt. Vesuvius in 79 A.D. Today it’s a time capsule of life 2,000 years ago.
July 20 - 21: Rome
As the old saying goes, “All roads lead to Rome.” A legendary capital, and one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations, it truly is the “Eternal City.” The streets are alive with shops, restaurants, art and entertainment. Get your shopping fix at the Spanish Steps, home to Fendi, Gucci, Armani, Bulgari and Valentino, then stand in awe at the Colosseum and even get your picture taken with a local “Gladiator.” During our last night celebration, we will spend our final night together, reliving the great memories of our experience of a lifetime on ACA European Riviera Adventure! Fly home with your new friends and unbelievable memories on our ACA chaperoned group flight or carry on to Greece with some of your trip mates. ACA students traveling to Greece will fly with our trusted staff to Santorini from Rome.
July 21 - 25: Greek Isles
Santorini & Mykonos
Catch some rays on the black sands of Santorini, check out the scene at the party resorts of Mykonos, and soak in the rich historic legacy. It’s all possible in the fabulous Greek Isles. Beautiful beaches, stunning scenery, ancient cities and remarkable restaurants abound on one of the world’s favorite islands, Santorini, which also has an active volcano. Marvel over the signature view of the white painted houses of Fira set high on the cliffs, with the Aegean Sea as the backdrop. Explore the archaeological site of Akrotiri, and perfect your tan on the fascinating black, white and red beaches. Feel the sand between your toes while relaxing at some of the world’s greatest beach scenes. Enjoy all Mykonos has to offer: natural beauty, rich history and cosmopolitan lifestyle. Laze on the beautiful golden sandy beaches beside clear blue waters, immerse yourself in the plentiful history, and dance the night away with beautifully lit windmills as the backdrop! The island is one of the most important archaeological sites in Greece.
July 25 - 26: Athens
End your European adventures in what is believed to be one of the oldest cities in Europe, Athens is known as the cradle of Western civilization due to its cultural and political impact on the rest of Europe. The capital city of Greece, Athens showcases the astonishing ancient architectural achievement of the Acropolis and the Parthenon. Stroll through the streets of Plaka to find authentic shops, markets and museums. During our last night celebration, we will spend our final night together, reliving the great memories of our experience of a lifetime on ACA European Riviera Adventure! Fly home with your new friends and unbelievable memories on our ACA chaperoned group flight from Athens to the New York area.
Program Specifics
3 week program start: Fly to Lisbon, Portugal
Students have the option to fly on our ACA-staffed group flight from the New York area to Lisbon. We fly in the evening on July 1 nonstop arriving in Lisbon the morning of July 2. Our staff meet you at the airport and are with you the entire way starting with check-in. For students outside of the New York area, we are happy to help make arrangements for students connecting to our ACA group flight. Please contact the ACA office for additional information. Of course, parents are also welcome to bring students to the programs directly. For your safety and convenience, we strongly encourage students traveling to our international programs to fly on ACA group flights.
2 week program start: Fly to Barcelona, Spain
Students have the option to fly on our ACA-staffed group flight from the New York area to Barcelona. We fly in the evening on July 8 nonstop arriving in Barcelona the morning of July 9 where we will meet the rest of the tour. Our staff meet you at the airport and are with you the entire way starting with check-in. For students outside of the New York area, we are happy to help make arrangements for students connecting to our ACA group flight. Please contact the ACA office for additional information. Of course, parents are also welcome to bring students to the programs directly. For your safety and convenience, we strongly encourage students traveling to our international programs to fly on ACA group flights.
Return Flight Home from Rome, Italy (On the 2 & 3 Week Programs)
Students attending the 2 and 3 week programs will return home on ACA-staffed group flights from Rome to the New York area on July 21. For students outside of the New York area, we are happy to help make arrangements at suitable times from the New York area after the group has cleared customs and immigration in the US.
Return Flight Home from Athens, Greece (On the 2 & 3 Week Programs + Greece Ext)
Students attending the Greek Isles Extension will return home on ACA-staffed group flights from Athens to the New York area on July 26. For students outside of the New York area, we are happy to help make arrangements at suitable times from the New York area after the group has cleared customs and immigration in the US.
Meals
Get ready for a true taste of Europe! Each city we visit has local cuisine that you will have the opportunity to try. ACA serves up amazing meals that will make European eating an unforgettable part of your summer. Get ready for authentic Neapolitan pizza and perfectly al dente pasta in Italy, traditional tapas in Spain and fresh fish in Greece!
Each morning, you’ll enjoy breakfasts in our amazing hotels in the classic continental style, with plenty of fresh juices, cereal, pastries, yogurt, and fresh fruit. It’s perfect fuel for a fun-filled day. For dinners, you’ll enjoy our exclusive Dining-on-the-Town-Plan, which lets you choose from a variety of ACA-selected restaurants – and it’s included in your tuition! Try the local specialties or enjoy an American-style eatery if you’re craving the flavors of home. You’ll always find a restaurant that suits your taste! For lunch, you will choose from local cafés, bistros, and other restaurants.
With many options each day, we are able to accommodate most special dietary requests along with choosy eaters. We welcome discussing your individual requirements with you prior to program departure.
Roommates & Accommodations
You will stay in the finest hotels in the safest locations. Our hotels are carefully selected based on safety, security, location, amenities and comfort. Each student will have their own bed. All students fill out a detailed roommate questionnaire. Roommates are matched based on age and common interests. Of course, if you are traveling with a friend, you are able to room with each other.
Laundry
Each week, you will have the option to drop off your laundry at a local laundromat and pick it up clean and folded.
What's Included
Your program tuition is all inclusive of lodging, breakfast and dinner daily, activities as listed, and airport transfers as outlined. Not included is lunches, snacks, personal spending money for souvenirs, laundry and transportation to and from the program.
Frequently Asked Questions
We use a private coach bus for most all transportation throughout the program with the exception of flying between Seville and Barcelona, Barcelona and Nice, and Rome and the Greek Isles. To get from Santorini to Mykonos, we take the high speed ferry.
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