Start planning your Europe trip for next summer and save $400 per traveller!

Enrol by May 31st for tours departing July 1, 2027 to August 31, 2027.

The Alps & The Mediterranean Coast

11 or 13 days

Switzerland, Italy, France, Spain | APB

Take part in this extraordinary 11-day odyssey through the heart of Europe, where majestic peaks and breathtaking azure coastlines stretch beyond every horizon. In Lucerne, walk the iconic spruce boards of the Kapellbrücke (German for 'chapel bridge'), one of the last surviving truss bridges left in the world. In Cinque Terre, pastel-hued houses cling to the rugged Italian Riviera town's cliffside, their foundations rooted in Mediterranean maritime lore. Finally, in Barcelona, the Gothic/Art Nouveau spires of La Sagrada Família soar toward the heavens amidst the vibrant mosaic of Park Güell–both of which were principally designed by legendary Spanish architect Antoni Gaudí. If you want a true continent-spanning European educational experience, accept nothing less than the very best—take this spellbinding tour with EF.

Image displaying map describing the itinerary of the The Alps & The Mediterranean Coast tour

Day 1: Fly overnight to Switzerland

Day 2: Zurich • Lucerne

Meet your Tour Director at your destination

Travel to Lucerne

Day 3: Lucerne

Take a walking tour of Lucerne

With your Tour Director you will see:

Lion Monument
Kapellbrücke
Lake Lucerne

Ride to the top of a Swiss mountain

Enjoy a cruise on Lake Lucerne

Add this in-depth excursion:

Swiss Folklore Evening

Enjoy an evening full of Alpine charm. You'll experience a bit of Swiss tradition through yodeling, horn blowing, or fun folk games. And be sure to pack your appetite for a classic meal, including fondue, the iconic melted cheese dish.

Day 4: Lucerne • Lake Como • Cinque Terre

Travel to Cinque Terre via Lake Como

Day 5: Cinque Terre

Spend the Day Exploring Cinque Terre by train

Day 6: Cinque Terre • Monaco • French Riviera

Travel to the French Riviera via Monaco

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

Day 7: French Riviera • Provence region

Travel to Provence

Visit the Papal Palace

Visit the Pont d'Avignon bridge

Take a walking tour of Avignon

Day 8: Provence region

Visit the Pont du Gard

Guided Sightseeing of Nîmes

Visit the Nîmes Amphitheatre & the Musée de la Romanité

Day 9: Provence region • Barcelona

Travel to Barcelona

Take a walking tour of Barcelona

Day 10: Barcelona

Take a guided tour of Barcelona

With your expert local guide you will see:

La Sagrada Família
Park Güell
La Pedrera or Casa Batlló

Visit Park Güell

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 gipsy influences, flamenco dance is a passionate display of dramatic poses and colourful 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 2 more days

Day 11: Barcelona • Madrid

Travel by train to Madrid

Take a walking tour of Madrid

With your Tour Director you will see:

Puerta del Sol
Plaza Mayor
Mercado de San Miguel

Visit the Prado Museum

Day 12: Madrid

Explore Madrid de los Austrias during a self-guided Immersive Scavenger Hunt designed exclusively for EF

Add this in-depth excursion:

Toledo

This guided half-day excursion takes you to Toledo, the “city of the three cultures.” Explore its diverse artistic and cultural legacy on a panoramic drive around the city, stopping at the iconic cathedral and the famed Church of Santo Tomé. Note: Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.

Day 13: Depart for home

See what an EF tour is really like

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Your experience includes

This all-inclusive global experience gives students the chance to explore the world–all at an unbeatable value.

Airfare & transportation

Hotels

Meals

Entrances

Full-time Tour Director

Expert Local Guides

Personalized Learning Support

Continuous Support

24-hour Emergency Service

Worldwide Presence

Start planning your Europe trip for next summer and save $400 per traveller!

Enrol by May 31st for tours departing July 1, 2027 to August 31, 2027.

Pricing that makes travel possible

Includes airfare, hotels, meals, full-time Tour Director, and more.

Payment options

We believe every student should have the opportunity to travel, which is why we let our travellers choose how they want to manage their payments. Enrol in our Automatic Payment Plan with just $199 to start, make fixed and low monthly payments through FlexPay, receive invoices and make your payments in less frequent instalments, or pay upfront in full.

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Frequently Asked Questions for The Alps & The Mediterranean Coast

Do Canadian students need a visa to visit Switzerland, Italy, France, and Spain?

Most students can begin age-appropriate enrichment activities as early as elementary school. The right timing depends on individual readiness and interests. For travel-based enrichment, many programs are designed specifically for high school students.

How physically demanding is this tour — is there a lot of walking or hiking?

This tour involves moderate physical activity. Students should expect to walk 10,000–15,000 steps per day exploring cities like Lucerne, the hillside villages of Cinque Terre, and Barcelona. The Cinque Terre portion involves walking along cliffside paths and steep village streets, so comfortable walking shoes with good grip are essential. There are no strenuous alpine hikes, but the varied terrain across four countries means a reasonable level of fitness will help students get the most out of each day. Students with mobility concerns should contact EF Tours in advance to discuss accommodations.

What currency do I need, and how much spending money should students bring?

The itinerary is geared towards guided activities with some free exploration time, depending on your school’s policy. Students typically have structured mornings and evenings with guided tours and cultural activities, with free time for lunch. Free time varies by city, but students can generally expect opportunities to wander local markets and try regional foods.

How much free time do students get to explore on their own?

The itinerary is geared towards guided activities with some free exploration time, depending on your school’s policy. Students typically have structured mornings and evenings with guided tours and cultural activities, with free time for lunch. Free time varies by city, but students can generally expect opportunities to wander local markets and try regional foods.

What is the Swiss Folklore Evening add-on like?

The optional Swiss fondue excursion immerses students in one of Switzerland's most iconic cultural traditions. Participants enjoy a traditional fondue meal — Switzerland's national dish — alongside live demonstrations of yodelling, folk dancing, and Alpine horn playing. It's a fun, interactive evening that gives students a deeper connection to Swiss heritage beyond the standard sightseeing itinerary. This excursion can be added to your tour package during the booking process or by contacting your EF Tour Consultant.