Bold Europe

» France:
We begin in Paris, where we visit the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower and fill up on crepes drizzled with warm chocolate. In the South of France, we charge through a challenging night hike up the region's highest peak, Mont Ventoux, and enjoy an unforgettable sunrise. Next, we visit the Toulourenc River for some "river walking," a unique combination of hiking, climbing and swimming. In Cap d'Ail, we spend two days relaxing at an amazing hostel perched on the crystal waters of the Mediterranean Sea. Nearby, in the French Alps we experience the exhilarating Via Ferrata, a traditional European climbing technique, and a day of canyoneering.

» Spain:
Crossing the border to Sort, world-renowned as Spain's adventure capital, we raft in class III & IV rapids and enjoy adrenaline-filled canyoneering, rappelling and climbing through narrow rock walls. We visit Barcelona, a sophisticated Mediterranean city and home to world-renowned arts, culture and beaches.

» Italy:
Biking along the foothills of Florence, we take in amazing views of the city. We explore the downtown area including the Duomo, the "David", Ponte Vecchio, the San Lorenzo market and the leaning tower of Pisa! Our last night is spent in the 13th century medieval mountain village of Labro surrounded by cobblestone streets, towers, castles, and breathtaking views.

» Day 1:
Trip Leaders meet all teenagers after they clear customs at the terminal and we drive to our campsite in the Champagne Region of France 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.

» Days 2-4:
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.

» Days 5-7:
Traveling to the south of France is a long but scenic journey full of beautiful landscapes and culture. We set up camp in Beaumont 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.

» Days 8-11:
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!

» Days 12-13:
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 within walking distance 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.

» Days 14-15:
Continuing north into the French Pyrenees near the Spanish border, we set up camp in Caudies-de-Fenouillet. 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.

» Days 16-17:
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 unique old mansion Youth Hostel at the rocky beach. We'll rest and enjoy the Mediterranean sea life as we swim in the clear coastal water and go for a visit to Monaco.

» Days 18-21:
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. We'll backpack for 2 days staying overnight in mountain cabins and plan for another thrilling canyoning experience on our last day in France.

» Days 22-26:
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!

» Day 27:
We spend our last night together as Bold Europe in the 13th century medieval mountain 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.

» Day 28:
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!