EUROPE FOR OLDER TEENS
MEDITERRANEAN WANDERLUST
Barcelona, Paris & Athens
Three countries, three cultures, one unforgettable adventure. Designed for older teens ages 16–19, this epic summer journey takes you through the best of Barcelona, Paris and Athens on one incredible adventure abroad.
Program Overview
Make the most of your summer by visiting three exciting countries marked by Mediterranean influence and ancient legacy: Greece, France and Spain. Begin in Barcelona, the vibrant capital of Catalonia, where Gaudí’s masterpieces like Park Güell and the Sagrada Familia inspire awe and where you’ll dive into Spanish culture by cooking signature dishes with a local chef. Continue to Paris to experience iconic sites such as the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre, then step off the beaten path on a graffiti tour through hidden neighborhoods and indulge in the city’s world-famous culinary delights, from croissants to chocolate. Conclude your adventure in Greece, where timeless beauty and history await, culminating in Athens, where ancient wonders like the Acropolis, Parthenon and ancient Agora blend seamlessly with the modern energy of Greece’s historic heart and soul.
On GLA’s Europe For Older Teens: Mediterranean Wanderlust program you will:
- Explore Park Güell and Sagrada Familia, Barcelona’s architectural masterpieces
- Take a cooking class and prepare your own signature Spanish dishes with a local chef
- Climb the Eiffel Tower and delight yourself with the colorful sunset
- Take a selfie with the Mona Lisa at the Louvre Museum
- Create your own French perfume at a private atelier du parfum
- Marvel at the legendary Acropolis and stand before the majestic Parthenon
- Become an expert in Greek cuisine by taking part in a food tour around central Athens
Program Menu
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MEDITERRANEAN WANDERLUST
Sample Itinerary
Let’s take a sneak peek at what your program experience might look like this summer! Please note that the order of activities may differ for each program session. The details provided here represent a general outline of what you can anticipate, though community service projects and activities are subject to change based on the needs of our local community partners, cultural celebrations and traditions, weather conditions and the specific requirements of the student group.
Day 1: Arrival
Welcome to Barcelona! Our GLA staff will meet you in the Barcelona airport arrivals terminal wearing their GLA t-shirts. We will spend this first day settling into our first Home Base and building connections with fellow travelers. Before we sleep off our jetlag, we will enjoy a local welcome dinner.
Days 2-4: Exploring Barcelona
Start your Mediterranean adventure with breakfast and orientation, meeting fellow travelers and GLA staff. Explore Barcelona on a walking tour of the Gothic Quarter, visit Park Güell, and admire the Sagrada Familia. End the day with a private cooking class, learning local flavors and techniques from a Barcelona chef.
Day 5: Barcelona to Paris
Hop aboard a high-speed train as we say “adiós” to Barcelona and head to the City of Light! Today’s about travel, put your global skills to use navigating train stations and crossing from Spain into France. Then, relax by the window as the scenery shifts from the Mediterranean coast to southern France’s rolling hills before arriving in iconic Paris.
Days 6-8: Paris, The City of Light
Paris, the city of lights, romance, museums, and macaroons! Start with stunning views of the Eiffel Tower from the Trocadéro steps and climb to the second level for a breathtaking panorama. Explore the Louvre and see the Mona Lisa up close, wander Montmartre’s charming streets, and take a day trip to Versailles, biking through its gardens. Connect with a local organization supporting vulnerable communities, then end your adventure at a French atelier by creating a personalized fragrance to treasure forever.
Days 9-11: Athens, Greece
Coming Soon!
Day 12: Departure
Before we know it, our Mediterranean adventure will come to an end. Head to the airport with incredible memories, new friends and confidence that will last a lifetime! GLA staff will accompany you to the airport and assist with check-in. As you settle into your seat for the journey home, reflect on the sights, people and places you experienced. We’ll see you on your next adventure!
Program Map
Coming Soon!
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MEDITERRANEAN WANDERLUST
Program Details
Dates & Tuition
2027 Session Dates
July 22 – August 02, 2027
What's Included in Tuition
In-country transportation
Lodging
3 meals per day
Professional full-time staff and experts
24/7 parent support hotline during program
Secondary medical and evacuation insurance
Cultural activities, lectures and excursions
Pre-departure materials and support
Educational materials
to hold your spot on-program.
Every GLA Program is Backed by our 5-Point Safety System™
GLA HOME BASE:
SAFE & SECURE LODGING
CARING SUPERVISION &
EXPERT LOCAL KNOWLEDGE
SAFE
TRANSPORTATION
HEALTHY FOOD
& PURE WATER
24/7 SUPPORT &
EMERGENCY RESPONSE
Recommended by Students and Parents
Anslee K. | 2024 Alumni Student
“It’s a saying that you can’t truly understand something unless you were there. That is absolutely acurate for a GLA trip. Any story I tell or any memory I recall will never fully describe the connections and learning tools I took away from this trip. The lifelong connections and the countless memories will live on in my heart forever.”
The Program Experience
Exploratory Travel
Experience Europe as a living classroom as you journey across three iconic cultures: Spain, France and Greece. In Barcelona, explore Antoni Gaudí’s architectural masterpieces and take a hands-on cooking class to prepare traditional Spanish dishes. Discover why Paris is called the City of Light while walking historic boulevards along the River Seine. In Athens, step back into classical antiquity as you uncover the history behind the Acropolis, the Parthenon and the Ancient Agora, gaining direct insight into the democratic and philosophical foundations of the modern world. Parallel to your travels, connect with local organizations through a hands-on community service project tailored to local needs, such as environmental conservation or food security.
Adventure
Travel across the European continent, moving seamlessly from one mesmerizing city to the next! Relax along Barcelona’s golden beaches and swim in the warm waters of the Mediterranean Sea. Climb the iconic Eiffel Tower in Paris to take in panoramic views of the city at sunset. In Athens, explore where ancient wonders blend effortlessly with modern street culture, walking through world-renowned archaeological sites, bustling Plaka alleyways and historic coastal neighborhoods.
Country Spotlight
Discover the timeless appeal, vibrant art scenes and legendary food cultures of Southern and Western Europe.
Lodging: Because of the dynamic, travel-focused nature of this multi-city itinerary, students stay in safe, welcoming Home Bases tailored to each region. Accommodations feature modern youth hostels with air conditioning, en-suite bathrooms, and active common spaces as well as 3-star hotel blocks offering 2–6 beds per room with private facilities.
Meals: Savor the distinct regional flavors of three world-famous culinary destinations! Enjoy fresh tapas and authentic paella in Spain, indulge in warm buttery croissants, fresh baguettes and sweet macarons in France, and conclude in Greece by sampling fresh tzatziki, souvlaki, crisp horiatiki (Greek salad) and savory spanakopita in lively local tavernas.
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Photo Gallery
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MEDITERRANEAN WANDERLUST
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