England, France, & Switzerland

Jun. 22 - Jul. 2, 2026

10 Day Program

Begin your journey with London, England, where pomp and pageantry, history and luxury vie for one’s attention. Familiar names like Buckingham Palace and the Tower of London become real. Walking and bus tours keep travelers on the go from the moment they land.

Next is Paris, France, and the City of Light does not disappoint, The romance, art, and simple strolls along the streets will take your breath away.

Breathtaking is exactly what the next stop of Lucerne, Switzerland, offers. After time in the cities, the impressive panorama of the Swiss Alps, its lakeside setting, and charming historic center will leave you in a state of wonder.

Students

Program Cost Covered By The Kirkland Foundation and Rotary of Union City

Solo Traveler Friendly  Open to Students Charter (Closed)

*Prices include airfare, lodging, ground transportation, meals, activity fees, and more.
*Any exceptions are clearly disclosed in the application.

Sample Itinerary forLondon, England - Paris, France - Lucerne, Switzerland

easy

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Day 1: Travel To Europe

Students travel to Europe and the first stop is London. Get ready to experience all kinds of travel including the tube. Tonight we conquer any jet lag with an evening walking tour.

Day 2: Tour Of London

A bus ride takes us from stop to stop as we tour the city and find out more about the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, and Buckingham Palace. Photo ops are everywhere today–just like every other day!

Day 3: More sites plus the theatre

We have more sites to see and then in the evening we head to the theater for a live performance.

Day 4: On To Paris

Travel by train to Paris and arrive for a walking tour in the City of Light.

Day 5: Paris' Art & Architechture

We will fill the day with time at the Louvre Museum seeing art you’ve only read about until now. Then we get up close to the Eiffel Tower.

Day 6: Day Trip to versailles

Day trip to the Palace of Versailles, once the royal residence and seat of government and is now a national landmark.

Day 7: Travel to Lucerne

After a train ride to Lucerne, we will enjoy a Swiss folklore evening show with a traditional dinner at Stadtkeller Restaurant. The fondue is a favorite!

Day 8: Tours of Old Town & Civil Defense Facility

Lucerne is one of the most picturesque settings in Switzerland, after this tour, you’ll never look at bridges the same way. The military complex we visit is an underground bunker system for the Swiss in the event of a nuclear war!

Day 9: Grindelwald and Interlaken

Day trip to visit the Alpine village and valley of Grindelwald and Interlaken on the Aare River, in the Bernese Highlands.

Day 10: Departure

Our adventure concludes with travel from Lucerne to Zurich, and then on to home.

UNITED NATIONS SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS

No Poverty

Goal 4: Quality Education

Visits to historical and cultural landmarks such as the Louvre Museum, Tower of London, Palace of Versailles, and Civil Defense Facility provide students with hands-on learning experiences that enhance their understanding of history, art, governance, and security. Exposure to different languages, cultures, and traditions fosters global awareness and intercultural competence.

 

Decent Work & Economic Growth

Goal 8: Decent Work & Economic Growth

Observing various industries, such as hospitality, tourism, and transportation (high-speed trains, hotels, public transit), helps students understand global economies and career opportunities in international fields. Learning about different economic models in London, Paris, and Switzerland supports discussions on sustainable tourism and workforce development.

 

Industry/Infrastructure

Goal 9: Industry, Innovation, & Infrastructure

Using European high-speed trains, metro systems, and transportation networks highlights sustainable infrastructure and efficient urban planning. Visiting historic architectural sites such as the Eiffel Tower and Lucerne’s Old Town bridges allows students to explore innovative engineering and construction techniques.

 

Sustainable Cities & Communities

GOAL 11: Sustainable cities & Communities

Exploring historical sites, UNESCO landmarks, and sustainable urban centers teaches students about urban conservation, city planning, and eco-friendly transportation. The walking tours and public transit experiences demonstrate alternative, sustainable mobility options that reduce carbon footprints.

 

Responsible Consumption & Production

Goal 12: Responsible consumption & Production

Dining experiences, such as the Swiss Folklore Dinner with traditional fondue, provide insight into local food culture and sustainable agricultural practices. The importance of preserving cultural heritage is reinforced through visits to museums and historic landmarks.

Climate Action

Goal 13: Climate ACtion

Exploring the Swiss Alps (Grindelwald and Interlaken) offers firsthand learning about climate change, environmental conservation, and sustainable tourism. The visit to a civil defense facility underscores the importance of disaster preparedness and climate resilience.

 

Peace & Justice

Goal 16: Peace, Justice, & Strong institutions

Touring the Palace of Versailles, the Tower of London, and Westminster Abbey provides insights into government systems, leadership, and historical conflicts. The civil defense facility visit highlights international security, conflict resolution, and emergency preparedness strategies.

 

Reduce inequalities

Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals

By experiencing international collaboration in travel, education, and economic exchange, students gain a deeper appreciation for global partnerships and the interconnected-ness of different nations.

 

EDUCATIONAL AND CULTURAL CONNECTIONS

  • Arts, Technology & Communications– Learn about world-renowned art, architecture, and theatre arts.
  • Hospitality & Tourism – Gain insights into international tourism, event planning, and travel management on this multi-city program. Exposure to international culinary arts and cultural traditions supports students studying restaurant management, hospitality, and food service.
  • Politics & Government – Gain insights into the history of governance, diplomacy, and political influence of our destinations.

EARN COLLEGE CREDIT

  • Transferable college credit in Global Studies
  • Available to high school juniors, seniors, and current college students
  • Community members may audit the course
  • Based on Harvard Global Citizenship curriculum
  • National Geographic Certified Educator

EARN COLLEGE CREDIT

  • Transferable college credit in Global Studies
  • Available to high school juniors, seniors, and current college students
  • Community members may audit the course
  • Based on Harvard Global Citizenship curriculum
  • National Geographic Certified Educator