2026 SSFS Spain and France Explorers Program
| Travel Dates: | June 16, 2026 - June 24, 2026 |
| Group Organizer(s): |
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| WTT Contact: |
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| Program Tuition: |
$3,590 USD
Airfare not included in program tuition
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| Confirmed Airfare: | $1,377 |
Spain and France Cultural Journey
Two of the most dynamic destinations on the planet, a program to Spain and France will highlight the best of both countries. Groups will alternate between visiting spectacular metropolises, world-class museums and quaint communities nestled in beautiful countryside. Opportunities include walking along el camino de Santiago, visiting the beaches at Normandy and settling into glistening sea-side towns. Oh, and the food! Arguably there is no better place to explore culinary delights than these two countries.
Program Highlights
Check out some of the featured experiences of your program!
Improve your French by speaking with locals
Marvel world-class collections of art in the museums of Paris
Have the adventure of a lifetime with your friends
Sample a delicious variety of Spanish pinxos!!
Soak in the culture and vivacious spirit that make Barcelona famous!
Practice your Spanish language skills with locals
The Itinerary
We do everything possible to abide by itineraries as originally planned, but decades of experience teaches that we must be flexible in our planning. Changes to a trip’s schedule are uncommon, but Walking Tree reserves the right to make adjustments to programming in the best interest of the group.
| Day | Location | Description | Lodging |
|---|---|---|---|
| June 16 | USA - Paris | We will depart from the United States and take an overnight flight to Paris, ready to begin our European journey. | Airplane |
| June 17 | Paris | Upon arrival in Paris, we will meet our Program Leader at the airport and transfer to our hotel. After checking in and storing our luggage, we will hold an orientation meeting to review the exciting days ahead. Once we've freshened up, we will have a guided walking tour of Montmartre—a picturesque neighborhood known as the artists’ quarter. We will stroll its winding streets, visit landmarks like the Basilica of the Sacred Heart, the Bateau-Lavoir, and the Café des Deux Moulins, made famous by the film Amélie. In the evening, we will enjoy our first group dinner at a local Parisian restaurant before returning to the hotel to rest. | Hotel in Paris |
| June 18 | Paris | This morning, we’ll begin at the iconic Notre-Dame Cathedral, where we’ll take in the remarkable Gothic architecture from the outside before stepping inside to admire its historic interior. Afterwards, we’ll stop by a local boulangerie to pick up lunch and enjoy a relaxing picnic in the Jardin des Tuileries, one of Paris’s most beautiful and historic gardens. In the afternoon, we’ll head to the world-famous Louvre Museum, home to masterpieces like the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo. As we explore its vast collection, we’ll journey through centuries of art and culture. After our museum visit, we’ll enjoy a walk to Palais Royal, Place Vendome and Place de la Concorde then take the metro back to the hotel to rest. In the evening, we’ll gather for dinner near the hotel, sharing stories from the day and enjoying our final evening in Paris. | Hotel in Paris |
| June 19 | Paris - Versailles | This morning, we’ll take the RER train just outside of Paris to visit the magnificent Palace of Versailles, one of the most lavish royal residences in the world. We’ll explore the stunning Hall of Mirrors, where the Treaty of Versailles was signed, and stroll through the palace’s expansive gardens, a masterpiece of French landscape design. After our visit, we’ll leave the estate to pick up a picnic lunch, then return to Paris and stop at the Champ de Mars for a relaxed picnic meal with an unbeatable view of the Eiffel Tower. If time allows, we’ll ascend to the top for a breathtaking panorama of the city. Later, we’ll enjoy a scenic boat cruise along the Seine, passing under Paris’s famous bridges and past many of its most iconic monuments. In the evening, we’ll have dinner and return to our hotel for some well-earned rest, reflecting on an unforgettable journey through Paris and beyond. | Hotel in Paris |
| June 20 | Paris - Avignon | In the morning, we will start our day early and depart by bus. We will begin our journey heading south through the beautiful French countryside. Along the way, we will have lunch stretch our legs and enjoy some local flavors. By mid-afternoon, we’ll arrive in Avignon, a city rich in history and culture. Once there, we’ll explore the magnificent Palais des Papes, one of the largest Gothic palaces in Europe and a symbol of Avignon’s medieval significance. Afterwards, we’ll visit the famous Pont Saint-Bénézet, also known as the Pont d’Avignon, which offers stunning views of the Rhône River. We’ll then wander through the narrow, cobbled streets of Avignon’s old town, soaking in the charming Provençal atmosphere, perhaps stopping at a café or local shop. As evening approaches, we’ll enjoy a delicious dinner at a traditional bistro, sampling some regional specialties like ratatouille or a rich cassoulet. After dinner, we’ll settle into our hotel for a restful night, ready for the next day’s adventure. | Hotel in Avignon |
| June 21 | Avignon - Collioure -Barcelona | After a hearty breakfast, we’ll depart Avignon and continue our journey south towards the Mediterranean coast. The drive will take us through picturesque landscapes, vineyards, and rolling hills as we make our way to the charming seaside town of Collioure, arriving around midday. Collioure is famous for its vibrant harbor, colorful houses, and as a historic haven for artists like Matisse and Derain. Here, we’ll visit the impressive Château Royal de Collioure, a medieval fortress overlooking the sea, before taking a relaxing walk along the marina and beachfront. This is the perfect place to enjoy a leisurely seafood lunch, tasting fresh local delicacies while soaking up the Mediterranean sun and sea breeze. After lunch, we will have free time to enjoy the beach and the sea, we'll board the bus afterwards to Barcelona. We expect to arrive in the vibrant Catalan capital in the evening, ready to immerse ourselves in its lively streets, stunning architecture, and rich culture. | Hotel in Barcelona |
| June 22 | Barcelona | We will start the day with a short hike up Montjuïc Hill, where we will be rewarded with panoramic views of Barcelona. Weather permitting, we’ll enjoy a picnic at the top before descending to Las Ramblas, the city's vibrant pedestrian boulevard filled with shops, performers, and local color. In the evening, we will dine at La Boquería, Barcelona’s iconic food market, sampling a variety of local flavors. | Hotel in Barcelona |
| June 23 | Barcelona | Our final full day will begin with a visit to the breathtaking Sagrada Família, Gaudí’s architectural masterpiece, where we will explore the awe-inspiring interior. We will then make our way to Parc Güell, a whimsical hilltop park also designed by Gaudí, offering spectacular views over the city. In the evening, we will gather for a celebratory farewell dinner to reflect on our journey and the memories we’ve created together. | Hotel in Barcelona |
| June 24 | Barcelona - USA | After breakfast, we will transfer to the airport and begin our journey back to the United States. ¡Hasta luego, España! |
Accommodations
In order to provide a safe and memorable experience, we follow strict guidelines when choosing group accommodations. Walking Tree partners with hotels and guest houses which are centrally located, locally operated, clean and safe. We inspect each partner hotel to ensure they meet these standards.
Hotel Aida Opera
Located in the 9th district of Paris, Hotel Aida Opera offers air-conditioned guest rooms equipped with free Wi-Fi, a flat screen TV, a desk and an empty minibar. Each room also includes a private bathroom with a hairdryer, free toiletries and a bathtub or a shower. A buffet breakfast is served daily in the breakfast room. Guests will find in the lobby a afternoon snack service with tea, coffee and milk. Several shops, restaurants and bars can be found within a walking distance from the hotel.
Novotel Avignon Centre
Located in the heart of the city center, just a few blocks away from the train station, Novotel Avignon Centre offers the perfect location for our group to see the heart of the city on foot. All rooms have central heat, air conditioning and high speed wifi. There’s also a pool and terrace.
Hotel del Mar – Barcelona
Located in the heart of Barcelona, just steps away from the Mediterranean Sea, Hotel del Mar offers the perfect location for our group to explore Barcelona on foot. All rooms have central heat and air conditioning, and there is high speed wifi throughout the property.
Safety and Support
EASY FUNDING & PAYMENT
24/7 GLOBAL EMERGENCY LINE
HIGHLY VETTED PARTNERS
EXPERT LEADERSHIP
PRIVATE GROUP GUARANTEE
COMPREHENSIVE CURRICULUM SUPPORT
DEDICATION TO CULTURAL ENGAGEMENT
ALL-INCLUSIVE PRICING
During our trip in Costa Rica I loved that our trip leader took the students’ ideas and incorporated side adventures just for them. This small piece made the trip more than we could have ever asked for.
Carri
Alumni Group Organizer to Belize and Costa Rica
Your Adventure Includes
Estimated Airfare
In order to give our travelers the best possible price, we break out airfare from the Program Tuition. We will still handle all booking and ticketing via our flight partner who has access to special fares not available to the general public. Once confirmed, you will be invoiced for the flight roughly 75 days prior to travel.
Program Tuition Excludes: Travel insurance, baggage fees, passport/visa fees, laundry, souvenirs, and activities not listed on itinerary.
Resource Center
Why should high school students travel abroad? What happens if a participant gets sick? How quickly do we need to enroll? We’re sure you have plenty of questions and we’ve got you covered! Visit our Resource Center to discover the answers to your most pressing questions and contact us anytime with additional questions.