Student Tours in Europe for High School & College Students

Student tours in Europe are guided group trips designed for high school and college students who want cultural immersion, safety, and meaningful learning experiences abroad. Rustic Pathways offers fully supported student travel programs across Europe, combining iconic destinations, local cultural exchange, and age-appropriate supervision.

From multi-country European adventures to language immersion, service learning, and conservation programs, our student tours balance structured sightseeing with downtime so students explore confidently, connect globally, and grow independently.

Explore our most popular student tours in Europe below.

Why Choose Guided Student Tours in Europe?

Europe remains one of the best regions in the world for student travel because it combines cultural density, safety infrastructure, and educational value within short travel distances. Guided student tours offer additional benefits that independent travel cannot provide:

Safety & Supervision: Experienced trip leaders, 24/7 support, and emergency protocols.
Educational Depth: Learning extends beyond classrooms through history, language, and cultural exchange.
Efficient Travel: Compact geography allows students to visit multiple countries in one program.
Balanced Itineraries: A mix of must-see landmarks, local experiences, and rest time.

For families and educators, guided student tours in Europe offer peace of mind. For students, they offer freedom within structure.

How Rustic Pathways Compares to Other Student Travel Providers

Feature	Rustic Pathways	Typical Student Tour
Group Size	Small, age-specific groups	Large mixed groups
Supervision	Trained educators & local guides	Chaperone-only
Program Types	Cultural, service, adventure, conservation	Sightseeing-focused
Downtime Balance	Built into itineraries	Minimal
Local Engagement	Community & conservation work	Tourist-led experiences

This approach is why families, schools, and students consistently rate Rustic Pathways among the most trusted student travel providers in Europe.

Learn More About Student Travel Programs

The 10 Best High School Student Travel Programs in Europe

Our age-specific travel tours cater to middle schoolers, 9th and 10th graders, 11th and 12th graders and college-aged students.

#1 Europe Odyssey: Portugal, Spain, Italy & Greece

Immerse yourself across four countries in one epic journey—surf in Portugal, taste tapas in Spain, make pasta in Italy, and support sea turtle conservation in Greece.

Where: Portugal, Spain, Italy & Greece
Price: $13,982 plus Airfare
Top activities: Surf lessons, Spanish markets, Italian cooking and coastal conservation.
Europe Odyssey Program

#2 Germany & Austria: Winter Ski and Snow

Experience the excitement of Alpine skiing with this high-energy winter adventure. This program takes you through Germany and Austria and gives you the chance of perfecting your skiing or snowboarding skills in the Alps.

Where: Germany, Austria
Price: $3,395 plus Airfare
Top activities: Explore Munich and Salzburg, enjoy Alpine skiing and visit Christmas markets.
Winter Ski and Snow Program

#3 Italy & Greece: Cultural Immersion and Turtles

Explore two Mediterranean wonders in one extraordinary program. Begin your journey in Italy, then travel to Greece to assist in sea turtle conservation efforts on the Aegean shores.

Where: Italy, Greece
Price: $6,890 plus Airfare
Top activities: Discover Northern Italy’s sights, Kefalonia and help protect sea turtles.
Cultural Immersion and Turtles Program

#4 Portugal & Spain: Surf, Culture & Culinary Traditions

Surf Portugal’s coasts and dive into Spain’s culture and cuisine on this immersive two-country journey.

Where: Portugal & Spain
Price: $7,092 plus Airfare
Top activities: Surf lessons, food markets and architectural highlights.
Surf, Culture & Culinary Traditions Program

#5 Portugal & Germany: European Adrenaline

Combine Portugal’s rugged coastlines and Germany’s soaring Alps in this adrenaline-packed adventure. Surf the world-class waves of Portugal’s beaches before heading to Germany for exhilarating hikes and outdoor activities in the Bavarian Alps.

Where: Portugal, Germany
Price: $6,790 plus Airfare
Top activities: Surfing, hiking, cultural exploration
European Adrenaline Program

#6 Italy: Northern Adventure

Experience Italy’s most enchanting cities in this journey through Northern Italy. Visit Venice’s iconic canals and explore quaint mountain villages.

Where: Italy
Price: $3,395 plus Airfare
Top activities: Care for animals, make pasta and immerse in Venice’s charm.
Northern Italy Adventure Program

#7 Portugal: Lisbon & Surf Culture

Explore Portugal’s capital while mastering the art of surfing on its stunning beaches. Participants learn about the country’s maritime history and culture while staying in coastal accommodations.

Where: Portugal
Price: $3,395 plus Airfare
Top activities: Take surf lessons, participate in marine conservation and discover a fairytale palace.
Lisbon & Surf Culture Program

#8 Italy & Germany

Discover the cultural and natural wonders of Italy and Germany in this dual-country experience. Participants explore Italy’s historic landmarks before heading to Germany for an outdoor adventure in the Alps.

Where: Italy, Germany
Price: $6,790 plus Airfare
Top activities: Visit Italy’s cities, work on an environmental project and raft in the Bavarian Alps.
Italy & Germany Program

#9 Portugal & Italy: Surf, Service and Culture

Combine surfing in Portugal with cultural immersion and service projects in Italy. Participants engage in marine conservation in Portugal before heading to Italy to work on community initiatives.

Where: Portugal, Italy
Price: $6,790 plus Airfare
Top activities: Surfing, volunteering, cultural immersion
Surf, Service and Culture Program

#10 Greece: Island Turtle Conservation

Join a conservation project in Greece, focusing on protecting endangered sea turtles. Participants live near the coastline while monitoring nesting sites and educating local communities about conservation efforts.

Where: Greece
Price: $3,495 plus Airfare
Top activities: Protect sea turtles, hike mountains and enjoy Greek cuisine.
Island Turtle Conservation Program

What Students Gain from Traveling Europe

Student travel programs in Europe deliver more than unforgettable memories:

Language confidence through real-world immersion
Cultural intelligence from living and learning locally
Independence & resilience through guided exploration
Global awareness that shapes academic and career paths

These outcomes are why educators and families choose educational tours over traditional vacations.

Get Your 2026 Student Travel Programs in Europe Catalog

Explore unforgettable student travel programs across Europe! Discover top destinations and educational adventures. Download your free digital catalog today.

Quote by: 10/10 I had an unforgettable time with sea turtles! Met the best people and the staff was great. It was so hands-on and so rewarding. Met my new friend Katie which was great. Lauren Walker - United States📍Greece: Island Turtle Conservation Program

Quote by: Rustic Pathways provides a unique opportunity to perform service and develop special bonds with community members across the world while still enjoying the incredible things that a different country has to offer. Ben Mensch - United States📍Italy Adventure and Travel Program

7 Reasons Europe is a Top Destination for Student Travel

Europe is accessible: Compact geography allows multi-country trips. For instance, you can travel easily across between England, Budapest and Hungary by train, bus and value airline.
Europe brings history alive: It’s one thing to read about it in a classroom and another to be there. Visitors to Europe can explore medieval castles in Northern Ireland, walk through a historic town square that they read about in their world history courses.
Europe offers cultural diversity: Each locale has its particular traditions and customs formed over centuries. Learn flamenco in Spain and soak up local life in a town on the French Riviera on your trip. Participating in cultural exchange programs is a great way to experience local traditions.
European travel enhances language skills: An educational tour means travelers can practice speaking a language in real-world situations improve their fluency. Language immersion programs help students practice and improve their language skills.
Europe’s art and architecture: Visitors admire works in the Sistine Chapel, the Louvre and Gaudí’s creations in Barcelona. Medieval castles and modern structures in Budapest highlight Europe’s variety.
In Europe, food is culture: Eat Italian pasta, French pastries or Greek souvlaki.
Europe inspires personal growth: Exploring new environments builds independence and problem-solving skills.

Teen Travel Programs Selling Out Fast	Program Focus	Program Price
Europe Odyssey: Portugal, Spain, Italy & Greece	Four-country epic: surf, food, culture, conservation.	$13,982 (plus airfare)
Portugal & Spain: Surf, Culture & Culinary Traditions NEW 2026	Surf lessons, markets, food culture across two countries.	$7,092 (plus airfare)
Italy & Greece: Cultural Immersion and Turtles	Italy highlights plus sea turtle work in Greece.	$6,890 (plus airfare)

Planning Your Educational Tour Experience

When choosing a student travel program in Europe, consider:

Destination: History, culture, adventure, or service?
Duration: Short weekend trips or multi-week journeys?
Program Type: Language immersion, cultural exchange, conservation?
Age Range: High school vs. college-level experiences
Cost & Inclusions: All-inclusive vs. flexible budgets
Safety & Support: On-trip supervision and emergency planning

Essential Travel Documentation for European Student Programs

Category	Details
Passport Requirements	Valid for at least 6 months beyond return date and at least 2-3 blank pages. Processing: 6-8 weeks (standard), 2-3 weeks (expedited). Cost: $165 (standard), $260 (expedited). Read on for expedited passport help.
Schengen Visa (Under 90 Days)	No visa required for U.S. citizens. Must register stays over 30 days with local authorities. Stay limit: 90 days in a 180-day period.
Schengen Visa (Over 90 Days)	Visa required from main destination embassy. Processing & Cost: 15-30 days at $60-$150 (varies by country). Documents needed: Acceptance letter Proof of financial means Health insurance coverage Round-trip travel arrangements Accommodation details
Health Documentation	Vaccination Certificate (if required). European Health Insurance Card (EU programs only). Proof of travel insurance coverage. Prescription medications in original containers with a doctor’s note.
Additional Documents	Program acceptance letter. Emergency contact info. Copy of birth certificate. Parent/guardian authorization (for minors). International Student Identity Card. Travel insurance policy.
Emergency Preparation	Embassy contact info. Local emergency numbers. Insurance hotline. Program coordinator contacts. Copies of credit cards and ID. List of medication allergies.

>> KEEP READING

The Ultimate Guide for Students Traveling Abroad for the First Time.
Get Ready for Your Rustic Pathways Trip.

European Weekend Tours

Rustic Pathways provides educational tours with cultural connections and high-quality accommodations. For those with limited time, we offer short city-focused weekend trips that allow participants to explore Europe’s top destinations.

Our weekend tours let travelers visit one city and experience it like locals, creating meaningful memories with a group of new friends. Students studying abroad love the affordability and convenience of these quick European getaways.

Flexible Durations: Weekend trips typically last 2 to 4 days, perfect for traveling without interrupting study schedules. Shorter tours include accommodations with breakfast and a dedicated trip leader. Imagine tossing a coin into the Trevi Fountain in Rome over the weekend!
Convenient Departures and Returns: Tours often start on Thursday evenings and return by Sunday, making them ideal for quick and enriching escapes.
Inclusive Packages: Every trip includes transport (often private deluxe motorcoaches and metro passes), comfortable accommodations, breakfast and an experienced guide. Some packages include additional meals, where participants are encouraged to try local dishes by our expert tour directors there to guide the group.
Cultural Experiences: Student weekend tours in Europe include walking tours, museum entrances and interactive activities with local communities. These experiences provide a deeper cultural connection and create lasting impressions.

17 Essential Tips to Funding and Budgeting Your European Student Trip

1

Choose Budget-Friendly Destinations

Eastern European destinations are budget magic: Prague ($40-60/day) vs. Paris ($80-100/day).

The best value cities in Europe: Budapest, Krakow, Porto, and Zagreb 💎.

Make the money-saving pick: 10 days in Croatia = 2 days in Switzerland.

2

Time Your Trip Strategically

Cheapest months: October-March (save 40-50%) ⭐.

Sweet spots: April-May, September (save 20-30%) 🎯.

Avoid: July-August (peak prices + crowds) ⚠️.

3

Master the Transportation Game

Age benefits: Under-27 Eurail pass: 7 days/1 month = $246.

Budget airlines: book 6 weeks ahead ($30-50 flights) ✈️.

City transit passes: Paris weekly Navigo pass $22.80 (saves $82 vs. daily tickets).

4

Book Smart Accommodation

University summer housing: $15-25/night.

Trusted hostels: Generator, St Christopher’s ($20-35/night) 🌟.

Location hack: stay 3-5km from center, save 30% 💡.

5

Get Your Documents Early

Regular passport: $165 (12 weeks).

Emergency timing? Expedited: $260 (2-3 weeks) ⚡.

Student visas: start 4 months ahead ($60-150).

6

Plan Your Food Budget

Weekly grocery budget: $50-70.

Smart meal plan: 🍳

Breakfast: get free breakfast at hotels or hostels.
Lunch: $5-8 market meals.
Dinner: cook 4 nights, eat out 3 nights.

Pro tip: local markets save you 50% or more 💰.

7

Make Culture Free (but Rich)

Museum free days: Louvre (1st Friday), Vatican (Last Sunday) 🎨.

City cards: Berlin WelcomeCard ($34/week, includes transport).

Pro Tip: best cultural experiences cost nothing – local festivals, public spaces, community events ✨.

8

Get Student Discounts

International Student Identity card: $15 (40,000+ discounts) 💳.

European youth card: $15 (transport savings).

Always ask: “Is there a student discount?” (save 10%) 🎓.

9

Set Up Smart Banking

Charles Schwab debit: zero international fees.

Wise multi-currency account: local European account 🏦.

Emergency fund: $500 minimum in accessible cash ⚡.

10

Turn Dreams into Dollars

Don’t forget to search scholarships for travel.

Gilman international scholarship: up to $5,000 for students with drive 🌟.

Fund for education abroad: up to $10,000 for passionate travelers.

Pro tip: tell your story well – why this journey matters to you ✍️.

11

Use Night Transportation

Overnight trains: Paris to Berlin ($60 + save hotel cost) 🌙.

Night buses: FlixBus overnight routes (€20-40).

Book ahead: save 20-50% on night routes.

12

Get Local Transport Passes

Metro pass vs. single tickets: save 40% 🚇.

Weekly vs. daily: save up to $50/week.

Student transport cards: additional 20-50% off 💡.

13

Fundraise Creatively

GoFundMe education: average $2,500 raised ⭐.

Cultural dinner events: potential $500-1000.

Local business sponsorship: target $100-500 each 💪.

14

Track Your Spending

Daily budget apps: Spending 📊.

Set daily limits: create alerts at 75%.

15

Save on Communication

Local SIM: $15-20/month (Vodafone, Saily, Orange) 📱.

WiFi finder apps: find free hotspots.

WhatsApp/Skype: free calls home ✨.

16

Build an Emergency Buffer

Keep 15% of budget as backup 🛡️.

Scan important documents to cloud.

Know insurance coverage details ⚡.

17

Focus on the Who, Not Just the What

Join local student meetups: make friends, share costs 🤝.

Connect with university groups abroad: free local guides.

Use language exchange apps: practice language, meet locals 💫.

Remember: your best memories will be about who you met, not what you saw ✨.

Pro Tip: Focus on experiences over stuff. $50 saved on shopping = another day of travel! 🌍.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find the best guided student tours in Europe?

Find the best guided student tours in Europe through specialized student travel providers like Rustic Pathways. These tours combine educational programming, local cultural immersion, and supervised group travel to deliver safe and enriching experiences for students.

Are student group trips in Europe safe?

Yes. Student group trips in Europe are safe when organized by reputable student travel programs. These programs include trained leaders, emergency protocols, vetted accommodations, and 24/7 support to ensure the safety of all participants.

Which European countries are best for student travel?

Italy, Spain, Greece, Portugal, Germany, and France are the best European countries for student travel. These destinations offer rich history, vibrant culture, and easy accessibility, making them ideal for educational and immersive student experiences.

How much does a Europe tour cost for students?

A Europe tour for students typically costs between $3,000 and $14,000, excluding airfare. Prices vary based on trip duration, number of destinations, included activities, and the type of program selected.

What’s the best way for high school students to tour Europe?

The best way for high school students to tour Europe is through guided educational tours. These tours offer structured itineraries, cultural immersion, and expert supervision, ensuring both safety and meaningful learning experiences.