Good news – A Second JIP Europe Tour in 2027!

We have very exciting news!

Our June/July JIP Europe Tour 2027 is already fully booked! The interest was so great that we decided to offer a second JIP Europe Tour from 19 March to 4 April 2027!

This tour offers a slightly different, but incredibly exciting route. We will visit Amsterdam, Paris, Val Thorens, Venice, Florence and Rome.

One of the major highlights is definitely our three nights in Val Thorens, a breathtaking ski resort in the French Alps! Learners will have the opportunity to experience snow, try skiing and enjoy the incredible mountain scenery.

We will also spend two nights in beautiful Florence, where we can discover the art, history and culture of the Renaissance. Add to that the canals of Amsterdam and Venice, the Eiffel Tower in Paris and the ancient wonders of Rome, and you have the recipe for an unforgettable European adventure!

This time we will travel with a smaller group, which will make the tour a more personal experience. However, this also means that fewer places are available.

The tour will definitely take place, and we would like to give as many young people as possible the opportunity to discover Europe with us.

We therefore encourage you to sign up as soon as possible to secure your place on the tour. Do not wait too long and miss out on this special opportunity!

We are incredibly excited about another JIP Europe Tour full of new friendships, adventure, history and memories that will last a lifetime!

Friday 19 March | Departure from Cape Town

Our European adventure begins as we leave South Africa for Amsterdam. We meet the tour leaders at the airport, check in for our flight and prepare for our overnight journey. Flight times and connections will be confirmed once tickets have been issued.

Saturday 20 March | Amsterdam – Arrival and Dutch traditions

After arrival and passport control, we meet our tour coach. We visit the fishing village of Volendam, where we can see the harbour and traditional houses. We also attend a cheese-making and clog-making demonstration to learn about two well-known Dutch traditions. In the evening, we take our first walking tour through central Amsterdam.

Sunday 21 March | Amsterdam – Art, canals and city life

We visit the Rijksmuseum, home to masterpieces from the Dutch Golden Age, including works by Rembrandt. Afterwards, we enjoy a canal cruise and see Amsterdam from the water. Our walking route includes Dam Square, the canal belt and historic neighbourhoods. There will be time to shop, take photographs and explore the city in designated areas.

Tuesday 23 March | Amsterdam – Bicycles, canals and free time

We enjoy another full day in Amsterdam. We explore the city by bicycle, discover its characteristic canals and neighbourhoods, and visit the Bloemenmarkt or Jordaan area. There is also time for shopping and discovering the city.

Tuesday 23 March | Amsterdam to Paris

We leave the Netherlands and travel south to Paris. After arriving and checking in, we get our first taste of the French capital, with an initial visit to the area around the Eiffel Tower and the Seine, if travel time allows.

Wednesday 24 March | Amsterdam to Paris

Today we discover the art and history of Paris. We plan a visit to the Louvre, where learners can see some of the world’s most famous artworks. We then explore the Tuileries Gardens, Place de la Concorde and the Champs-Élysées, finishing near the Arc de Triomphe. We discuss the French Revolution, French culture and the development of modern Paris. We explore the historic heart of Paris, including the exterior of Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Latin Quarter and the banks of the Seine. Later, we visit Montmartre, known for its artists, narrow streets and the Sacré-Cœur Basilica. Learners have time to enjoy the atmosphere and views across the city. Optional activities may be offered depending on availability and cost.

Thursday 25 March | Paris – Historic neighbourhoods

Today you have the day off to explore Paris on your own.

Friday 26 March | Paris to Val Thorens – The Alps

We depart from Paris for the French Alps. It is a long coach journey through changing landscapes to Val Thorens, one of Europe’s highest ski resorts. After arrival, we settle in, familiarise ourselves with the resort and prepare for mountain activities. Snow conditions and resort arrangements will determine the exact programme.

Saturday 27 March | Val Thorens – Skiing and snow

Today we focus on the Alpine experience. Beginners may be able to take an introductory ski lesson with qualified instructors, while experienced skiers can participate in suitable organised activities. Learners who do not ski can enjoy the snowy landscape and other available resort activities.

Sunday 28 March | Val Thorens – Another day in the mountains

We enjoy another day in the French Alps, with an opportunity to improve skiing skills or take part in suitable snow activities. There will also be time to explore the resort village, take photographs and admire the mountain scenery. Safety, ability levels, weather and ski-lift operations will determine all activities.

Monday 29 March | Val Thorens to Venice – From the Alps to the canals

We leave Val Thorens early for a long coach journey to Venice. We travel through impressive mountain scenery and cross into Italy. After arrival and check-in, we enjoy a relaxed first walk through the city’s narrow streets and across its many bridges. The journey may take most of the day; we will plan sufficient rest stops.

Tuesday 30 March | Venice – The floating city

Today we discover Venice’s remarkable history as a trading power. We walk to St Mark’s Square and view the exterior of St Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace. We then explore the Rialto Bridge, the Grand Canal and the city’s narrow streets. A gondola ride may be offered as an optional activity, subject to cost and availability.

We explore St Mark’s Square, view the exterior of St Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace, and learn about Venice’s history as an important maritime trading power. We continue walking through squares, alongside canals and through market areas. Learners have time to explore in agreed groups; an optional gondola ride may be available at an additional cost.

Wednesday 31 March | Venice to Florence – The Renaissance

We depart for Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance. After arrival and check-in, we walk through the historic city centre, visiting Florence Cathedral (Duomo), Piazza della Signoria and the famous Ponte Vecchio. We learn how art, trade and the Medici family shaped the city.

Thursday 1 April | Florence – Art, history and architecture

We enjoy a full day in Florence. We explore Renaissance art and history, with a possible visit to the Uffizi Gallery or the Accademia, where Michelangelo’s David is displayed. There is also time for the leather and craft markets and, if the programme allows, the view from Piazzale Michelangelo. Museum admission must be booked in advance.

Today we explore Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance. We walk to the impressive Florence Cathedral (Duomo), Piazza della Signoria, Palazzo Vecchio and the famous Ponte Vecchio across the River Arno. We discover the stories of Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci and the Medici family, and have time to enjoy the historic centre. A visit to the Uffizi Gallery or Accademia may be included if time, availability and bookings allow.

Friday 2 April | Florence to Rome – The Eternal City

We travel south from Florence to Rome. After arrival and check-in, we begin exploring the Eternal City. Depending on our arrival time, we walk to the Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain and Piazza Navona, enjoying the lively atmosphere of Rome.

We leave Florence for Rome. After settling in, we begin discovering the Eternal City with an evening walk which, depending on our arrival time, may include the Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain and Piazza Navona. Rome’s ancient, Renaissance and modern history provides a remarkable backdrop to the final part of the tour.

Saturday 3 April | Rome – Ancient history and Vatican City

We explore the heart of ancient Rome, including the Colosseum, the Roman Forum and the area around Palatine Hill. We also visit Vatican City and St Peter’s Square. Admission to specific buildings depends on opening hours, bookings and religious services. If time allows, we also explore the Pantheon and the surrounding historic streets.

Sunday 4 April | Rome – Final sightseeing and return flight

We enjoy our final hours in Rome, with time for any remaining sights, last-minute shopping and a farewell to Europe. We then leave for the airport for our return journey to South Africa. The day’s sightseeing will depend on the confirmed flight time.

Monday 5 April | Arrival in Cape Town

We arrive back in South Africa, subject to the final airline schedule. After passport control and baggage collection, we say goodbye to our fellow travellers and return home with wonderful memories and new friendships.