Program Directed by
Julian Hartmann-Russell
If you have questions or would like to talk further about this program, please get in touch!
- 2026 Dates
June 27 — July 13
July 2 — July 18
July 9 — July 25
July 2 — July 18
July 9 — July 25
- tuition
$8,290 + airfare
From ancient marvels to contemporary charm, explore the rich Mediterranean cultures of Greece and Italy on this summer adventure for middle school students. Begin in Greece and explore the ancient hilltop Acropolis of Corinth, soak up the sun in Kefalonia, and discover the wonders of Athens. Then head to Italy to visit the Colosseum and marvel at the Eternal City that is Rome, before experiencing Italian life in the countryside at a family-run sustainable farm in Pulicaro. Throughout the program, engage with vibrant cultures, sample delicious cuisine, and embrace the spirit of these magnificent destinations.
- Program Highlights
• Explore historic monuments with expert guides, from the Colosseum to the Acropolis
• Kayak the turquoise waters of the Ionian sea off the coast of Kefalonia
• Stroll through Rome’s Capuchin crypts and learn about ancient burial rites
• Learn to make traditional Greek cuisine on an organic farm
• Kayak the turquoise waters of the Ionian sea off the coast of Kefalonia
• Stroll through Rome’s Capuchin crypts and learn about ancient burial rites
• Learn to make traditional Greek cuisine on an organic farm
“She came back from her trip happy, confident, more independent, and ready for another adventure. Her first Putney experience opened up a whole new world for her.”
—Nicole & Chad McDaniel, Glastonbury, CT
Itinerary
This itinerary represents our best projection of the group’s schedule. However, we may implement changes designed to improve the quality of the program.
Departure — Travel Day
Meet your fellow student travelers and one or more of your program leaders in New York, and fly together to Athens, Greece. Transfer via private bus to Corinth. To learn more about how we organize travel, click here.
Ancient Corinth, Greece — 2 days
Travel by private bus to Corinth and settle into your comfortable guest house as you get acquainted with the cities of the ancient world. Explore Greece’s oldest and highest acropolis, with stunning views of the ancient city coast. Visit the impressive Corinth Canal and the ruins of Ancient Mycenae to learn about the prehistoric city that dominated Greek culture during the Bronze Age. Along the way, continue to immerse yourself in the rich culinary heritage of the country, sampling moussaka, souvlaki, and dolmades.
Argostoli, Greece — 3 days
Travel by private bus to Patras port, then hop on a ferry and head to Kefalonia, an island in the Ionian Sea. From your seaside hotel in town, explore the beaches and cuisine of this hidden island getaway. Kayak in the crystal clear coastal waters, and visit the ancient lighthouse of Sami to learn about its significance for the residents of the island. Learn to prepare traditional dishes with a local family at their organic farm and bask in the turquoise Ionian.
Athens, Greece — 3 days
Travel by bus and by boat back to Athens, and get to know the cosmopolitan center of Greece. Explore the neighborhoods and contemporary culture of Athens during a street art tour, and create your own print based on your inspiration. Head to the Parthenon and explore the history of the Acropolis with an expert guide, visit some of Athens’ renowned archaeological museums, and ride to the top of Lycabettus hill by cable car.
Rome, Italy — 3 days
Travel to Rome and continue your adventures in the iconic Italian capital, alive with history. Explore the Colosseum with an expert archaeologist and witness the city’s stunning architecture as you stroll the streets. Venture underground into the Capuchin crypts, and learn about the city’s history from a new perspective. Take a lesson in pasta making from an Italian chef, and sample traditional Roman dishes such as pasta carbonara and maritozzi.
Lazio, Italy — 4 days
Travel by chartered bus to Pulicaro to stay at a restored, family-run organic farm with your hosts, Marco and Chiara. Join hands-on farm rotations and learn to care for animals, assist with planting and harvesting, or make canned preserves. Practice Italian in afternoon lessons with your hosts, and experience rural Italian life as you relax under the shade of one of Pulicaro’s many mulberry trees. Pack a picnic and take a day trip to the nearby cliffside town of Orvieto or to swim in Lake Bolsena. Celebrate your accomplishments with your group over a delicious outdoor banquet.
Return — Travel Day
Fly from Rome to New York with your group and a leader, then continue on to your final destination. To learn more about how we organize travel, click here.
Featured
Program Leaders
Meet some of our featured leaders. Please note that these may not be your leaders for the program.
Frequently Asked Questions
Review specific program questions here. For more general information, visit our full FAQ:
What are the main focuses of this program?
Putney’s Middle School Greece & Italy program focuses on bringing ancient history to life through immersive exploration of iconic archaeological and cultural sites. Students engage in active travel and outdoor adventure while learning about the civilizations that shaped the Mediterranean world. The program also emphasizes cultural connection, shared group experiences, and building independence in a supportive, hands-on environment.
Will students have the opportunity to practice the local language?
Proficiency in Greek or Italian is not required. However, if you speak or study either language in school you will have opportunities to practice while communicating with local people. If you don’t speak Greek or Italian you will have the opportunity to learn some basic language skills.
What is an Independent Project?
All students on Putney programs pursue an independent project as a way to more deeply engage with aspects of local culture that are of particular interest to them—in Greece and Italy, you might create a recipe book with staple recipes from your cooking classes, learn a traditional song and perform it for your group, or compose poetry based on your experiences in each destination.
What is the technology and cell phone policy?
To help students fully engage and immerse themselves in the Putney travel experience, we do not allow use of cell phones, tablets, or laptops on our Middle School programs. Students may have their cell phones during travel to and from the program. During in-country orientation, leaders facilitate a call home, then collect and securely store all phones until departure day. Throughout the program, students have the opportunity for a weekly call home according to a pre-arranged schedule. For more details, please see our FAQ.
How physically active is this program?
Putney’s middle school program in Greece and Italy is a physically active summer travel program. Activities include hiking, swimming, kayaking, and exploring cities on foot in high summer heat. You do not need to be at peak fitness to participate, but it is important that you have a desire to be physically active, and that you are excited about trying all activities.
What are the accommodations for this program?
Throughout Greece and Italy, the group stays in small family-run hotels and inns.
What are meals like in Greece & Italy?
We begin each day with a traditional breakfast at our residence. While we eat many of our lunches and dinners in restaurants, we also purchase supplies for healthy and delicious picnic lunches full of fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, breads, and cheeses.
What type of student is most successful on this program?
This program is designed for middle school students (grades 7–8) who are curious, energetic, and eager to learn through hands-on exploration rather than a traditional classroom setting. It suits those who enjoy active travel, group living, and discovering history and culture directly at sites across Greece and Italy. Students who are flexible, open-minded, and excited to try new experiences tend to thrive and make the most of the program.
What makes Greece & Italy a good location for a Putney Student Travel program?
Greece and Italy are an ideal setting for a Putney program because they bring ancient history to life at the source, from the Acropolis to Pompeii and Rome. Putney’s longstanding local relationships provide trusted guides and meaningful cultural connections that deepen learning. The program goes beyond sightseeing, using active exploration and hands-on experiences to help students truly engage with history and culture.
How does the Greece & Italy program compare to Putney’s other middle school programs?
Like other Putney Exploration programs and middle school programs, our Greece and Italy program combines active travel, cultural immersion, and shared group experiences, but here the emphasis is on ancient history brought to life in its original context. The Mediterranean setting also adds a distinctive mix of island travel, coastal landscapes, and rich regional cultures.
Do students need prior experience or specific skills to join this program?
No specific experience or skills are required for success on this program, aside from coming with an open mind, willingness to try new things, and participating positively in a supportive, small-group environment.
What outcomes, skills, or growth can students expect to gain from this experience?
Students who join our Greece & Italy program gain a deeper understanding of ancient history and its lasting influence through direct engagement with iconic sites in both countries. They build independence, adaptability, and confidence through active travel and group living. The experience also fosters curiosity, cultural awareness, and strong collaboration skills as students learn and explore together in dynamic settings.
A Day in the Life: Kefalonia, Greece
Due to the traveling nature of this student program abroad, each day is different. Here is a snapshot of a day in Kefalonia, Greece.
- Morning
8:00am
Enjoy a traditional Greek breakfast of yogurt, eggs, fresh bread, and cheese at your hotel
9:00am
Meet your local guides and get outfitted with kayak gear
10:00am
Paddle through the turquoise waters of the Ionian Sea, searching for seals and turtles
- Afternoon
12:30pm
Take a break for a picnic lunch on the white-sand shores
3:00pm
Visit the Argostoli lighthouse and stroll back into town, poking around charming shops
- Evening
6:00pm
Enjoy a Kefalonian-style dinner of fresh meat, rice and vegetables at a local family-run restaurant
10:00pm
Group meeting to discuss the day and upcoming schedule
“I was expecting it to be amazing but it was even better!”
—Nari C., San Francisco Day School, San Francisco, CA
