Program Directed by
Emma Smith
If you have questions or would like to talk further about this program, please get in touch!
- 2026 Dates
June 21 — July 7
June 25 — July 11
July 9 — July 25
June 25 — July 11
July 9 — July 25
- tuition
$8,390 + airfare
Travel to Italy and Greece this summer—where the pillars of Western civilization were built—and dive into the histories of their ancient societies, adventure through their dramatic landscapes, and immerse yourself in contemporary culture. Begin in Salerno, exploring Pompeii, hiking Vesuvius, and ferrying to Capri, then venture to the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and vibrant piazzas of Rome. Immerse yourself in mythology, ancient temples, and the lively street life of Athens before rounding out the program in the enchanting coastal town of Nafplio. Throughout the program, experience the living legacy of the Greek and Roman Empires against a backdrop of vibrant cities, coastal villages, and stunning seascapes.
- Program Highlights
• Explore Rome’s iconic Colosseum, Forum, and Pantheon
• Swim in crystal-clear waters off the island of Capri
• Witness the fusion of the Greco-Roman world among Athenian ruins
• Learn the art of Greek and Italian cuisines through private cooking classes
• Swim in crystal-clear waters off the island of Capri
• Witness the fusion of the Greco-Roman world among Athenian ruins
• Learn the art of Greek and Italian cuisines through private cooking classes
“I think Putney’s trips are so valuable and important for opening minds and building confidence.”
—Melissa N., Lakewood, OH
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 high school student travelers and one or more of your program leaders in Philadelphia, and fly together to Naples, Italy. To learn more about how we organize travel, click here.
Pompeii, Capri, & Salerno, Italy — 4 days
Begin your program at our base in the small, coastal city of Salerno where you will get to know your peers and program leaders during an in-depth group orientation. Take a short train ride to Pompeii, the city that was blanketed by thick layers of scorching ash and volcanic mud when Mount Vesuvius erupted in A.D. 79., and begin your journey through time with an archaeologist guide. Step into the past in palaces still adorned with original frescoes, and see the haunting figures of townspeople frozen in time. Travel by high-speed ferry to Capri and explore the island’s extraordinary scenery, then take a refreshing swim from the rocky shoreline. Hike to the top of Mount Vesuvius and take in the views of the sprawling Italian coastline below. Make homemade pasta with a local chef who hosts our group every summer in her classic cliff-top home, and practice Italian in seaside shops.
Rome, Italy — 4 days
Travel by train to Rome and explore the streets and alleyways of this vibrant city with your group, finding hidden parks and ruins. Settle into your comfortable accommodations in the center of the city and meet the owner, Massimo, who has hosted Putney students for more than a decade. Visit the Colosseum with a native Roman archaeologist to get an inside perspective on the ruins. Interact with street performers and local shopkeepers, sample delicious gelato near the Spanish Steps, and take in the contemporary music scene in one of Rome's many historic piazzas.
Athens, Greece — 3 days
Fly to Athens and spend three days exploring the Acropolis, Parthenon, and the ancient Agora with professional guides. Enjoy a specially curated workshop at the Benaki museum to learn about the Byzantine era and dive into the archives of Greek fashion and culture. Experience the modern bustling street life, markets, and cuisine, and explore the city’s contemporary street art.
Náfplio, Greece — 4 days
Take a short journey by bus to this small, beautiful city set on the eastern coast of the Peloponnese in the shadow of a cliff-top castle. From our hotel in the old city, follow small pedestrian streets to a tiny beach, get to know the locals and longtime friends based in town, and swim in the crystal-clear waters of the Gulf of Argos. On day trips, discover the legendary home of Agamemnon at Mycenae. View one of the world's best-preserved Greek theaters at Epidaurus and prepare your own theatrical performance inspired by classical traditions. Learn the steps of traditional Greek dance, gaining insight into the country’s rich cultural heritage. Enjoy a farewell dinner of Greek specialties at a family-run restaurant with live music.
Return — Travel Day
Fly from Athens, Greece, to Philadelphia 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 Italy & Greece high school program focuses on history, culture, archaeology, and Mediterranean life through immersive travel across two of Europe's most influential civilizations. Students explore iconic archaeological sites, museums, and historic cities while tracing the origins of democracy, philosophy, art, and the Roman Empire. Alongside these cultural experiences, students hike coastal landscapes, swim in the Mediterranean, enjoy local cuisine, and engage with contemporary Italian and Greek communities. The program is designed to bring ancient history to life, and to foster curiosity, global perspective, and a deeper appreciation for the enduring influence of these remarkable cultures. To learn more about our Exploration programs click here.
Will students have the opportunity to practice the local language?
Proficiency in Italian or Greek is not required. However, if you study Italian and/or Greek in school you will have opportunities to practice on this program while communicating with local people. If you don’t speak Italian and/or Greek you will have the opportunity to learn some basic language skills.
What is the technology and cell phone policy?
To encourage full engagement and immersion in the Putney Student Travel experience, we limit the use of cell phones and other devices on our High School programs. Students are allowed to use their phones in transit to and from the program. During in-country orientation, leaders facilitate a call home, then collect and securely store all phones for the first half of the program. At the end of this tech-free period, leaders return student phones for the second half of the program. During the tech-free portion of the program, students have the opportunity for a weekly call home according to a pre-arranged schedule. For more details, please see our FAQ.
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 Italy and Greece, you might make a recipe book by hand with instructions on how to prepare the local dishes you have encountered on your travels, write a short story about what it was like to live in Pompeii when Mount Vesuvius exploded, or learn the “song of the summer” in Italy or Greece and perform it for your group.
How physically active is this program?
Our Italy & Greece program involves some physical activity, including hiking to the top of Mount Vesuvius, swimming in calm Mediterranean waters, and walking around cities in the 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?
Our Exploration Italy & Greece program stays at small, simple, and comfortable family-run hotels over the course of the program. Students can expect to share double and triple rooms. Leaders reside alongside students at all our accommodations.
What are meals like in Italy & Greece?
The group takes breakfast daily at the accommodations. We eat lunch and dinner at local restaurants, and may occasionally shop for supplies at a grocery store or market to enjoy a picnic meal. Sampling local cuisine in both destinations is an important part of the experience on this program.
What type of student is most successful on this program?
Putney’s Exploration Italy & Greece program is designed for high school students (grades 9–12) who are interested in history and archaeology, and who are also seeking to experience Europe like a local. Students who thrive on the Italy & Greece program are curious, engaged, and excited to explore history beyond the classroom. This program is an excellent fit for students who enjoy visiting historic sites and museums, asking big questions about culture and civilization, and balancing intellectual discovery with active travel and outdoor adventure. No prior knowledge of ancient history is required—students who bring an open mind, a love of learning, and a willingness to immerse themselves in new places and perspectives will find the experience especially rewarding.
What makes Italy & Greece a good location for a Putney Student Travel program?
Italy & Greece are wonderful destinations for students looking to get a feel for traveling in Europe. The program starts and ends in idyllic seaside towns in Salerno and Náfplio, respectively, where Putney’s longtime local contacts share their cultural and culinary traditions with the group. The cosmopolitan cities of Rome and Athens offer endless opportunities for students to learn about history, while simultaneously getting to know the modern identities of each European nation.
How does the Exploration Italy & Greece program compare to Putney’s other Exploration programs?
Our Italy & Greece high school program stands out among Putney's Exploration programs for its unique focus on ancient history, archaeology, and the origins of Western civilization. While every Exploration program combines cultural immersion with active travel, this itinerary places students at some of the world's most iconic historical sites—from the Acropolis and Delphi to Pompeii and Rome—bringing centuries of history to life through firsthand experience. The program also balances these cultural discoveries with hikes, island exploration, swimming, and time in vibrant modern communities. The program is a good fit for students who want to combine intellectual curiosity in history and archaeology with immersive Mediterranean travel.
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 commitment to participating positively in a supportive, small-group environment.
What outcomes, skills, or growth can students expect to gain from this experience?
Students return from our Italy & Greece program with a deeper understanding of history, culture, and the lasting influence of the ancient world on modern societies. Traveling through historic sites and engaging with local communities helps students strengthen their curiosity, critical thinking, and ability to connect ideas across cultures and time periods. Along the way, students build confidence, independence, and adaptability as they navigate new environments, collaborate with peers, and embrace unfamiliar experiences. Students leave with a broader global perspective, lasting friendships, and a renewed appreciation for travel as a powerful way to learn.
A Day in the Life: Salerno, Italy
Due to the traveling nature of this student program abroad, each day is different. Here is a snapshot of a day in Salerno, Italy.
- Morning
8:00am
Enjoy a traditional Italian breakfast at your residence
10:00am
Take a bus into the hills to a local chef’s villa
11:00am
Learn to prepare local specialties like spaghetti alla nerano and torta ricotta e pere
- Afternoon
1:00pm
Enjoy the meal you have prepared while looking out over the sea
3:00pm
Say goodbye to your host and walk down to meet the bus, then head to the Parco Nazionale del Vesuvio
4:00pm
Hike to the summit of Mt. Vesuvius and take in the stunning views of the Campania coast
- Evening
6:00pm
Return to town for a gelato, a pick-up game of soccer, or a swim
8:00pm
Have dinner at a local eatery with your group
10:00pm
Group meeting to discuss the day and upcoming schedule
“I gained the confidence to be myself.”
—Noah T., Burr and Burton Academy, Manchester, VT
