Program Directed by
Emma Smith
If you have questions or would like to talk further about this program, please get in touch!
- 2025 Dates
June 26 — July 12
June 30 — July 16
July 10 — July 26
June 30 — July 16
July 10 — July 26
- tuition
$7,990 + airfare
Italy & Greece
Journey to the Roots of the Western World
- 2025 Dates
June 26 — July 12
June 30 — July 16
July 10 — July 26
June 30 — July 16
July 10 — July 26
- tuition
$7,990 + airfare
From ancient marvels to contemporary charm, journey through Italy and Greece this summer to experience these rich Mediterranean cultures. Discover the wonders of Athens, explore ancient structures in Corinth, soak up the sun in Kefalonia, and experience the lively historic squares of Perugia. Learn to craft pasta from scratch, try your hand at pressing olive oil, and kayak in the Ionian Sea. Immerse yourself in the rich history of Western civilization as you visit iconic sites like the Acropolis and Colosseum, capping your program in Rome. Engage with vibrant cultures, sample delicious cuisine, and embrace the spirit of these magnificent destinations.
- Highlights
• Explore famous monuments of history, from the Colosseum to the Acropolis
• Kayak the turquoise waters of the Ionian Sea off the coast of Kefalonia
• Visit artisans’ workshops in Perugia and create your own ceramics
• Learn to make Greek specialties at an organic farm
• Kayak the turquoise waters of the Ionian Sea off the coast of Kefalonia
• Visit artisans’ workshops in Perugia and create your own ceramics
• Learn to make Greek specialties at 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.
Corinth & Patras, Greece — 3 days
Begin in Corinth, and get acquainted with the cities of the ancient world. Have an in-depth orientation with your group, then journey along the coast of the Gulf of Corinth and explore Greece’s oldest and highest acropolis, with stunning views of the ancient city coast. Visit the Patras Fortress and explore the city’s renowned Archaeological Museum. Try regional dishes like stifado (a beef stew) or fresh seafood in local restaurants, and venture out for a hike or a kayak.
Argostoli, Greece — 3 days
Hop on a ferry and head to Kefalonia, an island in the Ionian Sea. Explore the beaches and cuisine of this hidden island getaway, kayak in the crystal clear coastal waters, and see the ancient lighthouse of Sami. Learn to prepare traditional dishes at an organic farm and bask in the Ionian waters before heading to the nation's capital, Athens.
Athens, Greece — 4 days
Head back to Athens via ferry, then get to know the neighborhoods and culture of the city during a street art tour. Head to the Parthenon and explore the history of the Acropolis, visit some of Athens’ renowned archaeological museums, and enjoy a bike ride through Marathon, home to the original distance runners and medieval architecture. Along the way, continue to immerse yourself in the rich culinary heritage of the country, sampling moussaka, souvlaki, and dolmades.
Perugia, Italy — 3 days
Fly from Athens to Rome, then head north to the town of Perugia. Visit the renowned Perugina chocolate factory and learn to make Italian-style truffles. Stroll through the town's historic streets, exploring its medieval architecture and lively squares. Learn about the city’s thriving artisan culture, and chat with a master weaver and stained glass restorer; then, try your hand at making your own ceramic plate. Enjoy a gelato at a local gelateria before heading back to Rome.
Rome, Italy — 3 days
Travel to Rome and experience this iconic Italian city. Explore the Colosseum, witness the city’s stunning architecture, then head to Vatican City. Take in the iconic Piazzale Michelangelo, get a lesson in pasta making from an Italian chef, and sample traditional Roman dishes such as pasta carbonara and gelato. Enjoy a final dinner with your new friends to celebrate and reflect on your adventures.
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.
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.
Corinth & Patras, Greece — 3 days
Begin in Corinth, and get acquainted with the cities of the ancient world. Have an in-depth orientation with your group, then journey along the coast of the Gulf of Corinth and explore Greece’s oldest and highest acropolis, with stunning views of the ancient city coast. Visit the Patras Fortress and explore the city’s renowned Archaeological Museum. Try regional dishes like stifado (a beef stew) or fresh seafood in local restaurants, and venture out for a hike or a kayak.
Argostoli, Greece — 3 days
Hop on a ferry and head to Kefalonia, an island in the Ionian Sea. Explore the beaches and cuisine of this hidden island getaway, kayak in the crystal clear coastal waters, and see the ancient lighthouse of Sami. Learn to prepare traditional dishes at an organic farm and bask in the Ionian waters before heading to the nation's capital, Athens.
Athens, Greece — 4 days
Head back to Athens via ferry, then get to know the neighborhoods and culture of the city during a street art tour. Head to the Parthenon and explore the history of the Acropolis, visit some of Athens’ renowned archaeological museums, and enjoy a bike ride through Marathon, home to the original distance runners and medieval architecture. Along the way, continue to immerse yourself in the rich culinary heritage of the country, sampling moussaka, souvlaki, and dolmades.
Perugia, Italy — 3 days
Fly from Athens to Rome, then head north to the town of Perugia. Visit the renowned Perugina chocolate factory and learn to make Italian-style truffles. Stroll through the town's historic streets, exploring its medieval architecture and lively squares. Learn about the city’s thriving artisan culture, and chat with a master weaver and stained glass restorer; then, try your hand at making your own ceramic plate. Enjoy a gelato at a local gelateria before heading back to Rome.
Rome, Italy — 3 days
Travel to Rome and experience this iconic Italian city. Explore the Colosseum, witness the city’s stunning architecture, then head to Vatican City. Take in the iconic Piazzale Michelangelo, get a lesson in pasta making from an Italian chef, and sample traditional Roman dishes such as pasta carbonara and gelato. Enjoy a final dinner with your new friends to celebrate and reflect on your adventures.
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
Leaders
Meet some of our featured leaders. Please note that these may not be your leaders for the program.
Featured
Leaders
Meet some of our featured leaders. Please note that these may not be your leaders for the program.
What to Expect
Review specific program expectations here. For more general information:
Exploration
To learn more about our Exploration programs click here.
Independent Project
Pursue an independent project and explore an aspect of local culture of particular interest to you—create a recipe book with staple Italian and Greek recipes from your cooking classes, learn a traditional song, or compose poetry based on your experiences.
Technology
To help students fully engage and immerse themselves in the Putney travel experience, we do not allow 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.
Physical Activity
This is a physically active summer travel program. Activities include hiking, swimming, kayaking, and exploring cities on foot. 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.
Language Practice
Proficiency in Italian and Greek is not required. However, if you speak or study these languages in school you will have opportunities to practice while communicating with local people. If you don’t speak Italian and Greek you will have the opportunity to learn some basic language skills.
Accommodations
Throughout Italy and Greece, we stay in small family-run hotels and hostels.
Meals
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 to Expect
Review specific program expectations here. For more general information:
Exploration
To learn more about our Exploration programs click here.
Independent Project
Pursue an independent project and explore an aspect of local culture of particular interest to you—create a recipe book with staple Italian and Greek recipes from your cooking classes, learn a traditional song, or compose poetry based on your experiences.
Technology
To help students fully engage and immerse themselves in the Putney travel experience, we do not allow 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.
Physical Activity
This is a physically active summer travel program. Activities include hiking, swimming, kayaking, and exploring cities on foot. 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.
Language Practice
Proficiency in Italian and Greek is not required. However, if you speak or study these languages in school you will have opportunities to practice while communicating with local people. If you don’t speak Italian and Greek you will have the opportunity to learn some basic language skills.
Accommodations
Throughout Italy and Greece, we stay in small family-run hotels and hostels.
Meals
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.
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 at your hotel
9:00am
Meet your guides and get outfitted with kayak gear before heading out
10:00am
Paddle through the crystalline 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
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 at your hotel
9:00am
Meet your guides and get outfitted with kayak gear before heading out
10:00am
Paddle through the crystalline 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
Program Directed by
Emma Smith
If you have questions or would like to talk further about this program, please get in touch!
