For students currently in grades 9–12
Special programs & collaborations
Custom Programs

Looking to create a custom program or collaboration?

Travel programs with the Smithsonian Institution for grades 8–12

Challenge yourself academically at the world's most prestigious universities

Non-profit organization offering student travel scholarships

High school youth summit focused on public health, climate change, and equity

columbia-climate-school-icon

Campus-based climate change program for grades 9–12

Italy & Greece

Journey to the Roots of the Western World

June 26 — July 12
June 30 — July 16
July 10 — July 26
$7,990 + airfare

Italy & Greece

Journey to the Roots of the Western World

June 26 — July 12
June 30 — July 16
July 10 — July 26
$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.

• 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
“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