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 22 — July 8
June 26 — July 12
July 5 — July 21
July 10 — July 26
June 26 — July 12
July 5 — July 21
July 10 — July 26
- tuition
$7,990 + airfare
Italy & Greece
Empires of the Mediterranean
- 2025 Dates
June 22 — July 8
June 26 — July 12
July 5 — July 21
July 10 — July 26
June 26 — July 12
July 5 — July 21
July 10 — July 26
- tuition
$7,990 + 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 the contemporary culture of vibrant cities, towns, and coastal villages. Experience the living legacy of the Greek and Roman Empires against a backdrop of magnificent temples, rich mythology, and stunning seascapes.
- 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. 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 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 your host, who has provided lodging to Putney students for more than a decade. 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 and Parthenon, the ancient Agora, and the National Archaeological Museum with professional guides. Visit iconic works of art at the National Gallery and learn the stories of their excavation. Experience the modern bustling street life, markets, and cuisine, and explore the city’s best contemporary street art with a knowledgeable local guide.
Náfplio, Greece — 4 days
This small, beautiful city is 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 long-time Putney collaborators 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, and learn the basics of traditional Greek dance. Enjoy a farewell dinner of Greek specialties at a family-run restaurant with live music, and tell fireside stories under the stars.
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.
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. 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 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 your host, who has provided lodging to Putney students for more than a decade. 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 and Parthenon, the ancient Agora, and the National Archaeological Museum with professional guides. Visit iconic works of art at the National Gallery and learn the stories of their excavation. Experience the modern bustling street life, markets, and cuisine, and explore the city’s best contemporary street art with a knowledgeable local guide.
Náfplio, Greece — 4 days
This small, beautiful city is 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 long-time Putney collaborators 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, and learn the basics of traditional Greek dance. Enjoy a farewell dinner of Greek specialties at a family-run restaurant with live music, and tell fireside stories under the stars.
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
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—evoke the classical past by photographing the ruins of the Roman Forum, sketch the Parthenon or the Colosseum as they might have appeared thousands of years ago, or create a podcast with interviews of archaeologists working at Pompeii.
Technology
To encourage full engagement and immersion in the Putney 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 the program, and keep their devices throughout. During in-country orientation, leaders will lock phones with a code, unlocking them 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.
Physical Activity
This is a physically active summer travel program. Activities include hiking, swimming, 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 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—evoke the classical past by photographing the ruins of the Roman Forum, sketch the Parthenon or the Colosseum as they might have appeared thousands of years ago, or create a podcast with interviews of archaeologists working at Pompeii.
Technology
To encourage full engagement and immersion in the Putney 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 the program, and keep their devices throughout. During in-country orientation, leaders will lock phones with a code, unlocking them 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.
Physical Activity
This is a physically active summer travel program. Activities include hiking, swimming, 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 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: 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
9:00am
Walk to the port with your group and catch a high-speed ferry to Capri
10:00am
Explore the palaces and gardens of the island with a local guide
- Afternoon
12:00pm
Sample Caprese specialties in the courtyard of a local restaurant
1:00pm
Relax on the beach and take a refreshing dip in the Mediterranean
3:00pm
Join local kids in a pick-up game of soccer
- Evening
5:00pm
Return by ferry to Salerno and relax at your hotel
7:00pm
Enjoy dinner at a local eatery with your group
10:00pm
Group meeting to discuss the day and upcoming schedule
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
9:00am
Walk to the port with your group and catch a high-speed ferry to Capri
10:00am
Explore the palaces and gardens of the island with a local guide
- Afternoon
12:00pm
Sample Caprese specialties in the courtyard of a local restaurant
1:00pm
Relax on the beach and take a refreshing dip in the Mediterranean
3:00pm
Join local kids in a pick-up game of soccer
- Evening
5:00pm
Return by ferry to Salerno and relax at your hotel
7:00pm
Enjoy 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
Program Directed by
Emma Smith
If you have questions or would like to talk further about this program, please get in touch!
