Italy & Greece
Journey to the Roots of the Western World
Italy & Greece
Journey to the Roots of the Western World
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 an underground lake. 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
• Kayak the crystalline waters of an underground lake at the Melissani Caves
• Visit ancient castles, hike idyllic countrysides, and relax on stunning beaches
• Learn to make different types of homemade pasta with an Italian chef
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 an underground lake. 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
• Kayak the crystalline waters of an underground lake at the Melissani Caves
• Visit ancient castles, hike idyllic countrysides, and relax on stunning beaches
• Learn to make different types of homemade pasta with an Italian chef
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.
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.
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 see how olive oil is made in a traditional press. Try regional dishes like stifado (a beef stew) or fresh seafood in local restaurants, and venture out for a hike or a kayak.
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 an underground river at the cave lake of Melissani, and see the ancient lighthouse of Sami. Try homemade dishes with a local family and bask in turquoise waters before heading off to Italy.
Head back to Athens via ferry, then take a donkey ride through the Anatoliki countryside with a local shepherd. 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, begin to immerse yourself in the rich culinary heritage of the country, sampling moussaka, souvlaki, and dolmades.
Fly from Athens to Rome, then head north to the town of Perugia. Visit the renowned Perugina chocolate factory to learn about the chocolate-making process. Stroll through the town's historic streets, exploring its medieval architecture and lively squares. Explore the Etruscan Well, believed to have been built by the Etruscans over 2,300 years ago, then enjoy a gelato at a local gelateria before heading back to Rome.
Travel to Rome and experience this iconic Italian city. Explore the Colosseum by night, 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.
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.
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.
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 see how olive oil is made in a traditional press. Try regional dishes like stifado (a beef stew) or fresh seafood in local restaurants, and venture out for a hike or a kayak.
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 an underground river at the cave lake of Melissani, and see the ancient lighthouse of Sami. Try homemade dishes with a local family and bask in turquoise waters before heading off to Italy.
Head back to Athens via ferry, then take a donkey ride through the Anatoliki countryside with a local shepherd. 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, begin to immerse yourself in the rich culinary heritage of the country, sampling moussaka, souvlaki, and dolmades.
Fly from Athens to Rome, then head north to the town of Perugia. Visit the renowned Perugina chocolate factory to learn about the chocolate-making process. Stroll through the town's historic streets, exploring its medieval architecture and lively squares. Explore the Etruscan Well, believed to have been built by the Etruscans over 2,300 years ago, then enjoy a gelato at a local gelateria before heading back to Rome.
Travel to Rome and experience this iconic Italian city. Explore the Colosseum by night, 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.
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.
Leaders
Meet some of our featured leaders. Please note that these may not be your leaders for the program.
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:
To learn more about our Exploration programs click here.
Pursue an independent project and explore an aspect of local culture of particular interest to you—create a recipe book with family recipes from your stay with a host family, learn a traditional song, or compose poetry based on your experiences.
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.
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.
Throughout Italy and Greece, we stay in small family-run hotels and hostels.
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:
To learn more about our Exploration programs click here.
Pursue an independent project and explore an aspect of local culture of particular interest to you—create a recipe book with family recipes from your stay with a host family, learn a traditional song, or compose poetry based on your experiences.
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.
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.
Throughout Italy and Greece, we stay in small family-run hotels and hostels.
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
- Morning
- Afternoon
- Evening
A Day in the Life:
Kefalonia, Greece
- Morning
- Afternoon
- Evening
This Program is Directed by
Emma Smith
If you have questions or would like to talk further about this program, please get in touch!
This Program is Directed by
Emma Smith
If you have questions or would like to talk further about this program, please get in touch!