- 2024 Dates
June 27 — July 13
July 6 — July 22
- tuition
Italy & Greece
Empires of the Mediterranean
- 2024 Dates
June 27 — July 13
July 6 — July 22
- tuition
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
• 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
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 high school student travelers and one or more of your program leaders in New York, and fly together to Naples, Italy. To learn more about how we organize travel, click here.
Begin your program by heading to Pompeii and Herculaneum, cities that were blanketed by thick layers of scorching ash and volcanic mud when Mount Vesuvius erupted in A.D. 79. Get to know your peers and program leaders during an in-depth group orientation. Step into the past in palaces still adorned with original frescoes, and see the haunting figures of townspeople frozen in time. From our base in the small city of Salerno, travel by hydrofoil to Capri and Amalfi, and explore the area’s extraordinary scenery. Hike up to the top of Mount Vesuvius and take in the views of the sprawling Italian coastline below. Take a refreshing swim from the rocky shoreline, make homemade pizza with a local chef, and practice Italian in seaside shops.
Travel by train to Rome and explore the streets and alleyways of this vibrant city with your group, finding hidden parks and ruins. Peer into the gaping Bocca della Verità, a sculpted mouth, which according to legend will bite off the hand of anyone who doesn't tell the truth. 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.
Fly to Athens and spend three days exploring the Acropolis and Parthenon, the ancient Agora, and the National Archaeological Museum. 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 take a tour of the city’s best contemporary street art.
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 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.
Fly from Athens, Greece, 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 high school student travelers and one or more of your program leaders in New York, and fly together to Naples, Italy. To learn more about how we organize travel, click here.
Begin your program by heading to Pompeii and Herculaneum, cities that were blanketed by thick layers of scorching ash and volcanic mud when Mount Vesuvius erupted in A.D. 79. Get to know your peers and program leaders during an in-depth group orientation. Step into the past in palaces still adorned with original frescoes, and see the haunting figures of townspeople frozen in time. From our base in the small city of Salerno, travel by hydrofoil to Capri and Amalfi, and explore the area’s extraordinary scenery. Hike up to the top of Mount Vesuvius and take in the views of the sprawling Italian coastline below. Take a refreshing swim from the rocky shoreline, make homemade pizza with a local chef, and practice Italian in seaside shops.
Travel by train to Rome and explore the streets and alleyways of this vibrant city with your group, finding hidden parks and ruins. Peer into the gaping Bocca della Verità, a sculpted mouth, which according to legend will bite off the hand of anyone who doesn't tell the truth. 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.
Fly to Athens and spend three days exploring the Acropolis and Parthenon, the ancient Agora, and the National Archaeological Museum. 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 take a tour of the city’s best contemporary street art.
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 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.
Fly from Athens, Greece, 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—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.
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.
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.
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—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.
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.
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.
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: Salerno, Italy
- Morning
- Afternoon
- Evening
A Day in the Life:
Salerno, Italy
- 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!