About Europe for Older Teens: Greece, Italy and the Islands Program
Experience an unforgettable 25-day summer journey through Greece and Italy, two of Europe's most captivating destinations. This program is specifically designed for high school students (grades 11-12) who want to immerse themselves in Mediterranean culture, history, and natural beauty while traveling with a carefully supervised group and expert guides.
Your adventure begins in Rome, where you'll step back in time and walk the same streets as ancient Romans. Explore iconic sites like the Colosseum and Roman Forum, marvel at the breathtaking Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City, and experience the vibrant neighborhood of Trastevere with its authentic restaurants and local atmosphere. You'll toss a coin into the famous Trevi Fountain, shop on the historic Via del Corso, and people-watch from the Spanish Steps—all while learning how modern Rome seamlessly blends ancient history with contemporary life.
Next, you'll travel to Italy's stunning Amalfi Coast, where you'll sail on a private boat along sapphire blue waters, swim in crystal-clear bays, and explore picturesque coastal towns like Positano and Amalfi. The multicolored buildings, cascading flowers, and dramatic clifftop views create a postcard-perfect setting. You'll also visit the ancient Roman city of Pompeii, remarkably preserved by volcanic ash, where you can walk 2,000-year-old streets and read original Roman graffiti. Before leaving Italy, you'll explore the ultra-chic island of Capri with its boutique shopping, scenic hikes, and chairlift views.
In Greece, your journey continues with island-hopping across some of the Mediterranean's most beautiful and less-visited islands. You'll start in Lefkada, birthplace of Aphrodite, where electric blue waters invite snorkeling and exploration. In Athens, you'll climb the Acropolis to see the magnificent Parthenon, wander through historic neighborhoods like Plaka, and experience authentic Greek culture with a private cooking lesson at a local taverna. You'll also visit Delphi, the spiritual home of the Oracle, and Nafplio, a charming Venetian town with 19th-century fortresses and gorgeous beaches.
The program's island-hopping experience takes you to some of Greece's true gems: Santorini, famous for its white-washed buildings and blue domes, offers world-class sunsets and optional scuba diving in the Aegean Sea. Naxos, the largest Cyclades island and believed birthplace of Zeus, features golden sand dunes and authentic island cuisine. Paros, a hidden gem known for its white marble in ancient times, invites you to paddle-board, try beach volleyball, and hike the historic Byzantine Road. The Small Cyclades islands offer untouched beauty and stunning turquoise waters that few tourists experience.
Throughout the program, you'll stay in centrally located, safe, and well-supervised accommodations in family-run hotels rather than impersonal chains. All breakfasts and dinners are included, featuring authentic local cuisine—think fresh pasta and gelato in Italy, Greek salads with local feta in Greece, and Mediterranean seafood everywhere. The program provides ground transportation, expert guides and chaperones, and all program-related activities and admissions. You'll travel with peers from around the world, creating lasting friendships while gaining confidence and independence. This is more than a vacation; it's a transformative cultural experience that will forever change how you see the world and yourself.