Italy, Croatia, Austria and Hungary
Program Length:
18 Days
2023 Enrollment Closed
Enrollment Closed for Summer 2023. Please view our Summer 2024 Programs.
Day by Day Itinerary
Day 1 - Overnight Flight
Board your overnight flight bound for Rome.
Day 2 - Rome
Arrive in Rome. Meet your Travel Director at the airport and transfer to your centrally located hotel. Start exploring the city on an orientation tour before a group welcome dinner.
Day 3 - Rome
This morning a guided tour will introduce you to the sites of ancient Rome. Explore the Forum and Colosseum - one of the most impressive sights in Rome and one of the world’s most famous venues that would hold gladiatorial games and drama to battles of exotic animals and battleships. The building was completed in 80 A.D. and at its peak held 87,000 spectators. This afternoon, step back in time, put on your own gladiator gear, and participate in Gladiator Games at Castrum Legionis.
Day 4 - Vatican City
A local guide will introduce you to the smallest state in the world, Vatican City, situated in Rome. This is the home of the Pope but also home to almost 1,000 other residents. You’ll visit Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel, and Saint Peter's Basilica. Later, you’ll take an interactive cooking lesson on the art of pizza making. Tonight, see the some of Rome’s most beautiful and iconic sites illuminated, such as the Pantheon, Piazza Navona, and Trevi Fountain.
Did You Know?
Originally named the Flavian Amphitheater, the Colosseum could hold up to 50,000 spectators who would come to watch gladiatorial combats, exotic wild animal hunts and naval ship battles.
Day 5 - Umbria
This morning drive north to the region of Umbria where you will take part in a team building experience - rafting on the River Nera, the largest tributary to the Tiber. Take in the incredible scenery, and swim in the crystal clear waters. After a day in nature, your dinner and overnight will be in the Umbria region.
Day 6 - Tuscany
This morning drive through the countryside to Tuscany. Take a guided walking tour with an expert local guide through Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance. See the highlights of this beautiful city, such as Florence’s cathedral Santa Maria del Fiore, Ghiberti’s famous Baptistry Doors, Santa Croce and the Piazza della Signoria. Later, travel out to the country side, check-in to your hotel, and enjoy a traditional Italian dinner.
Day 7 - Tuscany
This morning, visit an organic farm in the Tuscan countryside where you will learn about local agriculture, and help out on the farm. You’ll pick your own produce and learn to make a traditional Italian farm to table lunch (lunch is included). Later, explore the city of Lucca, which is known for it well-preserved Renaissance walls encircling its historic city center and its cobblestone streets, enjoy some free time to shop, and eat your share of gelato.
We’re Not Lying
The Adventures of Pinocchio was written by Florentine author, Carlo Lorenzini. The story begins in the nearby Tuscan village of Collodi, where Carlo spent part of his childhood. He penned many of his works under the name Carlo Collodi. Be sure to pick up a wooden figurine of Pinocchio as a souvenir at one of the many local markets.
Day 8 - Venice Mestre
Today, drive to Bologna, explore Piazza Maggiore, a sprawling plaza lined with arched colonnades, cafes and medieval and Renaissance structures such as City Hall, the Fountain of Neptune and the Basilica di San Petronio. Later, continue on to Venice Mestre for the night.
Day 9 - Venice Mestre
Today, explore the beautiful city of Venice, the Queen of the Adriatic. Here you will enjoy a guided sightseeing which will include St. Mark’s Square where you can see the Basilica of St. Mark and the Doges Palace. You will also walk along canals and bridges such as the famous Rialto Bridge before taking a gondola ride through the city. In the afternoon, learn all about the art of Venetian glass-blowing in a demonstration by a local master.
Day 10 - Postojna
This morning, drive through Northern Italy and cross the border into Slovenia. You will visit the stunning Postojna Cave. A mini train will take you through a complex system of passages and dramatically lit chambers, formed over by the Pivka River over the years. After your visit enjoy views of Predjama Castle.
“I was studying the development of Western Civilization before my program and as I walked the cobblestoned streets of Rome it all hit me that “I was actually there!” This program really made my studies come to life.
— Connor S. Student
Day 11 - Split
Your first stop today is in Zadar, a town on the Dalmatian Coast known for its famous Sea Organ where the sea waves naturally play the music. Continue south to the city of Split where you will stay for the next 2 nights. Time permitting, you will hike up the Marjan Hill to see wonderful views of of the old town and port.
Day 12 - Split
Join a local expert for a guided sightseeing of the old town, which was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site, and is quite literally an open air museum, Visit Diocletian’s Palace built by the Emperor Diocletian in the 4th century and later spend time at one of the local beaches.
Day 13 - Zagreb
This morning drive to the spectacular Plitvice Lakes - a chain of 16 lakes connected to waterfalls that flow into a limestone canyon. Marvel at this natural wonder as you hike around its trails and footbridges. Later, continue to Zagreb, the capital city of Croatia.
Living History
The Diocletian’s Palace is now the heart of the city of Split, just as it was when it was built over 1,700 years ago. Today more than 3,000 people still live inside the old walls and frequent its shops, cafes and restaurants.
Day 14 - Vienna
See the highlights of Zagreb with a local guide this morning. You will see Gornji grad (Upper Town) and Donji grad (Lower Town). Enjoy the view of the twin neo-Gothic spires of Zagreb Cathedral and visit Dolac Market with the famous Ban Jelacic Square honoring the well known army general. Continue to Vienna, the capital of Austria.
Day 15 - Vienna
Enjoy a guided visit of Vienna including the Ringstrasse, the Hofburg Palace, the Opera House and St. Stephen's Cathedral. Later, learn about the world famous Viennese Waltz during an interactive demonstration and lesson with a professional dancer. Afterwards, enjoy hot chocolate and "sachertorte" in a local cafe. After dinner, attend a concert featuring the music of Austrian composers Mozart and Strauss.
Did You Know?
Like Berlin, Vienna was also divided into four parts after World War II. It was occupied by United States, France, the United Kingdom and the Soviet Union. The occupation, and division, of Vienna ended in 1955 with the Austrian State Treaty.
Day 16 - Budapest
Today you will have your 3 meals in 3 different countries - breakfast in Austria, lunch in Slovakia and dinner in Hungary. Depart Vienna for Bratislava the capital of Slovakia. Upon arrival there will be a walking tour of the old town with its cobble stoned streets and lovely plazas. The first person to see the curious statue of Čumil (The Watcher) gets a prize. After lunch, depart for Budapest. Take in the beauty of this city on an evening walking tour.
Day 17 - Budapest
This morning a local guide will introduce you to this beautiful city, split in half by the River Danube - one side is Buda and the other Pest. See Heroes' Square, St. Stephen's Basilica and the Hungarian Parliament building. After crossing the river along the famous Chain Bridge, admire wonderful views from the Fisherman's Bastion, and visit Matthias Church. In the afternoon, enjoy a soak in one of Budapest’s many thermal baths, a practice which has been a part of every day life here for centuries. Cap off your adventure with a farewell dinner this evening.
Day 18 - Departure Day
Transfer to the Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport for your group return flight to USA.
Join this Program!
Students will join other teens from across the United States, accompanied by experienced, passionate and globally-minded U.S. certified educators. These inspiring leaders guide, nurture and mentor students on their journey to Global Citizenship.
What’s Included:
Roundtrip Airfare
Accommodations
Teacher Leaders
Full Time Local Program Director
Transportation to Included Activities
Breakfast and Dinner Daily
All Attractions and Activities
Guided Sightseeing by Local Expert Guides
All Tips and Gratuities
24-Hour Support
All Taxes and Fees
Global Citizen Certificate
Pre-Travel Preparation Meetings and Seminars
