Day 1 – Depart for Italy

Your Italian adventure begins! Meet your group at Boston Logan Airport and board your overnight flight to Italy. Get ready for an unforgettable journey through history, culture, and stunning landscapes.

Day 2 – Welcome to Rome & Orientation - Overnight in Rome

Arrive in Rome and meet your local Program Director. After transferring to your hotel, enjoy a relaxed orientation walk through the city to take in your first glimpses of the Eternal City. Once checked in, unpack, and prepare for a welcome dinner and officially kick off your time in Italy.

Day 3 – Vatican City & Renaissance Art - Overnight in Rome

This morning, explore Vatican City with a local expert. Tour the world-famous Vatican Museums, stand in awe beneath Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel, and visit St. Peter’s Basilica, one of the most important churches in the world. After free time for lunch and shopping near St. Peter’s Square, set out on a guided walking tour through two of Rome’s most storied neighborhoods—Campo de’ Fiori, known for its lively atmosphere and historic market square, and the Jewish Ghetto, one of the oldest Jewish communities in Europe, rich with history, culture, and hidden gems. In the evening, take a group walk to visit the Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps to see them lit up at night!

Day 4 – Ancient Rome & Gladiator Experience - Overnight in Rome

Step back in time with a guided tour of Ancient Rome, including the legendary Colosseum and the Roman Forum. Then, head to a gladiator training center to take part in an interactive Gladiator Games experience, where you’ll learn about Roman combat and even try on replica armor. In the evening, explore the Pantheon and soak up the lively atmosphere at Piazza Navona.

Day 5 – Explore Pompeii - Overnight in Sorrento Area

Depart Rome and head south by private coach, making a stop along the way to explore the ancient city of Pompeii. Buried by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, Pompeii offers an incredible look into everyday life in a Roman town nearly 2,000 years ago. After your guided tour, continue to the beautiful Sorrento area. Upon arrival, check in, enjoy a group dinner, and take an evening walk through the charming streets of Sorrento with breathtaking views of the Bay of Naples and Mount Vesuvius.

Day 6 – Matera & Sassi Cave Dwellings - Overnight in Alberobello

Depart the Sorrento area and head east to Matera, a stunning city recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the oldest continuously inhabited places in the world. With a local guide, explore the fascinating Sassi cave dwellings, also designated by UNESCO, along with ancient rock-carved churches that give this hillside city its otherworldly charm. After lunch, continue on to the fairytale town of Alberobello, where you’ll check into your hotel and settle in for the night.

Day 7 – Trulli Village & Ostuni Excursion - Overnight in Alberobello

Spend the morning exploring the charming trulli village of Alberobello, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its iconic whitewashed stone huts with conical roofs. In the afternoon, head to the hilltop town of Ostuni, known as “The White City” for its bright limestone buildings and winding alleys. Tonight, take part in an interactive Italian cooking class and learn to make local specialties for your dinner!

Day 8 – Adriatic Coast, Boat Cruise & Farewell Dinner - Overnight in Alberobello

On your final full day in Italy, visit the stunning seaside town of Polignano a Mare. Set out on a scenic boat cruise along the Adriatic coast, where you’ll take in breathtaking views of the cliffs, caves, and turquoise waters that make this region so iconic. Afterward, enjoy time to explore, shop, or simply relax by the sea. In the evening, gather for a special farewell dinner to celebrate the trip and reflect on your favorite moments with new friends.

Day 9 – Departure from Bari

Transfer to Bari Airport for your flight home, bringing back memories, new friendships, and a deeper understanding of Italy’s incredible culture and history.