Italy, Slovenia and Croatia
Program Dates:
June 24 - July 11, 2024
Enrollment for this program is now closed for Summer 2024. View Summer 2025 Programs!
Day by Day Itinerary
Day 1 - Overnight Flight
Board your overnight flight bound for Rome.
Day 2 - Rome
Arrive in Rome, and transfer to your centrally located hotel, and start exploring the city on an orientation tour! After dinner, have your first taste of real Italian gelato, and visit the Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps.
Day 3 - Rome
This morning a guided tour will introduce you to the sites of ancient Rome, you’ll see the Forum and Colosseum - one of the most impressive sights in Rome. 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, and Piazza Navona!
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 the local markets.
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 - Ljubljana
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.
Day 11 - Ljubljana
Today, take a guided visit of the capital of Slovenia. See the Old Square before crossing the Dragon Bridge on the way to Market Square. Explore the city's highlights such as the Triple Bridge, City Hall Square and the Bishop's Palace. After dinner, take a stroll along the river.
Day 12 - Plitvice
This morning visit the Plitvice Lakes one of the most spectacular natural sights in Europe. The park has 16 terraced lakes that cascade into each other through a series of waterfalls. Walk along the wooden footbridges and pathways and you will discover the crystal-clear turquoise waters of this natural wonder.
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 13 - 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 14 - 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 15 - Dubrovnik
Cross the border to Bosnia & Herzegovina to visit Mostar. Continue to Medjugorje where the Virgin Mary allegedly appeared in 1981 before crossing the border again into Croatia and continue traveling to Dubrovnik.
Day 16 - Dubrovnik
This morning enjoy guided tour of the highlights of the old town—another UNESCO World Heritage Site! You will see the ancient city walls, the cathedral and the Rector's Palace as well as the harbor.
Day 17 - Dubrovnik
Enjoy a full day excursion to Kotor in Montenegro. Nestled between the Adriatic Sea and surrounding mountains, the medieval-walled city of Kotor is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walk along the narrow streets and see the churches and historic squares that served as important commercial and artistic centers in the Middle Ages.
Day 18 - Departure Day
Transfer to the airport by private motor coach 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
