France, Italy and Greece
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 Paris.
Day 2 - Paris
Arrive at Paris' Charles DeGaulle Airport. After collecting your luggage and clearing customs, you will be met by your Travel Director and take a private motor coach to your hotel. Later, get your first impressions of Paris during an orientation walking tour and evening Seine River cruise.
Day 3 - Paris
Enjoy a guided visit of Paris focusing on important Parisian sights such as the Arc de Triomphe, the Champs Elysées and the Opera House. In the afternoon, meet with a local artist for an interactive impressionist art class. This evening, visit the the Eiffel Tower to marvel at the views of the city.
Did You Know?
There are multiple replicas of the Stature of Liberty in Paris. You may spot the one pictured here when you ascend the Eiffel Tower. It is located on the Île aux Cygnes (Isle of the Swans) and was donated by Americans living in Paris. She faces west, gazing towards New York City.
Day 4 - Paris
Morning visit to the Palace of Versailles. Learn about life in the court of Louis XIV, Le Roi Soleil as you walk around the palace and take a bike ride around the opulent gardens. Later, explore the local cafes and markets to buy items for your picnic lunch. In the evening enjoy a stroll around Montmartre and the spectacular Basilica of Sacré-Coeur.
Day 5 - Venice / Mestre
This morning fly from Paris and arrive in 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.
The Floating City
Built on 118 islands, the floating city has 150 canals and 400 bridges, forcing residents to rely mostly on boats for transportation. Locals get around on foot or vaporetti (water buses). But for tourists, being serenaded by a gondolier is a ‘must do’ activity. The Venetian gondolas once regularly used by the upper class, at one time numbered 10,000. Today there are only about 400.
Day 6 - Tuscany
This morning drive to Florence. 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 countryside, 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.
Day 8 - Umbria
This morning drive south 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.
“The Global Citizen Program provided an amazing trip for our daughter to “France, Italy & Greece”. The destinations, activities, experiences and friendships that were made are unforgettable. This program allows children to immerse themselves into other cultures and create memories that will last a lifetime. It is a first class run organization from start to finish. The staff, and and leaders are amazing, genuine people who really get to know your child. They are invested 100 % on this trip. I would highly recommend anyone able to send their child on a trip with GCP - your child will thank you!”
- Stephanie, Mom from Pennsylvania
Day 9 - Rome
This morning, drive to Rome. 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, taking a walking tour of some of Rome’s most beautiful and iconic sites, such as the Pantheon, Piazza Navona, and Trevi Fountain. This evening a local chef will demonstrate how to make your own pizza for your included dinner.
Day 10 - Rome
Spend a relaxing day with your friends on the seaside town of Ostia, enjoy the beach, and the local shops and cafes.
Day 11 - 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.
The Trevi Fountain
Legend has it that if you throw a coin over your shoulder into the Trevi Fountain that you will return to Rome. Throw two and you will fall in love, throw three and you’ll get married. This legend is so popular that every day over 3,000 Euros are collected from the water and given to a local charity that supports families in need throughout Rome.
Day 12 - Delphi / Itea
This morning, fly from Rome to Athens, and drive to Delphi. Upon arrival a local expert will show you the ruins of the site where the ancient Greeks asked for insight from the famous Oracle. You will also get to see the Apollo Temple and the Delphi Museum.
Day 13 - Nafplion / Tolo
Drive to the Peloponnese peninsula via the famous Corinth Canal for a brief photo opportunity. Continue to the ruins of Epidaurus for a guided visit including one of the world's best preserved amphitheaters. Later drive to Nafplion, a beautiful seaport town on the Argolic Gulf and take an evening orientation walk around town.
Day 14 - Nafplion / Tolo
This morning climb up the steps to the beautifully situated Palamidi Castle. The views of Nafplion and the Argolic Gulf from the top are spectacular. Spend the afternoon on one of the local beaches and swim in its crystal clear waters.
Did you know?
Delphi was believed to be the center of the Earth. According to legend, Greek deity, Zeus released two eagles from the two ends of the world, one flew toward the East and the other toward the West. Flying at the same speed, the birds crossed at Delphi and this is where Zeus placed the Omphalos (navel) stone.
Day 15 - Athens
Your first stop this morning is in Mycenae, where a local guide will show you the highlights such as the Lion Gate, Royal Tombs and the Acropolis. Then visit a ceramics workshop in town where you will create a piece of pottery using traditional methods. Continue to Athens for dinner and overnight.
Day 16 - Athens
Enjoy a morning guided visit of the city including the Acropolis and the Parthenon. Then view the Agora, followed by a visit to the Acropolis Museum. This afternoon, explore the Plaka District and it’s many shops, and cafes.
Day 17 - Athens
This morning, embark on a day cruise of the Saronic Islands of Aegina, Poros and Hydra. These islands are known for their art and culture, history and natural beauty. Lunch is included and served on board. Tonight, enjoy an evening of Greek culture, eat local cuisine, watch dancers perform to traditional music and dance the night away!
Day 18
Transfer to the airport for return flight to the 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, (please note, hotels in Paris for 2024 summer programs may not be centrally located due to the Olympic Games.)
Teacher Leaders
Full Time Local Program Director
Transportation to Included Activities
Breakfast and Dinner Daily, 2 Lunches
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
