France, Italy and Greece
Program Length:
18 Days
Program Dates:
June 27-July 14, 2022- Closed
July 6-23, 2022 - Space Available
Countries Visited:
France, Italy, Vatican City and Greece
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. Board your private motor coach and transfer to your hotel. Get your first impressions of Paris during an orientation walk this afternoon.
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. Finish your tour with an ascent of the Eiffel Tower to marvel at the views of the city. In the afternoon meet a local chef who will teach you how to make local specialties for your dinner in a cooking class! In the evening enjoy a stroll around Montmartre and the spectacular Basilica of Sacré-Coeur.
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 - Versailles - Overnight Train
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 the opulent gardens. You will have a picnic lunch in the gardens before returning to Paris to board your overnight train bound for Venice.
Day 5 - Venice - Padua
This morning 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. In the afternoon, learn all about the art of Venetian glass-blowing in a demonstration by a local master. Continue to Padua for overnight.
Day 6 - Tuscany
This morning drive to Florence the birthplace of the Renaissance in Italy. A local expert will guide you around the highlights of the city such as Ghiberti's Baptistry Doors, Santa Croce and the beautiful Duomo. After some free time in the city continue through the Tuscan countryside for your stay in a typical Agriturismo.
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 7 - Tuscany
Learn about the importance of the farming industry in the region as you spend the day helping out on a local farm (activities to be confirmed but could include feeding and care of farm animals, gardening, maintenance projects).
Day 8 - Umbria
This morning drive south to the region of Umbria where you will participate in a team building activity - rafting on the River Nera (a tributary of the Tiber). Your overnight will be in the Umbria region.
Day 9- Rome
This morning drive to Rome. Upon arrival a local expert will guide you through St. Peters Basilica as well as the Vatican Museums to see highlights such as the Sistine Chapel. You will meet with a retired member of the Swiss Guard - a force dedicated to the protection of the Popes. This evening a local chef will demonstrate how to make your own pizza for your included dinner.
"If you want to see a country, go with any tour. If you want to know a country... its culture, its history, and most importantly it's people... go on this program! It is an educational experience of a lifetime."
— Michela G., Leader
Day 10 - Rome
Today’s focus will be on on the monumental vestiges of the Roman Empire. A local expert will guide you around the Colosseum and the Forum. In the afternoon be a gladiator for a few hours as you are taught the art of gladiatorial combat! In the evening, enjoy a walk around the Piazza Navona and the Spanish Steps. Finish your walk with a gelato at the Trevi Fountain.
Day 11 - Sorrento
Depart Rome and drive south to the active volcano of Mount Vesuvius. Hike up the volcano which erupted in 79 A.D. covering Pompeii and Herculaneum in volcanic ash. Enjoy views of the Bay of Naples on your journey to the Sorrento area where you will spend the night.
Day 12 - Pompeii - Overnight Ferry
Start the day with a guided visit of the ruins of Pompeii. See the villas of the ancient Romans, the cobblestone streets and temples of this once bustling city. After lunch drive east to board an overnight ferry bound for Greece.
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 13 - Delphi
Welcome to Greece! Disembark the ferry 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 see the Apollo Temple and the Delphi Museum. In the evening split up in to small groups to have dinner with local families in their homes.
Day 14 - Nafplion
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. Dinner and overnight will be in Nafplion - a beautiful sea port town on the Argolic Gulf. Evening walk around the old quarter of the town.
Day 15 - Nafplion
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 16 - 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 17 - Athens
A guided tour shows you the glories of ancient Greece. Climb to the top of the Acropolis and visit the famous Parthenon. Then view the Agora, followed by a visit to the Acropolis Museum. The afternoon is free to explore the central Plaka district. Farewell dinner.A
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
Teacher Leaders
Full Time Local Program Director
Transportation to Included Activities
Breakfast, Lunch 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
