25-Day Greece, the Islands & Italy Adventure Tour for Teens

Course Description: 25-Day Greece, the Islands & Italy Adventure Tour for Teens

Greece, Greek Islands & Italy Adventure Tour for Teens �*

Spend your summer exploring ancient ruins, colorful seaside villages, and some of Europe’s most beautiful beaches on this Greece and Italy adventure designed just for teens. Wander through historic Milan, hike the cliffs of Cinque Terre, explore Meteora’s sandstone pinnacles, swim and paddle in hidden Ionian coves, and island-hop your way through Naxos and Santorini. Along the way, you’ll learn to cook Greek and Italian dishes, raft and kayak in stunning settings, and relax on Mediterranean, Ionian, and Aegean beaches with a fun, co-ed, age-compatible group. With a detailed itinerary and room for flexibility, there’s time to discover your favorite beach, café, or gelato spot together.

Please note: On certain departure dates, some participants depart on Day 17 and new participants may join as the group continues on to the islands.

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Program Highlights ✨

• View the incredible Meteora sandstone pinnacles and monasteries.

• Hike the beautiful coastal trails of Cinque Terre.

• Prepare authentic delicacies at Greek and Italian cooking schools.

• Visit the Parthenon and Acropolis in Athens.

• SCUBA and snorkel off the coast of Naxos.

• Sea kayak to volcanic black and red sand beaches.

• Relax in volcanic hot springs near Santorini’s volcano.

• Climb to the rooftop of the Milan Duomo.

• Visit the site of the ancient Olympic Games.

• Whitewater raft down the Alfeios River in the Peloponnese.

• Chill on Mediterranean, Ionian, and Aegean beaches.

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Itinerary �*

Day 1 – Flight to Milan, Italy

Fly overnight to Milan. On arrival, meet your leaders and group, then begin orientation with icebreakers and “get to know you” activities.

Day 2 – Milan, Italy

Make your grand entrance in Milan’s Piazza del Duomo. Visit the Duomo, which took nearly 600 years to complete, and climb to the rooftop terrace for panoramic views. Wander the elegant Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II and enjoy your first gelato before checking into your hotel and sharing a welcome group dinner.

Days 3–4 – Cinque Terre, Italy

Travel to the Italian Riviera and the five seaside villages of Cinque Terre, perched on cliffs above the Mediterranean. Hike between villages for unforgettable coastal views, stop for fresh pesto in the region where it was created, and spend relaxed time on the beach. Evenings are for group activities and bonding overlooking the sea.

Days 5–6 – Perugia, Italy

Head inland to hilltop Perugia in Umbria, full of stone lanes and lively piazzas. Enjoy the festive atmosphere of Piazza IV Novembre, browse local markets for crafts and regional foods, and take part in a hands-on Italian cooking class to prepare your own feast.

Day 7 – Athens, Greece

Fly from Italy to Athens and settle into the famous Plaka neighborhood. Explore ancient streets and bustling shops as you get your first taste of Greek culture and city life.

Day 8 – Meteora, Greece

Stop at Lake Plastiras for a choose-your-own-adventure session—swimming, canoeing, hydrobiking, mountain biking, or archery. Then continue to Meteora to marvel at sandstone cliffs, towering pinnacles, and mountaintop monasteries set dramatically among the clouds.

Days 9–12 – Sivota, Greece (Ionian Sea)

Arrive in Sivota and embrace its laid-back seaside rhythm. Split your days between sandy coves and time on the water: paddle sea kayaks to a deserted beach, try tubing and stand-up paddleboarding, and spend a full day cruising past tiny islands with swim and snorkel stops in bright-blue bays. Visit nearby Parga for local flavors before unwinding each evening back in Sivota.

Day 13 – Olympia, Greece

Travel to Olympia, birthplace of the Olympic Games in 776 BC. Race friends in the ancient stadium, visit the remains of the Temple of Zeus, and see the torch-lighting altar used for modern Olympic ceremonies. Stop for lunch in the seaside town of Nafpaktos, then dine overlooking the Peloponnese hills.

Days 14–15 – Nafplio, Greece

Experience whitewater rafting on the Alfeios River before continuing to Nafplio, the first capital of modern Greece. Climb the many steps to the Palamidi Fortress for stunning views and learn Greek dancing while watching the sunset over the Aegean Sea.

Days 16–17 – Athens, Greece

Return to Athens to explore its most iconic sites. Visit the Parthenon and Acropolis, tour the Acropolis Museum, and wander the Plaka’s streets for shopping, snacks, and souvenirs. Some participants may depart after Day 17, while others continue on to the islands (with new arrivals joining on certain departures).

Days 18–20 – Naxos, Greece

Ferry across the Aegean Sea to Naxos. Explore Hora’s Venetian castle district, enjoy cafés and shops, and relax on surrounding beaches. Take an intro SCUBA lesson and snorkel in the island’s clear waters (medical restrictions may apply for SCUBA). Visit the village of Galini for a traditional Greek cooking class and enjoy the meal you help prepare.

Days 21–23 – Santorini, Greece

Discover Santorini’s postcard-perfect scenery: white houses in Fira clinging to cliffs above the sea. Watch unforgettable sunsets, ride the cable car to the port, and sail to Nea Kameni to hike the volcano and swim in nearby hot springs. Enjoy dinner in Oia and join a guided sea kayaking excursion to explore red, white, and black sand beaches and swim in the Aegean Sea.

Day 24 – Athens, Greece

Return to Athens for a final evening. Share a farewell banquet and enjoy one last Greek sunset with your new friends.

Day 25 – Return Flight Home From Athens

Say your goodbyes and fly home with incredible memories from Italy, mainland Greece, and the islands.

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Accommodations �*

Milan, Italy – IH Hotels Milano Ambasciatori

Centrally located just steps from the Duomo, ideal for exploring Milan’s historic center.

Cinque Terre / Genoa Area, Italy – Grand Hotel Savoia or AC Hotel Genova

Comfortable, modern hotels with air-conditioned rooms and free Wi-Fi, convenient to the coast.

Perugia, Italy – Hotel Gio Wine e Jazz or Sangallo Palace Hotel

Well-situated in historic Perugia, close to Corso Vannucci and major sights.

Athens, Greece – Central City Hotels

Stay in the heart of Athens at one of several city-center hotels (Acropolis Select, Hermes, Plaka, Athenian Callirhoe, Arion, or Central Hotel), all surrounded by cafés, galleries, and small museums.

Meteora, Greece – Grand Meteora Hotel or Hotel Meteora

Comfortable hotels offering impressive views of the surrounding cliffs and rock formations.

Sivota, Greece – Karavostasi Beach Hotel or Hotel Elina

Near the town of Sivota and just a short walk from the beach, with air-conditioned rooms, Wi-Fi, and views of the sea or pool.

Olympia, Greece – Hotel Pelops

A neoclassical property in Ancient Olympia, providing a cozy base for exploring the archaeological site.

Nafplio, Greece – Amalia Hotel

A relaxing property near the old city of Nafplio and the Palamidi Fortress, perfect for enjoying this seaside town.

Naxos, Greece – Naxos Resort

A modern hotel built in traditional Naxian style, close to the beach and Naxos Center, with comfortable rooms and modern facilities.

Santorini, Greece – Rosebay Hotel, Kamari Beach, or El Greco Hotel

Resort-style properties combining simplicity and Cycladic charm, located in the heart of the island.

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What It’s Like �*

Expect a lively, close-knit travel group, lots of time outdoors, and a rich mix of culture, history, and beach days. The pace is active but balanced, with guided activities, structured excursions, and free time to explore local shops, cafés, and seaside spots.

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Key Details �*

Accommodation:

Hotels throughout the itinerary.

Meals:

Breakfast and dinner daily.

Activities:

All recreation and activities listed.

Transportation:

Private motor coach, one internal flight between Italy and Greece, and multiple ferries between mainland and islands.

Group Size:

Typically 24–36 participants.

Dietary Options:

Most dietary preferences and allergies can be accommodated (including vegetarian, lactose intolerance, celiac, and kosher-style).

ON TOUR Available:

Some departures are designed for older teens (completing 11th or 12th grade), with a bit more independence, slightly later curfews, and opportunities for safe exploration in smaller groups.

Compatible Groupings:

Separate departure dates are structured to create co-ed, age-compatible groups.

Middle School Available:

A dedicated departure is available for students currently completing 7th or 8th grade.

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Program Specifics ✈️

Flight to Milan, Italy:

Participants may join a chaperoned group flight from the New York area. Travelers from other regions can connect into New York to join that flight, or meet the group directly in Milan with staff assistance on arrival.

Internal Flight:

A required $295 USD internal flight fee covers the flight from Italy to Greece.

Return Flight From Athens, Greece:

A chaperoned return flight to New York is offered. Participants may join this flight and then connect onward, or fly directly from Athens to their home city with leader support at check-in and departure.

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Meals & New Cuisines 🍽️

Breakfasts are served buffet-style at the hotels with multiple choices. Dinners are enjoyed either as a full group or in smaller, student-selected groups. Lunches are purchased in small groups at local cafés, bistros, and restaurants. Teens can look forward to fresh pasta and pizza in Italy, Greek frozen yogurt, feta, gyros, and a variety of Mediterranean dishes. The program has extensive experience accommodating picky eaters and specific dietary needs.

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Laundry �*

You’ll only need about one week’s worth of clothing. Once a week, students either drop off laundry at a local wash-and-fold service or visit a laundromat together. Detergent is provided, and first-time users are shown how the machines work.

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What’s Included / Not Included ✅

Included:

• All lodging

• Breakfast and dinner daily

• All listed activities and recreation

• Airport transfers during designated times

• Taxes and gratuities

Not Included:

• Application fee

• Transportation to and from the program

• Internal flight fee

• Lunches and snacks

• Personal spending money (souvenirs, extra snacks, laundry)

• Optional travel insurance