Program Overview

Join us on a teen travel adventure through Italy, diving into the best Italy has to offer while giving back to the local community! Our first stop is the Cinque Terre, where we will join some key members of the community in order to complete our service project. A longstanding relationship between Travel For Teens and the local community of Monterosso allows our participants to work on meaningful service projects every year!

We will volunteer our time at a Capuchin monastery to help with the maintenance of their fruit and vegetable garden, help restore the trails that have been damaged and closed to the public, and improve the facilities at the local schools. As if giving back weren’t rewarding enough, you’ll enjoy stunning Mediterranean vistas every day as you marvel at the picture-perfect coast of the Italian Riviera, with its five pastel-painted fishing towns nestled into the cliffside.

After our time in the Cinque Terre, we’ll stop at a private Tuscan estate for a cooking lesson and winery tour (optional) en route to Rome to discover the ancient wonders of the Eternal City! We’ll spend our final days soaking up the sun in southern Italy’s hottest destination: the Amalfi Coast. Enjoy breathtaking views, delicious food, rich culture, and Italian hospitality every step of the way this summer!

Price

$5395 + Airfare

Departures
  • Jul 15 - Jul 27 Very Limited
Days

13 Days

Finishing Grades

9, 10, 11, 12

Who Can Go On This Trip?

Students from around the world!

Places We Visit

Cinque Terre, Montalcino, Rome, Vatican City, Sorrento, Amalfi, Positano, Pompeii, Naples, Capri

Optional Group Flight There

New York (JFK) to Florence (FLR)

Optional Group Flight Back

Naples (NAP) to New York (JFK)

Countries

Italy

During this program, you will…

  • Earn up to 20 hours of community service credit working in the Cinque Terre National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • Hike the famous trails of the Cinque Terre, complete with ocean views, pastel colored houses and colorful flowers
  • Visit a private winery and prepare Italian specialities for a fresh homemade meal with a family at their Tuscan estate*
  • Wander the Vatican’s golden halls and stare in awe at Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel
  • Discover the ancient ruins and marvel at the Colosseum in Rome
  • Spend the day cruising the Amalfi Coast on your own private boat
  • Eat authentic Italian pizza in the birthplace of pizza in Naples
  • Walk the ancient streets of Pompeii, once buried by ash from a volcanic eruption back in 79 AD
  • Explore the chic island of Capri for amazing shopping and gorgeous scenery

*This is an optional add on

 

Trip Itinerary

DAY 1: DEPART FROM NEW YORK (JFK)
DAYS 2-6: CINQUE TERRE

Welcome to the Cinque Terre, one of Italy’s hidden gems! Often referred to as the Italian Riviera, this region is home to five idyllic fishing villages with pastel colored houses perched on dramatic cliffs that plunge into the crystal-blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea. We stay right in the center of one of the villages (Monterosso) just steps from the beach! Here we have established strong relationships with the locals from our annual service projects, and you will be welcomed with opened arms and treated like family during your stay here.

After settling into our home for the week in this dreamy seaside village, we’ll tour the town, admiring its colorful shops and rich, authentic feel. You’ll be amazed at the rush of the waves breaking across the beautiful beaches, and will be hardly prepared for the delicious meals consisting of fresh pasta with pesto (a local specialty) and delicacies from the sea. Despite the beauty and the relative success of this region, the Cinque Terre are also faced with a series of daunting environmental and economic challenges. Generations of hard-working inhabitants have braved the harsh conditions of this rugged landscape, living, as is often said, “with their backs to the sea.”

Interact with the locals and give back to this loving community with our meaningful community service, all while enjoying the breathtaking views of this wonderful region. We will be working directly with the town hall to maximize our efforts where they are needed most. One project includes heading up to the monastery to help rebuild historic walls there and clean up the surrounding area. Be rewarded for your hard work with a homemade spaghetti lunch prepared by the monks made with fresh tomatoes and herbs from their garden! We’ll also go to a local school and work to help improve the facilities. Lastly, we’ll work to beautify and maintain the network of hiking trails that traverse the Cinque Terre National Park. We’ll be working with the office of the National Park of the Cinque Terre, performing safe and supervised work that is nonetheless involved and valuable to the inhabitants of this region as well as the larger global community.

We’ll spend a day trekking along the beautiful trail that connects these five villages, where you’ll experience views and vistas the likes of which you’ve never encountered! Over the course of this day, we’ll get to know the distinct layout and character of each of the towns, sampling local pizza, focaccia, and other amazing treats as we go. End the day with a dip in the clear blue waters of the Mediterranean and relaxing on the beach – a wonderful reward for all of our efforts! Our time here will end with a special ceremony at the Town Hall, where our participants will be honored for everything they have done to better the Cinque Terre.

DAY 7: MONTALCINO

After our time in the Cinque Terre we will stop in the town of Montalcino. We’ll stroll the quaint cobblestoned streets of the hill town of Montalcino. Visit its beautiful medieval church and cathedral and check out the grand fortress before heading to the nearby town of San Quirico d’Orcia for some breathtaking views of this famous region.

For those who choose, there will be an optional excursion to a private vineyard just outside the town of Montalcino to experience the stunning Tuscan countryside in real Italian fashion. This day is a TFT favorite! We have an exclusive invitation to a family’s private Tuscan Estate where we will receive a hands-on tasty Italian cooking lesson using freshly harvested vegetables straight from their garden! Enjoy a special tour of the winery where they produce award-winning wine and receive an introduction to this important part of Italian culture.

DAYS 8-9: ROME

Home sweet Rome! We’ll arrive in the Eternal City where a long and mighty history awaits us. As the city streets buzz with antiquity around every corner, you’ll be in awe as we transport ourselves thousands of years back in time while exploring the most important monuments and structures from ancient Rome. At the Colosseum we’ll try to imagine the bloody spectacle of gladiator competition. In the Roman Forum, which once housed the ancient city’s bustling center and main marketplace, we’ll marvel at the well preserved ruins. There’s no better way to complete our journey learning about the Roman Empire than with a view of the city from atop the Palatine Hill- the very place where it all began.

We’ll then fast-forward to the Renaissance, crossing the Tiber to Vatican City and marvel at the massive basilica dedicated to St. Peter. We’ll lose ourselves in the Vatican’s extensive collection of artistic masterpieces from the ancient world to the present day, culminating with a look at Michelangelo’s elaborate ceiling frescos in the Sistine Chapel. We’ll stroll down the Tiber and venture slightly off the beaten path to Trastevere, one of Rome’s hippest neighborhoods, to see the local Romans in action and indulge in some of the best food in the city, including fresh homemade pastas and pizza “al taglio.” We’ll shop on the famous Via del Corso, toss a coin over our shoulders into the Trevi Fountain, and hang out on the Spanish Steps enjoying a classic Roman night of relaxing in the summer air of a beautiful piazza.

DAY 10: AMALFI COAST

Next, we’ll escape the big city and head to Sorrento, a dreamy seaside town on the Bay of Naples that will be our home base as we explore this rich region. Enjoy our glamorous accommodation with a rooftop terrace and stunning views of sunny Sorrento.

We’ll wake up in the morning and hop on a private boat to discover the enchanting Amalfi Coast. It’ll be love at first sight with the sun shining above, blue sea below, and unbelievable views in front of us as we sail down the Mediterranean marveling at the pastel-painted towns nestled into the coast. With stops along the way, you’ll have a chance to jump into the crystal clear water and swim among cascading waterfalls and in several secluded bays. When we arrive in Positano, you’ll think you’ve been transported into a postcard as you gaze at the quaint hillside town perched up above. The view from the water is spectacular! Hop off the boat to explore this picturesque coastal gem and wander the narrow streets surrounded by multicolored buildings, blooming flowers, and sweet-smelling lemons. Visit the iconic church of Santa Maria Assunta with its ornate dome covered entirely in tiles. Enjoy the best shopping in the chic stores that line the streets, from handmade shoes and clothes to an abundance of lemon-themed products. Then relax for the afternoon on the famous black sand beach and take it all in.

DAY 11: POMPEII > NAPLES

Visit Pompeii, a thriving ancient Roman port towns that was frozen in time when it was buried under a deep layer of ash and pumice during the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius in 79 AD. Step back in time and you explore this town and learn about the daily life there before the volcanic devastation. Our expert guide will recount the historic tales of these cities that will paint a picture of what life was like in these lavish societies before the volcano erupted!

Then hop on the train for a picturesque ride along the “circumvesuviana” line, a train that goes to Naples following a track around Mt. Vesuvius. What better way to spend your day than in the very place that pizza was invented? Indulge in the best in the world, served steaming hot straight out of a wood-fired oven.

Here in Naples, we will have the choice of following up our tour of Pompeii at the National Archeological Museum, the richest collection of archeological artifacts in Italy, or go back in time and navigate the maze of tunnels under the city that were used as anything from Roman aqueducts to air-raid shelters throughout history. We will also have a chance to hit some of the shops and wander around the fascinating and folkloristic streets of Naples!

DAY 12: CAPRI

Spend your final day just off the coast exploring the exclusive island of Capri. You can go shopping in the ultra-chic boutiques, take a hike around the craggy coast of the island, and enjoy a scenic chairlift ride up to Mt. Solaro, the island’s highest point for breathtaking views and incredible photo opportunities!

DAY 13: RETURN FLIGHT TO THE USA

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Authenticity is engrained in everything we do. Eat, stay, and travel like a local.

Check out what past travelers have to say about TFT and discover why we are consistently awarded “Top Youth Travel Organization” year after year.

See all program reviews

"This trip to Italy was such an amazing time. From swimming in the Mediterranean Ocean for the first time, to eating true Italian cuisine, this was such a great trip. I saw and experienced a whole different culture from mine. Modes of transportation, housing and the food were all different from what I was used to. I got to see the magnificent, old ruins of the ancient city Pompeii, and explore the cities of Positano, Amalfi, and Capri. I got to eat true Italian gelato and make and paint my own ceramics. I loved swimming in the water on the pebble beach looking at the volcano in the distant. I learned more skills on working with peers and in a group to figure out the best way to complete tasks and time management. Also, I met some really cool people! I cannot wait to go back to Italy again one day."

Ciara C. Monroe, NY

"This trip gave the opportunities to have the summer of my lifetime! We started out with a week of community service in the gorgeous setting the Cinque Terre. During this week we amounted 20 hours of community service, but still had time to participate in different activities within the different towns. From there the group moved south- from Tuscany to Sorrento, even stopping in Rome for a few days. The itinerary was jammed packed with different planned activities for us to participate in, as well as built in free time for us to have the ability to explore the towns. The counselors were amazing on this trip, making sure that we were safe at all times, while still giving us time to explore on our own! They were pretty cool and it was super easy to talk to them about ANYTHING going on, if anything happened :)"

Makenzie H. State College, PA

"During the Summer of 2018, I went on the Italy Service and Adventure trip with Travel for Teens. It was an absolutely incredible experience! This trip was both humbling and extremely fun. Our service consisted of helping maintain a garden in a Monastery and renovating an Italian elementary school’s playground. After a few days of service, we began the adventure part of the trip. We visited so many beautiful places in Italy including Monterosso al Mare, the Amalfi Coast, Rome, and Capri. Although some of these areas tend to be fairly commercialized, I never felt like just another tourist thanks to Travel for Teens and the way they run their programs. I highly recommend this trip for anyone, especially people who want to taste amazing, authentic Italian food!"

Taleen C. Fresno, CA

Travel with us and discover why we are consistently winning awards for Top Youth Travel Organization.

Who can go on this program? What kind of teen typically goes on this program?

Teens from all over the world join this program! Typically, our participants are culturally curious  individuals who are excited to make new friends, experience something unique, and interested in stepping out of their comfort zones and expanding their horizons.

This program is exclusively for students who are currently in grades 9th through 12th and approximately 14 to 18 years old. Students living outside of the USA are welcome to join!

Where do we stay?

Our hotels are chosen specifically in safe areas and are well suited to facilitating group supervision. We stay in centrally located accommodations, usually within walking distance of the main attractions. We do not use large, impersonal chain hotels on the outskirts of cities; we prefer to select smaller, family-run hotels where we establish personal relationships with the owners.

In the Cinque Terre we are in a modern and beautiful hotel in the center of the town Monterosso, just steps from a private beach. In Rome we stay at an hotel near the central Piazza Santa Maria Maggiore, close to the city center and the main train station. In Sorrento, we’ll stay at a gorgeous hotel with a rooftop terrace and stunning views of this dreamy seaside town on the Bay of Naples.

For safety reasons, we do not publish the names of the accommodations we use. We do not feel it is safe to publish the name of a hotel where a group of teenagers is staying abroad. After registering, participants and parents are given access to our secure parent website where you will be able to see the names of all of the accommodations for the program.

Do most travelers go on their own?

Yes! In fact, over 75% of students who travel with us choose to come independently. This encourages teens to step further outside their comfort zone and make new friends. We believe that one of the most rewarding and exciting elements of travel is the new friendships that form along the way. When we travel by ourselves, we are bound to make new friends from all over the country and even the world. The best part is, you can travel again with your new friends on another TFT program the next summer!

If you are thinking about joining a TFT program by yourself but you are feeling unsure, please let us know! We have plenty of references from solo travelers who had great experiences and would be happy to chat with you about it.

Can I bring a friend?

Absolutely! We ask that if you do come with a friend, you and your friend(s) maintain openness to meeting new people and sharing this special experience with the entire group.

What do students like most about the Italy Service & Adventure trip?

On the Italy Service & Adventure trip, students love that they are able to fully immerse themselves in the culture by connecting with Italian locals on a deeper level during their service project. Performing service work along the coast with stunning views doesn’t hurt either!

What is unique about the Italy Service & Adventure trip?

The Cinque Terre portion of this program is especially unique, as our groups are ingrained fully in the community given TFT’s connections in Monterosso. Our longstanding relationship with the locals here offer a unique introduction to one of Italy’s most charming villages. Students experience what small town Italy is like and are treated like family. In addition, the Italy Service & Adventure program provides unique insider access to all of the destinations, from hands-on learning at a pesto cooking class to an exclusive invitation to a Tuscan villa and winery tour and private boat tours down the Amalfi Coast.

What is included?

Tuition cost includes ground transportation; accommodation; chaperones and guides; program-related activities and admissions; taxes and tips; all breakfasts and dinners.

Not included in cost (this is not intended to be an exhaustive list): airfare; lunches; visas and visa application fees; personal and medical expenses; activities and admissions that are not program-related or referenced in the itinerary; beverages other than filtered water at meals; participant expenses that are outside of the program description, such as excess baggage fees and damage to hotels; expenses related to unforeseen circumstances, such as transportation strikes and natural disasters.

How do the optional group flights work?

Upon registration, you will be contacted by our International Logistics Team to discuss the program’s flight details. There is no requirement to take the group flight, but there are several advantages to doing so. The group flight is usually chaperoned by a TFT staff member, and it also offers an opportunity for the students to get to know one another prior to the start of the program. Parents are responsible for coordinating transport to the departure airport – however, the logistics team will send out instructions detailing the exact meeting spot and airport point person. For additional information about flights, visit our dedicated flight page.

Who leads the program?

Our staff is a cut above the rest! We seek out two main characteristics in our counselors – extensive knowledge of and experience in our destinations, and a passion for working with teens. Our staff’s backgrounds include living abroad and working in summer camps or other educational settings. Team members are proven leaders and role models, who connect easily with others and form genuine friendships with each student – all while bringing each destination to life.

We celebrate diversity! Our staff represents 49 different nationalities, speak a combined total of 21 languages, and visited 142 countries. Additionally, 80% of our staff lived or worked abroad in their lives. With so many unique experiences to share, you are sure to gain a global perspective.

Our average minimum ratios are one staff member to every seven participants. Each program has one Trip Director with several support staff, depending on the group size. Directors must be at least 25 years old within the calendar year and have prior experience working with TFT.

What are the safety qualifications for our staff?

Our staff members undergo a rigorous hiring process. They receive the same background check as school educators, an extensive training process to go over all safety precautions and protocols, and are required to be certified in CPR and First Aid.  We exclusively hire responsible, multi-talented individuals who are safety-minded and are as passionate about teen travel as we are.

What is the average group size?

We pride ourselves on small group sizes to create a more authentic and personalized experience. Our group sizes fall between 13 and 24 students – the perfect size to facilitate new friendships without feeling lost in a crowd! We believe smaller groups eliminate the likelihood of cliques, and allows for a well-rounded, healthy group dynamic.

How does this program connect to other programs?

Our program dates are designed specifically so that participants can opt to combine trips throughout the summer.  When connecting to another program, your counselor will escort you to the airport on the last day of the program and assist you in meeting your next group at your new destination.

 

What is the food like on this program?

In a word – delicious! At TFT, we believe food should be an integral part of the travel experience and always make an effort to eat at authentic establishments when we can. What better way to immerse yourself in the culture of a place than by sampling the local delicacies, and we encourage students to do so whenever possible! Just as we stay away from Americanized hotel chains, we try to avoid restaurants with menus that cater only to tourists because every good traveler knows the best food is found wherever the locals are eating!

Italian food is all about fresh, simple ingredients. We’ll sample the best of the “three Ps”- pizza, pasta, and panini! Indulging in these Italian specialties for the first time is a life-changing experience, and we will be there to document every minute of it as you fall in love with the fresh mozzarella, warm Italian bread, mouth-watering prosciutto, and homemade pasta. Don’t forget about gelato! After your trip to Italy, no dessert will ever be the same.

Of course, we are always willing and able to accommodate vegetarians, vegans, gluten allergies, and other dietary restrictions.

Do I need any vaccinations for this program?

We recommend checking with your family doctor regarding vaccinations and medical advice for the destination you are visiting. For more information, please check the World Health Organization’s website. Upon registration, we provide a list of recommended vaccinations that can be discussed further with your doctor. For Specific questions pertaining to the COVID-19 vaccine, click here.

Do we ever get time to go off on our own?

Our staff and teens are nearly always together, but we do provide the opportunity to break up into smaller groups to allow for flexibility and customization within the itinerary.

We offer free time in defined safe areas – for example, shopping in a market or exploring a museum. During these times, students remain in groups of at least two and are given no more than an hour. Of course, the counselors remain nearby and available. Additionally, a lifeguard-certified counselor supervises the campers any time they are involved in water activities.

Do I need to bring anything special for the community service portion of the program?

Summer in Italy is known for its sunshine, which makes beach days beautiful, but working a bit more tiring. Please be sure to bring a water bottle and hat for our service days, as well as clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty.

What kind of visa do you need for this program?

Any US citizen that enters Europe is automatically granted a free 90-day tourist visa.

When joining a TFT trip from outside of the US, please be sure to check your country’s specific visa requirements.

Do I need to speak the language?

No, our skilled staff members will help you get around and even teach you a few fun phrases!

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