Europe for Middle School: Greece and Italy

We’ll begin our time in Italy in Rome, where we will immerse ourselves in one of the most beloved cultures in the world. The city streets of the Eternal City 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. Rome never ceases to amaze with its talent for fusing ancient buildings and streets into an incredibly modern and pulsing city. From the Colosseum, where we’ll envision the bloody spectacle of gladiator competition, to the Roman Forum, which once housed the ancient city’s bustling center and main marketplace, our expert guides will bring Rome’s history to life.

We’ll then fast-forward to the Renaissance, crossing the Tiber to Vatican City and marveling at the massive basilica dedicated to St. Peter. This is the largest church building in the world, and definitely the most impressive. St. Peter himself is entombed beneath its altar, and you can see Michelangelo’s breathtaking “Pietà” before staring up at the famous Sistine Chapel. We’ll stroll down the Tiber and venture slightly off the beaten bath 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 or pizza “al taglio.” Marvel at the Pantheon, shop on the famous Via del Corso, toss a coin over your shoulder into the Trevi Fountain, and hang out on the Spanish Steps, enjoying a classic Roman night of people-watching in a beautiful piazza.

Now to the birthplace of pizza – we’ll discover the incredible city of Naples before we explore the remains of Pompeii. This thriving ancient Roman port city met an abrupt end in 79 AD when the volcano Mt. Vesuvius erupted, covering the town in a deep layer of volcanic ash that perfectly preserved its treasures for visitors today. There is no other archeological site in the world like Pompeii, where you can walk down actual Roman streets, read original 2,000 year old graffiti on the walls, and pop in and out of original ancient Roman houses, often still bearing their original paint jobs!

Then it’s off to our next destination: the Amalfi Coast! We will settle into our gorgeous hotel in Sorrento, explore this charming coastal town, and enjoy our first dinner at one of Italy’s top summer destinations.

We’ll hop on a private boat and discover the enchanting Amalfi Coast from the sea. We will enjoy the sapphire blue sea and unbelievable views as we sail down the Mediterranean marveling at the pastel-painted towns nestled along the coastline. With stops along the way, you’ll have a chance to jump into the crystal clear water, 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. 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.

On our final day in Sorrento, we will explore the stunning island of Capri. 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!

Then it’s time to discover Lefkada, one of Greece’s hidden treasures. As the birthplace of Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love, we’ll be surprised if you don’t fall in love with the country of Greece after your time on the island. We’ll spend our days getting into the Greek summer rhythm of life, where we’ll wander through charming towns, snorkel in the electric blue water, cruise on the Ionian sea to hidden islands, get our first taste of Greek cuisine (feta, anyone?), and discover that Greece really is the perfect summer destination!

We’ll head towards Athens with a stop along the way at the infamous Delphi, home to the Oracle that initiated the story of Oedipus. This mysterious and spiritual place will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression on anyone who visits.

Athens is the epicenter of history, where landmarks and architecture date back centuries, and the beloved humanities were born. We start our travels with a picnic lunch in the gardens. We’ll enjoy the leisure of a Grecian afternoon, strolling through the squares and cafes, and delighting in Greece’s best hobby: people watching! Our first evening concludes with an incredible Greek feast in the heart of historical Athens. The next few days are an adventure of culinary delight and historical discovery. Start with the Acropolis, the heart of Athens, and the center of Greek heritage. Attend the lively markets full of handmade goods and fresh foods where you can sample crumbling feta, fresh-baked olive bread, or honeyed cheese. From there, head to the oldest section in Athens, the Plaka district, where the roads are closed to automobiles to make room for charming shops and cafes. Visit the Pnyx, the birthplace of democracy, where Athenians gathered to host their assemblies in 507 BC.