Europe for Middle School: Greece, Italy and the Islands

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!

Welcome to Athens! The next few days will be filled with culture and history. Stand atop the magnificent Acropolis and imagine ancient Greek life as you marvel at the architectural wonder of the Parthenon. Return to the modern city and wander among the lively markets full of fresh food and authentic handmade goods and learn to cook Greek specialities while you’re there. Go off the beaten path to the charming Plaka district, beautifully lit up at night and lined with adorable cafes and restaurants. Visit the Pnyx to see where democracy was born, and to capture those paralleled views of the city at sunset.

Take an excursion out to Nafplio, the small Venetian town that was the first capital of Greece. Stop at the famous Corinthian Canal and explore a fortress that was built in the 19th century with stunning views of the coast. We will wander the winding cobblestone streets of Nafplio that are reminiscent of the Venetian occupation. You will feel like you have been transported to Italy for a day! The rest of our time in Nafplio will be spent soaking up the sun at a gorgeous beach.

Visit the Ancient Agora, which was the first central square in Athens, the birthplace of government and democracy in ancient times. Pick up a pair of custom-made leather sandals from a famous sandal maker, get in any last-minute shopping, take in the Athenian Riviera, and enjoy the summer in Athens.

Leaving Athens, we will travel the way the Greeks do–cruising by ferry over the turquoise Mediterranean waters. Our next destination is Paros, an island famous in ancient times for its immaculate white marble and for having sided in battle with the Persians against the Greeks! We’ll take a tour of the island, where we’ll learn about traditional island life, past and present, with our afternoon reserved for sun and sea. There will be plenty of fun activities on offer, including beach volleyball and swimming in the crystal blue waters. We will also hike the historical Byzantine road for some amazing views of the Cycladic island landscape, pass through beautiful white-washed villages, and end the walk in a fortified village!

Take a bit of time in the morning to explore the fishermen’s village of Naoussa. Walk to the Venetian Castle in the port, buy some snacks for the beach, or just enjoy the white-washed paths that are a signature of the Cycladic islands. In the afternoon, we’ll take a boat to the beautiful Kolymbythres, our favorite beach in Paros.

We’ll explore the winding cobblestone streets of Paroikia for the last time before boarding the ferry to our next island: the famous Santorini. Upon our arrival, we’ll explore the town and relax before enjoying dinner.

We begin the next day in the village of Oia, one of the most photographed places on the planet. Students will surely recognize its whitewashed buildings, blue domes, and antique windmills. We’ll spend the day strolling through the town and capturing its scenic beauty. This evening, watch the sunset from aboard our own private sunset cruise along the Santorini caldera.

Next we’ll visit Santorini’s other picturesque village, Fira, and soak up Greek life as we explore its narrow alleyways and quaint shops. There will be time for swimming at the hotel pool this morning as well. In the afternoon, we’ll board the ferry to return to Athens, where we’ll have another incredible Greek dinner.

Then it’s time to explore the winding cobblestone streets of Paroikia for the last time before boarding the ferry to our next island: the famous Santorini. Upon our arrival, we’ll explore the town and relax before enjoying dinner.

Begin the day in the village of Oia, one of the most photographed places on the planet. Students will surely recognize its whitewashed buildings, blue domes, and antique windmills. We’ll spend the day strolling through the town and capturing its scenic beauty. This evening, watch the sunset from aboard our own private sunset cruise along the Santorini caldera. Swim in hot springs and take in the breathtaking Aegean views!

We’ll visit Santorini’s other picturesque village, Fira, and soak up Greek life as we explore its narrow alleyways and quaint shops. There will be time for swimming at the hotel pool this morning as well. In the afternoon, we’ll board the ferry to return to Athens, where we’ll have dinner.

After an unforgettable adventure, we will return to Athens for one last goodbye and to catch any sights that we may have missed the first time around. Visit the Central Market, the heart and soul of Athens’ culinary scene, and also the best location to pick up some last-minute souvenirs. Pick up a pair of custom-made leather sandals from a famous sandal maker and savor your last Greek gyro! We’ll even try our hand at cooking our own delicious Greek meal with an authentic cooking lesson at a local taverna! To finish our incredible Greek journey, we’ll enjoy a beautiful final dinner at a traditional Greek taverna overlooking the Acropolis lit up at night.