Europe for Older Teens: Greece, Italy and the Islands

Welcome to Italy! We will start our journey 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.

We’ll say “ciao” to Rome and head towards 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.

The next day we will 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!

We’ll say goodbye to Italy, but not before stopping to 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!

As we leave Italy behind, we’ll sail overnight across the Ionian Sea to the island of Lefkada, one of Greece’s hidden treasures.

Welcome to Greece! After an overnight ferry, we will arrive in Lefkada! 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!

En-route to the capital, we’ll stop to ask the infamous Oracle of Delphi for our fortune. As the 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.

Then it’s onward to Athens, where we’ll go back in time almost 4,000 years to where western civilization was born and new ideas about philosophy, government, and democracy thrived. We’ll stroll through some of the best neighborhoods in Athens, and end our first evening with an incredible Greek feast in the heart of the historical center with live music and an authentic Greek atmosphere. The next day will be filled with culture and history. Stand atop the magnificent Acropolis and imagine ancient Greek life as it was thousands of years ago as you marvel at the architectural wonder of the Parthenon. Return to the modern part of the city and wander amongst the lively markets full of fresh food and authentic handmade goods. Go off the beaten path to the charming Plaka District, beautifully lit up at night and lined with quaint cafes and restaurants.

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.

We’ll set off to find the perfect spot by the seaside to soak up the Grecian summer sun at a gorgeous beach, and then back to Athens before our adventures in Santorini begin.

Now it’s time to head back out onto the sea and towards an iconic island destination: Santorini. Voted the best island in Greece as well as one of the best islands in the entire world, this volcanic island boasts dramatic red and black sand beaches, whitewashed homes, and winding cobblestone alleyways, making Santorini one of the world’s premier luxury travel destinations. You will recognize the postcard-perfect town of Oia, famous for its blue domes. In between our private boat trip exploring the alluring beaches, and our photoshoots in Oia, you’ll even have the option of taking a scuba-diving lesson! Best, of all, our laidback island days will always finish with gazing out at the breathtaking Santorini skyline by night.

After touring Santorini, we’ll head out to the neighboring island of Naxos, the largest Greek island in the Cyclades and the island where it is believed that Zeus was raised. Naxos is a close-kept secret of travelers to the Mediterranean where we will explore the endless golden sand dunes that line the coasts of the island and indulge in some of the best Greek island cuisines. We will also take the opportunity to explore some of the tiny islands that dot the Aegean and take the true traveler’s path to the hidden islands of the Small Cyclades. Only hitting the Greek tourist map a few years ago, these islands have remained untouched by bustling tourism. At the end of our time here, we will enjoy the most stunning turquoise waters the Aegean has to offer.

Next we’ll travel by ferry to our next Greek island destination: Paros! Famous in ancient times for its immaculate white marble and for having sided in battle with the Persians against the Greeks, this island is a hidden gem and has yet to become overcrowded with tourists. Here we will learn about traditional island life, past and present, with our afternoons saved for sun and sea. We will enjoy boat rides around the island in search of the best beaches where you can try your hand at paddle-boarding, inter-tubing or beach volleyball as we relax next to the crystal-clear Aegean sea. 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! Evenings in Paros will be spent enjoying the vibrant island sunsets and strolling along the whitewashed streets.

Our last day on the island will bring us to its small but mighty neighbor, Antiparos. See the island paradise where the Hollywood elites spend their peaceful summer holidays–maybe you’ll grab a souvlaki with Tom Hanks while you sit on the endless Mediterranean beaches.

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 Athen’s 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.