Greece, the Islands & Italy 25 Days
Join us this summer on this amazing Greece and Italy adventure travel program for teens. Teens will tour ancient ruins, beautiful natural landscapes and enjoy the freshest, most incredible food on this summer program that takes you off the beaten path. Enjoy the breathtaking views from the seaside villages of Cinque Terre and tour the wondrous ruins of Athens plus explore the Greek Islands with a SCUBA diving lesson in Naxos and kayaking and sunset views in Santorini. Led by amazing summer program leaders, we group teens on this program into co-ed, age-compatible groups that are fun, inclusive and dynamic for all. The detailed itinerary for these small groups also allows travelers the flexibility to perhaps find your favorite beach or sample every gelato stand along the way!
Please note on some dates that a limited number of participants depart on day 17 and new participants may join as the group continues on to the islands.
Experience new cultures and thrilling activities in a smaller, tight-knit travel group.
Hotels
Includes breakfast and dinner daily.
Includes all recreation & activities listed.
Private motor coach, internal flight, and ferries.
ON TOUR departures offer more independence and age-appropriate activities for older teens currently completing 11th or 12th grade.
Separate departure dates are assigned to create compatible co-ed age groups.
Varies from 24 to 36 participants.
We can accommodate most dietary preferences and allergies.
Fly overnight to Milan. Once you land, your orientation will officially begin with some of our favorite icebreakers and “get to know you” activities.
Marvel at the breathtaking Piazza del Duomo and visit the famous cathedral which took nearly 600 years to complete.
Part of the “Italian Riviera”, these five Italian villages by the sea are built into cliffs and rise from the sea looking much like they did when they were first settled in the 17th century. Enjoy some chill time in the quaint fishing villages of the Cinque Terre. Hike from village to village, stopping for amazing coastal views and irresistible pesto (this is where it was born!). Soak up the Italian sun during a relaxing day at the beach and chill with a night of group activities and bonding overlooking the Mediterranean.
Soak up the festive vibe of Piazza IV Novembre while enjoying a gelato. Wander through the marketplaces and bargain for everything from books and crafts to local breads and cheeses. Prepare your own feast at an Italian cooking school.
Fly from Italy to Athens, and enjoy the ancient streets and bustling shops of the famous Plaka neighborhood.
On the way to Meteora, enjoy a scenic and thrilling stop at Lake Plastiras. Pick your adventure! Swim, canoe, hydrobike, mountain bike, or even try archery in this stunning Grecian reservoir.
Before we travel to the picturesque coastal village of Sivota, we will marvel at the renowned Meteora sandstone cliffs, pinnacles, and the perched mountain-top monasteries during a sunset tour. Enjoy the incredible beaches and float in the crystal blue waters of the Ionian Sea. Dine on authentic Greek cuisine in the neighboring village of Parga and relax on a day cruise around the local islets.
Discover the home of the first Olympic Games in 776 BC. Stop for lunch in the beautiful seaside town of Nafpaktos. Dine overlooking the hills of the Peloponnese region.
Whitewater raft the thrilling Alfeios River before continuing on to Nafplio, the first capital of modern Greece. Climb the many steps up to the Palamidi Fortress. Imagine being entertained at the Epidavros Theatre and inspired by the Mycenean citadel. Learn to dance Greek-style while overlooking the Aegean Sea at dusk.
Venture to the heart and soul of Greece and its capital city of Athens. Marvel at the astounding architectural feat of the Parthenon and Acropolis. See Aphrodite amongst her friends in the New Acropolis Museum just down the hill from where she used to live. Wander through the streets of the Plaka area filled with shops and markets.
Ferry across the Aegean Sea to the Island of Naxos. View the Venetian castle while meandering through the main streets of Hora, lined with charming cafes and shops. Relax on the beautiful beaches that surround the island. Learn how to SCUBA dive on an underwater adventure. Prepare an authentic Greek meal in the village of Galini. (For your safety, all SCUBA operators restrict participants with certain medical conditions. Please ask about your own circumstances if applicable.)
Once you visit, you’ll always remember the signature view of the white-painted houses of Fira, with sheer cliffs, blue sky, and sea. Enjoy mesmerizing sunsets. Explore the town of Fira and take a cable car ride to the port. Voyage across the sea to hike the volcano Nea Kameni and stop to swim in the hot springs that surround it. Enjoy dinner in the town of Oia. Explore the incredible red, white and black sand beaches on our guided sea kayaking excursion and swim in the Aegean Sea.
Travel back to Athens, and enjoy a final sunset at your farewell banquet before heading home.
Say farewell to your new friends as you part ways for your return home. The summer might be over, but all the memories you’ve made will last a lifetime!
Milan, Italy
While exploring the beautiful city of Milan, you'll be staying at the IH Hotels Milano Ambasciatori, just steps away from the Duomo.
Cinque Terre, Italy
Enjoy a comfortable stay at either Hotel Genova, Hotel Venezia, River Park Hotel, or Grand Hotel Savoia with air-conditioned rooms and free Wi-Fi.
Perugia, Italy
You will stay in the historical city of Perugia at either Hotel Gio Wine e Jazz, Sangallo Palace Hotel or Perugia Park Hotel. Enjoy Corso Vannucci, where all major tourist attractions are located.
Athens, Greece
You will stay in the city center, either at Acropolis Select Hotel, Hermes Hotel, or Central Hotel. Surrounded by small art museums, cafes, and galleries, enjoy the most elegant and residential blocks of Athens.
Meteora, Greece
After a full day of exploring the cliffs of Meteora, relax at Divani Meteora Hotel. This gorgeous hotel offers a swimming pool, jacuzzi, Wi-Fi and stunning views of the surrounding cliffs.
Sivota, Greece
Close to the beautiful town of Sivota, the Karavostasi Beach Hotel and Hotel Elina are located just a short walk away from the beach. The rooms overlook the crystal blue waters of the Ionian Sea or resort pool. All rooms are equipped with air-conditioning and Wi-Fi.
Olympia, Greece
We will be staying at the comfortable Hotel Pelops, a neoclassical hotel in Ancient Olympia, in close proximity to the Olympic Archaeological site.
Nafplio, Greece
Nearby to the old city of Nafplio and the Palamidi Fortress, you will be staying at the Amalia Hotel. This location is ideal for a relaxing stay in this beautiful seaside town.
Naxos, Greece
Mare Naxia, Naxos Holidays Hotel, Princess of Naxos, Naxos Resort, and Hotel Naxos Palace are all located in Cyclades on the island of Naxos. The hotels are close to the beach and to Naxos Center. They’re some of the most modern hotels in Naxos built according to the traditional Naxian architecture, combined with modern facilities and services.
Santorini, Greece
While in Santorini, we will be staying at either the Rosebay Hotel, Santorini Palace, Kamari Beach, or Splendour Resort. All properties are luxury resort hotels that combine simplicity with beauty in the heart of the island.
Flight To Milan, Italy
Participants on this trip have the option to fly overseas on our chaperoned flight that leaves in the evening from the New York area to Milan. Our leaders greet you at the airport and are with you from check-in onward. For the many travelers from outside the New York area, you can choose to join the chaperoned flight and we are happy to assist you with arranging connecting flights at suitable times into New York. You may also choose to meet us in Milan and we will help you coordinate your flight times and greet you upon arrival.
Internal Flight
Separate from the airfare to and from this program, there is an additional $295 USD fee for internal flight from Italy to Greece.
Return Flight Home From Athens, Greece
For your return from Athens, we offer a chaperoned flight to New York. For travelers from other areas, you may choose to join that flight and arrange transfers at suitable times from New York after the group has cleared customs and immigration in the USA; or you may fly from Athens to your home city and our leaders help you to check-in and remain in the airport until flights in designated times have departed.
About ON TOUR
This program features separate, age-compatible departure dates, including ON TOUR departures for older teens currently completing 11th or 12th grade. These ON TOUR departures offer more freedom of choice than our other TRAVEL programs by balancing the greater independence that young adults crave with the structure and safety that parents expect. Itineraries include amazing activities and sights for the more mature student, as well as a later curfew. Opportunities to do some safe exploring in smaller groups to find that local cafe or indie boutique also makes this a standout experience for older students.
Meals & New Cuisines
Breakfasts in Europe are eaten at our hotels and served buffet style with a variety of options. For dinners, either the whole group goes to the same restaurant or we divide into smaller groups of your choosing. For lunch, you will enjoy eating in smaller groups and choosing from local cafés, bistros and other restaurants. Are you ready for fresh pasta and pizza in Italy, Greek frozen yogurt and delectable feta and gyros? The food in Europe is terrific, so get set to eat extremely well!
We have satisfied the choosiest of eaters and gladly accommodate most special dietary requests including vegetarian, food allergies, lactose intolerance, celiac disease, and kosher style. We welcome discussing your individual requirements with you and have extensive experience in this area.
Laundry
You will only need one week’s worth of clothing as outlined in the packing list that will be sent to you prior to departure. Every week you may drop off your laundry at a local wash and fold service and then pick it up clean, folded and ready to go.
What’s Included
Included in your program tuition is all lodging, breakfast and dinner daily, recreation & entertainment listed, airport transfers in designated times, gratuities & taxes.
Not included is transportation to and from the program, lunches, snacks, personal spending money for souvenirs, and laundry. We also make available optional travel insurance that is not included, but highly recommended.
Please contact us with any questions. We are happy to hear from you!
Who are the staff and what are their qualifications?
Our staff are educators, guidance counselors, coaches, college and university students, former camp counselors, residence life coordinators, community volunteers, world travelers, and other leaders with diverse backgrounds. Many are former participants themselves who couldn’t get enough of the Westcoast experience! Learn more about our summer leaders.
What if I need to contact my teen during the program?
Participants may bring their cell phones so parents may call and message their kids directly. You may also contact our Communication Centers which serve as the official link between programs on the road and parents. We are staffed every day during the summer and have somebody on call for after hours emergencies ready to assist you 24/7.
What is the difference between an Active Teen Tour and a Global Adventure program?
Our Active Teen Tours offer larger group sizes (generally 35-48 participants) and travel in deluxe motor coaches. Accommodations include quality hotels and occasional fun college residences.
Global Adventures are smaller group experiences (generally up to 26 participants on all itineraries other than the 17 or 25-day Greece & Italy or 10-day Greek Islands which varies from 24-36 participants.)
Groups travel by private motor coaches and occasional public transportation internationally, and use passenger vans in the USA. Select European programs travel exclusively by train and public transportation. While these programs have a slightly bigger focus on adventure travel, we stay in quality hotels and lodges, always ensuring a good night’s rest.
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