Greek Islands & Italy 20 Days
Between exploring the famous Amalfi Coast, SCUBA diving in Naxos, kayaking around Santorini, and discovering just how good authentic pizza and pasta really is, you’re sure to fall in love with the Greek Islands and Italy. This small-group teen travel program will take you on an unforgettable summer adventure in Europe packed with iconic sights, highlight activities, and the chance to discover the incredible warmth of the local people. With some room for flexibility in our day-to-day adventures, you’ll also be able to find that viewpoint for the perfect golden sunset or pick your favorite cafe for lunch. Get ready for the summer of a lifetime, brimming with opportunities for new friendships, exciting discoveries, and plenty of fun under the sun!
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 and ferries.
Varies from 24 to 36 participants.
We can accommodate most dietary preferences and allergies.
Fly overnight to Athens. Once you land, your orientation will officially begin with some of our favorite icebreakers and “get to know you” activities.
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 unique 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 our 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 Greek sunset before heading to Italy.
Fly to Italy and experience the wonders of Florence. Home of the Renaissance, the works of Boticelli, Da Vinci, and Michelangelo. Check out the famous Duomo by Brunelleschi and behold Michelangelo's impressive David at the Accademia. Search the leather markets for the perfect gifts, then put on your apron and attend an authentic Italian cooking class. Savor Florence's greatest treat - classic Italian gelato. Soar above the emerald waters of the Lima River within a secluded canyon while ziplining in Tuscany followed by stand-up paddleboarding in this spectacular natural setting.
Soak up the street carnival atmosphere in this cliff-side town overlooking the Bay of Naples. Cruise to the Isle of Capri stopping to hop off and swim in majestic green waters and grottos. Ride the funicular to the town of Capri and take in the cafe scene near Piazza Umberto. Spend the day at the chic beach resort town of Positano.
Imagine gladiators in the Colosseum and people-watch at the Spanish Steps. Dine in the celebrated Piazza Navona, discover the ancient treasures of the Pantheon and Roman Forum and visit Vatican City and the enormous St. Peter's Square. Try to picture Michelangelo painting the famous ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, attend an authentic Roman Toga Party and don't forget to toss three coins in the Trevi Fountain - to guarantee your return to the Eternal City! Enjoy a final night of laughs before you say "arrivederci" to your new friends and your summer of a lifetime!
Pompeii, Italy
Explore the ruins of Pompeii buried in the volcanic ash when Mt. Vesuvius erupted 1,900 years ago. These excavated ruins offer a fascinating and unforgettable view of history.
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!
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.
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.
Florence, Italy
Enjoy your stay at either the Hotel Cellai or Hotel Corona d'Italia located in the heart of downtown Florence just minutes from the Duomo, Ponte Vecchio, and famous leather markets.
Sorrento, Italy
You will be staying at either the Hotel Savoia or La Meridiana, located in the heart of Sorrento, a short walking distance to all of the nightlife and a perfect hub for exploring the Island of Capri and the beach of Positano.
Rome, Italy
Staying at the Best Western Blu Hotel Roma, you’ll be surrounded by Rome’s famous monuments and landmarks, such as the Roman Forum, the Colosseum, the Spanish Steps, the Villa Borghese gardens and the Trevi Fountain.
Flight To Athens, Greece
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 Athens. 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 Athens 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 $395 USD fee for an internal flight from Greece to Italy.
Return Flight Home From Rome, Italy
For your return from Rome, 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 Rome to your home city and our leaders help you to check-in and remain in the airport until flights in designated times have departed.
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 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, 20 or 25-day Greece & Italy, 20-day Greece & Portugal 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.