Meet your fellow middle school student travelers and one or more of your leaders in New York, and fly together to Rome, Italy, then transfer via private bus to Florence.

Arrive in Italy and settle into our traditional Italian villa, nestled into a hillside overlooking the city of Florence, capital of the Tuscany region. Walk cobbled roads into the city’s well-preserved historic center—the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance. Visit the Accademia to marvel at Michelangelo’s marble masterpiece—the statue of David—and then wander down the city streets seeking out sculptures depicting figures from ancient Roman mythology, like Hercules and Medusa. Chat with vendors at an open-air market to learn the secrets of assembling the perfect Italian picnic, and then sit down to enjoy your lunch in a nearby piazza. In the evening, set out on a nighttime photo shoot to capture images of Florence in a different light. At a local restaurant, taste the crown jewel of Florentine cuisine, bistecca alla fiorentina, a truly exceptional cut sourced from the local Chianina cattle breed.

Travel by private bus to the medieval walled city of Lucca. Stroll along the Renaissance walls, savoring panoramic views from atop the legendary Guinigi Tower. Bike along ancient pathways, explore the city’s streets, and talk with shopkeepers and local experts about life in Italy. Discover the wonders of nearby Pisa, and photograph its iconic Leaning Tower, and take an afternoon to enjoy a dip in the cool waters of the Mediterranean. Take a day trip and immerse yourself in coastal beauty at Cinque Terre, hiking between the collection of colorful cliffside villages. In a private hillside estate, learn to prepare a traditional Tuscan meal, savoring the exquisite flavors of tortelli lucchesi and experience firsthand the production of the region’s renowned, unfiltered olive oil. In the evenings, join in a pickup game of soccer, or sample rich flavors in some of the world’s oldest family-run gelaterias.

Next, fly to Náfplio, a coastal town nestled beneath a clifftop castle. Wander along its pedestrian streets, descending to the beach. Immerse yourself in the festive ambiance of town street fairs or take a refreshing swim in the turquoise waters of the Gulf of Argolís. Take part in Greek culinary traditions with an interactive cooking class, learning to prepare mouthwatering dishes like dolmades and tzatziki. Embark on a day trip to Mycenae and unravel the legends of King Agamemnon, the heroic leader of the Greek army in Homer's Iliad. Marvel at the world-renowned Greek theater of Epidaurus and take a scenic hike up to Náfplio’s ancient fortress.

Board an overnight ferry from Athens to Crete, the largest island in Greece. Explore the vibrant Heraklion Central Market for fresh fruits, local cheeses, and aromatic herbs. Venture to the countryside for a hike on Lasithi Plateau, strewn with ancient windmills, and learn the art of crafting Cretan cheese like graviera and mizithra. Hike through the scenic landscapes surrounding Chaniá, taking in breathtaking views of this Venetian port town, while working up an appetite. Explore the Psychro Cave, the mythical birthplace of Zeus, and take a refreshing swim from the rocky shoreline at the end of the day. On your final night, enjoy a special dinner with your group to celebrate and reflect on your experiences.

Fly from Heraklion, Greece, to New York with your group and a leader, then continue on to your final destination.