Intercultural Studies in Italy & Greece

11 or 14 days

Rome, Naples, Athens, Delphi, extension cruise to Greek Islands

Program designed to: Facilitate exploration of the roots of Western Civilization and the impact of classical Greek and Roman culture on modern history, philosophy, art and cuisine. Visit breathtaking ancient ruins, explore medieval neighborhoods untouched by time, and marvel at Renaissance masterpieces in world-renowned museums. Throughout your journey you’ll connect with locals and get an insider’s view of contemporary Mediterranean life in Italy and Greece.

Highlight: Enjoy the traditions of the Mediterranean diet—listed by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity—while you explore the cultural identities of Italy and Greece.

🔹 Curated experiences: Every program is intentionally designed to feature guided learning, cultural engagement, and independent exploration experiences to drive global competency development, denoted on each itinerary with a blue diamond. Learn more about these experiences.

Image displaying map describing the itinerary of the Intercultural Studies in Italy & Greece tour

Day 1: Fly overnight to Italy

Day 2: Rome

Meet your Field Director at the airport

Take a self-guided walking tour of Rome

You will see:

Trevi Fountain, Rome's iconic landmark
Pantheon, built to honor all the gods of Rome
Piazza Navona, a lively square lined with restaurants and shops
Spanish Steps, Europe's widest staircase

Enjoy dinner in Rome

Day 3: Rome

Take a guided tour of Rome

With your expert local guide you will visit:

Roman Forum, marking the former heart of the Roman Empire where Julius Caesar gave many of his political speeches
The Colosseum, the world’s most famous arena used for gladiatorial combat

🔹 Independent exploration: Spend a half day exploring Rome on your own

Day 4: Rome

Take a walking tour of St. Peter's Square with your Field Director and enjoy free time to explore on your own

Visit the Doria Pamphilj Gallery with an expert local guide

🔹 Independent exploration: Spend a half day exploring Rome on your own

Day 5: Rome • Pompeii • Naples

Travel via Pompeii to Naples

Tour the ruins of Pompeii with an expert local guide

Visit the Villa Dei Misteri, a well-preserved Roman villa in Pompeii, renowned for its stunning frescoes depicting mysterious Dionysian rituals

Take a walking tour of Naples

Day 6: Naples

Visit the Archaeological Museum of Naples, home to an extraordinary collection of artifacts from Pompeii, Herculaneum, and classical antiquity

Enjoy a food walking tour of Naples

Day 7: Naples • Athens

Travel back to Rome airport for your flight to Athens

Fly to Athens, the capital city of Greece known for being the birthplace of democracy, the Olympic Games, and the achievements of the Greek Empire

Take a walking tour of Athens, named for Athena, goddess of war and wisdom

With your Field Director you will see:

Plaka District, a hillside area of the city with cobblestone streets, whitewashed homes, and a Greek Island feel
Temple of Olympian Zeus, built in 515 B.C. to honor the most powerful of all Greek gods

Day 8: Athens

Take a guided tour of Athens

With your expert local guide you will see:

Olympic Stadium, where the first Olympic athletes displayed physical strength as a way to honor and entertain the gods of Mount Olympus
Syntagma Square, the central square of Athens

Take a guided tour of the Acropolis

With your expert local guide you will see:

Parthenon, an enduring symbol of Athenian democracy an iconic Greek landmark
Temple of Athena Nike, which once housed a gold statue of the goddess, her wings clipped to prevent her from deserting the city

Add this in-depth excursion:

🔹 Cultural engagement: Cape Sounion with dinner

This afternoon, travel to Cape Sounion. According to legend this is the spot where Aegeus, king of Athens, leapt to his death off the cliff, thus giving his name to the Aegean Sea. Your guided tour will take you to the ancient Greek temple of Poseidon, the god of the sea in classical mythology. End your excursion with an included dinner as you take in the beautiful sunset.

Day 9: Athens • Delphi

Travel to Delphi, the ancient sanctuary of Apollo, famed for its oracle and breathtaking views of the sacred Mount Parnassus.

🔹 Guided learning: Take a walking tour of the sites of Delphi

With your expert local guide you will visit:

Temple of Apollo where, according to legend, gods chose to communicate with mortals
Ruins of Delphi, where ancient military leaders were known to leave offerings here in the hopes of earning luck in battle

Visit the Delphi Archaeological Museum, dedicated to the Oracle of Delphi and housing a variety of artifacts dating back to 550 B.C.

🔹Independent exploration: Spend time exploring Delphi on your own

Day 10: Delphi • Athens

Travel back to Athens

🔹Independent exploration: Spend a full free day exploring Athens on your own

Enjoy dinner in Athens

Day 11: Depart for home

Add 3 more days

Day 11: Greek Island cruise

Set sail on your cruise ship for a three-day adventure filled with on-board activities and a three-island shore excursion package. Experience how Turkish, Roman, and Greek influences helped shape the unique blend of cultures you’ll encounter as you explore each coastal town.

Day 12: Greek Island cruise: Santorini • Mykonos

Included excursion to the Old Town of Mykonos

Included excursion to Oia Village in Santorini

Day 13: Greek Island cruise: Turkey

Included excursion to Ancient Ephesus

Day 14: Return to Athens & depart for home