Europe Odyssey: Portugal, Spain, Italy & Greece

During the Europe Odyssey: Portugal, Spain, Italy & Greece program, students stay in comfortable, gender-separated rooms in hotels, guesthouses, and villas across all four countries. In Portugal, the group is typically based near the Atlantic coast at a surf lodge, villa, or guesthouse within easy reach of the beach and nearby towns. In Spain, students stay in hotel-style accommodations in or near Barcelona, with convenient access to cultural sites, neighborhoods, and the waterfront.

In Northern Italy, students share rooms at countryside properties near towns such as Legnago or Verona, which often include shared common spaces and outdoor areas for group activities. In Greece, students stay in locally operated guesthouses on the island of Kefalonia, generally within walking distance of the beach and conservation project sites.

Rooms typically accommodate 2–5 students and include standard furnishings for teen travelers. Most accommodations provide private bathrooms with hot water and Western-style toilets, as well as Wi-Fi and air conditioning, though connection speeds and coverage may vary. All properties used by Rustic Pathways are vetted for safety, cleanliness, and suitability for high school students. Specific hotels or guesthouses may vary by session and are subject to change based on availability and group size.

Meals on Europe Odyssey highlight local Portuguese, Spanish, Italian, and Greek cuisine while keeping student preferences and dietary needs in mind. In Portugal, breakfasts are often served at the accommodation and may include bread, pastries, fruit, yogurt, cereal, and juice. Lunches and dinners feature a mix of local dishes such as grilled fish, soups, rice dishes, and simple home-style meals that fuel active days at the beach and in town.

In Spain, students enjoy meals that may include tapas-style dishes, paella, grilled meats or vegetables, salads, and other Mediterranean favorites. Some meals are eaten at local restaurants or cafés, while others are group-style meals arranged by Rustic Pathways. Students also have chances to explore markets and try regional specialties and snacks.

In Italy, breakfasts often include pastries, yogurt, fruit, and cereal. Lunches and dinners may be pizza, pasta, panini, or other regional specialties, sometimes eaten on the go during excursions in Verona, Venice, or around Lake Garda. Students frequently have opportunities to sample gelato and other Italian treats.

In Greece, breakfasts are typically simple and may include bread, fruit, eggs, and yogurt at the hotel or guesthouse. Lunches and dinners vary depending on the day’s activities and may include Greek salads, grilled meats such as souvlaki, locally caught fish, and fresh produce. Vegetarian options can generally be accommodated with advance notice.

Tap water is generally safe to drink in most urban areas of Portugal, Spain, Italy, and Greece, and students will have regular access to safe drinking water. In some locations, bottled or filtered water may also be provided. To reduce plastic waste, participants should bring a reusable water bottle to refill throughout the day.

Most students join Europe Odyssey by traveling on a chaperoned group flight arranged by Rustic Pathways from Newark (EWR)  to the program’s starting point in Europe (typically Portugal). A Rustic Pathways Flight Leader meets students at the departure airport, assists with check-in and security, and travels with the group to Europe. Upon arrival, Program Leaders greet the group and accompany students to their first accommodation.

Throughout the month, the group travels together between Portugal, Spain, Italy, and Greece using a combination of private buses, trains, and regional or internal flights. All required in-country transportation for the itinerary—including scheduled internal flights between program segments—is included in the program fee.

At the end of the program, students depart from the final destination in Europe on a chaperoned return flight or meet families according to pre-arranged plans. The advertised dates for Europe Odyssey include international travel time. Families who are not using the chaperoned flight should coordinate arrival and departure details with Rustic Pathways so students can meet the group during the designated arrival and departure windows.

Europe Odyssey includes a moderate to active level of physical activity across all four countries. In Portugal, students participate in multiple surf lessons and spend extended time on the beach, which involves walking on sand, carrying boards, and being in the ocean under the guidance of professional instructors. They also explore coastal towns and Lisbon on foot, including hills and stairs.

In Spain, the group takes part in walking tours around Barcelona, visits markets and cultural sites, and may join light coastal walks or beach-based activities. Many days involve several hours on their feet while sightseeing and participating in group activities.

In Italy, students walk on cobblestone streets during city tours in Verona and Venice, explore a regional park in the Euganean Hills, and may swim at Lake Garda. In Greece, students participate in sea turtle conservation activities such as nesting beach walks, beach cleanups, and seagrass or coastal monitoring, which involve walking on sand and spending time outdoors in the sun. Some sessions may also include snorkeling after a brief swim and comfort check.

No advanced athletic ability is required, but participants should be comfortable walking several miles a day, climbing stairs, spending time in warm weather, and being active in and around the water. Before joining surf or snorkeling activities, students complete basic swim and comfort checks to support safety.

Students may bring their phones on Europe Odyssey, but they are expected to follow Rustic Pathways’ cell phone policy. Phone use is not permitted during group activities, service projects, meals, or other times when it would detract from the shared experience and group dynamics. Students are encouraged to stay present, connect with peers, and fully engage in cultural and outdoor activities.

Wi-Fi is available at most accommodations used on this program in Portugal, Spain, Italy, and Greece, though speeds and reliability can vary—especially in older buildings, coastal areas, or smaller guesthouses. Students may also find Wi-Fi in some cafés or public spaces during free time. International phone plans often work across the European Union, but families should confirm coverage and costs with their provider before departure. Parents receive updates from Rustic staff during the program and can contact Rustic’s 24/7 emergency line in case of urgent concerns.

Most core costs, such as accommodations, most meals, in-country transportation (including internal flights), and scheduled activities, are included in the Europe Odyssey program fee. Students should plan to bring extra spending money for personal expenses such as souvenirs, snacks, treats in cafés, optional purchases during free time, and any additional phone or internet use beyond what is provided.

Rustic Pathways generally recommends bringing around 150 United States dollars per week (or the equivalent in euros) for souvenirs and incidentals, though actual spending varies by student. All four countries on this itinerary—Portugal, Spain, Italy, and Greece—use the euro (EUR) as their currency. Students are encouraged to exchange money into euros before departure or use bank cards at ATMs in major cities, following guidance from their families and banks.

Students can expect warm to hot summer weather throughout Portugal, Spain, Italy, and Greece during the program dates. Along the Portuguese coast and in Lisbon, average daytime highs are often in the upper 70s to low 80s °F (around 25–28°C), with cooler evenings and ocean breezes. Water temperatures can feel brisk, so wetsuits are commonly used during surf sessions.

In Barcelona, daytime highs in summer typically range from the low to mid 80s °F (around 28–30°C), with warm evenings and relatively low rainfall. Northern Italy (including Verona and Venice) often sees mid-80s °F (around 29–30°C) during the day, with slightly cooler nights. On the Greek island of Kefalonia, daytime temperatures are frequently in the upper 80s °F (around 31°C), with mild evenings and plenty of sunshine.

Rain is generally infrequent during this time of year, though occasional showers or storms are possible. Because many activities are outdoors, Rustic Pathways recommends packing lightweight, breathable clothing, a hat, sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen. A light layer or sweatshirt is useful for cooler evenings, air-conditioned spaces, or windy conditions near the ocean.

Yes. Because Europe Odyssey is a 30-day program, students will have opportunities to do laundry at several points during the trip. Some hotels, guesthouses, or local laundries in Portugal, Spain, Italy, and Greece offer laundry service for an additional fee, and staff will help coordinate when and where laundry can be done based on the schedule.

Lightweight, quick-drying clothing is recommended so that students can hand-wash small items if needed and hang them to dry in their room. Exact laundry options may vary by session and location, but students can expect at least a few chances to wash clothes during the itinerary.

Students should wear casual, comfortable clothing suitable for warm summer weather and active days. Lightweight fabrics such as cotton or moisture-wicking synthetics are ideal. Outfits should be appropriate for walking tours, beach days, surf lessons, service projects, and travel between locations.

Because the itinerary includes visits to churches, historic sites, and culturally significant locations, students should also pack modest clothing that covers shoulders and knees for certain visits. Closed-toe walking shoes are important for city exploration and light hikes, while sandals or water shoes are useful for the beach and rocky shorelines. At least one slightly nicer outfit is recommended for group dinners or special evenings out.

Students should also bring swimsuits, a rash guard or sun shirt, a hat for sun protection, and sunglasses. Program Leaders may ask students to adjust their clothing choices if something is not appropriate for local cultural norms or scheduled activities.

Student health and safety are top priorities on all Rustic Pathways programs, including Europe Odyssey. Rustic uses trained Program Leaders and reputable local partners, carefully vets accommodations and activities, and follows established risk management procedures. Staff are available 24/7 to supervise students, support group dynamics, and respond to any incidents or emergencies during the trip.

Adventure and water-based activities such as surfing and snorkeling are conducted with qualified instructors who follow local safety protocols and provide appropriate equipment. Before entering the water, students receive safety briefings and have the opportunity to demonstrate basic swimming comfort.

Families are encouraged to review Rustic Pathways’ comprehensive Health & Safety measures for detailed information about supervision, emergency response, and safety practices while abroad.

Rustic Pathways offers an optional Travel Protection Plan for students participating in the Europe Odyssey: Portugal, Spain, Italy & Greece program. This plan is designed to help protect families from unexpected events such as trip cancellation or interruption, medical emergencies, lost or delayed baggage, and certain travel delays.

Coverage details depend on the specific policy selected. Families should review the full policy documentation provided by Rustic’s insurance partner before purchasing to understand what is and is not covered. Learn more about the Travel Protection Plan.