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Germany

Italy & Germany

15 days | Ages 14-18 | Summer 2026 | Fully Supervised | 4.9 on GoOverseas | International flights not included

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From the Po valley of Northern Italy to the peaks of Bavaria, this program will give you a deeper appreciation of the variety of European culture in just two weeks. Spend the first week in the Northern Italy Adventure program and visit iconic Italian cities, eat amazing food, and work on a local environmental conservation project. Relax at the comfortable base house and play around the pool with new friends during your downtime. Then, you’re off to Munich and Bavaria to join the Germany & Austria: Alpine Adventure program. You’ll hike and raft among the Alps. Be prepared for stunning views and mouthwatering food to keep you fueled up for each adventure.
You’ll leave the program with tired muscles and a bundle of amazing memories and photographs of the adventure you have completed!

I believe RP offers a unique opportunity to learn and interact with people and places that I would have never been able to experience. I think that going on one Rustic trip, no matter the location or specific program, can change someone’s life and outlook on the world. It did exactly that for me and I can’t thank the organization enough. I want to spread the word to others about the important work that RP does in its various locations and how a simple 2 weeks or less can really make an impact on someones life.

– William Krassner, Rustic Pathways Alumni

Program Tuition

$6,790

Excluding flights.
Financial aid and scholarships available.

Summer sessions typically fill by March

No departures scheduled

Scott Ingram

Scott Ingram

Director of Admissions

At Rustic since 2018

Not sure yet?

Email Rustic Pathways

Talk to a personal travel advisor: +1 (440) 975-9691

Schedule a call

View program itinerary

What Does a 15-Day Program Include?

A typical program. Daily activities are subject to change based on group logistics and weather.

1

Depart for Italy

Arrive at Newark Airport (EWR) where you’ll meet your Rustic Pathways Flight Leader, who will help get you checked in and through security before traveling with your group to Italy. Get acquainted with fellow Rustic travelers before boarding your flight. Get some rest on the flight because this is going to be a great week!
2

Welcome to Italy!

Arrive in Italy and meet your Program Leaders who will be with you for the duration of the program. We'll head directly to our castle-like base house to settle in and relax with an authentic Italian pizza dinner. We'll share rooms, separated by gender, with private bathrooms. Our spacious and comfortable accommodations will be where we can recharge and connect during our exciting adventure.
3

Fair Verona

In the morning, we'll recover from jet lag by relaxing by the pool and playing soccer while enjoying pastries and cappuccinos from a local pasticceria. Then we'll head to the historic and beautiful city of Verona to explore its long lost frescoes, ancient Roman arena and riverside views. More than just Romeo & Juliet, Verona is a sparkling Renaissance city. We'll spend the day exploring famous sights, eating delicious food, and soaking up the unmatched ambience of an Italian city in the summer. We'll find delicious food, friendly faces, and enchanting views everywhere we turn.
4

Hiking and Gelato

Today we'll start the day by building up an appetite. Trek through a regional park in the Euganean Hills, searching for the archeological remains of walled cities and other fortifications. Break for lunch and then launch into more service time. Joining forces with local residents, work up a sweat as the impact of our service work grows. Top it off with a refreshing Italian gelato in the local village.
5

Waterways of Venice

We'll spend the day exploring one of the world’s most unique and architecturally stunning cities. Built upon over 100 small islands separated by a series of waterways and canals and linked by over 400 bridges, “The Floating City” will not disappoint. Take a walking tour of Venice's historic streets, viewing sights such as Saint Mark’s Basilica, the Rialto Bridge, and Doge’s Palace. Take a trip to the morning market to see where Venetians have shopped for their food for centuries. Complete the day with a once-in-a-lifetime gondola ride along the Grand Canal.
6

Pasta!

Dive into more pool time and games in the morning. Gather some regionally-grown ingredients since it's time to learn the art of pasta! With the help of local farmers, we'll learn how to make dough just like nonna, and how to cut different shapes and make a variety of classic sauces. After all that hands-on work, we get to eat our handiwork. Che buona!
7

Beaches and Castles

Today we'll explore Lake Garda, famous for its breathtaking views and crystal clear water. Before hitting the beaches, we'll travel back in time and visit a medieval fortress on the shore of Lake Garda. After appreciating how people have gathered here for centuries, we'll enjoy the cool water that will be a welcome break from the warm sunny weather of the week so far. Tonight, we'll relax at the base house with an evening bonfire where we'll roast marshmallows and reminisce on our highlights so far. As the Italy portion of this program comes to an end, we say goodbye to some friends as they head home or on to another Rustic Pathways program. We'll participate in Rustic Ties, a unique and powerful activity that allows students to capture the memories and learning moments of their program to process and share back home.
8

Transitions

Your Program Leaders will help you have a relaxing day at the base house where you can do some laundry and rest up for the continuing adventures in Germany. Tomorrow we make our way to Munich!
9

Welcome to Munich!

Get ready for an exhilarating two days in Munich! After settling into your cozy accommodations, dive right into the city's vibrant atmosphere. Start your adventure at Marienplatz, where the iconic Glockenspiel comes to life, captivating onlookers with its charming show. Then, wander through the bustling Viktualienmarkt, a foodie’s paradise brimming with fresh produce, artisanal cheeses, and tempting treats. With each step, you'll discover Munich’s rich history and lively culture, setting the stage for an unforgettable experience!
10

Exploring Munich

Today we will transfer to the famous BMW museum where you will get to witness the amazing history and development of the brand over the years. We will head back in town to relax and have a picnic at one of the largest inner city parks in the world, Englischer Garten. Where you get to witness people from all over the world try their hand at urban river surfing.
11-12

Bad Reichenhall

Get ready for an exhilarating journey to Bad Reichenhall, your perfect alpine base for adventure! Nestled in stunning mountain scenery, this charming town offers a warm and inviting atmosphere. From here, prepare for an adrenaline-pumping rafting experience on the spectacular Saalach River! Feel the rush as you navigate thrilling rapids, surrounded by breathtaking landscapes and the sound of rushing water. Stroll through picturesque streets, where stunning alpine views and quaint architecture create a perfect backdrop. We will enjoy a delicious lunch at a traditional German food hall, where you can try the local specialities. We will unwind at our cozy basehouse, enjoying some well-deserved downtime to recharge for the next few days.
13

Salzburg

Get ready for an exhilarating day in Salzburg, where stunning baroque architecture and rich history come alive! We will stroll through the charming Old Town, where picturesque streets are lined with vibrant shops and cafes and explore the beautiful Mirabell Gardens, bursting with colorful blooms and perfectly manicured landscapes.
14

Berchtesgaden

On our final day in Bavaria we will hop on a ferry and glide across the stunning emerald waters of Lake Königssee, surrounded by dramatic mountain peaks. Our adventure takes us to the iconic St. Bartholomew’s Church, where we'll enjoy a delightful picnic lunch with jaw-dropping views that will leave you in awe. Afterward, embark on a short hike that reveals stunning panoramas above the water, each step offering a new breathtaking perspective. As the day winds down, we’ll head back to the basehouse for a cozy final night together, sharing stories and memories under the alpine sky. We'll participate in Rustic Ties, to capture the memories and learning moments of the program to process and share back home.
15

Auf Wiedersehen

Today we will wake up and travel back to Munich to catch your flight back home or on to your next adventure!

Total: 15 calendar days / 14 nights. International flights are not included.

How Does Rustic Pathways Handle Safety?

24/7 Support

In-person staff + US emergency line

7:1 Student-to-Leader Ratio

Background-checked, first-aid certified, deep local knowledge

Licensed & Insured Transport

Risk management plans for every program

Gender-Separated

Rooms with staff on site

Learn more about Rustic Pathways safety protocols.

Germany

What Do Parents Ask?

Flights & Cost

How do flights work?

Students join a chaperoned group flight from a U.S. gateway airport. A Rustic Pathways Flight Leader travels with the group. International students arrange independent flights and Rustic Pathways coordinates airport pickup.

What's included in the price?

Included: Lodging, all meals, in-country transport, all activities, 24/7 staff.
Not included: International airfare, travel insurance, personal spending ($150–200).

Do you offer financial aid or scholarships?

Yes. Monthly payment plans are available for all families, and Rustic Pathways offers both need-based financial aid and merit scholarships. Explore scholarships and financial aid

Is travel insurance required?

Travel insurance is not included in the program fee. Rustic Pathways recommends that families purchase travel insurance. Get a quote from our recommended provider →

Supervision & Safety

Who's supervising my child?

Rustic Pathways Program Leaders complete a four-month vetting process, and programs maintain a 7:1 student-to-staff ratio. All Program Leaders are first-aid certified, and most have led multiple Rustic Pathways programs. Leaders range from 25 to 35 years old.

Are rooms gender-separated?

Yes. Students room with same-gender peers. Staff stay in adjacent rooms.

What about medical emergencies?

All Program Leaders are first-aid certified. Nearest hospitals are mapped out in all locations. Our health & safety team reviews all medical forms before departure and works with families to plan medications, allergies, and dietary needs.

Communication

Can I reach my child?

Yes. Students can call, text, or WhatsApp during free time. Parents can reach Rustic Pathways’ 24/7 emergency line at any time.

How will I know they're okay?

Parents receive daily photo updates throughout the program from staff on the ground.

What is the phone/device policy?

Students may bring phones but cannot use them during group activities or meals. Wi-Fi is available at most accommodations.

Group & Logistics

How big is the group and how old are the participants?

Groups are typically 12-20 students per session. Students are ages 14-18, with most being 15-17.

Can international (non-U.S.) students join this program?

Yes. Students from 50+ countries join Rustic Pathways programs each year. International students book their own flights and Rustic Pathways coordinates airport pickup.

Do students come with friends, or on their own?

Most students travel solo without knowing anyone. Program Leaders run ice-breakers on day one, and friendships form quickly. Friends are welcome to enroll together.

What is the accommodation like?

Students stay in locally operated lodging with shared rooms accommodating 2-4 students. Accommodations include private bathrooms and common areas.

Can friends room together?

Yes. Roommate requests are accepted during enrollment.

Program Details

Will my child have unsupervised time?

Students have structured independence during free-time blocks with staff always nearby. There is no unsupervised time in public areas.

Can you accommodate dietary needs & food allergies?

Yes. Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and common food allergies are accommodated with advance notice. Dietary needs are collected during enrollment.

How much spending money?

$150-200 recommended for souvenirs and incidentals. Tipping is included in the program fee.

Do we need a visa?

Visa requirements vary by passport and destination. Contact a Rustic Pathways travel advisor for guidance specific to your student’s nationality.

Support

What if my child gets homesick?

Homesickness is common in the first few days. Rustic Pathways staff are trained to support students through it. Read more about managing homesickness

Do you support neurodiverse students?

Rustic Pathways welcomes all students and works with families to provide appropriate support. Learn about Rustic Pathways’ approach to inclusion

What Should Parents Know?

Which students thrive on this program?
Students who are curious, adaptable, and open to new experiences. No prior travel experience is required.
What will students do each day?
Each day includes a mix of structured activities, cultural experiences, and group time. See the itinerary above for a day-by-day overview.

Germany offers a unique combination of cultural richness, safety, and meaningful engagement opportunities for student groups. Rustic Pathways has operated programs here for years and maintains strong local partnerships.

Meals: All meals are included. Local cuisine is featured throughout the program. Dietary needs are accommodated with advance notice.

What is the refund policy?
View terms & conditions

Included:

  • All lodging
  • All meals
  • In-country transport
  • All activities and excursions
  • 24/7 staff support

Not included:

  • International airfare
  • Travel insurance
  • Personal spending money

What Other Program Types Are Available?

Germany Europe 2026
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