Italy & Greece: Cultural Immersion and Turtles

Students stay in comfortable, gender-separated hotel or guesthouse rooms throughout the Italy & Greece: Cultural Immersion and Turtles program. In Northern Italy, students share rooms at countryside properties near towns such as Legnago or Verona, with shared common spaces and outdoor areas for group activities. In Greece, students stay in locally operated guesthouses on the island of Kefalonia, within walking distance of the beach and project sites.

Rooms typically accommodate 2–5 students and include private bathrooms with hot water and Western-style toilets. All accommodations used by Rustic Pathways offer Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and a safe, welcoming environment for students. Specific properties may vary by session and are subject to change based on availability.

Meals feature classic Italian and Greek dishes that are popular with students. In Italy, breakfasts often include pastries, yogurt, fruit, and cereal. Lunches and dinners may be pizza, pasta, panini, or other regional specialties, sometimes enjoyed on the go during excursions in cities such as Verona, Venice, or around Lake Garda. Students also have frequent chances to sample gelato and other local treats.

In Greece, breakfasts are simple and may include bread, fruit, eggs, and yogurt at the hotel. Lunches and dinners vary depending on the day’s activities and may include Greek salads, grilled meats like souvlaki, locally caught fish, and fresh produce. Vegetarian options can usually be accommodated with advance notice.
Students receive regular access to safe drinking water, and bottled water is readily available during the program. To reduce plastic waste, participants should bring a reusable water bottle to refill throughout the day.
Dietary Requirements/Food Allergies – We can accommodate vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and other common dietary requirements on this program. Please make sure to include this in your medical form so that our staff can prepare.

Students begin the program by flying from Newark (EWR) to Milan (MXP) on an overnight chaperoned group flight. A Rustic Pathways Flight Leader meets students at the airport, assists with check-in and security, and travels with the group to Italy. Upon arrival, Program Leaders meet the group and travel together to the base accommodation. Students arriving from other origins or not joining the chaperoned flight will meet the Program Leaders and fellow travelers at the airport in Milan.

During the program, the group travels from Italy to Greece on a connecting flight from Venice (VCE) to Kefalonia (EFL). At the end of the program, students first take a short domestic flight from Kefalonia to Athens (ATH), then depart Athens on a chaperoned group flight back to Newark (EWR). The program dates include international travel time. Families who are not using the chaperoned flight should coordinate arrival and departure times with Rustic Pathways to ensure a smooth transfer.

This program includes a moderate level of physical activity. In Italy, students walk on cobblestone streets during city tours in Verona and Venice, explore a regional park in the Euganean Hills, and spend time swimming at Lake Garda. In Greece, students participate in beach cleanups, nesting beach surveys, and snorkeling-based seagrass mapping, which involve walking on sand, swimming, and being outdoors for extended periods.

No advanced fitness level is required, but participants should be comfortable walking several miles a day and spending time in the sun and warm weather. Before joining any snorkeling activities, students complete a brief swim test to ensure safety in the water.

Students may bring their phones on the Italy and Greece program but must follow Rustic Pathways’ cell phone policy. Phone use is not permitted during group activities, meals, or times when it detracts from the program experience. Students are encouraged to be present with their group and fully engage in daily activities.

Wi-Fi is available at most hotels and guesthouses used on this program, though connection speeds can vary and may not be available everywhere. Many European mobile providers and international plans work in both Italy and Greece. Parents will receive updates from Rustic staff during the program and can contact Rustic’s 24/7 emergency line if needed.

Most core costs such as accommodations, meals, in-country transportation, and scheduled activities are included in the Italy and Greece program fee. Students should budget extra money for personal expenses like souvenirs, snacks, phone or internet use during free time, and any optional purchases.

Rustic Pathways recommends bringing approximately $150 per week for souvenirs and incidentals. Both Italy and Greece use the euro (EUR). Students are encouraged to exchange money into euros before departure and, if needed, convert remaining euros back to their home currency at the airport on the return trip.

Students can expect warm to hot summer weather in both Italy and Greece during the program dates. In Northern Italy, average daytime highs in June and July are typically in the mid-80s °F (around 29–30°C), with cooler evenings. In Kefalonia, daytime temperatures are often in the upper-80s °F (around 31°C), with mild nights and plenty of sunshine.

Rain is usually infrequent during this time of year, although occasional showers or storms are possible. Rustic Pathways recommends packing lightweight, breathable clothing, a hat, sunscreen, and a light layer for cooler evenings or air-conditioned spaces.

Laundry service is limited on this program. Some hotels or guesthouses may offer laundry service for an additional fee, but it is not guaranteed and may not be available every session.

Lightweight, quick-drying clothing is recommended so that students can hand-wash smaller items if necessary and hang them to dry in their room.

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, service projects, and travel days.

Because the program includes visits to historic sites and culturally significant locations, students should also pack modest clothing that covers shoulders and knees for certain visits. At least one nicer outfit is recommended for group dinners. Closed-toe walking shoes, sandals or water shoes, a hat, and swimsuits for beach and snorkeling days are essential.

Student health and safety are top priorities on all Rustic Pathways programs, including Italy and Greece. Rustic uses trained Program Leaders and local partners, carefully vets accommodations and activities, and follows established risk management procedures. Staff are available 24/7 to support students and handle any emergencies that may arise during the trip.

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

Rustic Pathways offers an optional Travel Protection Plan for students participating in the Italy and 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 policy selected. Families should review the full policy documentation provided by Rustic’s insurance partner before purchasing. Learn more about the Travel Protection Plan.