Italy & Greece: Cultural Immersion and Turtles

How do flights work?

U.S. students can choose to join a chaperoned group flight from Newark (EWR) to Venice. After the Italy portion of the trip, students fly from Venice to Kefalonia.  At the end of the program, students fly from Kefalonia to Athens, and then back to Newark with the chaperoned group. International students fly independently to Venice, and Rustic Pathways coordinates pickup. On-program flights are included and a Rustic Pathways staff member flies with students. International flights before and after the program are not included in tuition.

What's included in the price?

Included: Lodging (all 14 nights), all meals, Italy–Kefalonia flight, Kefalonia–Athens flight, all airport transfers and ground transport, all activities, excursions, and entrance fees, 24/7 staff support, gratuities / tipping.
Not included: International airfare, travel insurance, personal spending money ($150–200 per week).

Do you offer financial aid or scholarships?

Yes. 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 tuition. Rustic Pathways recommends that families purchase travel insurance. Get a quote from our recommended provider →

What is the enrollment fee?

A one-time enrollment fee is charged when you enroll, separate from the program tuition. It covers enrollment processing, pre-departure advising and trip planning.

The fee is non-refundable after the first 24 hours.

What if my family has an emergency and we have to cancel?

March 31, 2027 is the date that matters. Cancel up to then and the program tuition is refunded, less the non-refundable enrollment fee and any airfare already booked. The enrollment terms carry the full schedule.

We know some things are outside anyone’s control. If your family faces a serious documented emergency, contact us; we review these situations individually and will do what we reasonably can to help.

Who's supervising my child?

Rustic Pathways Program Leaders complete a four-month vetting process, and programs maintain a median of one staff member per 4.37 students (4.37:1), with no program exceeding 7 students per staff member (7:1). All Program Leaders are first-aid certified, and every program includes at least one leader with 3 or more years of field experience. Program Leaders range in age from 22 to 45.

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.

Can I reach my child?

Yes. Students can call, text, or WhatsApp anytime.

How will I know they're okay?

Parents receive daily photo updates throughout the program.

What is the phone/device policy?

Rustic Pathways allows students to keep their phones and does not confiscate them, but encourages students to actively participate in the program experience. Students may contact home as often as they like.

Wi-Fi is available at all accommodations.

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

The group is limited to 20 students. Most sessions average at 15 students. Most students on this trip are 15-17. Program Leaders group similarly-aged students together for activities.

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

Yes. Rustic Pathways programs are open to students worldwide, with participants from 53 countries. International students fly independently to the arrival airport, where Rustic Pathways coordinates pickup. Visa requirements vary by passport and destination, so contact a travel advisor for guidance.

Do students come with friends, or on their own?

Most students join without knowing anyone. 94% travel solo. No experience needed. Most are nervous at first. Program Leaders run ice-breakers on day one, so friendships form quickly, and everyone has a place in the group.

What is the accommodation like?

2-4 Students room together in gender-separated rooms. In Italy, students stay in countryside properties near Verona with shared common spaces and outdoor areas. In Greece, students stay in locally operated guesthouses on Kefalonia within walking distance of the beach. The final night is spent at a central hotel in Athens.

Can friends room together?

Yes. Roommate requests accepted during enrollment.

Can the program itinerary change?

This itinerary reflects what we intend to deliver, and we work hard to make that happen. Since programs operate in real-world conditions, activities may change due to weather, health and safety factors, transportation, site availability, or local circumstances.

If plans need to change, our team will use its judgment to adjust the schedule while prioritizing student safety and preserving the program’s purpose and quality.

Will my child have unsupervised time?

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

Can you accommodate dietary needs & food allergies?

Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and common dietary restrictions accommodated with advance notice. All dietary needs collected during enrollment and shared with meal providers.

How much spending money?

$150–200 recommended. Tipping is included, no extra cash needed.

Do we need a visa?

U.S. citizens don’t need a visa for Italy or Greece, but travelers from other countries might. Contact Rustic Pathways for advice on visa requirements.

What if my child gets homesick?

Homesickness can be common over the first few days; Rustic Pathways is well prepared. Read how Rustic Pathways combats homesickness →

Do you support neurodiverse students?

Rustic Pathways welcomes all students and works with families to provide appropriate support. Share any relevant information during enrollment so staff can prepare. Learn about Rustic Pathways’ approach to inclusion → 

Which students thrive on this program?

Students who enjoy both cultural exploration and hands-on conservation work. Ideal for teens curious about European history and art who also want to contribute to real scientific research. No prior experience in marine biology is needed.

What will students do each day?

Italy: Walking tours of Verona and Venice, hiking in the Euganean Hills, a pasta-making workshop, and visiting Lake Garda.

Who might this program not suit?

Students who prefer unstructured travel, need constant phone access, or are uncomfortable with group-based schedules and early mornings. The Greece portion involves moderate physical activity, including swimming and walking on sand.

Why northern Italy?

Northern Italy offers a concentration of world-class cultural sites, such as Verona and Venice, within manageable distances, making it ideal for an immersive student experience that combines art, history, food, and community service.

Why Kefalonia for turtle conservation?

Loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta) nest on multiple Kefalonia beaches, monitored by Wildlife Sense. Rustic Pathways partners with Wildlife Sense, an organization conducting long-term population studies recognized by the Mediterranean Action Plan.

How is fieldwork made accessible?

Unlike more remote research sites, Kefalonia offers safe lodging within walking distance of nesting beaches. Students can participate in dawn surveys without overnight camping.

What cultural experiences are included?

In Italy: Hands-on pasta-making, visits to Renaissance cities, gelato tastings, a gondola ride, and a medieval fortress. In Greece: The Cave of Melissani, island boat tours, local Greek cuisine, and interaction with fishing families and conservation advocates.