2026 Travel Dates
Northern Italy Adventure | ||
June 9 – June 16, 2026 | Available | Enroll Now |
July 21 – July 28, 2026 | Available | Enroll Now |
Italy & Greece: Cultural Immersion and Turtles | ||
June 16 – July 1, 2026 | Available | View Program |
June 23 – July 8, 2026 | Available | View Program |
June 30 – July 14, 2026 | Available | View Program |
July 14 – July 29, 2026 | Available | View Program |
Get off the typical tourist path and explore some of the most popular places in Italy while having them all to yourself! You’ll settle into a comfortable converted country estate as your base for the week. Each day will offer new adventures as we explore the Lombardy and Veneto regions. We’ll care for animals, explore villages, learn to make pasta, and immerse ourselves in the floating city of Venice. This taste of Italy will give you an unparalleled introduction to Italian culture and leave you hungry for more!
Service projects support UN Sustainable Development Goals |
![]() |
Highlights
- Explore the canals and classic buildings of Venice
- Learn to make pasta from scratch
- Immerse yourself in classic villages and Italian life off the tourist path
-
-
Country:
-
-
-
Department:
- Student Travel
-
-
-
Duration:
-
8 Days
-
-
-
Ages:
-
14-18
-
-
-
Cost:
- $3,395 plus Airfare
-
-
-
Service Hours:
-
8
-
-
-
Interests:
-
-
-
Program Types:
-
-
-
At-A-Glance:
-
Accomodation Amenities
Adventure/Physicality
Educational Activities
On-Program Travel
-
Itinerary Highlights
Verona
This medieval old town on the Adige River is famous for being the setting of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. Among the sights students will see is Verona’s impressive Arena, which is still an active performance site. It’s the world’s largest opera theater and one of the best-preserved ancient structures. It was built in 30 AD and has stood the test of time thanks to its strong foundation that was created by digging a depression into a hill
Venice
Venice is one of the most famous cities in Italy with its 150 canals. Among the best known is the Canal Grande or Grand Canal which flows through six districts of the city.
Landmarks along the way include the Rialto Bridge – Ponte di Rialto – which is a covered pedestrian bridge and the Ponte dell’Accademia that crosses the canal. The students will also see other culturally significant sites like St. Mark’s Basilica.
Lake Garda
This is the largest lake in Italy and is on the edge of the Italian Alps. It’s bordered by 25 villages, along with monuments, castles and fortresses. The lake has also been an inspiration for many authors including Franz Kafka and James Joyce.
I love being able to show students what life in Northern Italy is really like. Whether we're walking through local markets or spending time by Lake Garda, the Northern Italy Adventure program gives students a chance to connect with the places and people in a way that sticks with them.
Quote by: Nicholas Pompa Italy Country Director
Service Projects
Work on eco-conservation projects in the Euganean Hills outside Padua. The hills formed about 35 million years ago from volcanic activity. The area now includes a regional park that’s visible from Venice. Amid the hills are hot springs and numerous vineyards.
Leaders in the area use the park to promote sustainable tourism and offer environmental programs for school children. Rustic Pathways’ service work enhances these efforts. Specific tasks you will accomplish will depend on local needs. Projects may include removing invasive species or working on hiking trails. While completing these jobs, learn about the location’s history and geography.
If I could choose my favorite aspect of this trip, it would hands down be the counselors. They were the funniest, most welcoming group of people I have ever met and they made this trip the perfect experience!
–Francie Beck, Rustic Pathways Alumni
Food
Breakfast on most days will be fresh, local Italian pastries, fruit, yogurt, or cereal at the base house. Some days, students will have the option to visit patisseries and experience Italian breakfast culture.
Most lunches will be eaten on the go during activities, service, or exploring different locations. These meals will typically include pizza, pasta, panini, or stops at local markets to create picnics.
Dinners will be a combination of eating out at Italian restaurants, local pizza, and local cuisine prepared family-style by chefs at our base house. When exploring places like Verona, Venice, Milan, and Lake Garda there will be frequent snack stops to try gelato, pastries, fresh local fruit, cappuccino, espresso, and all the classics.
Want to learn more about the fascinating Italian food culture before your trip? Here are eight fun facts about Italian food.
What’s Included in Your Program
Program Leaders & Guides
English Speaking Rustic Pathways international and local leaders
Airport Transportation
Meet and greet with private transportation to and from the airport
Comfortable Accommodations
All nights of accommodation
All Meals Included
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner throughout your stay
Ground Transportation
All transportation between program locations and activities
All Activities
Every activity, entrance fee, and experience in your itinerary
24/7 Support
On-call support throughout the program for peace of mind
Emergency Coverage
Included emergency evacuation assurance plan
All Fees & Tips
Airport taxes, departure fees, donations, and guide tips
What’s Not Included in Your Program
International Flights
Souvenirs
Additional Snacks
Visa Expenses
Passport Fees
Packing the right gear (and the right amounts) is the first step to an incredible travel experience. Follow these tips to pack like a pro:
Travel light. Pack only the essentials. You’ll need less than you think!
Consider no checked bag. We strongly recommend that you consider packing only a carry-on size bag. This prevents your luggage getting lost or separated from you, keeps your bag manageable, and helps you be more mobile on your travel day.
Bring the right clothes. Pack clothes that are culturally appropriate for your destination and acceptable for service projects. This means bringing long shorts (think Bermuda and basketball shorts), t-shirts with sleeves to cover shoulders, and appropriate footwear.
Leave your valuables behind. While traveling, it’s easier for things to get lost, stolen, or damaged. Keep any prized possessions safe at home.
Check with TSA. Make sure your luggage complies with TSA regulations, especially your carry-on.
Extra paperwork? If you need additional forms filled out to get credit for your service hours, no problem! Bring these forms with you so they can be completed in-country.
Remember the Big 3: Water bottle (empty & fill after security), rain jacket, closed-toe shoes
A school backpack is ideal as it will be used for daily activities and outings.
8Travel Items
- Passport and Wallet
- Photocopy of passport
- Consent to Travel Letter (for students under 18, recommended by the U.S. State Dept. but not required)
- Water bottle
Personal Items
- Medication
- Extra pair of clothing (shirt/sweater, pants, underwear)
- Sunglasses
- Book and/or journal & pen
Electronics
- Phone & Camera
- Chargers
- Electrical adapter/converter (220 volt – European two-round pin plug)
- Headphones
A 40-55 liter duffel bag or backpack is ideal. Remember you’ll need to be able to carry all your luggage.
Clothes
- Socks (7-8)
- Underwear (7-8)
- T-shirts (7-8)
- Long-sleeved shirts (1-2)
- Sweaters (1-2)
- Light pants (1-2)
- Shorts (1-2)
- Active wear (e.g. athletic pants and sweatshirt) (1-2)
- Light coat/jacket (preferably waterproof)
- Nicer outfits for restaurant meals, etc. (1-2)
- Pajamas
- Swimsuit
- Flip flops or sandals
- Hat for sun protection
- Shoes (1-2 pairs, one pair for walking/hiking and one comfortable pair for city exploring)
- Laundry bag
Toiletries
(Travel size bottles in Ziploc bags)
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Body wash
- Face wash
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Deodorant
- Sunscreen
- Bug spray
- Feminine hygiene products
- Contacts & solution or spare glasses
- Foam earplugs / eye mask
- Wet Wipes
- Razor/shaving cream
- Hand sanitizer