Northern Italy Adventure

Students stay in comfortable, gender-separated rooms at a countryside property in northern Italy, near towns such as Legnago or Verona. The lodging typically includes shared common spaces for group gatherings, outdoor areas for games and relaxing, and a pool or garden where students can unwind after daily activities.

Rooms usually 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.

Breakfast on most days is served at the base house and often includes fresh Italian pastries, fruit, yogurt, or cereal. On some mornings, students may visit local cafés to experience traditional Italian breakfast culture.

Most lunches are eaten on the go while exploring cities, hiking, or during activities. Typical lunch options include pizza, pasta, panini, or picnic-style meals made from market purchases. Dinners are a mix of restaurant meals and family-style dishes prepared by local chefs at the base house, with chances to try regional specialties and plenty of gelato stops along the way.

Students have regular access to safe drinking water. Tap water in Italy is generally safe to drink, and bottled water is also available. 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.

For this program, Rustic Pathways offers a chaperoned group flight that travels from Newark (EWR) to Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE) at the start of the trip, and returns from Venice (VCE) to Newark (EWR) at the end. A Rustic Pathways Flight Leader meets students at the airport, assists with check-in and security, and travels with the group to Italy.

This program does not include internal flights. The advertised dates include international travel time to and from the United States. Students who are not joining the chaperoned flight, or who are arriving from a different origin, should coordinate arrival and departure details with Rustic Pathways so staff can arrange an appropriate meeting time and location.

This program includes a moderate level of physical activity. Students walk on cobblestone streets during city tours in Verona and Venice, may hike in nearby hills or parks, and spend time swimming and playing games at Lake Garda or the base property. Daily schedules can involve several hours of walking and time outside.

No advanced fitness level is required, but participants should be comfortable walking for extended periods, climbing stairs, and spending time outdoors in warm summer weather.

Students may bring their phones on the Northern Italy Adventure program, but they must follow Rustic Pathways’ cell phone policy. Phones should not be used during group activities, meals, or any time when they would detract from the program experience. Students are encouraged to focus on being present with their group and building new friendships.

Wi-Fi is available at the base accommodation, although connection speeds may vary and may not always support high-bandwidth use. Many international phone plans and European SIM or eSIM options work in Italy if families choose to set them up. Parents will receive updates from Rustic staff during the program and can contact Rustic’s 24/7 emergency line if needed.

Most major costs such as accommodations, meals, in-country transportation, and scheduled activities are included in the program fee. Students should budget extra money for personal expenses like souvenirs, snacks, additional drinks, and any optional purchases during free time.

Rustic Pathways recommends bringing approximately $150 per week for souvenirs and incidentals. Italy uses 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 their return home.

Students can expect warm to hot summer weather in northern Italy during the program dates. In June and July, daytime temperatures in cities like Verona and Venice are often in the low to mid-80s °F (around 28–30°C), with cooler evenings.

Rainfall is moderate, and occasional showers or thunderstorms are possible. Rustic Pathways recommends packing lightweight, breathable clothing, a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a light layer for cooler evenings or air-conditioned spaces.

Laundry service is limited on this program. The base house may have facilities or the ability to arrange laundry for an additional fee, but this is not guaranteed and may depend on the session schedule.

Students should pack enough clothing to last the full 8 days and plan to rewear items as needed. Lightweight, quick-drying clothing is helpful 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 materials are ideal. Outfits should work well for walking tours, outdoor activities, and travel days.

Because the itinerary includes visits to historic city centers and churches, students should also bring modest clothing that covers shoulders and knees for certain sites. One nicer outfit is recommended for group dinners. Closed-toe walking shoes, sandals for relaxing, a hat, and a swimsuit for pool or lake time are essential.

Student health and safety are top priorities on all Rustic Pathways programs, including Northern Italy Adventure. Rustic uses trained Program Leaders and established local partners, carefully vets accommodations and activities, and follows formal risk management procedures. Staff are available 24/7 to support students and respond to 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 Northern Italy Adventure 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 information provided by Rustic’s insurance partner before purchasing. Learn more about the Travel Protection Plan.