Overview
Experience ancient civilizations with your students and step into the time capsule of Europe’s storied past. Begin with the artistic treasures of Florence, explore the mysteries of Pompeii in Naples, and immerse yourself in Rome’s wonders, from the Sistine Chapel to imperial icons like the Colosseum and Forum. Conclude your journey in Athens, discovering the beloved Acropolis, Parthenon, and Delphi.
Itinerary
Day 1
Overnight flight to Italy (Florence)
Day 2
Arrive in Florence
Meet your Tour Director
Your 24-hour Tour Director will meet you at the airport and remain with your group until your final airport departure.
Day 3
Florence guided sightseeing tour with Whisper headsets
Uffizi Gallery (optional)
Opt to spend the afternoon exploring the famous Uffizi Gallery, one of the most popular attractions in Florence. With works dating back to the 16th century from artists including da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Botticelli, there are plenty of beautiful artworks to observe and discover.
Day 4
Travel to Naples by train
Pompeii excursion
Guided tour of Pompeii led by a local guide – they will stop at various points of the sites to talk about the volcanic eruption, the impact on the town and the ruins.
Day 5
Capri excursion
The group will arrive in Capri at Marina Grande where they will take the funicular up to Capri Town that is located just opposite. In winter (until late March), sometimes the funicular is not in service but bus replacements are available. The ride is a very quick ascent, only a couple of minutes but the views are amazing. At the top, groups take advantage of the viewing platform to take photos. The Tour Director will then take the group to the main square and start the tour from here. It’s a steep/hilly area so keep that in mind for any passengers with mobility issues. Usually, the Tour Director walks through Capri Town (with lots of shops and cafes) to various scenic landmarks such as Villa Jovis where there are amazing views.
LEAP Cucina Napoletana!
Cooking class with dinner
Day 6
Travel to Rome
Vatican City guided walking sightseeing tour with Whisper headsets
Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel visit, St. Peter’s Basilica visit
Day 7
Rome guided sightseeing tour
Colosseum visit with Whisper headset, Arch of Constantine, Forum Romanum visit
LEAP Caesar's Gladiators (optional)
Discover the ancient secrets of the Roman gladiator games and master the basics of hand-to-hand combat at the gladiator school.
Day 8
Fly to Athens
Plaka District Tour Director led-walking tour
Day 9
Athens guided sightseeing tour
Acropolis site visit, Parthenon, Syntagma Square, Agora, Theatre of Dionysus
Acropolis Museum guided visit
At the Acropolis Museum, students engage with the rich tapestry of ancient Greece's history, art, and culture. Nestled at the foot of the Acropolis, this experience offers a unique opportunity to explore artifacts spanning from the Archaic period to the 7th century AD. Through interactive exhibits and guided discussions, learners will connect historical events to art, fostering critical thinking about the Parthenon and its significance in shaping Western civilization.
LEAP Mousaka & Sousta
Greek Taverna dinner, Greek dance lesson
LEAP Return or Remain: Who Owns Art?
The Parthenon Sculptures, taken by the British Earl of Elgin in the early 19th century, are now housed in the British Museum. Their presence continues to spark debate over whether they should remain in London or be returned to Greece.
Day 10
Delphi guided excursion
Prophet from the past. Explore the impressive ruins at Delphi, which the Greeks considered the center of the world. Within the depths of the Temple of Apollo, a priestess would inhale intoxicating vapors that used to rise from the earth and, thus inspired, deliver the prophecies of Apollo. Modern visitors might find more inspiration in the view from Mount Parnassus, over 8000 feet high.
Day 11
Mycenae & Corinth full-day excursion
Ancient Corinth visit, Mycenae site visit
Day 12
Return home OR Extend your stay
Board your flight home or choose to extend your trip with a three-day trip that includes an Aegean cruise and a visit to the Athens Archaeological Museum. Sail past stunning Mediterranean views and whitewashed villages as you visit Mykonos, Kusadasi, and Rhodes, with optional excursions to Ephesus, Patmos, and Lindos. Conclude your journey with a fascinating exploration of ancient artifacts at Athens' Archaeological Museum.
Already Included
Transportation to & from your destination
Hotel accommodations
Admissions to top attractions (details in itinerary)
Meals (unless otherwise noted on your itinerary)
WorldAssist staff members available 24/7/365 should your group need extra help
Free high school credit for students who choose to complete WorldStrides free online coursework post-program
Professional development credits (CEUs) for educators
Guided sightseeing tours & city walks (details in itinerary)
Tips for local guides and drivers
Health & Safety
Additional health and safety measures may be available within your respective destination. Refer to your program-specific materials for complete details.
Financial Assistance
Financial Assistance
WorldStrides provides over $2.5 million in financial assistance each year to thousands of families. Families with annual adjusted gross incomes of less than $85,000 may qualify. One simple call to Customer Service and you’ll know how much may be available for your trip even before signing up. Please note: financial assistance is given on a first-come, first-served basis.
Payment Plans
Advantage Payment Plan
At program sign-up you can opt to pay in full, or break up the cost of your trip with the Advantage Payment Plan. This plan allows you to pay a small initial deposit, then have your remaining payments spread out into affordable monthly amounts.
EZPay
We offer an EZPay option, which is a simple way to pay for your WorldStrides program by scheduling hassle-free, automatic drafts from your checking account. With EZPay, you'll never be late or miss an installment.
Fundraising Tools
Our easy-to-use tools put students in the driver's seat of their own fundraising efforts. Students can send e-cards, share links on social media, and even send out printed letters through WorldStrides' Gift of Education program. In one click friends and family members can make a direct donation to the trip - with 100% of the money raised going to offset their trip price. Thousands of students pay for their entire trip each year through the Gift of Education.
Also, WorldStrides makes program-specific scholarships available as well as other scholarship resources. Ask your Account Manager for more information about scholarships and fundraising tools.