ITALY
ITALIAN ODYSSEY
Rome, Florence & Venice
Italy is calling! Discover delicious food, stunning architecture and rich history on this authentic Italian adventure through three of the country’s most impressive cities: Rome, Florence and Venice.
Program Overview
Discover the timeless beauty of Italy, where every city tells a story rich in history, culture and tradition. Start your journey in Rome, where ancient wonders blend seamlessly with modern energy in Italy’s heart and soul. Explore world-renowned sites like the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Vatican City, while diving into the history that has shaped civilizations.
In Florence, take in the artistry of the Renaissance and let the golden hues of Tuscany’s rolling hills inspire a deeper connection to the region’s beauty and cultural significance. Take part in a pizza-making class and learn why Italian cuisine is famous world-wide.
No trip to Italy is complete without visiting Venice, a city like no other. Wander through its intricate canals, glide past iconic gondoliers and marvel at the architectural wonders of this city built on water—each turn revealing something new to discover.
Throughout your adventure, immerse yourself in Italian culture. Savor world-famous cuisine, connect with locals and gain a deeper understanding of what makes Italy’s heritage so enduring and impactful.
On GLA’s Italy: Italian Odyssey program you will:
- Learn the age-old craft of creating your own Venetian carnival mask under the guidance of a skilled artisan
- Master the art of making pizza the authentic Italian way
- Take a scenic boat ride to the charming islands of Murano and Burano
- Visit Vatican City and discover the history of this magnificent site
- Wander the awe-inspiring Colosseum and toss a coin into the iconic Trevi Fountain
- Enjoy three nights in the heart of the Tuscan countryside, staying in a medieval villa nestled on a charming farm. Savor dishes crafted from fresh ingredients grown right on the property!
Program Menu
ITALY
ITALIAN ODYSSEY
Sample Itinerary
Let’s take a sneak peek at what your program experience might look like this summer! Please note that the order of activities may differ for each program session. The details provided here represent a general outline of what you can anticipate, though community service projects and activities are subject to change based on the needs of our local community partners, cultural celebrations and traditions, weather conditions and the specific requirements of the student group.
Day 1: Arrival
Welcome to Greece! GLA staff will greet you at Athens airport and accompany you to your new home. Settle into your room, meet your fellow travelers, and enjoy your first Greek meal together. Get some rest for an exciting day ahead!
Day 2: Athens Acropolis & Food Tour
After breakfast, we’ll head out to meet our guide and explore both modern Athens and its ancient landmarks, including the Acropolis. Enjoy a Greek food tour to taste the city’s cuisine.
Day 3: Service Project, Beach & Overnight Ferry To Crete
Visit a local partner organization to learn about vulnerable communities in Athens, enjoy an afternoon at the beach, then board an overnight ferry to Crete for dinner and lodging on the boat.
Day 4: Rethymnon, Pottery & Crete Traditional Dances
Arrive in Crete and head to Margarites village for a hands-on pottery workshop before settling into Rethymnon for dinner at a local taverna and traditional Cretan dancing.
Days 5-6: Bike Tour, Hiking & Cooking Class
Bike through Rethymnon’s narrow streets, then continue to the mountain village of Zaros for hiking, lake views, pool time, and a farm-to-table cooking experience using ingredients you’ll pick yourself.
Day 7: Heraklion & Beach Time
Travel to Heraklion for a relaxing beach afternoon and an evening exploring its walkable downtown, with time to pick up final souvenirs before departing Crete.
Days 8-10: Santorini Island
Ferry to Santorini and explore iconic spots like Fira, Oia, Pyrgos, and Megalochori, then enjoy a caldera boat tour with swimming, great food, and a sunset sail before returning to Athens by ferry.
Day 11: Last Day in Athens
Take part in a final community service project, shop and pack, then celebrate your journey with a special farewell dinner together.
Day 12: Departure
Unfortunately, our trip to Greece has come to an end. After breakfast, the staff will assist with check-in and see you off at the airport for your journey home.
Program Map
ITALY
ITALIAN ODYSSEY
Program Details
Dates & Tuition
2027 Session Dates
June 29 – July 08, 2027
What's Included in Tuition
In-country transportation
Lodging
3 meals per day
Professional full-time staff and experts
24/7 parent support hotline during program
Secondary medical and evacuation insurance
Cultural activities, lectures and excursions
Pre-departure materials and support
Educational materials
to hold your spot on-program.
Every GLA Program is Backed by our 5-Point Safety System™
GLA HOME BASE:
SAFE & SECURE LODGING
CARING SUPERVISION &
EXPERT LOCAL KNOWLEDGE
SAFE
TRANSPORTATION
HEALTHY FOOD
& PURE WATER
24/7 SUPPORT &
EMERGENCY RESPONSE
Recommended by Students and Parents
Sophia T. | 2023 Alumni Student
“This trip was nothing but amazing. It not only gave me new learning opportunities, but it forged memories I will remember forever. I love the people I went with and adore the times we had. This trip is something I will never forget and I am so lucky to be given this opportunity.”
The Program Experience
Exploratory Travel
Experience Italy as a living classroom as you journey through the cultural centers of Rome, Florence and Venice. Craft your own traditional Venetian carnival mask alongside a local artisan, discovering the history and techniques of this centuries-old art form. Step into the kitchen for hands-on culinary workshops, mastering the secrets of authentic Italian cuisine as you roll out fresh pasta and craft classic wood-fired pizzas. Parallel to your cultural immersion, connect directly with local communities through hands-on service initiatives tailored to current needs, such as environmental cleanups along rivers and public parks or supporting local organizations that assist individuals experiencing homelessness.
Adventure
Feel like a true explorer as you navigate Italy’s most iconic historic cities! Walk the ancient cobblestone streets of Rome to stand inside the monumental Colosseum and explore the ruins of the Roman Forum. In Florence, trek through narrow Renaissance alleyways surrounded by world-renowned architectural wonders, historic plazas, and timeless art. Cap off your journey in Venice by gliding through winding canals on a traditional gondola, experiencing the floating city from its most famous perspective.
Country Spotlight
Discover the hospitality, ancient history and world-famous food culture of Italy.
Lodging: Because of the dynamic, travel-intensive nature of this multi-city program, students stay in three comfortable hotel Home Bases across Rome, Florence and Venice. Rooming is always shared in double or triple rooms, with each room featuring a private en-suite bathroom.
Meals: Savor authentic dishes across three of the greatest food cities in the world! Enjoy hand-crafted fresh pasta dishes like spaghetti and lasagna, wood-fired pizza with authentic local toppings, crisp panini and arancini (fried rice balls) for quick bites while exploring. Top off every evening with artisanal, creamy gelato in a wide variety of regional flavors.
ITALY
ITALIAN ODYSSEY
Photo Gallery
ITALY
ITALIAN ODYSSEY
Explore Similar Programs or Internships
EUROPE FOR OLDER TEENS
MEDITERRANEAN WANDERLUST
Three countries, three cultures, one unforgettable adventure. Designed for older teens ages 16–19, this epic summer journey takes you through the best of Barcelona, Paris, and Rome.