Sample Custom Program Itineraries
These are sample faculty-led itineraries for custom programs we have developed with our partners. These can be adapted to best suit your group, whether faculty or alumni seeking professional development, students with advanced or even no background in the region, or a mix of these. All intineraries can be expanded topically and geographically.
For more information on our services and the timeline needed to customize or develop your program, please see our main custom programs page. We pride ourselves on our ability to tackle nearly any subject effectively while staying within a given budget. We can offer flexible extentions to most programs for students to stay for additional language study after your program. When you are ready to develop your program, please contact us!
Jump to location:
Georgia and the Caucasus; Russia;
Central and Eastern Europe; Central Asia.
Georgia and the Caucasus
Introduction to Georgia
10 Days
This itinerary introduces the history, culture, and culinary traditions of Georgia. Cover the cities and countryside, the dominant culture as well as mulitiple minority cultures, and mix lectures, tastings, guided tours, and masterclasses with lots of local interaction.
| Day | Activities |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrival to Tbilisi Welcome Meal & Program Overview |
| Day 2 | AM: Visit Mskheta PM: Master Class in Georgian Cuisine |
| Day 3 | AM: Walking Tour of Tbilisi PM: Free Time/Optional Sulfur baths |
| Day 4 | Kakheti AM: Visit to David Gareja Monastery Complex Lunch with local family PM: Master Class in Tushetian Cuisine |
| Day 5 | AM: Alaverdi Monastery Kindzmarauli wine factory and tasting PM: Visit Pirosmani Art Gallery Master class in making Churchkheli |
| Day 6 | AM: Visit Stalin Museum in Gori Lunch in Borjomi PM: Visit Rabati Castle in Akhaltsikhe |
| Day 7 | AM: Trek to Vardzia through ruins of Tmogvi Fortress Guided tour of Vardzia PM: Master class in local dishes |
| Day 8 | AM: Guided tour of Khertvisi Fortress Transfer to Kutaisi PM: Master class in Imeretian cuisine |
| Day 9 | AM: Visit to local Market & Master class in making Adzhika PM: Visit Gelati Monastery Transfer to Svaneti |
| Day 10 | AM: Hike in Svaneti mountians PM: Master class in Svan salt, kubdari and suluguni |
| Day 11 | AM: Visit Museum of Svan Watchtowers PM: Visit Zagdidi food Market Evening: Master Class in Mingrelian dishes |
| Day 12 | Transfer to Batumi AM: Visit tea factory in Ozurgeti Visit Batumi fish market PM: Master Class in Ajaran Khachapuri |
| Day 13 | AM: Visit to Batumi Food Market Visit Ajaran Mountains PM: Free Time |
| Day 14 | AM: Visit to Gonio on Turkish border Free Time Evening: Train departure to Tbilisi |
| Day 15 | Departure |
Foodways: Culture & Cuisine
14 Days
With this interactive and delicious itinerary, you'll cook your way through Georgia's regions. Along the way, you’ll learn history and culture with guided tours, masterclasses, and authentic hospitality.
| Day | Activities |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrival to Tbilisi Welcome Meal & Program Overview |
| Day 2 | AM: Visit Mskheta PM: Master Class in Georgian Cuisine |
| Day 3 | AM: Walking Tour of Tbilisi PM: Free Time/Optional Sulfur baths |
| Day 4 | Kakheti AM: Visit to David Gareja Monastery Complex Lunch with local family PM: Master Class in Tushetian Cuisine |
| Day 5 | AM: Alaverdi Monastery Kindzmarauli wine factory and tasting PM: Visit Pirosmani Art Gallery Master class in making Churchkheli |
| Day 6 | AM: Visit Stalin Museum in Gori Lunch in Borjomi PM: Visit Rabati Castle in Akhaltsikhe |
| Day 7 | AM: Trek to Vardzia through ruins of Tmogvi Fortress Guided tour of Vardzia PM: Master class in local dishes |
| Day 8 | AM: Guided tour of Khertvisi Fortress Transfer to Kutaisi PM: Master class in Imeretian cuisine |
| Day 9 | AM: Visit to local Market & Master class in making Adzhika PM: Visit Gelati Monastery Transfer to Svaneti |
| Day 10 | AM: Hike in Svaneti mountians PM: Master class in Svan salt, kubdari and suluguni |
| Day 11 | AM: Visit Museum of Svan Watchtowers PM: Visit Zagdidi food Market Evening: Master Class in Mingrelian dishes |
| Day 12 | Transfer to Batumi AM: Visit tea factory in Ozurgeti Visit Batumi fish market PM: Master Class in Ajaran Khachapuri |
| Day 13 | AM: Visit to Batumi Food Market Visit Ajaran Mountains PM: Free Time |
| Day 14 | AM: Visit to Gonio on Turkish border Free Time Evening: Train departure to Tbilisi |
| Day 15 | Departure |
Russia
Introduction to Russia
7 Days
Through excursions, peer interaction, and optional performances and activities, this concentrated itinerary provides a brief, yet insightful and exciting introduction to Russia through its two main cities: St. Petersburg and Moscow. Ideal for Spring Break!
| Day | Activities |
|---|---|
| Moscow | |
| Day 1 | Arrive to Moscow Transfer to hostel/hotel Light Dinner Brief Orientation & Area Overview |
| Day 2 | AM: Bolshoi Backstage PM: Walking Seminar: Origins of Modern Russia Festive Welcome Dinner |
| Day 3 | AM: Kremlin + Armory PM: Tretyakov |
| Day 4 | Masha’s Dacha (excursion outside of city for traditional Russian dacha experience) |
| Day 5 | AM: Service Project with NGO / Interaction with Peers PM: Free time in Moscow Late evening: overnight train to St. Petersburg |
| St. Petersburg | |
| Day 6 | AM: Arrive to St. Petersburg, bus tour of city center + St. Isaac’s & colonnade PM: Walking tour of city + St. Isaac’s & colonnade Evening: Socials with Locals |
| Day 7 | AM: Catherine’s Palace & Siege Memorial PM: Russian Ballet @ Imperial Theater (Option) |
| Day 8 | AM: Hermitage PM: Free Time or (Options: Banya or Russian Cooking Class) |
| Day 9 | Departure |
Russia Overview: History and Culture
14 Days
Cover the basics for any type of group – student, faculty, or alumni – in Moscow, St. Petersburg, and the surrounding area. Sites and activities are flexible so that they can easily be adjusted to meet your group budget and specific learning goals.
| Day | Activities |
|---|---|
| Moscow | |
| Day 1 | Arrive to Moscow Transfer to hostel/hotel Light Dinner Brief Orientation & Area Overview |
| Day 2 | Program orientation. AM: Walking Seminar: Origins of Modern Russia PM: Explore Gorky Park/Museon Celebratory Welcome Meal |
| Day 3 | Lenin’s Tomb, Kremlin + Armory + Cathedral of Christ the Savior |
| Day 4 | AM: Novodevichiy Convent and Cemetery PM: Tretyakov Gallery |
| Day 5 | Day trip to a traditional dacha outside of city |
| Day 6 | AM: Bolshoi Theater Backstage Tour PM: Free time in City Late Evening: Overnight train to St. Petersburg |
| St. Petersburg | |
| Day 7 | AM: Arrive to St. Petersburg, transfer to hostel/hotel PM: Walking tour of city + St. Isaac’s & colonnade |
| Day 8 | AM: Catherine’s Palace & Siege Museum PM: Ballet at Imperial Theater |
| Day 9 | AM: Free Time PM: Socials with Locals / Peer Interaction |
| Day 10 | All Day Trip to Novgorod |
| Day 11 | AM: Hermitage Museum PM: Russian Cooking Class |
| Day 12 | AM: Free Time Celebratory Farewell Dinner |
| Day 13 | Departure |
Russia In Depth
3 Weeks
This expanded itinerary provides 30 academic hours. Dive deeper into Russian history and culture and interact in greater depth with locals. This is ideal if your group has had a basic introduction to Russia already. Language study can be optionally added.
| Day | Activities |
|---|---|
| St. Petersburg | |
| Day 1 | Arrive to St. Petersburg, transfer to University dorms Campus area tour and light dinner |
| Day 2 | Welcome to St. Petersburg Orientation & Safety briefing Photos for Student ID Walking Tour of St. Petersburg Center & Peter Paul Fortress Festive Welcome Dinner |
| Day 3 | Peasant’s Roots AM: Lecture Intro to Russian Civilization: Russian Behavior from Ancient times w/ visit to PM: Ethnography Museum Ballet: Sleeping Beauty at Mariinsky Theater |
| Day 4 | Imperial Russia AM: Lecture: Intro to Russian Civilization: The Empire PM: Peterhof Palace & Park 18:00 Visiting Uni Classroom Time |
| Day 5 | Russian Revolution AM: Lecture – Liberalization to Anarchy PM: Revolutionaries Adventures Walking Seminar confirmed |
| Day 6 | Free Day Imperial Costume Ball at Elagin Island |
| Day 7 | AM: Hermitage PM: Visiting Uni Classroom Time Socials with Locals – Peer Interaction |
| Day 8 | New World: Art & Culture of Revolution AM: Constructivism Bus tour/lecture PM: Cooking Class |
| Day 9 | The Flywheel AM: Lecture – The Great Purge (Location: Political History Museum) PM: Visiting Uni Classroom Time |
| Day 10 | Great Patriotic War AM: Lecture & Wreath Laying at Piskariovskoye Cemetery or Siege Memorial PM: Visiting Uni Classroom Time |
| Day 11 | The Thaw AM: Lecture – The Soviet Russia Transformation & Contradictory results PM: Panel – Liberal Reforms & Collapse of the USSR |
| Day 12 | Modern Russian Society AM: Contemporary Russia PM: Cross-Cultural Communication |
| Day 13 | AM: Modern Russian Youth Subcultures PM: Visiting Uni Classroom Time Peer Interaction: Stereotypes Workshop |
| Day 14 | AM: Visit to Erarta Modern Art Museum or Street Art Museum Free Time |
| Day 15 | AM: Debates/Discussion – Myth or Reality – The Russian Soul Reflections/Debrief |
| Day 16 | Morning Free Depart on Afternoon Train to Moscow (or overnight) |
| Moscow | |
| Day 17 | Walking Seminar: The Origins of Modern Russia |
| Day 18 | AM: Lenin’s Tomb, St. Basil’s, Kremlin, Armory PM: Tour of Cathedral Mosque Optional: Central Asian Dinner |
| Day 19 | AM: Mosfilm Excursion PM: Memorial (Human Rights Organization) – Service Project |
| Day 20 | Train to Golden Ring Cities Vladimir & Suzdal Excursions and master class Transfer to Bogdarnya for overnight |
| Day 21 | Bogdarnya. a real Russian farm nestled in the forest. Enjoy carriage ride through the forest, an interactive fairytale, berry-picking and a cheese-making master class. |
| Day 22 | Free Day in Moscow Celebratory Farewell Dinner |
| Day 23 | Departure |
Environmental Studies in Irkutsk
6 Weeks
The unique natural environment of Siberia and Lake Baikal becomes a living classroom. Students gain 45 academic hours. Adjust your program for time or to include still more hands-on field research. Moscow and/or St. Petersburg are optional add-ons.
| Week 0 | Arrival |
|---|---|
| Saturday | Arrive to Irkutsk |
| Sunday | City Tour Welcome Dinner |
| Week 1 | |
| Lectures | 10 hours (combination of in classroom + on-site visits) |
| Site Visits | Mineralogical Museum, Kraevedchesky Museum, Listvyanka |
| Cultural Program | Decembrists Museum |
| Week 2 | |
| Lectures | 10 hours (combination of classroom + site visits) |
| Site Visits | Ecological Center, City dump, Botanic Garden |
| Field Trip w/ 2 overnight | Arshan + Baikalsk |
| Cultural Program | Biking tour of Irkutsk w/ city dump |
| Week 3 | |
| Lectures | 10 hours (combination of classroom + site visits) |
| Site Visits | Icebreaker, Angarsk Papermill |
| Field Trip | Circumbaikal |
| Cultural Program | Cultural Performance or Master Class (TBD) |
| Week 4 | |
| Lectures | 5 hours (combination of classroom + site visits) |
| Site Visit/Field Trip 3 days / 2 nights | Great Baikal Trail building |
| Week 5 | |
| Lectures | 5 hours (combination of classroom + site visits) |
| Site Visit/Field Trip 3 days / 2 nights | Bolshie Koty – University Research Camp |
| Week 6 | Departure |
| Lectures | 5 hours (summary lectures + final exams, presentations, seminar, etc.) |
| Free Time | Free time in Irkutsk/Surrounding Area |
| Farewell | Celebratory Farewell Meal |
| Departure | |
| Week 7 (Optional) | Add-on Trip to Moscow/St. Petersburg |
| 2 days | Moscow – Walking Seminar, Kremlin, Free Time |
| Overnight | Train to St. Petersburg |
| 3 days | St. Petersburg – Walking Tour, Hermitage, Peterhof, Free Time |
| Departure |
Maritime Industry in St. Petersburg
3 Weeks
This itinerary is designed for any level of Maritime Studies students. St. Petersburg was founded as a maritime port, as Russia's "window on Europe." In remains an important port for the Russian navy and Russian commerce on the Baltic Sea.
| Day | Activities |
|---|---|
| St. Petersburg | |
| Day 1 | Arrival • Transfer to accommodations • Light dinner |
| Day 2 | Introduction • Registration, Student IDs, Welcome • Lecture: Russian Maritime Policy from Ancient Times to Present • Walking Tour of City • Welcome Dinner |
| Day 3 | Local Maritime Industry • Intro to Russian Language Part 1 – Alphabet & Basics • Lecture: Historical Development of Maritime Industry in Spb (Part1) • Visit: Historic Wharf “Poltava” – Reconstruction of the 4th rate 54-Gun Ship – Visit Shipyard/Museum Student Mixer with Maritime Academy |
| Day 4 | • Hydrofoil to Peterhof • Siege Memorial & Museum |
| Day 5 | • Lecture: Historical Development of Maritime Industry in Spb (Part2) • Visit to Peter Paul Fortress • Visit to Aurora Cruiser |
| Day 6 | • Intro to Russian Language Part 2 – The Basics & Maritime Vocab • Lecture: Historical Development of Maritime Industry in Spb (Part 3) • Visit: Imperial Maritime Gates: boat trip |
| Day 7 | • Bus trip to Kronstadt and Forts • Lecture: Kronstadt Uprising |
| Day 8 | • Visit to Central Naval Museum (Ploschad Truda) • Visit to Soviet Submarine S-189 (Vasily Island) • Rooftop concert: modern Russian rock band |
| Day 9 | Arctic Policy • Lecture: Russian Arctic Policy from Ancient times to Present (Part1) • Visit to Museum of Artic & Antarctic • Visit to Icebreaker “Krasin” (Vasily Island) |
| Day 10 | • Lecture: Russian Arctic Policy from Ancient times to Present (Part2) • Hermitage & St. Isaac’s |
| Day 11 | Novgorod Trip Train or bus to Novgorod (depart early morning, return late evening) Tours to focus on Novgorod as merchant city/Hanseatic League/trade routes |
| Day 12 | Modern Maritime Industry • Intro to Russian Language Part 3: Basics & Maritime Vocab Refresher • Lecture: Modern Maritime Industry & Ports of St. Petersburg • Visit to the Northern Wharf • Activity with Makarov Academy Students |
| Day 13 | • Lecture: St. Petersburg as Logistics Hub • Visit to Ahlers Rus (Maritime Logistics) or Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) |
| Day 14 | • Lecture: Cruise Industry in Northwest Russia • Visit Passenger Ports (via green line metro) o Sea Port Marine Facade o River Port |
| Day 15 | Rowing Boat Challenge (contingent on ability of group) Free Time Night cruise on Neva to view bridge openings |
| Day 16 | Final Assessment: Battle of Brains Quizbowl Late evening – Depart via overnight train for Moscow |
| Moscow | |
| Day 17 | Arrival to Moscow – Transfer to accommodations & get breakfast Walking Seminar: Origins of Modern Russia |
| Day 18 | Red Square & Kremlin |
| Day 19 | Visit to a traditional dacha outside the city. |
| Day 20 | Free time in Moscow |
| Day 21 | Departure |
Central and Eastern Europe
Modern Ukrainian Identity
9 Days
Ukrainian identity has transformed several times throughout history. This itinerary looks at its ancient roots through archaeology, its Jewish history, the effects of the Soviet period and WWII, and contemporary society. You may narrow or expand the focus.
| Day | Activities |
|---|---|
| Kyiv | |
| Day 1 | Arrive to Kyiv Transfer to hostel/hotel Light Dinner Brief Orientation & Area Overview |
| Day 2 | Program orientation. AM: Bus and walking tour: Origins of Modern Ukraine; Architectural identity markers; Special presentation of St. Sophia Cathedral (Kyiv) PM: Lecture – Ukraine: Clash of Identities and Geopolitical Interests. Historical Perspective. Welcome Meal. |
| Day 3 | AM: Walking tour of Mezhyhirya Park Area PM: Babiy Yar; Jewish Quarters of Podol. Roof concert (Local modern classical / jazz) |
| Uman | |
| Day 4 | AM: Drive to Uman. Lecture and excursion: A birthplace of Hasidism, a Meeting Point of Identities, Religions and the Crossroads of Superpowers. PM: Visit the tomb of Tzadik Nachman and the Hasidic area of Uman. Visit the historical Sophia Potozca Park |
| Lehedzyne Village | |
| Day 5 | AM: Archeological site of Trypillia, a stone-age culture, new knowledge of the Indo-European origins; Themed ceramic workshop; Research center and museum. PM: Culture, Art and Traditional life of a Ukrainian village. Concert by local musicians. Traditional Dinner. |
| Pervomaysk / Odesa | |
| Day 6 | AM: The Post-Soviet / Cold War Heritage. Trip to Pervomaysk to visit the Strategic Missile Museum. PM: Arrival in Odesa. Check in and local orientation. |
| Day 7 | AM: Yoga on the beach. The tour of imperial Odesa. Historical Accents. PM: Odessa is the birthplace of Zionism. Jewish quarters and heritage. Meet local poets. |
| Day 8 | AM: Odesa in the literary and film-making retrospective. Literature Museum and Odesa Film Studio. PM: Odesa Opera. Excursion and show. |
| Day 9 | AM: Hermitage Museum PM: Russian Cooking Class |
Jewish Studies in Poland
3 Weeks
This itinerary focuses on Jewish heritage, WWII history, and Holocaust Studies and includes a service project. It could be timed to include the Jewish Culture Festival in Krakow. This itinerary can be modified to include Berlin, Prague, or other relevant destinations.
| Day | Activities |
|---|---|
| Warsaw | |
| Day 1 | Arrival to Warsaw |
| Day 2 | AM: Orientation & Program Overview PM: Walking Tour of Old Town Festive Welcome Dinner |
| Day 3 | AM: Lectures – Polish History PM: Visit to Nożyk Synagogue. Meeting with Rabbi. Próżna Street |
| Day 4 | AM: Tour of Jewish Cemetery PM: Service Project work at cemetery |
| Day 5 | AM: Service Project work at cemetery Lunch at typical Polish Milk Bar PM: Free Time |
| Day 6 | Free Day to explore city, suggestions provided: Neon Museum, Praga district tour, street art tour, calendar of concerts and events. |
| Day 7 | AM: Holy Cross Church (Chopin’s heart is immured in a pillar of the Church) PM: Chopin Museum Walk and concert in Lazienki Park |
| Day 8 | AM: Service Project Work at Cemetery PM: Roundtable: Image of Holocaust Today and Impact on Political Developments |
| Day 9 | AM: Lectures – Introduction to the Holocaust, Ideologies of the Holocaust, Rise of Hitler and NSDAP PM: Film Screening and Discussion – Schindler’s List |
| Krakow | |
| Day 10 | Travel to Krakow Afternoon tour |
| Day 11 | Tour of Krakow including Kazimierz district and Schindler’s factory |
| Day 12 | Tour of Auschwitz |
| Day 13 | Free time Optional: Visit to Wieliczka Salt Mine |
| Day 14 | Return to Warsaw |
| Warsaw | |
| Day 15 | AM: Lectures – Jewish Life and Culture in Poland before WWI and WWII, Outbreak of War and German Policies & conflicting concepts PM: Visit to POLIN |
| Day 16 | AM: Lectures – Beginning of the Holocaust, Outbreak of Soviet-German War, Wave of Programs, Concept of Final Solution. PM: Visit to Warsaw Praga District |
| Day 17 | AM: Lectures – Polish-Jewish relationship pre-WWII; Wansee Conference & Operation Reinhardt; Ghettos, Resistance, Ghetto Uprising PM: Meeting with the Righteous Among the Nations |
| Day 18 | AM: Visit to Jewish Historical Institute, Ringleblum Archive, Walk in Jewish ghetto PM: Visit to POLIN |
| Day 19 | AM: Lectures – Indifference Collaboration, help, Zegota Holocasut and the allies; Holocaust and post-war history, Kastner and Eichmann trials; Meaning of the Holocaust PM: Screening and Discussion – Sławomir Grünberg film “Jan Karski and the Lords of Humanity” |
| Day 20 | Visit to Warsaw Rising Museum |
| Day 21 | Free time in Warsaw (suggestions provided) Festive Departure Meal |
| Day 22 | Departure |
Central Asia
Central Asia Overview
4 Weeks
This intense itinerary takes you to Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan. Combine lectures by the faculty leader and local experts with guided tours of key sites. Optionally, add a 5-day horse trek through the mountains of Kyrgyzstan.
| Day | Activities |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrival to Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan Bishkek City Tour Orientation & Introduction to Kyrgyz Culture & Etiquette Welcome Meal |
| Day 2 | Lecture: Anti-corruption efforts in Kyrgyzstan Classroom Time |
| Day 3 | Visit: National History Museum Lecture: Key Gender Issues in Kyrgyzstan |
| Day 4 | Lecture: Ethnic Diversity & National Identity Peer Interaction Activity |
| Day 5 | Excursion to Al Archa National Park |
| Day 6 | Lecture: Kyrgyz Kinship and Kyrgyz Clans/Tribes |
| Day 7 | Lecture: Musical Traditions & Musical Instruments in Central Asia Master Class |
| Day 8 | Lecture: Agriculture in the Ferghana Valley Preparations for trip to Osh |
| Day 9 | Travel: Osh District – overnight in Too Ashuu Pass |
| Day 10 | Excursion: Osh City & Osh Baazar Lecture: Recent Political Conflict in Osh |
| Day 11 | Visit: Tour of Sulaiman Mountain Lecture: Informal Religious Practices & Shrines in Central Asia |
| Day 12 | Travel to Tashkent, Uzbekistan |
| Day 13 | Travel: Samarkand; Tour city Lecture: Cultural Heritage Issues in Uzbekistan |
| Day 14 | Lecture: Role of Tamerlane the Great in Today’s Uzbekistan Visit: Cultural sites |
| Day 15 | Lecture: Legacy of Sufism & Contemporary Shrine Rituals in Uzbekistan Travel: Bukhara |
| Day 16 | Lecture: Legacy of Sufism & Contemporary Shrine Rituals in Uzbekistan Visit: Cultural sites in Bukhara |
| Day 17 | Visit: Cultural sites in Bukhara |
| Day 18 | Travel: return to Bishkek |
| Day 19 | Travel: Issyk-Kul |
| Day 20 | Lecture: Water Resource Problems in Kyrgyzstan Activity: Yurt-building demonstration |
| Day 21 | Lecture: 1917 Strike Conflict between Russia and Kyrgyzstan Visit: Village & Barskoon Waterfall |
| Day 22-25 | Horse trek/Return to Bishkek |
| Day 26 | Rest/Free Day |
| Day 27 | Travel: Almaty, Kazakhstan |
| Day 28 | Excursion & Lecture |
| Day 29 | Excursion & Lecture |
| Day 30 | Free day |
| Day 31 | Departure |