For the first time in years, Townsend Harris High School is offering students a chance to join an international trip. At an information session held last week, Latin teacher Christopher Amanna shared plans for a ten-day educational tour of Italy and Greece. Mr. Amanna, who is planning the trip for the February 2026 mid-winter recess, said the trip will give students the opportunity to explore major historical and cultural landmarks that align with their classroom studies.
At the information session, students learned that the itinerary will include visits to Rome, the Sistine Chapel, the Colosseum, the island of Capri, and the ancient city of Pompeii. Participating students will then take an overnight ferry from Italy to Greece, where they will explore the Delphi Museum and the Temple of Apollo. They will conclude in Athens at sites such as the Acropolis, Syntagma Square, and the Olympic Stadium.
Tour guides will lead excursions at each site, and students will travel by private bus and stay in hotels. In addition to guided tours, students will have time to explore the cities (under supervision).
“There’s real demand from the students, and I personally love traveling. I think it’s something special we can share with them,” Mr. Amanna said. He previously led three international trips with his former school and noted that all tours are arranged through EF Educational Tours, a company specializing in student travel. “Ultimately, the most important thing is safety, and EF Tours puts safety first through intense background checks and safety training for any accompanying adults,” he said.
At last week’s informational meeting, students and parents expressed enthusiasm for the experience. Junior Aiden Yildiz said, “Studying abroad is such a great experience. It’s really rewarding to learn about history in school and then actually apply it to real life by visiting those places.” His mother, Mariah Yildiz, said, “Aiden has always wanted to go to Italy and Greece. I was really just trying to see if I could join them on the trip.”
Sophomore Aleah Tercero said the trip will offer the unique chance to explore new cultures. “It’s not very often as a student that we can get opportunities like this, so it’s important to take advantage of it,” she said.
Sophomore Lillian Parella said, “I’ve never been to Europe before, and I’ve always wanted to see the Colosseum and the Pantheon.” She raised concerns about the approximate $4,000 cost, but noted that the meeting shared fundraising options for students looking to figure out the cost.
Due to bus capacity, the trip is currently capped at 42 students. Mr. Amanna said if interest exceeds that number, the school could explore adding a second bus, which would require an additional teacher chaperone. “We’re still working out the numbers. If we get more interest, we could run a second bus, which would require more logistical planning,” he said.
Some students expressed concerns about limited spots affecting group dynamics. “There might be a chance that some people won’t get to go with their friends, depending on who gets chosen and who doesn’t,” Aleah said. “That might make people retract their application.”
Despite these concerns, many see the trip as a meaningful opportunity. PTA Co-President . Frank Merino said, “There’s a big difference between reading about something and actually living it. To experience history, the language, the food, the people—you make friends, and it opens your eyes.”
Parent Coordinator Jodie Lassoff, who will be a teacher chaperone on the trip, said, “Travel is such an amazing experience. It helps you see that people everywhere are just people. We’re all human. Let’s get out of New York and experience something new.”
Mr. Amanna said he hopes this trip will set a precedent for future years. “Whether I’m leading it or someone else is, I’d love to see students explore different destinations. It would be great to offer a variety of trips in the future.”
