Overview
This program is made up of the following consecutive components, and takes place in the order shown (you visit the first city first, etc.):
Bassano del Grappa
Crete Island - Agios Nikolaos
Destination Information
Local Time Now:
11:42pm, 12:42am
Official Languages:
Italian, Greek
Almost all alumni have not spoken the local language.The Cities
Set at the base of the Venetian Alps with the Brenta river running through it, Bassano del Grappa is a stunning city located in the northern region of Italy. The city offers a mix of medieval charm and alpine scenery that appeals to visitors who seek history, culture and nature in one place.
Elegant piazzas, Renaissance buildings, and lively cafes are found throughout its historic center, making the arcaded streets an easy place to wander for hours.
Known for its culinary traditions, such as its namesake “grappa” – a strong local spirit, the city features dishes that feature mountain cheeses, white asparagus, and unique Veneto flavors.
Museums, artisan workshops, and small boutiques add depth to the city’s cultural life, while the surrounding countryside invites exploration of vineyards, trails, and historic villages. Altogether, Bassano del Grappa feels like a perfect balance of culture, scenery, and everyday Italian life.
Agios Nikolaos has a rich history dating back to ancient times. Nearby archaeological sites, such as the Minoan palace of Malia and the ancient city of Lato, offer glimpses into the region’s ancient past.
The city is home to several Byzantine churches, including the Church of Agios Nikolaos, after which the city is named. These churches feature impressive frescoes and architectural details, offering insights into the city’s Byzantine heritage.
The Venetians left a significant architectural imprint on the city during their rule in the 13th century. The remains of Venetian fortification and buildings can still be seen throughout the city.
What’s Included
Atlantis programs include ~20h/week of shadowing, housing, some meals, transportation, travel health insurance, and more. Airfare is not included but can be very affordable.
What’s Included
On Program Components
Pre/Post Program Components
Dates & Availability
- Summer Break 2026
Dates
Price
Availability
June 27, 2026 - July 31, 2026 5 weeks 2 weeks in Bassano del Grappa
3 weeks in Crete
$9,973
Full
You may pay over time, fundraise, consider scholarships, and more. Learn about our significant partial need-based scholarships here.
Add a 3-credit online course to your Atlantis program (university dependent). Learn more.
Hospital or Partner Overview
Atlantis is an opportunity of a lifetime…The program helped catapult me to a full-tuition (and generous living stipend!) merit scholarship at the Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine where I currently attend and will graduate with an MD.
I believe that highlighting the Atlantis experience significantly bolstered my candidacy and helped lead to numerous eventual [medical school] acceptances I was fortunate enough to receive.
The Atlantis Fellowship has given me a broader perspective on the field of healthcare. The program has also brought wonderful people into my life.
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Excursions
Our excursions are designed to offer a deeper look into your host culture, for both the educational benefit and the pure enjoyment of exploring a new place with others who share your interests in travel and medicine. If you happen to make travel plans outside of your city for a weekend, and thus your travel plans conflict with the events your Site Manager has planned, we ask that you notify your Site Manager several days in advance so that they’re able to plan the excursion accordingly. Excursions range from historical tours to culinary and cultural explorations. Your Site Manager will inform you of the different excursions they have planned during your program orientation.
Clinical Experience that Stands Out to Schools
Medical schools want 3 things: healthcare exposure, GPA/MCAT, and certain competencies. Uniquely, “360 Shadowing” gives you the best version of the 1st, frees you to focus on the 2nd, and cultivates/shows the 3rd to medical school admissions.
Watch the Atlantis Experience
Funding Your Future
The cost of Atlantis isn’t too dissimilar from the cost of many study abroad programs that you may find. And we’re here to help: from our extensive fundraising guide to flexible payment plans and financing options, we make the process simple and easy, allowing you to focus on what really matters.
Hear More Directly From Our Alumni
Hear more from them on their experiences during and after Atlantis.
Bring a Friend
Consider bringing a friend to the same program you’re applying to. Although the vast majority of Atlantis alumni have gone on programs without knowing someone in their cohort, bringing a friend allows your experience to be shared in a unique way, while still allowing you one of the benefits of Atlantis: meeting new pre-health friends from across the country. Consider sharing this idea with your friends.
Gain the Exposure, Stats, and Competencies that Med Schools Want
- The vast majority of alumni accepted into med/PA school said Atlantis “strongly” or “very strongly” impacted their admittance
- 81% of alumni accepted into med/PA school said Atlantis impacted their passion for medicine
- 93% of our pre-health alumni progressed on the AAMC Core Competencies for Entering Medical Students