GREECE – Summer
Price
$2944
Overview
This amazing tour through the cradle of Western Civilization brings the distant past and vibrant present into sharp focus. Between the must-see historical sights of Athens and Delphi, the rugged plateaus of the fabled Samariá Gorge, personal encounters in isolated Cretan villages, and the breezy sway of Santorini at sundown, you won’t have a moment to waste. Witness Greece – in all her timeless glory – with other educators on this exciting GEEO program.
Our first priority is our travelers’ safety, especially so during the COVID-19 pandemic. Please note that on our group programs such as this one, we require all participants to be vaccinated for COVID-19. Please click here for more details regarding our health and safety policies.
What's Included:
- Athens orientation walk
- Meteora Monastery visit
- Guided tour of ancient Delphi
- Samariá Gorge hike
- Cooking class and dinner with local village family (Loutro)
- Knossos visit
- G Adventures Tour Leader throughout and local guides
- 13 breakfasts, 1 dinner – allow $560-$730 USD for meals not included
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities by ferry, taxi, private van, train
- Hotels (13 nts), overnight ferry (1 nt, 4-berth mixed-sex cabins)
What's Not Included:
- International air travel
- Incidentals
- Travel health and cancellation insurance
- Applicable visas
- Tips or gratuities
- Airport taxes
- Beverages
- Meals not mentioned in itinerary
- Optional tours and admissions
- Airport transfers
Itinerary Download PDF
Arrive in Athens at any time. On Day 1, there are no planned activities until your Group Meeting that evening around 6:00 p.m. or 7:00 p.m., so check into the hotel – check-in time is approximately 3:00 p.m. – and enjoy the city. Check the notice boards or ask at reception for the exact time and location of the group meeting. After the meeting, you might like to take the option of heading out for a meal in a nearby local restaurant to further get to know your tour leader and travel companions. Please make every effort to arrive on time for this important welcome meeting. If you are delayed and will arrive late, please inform us. Your tour leader will then leave you a message at the front desk informing you of where and when to meet up. You may want to arrive earlier than our start date to better explore Athens. We can book you extra hotel nights. We do suggest getting an Athens City Pass card, which allows you to skip lines and get discounted admissions to the sites of Athens. Please note: All GEEO trips to Europe use public transportation. This means you will need to have luggage you can easily carry with you up and down stairs, on and off trains and buses, etc.
Athens is the capital of Greece, a city of culture, science and commerce. From the colorful markets to the ancient monuments and the hustle and bustle of Plateia Syntagmatos (Constitution Square), Athens is rich with history and had a profound impact on the development of Western civilization. Named after the goddess of wisdom Athena, Athens encompasses eight hills within its borders. The most prominent of these, the Acropolis, stands as the ultimate architectural and artistic expression of the ancient Athenian spirit. Athens is a growing city, engulfing its neighboring suburbs all the way to Piraeus, the city's port and gateway to the Greek isles. Today, we enjoy a brief walk with the tour leader, who will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs. For more specific or in-depth information, an official guided tour is recommended. You will then have the rest of the day free to explore on your own. Chances are other people in the group will want to see the same places as you, so typically the group will break off into smaller sub-groups to explore Athens. See our optional activities list further down on this page for our suggestions on what to see in Athens, although you will have to come in at least a day before our trip starts to see them all.
Today, we travel by train north to Kalambaka, our base for exploring the spectacular “hanging” monasteries of Meteora, perched atop pinnacles of rock. Approximate travel time: 3-4 hrs by train
Today, we have a full day to discover the secrets of this mysterious and astonishing place. Learn about the monasteries’ history from the monks themselves as you discover their rich heritage. We will take a bus up to see several monasteries in the area situated at over 2,000 feet above sea level, on a precipitous rock pinnacle. Your afternoon is free to choose which of the other monasteries to visit or perhaps to take a hike around the scenic local area. Please keep in mind that most of the monasteries require men and women to cover their knees and shoulders. Most provide clothing that can be borrowed, but they aren't washed often. Past travelers have told us that women need to wear skirts and that long pants are not accepted. You can use a large scarf to act as a skirt. There is a sunset tour available for 35 Euro. You can either take the hiking option which takes you to one monastery or the van option which takes you to three monasteries.
An early departure by bus from Meteora takes us through spectacular mountain scenery, through the region of Thessalia and south around the foot of the imposing and mythical Mount Parnassos, to arrive at Delphi, a small town perched at the edge of a cliff with fantastic views of the valley below. Visit the ancient city of Delphi, at the base of Mount Parnassos. The UNESCO World Heritage Site includes ancient buildings like treasuries, a stadium, a gymnasium, an altar, hippodrome, and the Temple of Apollo. The Temple of Apollo dates back to the 4th century BC. Over the years, war and earthquakes have destroyed the site, but the ruins still standing today offer a fantastic insight into the lives of the ancient Greeks. Afterward, we spend the evening exploring the charming little town or relaxing in a small café enjoying the views of the nearby valley. Approximate travel time: 5-6 hrs by private vehicle
We travel to Náfplio, often described as one of the country’s prettiest towns, this morning. Lose yourself in the narrow pedestrian streets of the old town and explore the many sights, sounds, and smells it has to offer. Don’t miss the climb up to the Acronáfplia and Palamidi Fortresses, whose proud Venetian ramparts dominate Náfplio's skyline. The views from the top of Acronáfplia are phenomenal, looking back over the bay to Argos and out into the Saronic Gulf. Approximate travel time: 5 hrs by private vehicle
Today, you have a free day to enjoy Náfplio and the surrounding region. There is a wealth of ancient sights within easy reach of Náfplio if you’re looking for some more culture to round out your experience. You might consider a guided tour of Epidavros (roughly 6 EUR), which is highly regarded as one of the most renowned of Greek ancient sights, housing a huge, well-preserved theater famous for its incredible acoustics, as well as the remains of an important medical sanctuary. Also close by, opt to visit famous Mycenae (roughly 8 EUR), a UNESCO World Heritage Site and archaeological site with spectacular ruins and a treasury. Once a major settlement of Greek civilization, Mycenae was occupied during the Neolithic period around 4000 BC and is linked to the mythology in Homer’s epics, the Iliad and the Odyssey. You could also visit Tiryns (roughly 6 EUR), a lesser-known Mycenean site, hidden in the suburbs of Náfplio. Along with Mycenae, Tiryns is a listed UNESCO World Heritage Site and was first excavated in 1831 by German archaeologists. In the early evening we will travel to Athens and then board an overnight ferry to Crete in 4-berth mixed-gender cabins. Approximate travel time: 3 hrs by private vehicle (Náfplio to Athens); 8 hrs by overnight sleeper ferry (Athens to Crete)
We arrive in Crete in the early morning. You have the rest of the day to enjoy – for example – relaxing at one of the many harbor-side cafés or wandering the streets of the old town with its fascinating blend of ancient and modern, Turkish and Venetian architecture, reflecting the diverse history of the island. Crete is Greece’s largest island, filled with stunning scenery and friendly people. Although most tourists only see the major towns on the north coast, we will be visiting some of the smaller towns of the Southwestern coast and interior, where our walks take place. Crete has an interesting and full history, beginning with the Minoan culture, which flourished from about 2800 BC and suddenly disappeared around 1450 BC. Crete then passed through the hands of the Romans, Genoese, and Venetians before the Turks finally conquered it in 1670. It became a British protectorate in 1898 after much social and civil unrest, and was finally united with mainland Greece in 1913.
We take a 3-hour bus ride followed by a 30-minute boat ride with our luggage to Agia Roumeli, a fishing village at the end of the famous Samaria Gorge hike. The group will then hike into the Gorge and you can go as far in as you like, just don't go in too far as you will need to hike back to Agia Roumeli afterward. Samaria Gorge is well known in Europe as a unique geological formation. It is the deepest and narrowest gorge on the continent. At one point, its width is less than 8 feet and the height of the stone walls exceeds 2000 feet at many points. The natural beauty of the area overrides any feeling of exhaustion during the walk. Agia Roumeli is a small settlement at the exit point of the Samaria gorge. The village is built on the ancient site of Tarra, mentioned by many ancient writers as a small but independent-minded town. It used to mint its own coins, on one side depicting the Cretan mountain goat and an arrow, and on the other side a bee. Agia Roumeli is very remote, connected with neighboring towns and villages only by sea or footpaths. Approximate travel time: 3 hrs by local bus, 30 minutes by boat
The seaside village of Loutro is situated at the end of Cape Mouri, where the ancient city of Finix once stood. The village was named after the baths (Loutra) found in the area, from which water was directed to nearby Anopoli. Loutro also served as the port of ancient Anopoli. Later, it became the winter time port of the town of Sfakia, due to the fact that the enclosed bay and the small island in its entrance create a natural harbor where ships can be safe even in the worst weather conditions. Loutro is completely inaccessible by major roads, with sea and mountain paths being the only transportation routes. These mountains rearing straight up from the sea, deep wooded gorges, ravines and valleys have been the site of many heroic deeds, ancient civilizations, and constant intrigue for thousands of years. Today, the village of Loutro is a magnet for tourists, especially for other Cretans who escape the crowded and noisy northern regions of Crete, for peace, fun, and relaxation. Loutro is their secret holiday hideaway not yet discovered by the average tourist. The majestic scenery, crystal clear Mediterranean water, friendly people and peaceful atmosphere all make Loutro an ideal place to relax after all the distance we have covered. Enjoy a cooking class and dinner with a local family who will share with you the secrets of home-cooked Cretan cuisine. You can also rent a kayak (roughly 10 EUR) and head out on the clear, blue-green waters along the coast of Loutro. Approximate travel time: 30 mins by ferry
Today we travel to Iraklio, also known as Heraklion. The capital of Crete, Iraklio is the fourth largest city in Greece. The bustling port town used to be the slave-trade capital of the Mediterranean when the Arabs were in control of the region. Enjoy an included visit to Knossos, known to be the largest archaeological site of the Bronze Age on Crete. Knossos was a major city ruled by King Minos and is believed to be the oldest city in all of Europe. Explore the ancient palace and surrounding city, re-discovered in the 1900s by the English archaeologist Sir Arthur Evans. Approximate travel time: 30 mins by ferry; 3.5 hrs by local bus
You will have this entire day free to explore Iraklio and the surrounding area. The Archaeological Museum of Heraklion is one of the most important museums in Greece. Don't miss out on seeing the famous Disc of Phaistos. Other museums in Iraklio include a natural history museum, a folklore museum, and a museum dedicated to the works of writer Nikos Kazantzakis. Iraklio has some stunning examples of architecture from throughout history. Make sure you visit the Venetian Fortress, Loggia, and fountains. There are several amazing churches as well as a spectacular cathedral too. There are no beaches in the city center, but you can visit Amoudara beach located about 15 minutes west of the port of Heraklion. It’s a nice sandy beach fairly wide and long, however, the sea can be rough at times.
Today, we travel by ferry to beautiful Santorini. Known as "Thira" in Greek, Santorini is the southernmost island of the Cyclades and is regarded by some as the most beautiful of the Greek Islands. Formed by a violent volcanic eruption, the ring-shaped island has a stunning caldera lined with high cliffs – easy to appreciate when arriving by boat. The shape of the crater ring has constantly changed over the last 3,000 years with several parts of the crater wall collapsing into the sea. Remarkably, the island has always been resettled due to the rich volcanic soil's fertile properties. The wines, tomatoes, and cucumbers from this island are extremely flavorful due to the soil composition and low rainfall. Visitors can make their way from sea level to the crater rim either by bus, gondola, or even a donkey ride. Fira, the main town, sits perched on the edge of the caldera with breathtaking views of multi-colored cliffs, sugar-cube architecture, and great shopping! There is a sunset dinner cruise available that will allow you to soak in the views of Santorini from the water and toast to another beautiful day in paradise. Approximate travel time: 2 hrs by ferry
Today is another free day to explore this magnificent island. You might opt to go on a half-day volcano tour, do some shopping, relax on the beach, or make your way to the crater's rim to take in a stunning view of the island and its surroundings.
Today, you may depart Santorini at any time. Want more adventure? Book two or more GEEO trips in the same year and receive a discount! GEEO will give you 10% off of the lesser value program(s) (up to 3 programs). If you don’t see a program that interests you that pairs with this trip, but still would like to extend your time abroad, let us know. We will work with you to find a non-teacher trip from our tour operator’s much larger catalog. Even better, if you are an educator, we can still offer you a discounted price on the trip you choose!
Details
Frequently Asked Questions
Please click here to go to our general FAQ, which has essential information that applies to all of our programs.Resources to Learn & Teach about Greece
Visit our recommended reading page to see the list of books GEEO recommends reading before your program (this is not required reading). We also have lesson plans and Pinterest boards that may be useful for you as you learn about your destination and prepare to bring lessons back to your classroom.Terms and Conditions
It is very important for you to visit our Terms and Conditions page before signing up for this program.Cancellation policy
All cancellations must be submitted to GEEO in written form by emailing your request for cancellation to travel@geeo.org. If you do not receive a confirmation that we have received your written cancellation request, please call us at 1-877-600-0105. Verbal cancellation requests will not be honored.- If you cancel 60 days or more prior to departure, all your program fee payments will be refunded besides your $350 deposit which is kept on file for future use
- If you cancel between 30 and 59 days prior to departure, you will receive a 50% refund and your deposit is kept on file for future use
- If you cancel within 30 days of departure, you will receive no refund, but your deposit is kept on file for future use
Trip Notes
- LUGGAGE: In Europe, it is very rare to find elevators in train stations, hotels, or other public places. We use some public transport on this trip, which means you will need to carry your luggage from platform to platform, in and out of trains and buses, etc. and possibly up several flights of stairs. You will also need to be able to stow your luggage safely on trains and buses. You should be able to comfortably walk for 10-30 minutes at a time with your luggage. It is therefore essential that you pack light and bring luggage that is compact and lightweight. Carrying your luggage remains your responsibility at all times.
- PACE: This trip has a rapid pace and the heat of the summer can make it quite exhausting. Please know in advance that you will see a lot, but this isn't a relaxing vacation.
- ORIENTATION WALKS: The orientation walking tours on this trip are often on cobblestone roads at steep grades and can last several hours in the heat of the summer. Feel free to opt-out of these walking tours if you wish to, as they can be very physically taxing. In some cases, on the other side of the coin, they may move a bit too slow for you. If you have a map, a travel app, or a guidebook, feel free to go off on your own. GEEO wants you to have the experience you desire, and sometimes that means separating yourself at times from the group.
- GUIDES: In Europe, all guiding is based around local guides, all of whom are licensed to work only in a particular city. As such, our leaders are able to provide orientation walks that will show you the layout of each town and city as well as the location of local services such as post offices and laundromats, but are legally unable to share historical facts and figures in public places. Your tour leader will be able to help you find a local guided tour in each location if you would like one.
- FERRY: The cabins are sometimes mixed-sex on the overnight ferry to Crete.
Group Leader Description
All GEEO/G Adventures group trips are accompanied by one of G Adventure's group leaders, which they refer to as Chief Experience Officers (CEO). The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are traveling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues, and introduce you to our local friends. Our itineraries often have plenty of free time to explore on your own. While not being guides in the traditional sense, you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting – we think it’s the best of both worlds.Fitness Level
This trip includes light walking and hiking that is suitable for most fitness levels. In the cities, you can split apart from the group to go your own pace. It is very hot in Greece during the summer, so make sure you stay hydrated.Single Travelers
Half of the people that travel with GEEO are traveling by themselves, so please don’t worry if you have no one who can join you on your trip. Our pricing is based on double occupancy or, in other words, two people to a room. You never have to pay for a single room unless you want one. GEEO can find you a roommate of the same gender. Most of our trips have a "My Own Room" option, also known as a "Single Supplement," which is an extra fee that will allow you to have a room to yourself. If you want to room alone, please email travel@geeo.org. To see the price for the "My Own Room" option, please click here where you can look up your trip in the extra services spreadsheet.Joining Instructions
Day 1 is an arrival day and no activities have been planned. Upon arrival to the city on Day 1, or earlier if you have booked pre-accommodation with us, please make your way to the joining hotel. Check-in time will be in the afternoon. Once you arrive at the hotel, look for a note at reception from your tour leader. This note will give the details of your Welcome Meeting on Day 1, usually between 6:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m., at which you will get a chance to meet your tour leader and other travelers, as well as learn more about how the tour will run. If you don’t see a note, please ask reception for details! If you miss the Welcome Meeting, your tour leader will leave a note at reception for you with any information you may need and with instructions for the next morning. When you arrive at the airport, you can either take a taxi or use public transportation. A taxi from the airport to the hotel will cost around €30-€40 EUR. You can use this website to book a taxi online to pick you up at the airport. It is $35 Euro and someone will be waiting with your name on a sign outside baggage claim. It is easy to get into the city from Athens International Airport by Metro. You will receive your trip vouchers about 30 days before departure, once you have completed your Good To Go check-in. Your vouchers will have the name of our start hotel. You can look up public transport directions on Google Maps.Emergency Contacts
Should you need to contact G Adventures during a situation of dire need, it is best to first call their local G Adventures office. If for any reason you do not receive an immediate answer, please leave a detailed message and contact information, so they may return your call and assist you as soon as possible. EMERGENCY CONTACT NUMBERS G Adventures UK office (manned UK 8:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m.) +44 (0) 2072439878 If you are unable for any reason to contact the local office, please call the numbers listed below, which will connect you directly with the 24-hour Sales team, who will happily assist you. Toll-free, from calls within North America only: 1 888 800 4100 Calls from within the UK: 0844 272 0000 Outside North America and the UK: +1 416 260 0999 For absolute emergencies after office hours please contact +44 7817 262559 If for any reason you do not receive an immediate answer, please leave a detailed message and contact information, and your call will be returned as soon as possible.Packing List
Please read this article on GEEO’s blog for our staff’s suggestions on the best gear to pack for your upcoming travels. You must be prepared to carry your own bags and be comfortable carrying them up and down stairs, on and off transportation, and to hotels. As a rule, we try not to have to walk more than 15-20 minutes with your bags, which is why we recommend keeping the weight of your bags between 22-30 lb. Most travelers carry a backpack or rolling bag of small to medium size. No XXL bags please! A daypack is also essential for carrying everyday items. Space is limited on transportation, so there is a limit of one main piece of luggage per person plus a daypack per person.Suggested Checklist
- Light windproof/waterproof jacket or umbrella
- Personal clothing for hot weather – we recommend packing 8-9 days of outfits so you only have to do laundry once; covering shoulders is advisable
- One pair of long pants for men, one long skirt or large scarf for women – for the monesteries in Meteora
- Sturdy walking or running shoes. (You will have many opportunities to hike, so hiking shoes may be worthwhile for some.)
- Sport sandals or flip-flops
- Bathing suit and towel
- Daypack
- Sunblock
- Sunglasses
- Sun hat
- Water bottle
- Watch or alarm clock
- Toiletries – Important: Some hotels do not give you soap and shampoo
- Camera
- First-aid kit, including lip salve, Aspirin, bandaids, anti-histamine, Dramamine, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, electrolyte powder, insect repellent, extra prescription drugs you may be taking
Optional Checklist
- Travel pillow
- Money belt
- Phone/Tablet for internet – most hotels have WiFi
- Chargers for electronics as well converters/adapters, if needed
- Packing cubes
- Ear Plugs
- Snacks – packing a few granola bars is a good idea; you can buy snacks when you get there too, so don't go crazy here
- Ziplock bags
- Reading/writing material
- Hand sanitizer/baby wipes
- Light fleece top
Document Checklist
- Passport (with photocopies)
- Travel insurance (with photocopies)
- Airline tickets (with photocopies)
- EUR/USD cash
- Credit or debit card
- G Adventures vouchers, pre-departure information, and dossier
- Any entry visas or vaccination certificates required
- GEEO Classroom action plans for your group – this is sent 10-30 days before departure
Laundry
Laundry facilities are sometimes offered by the hotels. You can also use a local laundromat if need be.Passports and Visas
All GEEO trips require that the participant have a valid passport. Please see our general FAQ for information on obtaining a passport. As with all of our trips, we try to provide the most accurate information we can, but governments sometimes change visa rules. It is your responsibility to double-check the information we provide below by searching here. Americans do not need a visa to travel in Greece. Non-American participants should check with their government to find out if they need a visa.Money Exchange
Greece is in the Eurozone and the unit of the currency is the Euro (EUR). As currency exchange rates fluctuate, we ask that you refer to the following website for daily exchange rates: www.xe.com. ATMs are also widely available that distribute the local currency, and this is what we recommend as your primary source of cash while traveling. Please make sure you bring at least $200 USD in cash as emergency money just in case you have trouble with the ATMs or lose your bank card. Major credit cards are accepted in most shops but they may charge a 2-4% transaction fee. Visa and MasterCard are useful for cash advances in an emergency situation. Please note that, if you are carrying U.S. Dollars, they should be in good condition (i.e., not torn, wrinkled, or marked on in any way) and printed recently.Tipping
It is customary in Europe to leave a small tip for service providers, such as waiters, if you are pleased with the service (€1-2 EUR for snacks or 10% of a meal bill). Tipping is an expected – though not compulsory – component of your tour program and an expression of satisfaction with the persons who have assisted you on your tour. Although it may not be customary to you, it is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels. Also, at the end of each trip, if you felt your G Adventures Tour Leader did an outstanding job, tipping is appreciated. The amount is entirely a personal preference. As a budgeting guideline, $35-$45 USD per person per week can be used.Vaccinations
You do not need any vaccinations to travel on this program.Flights
We often find the best prices for purchasing flights is 60 days before departure, but of course this varies greatly from route to route and year to year. You must wait until this trip is confirmed with the minimum number of required participants before you book your flights. Typically, we reach the minimum number needed at least 90 days before departure. GEEO and G Adventures bear no responsibility for any flights purchased before the trip is confirmed. You can find out whether this trip has been confirmed here. Your trip begins in Athens and ends in Santorini. Please double-check our itinerary for the date by which you must arrive in Athens. You can arrive at any time of the day you choose, but you may want to arrive in Athens several days early if you have never been before, as there is a lot to see. You can depart from Santorini at any time on the final day of the trip. This itinerary only includes a day in Athens. We recommend arriving a day or two early to see the major sights of Athens. We include one and a half days in Santorini, which is enough time to see the major sights. It is one of the most beautiful places in the world, so if you want to relax, spend some time on the beach, and explore more of the Island, staying an extra day or two would be worthwhile.Plugs and Converters
There are two components to provide external power to your device: adapters and transformers. The adapter is the plug, adapting the prongs on a standard U.S. two to three-pronged power cord to match the prongs required by the local outlets. The transformer changes the local voltage to that required by your device. Greece uses a European-style two circular prong plug. Their voltage is 220-240 Volts. U.S. outlets are 120V. Most new devices (phones and laptops) can handle the different voltage rates, but some devices only work on the U.S. standard of 120V. Check your device to see what voltage range it handles. Most transformer blocks will have an "Input" line that defines its voltage capacity. For example, "Input: 100-240V" means that it will work on voltages from 100V to 240V. If your transformer can't handle the different voltage, you'll need to purchase a voltage converter. You can find world regional voltage converters power packs at various vendors.Expectations
Before you decide on traveling with GEEO, it is important that you read all of the information about the program you are considering. Remember, our programs are quite adventurous.- The purpose of the accommodation is to provide a safe, well-located place for you to sleep. Sometimes you will be pleasantly surprised, but do not expect luxury as we are trying to keep these trips as inexpensive as possible. Sometimes the accommodation is not air-conditioned.
- The same goes for transportation. We use a mix of transportation that gets our guests from location to location safely. Sometimes you will have full days and nights of transportation as our trips tend to cover a lot of ground. The transportation will often be an adventure in itself.
- You must be able to carry or roll your luggage easily, so do not over-pack.
- Many of our programs occur in locations where it is very hot during the day. Please make sure you have thoroughly read the itinerary and can handle the group activities, which sometimes include day hikes with your daypacks.
- We recommend always carrying snacks with you because sometimes meals can be far apart.
- Please make sure you understand the role of your tour leader on this trip as they are not the traditional “guide” you may be expecting. While our trips are educational, they aren’t study/lecture trips. We want you to learn through exploring and much of your experience will be based on how active you choose to be in acquiring knowledge and interacting with locals.
