GREECE
MEDITERRANEAN CITIES & ISLAND EXPEDITION
Explore Greece, from the ancient wonders of the world’s most influential civilization to the complexities of modern life and the impressive coastline of Crete and Santorini.
Program Overview
On this program you will travel to some of Greece’s most influential and picturesque cities. Your adventure begins in Athens, a treasure trove of ancient civilization that has been incredibly memorialized in the form of ruins, museums and iconic spaces that are still in use.
Ferry to Crete, Greece’s largest island and, according to Greek mythology, the birthplace of Zeus himself. Stay and explore Heraklion and Rethymno, as well as several other colorful villages on the island. Finally, sail through the Aegean Sea to the dreamy island of Santorini, known for its whitewashed cube dwellings.
On GLA’s Greece: Mediterranean Cities & Island Expedition program you will:
- Check out the ancient Acropolis of Athens citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Sail along the caldera of Santorini in a traditional wooden boat, just like a true argonaut
- Experience life on a Cretan farm and sample everything grown from the land while you dance to Greek music
- Become an expert in Greek cuisine by taking part in a food tour around central Athens
- Participate in community service to help support a meaningful cause
Program Menu
GREECE
MEDITERRANEAN CITIES & ISLAND EXPEDITION
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
GREECE
MEDITERRANEAN CITIES & ISLAND EXPEDITION
Program Details
Dates & Tuition
2027 Session Dates
June 14 – June 25, 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.
Program at a Glance
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
Vivian L. | 2024 Alumni Student
“This experience helped me to understand what this community needed and connect that to my own life, making me more in touch with myself and my community.”
The Program Experience
Exploratory Travel
Explore Greece from the ancient wonders of the world’s most influential civilization to the complexities of contemporary life. Start in Athens, a treasure trove of ancient history where you’ll visit the UNESCO World Heritage Acropolis citadel, pick the brains of local guides and embark on a central city food tour and hands-on pottery workshop. Ferry across the Aegean to Crete to experience life on an authentic farm, sampling fresh local produce and dancing to traditional Greek music. Along the way, participate in a meaningful community service project designed to support local families and community organizations addressing social and economic needs.
Adventure
Adventure is at the heart of everything in Greece! Sail through the breathtaking caldera of Santorini aboard a traditional wooden boat like a true argonaut, and unwind with a swim in volcanic hot springs and the crystal-clear waters of the Aegean Sea. On Crete, ride a bike through the narrow streets of Rethymno and visit lake Zaros, taking in dramatic landscapes and vibrant village culture along the way.
Country Spotlight
Travel across Greece’s most influential and picturesque locations from the historic streets of Athens to the legendary islands of Crete and Santorini.
Lodging: Stay in standard 3-star hotels featuring en-suite bathrooms, air conditioning and 2–3 beds per room across Athens, Crete and Santorini. You’ll also experience an unforgettable overnight ferry ride through the Aegean Sea, with shared student cabins (up to 4 per room) and private en-suite bathrooms.
Meals: Savor world-renowned Greek cuisine packed with olive oil, fresh vegetables, Greek yogurt, feta cheese, crisp salads and locally prepared meats—all richly seasoned with fresh and dried Mediterranean herbs.
GREECE
MEDITERRANEAN CITIES & ISLAND EXPEDITION
Photo Gallery
GREECE
MEDITERRANEAN CITIES & ISLAND EXPEDITION
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