Europe for Older Teens: Greece Island Hopping

We’ll start off our tour in the historic city of Athens and go back in time almost 4,000 years to where western civilization was born and new ideas about philosophy, government, and democracy thrived. This deep dive into history makes for authentic greece student experiences right from the start! To shake off the jet lag, we will stroll through some of the best neighborhoods in Athens, and end our first evening with an incredible Greek feast in the heart of the historical center of Athens with live music and authentic Greek atmosphere.

Next we’ll travel by ferry to our first island destination: Paros! Famous in ancient times for its immaculate white marble and for having sided in battle with the Persians against the Greeks, this island is a hidden gem and has yet to become overcrowded with tourists. Here we will learn about traditional island life, past and present, with our afternoons saved for sun and sea. We will enjoy boat rides around the island in search of the best beaches where you can try your hand at paddle-boarding, inter-tubing or beach volleyball as we relax next to the crystal-clear Aegean sea. We will also hike the historical Byzantine Road for some amazing scenic views of the Cycladic Island landscape, pass through beautiful white-washed villages, and end the walk in a fortified village!

Our evenings in Paros will be reserved for enjoying the vibrant island sunsets and strolling along the whitewashed streets. We’ll even try our hand at cooking our own delicious Greek meal with an authentic cooking lesson at a local seaside taverna!

Our last day on the island will bring us to its small but mighty neighbor, Antiparos. See the island paradise where the Hollywood elites spend their peaceful summer holidays–maybe you’ll grab a souvlaki with Tom Hanks while you sit on the endless Mediterranean beaches.

After touring Paros, we’ll head out to the neighboring island of Naxos, the largest Greek island in the Cyclades and the island where it is believed that Zeus was raised. Naxos is a closely kept secret among travelers to the Mediterranean, where we will explore the endless golden sand dunes lining the island’s coast and indulge in some of the most exceptional flavors of Greek cuisine. We will also take the opportunity to explore some of the tiny islands that dot the Aegean and take the true traveler’s path to the hidden islands of the Small Cyclades. Only hitting the Greek tourist map a few years ago, these islands have remained untouched by bustling tourism. At the end of our time here, we will enjoy the most stunning turquoise waters the Aegean has to offer.

Now it’s time to head back out onto the sea and towards our final island destination: Santorini. Voted the best island in Greece as well as one of the best islands in the entire world, this volcanic island boasts dramatic red and black sand beaches, whitewashed homes, and winding cobblestone alleyways, making Santorini one of the world’s premier luxury travel destinations. You will recognize the postcard-perfect town of Oia, famous for its blue domes. In between our private boat trip exploring the alluring beaches, and our photoshoots in Oia, you’ll even have the option of taking a scuba-diving lesson! Best, of all, our laidback island days will always finish with gazing out at the breathtaking Santorini skyline by night.

After a quick flight back to the mainland, we will return to Athens for one last goodbye. Stand atop the magnificent Acropolis and imagine ancient Greek life as it was thousands of years ago as you marvel at the architectural wonder of the Parthenon. Return to the modern part of the city and wander amongst the lively markets full of fresh food and authentic handmade goods. Go off the beaten path to the charming Plaka neighborhood, beautifully lit up at night and lined with quaint cafes and restaurants. Pick up some last minute souvenirs, including a pair of custom-made leather sandals from a famous sandal maker perhaps and savor your last Greek gyro! To finish our incredible Greek journey, we’ll enjoy a beautiful final dinner at a traditional Greek taverna overlooking the Acropolis lit up at night.