Greek Islands 10 Days
Somewhere on this student trip to Greece, between SCUBA diving in Naxos, kayaking around Santorini and touring Athens, you’ll fall in love with this gorgeous Mediterranean country. Sure, you’ll see the famous monuments and highlights but don’t be surprised when the warmth of the local people you meet makes you want to stay in this island paradise forever. We group the teens traveling on this program into co-ed, age-compatible groups that are fun and inclusive for all. This small group format with a very detailed itinerary also allows travelers some flexibility along the way to perhaps find that viewpoint for the perfect golden sunset or to pick your favorite cafe on what we believe is the best Greek island trip for teens.
Please note that participants on some departures of this program join for the end of our longer 25-day Greece, the Islands & Italy program.
Experience new cultures and thrilling activities in a smaller, tight-knit travel group.
Hotels
Includes breakfast and dinner daily.
Includes all recreation & activities listed.
Private motor coach and ferries.
ON TOUR departures offer more independence and age-appropriate activities for older teens currently completing 11th or 12th grade.
Varies from 18 to 36 participants.
We can accommodate most dietary preferences and allergies.
Fly overnight to Athens. Once you land, your orientation will officially begin with some of our favorite icebreakers and “get to know you” activities.
Venture to the heart and soul of Greece and its capital city of Athens. Marvel at the astounding architectural feat of the Parthenon and Acropolis. See Aphrodite amongst her friends in the New Acropolis Museum just down the hill from where she used to live. Wander through the streets of the Plaka area filled with shops and markets.
Ferry across the Aegean Sea to the unique island of Naxos. View the Venetian castle while meandering through the main streets of Hora, lined with charming cafes and shops. Relax on the beautiful beaches that surround the island. Learn how to SCUBA dive on our underwater adventure. Prepare an authentic Greek meal in the village of Galini. (For your safety, all SCUBA operators restrict participants with certain medical conditions. Please ask about your own circumstances if applicable.)
Once you visit, you’ll always remember the signature view of the white-painted houses of Fira, with sheer cliffs, blue sky, and sea. Enjoy mesmerizing sunsets. Explore the town of Fira and take a cable car ride to the port. Voyage across the sea to hike the volcano Nea Kameni and stop to swim in the hot springs that surround it. Enjoy dinner in the town of Oia. Explore the incredible red, white and black sand beaches on our guided sea kayaking excursion and swim in the Aegean Sea.
Travel back to Athens, and enjoy a final sunset at your farewell banquet before heading home.
Say farewell to your new friends as you part ways for your return home. The summer might be over, but all the memories you’ve made will last a lifetime!
Athens, Greece
You will stay in the city center, either at Acropolis Select Hotel, Hermes Hotel, or Central Hotel. Surrounded by small art museums, cafes, and galleries, enjoy the most elegant and residential blocks of Athens.
Naxos, Greece
Mare Naxia, Naxos Holidays Hotel, Princess of Naxos, Naxos Resort, and Hotel Naxos Palace are all located in Cyclades on the island of Naxos. The hotels are close to the beach and to Naxos Center. They’re some of the most modern hotels in Naxos built according to the traditional Naxian architecture, combined with modern facilities and services.
Santorini, Greece
While in Santorini, we will be staying at either the Rosebay Hotel, Santorini Palace, Kamari Beach, or Splendour Resort. All properties are luxury resort hotels that combine simplicity with beauty in the heart of the island.
Flight To Athens, Greece
For participants on this program, we will help coordinate your flight times and greet you upon arrival in Athens, Greece.
Return Flight Home From Athens, Greece
For your return from Athens on the 10-day program, we offer a chaperoned flight to New York. For travelers from outside the New York area, we can help you arrange transfers at the suitable times after the group has cleared customs and immigration or you may fly home directly from Athens to your home city and our leaders help you to check-in and remain in the airport until flights in designated times have departed.
About ON TOUR
This program features separate, age-compatible departure dates, including ON TOUR departures for older teens currently completing 11th or 12th grade. These ON TOUR departures offer more freedom of choice than our other TRAVEL programs by balancing the greater independence that young adults crave with the structure and safety that parents expect. Itineraries include amazing activities and sights for the more mature student, as well as a later curfew. Opportunities to do some safe exploring in smaller groups to find that local cafe or indie boutique also makes this a standout experience for older students.
Meals & New Cuisines
Breakfasts in Europe are eaten at our hotels and served buffet style with a variety of options. For dinners, either the whole group goes to the same restaurant or we divide into smaller groups of your choosing. For lunch, you will enjoy eating in smaller groups and choosing from local cafés, bistros and other restaurants. Are you ready for Greek frozen yogurt and delectable feta and gyros? The food in Europe is terrific, so get set to eat extremely well!
We have satisfied the choosiest of eaters and gladly accommodate most special dietary requests including vegetarian, food allergies, lactose intolerance, celiac disease, and kosher style. We welcome discussing your individual requirements with you and have extensive experience in this area.
Laundry
You will only need one week’s worth of clothing as outlined in the packing list that will be sent to you prior to departure. Every week you may drop off your laundry at a local wash and fold service and then pick it up clean, folded and ready to go.
What’s Included
Included in your program tuition is all lodging, breakfast and dinner daily, recreation & entertainment listed, airport transfers in designated times, gratuities & taxes.
Not included is transportation to and from the program, lunches, snacks, personal spending money for souvenirs, and laundry. We also make available optional travel insurance that is not included, but highly recommended.
Please contact us with any questions. We are happy to hear from you!
Who are the staff and what are their qualifications?
Our staff are educators, guidance counselors, coaches, college and university students, former camp counselors, residence life coordinators, community volunteers, world travelers, and other leaders with diverse backgrounds. Many are former participants themselves who couldn’t get enough of the Westcoast experience! Learn more about our summer leaders.
What if I need to contact my teen during the program?
Participants may bring their cell phones so parents may call and message their kids directly. You may also contact our Communication Centers which serve as the official link between programs on the road and parents. We are staffed every day during the summer and have somebody on call for after hours emergencies ready to assist you 24/7.
What is the difference between an Active Teen Tour and a Global Adventure program?
Our Active Teen Tours offer larger group sizes (generally 35-48 participants) and travel in deluxe motor coaches. Accommodations include quality hotels and occasional fun college residences.
Global Adventures are smaller group experiences (generally up to 26 participants on all itineraries other than the 17 or 25-day Greece & Italy or 10-day Greek Islands which varies from 24-36 participants.)
Groups travel by private motor coaches and occasional public transportation internationally, and use passenger vans in the USA. Select European programs travel exclusively by train and public transportation. While these programs have a slightly bigger focus on adventure travel, we stay in quality hotels and lodges, always ensuring a good night’s rest.
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