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: Departures
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
Community Service
For well over a decade, many families and communities in Greece have faced social and economic hardship in the aftermath of the Great Recession, in ways unseen in many other European countries. On this program, you will take part in a service project designed to support the local community in a meaningful way. The form of community service will depend on the most pressing need at the time of your program: It could involve helping at a pantry or food kitchen, participating in a clean-up project or directly supporting a local organization.
Hands-on Learning
Learn about ancient and contemporary Greece by visiting historical sites and touring Athens. Pick the brains of local guides to get your historical facts right and experience multiple aspects of the country’s contemporary life. Immerse yourself in Greek culture by participating in a pottery workshop, a food tour, a traditional dance night, and a farming and cooking experience.
Adventure
Adventure is at the heart of everything we do on a GLA program, and Greece is an adventurer’s dream! Explore ancient ruins and modern landmarks as you discover all that Greece has to offer. See Athens by bike, stopping to explore this ancient city’s historic center, including its world-famous Panathenaic Stadium. Embark on an unforgettable hike around Crete’s mountains and lakes. Unwind from your travels and take a dip in Santorini’s volcanic hot springs and the crystal clear waters of the Mediterranean.
Lodging & Meals
Your Home Base on this program will consist of multiple overnight stays, depending on your location in the itinerary. All hotels are standard 3-star accommodations with en-suite bathrooms, AC and 2-3 beds per room. One night will be spent on an unforgettable overnight ferry experience, with rooms shared by up to four students and a private bathroom.
Greece is known for its amazing cuisine around the world. Expect lots of vegetables, olive oil, Greek yogurt, salads, feta cheese, and various types of meats. Greek dishes are delicious and packed with a variety of fresh and dried herbs.
GREECE
MEDITERRANEAN CITIES & ISLAND EXPEDITION
Dates & Tuition
12-Day Program
2026 Session Dates
June 15 – June 26, 2026
Program Details
Tuition Includes All In-Country Expenses
Airport pick-up/drop-off
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
An application fee and $600 deposit are required
to hold your spot on-program.
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
“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.”
Vivian L. | Student | 2024
GREECE
MEDITERRANEAN CITIES & ISLAND EXPEDITION
Request a Program Catalog
Browse our catalog to discover all GLA has to offer.
Complete this quick form and we'll send you a FREE copy of the Global Leadership Adventures program catalog.
Be on the lookout for a confirmation email after you complete the form! You will also receive an all-access pass to the latest GLA program updates and our newsletter.
FRONT COVER
BACK COVER