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Greece

Greece: The Parthenon and the Peloponnesian Peninsula — Custom School Trips

Groups of 8+ | Custom Dates | 0 Service Hours | Fully Supported | 4.9 on GoOverseas

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Step back in time as you journey through historical Greece. Experience thousands of years of history wandering the streets of Athens, the cradle of Western civilization. Climb to the heavens as you visit the Meteora monasteries in the sky. Explore the ancient ruins of Delphi and the birthplace of the Olympic Games in Olympia. Finally, visit the sites of Homer’s Illiad and Odyssey as you enjoy the sun-soaked beaches and olive-covered hills of the Peloponnesian peninsula.

GoAbroad Top Rated Provider 2025 – Greece

In 2025, Rustic Pathways received GoAbroad’s Top Rated Provider recognition for high school travel in Greece.

Custom School Trip

Contact us for a custom quote

Custom dates & duration. Groups of 8+.

Response within 1 business day

Anna Beckerman

Anna Beckerman

Head of School Group Travel

Dartmouth · 15 years at Rustic

321+ school partners since 2010

Not a school group? Individual enrollment →

What Does a 9-Day Program Include?

A typical program. Daily activities are subject to change based on group logistics and weather.

1

Depart for Greece

Meet your group at your home airport. Fly together as a group to Greece. Total travel time will depend on your departure location and flight schedule. Be sure to get some rest so you arrive ready for adventure! Flight Details: Rustic Pathways will be happy to book your flight as an add-on service.
2

Arrive in Greece

Arrive into Athens International Airport (ATH) and meet your Program Leaders who will be with you for the duration of the program. Head to the hotel and settle in as you join the group for an orientation discussion about the week ahead, expectations for your adventure, and an introduction to the local culture. Enjoy a group dinner upon a rooftop as you get your first views of the ancient Acropolis that still dominates the capital’s skyline after thousands of years. Flight Details: Rustic Pathways will be happy to book your flights for you as an optional add-on service. Overnight: Hostel in Athens, Greece
3

The Cradle of Western Civilization

Be transported back 2,500 years to the height of the ancient Greek Empire as you spend the day exploring the birthplace of modern democracy and western civilization. Take a guided tour of the Acropolis, stopping at the astonishing remains of the Propylaea gateway, Erechtheion, the Temple of Athena Nike, and of course the Parthenon. Immerse yourself deeper into the history with a private tour of New Acropolis Museum by a local expert archaeologist. After lunch, walk in the footsteps of Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle as you wander through the ruins of the Ancient Agora, the business and political hub of ancient Athens. Complete the day with a drive north to the town of Kalambaka, which guards the approach to the Meteora monasteries. Overnight: Hostel in Kalambaka, Greece
4

Monasteries in the Sky

The word “meteora” literally means “hovering in the air” and is aptly named for one of the world’s most magnificent marvels of nature and architecture. Spend the day climbing into the heavens, as you visit the six ancient monasteries that lie atop 400-meters high rock formations. As mists surround the base of these pinnacles, these houses of worship, built by Orthodox monks in the 14th century, seem to be literally floating on air. While these monasteries originally were only accessed by ladders, thankfully there are now steps. Take in the views from this UNESCO World Heritage site and be amazed at the breathtaking panoramic vistas any way you look. Overnight: Hostel in Kalambaka, Greece
5

The Center of the World

Travel to the city of Delphi, a place the ancient Greeks regarded as the center of the world. Take a guided tour of the Temple of Apollo where the Pythia, or Oracle of Delphi, would give cryptic prediction and guidance to the ancient Greeks. Take a guided tour of the Delphi Archaeological Museum, and see the Charioteer of Delphi. Take time in the evening to discuss and digest the centuries of history you have already encountered in just a few days. Overnight: Hostel in Delphi, Greece
6

The Birthplace of the Olympics

Travel along the Gulf of Corinth and cross into the Peloponnesian peninsula on your way to the city of Olympia. Transport back to the year 776 B.C. and become a champion in the original stadium of the first Olympic games. Visit the sanctuary of Zeus, which became the center of worship to the father of the twelve Olympian gods. Complete a scavenger hunt throughout the Altis to discover the masterpieces of Ancient Greek art. Overnight: Hostel in Olympia, Greece
7

Beaches of the Aegean Sea

Continue across the Peloponnesian peninsula and travel to the seaside town of Náfplio. Take a dip in the turquoise waters of the Aegean Sea and relax upon its picturesque shores. Take part in an olive oil workshop and learn the importance that this fruit has held in Greek culture for centuries. Indulge in a Greek dinner with traditional dishes consisting of fresh seafood, grilled meats, and classic dips such as tzatziki, melitzanosalata, and fava. Overnight: Hostel in Nafplio, Greece
8

Return to Athens

Complete your final drive back to the capital city of Athens. Enjoy time at the flea market of Monastiraki to shop for souvenirs. Enjoy a final dinner accompanied by a traditional Greek folk dancing class. Be prepared for a noisy but memorable end to your program! “Opa!” At the end of each program, students reflect on their experiences and the issues they engaged with, and talk about how to apply this new understanding to their own worlds. During or after their closing discussion, groups participate in Rustic Ties, a unique and powerful activity that allows students to capture the memories and learning moments of their program to process and share with their communities back home. Overnight: Hostel in Athens, Greece
9

Yeia Sou, Greece!

Enjoy a relaxed morning in Athens before your flight back home. Your Program Leaders will take you to the airport for your departure as you say goodbyes and reflect on your adventure. Flight Details: Rustic Pathways will be happy to book your flights for you as an optional add-on service.

How Does Rustic Pathways Handle Safety?

24/7 Support

In-person staff + US emergency line

Trained Program Leaders

Background-checked, first-aid certified, deep local knowledge

Licensed & Insured Transport

Risk management plans for every program

Customizable Itinerary

Custom dates and duration

Greece

What Do School Organizers Ask?

How do flights work?

School groups can arrange their own flights, or Rustic Pathways can arrange them as an optional add-on. In either case, teachers fly with students, and Rustic Pathways coordinates airport pickup and handles all in-country logistics.

What's included in the price?

Included: Lodging, all meals, in-country transport, all activities, 24/7 staff.
Not included: International airfare, travel insurance, personal spending ($150–200).

Is travel insurance required?

Travel insurance is not included in the program fee. Rustic Pathways recommends that families purchase travel insurance. Get a quote from our recommended provider →

Who supervises the students?

Rustic Pathways Program Leaders complete a four-month vetting process, and programs maintain a 7:1 student-to-staff ratio. All Program Leaders are first-aid certified, and most have led multiple Rustic Pathways programs. Leaders range from 25 to 35 years old.

Are rooms gender-separated?

Yes. Students room with same-gender peers. Staff stay in adjacent rooms.

What about medical emergencies?

All Program Leaders are first-aid certified. Nearest hospitals are mapped out in all locations. Our health & safety team reviews all medical forms before departure and works with families to plan medications, allergies, and dietary needs.

Can students contact home?

Yes. Rustic Pathways’ policy is that students can call, text, or WhatsApp anytime. Rustic Pathways is happy to defer to established school policies instead.

How do families stay informed?

Rustic Pathways sends daily photo updates throughout the program.

How big is the group?

Group size varies based on the school’s needs. Contact Rustic Pathways for a custom quote.

Can friends room together?

Yes. Rustic Pathways provides a room list prior to travel. Schools can assign rooming allocations or allow students to choose their roommates.

Will students have unsupervised time?

Structured independence with staff nearby. No unsupervised time in public areas.

Can Rustic Pathways accommodate food allergies? 

Yes. Dietary needs are collected during enrollment and shared with all meal providers.

How much spending money should students have?

$150–200 recommended. Tipping is included, no extra cash needed.

What if a student gets homesick?

Homesickness can be common during the first few days; Rustic Pathways is well-prepared. See how staff support students through homesickness

Does Rustic Pathways support neurodiverse students?

Rustic Pathways welcomes all students. Read how Rustic Pathways supports neurodiverse students.

What Should Teachers Know?

Which students thrive on this program?
Students who are curious, adaptable, and open to new experiences. No prior travel experience is required.
What will students do each day?
Each day includes a mix of structured activities, cultural experiences, and group time. See the itinerary above for a day-by-day overview.
Greece offers a unique combination of cultural richness, safety, and meaningful engagement opportunities for student groups. Rustic Pathways has operated programs here for years and maintains strong local partnerships.
How Do Flights Work?
School groups can arrange their own flights, or Rustic Pathways can arrange them as an optional add-on. In either case, teachers fly with students, and Rustic Pathways program leaders meet the group at the arrival airport and manage all in-country logistics from there.
What Meals Are Included?
All meals included. Dietary needs accommodated.
Included:
  • All lodging
  • All meals
  • In-country transport
  • All activities and excursions
  • 24/7 staff support
Not Included:
  • International airfare
  • Travel insurance
  • Personal spending money

What Other Program Types Are Available?