Greece: Athens to the Aegean Islands

Students stay in comfortable, gender-separated rooms. All accommodations include private bathrooms with hot water and Western-style toilets. Rustic Pathways rigorously vets all accommodations to ensure a safe, welcoming environment for students.

Rustic Pathways program leaders stay on site to provide 24/7 supervision.

Accommodations may vary by session and are subject to change.

Meals during the program feature classic Greek dishes that are popular with students. Breakfast is served at the hotel and often includes bread, fruit, yogurt, eggs, and other simple, familiar options.

Lunches and dinners vary depending on the day’s activities and whether students are on a boat or on land. Meals may include Greek salads, skewered meats like souvlaki, locally caught fish, fresh produce, and other Mediterranean dishes.

Bottled or filtered water is readily available during the program. To reduce plastic waste, participants should bring a reusable water bottle to refill throughout the day.

Dietary Requirements / Food Allergies – Rustic Pathways accommodates vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and other common dietary requirements on this program. Be sure to include dietary requirements on your medical form, and consider bringing a few favorite snacks if you have specific preferences.

Most students travel to Greece on a chaperoned group flight from Newark (EWR) to Athens (ATH). A Rustic Pathways Flight Leader meets students at the Newark airport, assists with check-in and security, and travels with the group to Greece. Upon arrival in Athens, Program Leaders meet the group and accompany students to their accommodations.

Visa – American citizens do not require travel visas for Greece. Students from other countries might need visas. Make sure to check your country’s visa requirements for Greece. Families are responsible for obtaining the correct travel visas and documentation.

International students from 53+ countries join programs like Greece: Athens to the Aegean each year.

Students from outside the United States enroll online or with help from Admissions. After enrollment, our team coordinates flights into Athens (ATH) in Greece and answers travel questions.

Many families speak with Admissions before enrolling to confirm travel plans and feel confident about the journey.

We guide international students through:

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Booking flights that match group schedules into Athens (ATH)

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Meeting passport and visa requirements for Greece

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Paying in USD

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Coordinating arrival and departure with Program Leaders

This program includes a moderate level of physical activity. The program includes some mild hiking and urban walking. There are also opportunities to swim in the ocean during the Kea Island portion of the itinerary.

No advanced athletic ability is required, but participants should be comfortable walking on sand, spending several hours outside in the sun, and being active in warm summer weather. Before taking part in any swimming activities, students complete a brief swim test to ensure they are safe and confident in the water.

Students may bring their phones on program, but they are expected to follow Rustic Pathways’ cell phone policy. Phone use is not permitted during group activities, meals, or at any time that distracts from the program experience. Students are encouraged to stay present, connect with new friends, and fully engage in all activities.

Wi-Fi is available at the hotel, although connection speeds can vary and may not be reliable everywhere on the island. Many international phone plans work in Greece, but families should confirm coverage and costs with their provider before departure. Parents will receive updates from Rustic staff during the program and can contact Rustic’s 24/7 emergency line in case of urgent concerns.

Most core costs, such as accommodations, meals, in-country transportation, and scheduled activities, are included in the program fee. Students should budget extra money for personal expenses such as souvenirs, snacks, phone or internet use during free time, and any optional purchases.

Rustic Pathways recommends bringing approximately $150 per week for souvenirs and incidentals. Greece uses the Euro (EUR) as its currency. Students are encouraged to exchange money into euros before departure or upon arrival, and to convert any remaining euros back to their home currency at the airport on the return trip if needed.

Students can expect warm to hot summer weather on Kea Island and in Athens during the program dates. Typical daytime highs in June, July, and August are in the upper-80s °F (around 31°C), with mild evenings and plenty of sunshine. Greece generally experiences little rain during this period, although occasional short showers or storms are possible.

Because many activities take place outdoors on beaches, in the harbor, or on boats, Rustic Pathways recommends packing lightweight, breathable clothing, a hat, sunglasses, and reef-safe sunscreen. A light layer is useful for cooler evenings or air-conditioned indoor spaces.

Laundry service is limited on this program. The hotel may offer laundry service for an additional fee, but it is not guaranteed and may not be available every session.

Students should pack enough clothing for the full program and bring lightweight, quick-dry items that can be hand-washed if needed. Small items such as socks or T-shirts can often be rinsed in the sink and hung to dry in the room.

Students should wear casual, comfortable clothing suitable for warm summer weather and outdoor activities. Lightweight fabrics such as cotton or moisture-wicking synthetics are ideal for long days in the sun. Outfits should be appropriate for beach walks, city exploration, and boat days.

Students will spend a lot of time on the beach and around water, so they should pack swimsuits, a rash guard or sun shirt, water shoes or sturdy sandals that can get wet, and closed-toe shoes for walking or short hikes. Modest clothing is recommended for visiting local towns and villages. A hat, sunglasses, and a light cover-up are essential for sun protection.

Student health and safety are top priorities on all Rustic Pathways programs. Rustic uses trained Program Leaders and local partners, carefully vets accommodations and activities, and follows established risk management procedures. Staff are available 24/7 to support students, supervise activities, and respond to any emergencies that may arise during the trip.

Parents are encouraged to review Rustic Pathways’ comprehensive Health & Safety measures for detailed information about supervision, emergency response, and safety protocols while abroad.

Rustic Pathways offers an optional Travel Protection Plan for students participating in the Greece: Athens to the Aegean program. This plan is designed to help protect families from unexpected events, including trip cancellations or interruptions, medical emergencies, lost or delayed baggage, and certain travel delays.

Coverage details depend on the specific policy selected. Families should review the full policy documentation provided by Rustic’s insurance partner before purchasing. Learn more about the Travel Protection Plan.