Our journey to Greece is officially underway! We kicked things off bright and early at the airport—and believe it or not, no one overpacked. A small victory worth celebrating!

After a smooth day of travel, we landed in beautiful Athens and met our Tour Director, Athan. He didn’t know it yet, but he was about to meet his favorite group of travelers.

Rather than heading straight to the hotel for a well-deserved nap (which most of the kids probably would have voted for), Athan surprised us with a detour to the beach! Everyone had a few hours to grab lunch, relax in the sun, or take a dip in the Aegean Sea.

We wrapped up our first day in Greece with a delicious traditional pork dinner on a charming outdoor terrace—an ideal ending to a long but exciting day.

We can’t wait to see what tomorrow’s bonus day has in store!

Today is our bonus day!

The day began at a slower pace, with everyone enjoying a well-earned sleep-in and a hearty breakfast before setting out to explore. Our Tour Director, Athan, started us off at the historic Olympic Stadium, followed by a short walking tour through one of Athens’ most iconic neighborhoods: the Plaka district.

During free time, students scattered in all directions, grabbing lunch, hunting for treasures in the bustling flea markets, and even wandering into the open-air fish market (which you could smell from a block away!).

Next up was a visit to the city’s library. While it might sound low-key, Athan knew what he was doing—it offers some of the best panoramic views of Athens. Students relaxed with snacks and drinks as they soaked in the scenery.

We ended the day with another delicious dinner on a traditional terrace. By then, the long day had caught up with a few of the kids, who may or may not have taken a quick power nap at the table. But their rest was short-lived!

After dinner, Athan surprised us with our first bonus adventure: a trip to the port to watch the sunset and, of course, to grab some well-deserved gelato. 

The perfect end to a perfect day.

Today marked the official start of our tour through Greece, and we kicked things off in epic fashion!

Our first stop was the breathtaking Temple of Poseidon, perched on the edge of the Attican Peninsula. With panoramic views of the Aegean Sea, it's easy to see why this site once served as a lookout point to track incoming ships. The combination of ancient history and stunning scenery set the tone for the day.

Next, we headed to lunch, where the portion sizes were larger than some of our students. When we asked our Tour Director, Athan, why he didn’t warn us, he simply replied, “You’re Texans.” 

Fair enough—we do love our meats and generous portions!

To burn off our feast, we made a quick stop at the Corinth Canal, where we stretched our legs and tested our fear of heights. But Athan wasn’t done surprising us yet.

Before checking in at the hotel, he arranged one more unforgettable experience: a boat ride along the coastline, giving us a unique view of Greece from the water. It was the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure.

We wrapped up the day with dinner at the hotel, but for those with energy still to spare, one last bonus adventure awaited. We headed into the nearby town center to catch a free performance by a Greek orchestra and, naturally, enjoyed more gelato.

An unforgettable start to what’s sure to be an unforgettable tour!

Today was extra special, filled with hands-on learning and unforgettable experiences!

We began our day with a guided tour of the Ancient Theater of Epidaurus, where we discovered the incredible acoustics that allowed performers to project their voices clearly to the entire audience, without microphones or speakers. The secret? The unique curvature of the seating area, an architectural marvel still impressing visitors thousands of years later.

Next, we got creative during a traditional Mycenaean pottery workshop, where everyone had the chance to sculpt their own figurine to take home. A truly memorable souvenir (and a great excuse to get our hands a little messy!).

The day continued with a visit to ancient Mycenae, where we explored the ruins and learned about innovative architectural techniques, like the use of triangle-shaped structures to support heavy stones—early engineering at its finest.

To top it all off, we indulged in a delicious olive oil and local honey tasting. Let's just say the flavors were so good, quite a few souvenirs were bought… though there’s no guarantee they’ll make it home uneaten!

Another day full of history, creativity, and flavor—Greece just keeps getting better.

We kicked off today with a visit to the Museum of Ancient Olympia, where students explored some of the surviving treasures from ancient Greece. It was the perfect introduction before heading into the archaeological ruins themselves to walk in the footsteps of history.

The highlight of the visit? Seeing the original Olympic stadium, and of course, testing it out with a friendly race to the finish line! There's nothing like running on the same ground where ancient athletes once competed.

Afterward, it was time for lunch… or what most of the kids decided was time for more gelato, a theme of this trip, it seems!

We arrived at our next hotel a bit ahead of schedule, giving everyone a chance to rest and recharge before dinner and another surprise bonus adventure.

This evening, Athan took us to a local beach, where we swam in the sea while the sun dipped below the horizon. 

It was a peaceful, magical end to a full day of history, adventure, and a whole lot of gelato.

Our day began with a visit to the stunning archaeological site of Delphi, once one of the most important religious centers of the ancient Greek world. Here, we learned about the legendary Oracle of Delphi, where the Pythia, Apollo’s high priestess, delivered famous prophecies. Students explored the breathtaking ruins, including the Temple of Apollo, the ancient theater and stadium, and the Sanctuary of Athena Pronaia, each spot steeped in myth and history.

After soaking in the ancient world, we boarded the bus and made our way back toward Athens for a long-awaited highlight of the trip: Greek Night!

We arrived at a beautiful hillside restaurant just in time for golden hour, snapping postcard-worthy photos as the sun dipped behind the city. As twilight settled in, the evening came alive. A generous buffet offered a spread of mouthwatering local dishes and decadent desserts, giving everyone a taste of authentic Greek cuisine. Meanwhile, lively dancers in traditional costume took the stage, setting the festive mood.

Then the real fun began.

Students were invited onto the dance floor to learn a classic Greek dance, laughter echoed everywhere as they got the hang of the steps. And of course, no Greek celebration would be complete without the traditional plate-breaking! With a spirited shout of OPA!, everyone joined in.

One of the most unforgettable moments? Gilbert was crowned a demigod, for his heroic (and enthusiastic) plate-sweeping skills, while others were whisked away backstage to dress up and join the performance themselves!

I don’t say this often, but this night truly was magical. A perfect night in Greece.

Our final day in Athens was one to remember, and we made the most of every moment. We kicked things off early with a visit to one of Greece’s most iconic landmarks, the Acropolis. Perched high on a rocky hill above the city, this ancient citadel is home to the magnificent Parthenon, a tribute to the goddess Athena. As we explored the ruins, we dove deeper into the incredible history of the site, learning how it served both as a sacred place of worship and as the symbolic birthplace of democracy.

After our morning at the Acropolis, students had free time to soak in the last bits of Athens at their own pace. Many wandered through the lively streets, hunting for final souvenirs, everything from olive wood carvings to handmade jewelry, to bring home to friends and family.

But the day wasn’t over yet.

After dinner, we surprised our students with one final Athenian adventure: watching the sun set over Athens with the glowing Acropolis as our backdrop. The view was nothing short of magical.

And to make the night even more special, the chaperones revealed a final gift, gold laurel wreath headbands for everyone. As the students slipped them on, they truly looked like the gods and goddesses of ancient myth, a fitting way to end our epic time in Athens.

Today we traded city streets for sea breezes as we set sail from Athens for a full-day cruise around the breathtaking Saronic Islands. With the sun shining and the Aegean sparkling around us, the excitement was high as we began our island-hopping adventure.

Our first stop was the enchanting island of Hydra, a true gem of the Saronic Gulf. What makes Hydra especially unique is its commitment to a slower, more peaceful pace of life, no cars are allowed on the island. Transportation is done entirely by foot, bicycle, or the occasional donkey, which added a charming, old-world feel to our visit. The harbor, shaped like a crescent moon, is lined with vibrant shops, inviting cafés, and art galleries, all nestled against the backdrop of rugged hills. Students had free time to wander, shop, and take in the atmosphere, or take a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear Mediterranean waters at one of Hydra’s rocky swimming spots. It was the perfect mix of culture and relaxation.

Next, we cruised to the island of Poros, known for its postcard-perfect beauty and welcoming vibe. As we pulled into port, the island’s iconic clock tower stood tall above the terracotta rooftops, offering panoramic views to those who chose to hike up. The charming streets, filled with bougainvillea and local shops, gave students another chance to explore and grab a bite of island life.

Our final destination of the day was Aegina, a lively island famous for one irresistible thing: pistachios. From the moment we arrived, it was clear that Aegina takes pride in its prized nut, vendors offered everything from pistachio ice cream and pastries to roasted nuts and creamy pistachio butter (possibly the most addictive thing we’ve ever tasted!). Students sampled local treats, wandered the buzzing streets near the port, and enjoyed their last island stop before returning to the boat.

As the sun began to set and the sea breeze cooled the deck, we cruised back toward Athens, full of stories, souvenirs, and a few extra scoops of pistachio ice cream.

Another unforgettable day in Greece, this time by sea.

Today marked the start of an exciting new chapter in our journey, our three-day cruise around the Greek Islands and into Turkey! Spirits were high as we boarded our ship early, ready to trade solid ground for sea views aboard the Miray Cruise Line.

After settling into our cabins, we kicked things off with a delicious full buffet lunch at one of the ship’s two onboard restaurants. With something for everyone, from Greek classics to international favorites, it was the perfect way to fuel up for the adventure ahead.

Once lunch wrapped up, it was time to explore everything the ship had to offer. The afternoon was filled with fun: swimming in the pool, joining in on games and onboard activities, and, of course, making the most of the unlimited soda, juice, and coffee package, a clear crowd favorite!

As the golden hour approached, everyone gathered on the top deck for one of the day’s most memorable moments: watching the sunset over the Aegean Sea. The sky turned shades of orange and pink as we danced, laughed, and enjoyed the energy of the sail away party, waving goodbye to Port Piraeus and watching the Athens skyline fade into the distance.

We woke up on our second morning to a dreamlike sight, the cliffs of Santorini rising from the sea, bathed in morning light. Because the island’s port is too small to accommodate large cruise ships, we anchored just offshore and boarded tender boats for a scenic ride to land.

Once ashore, we were whisked up the island’s steep slopes to reach the charming hilltop towns that make Santorini world-famous. The day began in true postcard fashion: whitewashed buildings stacked along cliff edges, vibrant bougainvillea spilling over balconies, and those iconic blue-domed churches perched above the deep blue waters of the caldera.

Students spent the morning and early afternoon wandering the narrow cobblestone streets, stopping often for photos with jaw-dropping views, browsing local shops, and sampling Santorini’s culinary specialties. From sweet baklava to savory gyros and fresh-pressed juices, every bite was another taste of island life.

After an unforgettable morning in Santorini, we returned to the ship, tired, happy, and already full of memories. But the day wasn’t over yet. In fact, one more iconic destination awaited us: the dazzling island of Mykonos.

As we sailed in, Mykonos greeted us with its signature charm, bright white buildings trimmed in bold blues and reds, cobbled alleyways winding through the town, and the famous windmills standing proudly above the harbor. Known for its energetic vibe, picturesque scenery, and golden beaches, Mykonos offered a completely different but equally magical feel from our morning stop.

Students had time to explore the Old Town, wandering through maze-like streets designed centuries ago to confuse pirates (and now, the occasional tourist). We passed chic boutiques, cozy tavernas, and art galleries before reaching the iconic windmills perfect for another round of amazing photos during golden hour.

Some headed toward the beach to dip their toes in the Aegean, others relaxed at a seaside café with a cold drink and a view. The energy of Mykonos was contagious, laid back but lively, classic yet cosmopolitan.

As the sun dipped low and the gold sky turned black once again, we made our way back to the ship, exhausted but grateful for a day packed with two of Greece’s most iconic islands. It’s not every day you can say you had breakfast in Santorini and sunset in Mykonos.

Our final full day of cruising was packed with meaning, memories, and a little bit of magic. We made sure to savor every moment, from the first glimpse of the Turkish coastline, to the last karaoke mic drop.

We began our morning docked at the stunning port of Kusadasi, Turkey, where we boarded buses bound for one of the most awe-inspiring archaeological sites in the world: Ephesus. As we walked through the remarkably well-preserved Greco-Roman ruins, it felt like stepping back in time. Students wandered the ancient marble streets, gazed in wonder at the towering Library of Celsus, and stood in the massive Great Theatre, once capable of seating over 25,000 people.

After exploring the ruins, we made our way to a local workshop where we were introduced to the artistry and tradition behind Turkish rug-making. We watched master weavers at work, learning how each knot and thread is carefully placed by hand. While the exquisite rugs may have been a bit beyond our student budgets, that didn’t stop a few from trying their best to strike a deal!

In the afternoon, we returned to the ship for one last evening at sea, and what a night it was.

We gathered for a final dinner together, sharing laughter over favorite dishes, writing heartfelt thank-you notes, and reflecting on the journey we've shared. As the evening unfolded, we celebrated our last night in true style, with an epic round of karaoke. Students delivered top-tier performances, each one dedicated to our amazing tour director, Athan, who had guided us through this incredible adventure with wisdom, patience, and a great sense of humor.

The night ended with a surprise tribute, gifts, handwritten notes, and a whole lot of love, all for Athan, who truly made this trip unforgettable.

As the departed for Athens and we sang our last songs, it was hard not to feel a little emotional. This experience, this group of students, these places, these moments, has been nothing short of magical.

I can honestly say this has been one of the best trips I’ve ever taken. I feel incredibly lucky to have shared it with such thoughtful, curious, and kind-hearted students. The memories we’ve created together will stay with me forever.

Thank you, Greece and Turkey, for the adventure of a lifetime.