July 23rd

Tonight was our banquet to end such an amazing program with the most wonderful students. The night started by taking lots of pictures on the rooftop at the hotel followed by our last dinner that we would have as a group! 

The highlight of the night was the annual paper plate awards, where the staff presented each student with an award that best reflected their unique contributions to the program. This was followed by a heartfelt slideshow showcasing the pictures and videos collected throughout our journey. The night concluded with a dance party and signing each other’s GSA Rome and Greece 2024 t-shirts.

The staff will be forever grateful for an unforgettable month spent with such incredible students. Your curiosity, enthusiasm, passion, and adventurous spirit made this journey truly special. We will miss each and every one of you and wish you all the best in your future endeavours!

July 21st

Students had the incredible opportunity to visit one of the most iconic historical sites in the world: the Acropolis of Athens. Our 6 pm tour allowed us to beat the heat, making the experience even more enjoyable. Our amazing tour guides brought the history of the Acropolis to life, captivating the students with stories of architectural innovations, religious significance, and the historical events that shaped this remarkable site.

As the tour concluded, the students had the chance to explore the Acropolis on their own, taking in the breathtaking views and absorbing the atmosphere of this ancient marvel. We captured some final pictures at the top before heading back down to catch the metro, which took us back to the hotel for dinner.

July 20th 

The day started with us packing up our stuff in Kalamata and hopping on the bus to head to Athens. After arriving at the hotel, we quickly checked in and headed into town for a walking tour of Athens courtesy of our program manager Bertan! He showed us how to use the metro system, good shopping spots, and the Parliament building. Students enjoyed a delicious gelato before catching the metro back to the hotel for dinner.

July 13th-20th

After a bus ride from Athens and Poros, Groups A and B finally reunited in Kalamata! Students would all agree this week flew by. Students typically had class in the morning and independent work in the afternoon. They spent their free time sitting by the pool, going to the beach, playing on the inflatable waterpark on the ocean, shopping in town, eating at local restaurants, and playing some beach volleyball. Students would agree this was one of their favourite legs off the trip and we can’t blame them. Kalamata is beautiful! 

July 19th

Our adventurous students embarked on an optional excursion to Diros Caves today! Students arrived at the caves bright and early and immediately started with a walking tour inside. Students were captivated by the stunning formations and rich history of the caves, and the stalactites and stalagmites that can be seen in all directions. When the tour was finished, students could swim in the beautiful sandy beach right next to the caves. The day ended with a delicious lunch before heading back to the hotel! 

This excursion really “rocked”!

July 18th 

Keep calm and paddle on. 

With life vests secured and paddles in hand, students embarked on our sea kayaking optional excursion! Everyone was eager to explore Kalamata from a new perspective. So many adventures were had today – from exploring the coastline, engaging in playful kayak races (with only our hands and backwards), and stopping for a swim on a secluded beach. Students got to experience tranquillity at its finest. 

July 15th

Students traveled back in time during today’s optional excursion to Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympic Games!

We began with a captivating 2-hour walking tour of the archaeological site, exploring the ruins of temples dedicated to Zeus and Hera, standing in the original stadium where ancient athletes once competed for glory, and visiting the Archaeological Museum of Olympia. After the tour, we enjoyed a delicious lunch at a local restaurant before returning to Kalamata.

The students were fascinated by how these ancient traditions have influenced our modern world!

Group A was the first to embark on their voyage to the Saronic Islands. Departing from Athens, they sailed to the picturesque island of Aegina, where they docked and spent their first night aboard the boats. The following morning, they set off towards the charming village of Epidavros, making numerous swim stops (and reapplying sunscreen) along the way. After an overnight stay in Epidavros, they continued their journey to the island of Poros, where they docked and had the opportunity to explore the island that would be their home for the next three days.

Next, Group B began their adventure. Starting from Poros, they sailed to the village of Epidavros. After spending the night in port, they proceeded to the quaint village of Korfos, where they enjoyed shopping at local stores and dining at nearby restaurants. The next morning, they set sail for Aegina Island, enjoying some of their final swim stops of the sailing portion of the program. At 11:30 PM, they departed for Athens, arriving around 3 AM. By 10 AM, they were on a bus to Kalamata to reunite with Group A.

July 10th

Island mode: activated.

Group B was the first to visit Poros, and they instantly fell in love with the island’s beauty during the ferry ride. The picturesque landscapes left them in awe. Group A had a similar experience, marveling at the stunning views as they sailed into the port on their last day.

For three days, students relaxed and soaked up the sun on this idyllic island. Mornings were spent in class, followed by afternoons of exploring, dining at local restaurants, studying by the pool and beach, and enjoying breathtaking sunrises. The students truly found their paradise here!

July 7th

We left our hotel in Rome at 5:30am to head to the airport where our group split into two groups: Group A and Group B.

Group A arrived in Athens and immediately hopped on a bus to bring them to the marina to meet with the boats they will sail on for the next three days. Group B arrived in Athens and took a three-hour scenic bus ride to the island of Poros. Both groups will switch on Wednesday.

Students (and teachers) are loving the Greek life so far!

Αντίο (Goodbye)!