Our last few days in Greece were filled with stress,  joy and sadness… first final exams… STRESS!!! then an incredible evening out participating in some fabulous greek food and entertainment which everyone joined in on. Then sadly we headed home… happy to see our families but so sad to see our new close friends go their separate ways. We hope to see everyone again next summer travelling to another GSA destination. All the best to you all… OPA!!!

Taking the commuter ferry, though slower, gave us some much-needed time to relax on the way to Syros. After many stops, we arrived at an island reminiscent of a vacation paradise. Our hotel is nestled in a bay, creating calm waters on the massive beach, ideal for swimming and water sports. The beach, frequented by locals, is a vibrant spot for beach volleyball, patio lunches, and sunbathing. Of all the islands we visited, Syros was the windiest, with sand blowing everywhere. Your sons and daughters enjoyed swimming in the cool waters and lounging in the sun while we held our classes mostly outdoors. The tour of the main city in Syros revealed its refined charm with beautiful marbled streets and winding roads.

Our excursion to Mykonos made Syros’ wind seem like a calm breeze as we navigated the labyrinth of ancient streets. It was delightful to meet another large group of Canadians, the GSA grade 11 and 12 group, who joined us on our tour. One of the most entertaining moments was watching students squeeze through the narrowest street in Mykonos.

The sailing excursion was a highlight for many. We sailed on large sailboats to secluded bays where the students could swim and enjoy the cool Greek seas under the bright, warm sun. It was an ideal way to conclude our program in Greece.

Now, we return to Athens to complete their courses with final exams, culminating assignments, and the final banquet. Then, it’s back home to what we’ve heard is torrential rain—a stark contrast to the never-ending sun of the Greek islands.

After boarding a high-speed ferry from Crete to Santorini, we disembarked to the breathtaking sight of towering mountains with a winding switchback road leading to the top. Thanks to our experienced bus driver, we safely navigated the road, despite some white-knuckled moments.

Upon reaching the top, we met our tour guide, Nicky, who was absolutely spectacular. She led us around Oia, the main city in Santorini, where we explored vibrant markets, tasted fantastic cuisine, and delved into the beautiful history of this renowned Greek island.

Our accommodations at the Marybill Hotel in Perissa, Thira, were wonderful. The hotel was just a short walk from the stunning black sand beaches, which we eagerly took advantage of. It also offered incredible views and a spectacular pool, where we enjoyed both leisure time and some of our classes.

One evening, we returned to Oia to witness the famous Santorini sunset. Despite the large number of tourists, we marveled at this breathtaking sight.

The next day, a smaller group of us embarked on an amazing adventure to the hot springs and volcano on the nearby island of Nea Kameni. The students eagerly jumped into the warm hot spring waters and later climbed the equivalent of 50 stories to reach the top of the volcano. Completing this trek in the intense heat was a significant accomplishment, and our students handled it brilliantly. After the volcano tour, we faced the long wait for the cable car up the mountain. Fortunately, one of our talented students, an accomplished actress, cleverly feigned heat stroke to bring us to the front of the line, for which we all owe her a great debt.

The following day, we took the bus down the steep switchback road to the high-speed ferry dock and boarded the ferry to Syros. Our Santorini adventure was truly unforgettable and will live in our memories forever.

After an overnight adventure on an incredible “cruise ship-style” ferry, we arrived in Crete in the early morning, disembarking just before 7:00 AM. Our first stop was the beautiful Capsis Astoria Hotel, where we dropped off our bags and immediately set out on a walking tour to explore the wonders of Crete.

Our tour began with a short stroll down to the sea, where we learned about the rich history of the island. We also visited a historic church, soaking in the culture and architecture. After our explorations, we returned to the hotel, eager to relax in our rooms and check out the stunning rooftop pool.

Classes on Crete were a unique experience as we used the island’s museums and libraries as our study halls, making lessons feel alive and immersive. Our excursions were equally spectacular. Students got hands-on lessons in Greek cooking with fresh, local ingredients and had the opportunity to surf in some of the best conditions we’ve ever seen.

One group ventured out on public transit to visit the Palace of Knossos, a fascinating site from the Minoan civilization, which is ancient even by Greek standards. It’s said to be the inspiration behind the legends of Atlantis!

During our free time, students explored the local markets, purchasing souvenirs and tasting the incredible local cuisine. Crete offered us an unforgettable adventure, and as we boarded a super high-speed ferry to Santorini, we waved a fond farewell to this spectacular island.

July 1, 2024

Our journey in Greece began in the historic city of Athens, and it has been an unforgettable adventure. Each morning, we savored our breakfasts at a charming rooftop café, enjoying breathtaking views of the Parthenon. The city buzzes with life, and while the weather has been quite warm, our experienced guides have expertly shown us how to stay cool, keep hydrated, and take breaks when necessary.

One of the highlights of our time in Athens was our walk to the Parthenon. Along the way, we marveled at the incredible sights from different eras of Greek history. Standing before the Parthenon was truly awe-inspiring, a moment that will stay with us forever. Our classes have been conducted in and around the hotel, making full use of the city’s rich historical and cultural resources. With GSA, every day is a field trip!

After a few amazing days in Athens, we packed up and headed to the ferry for Crete. To our surprise, the “ferry” was more like a luxurious cruise ship, providing a relaxing journey. We all arrived safely in Crete and are eager to continue our exploration.

Stay tuned for our next update on our Crete adventure!

Welcome to our Grade 9 & 10 Greece Photo Blog! Make sure to check out our photos once our travels have begun!