Greek Island Tour (day trip)

Included in program fee

There are many Greek islands close to Athens which are popular destinations for visitors. Each has its own unique flavor with picturesque ports, cobbled streets and beautiful beaches, but all guarantee a wonderful opportunity to experience Greek life outside the big city. This excursion will take you to one of the nearby islands to enjoy a slower pace of life. Travel there and back by ferry enjoying spectacular ocean vistas and then spend the day exploring, swimming, lounging or wandering at your leisure.

Locations vary. Includes transportation, entrance fees and the services of a local guide.

Optional Cape Sounion (half day - $115) Sessions 1 + 2

The Temple of Poseidon, as old as the Parthenon, stands on a cliff at Cape Sounion, overlooking the sea. Visit the most important sanctuary in Attica, the region of Greece of which Athens is the capital and where Greeks worshipped the god of the sea, Poseidon.

Fee includes transportation, lunch by the ocean, selected entrance fees and sightseeing.

Optional Excursion to Mycenae and Nafplion (day trip - $125) Session 1 only

Leave Athens by the coastal road along the Saronic Gulf to the Corinth Canal, which connects the Aegean Sea with the Ionian Sea. Visit Mycenae, the city “rich in gold” of the ancient poets where you can see the Lion’s Gate, the Cyclopean Walls and the Royal Tombs. You will also visit the picturesque town of Nafplion which nestles at the foot of a cliff crowned by the mighty ramparts of the Palamidi Fortress. At Nafplion town you have plenty of time to wander through the picturesque streets, have lunch and swim at the Nafplion beach. Return to Athens late in the afternoon.

Fee includes transportation, entrance fees and sightseeing as indicated. Lunch is included.

Optional Excursion to Nafplion and Epidaurus (day trip - $125) Session 2 only

The ancient market city of Corinth is home to the Corinth Canal which connects the Aegean to the Ionian Sea. After a brief stop you will continue on to the pretty city port of Nafplion where you can try climbing the 999 steps of the castle for an impressive view of the harbor. Finally visit Epidaurus, boasting the largest and best preserved ancient theater (4th century BC) and where plays are still held, taking advantage of the brilliant acoustics.

Fee includes transportation, entrance fees and sightseeing as indicated. Lunch is included.

London, England (2 nights)

Included only for students on the optional AIFS Flight Package

Get to know your fellow students before traveling to campus and take a sightseeing tour with a professional guide who will point out some of London’s famous landmarks including Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, the Houses of Parliament and the Tower of London. You will also have free time to visit museums, see a play or stroll in London’s beautiful parks.

Includes accommodations, breakfast and sightseeing as indicated. Lunch and dinner are not included.

Students must enroll and pay for optional excursions by April 1. Students who apply after the deadline may enroll subject to availability. If a minimum enrollment of 10 is not achieved, the optional tours may be cancelled. Once paid for in the U.S., optional excursions are non-refundable except in the event of cancellation.

Dates and itineraries for all excursions are tentative and subject to change.