Greece Spring Break 03.18.2011

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Day 8 (Santorini / Italy)

After an exciting night out in the charming town of Fira, the group woke up for volcano tours, hot springs, and beautiful weather on Greece’s Independence, the one in which they freed themselves from the Turks, not to be confused with all of the other historic days in which the world’s foremost warriors freed themselves from the shackles of another empire. Over half the group made their way out to the Caldera, the active volcano off the coast of Santorini, to hike to the top for some stunning views, flora and fauna. Tommy Lee Jones and Pierce Brosnan would be jealous.

For the 75 students who were on our Greece Getaway trip, their incredible spring break ended with them returning to their surrogate homes of Florence and Rome. Thanks for coming out everyone, hope it is the most memory filled spring break you ever have.

Day 7 (Santorini)

The blue and white island of Santorini was ready for exploration. Some rented ATVs, but most of us hopped onto tour buses and visited all of Santorini’s iconic spots; the Red Sand Beach, Black Sand Beach, Santo Wineries, and the highlight of the day, sunset at Oia, the location of one of the world’s best sunsets. Most of the girls recognized it from the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants. For those who rented ATVs, the top of the island awaited, where they were met with stunning views.

Day 6 (Aegina / Santorini)

Today we split, with half the group heading to Santorini, and the other half remaining in Athens, and enjoying a day trip to Aegina. Once in Aegina, Greece Getaway headed up the bicycle, scooter, and ATV trail to explore this beautiful island, located only 45 minutes from the hustle of Athens.

For those of us off to Santorini, we arrived in mid-afternoon to Greece’s iconic island. Decked out with white and blue houses, Santorini was a a wonderful island to step foot on. Our invasion of Santorini began with a sunset view in the town of Thira.

And then the adventurous Greece Getaway people, who braved the mean seas off the coast of Athens to get a glimpse of the Athenians weekend getaway joint, Aegina. Known for pistachios, many people took to the streets on scooters, ATVs, and bicycles to explore this haven from the city life of Athens.

Day 5 (Athens)

We arrived in the capital of Western Civilization, ready to invade Athens, and take in all of its ancient wonder. We embarked on a walking tour of the capital’s historic sites; Parliament, Royal Gardens, 1896 Olympic Stadium, Temple of Zeus, and the Acropolis. As we walked around, everyone got a scope of the rise and fall of one of history’s most renowned civilizations. Luckily, Athens has undergone a massive reconstruction, currently rebuilding the entire Acropolis to what is once was. At night, everyone headed out to a fantastic group dinner of Greek appetizers, souvlaki, veal, and moussakas. This was followed up with a night out at some traditional Greek Houka bars and dance clubs.

Day 3 and 4 (Corfu)

The toga party smacked us right in the face. Or, traditional Greek good luck has been smashed over our head. After a sunny day on the beach, everyone strapped on their Pink togas, and transported to 5th Century B.C. Greece, indulging in the Pink Toga Party of the Pink Palace. The night kicked off with dinner, drinks, and dancing, and was highlighted with the Ouzo Circle, a wild celebration of Greek culture. Two Greeks cut rug on the dance floor, busting out their best Greek dancing moves, followed by plate smashing, a circle of fire, and customary ouzo shots. The weekend in Corfu was completely with a stunning day, filled with tanning, beach games, and fun!

Days 1 & 2 (Italy to Corfu)

We boarded the bus, the morning after St. Patrick’s Day, ready to take a Grecian style Spring Break by storm. With 170 students headed for the Cradle of Western Civilization, Greece was preparing their defenses for a siege on par with that of the Ottomans 2,000 years ago. After the formalities, we headed to Ancona, Italy, where we boarded our ANEK Cruise ship, for a 14 hour adventure on Poseidon’s casa, headed for the Eastern reaches of the Adriatic Sea. As is custom with the cruise to Greece, friends and strangers mingled, and new relationships were forged, all the while subconsciously honing their social skills for the days ahead.

8:30am (Greece time, which is a whole hour different from Italy time), touched us down on the mainland of Greece. From here, we walked the 15 minute transfer along a newly paved road to the domestic ferry terminal, where would hop a short trip over to Corfu. Once in Corfu, we boarded the techno-frenzied Pink Palace busses and made our way across the scenic island of Corfu. We passed small, iconic Greek villages, with their unfinished first floors for tax evasion purposes. Don’t go changing, Greece! As we turned the corner onto Aghios Gordios beach, home of the world-famous Pink Palace resort, cheers rang out from the group, as they stared down over a thousand feet into a pre-historic looking backdrop of beauty. This is Greece Spring Break.