Hidden Greece Experience - Trip Details

Welcome to Greece!

Greece is known for its ancient history, stunning islands with crystal-clear waters, and delicious Mediterranean cuisine. 

Join us for an active and culturally immersive travel adventure from Athens to the beautiful Greek islands of Syros and Tinos. Along the way, you will experience rich culture, breathtaking landscapes, and a lively, yet relaxed, atmosphere. 

Experience the capital city of Athens on a guided Acropolis walking tour. Then, you’ll explore the island of Syros for a one-of-a-kind experience that combines cruising to hidden beaches and hiking through quiet parts of the island that few people ever visit.

On Tinos Island, you’ll experience local culture through a hands-on marble workshop in a traditional village and find out more about the island’s artistic and historical roots.

Duration: 7 days & 6 nights

Start: Trip starts at Athens International Airport (ATH) at 2:00 p.m. Please be through customs and ready to go by this time.

Finish: Trip ends on Tinos Island, Greece.

You can plan to depart any time on Day 7. Travelers are responsible for their own transportation back to the airport, or can choose to extend their stay.

Flight details will be sent after registration, so please wait to book your airfare until you receive further instructions.

• 7 days & 6 nights in shared hotel accommodations
• 6 breakfasts, 2 lunches, & 4 dinners
• Guided Acropolis tour in Athens
• Private boat trip on Syros Island
• Hike to the Grammata rock inscriptions on Syros Island
• Marble craftsmanship workshop
• Community feast inside a restored dovecote
• Visit the Folklore Museum in Volax on Tinos Island
• Walking tour of Volax village
• Traditional “Maranda” meal
• Economy class ferry from Athens to Syros
• Economy class ferry from Syros to Tinos
• Private airport pick-up upon arrival
• Under30Experiences Trip Leader
• Personal recommendations for optional activities
• The chance to meet some kick-ass people
• Access to the Under30Experiences community
• All taxes always included, no hidden fees, NO blackout dates

Travelers are responsible for international airfare to and from Greece.
Transportation and optional activities are not included.

• Guided Acropolis tour in Athens
• Discover hidden corners of Syros Island
• Hands-on marble workshop
• Dining on an authentic community feast
• Discover small villages on Tinos Island
• Relax on Cycladic islands’ beaches

Are you looking to experience the quieter side of Greece? Are you curious about the history, folklore, and culture of smaller villages on these islands?  Then this trip is for you.

Yes, this trip takes you off the typical tourist trail through Greece’s Cycladic islands, but these areas are still home to beautiful beaches where you’ll have time to relax in the sun. Here, you can find out more about the culture of these communities and not just sipping cocktails in the sun.

Though this trip is not strenuously active, there are chances to swim, join walking tours, and enjoy a moderate hike. So do expect to be active.

Along the way, you’ll enjoy authentic Greek meals, with one lunch cooked in a traditional wood-burning oven and another as part of a community feast. These meals will give you a true taste of local food culture and let you taste dishes that you can’t find elsewhere in Greece.

The aim of the trip is to step away from the everyday tourist path and give travelers something special.

-Age requirement: 21+

-Group size: 16 max, average 8-12

-Physical rating: Moderate. This trip is active and includes moderate to challenging physical activities. There is a hike on the island of Syros. Since there are some hills along the paths, you can expect to sweat on this hike. However, there is time allotted for relaxation on the beaches throughout the trip. You will be active 3-4 hours most days, so an active lifestyle is helpful for enjoying the trip.

Travel connects us. Community keeps us connected.

Before your trip, you can join a custom WhatsApp group and connect with other members of your group. Many travelers meet at the airport or for pre-trip drinks if they are from the same city. Others arrange to stay in a country after their trip.

During your adventure, our Trip Leaders do their best to create an open, supportive environment where everyone feels safe to truly be themselves.

After your trip, you'll be an official U30X Alumni and part of our larger online Travel Community, where you'll have access to our network of thousands of past travelers. We often organize meetups that range from simple happy hours to hikes to outdoor movie nights.

More than 70% of our travelers come solo, but they all leave with friends.

Unpredictability is a part of travel. We want you to have the most rewarding experience.

While we intend to adhere to the itinerary, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into it, and occasionally it may be necessary, or even desirable, to make some changes.

Additionally, any travel times listed are simply estimates only and may change due to local circumstances.

You will be traveling by private ground transportation and economy class ferries throughout your trip.

• Private ground transportation from Athens International Airport (included)
• Private ground transportation to and from your hotel and activities in Athens, Syros, and Tinos (included)
• Economy class ferries from Athens to Syros to Tinos (included)

Optional activities do not include transportation.

You will be lodged in shared hotel rooms during your trip.

Laundry is available at the hotel for an additional fee. Ask your Trip Leader for details.

Accommodation types may vary, but will be of the same quality.

Solo travelers are paired with a roommate of the same gender.

Private rooms are available upon request and subject to hotel availability for an extra charge.

Travel insurance with at least 200,000 USD in medical coverage is required to travel with us. Your policy must include coverage for repatriation.

Please note that travel insurance and travel medical insurance are not the same.

Travel insurance covers trip-related issues such as trip interruption, lost luggage, theft, etc. Travel medical insurance covers emergencies like repatriation, medicine, ambulance rides, and hospital visits/stays. 

We strongly suggest that the policy also covers personal liability, trip cancellation, curtailment, and loss of luggage and personal effects. Please ensure that all of the activities you plan on participating in are covered by your travel insurance.

Here are a few travel insurance options that meet our minimum medical coverage requirements: Wanderwell, SafetyWing, and World Nomads. Some plans do not cover certain high-risk activities, so please read your plan’s coverage carefully and choose one that fits your planned trip.

Wanderwell donates at least 1% of your insurance purchase to Explore Austin, a sustainable youth outdoor education program, via 1% for the Planet, an initiative supported by Under30Experiences.

We receive a small commission if you purchase products through links on this page at no extra cost to you.

We receive a commission when you get a quote from World Nomads using our affiliate links. We do not represent World Nomads. This is not a recommendation to buy their travel insurance.

Optional Emergency Evacuation Services

If you’d like extra peace of mind, you can buy a Global Rescue membership. This service provides access to field rescue, medical evacuation, and support in cases of natural disasters, civil unrest, or government evacuation orders.

Flexible

If you give us at least 60 days' notice, you can switch your trip for free, or we'll hold your Experience Credits for future use.

If you have an emergency cancellation less than 60 days before your trip, please refer to your travel insurance company, as they may reimburse some expenses. 

We are not able to transfer trips or hold experience credits within 60 days of departure because we have already secured reservations on your behalf.

All Under30Experiences trips are accompanied by experienced Trip Leaders.

The goal of the Trip Leader is to create an awesome experience and help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are traveling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues, and introduce you to our local friends.

You can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the country you visit, including historical, cultural, religious, and social aspects.

‍Tipping Trip Leaders: Gratuities for Trip Leaders aren’t required, but they can make a big difference to locals employed in the tourism. If you are happy with the services provided, a tip is an appropriate way to thank them. While it may not be customary to you, it means a lot to the people who will take care of your travel. It also inspires excellent service and is an established part of the tourism industry across many destinations. We suggest around 5-10 USD per person per day for Trip Leaders.

Please be eco-friendly.

• Bring a reusable water bottle to refill from the tap.
• Use as little plastic as possible by refusing straws and plastic bags at restaurants and when shopping.
• Please avoid aerosol bug sprays as they can harm the environment.
• Bring "reef safe" sunscreen that does not contain oxybenzone and octinoxate because these chemicals kill coral.

We recommend using a travel backpack for your convenience, or a medium-sized suitcase if you prefer. A daypack is also essential for carrying everyday items. Since the space is limited on transportation, each person can take only one main piece of luggage. You will be responsible for carrying your own luggage.

Below are some of our staff’s favorite travel items. All products are 3 ounces or less to comply with TSA carry-on size and are organically inspired when possible.

Remember to pack a water bottle, sunscreen, sandals, a beach towel, a waterproof rain jacket, sunglasses, and a hat.

Some links on this page are affiliate links, meaning that at no additional cost to you, Under30Experiences will earn a small commission if you make a purchase.

Guidelines for U.S. Passport Holders

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after the last date of your trip. Please consult the U.S. Department of State for any further questions.

Make sure there is no damage to your passport. You may need to replace your passport if it has water damage, a significant tear, unofficial markings on the data page, missing or torn out visa pages, a hole punch, or other physical damage.

The tap water in Athens is safe to drink; however, on the Greek islands, it is not. Please bring a reusable water bottle to be environmentally friendly and keep Greece beautiful.

Please consult your doctor before traveling regarding physical activity and vaccinations.

No inoculations are required to enter Greece from the United States, but the Center for Disease Control suggests routine vaccines for all travelers.

More specific health information for travelers to Greece can be found at the Center for Disease Control and Prevention website.

We suggest bringing 300 USD in cash for use at establishments that do not accept credit cards.

This is not a total cash amount that you should expect to spend on your trip. Please consider your own spending habits for additional expenses such as snacks, souvenirs, and optional activities.

The official currency of Greece is the Euro (EUR).

Remember to inform your bank and credit card company that you will be traveling overseas.

For an up-to-date exchange rate, download the XE Currency Exchange App.‍‍

Please be advised that U.S. dollar notes that are slightly torn, heavily marked, or faded may be difficult to exchange. It is best to bring notes in fairly good condition, preferably under 100 USD denominations.

Always carry a copy of your travel insurance, health insurance, vaccination card, and passport with you. A photo of these items on your phone is also a good backup.

Keep your passport and any valuables locked in the hotel safe.

Don’t leave valuables unattended.

Leave flashy jewelry at home.

U.S. citizens should consider registering with the U.S. State Department's “Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP),” which can contact your family in case of emergency.

Always carry the address of your hotel in case you get separated from your Trip Leader.

The average temperature in Greece from May to September ranges from pleasant 70 degrees Fahrenheit (21 degrees Celcius) to hot 90 degrees Fahrenheit (32 degrees Celcius).

The warmest months in Greece are July and August, while May, June, and September are slightly cooler and less crowded. 

Athens and the Cycladic Islands enjoy a Mediterranean climate, with comfortable average temperatures throughout the year.

By Greek standards, winters are mild and summers are cooled thanks to the seasonal winds known as the “meltemia”.

In general, Greeks are very proud of their culture and speak of their historic country with passion.

The modern Greek language, developed over 3000 years ago, appears in early writing on astronomy, mathematics, logic, and philosophy.

Greece's rich history is world-renowned and spans back to the Bronze Age (11,000-3,000 BC).

Tradition, cuisine, diversity, religion, and language are pillars of Greek culture and essential in understanding Greek life.

Key Phrases

• Hello -- Γειά σου (Ya sue)
• Goodbye -- Γειά σου (Ya sue)
• Good morning -- Καλημέρα (Kaleemera)
• Good evening -- Καλησπέρα (Kaleespera)
• Goodnight -- Καληνύχτα (Kaleeneehta)
• Thank you -- Ευχαριστώ (Efhareesto)
• Please -- Παρακαλώ (Parakalo)
• Cheers -- Γειά μας (Ya mas)

Tipping Customs

While tipping isn’t required, it is always appreciated, especially when you have received great service.  You can tip in the local currency (euro), so the recipient does not have to pay additional fees when exchanging. Here are some common guidelines:

• Dining at a sit-down restaurant: Add 5%-10% to your bill. Some restaurants round up the bill to include gratuity, so check your bill before tipping.
• Taxi drivers: it is common to round up to the nearest euro.
• Cleaning staff at hotel: 1-2 euros per day. 
• Tour guide (non U30X activity leaders): Add 2-5 euros (double for full day tours).

Trip Leaders: Gratuities for Trip Leaders aren’t required on your trip, but they can make a big difference to locals working in the tourism. If you are happy with their service, a tip is an appropriate way to thank them. While tipping may not be customary to you, it means a lot to the people who will take care of your travel, inspires excellent service, and is a part of the tourism industry as standard practice in many destinations. We suggest around 5-10 USD per person per day for Trip Leaders.

The activities below are paid in euros, with prices in approximate U.S. Dollar equivalents.

Athens

• Acropolis Museum: 20 EUR

Consistently rated as one of the best museums in the world, this indoor gallery is dedicated to the archaeological findings from the Athenian Acropolis site. 

Syros

• Catholic Cathedral of Saint George: Free
  One of Syros Island’s most important landmarks, this cathedral sits in the medieval hilltop town of Ano Syros. The church is richly decorated with paintings, statues, and intricate woodwork, with a stunning altar and a large pipe organ.

• Visit the Orthodox Church of the Resurrection (Anastasi): Free
  A striking blue-domed church perched on a hill above Ermoupoli, Syros. It is one of the island’s most recognizable landmarks built in the late 19th century.

•  Apollo Theater: 3-5 EUR
  One of the Syros’s most famous cultural landmarks, often called a “mini La Scala” because it was modeled after Milan’s world-famous opera house.

Tinos

• Church of Panagia Evangelistria (Our Lady of Tinos): Free
  The most famous site on Tinos and one of the most important pilgrimage destinations in Greece. 

• Tinos Archaeological Museum: 5 EUR
  Established in the early 1960s, the museum showcases a rich collection of artifacts spanning from the Mycenaean era to Roman times. Its exhibits primarily originate from Tinos and the neighboring islands of Mykonos and Andros.

• Ceramic and pottery workshops: from 50 EUR
  A hands-on opportunity to engage with Tinos's long ceramic tradition, whether you're a beginner or an experienced artisan.

While your Trip Leader will assist you with optional activities available, please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of the Under30Experiences itinerary. We offer no guarantees on the safety or standard of these activities.

Under30Experiences has a zero-tolerance policy for bullying, harassment, and hate speech. Any such behavior is grounds for immediate removal from the trip.

Respect the people around you and the environment in which you’re traveling. This includes, but is not limited to, your fellow travelers, Trip Leaders, local community, nature, wildlife, and yourself.

Do your best to stay safe and help your fellow travelers do the same.

Always obey local laws and customs while on our trips. This includes, but is not limited to, wearing appropriate clothing while visiting certain communities, refraining from taking photos of people without asking, avoiding the use of illegal drugs, having weapons, and soliciting prostitution. If you’re unsure about something, take time to educate yourself or ask.

Traveling exposes you to new cultures. When faced with a different way of living than you’re used to, do your best to understand that neither way is better or worse than yours. They’re simply just different.

Know your limits. This applies to physical ability, emotional space, social situations, and alcohol consumption. If you can’t participate in something, be upfront about it. If you need a break from people, take it. Stop drinking before you get too drunk.

Trip leaders are there to look out for travelers’ best interest. If they say something or ask you not to do something, it’s not because they’re tyrants, but because they want you to have a good time.

If you hide or fail to disclose any physical or mental condition that might affect your ability to participate in any of the activities, this may be grounds for removal from your trip without efund.

Hotel Recommendations in Athens:

• Phillipos Hotel‍
• Athens Gate Hotel
• Acropolis Hill Hotel‍
• Hera Hotel

Hotel Recommendations on Tinos Island:

• Nama Boutique Hotel
• Byzantio City Hotel

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