Compare The Greek Islands by EF College Break (EF Ultimate Break) vs The Grand Ribing Expedition by Ribingreece Expeditions
Compare details and see what other travelers are saying.
Trip |
3 | Average
|
0 | Poor
|
Duration | 11 days | 12 days |
Price From | $ 2,254 | $ 3,900 |
Price Per Day | $ 205 | $ 325 |
Highlights |
|
|
Trip Style | Group tour | Small ship cruise |
Lodging Level | Standard | Premium |
Physical Level |
|
|
Travel Themes |
|
|
Countries Visited | ||
Cities and Attractions |
|
|
Flights & Transport | Airfare included | Ground transport included |
Activities |
|
|
Meals Included |
9 Breakfasts and 9 Dinners |
11 breakfasts and 1 Lunch |
Description |
Pack the sunscreen; the islands of Mykonos, Santorini and Paros average 300 days of pure sunshine each year. We’ll do the planning; you can enjoy a world of sandy beaches, blue skies, buzzing nightlife and the birthplace of civilization as we know it. |
The Grand Ribing Expedition is a one of a kind trip by RIB boats including nine different islands of the magnificent Aegean sea, plus three days accommodation in Athens. Experience the variation between adrenaline on our RIB boats, and relaxing at the hotel at the end of each day. During our expedition, we will travel a total of 350nm, explore the picturesque coastline of the islands, swim at the crystal clear waters of the Aegean sea, meet the local people. Conquer the waves, swim at the most beautiful beaches and bays, visit extraordinary sites, taste unique Mediterranean dishes, and for those of you who are up to it, get a taste of the famous Cyclades nightlife.This expedition has it all. |
Day 1: Overnight Flight to Athens
Meals: Dinner
Board your overnight flight to Athens, the cradle of Western Civilization and home to some of the greatest monuments of the ancient world. Your ultimate adventure is about to begin...
Day 2: Arrival in Athens
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Welcome to Athens! 2,500 years ago, it was one of the most important cities in the world; its art, politics, architecture, and literature have reverberated down through the ages. Today, Athens is a vibrant metropolis, and a perfect jumping-off point for your journey through the Greek Islands.
Today's Highlights:
Meet an EF representative at the airport
Transfer to your accommodation and check in
Receive the latest schedule from your Tour Director
Meet the other travelers as they arrive
Get acquainted with Athens on a brief city walk
Welcome Mixer
At the Welcome Mixer, you’ll meet your new friends over drinks and light appetizers. Afterwards, you’re free to take the party elsewhere!
Day 3: Explore Athens
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
An expert guide will take you up the Acropolis and to many of Athens’ top sites on this memorable walking tour.
Today's Highlights:
Feel the glory of ancient Athens on a guided tour of the Acropolis, including the Parthenon
Enjoy stunning views of Athens from the top of the Acropolis
See the famed Kore statues in the Acropolis museum
The rest of the day is yours to explore! Your Tour Director will have suggestions, but here are some College Break favorites:
Fill Up: Sample ouzo, the local aperitif, at an authentic Greek taverna.
Get Your History Fix: The National Archaeological Museum is revered for its extensive collection of classical antiquities.
Day 4: Travel To Santorini
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Escape the hustle and bustle of Athens and immerse in island life, Mediterranean style. After a short, 30-minute flight to Santorini, you’ll enjoy endless sunshine, whitewashed buildings and volcanic beaches.
Today's Highlights:
Board your 30-minute flight to Santorini
Arrive and check in to your accommodation
Join your Tour Director for a group activity or explore the island on your own
Free Time Suggestions
Fira Way: Check out the cliffside bars, which overlook the Caldera and are a great vantage point for sunset.
Beach Time: Visit one of Santorini’s top beaches for an evening swim—there are dozens to choose from.
Day 5: Explore Santorini
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Continue to explore Santorini’s volcanic landscape. You have one more day in this island paradise; head out for an optional wine tasting at sunset, or do your own thing.
Today's Highlights:
Join your Tour Director for a hand-picked a group activity or plot your own adventure; you’re free to customize your day however you’d like!
Excursion:
Cliffside Wine Tasting & Village Tour (extra cost)
Leave mid-afternoon for Profitis Elias, the highest point of Santorini, for views of the beautiful beachscape and caldera. Then, go off the beaten path and explore the small, winding streets and terraces of traditional Greek villages before a wine tasting at Santorini’s vineyard—the rich soil makes the island a great place to grow wine. Finally, head to Oia, one of the best places to take in the sunset.
Free Time Suggestions
The Found City of Atlantis: The Akrotiri Ruins are a Minoan Bronze Age settlement buried in volcanic dust, this site predates Pompeii and is considered by many to be the famed lost city of Atlantis.
The Thira of Everything: This Greek and Roman archaeological site is perched high atop the cliffs on the southeast part of the island.
Museum On: The Archaeological Museum of Thera and the Museum of Prehistoric Thera are great options.
Day 6: Set Sail For Paros
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Set sail for Paros in the heart of the Cyclades Islands. With over 75 miles of golden sand beaches, Paros is one of the true delights of the Greek Islands. This is where locals go to vacation.
Today's Highlights:
Depart Santorini in the morning
Arrive in Paros and check in to your accommodation
Join your Tour Director for a hand-picked a group activity, or plot your own adventure; you’re free to customize your day any way you’d like!
Free Time Suggestions
Sunset: Enjoy a legendary Paros sunset anywhere on the western coast of the island.
Naoussa Nightlife: When the sun sets, everyone on the island heads from the beaches to the bars; Naoussa is where it begins and ends.
Day 7: Explore Paros
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Keep exploring the best of Paros. Recharge, relax and spend the days under the blue skies on one of the island’s best beaches. Bring a bottle of wine, a book and your personal playlist—you’re in a beach paradise.
Today's Highlights:
Free day! Your Tour Director may coordinate a group activity, but you’re welcome to experience Paros as you’d like.
Free Time Suggestions
Chill Out: Try a quiet meal or drink inland at the village of Lefkes, a serene and rustic village in the hills above the beaches.
Go Back in Time: Stroll Parikia’s narrow, pebble-lined streets and the Frankish Castle built from the masonry originally used on an ancient temple.
Day 8: Travel To Mykonos
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Head out from Paros to Mykonos on an inter-Aegean ferry. Mykonos has a reputation for dazzling seascapes, sandy beaches and the best nightlife in the Mediterranean. Get ready—you’ve got two big nights here.
Today's Highlights:
Board your ferry to Mykonos
Arrive and check in to your accommodation
Acquaint yourself with the area with a brief walk with your Tour Director
Join your Tour Director for a group activity or plan an adventure of your own
Free Time Suggestions
Sun of a Beach: The late afternoon is a great time to beach it—a little breeze kicks up and the temperature dips just enough to make it feel great.
Go to Church: Mykonos’ most famous church, the rock-like Panagia Paraportiani, is usually locked, but the fabulously photogenic whitewashed exterior is a spiritual experience in itself.
Turn Up: The nightlife options are endless.
Day 9: Cruise Mykonos
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
The coasts of Mykonos are a top attraction, where you can rent a beach chair and buy drinks from nearby tavernas. Enjoy this last day of Mykonos’ glitz and glamour.
Today's Highlights:
Take the morning to rest and recover as you please
Board your (included) afternoon cruise around the island
Relax on isolated beaches, swim in the crystal clear water, take in the beautiful ocean and harbor views and enjoy a traditional BBQ Greek lunch
Free Time Suggestions
Party in Paradise: During the day, Paradise beach is a beautiful, activity-focused hotspot. At night, the whole area becomes one big party.
Super Paradise: Considered one of Greece’s most beautiful beaches, it’s also a party beach like it’s neighbor, Paradise.
Day 10: Return to Athens
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
It’s back on to the azure waters of the Aegean, this time returning to Athens via ferry. You’ve got one last chance to bask in the city that gave us democracy, epic poetry, tragedy, history writing, philosophy and much more.
Today's Highlights:
Board your ferry to Athens
Join your Tour Director for a group activity or plan an adventure of your own
Return the streets of Athens to explore the city one more time
Enjoy a farewell dinner with your group
Free Time Suggestions
Dig It: The National Archaeology Museum is considered one of the greatest museums in the world.
Follow the Light: Flood-lit like a beacon towering over the city, Mount Lycabettus offers a spectacular view of the city.
Farewell Dinner
Share some last laughs (and maybe shed a few tears) at an included farewell dinner with the group.
Day 11: Fly Home
Meals: Breakfast
It's time to say your goodbyes. Head to the airport for your flight back home.
Day 1
Arrival at Athens. Free day to visit the picturesque backstreets of Plaka and the Historical center of Athens.
Day 2
Free day in Athens. A visit to Acropolis or the Archaeological museum of Athens is a must. Early in the evening we will be having our welcome drink. Your Expedition has just began by getting to know the Skippers who will fill in the details and discuss with you every issue you may have in mind.
Day 3
Hide your watches, you won't be needing them for the next nine days! Grab your cameras instead! Transfer to the boats, embarking, on route to Mykonos with a stop at Kythnos for swimming. The famous nightlife of Mykonos is something you should definitely experience. Since we will probably return to the hotel early in the morning (!), another day in the island is in the program.
Day 4
Free day to explore the island and visit the local stores.
Day 5
Cruising to Koufonisia with a stop at a secret beach for swimming and at Paros for lunch. Accommodation at Koufonisia. Time and space have a whole different meaning here.
Day 6
Cruising to Santorini. Stop for swimming at the Caldera. The rich in sulfur water will allow us to relax after a 30 nm cruise! Accommodation at Santorini.
Day 7
Free day. The picturesque villages of the island are waiting for you. Accommodation at Santorini.
Day 8
Cruising to Folegandros, stop for swimming. Accommodation at Folegandros. You will be amazed by the beauty of the ""Chora"".
Day 9
Cruising to Sifnos, with a stop at Kimolos for swimming. Another different landscape. Accommodation at Sifnos.
Day 10
Cruising to Hydra. Accommodation at Hydra. Our last night at sea. We will celebrate accordingly, at the best tavern and bar.
Day 11
Cruising to Athens with a stop at Aegina for swimming and Lunch. Accommodation at Athens.
Day 12
Departure from Athens.