Crete & Athens Cultural Stays | School Trips Abroad

Crete & Athens with your class

Greece is one of the world's great educational destinations, and this two-centre itinerary makes the most of it. Students spend the first part of the trip on Crete, the cradle of European civilisation, exploring Minoan palaces, Venetian fortresses, remote monasteries, and spectacular beaches. The second part moves to Athens, where the Acropolis, the Plaka, and the beating heart of the ancient world come vividly to life.

Minoan ruins at Knossos in Crete and the Athenian Acropolis on a Greece cultural school trip

Trip highlights

01 A guided boat excursion to the former Venetian island fortress of Spinalonga

A guided boat excursion to the former Venetian island fortress of Spinalonga, one of Europe's last active leprosy colonies, followed by free time in Agios Nikolaos

02 A guided tour of Knossos Palace

A guided tour of Knossos Palace, the legendary centre of Minoan civilisation, followed by free time at Matala, a dramatic beach framed by ancient cave dwellings

03 A self-guided exploration of Athens including the Acropolis

A self-guided exploration of Athens including the Acropolis, the Plaka neighbourhood, and the city's ancient streets

Curriculum links

History

Classical Studies

Geography

Art & Architecture

Religious Studies

Philosophy

Practical information

TransportTravel arranged to suit your school's location.

Accommodationa coastal hotel for four nights in Crete, followed by a centrally located youth hostel for one night in Athens

Meals: full or half board depending on the day
Local currency is Euro (€); spending money recommended
Spring strongly recommended for comfortable temperatures and manageable crowds
On the Move is the officially accredited school trips provider for the European Schools in Belgium; every trip has a dedicated project manager with 24/7 emergency support.

A day by day

Day 1

Arrival in Crete Afternoon arrival at the airport and transfer to the hotel on the northern coast. Dinner together and a low-key first evening.

Day 2

Spinalonga & Agios Nikolaos Coach east, then boat crossing to Spinalonga island for a guided tour. Return crossing and free time in Agios Nikolaos. Dinner at the hotel.

Day 3

Knossos Palace & Matala Beach Morning guided tour of Knossos Palace. After lunch, coach to Matala for free time at the beach and exploration of the ancient cave dwellings. Return to the hotel.

Day 4

Arkadi Monastery & Preveli Beach Guided visit to Arkadi Monastery, then on through the mountains to Preveli beach for free time. Long but rewarding day.

Day 5

Crete to Athens Morning departure to the airport for the short internal flight to Athens. Afternoon self-guided exploration of the Acropolis and Plaka. Dinner at the hostel.

Day 6

Athens & Departure Early breakfast before the transfer to Athens airport for the return flight.

✏️ This is an example timetable — we can adapt the destination, programme, duration and budget to suit your group.

Students come home with…

a genuine feel for the arc of Western civilisation, from Bronze Age Crete to classical Athens, and a tan they definitely didn't plan for.

In pictures

Cultural Stays - your questions

History, art, civics, languages and religious studies all benefit. Bastogne suits primary P5 groups studying WWII; The Hague suits civics and international relations; Berlin, Aachen and Málaga are ideal for secondary history and arts groups.

Yes. We arrange expert local guides for museums, monuments and walking tours, in English or French as you prefer.

The Belgian Ardennes — Bastogne programme is specifically designed for P5 (ages 10–11), with content pitched carefully for that age. Other destinations in this category suit secondary groups.

Return travel, central accommodation, all entries and guided visits, supervision, insurance and your On the Move coordinator.

Cultural trip to Crete & Athens