DB Outreach: 20s/30s Greece Trip Sep 5 - Sep 13 | See Details Below

DB 20s/30s Greece Trip – September 5-13, 2025 

*The trip is currently full, but if you’re interested, please complete the DB 20s/30s Greece Trip Waitlist Form.

Join Shelby Mehring, the DB trip leader, DB support staff and 14 other 20s/30s on this amazing adventure exploring Greece.

Who: Christian Scientists in their 20s/30s and their friends who are eager to explore Greece, dive into inspiring Christian Science discussions, support one another, and contribute to the group dynamic with patience, flexibility, and a willingness to pitch in for meal prep and cleanup. Group travel may take a bit more time than solo or small group trips, but it’s all part of the adventure—and with a fun, easy-going, and inclusive group, it’s bound to be an unforgettable experience!

Registration: In order to register, please fill out the google form above. Once you have completed it, Shelby Mehring, DB Young Adult Manager, will be in touch with you to complete the full registration and make a $720 deposit. Opened Tuesday, February 25th, at 10:00 AM MST.

Cost: Registration is $2,160 USD with a $720 non-refundable deposit paid with a debit/credit card to secure your spot. Your spot will not be confirmed until Shelby Mehring has been in touch with you. Full payment is due July 15, 2025. *There are additional costs for 1 night at a Hostel on Sept 13 and the Samaria Gorge Hike (optional). 

Cost Includes: 

• Breakfast and dinner per itinerary
• 3 Lunches per itinerary
• Accommodations (*last night, Sept 13, is an additional cost) 
• Ferries to each island
• Shuttles to/from ferry ports and activities
• Gratuities for guide and drivers
• Practitioner support & a metaphysical talk (remote)
• All activities and admissions per itinerary (*additional cost for Samaria Gorge Hike)

Cost Excludes: 

• Airfare to/from Athens, Greece
• Lunches 
• 1 dinner (Sept 13)
• Hostel night (Sept 13 – unless added)
• Samaria Gorge Hike (unless added)
• Other activities you participate in outside of itinerary
• Personal expenses (laundry, travel insurance, snacks, etc.)
• Visa (ETIAS – European Travel Information & Authorization System)

We recommend that you purchase personal travel insurance for this trip. If you have special dietary requirements beyond being a vegetarian, you’ll need to bring what you need with you. The food provided will be simple, so if you have specific food/snack choices, feel free to pack foods you like. 

Financial Aid Information: Financial aid is available on a need-based basis, offering up to $500 toward registration and up to $300 toward travel expenses.

If the awarded amount does not fully meet your financial needs for this event and you decide to cancel your registration, please notify us at dbinfo@discoverybound.org within 48 hours of receiving your financial aid notification. If you cancel, your deposit will be refunded, minus a $25 cancellation fee.

Please register first before completing the Financial Aid Form.

Financial Aid | Payment, Cancellation, & FA Policy

Weather: Slightly cooler than during July and August, the weather in September sees an average daily highs of 84°F (29°C). Come the evening, this drops to a pleasant 64°F (18°C).  Note it’ll be a bit cooler in north-central and north-eastern Greece. As for the sea, it remains 77°F (25°C). We recommend that you review the weather forecast for Greece before you arrive, so you know specifically what to bring.

What to Bring:

• Lightweight, breathable tops
• Shorts & skirts 
• Light dresses, rompers or jumpsuits (for casual/evening wear)
• Athletic wear
• Swimsuits 
• Swim cover-up
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Hiking shoes or sturdy sneakers (for Samaria Gorge hike)
• Sandals or flip-flops
• Light sweater or jacket
• Casual evening outfits
• Lightweight rain jacket
• Undergarments & socks
• Pajamas
• Hat
• Water bottle
• Quick-dry towel
• One bag and one day backpack, as space is limited
• Your favorite snacks
  • Food substitutes if you have special dietary requirements.
• Camera
• Bible Lesson
• Toiletries
• Sunglasses, sunscreen and chapstick
• Universal adapter (plug type C+F – 230V/ 50 Hz – converter)
• Travel documents 
  • Travel insurance
  • Passport valid for at least 6 months past the dates of the trip
• Copies of important documents (digital & physical)
• Journal (optional)
• Favorite Game (optional)

*This is a base packing list—adjust as needed for our trip.

Travel Documents: A passport is required for all travelers, which we recommend be valid for at least six months past the dates of the trip. 

VISA – If you are not a US citizen, please check ETIAS’s requirements for your country. In 2025 US Citizens, and citizens of 60 additional countries, will be required to apply for the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) and pay a small fee to visit Europe. This is not really a “visa,” but an online application and preauthorization. You will fill out an online form with basic personal information, travel plans, history, and answer a few security questions. Most applicants will be approved within an hour.

Travel:

Arrival (September 5, 2025): Fly into Athens International Airport (Eleftherios Venizelos) and arrange your own transfer into the city. We will meet at the Airbnb at 4:00pm.

Departure (September 13 or 14, 2025): We will arrive at Piraeus Port (PIR) on September 13 at approximately 6:15pm (subject to change), marking the conclusion of the trip. You have a few options:

• Stay the night at a hostel with the group (*booked by Shelby, additional cost applies)
• Fly home (The port is about 1 hour from Athens International Airport; shuttle cost is your responsibility)
• Or explore on your own!

Tentative Itinerary: Please note the days where meals are included and not included, by this coding: 

• B – Breakfast included
• L – Lunch included
• D – Dinner included

Friday, September 5 (D): Fly into Athens International Airport (Eleftherios Venizelos) and arrange your own transfer into the city. If you arrive early, explore sites not included in our itinerary. Meet at the Airbnb at 4:00pm to settle in, join mixers to get to know each other, overview the trip and have dinner. In the evening, we’ll walk to Lycabettus Hill and take the funicular up for a panoramic night view of Athens. 

Saturday, September 6 (B, D): Start the day with breakfast at the Airbnb before exploring the Acropolis & Parthenon, along with the Erechtheion, Temple of Athena Nike, and Mars Hill. Next, we’ll visit the Acropolis Museum, then walk to Plaka to explore, shop, and try local treats like bougatsa. Stroll through Anafiotika, a charming, island-like neighborhood, before meeting at the Ancient Agora & Temple of Hephaestus. After exploring, we’ll head to Monastiraki for lunch, where you can try souvlaki, gyros, or a fresh Greek salad while browsing the markets. In the afternoon, we’ll visit Hadrian’s Library & the Roman Agora before joining a Cooking Class for dinner. Back at the Airbnb, we’ll end the night with a Metaphysical talk to kick off the trip.

Sunday, September 7 (B, D): After breakfast at the Airbnb, we’ll shuttle to Piraeus Port (PIR) and ferry to Milos (MLO). Upon arrival, we’ll drop our bags and have time to explore and enjoy lunch at local spots or relax at the beach. After checking into Hotel Capetan Giorgantas and settling in, we’ll walk to Lagada Beach for an informal church service (volunteer readers). The evening includes dinner, a group meeting, and free time.

Monday, September 8 (B, L, D): After breakfast at Hotel Capetan Giorgantas, we’ll meet with Sailing Milos for an unforgettable day on the water. As we circumnavigate Milos, we’ll explore the uninhabited island of Polyaigos, located northeast of Milos, and swim in breathtaking spots accessible only by sea. After our adventure, we’ll enjoy dinner at a local spot before returning to the hotel for a group meeting and free time.

Tuesday, September 9 (B, D): After breakfast at Hotel Capetan Giorgantas, we’ll take a ferry to Heraklio Port (HER) in Crete, with a short afternoon layover in Santorini—perfect for snapping a few photos and grabbing a quick snack. Upon arrival in Crete, we’ll pick up our rental vehicle and head to our Airbnb. The evening includes dinner, a grocery run to stock up for our stay, a group meeting, and games.

Wednesday, September 10 (B, D): Start the day with breakfast at the Airbnb before heading out to explore the charming cities of Rethymno and Chania. Wander through historic streets, visit local landmarks, enjoy a delicious meal, and shop for souvenirs. If time allows on our way back, we’ll stop at Lake Kournas to relax and swim. In the evening, we’ll have dinner at the Airbnb, followed by an informal Testimony Meeting (volunteer reader), a group meeting and free time.

Thursday, September 11 (B, L, D): After breakfast at the Airbnb, we’ll make our way to the Port of Kissamos (Kastelli) for a breathtaking boat cruise to Balos Lagoon and Gramvousa. Relax on golden sands, swim in crystal-clear turquoise waters, and take in the sights of an old shipwreck, a Venetian castle, and the untouched natural beauty of Crete. After returning to the port, we’ll grab a bite to eat before heading back to the Airbnb for a group meeting, games, and free time.

Friday, September 12 (B, L, D): After breakfast at the Airbnb, the day is yours to choose your adventure. 

• Option 1: Hike the Samaria Gorge 
  • For those seeking an outdoor challenge, explore one of Crete’s most stunning natural wonders with two hiking options:
    • Full Samaria Gorge Hike (hard) – This 11.2-mile trek takes approximately 6 hours, gradually descending toward Agia Roumeli, a picturesque port village. The hike is demanding but rewarding, with plenty of opportunities for breathtaking photos. (Additional hiking fee and one boat ticket.)
    • Flexible Gorge Hike (easier) – Take a ferry to Agia Roumeli and hike as far as you’d like into the Samaria Gorge before turning back at your own pace or meeting up with the full-hike group. (Additional hiking fee and two boat tickets.)
• Option 2: Relax & Explore Locally
  • If you prefer a leisurely day, stay near the Airbnb and enjoy:
    • A nearby beach with water activities (Water Sports Manolis) available for booking
    • Relaxing by the pool in the backyard or unwinding at the Airbnb
    • Exploring the area by bus, discovering local shops, cafés and sights.
    • Walk about 25 minutes to Zoraida’s Horse Riding 

Whatever you choose, it will be a day well spent! 

Saturday, September 13 (B only): After breakfast at the Airbnb, we’ll board a ferry back to Athens, with a long layover in Naxos—a perfect opportunity to snap photos, enjoy lunch, and explore a bit more before continuing our journey. Upon arrival at Piraeus Port (PIR), our trip officially comes to an end. From here, we’ll say our goodbyes, and you’ll have the option to either stay the night at a hostel with the group (arranged by Shelby, additional cost applies), head to the airport for your flight home (Piraeus is about an hour from Athens International Airport, and the shuttle cost is your responsibility), or venture off to explore on your own.

Contact: Shelby Mehring, DB Young Adult Manager at 20s30s@discoverybound.org or 720.599.6939

Registration opened Tuesday, February 25, at 10:00am MST and was on a first-come, first-served basis. Registration has reached full capacity, but if you would like to be added to the waitlist, please complete the DB 20s/30s Greece Trip Waitlist Form.