While I appreciate the intent behind EF Tours—providing students with an educational international experience—this trip fell short in several important areas. Let’s start with the positives: our tour guide was fantastic. He was knowledgeable, engaging, and genuinely did the best he could with the resources provided. I’d love to travel with him again under better circumstances. Now for the concerns. The food options were extremely repetitive and underwhelming. We ate nearly the same meal every day—no real taste of authentic Greek cuisine like gyros or moussaka. It felt cheap and uninspired, especially given the cost of the trip. The hotel choices were also disappointing. Several were located in rough, poorly maintained neighborhoods. We encountered dirty bathrooms, tubs, and even roaches. For the price we paid, better accommodations were expected—even understanding that European standards differ from U.S. ones. The pacing of the itinerary was exhausting, especially for kids. There was little balance between activities and rest. Every day was go-go-go, with not enough time to actually enjoy or absorb the experience. The kids were bored, and many adults were overwhelmed. Today’s students need a mix of fun and structure, not just back-to-back history stops. Lastly, we were constantly taken to buy souvenirs at the same types of shops every day. It felt like filler instead of meaningful exploration. EF Tours has potential, but they need to rethink their pacing, food, and lodging if they want families to return—or recommend them to others.
