Semester in Greece
Διάρκεια: 70 Ημέρες
Το ακόλουθο πρόγραμμα πραγματοποιείται μόνο για γκρουπ άνω των 20 ατόμων. Μεμονωμένοι ταξιδιώτες δε μπορούν να συμμετέχουν.
STUDY ABROAD SEMESTER IN ATHENS, GREECE
Study Abroad Program for Christian Universities
(70 days / 69 nights)
(70 days / 69 nights)
DAY 1: ATHENS ARRIVAL
Upon your arrival at Athens International Airport “Eleftherios Venizelos” our representative will meet, welcome and assist in your transfer to the hotel. Check-in. Remainder of the day is free to get settled. After dinner at the hotel, we will have an orientation meeting.
1
DAY 2 -3: ATHENS: Classes
2-3
DAY 4: ATHENS: Free Day
4
DAY 5: ATHENS CITY TOUR
We start our day at 8:00 in the morning with a full-day sightseeing tour of Athens. We climb up to the marble-capped Acropolis, the sacred rock of Athens and citadel of the city in antiquity. We become time travellers by visiting the famous Parthenon and the Erechtheion. Then, we go to the nearby Mars' Hill (Areopagus) to read Acts 17:22 where Paul gave his famous speech to the Athenian philosophers (Acts 17:18-34) and spoke about “the unknown god”.
We view the ancient Agora of Athens from the Acropolis before visiting the Acropolis Museum, which was built to house every artefact found on the Acropolis, from the Greek Bronze Age to the Roman and Byzantine period. Our guided panoramic orientation bus tour continues with the highlights of modern Athens: we pass by the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the Parliament House, the Academy, the University of Athens, the National Library, we view the Panathenaic Stadium, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, and Hadrian’s Arch. Return to the hotel.
We view the ancient Agora of Athens from the Acropolis before visiting the Acropolis Museum, which was built to house every artefact found on the Acropolis, from the Greek Bronze Age to the Roman and Byzantine period. Our guided panoramic orientation bus tour continues with the highlights of modern Athens: we pass by the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the Parliament House, the Academy, the University of Athens, the National Library, we view the Panathenaic Stadium, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, and Hadrian’s Arch. Return to the hotel.
5
DAY 6-10: ATHENS: Classes
6-10
DAY 11: ATHENS: Free Day
11
DAY 12-16: Classes
12-16
DAY 18: FULL DAY TOUR IN ATHENS
At 8:00 a.m. we depart for our visit to the ancient Agora. The Agora, now in ruins, was formerly the commercial hub of ancient Athens and birthplace of politics and philosophy. Here the Apostle Paul reasoned with the most sceptical audience he met in the course of his travels. We see the well preserved Doric Temple of Hephaestus (or Thission) and the Stoa of Attalos, an arcade built by Attalos II, king of Pergamum, used as a retail market.
Today it is used as a museum, displaying statues, pottery and many coins. Socrates is known to have discussed philosophy with friends in the Stoa of Zeus Eleftherios and was also executed in the state prison here in 399 BC. The Agora museum, housed in the Stoa of Attalos, is a reconstructed building of around 150 BC. The apostle Paul met the philosophers of the time and conversed with them here.
Lunch at a local restaurant in Monastiraki. We continue our sightseeing tour with a visit to the National Archaeological Museum, which displays finds from all parts of the ancient Greek world that date from Neolithic times to the last years of the Roman Empire, and then return to the hotel for dinner and overnight.
Today it is used as a museum, displaying statues, pottery and many coins. Socrates is known to have discussed philosophy with friends in the Stoa of Zeus Eleftherios and was also executed in the state prison here in 399 BC. The Agora museum, housed in the Stoa of Attalos, is a reconstructed building of around 150 BC. The apostle Paul met the philosophers of the time and conversed with them here.
Lunch at a local restaurant in Monastiraki. We continue our sightseeing tour with a visit to the National Archaeological Museum, which displays finds from all parts of the ancient Greek world that date from Neolithic times to the last years of the Roman Empire, and then return to the hotel for dinner and overnight.
18
DAY 19-23: ATHENS: Classes
19-23
DAY 24: ATHENS: Free Day
24
DAY 25: TOUR TO SOUNION
In the afternoon, we have our excursion towards Cape Sounion. Driving along the picturesque coastal road, we pass the beautiful beaches of Kalamaki, Glyfada, Voula, Vouliagmeni and Varkiza, with its countless coves and beautiful blue waters of the Saronic Gulf. A crowning feature of the tour is Cape Sounion, famous for its radiant sunsets and dominated by the Doric white marble Temple of Poseidon that overlooks the blue Aegean Sea. Following the temple, we return to the hotel in Athens for supper and overnight.
25
DAY 26-30: ATHENS: Classes
26-30
DAY 31: ATHENS: Free Day
31
NORTHERN GREECE FIELD TRIP
“In the steps of the Apostle Paul”
DAY 32: ATHENS - DELPHI – KALAMBAKA
Depart at 8.00 am by motor-coach and drive to Delphi through the fertile plain of Boeotia, crossing the towns of Thebes (connected with the tragedy of king Oedipus). Next are the towns of Levadia and Arachova, famous for their colourful woollen rugs and carpets. Arrive at Delphi, the centre of the Ancient world, the "omphalos" (navel) of the earth - whose prestige extended far beyond the boundaries of the Hellenic world.
On the slopes of Mt. Parnassos, in a landscape of unparalleled natural beauty and majesty, lies the archaeological site of Delphi. We visit the Sanctuary of Apollo, the Treasury of the Athenians and the Museum containing such masterpieces of ancient Greek sculpture as the bronze Charioteer and the famous athlete Aghias. We will have lunch in a nice local restaurant. Depart for Kalambaka. Check in at the hotel for dinner and overnight stay.
On the slopes of Mt. Parnassos, in a landscape of unparalleled natural beauty and majesty, lies the archaeological site of Delphi. We visit the Sanctuary of Apollo, the Treasury of the Athenians and the Museum containing such masterpieces of ancient Greek sculpture as the bronze Charioteer and the famous athlete Aghias. We will have lunch in a nice local restaurant. Depart for Kalambaka. Check in at the hotel for dinner and overnight stay.
32
DAY 33: METEORA - THESSALONICA
Today we will visit Meteora. Here we find colossal symmetrical grey and reddish boulders, that appear as though pushed upwards from the bowels of mother earth by an invisible hand, with beautiful monasteries perched precariously high above the ground.
The monasteries were first built in the 14th century by monks seeking isolation and salvation, accessible only by ropes thrown from above. We will climb through steps since built for visitors to access veritable Byzantine museums exhibiting superb icons, old manuscripts and unique mosaics and frescoes.
Following lunch at a local restaurant, we continue our drive to Berea, where the Apostle Paul arrived and according to his custom went to the synagogue where, to his pleasant surprise, he discovered that these Jews were “more noble” than those he had encountered in Thessalonica. We see the Byzantine mosaic in the monument commemorating his preaching. According to the local tradition, it was at this place where he stood and delivered his sermons (Acts 17:10-11).
Check-in at the hotel for dinner and overnight.
The monasteries were first built in the 14th century by monks seeking isolation and salvation, accessible only by ropes thrown from above. We will climb through steps since built for visitors to access veritable Byzantine museums exhibiting superb icons, old manuscripts and unique mosaics and frescoes.
Following lunch at a local restaurant, we continue our drive to Berea, where the Apostle Paul arrived and according to his custom went to the synagogue where, to his pleasant surprise, he discovered that these Jews were “more noble” than those he had encountered in Thessalonica. We see the Byzantine mosaic in the monument commemorating his preaching. According to the local tradition, it was at this place where he stood and delivered his sermons (Acts 17:10-11).
Check-in at the hotel for dinner and overnight.
33
DAY 34: THESSALONICA - VERGINA - PELLA – THESSALONICA
Today we start our morning with a visit to Vergina (the ancient Aigai), the first capital of Macedonia. We will visit the most important tomb ever discovered - that of Philip II of Macedonia, the father of Alexander the Great. Here we see the fabulous findings from the tomb of Philip II, made by the archaeologist Manolis Andronikos.
Following lunch at a local restaurant, we continue to Pella, the capital of ancient Macedonia and birthplace of Alexander the Great. In the 4th century BC the city was laid out in the familiar «Hippodamean» pattern of regular rectangular building blocks with impressive broad streets and a first class water supply network. On the hill to the West stand the remains of the citadel of the Hellenistic period. We visit the excavation sites and especially the museum, which displays sculptures, relief and mosaics of Classical and Hellenistic times. Drive to Thessaloniki. Check-in at the hotel for dinner and overnight.
Following lunch at a local restaurant, we continue to Pella, the capital of ancient Macedonia and birthplace of Alexander the Great. In the 4th century BC the city was laid out in the familiar «Hippodamean» pattern of regular rectangular building blocks with impressive broad streets and a first class water supply network. On the hill to the West stand the remains of the citadel of the Hellenistic period. We visit the excavation sites and especially the museum, which displays sculptures, relief and mosaics of Classical and Hellenistic times. Drive to Thessaloniki. Check-in at the hotel for dinner and overnight.
34
DAY 35: THESSALONICA - AMPHIPOLIS - PHILIPPI - NEAPOLIS (KAVALA) - THESSALONICA
In the morning on our way to Philippi, we drive by the Lion statute of Amphipolis (short stop for photos). Afterwards we continue to Philippi, the site where the apostle Paul came and worked, establishing a strong church. To this congregation, he later sent his Philippian letter. Of all the churches Paul founded, none was probably as near and dear to him as the church at Philippi (Acts 16:9-33). We see the river where Lydia is thought to have been baptized, the ruins of a Prison where Paul and Sylas had been kept, the Agora, 5th and 6th century Basilica and the Theater. Philippi was built by Philip II of Macedonia on the Via Egnatia, the Roman road which ran from Rome to Byzantium. After the visit, we continue to Kavala, the ancient port of Neapolis (Acts 16:11). Late that afternoon we arrive back in Thessaloniki for dinner and overnight.
35
DAY 36: THESSALONICA - THERMOPYLAE – ATHENS
Today we start our morning panoramic tour in the city of Thessaloniki with a drive to the upper part of the Old City Walls. Here we have excellent views of the City and the opportunity to take pictures. From here, we continue on foot to visit the Roman Agora, which is built on the spot believed to have been the home of Jason. We continue with a sightseeing drive of the city viewing the White Tower, the Triumphal Arch of Galerius standing on the Egnatian Way and view the Rotunda. Lunch at a local restaurant in Thessaloniki.
Continue to Thermopylae to see the statue of Leonidas commemorating the historic battle between the 300 Spartans, led by Leonidas and the Persian army of Xerxes in 480 BC. We arrive in Athens in the evening, check-in at the hotel, followed by dinner and overnight.
Continue to Thermopylae to see the statue of Leonidas commemorating the historic battle between the 300 Spartans, led by Leonidas and the Persian army of Xerxes in 480 BC. We arrive in Athens in the evening, check-in at the hotel, followed by dinner and overnight.
36
DAY 37: Free Day
37
DAY 38-42: ATHENS: Classes
38-42
DAY 43: ATHENS: Free Day
43
DAY 44-48: ATHENS: Classes
Depart at 8.00 am by motor-coach and drive to Delphi through the fertile plain of Boeotia, crossing the towns of Thebes (connected with the tragedy of king Oedipus). Next are the towns of Levadia and Arachova, famous for their colourful woollen rugs and carpets. Arrive at Delphi, the centre of the Ancient world, the "omphalos" (navel) of the earth - whose prestige extended far beyond the boundaries of the Hellenic world.
On the slopes of Mt. Parnassos, in a landscape of unparalleled natural beauty and majesty, lies the archaeological site of Delphi. We visit the Sanctuary of Apollo, the Treasury of the Athenians and the Museum containing such masterpieces of ancient Greek sculpture as the bronze Charioteer and the famous athlete Aghias. We will have lunch in a nice local restaurant. Depart for Kalambaka. Check in at the hotel for dinner and overnight stay.
On the slopes of Mt. Parnassos, in a landscape of unparalleled natural beauty and majesty, lies the archaeological site of Delphi. We visit the Sanctuary of Apollo, the Treasury of the Athenians and the Museum containing such masterpieces of ancient Greek sculpture as the bronze Charioteer and the famous athlete Aghias. We will have lunch in a nice local restaurant. Depart for Kalambaka. Check in at the hotel for dinner and overnight stay.
44-48
DAY 49: ATHENS: Free Day
49
DAY 50: ATHENS – CORINTH – MYCENAE – NAFPLION
At 8:00 a.m. drive along the beautiful coastal road of the Saronic Gulf to ancient Corinth, passing by the Corinthian Canal (photo stop). It was from Corinth where the Apostle Paul lived and preached for a year and a half and later wrote two of his New Testament letters. We see all of the sites associated with his ministry: the Agora, the Temple of Apollo, the Roman Odeon, the Bema, and Gallio’s Seat. The small local archaeological museum here is a must! Following lunch at a local restaurant, we proceed to Mycenae to visit the remains of the prehistoric citadel fortified with the Cyclopean Walls. We see the Lionesses' Gate and the Tomb of King Agamemnon in which we will actually enter. Then we continue to Nafplion, the first capital of modern Greece, where we stop to take pictures. Return to our hotel in Athens.
50
DAY 51: Free Day
51
DAY 52-55: ATHENS: Classes
Today we start our morning panoramic tour in the city of Thessaloniki with a drive to the upper part of the Old City Walls. Here we have excellent views of the City and the opportunity to take pictures. From here, we continue on foot to visit the Roman Agora, which is built on the spot believed to have been the home of Jason. We continue with a sightseeing drive of the city viewing the White Tower, the Triumphal Arch of Galerius standing on the Egnatian Way and view the Rotunda. Lunch at a local restaurant in Thessaloniki.
Continue to Thermopylae to see the statue of Leonidas commemorating the historic battle between the 300 Spartans, led by Leonidas and the Persian army of Xerxes in 480 BC. We arrive in Athens in the evening, check-in at the hotel, followed by dinner and overnight.
52-55
DAY 56: ATHENS: Free Day
56
DAY 57-60: Classes
57-60
DAY 61: Free Day
61
DAY 62-66: Classes
62-66
DAY 67: Free Day
67
DAY 68: ONE DAY CRUISE - HYDRA, POROS & AEGINA
Enjoy a one-day cruise to 3 different islands in the Saronic Gulf, including a buffet lunch served on board and round-trip transfers by bus.
Set sail at 8:00 a.m. from the port of Marina Flisvos. The first stop is Hydra, a fashionable artists' colony, retreat of intellectuals and a favorite film location. The amphitheatrical town rings the colorful harbor with well-preserved sea-merchant family mansions. We have time for a leisurely stroll, some shopping or swimming (weather and sea permitting). Buffet lunch on board. From here, our voyage continues to Poros where the first naval arsenal of independent Greece was established. Poros provides delightful scenery marked by the low pine-wooded hills. Our last port of call is Aegina, an attractive and tranquil resort island. Here we can either join the guided excursion to the Temple of Aphaia; one of the finest and best preserved of Greek temples, or walk leisurely around the harbor and browse in small gift shops. Return back to Marina Flisvos around 7:00 p.m.
Set sail at 8:00 a.m. from the port of Marina Flisvos. The first stop is Hydra, a fashionable artists' colony, retreat of intellectuals and a favorite film location. The amphitheatrical town rings the colorful harbor with well-preserved sea-merchant family mansions. We have time for a leisurely stroll, some shopping or swimming (weather and sea permitting). Buffet lunch on board. From here, our voyage continues to Poros where the first naval arsenal of independent Greece was established. Poros provides delightful scenery marked by the low pine-wooded hills. Our last port of call is Aegina, an attractive and tranquil resort island. Here we can either join the guided excursion to the Temple of Aphaia; one of the finest and best preserved of Greek temples, or walk leisurely around the harbor and browse in small gift shops. Return back to Marina Flisvos around 7:00 p.m.
68
DAY 69: ATHENS: Free Day
69
DAY 70: ATHENS DEPARTURE
Check out of hotel and transfer to Athens International Airport “Eleftherios Venizelos” for your departure flight home. As your journey comes to an end, we hope that the experiences, sites and memories that you acquired in this land of light, with its deep blue sea, friendly people, and legends of old, will inspire you for a lifetime and will bring you to Greece once more.
70
SEMESTER FOR 70 DAYS IS VALID WITHIN THE BELOW PERIODS:
Fall semesters
Spring semesters
For more information contact us at info@aristotletravel.com
We look forward to offering our best services to your group of students and professors. Feel free to contact us for any further information and one of our agents will get back to you!
Spring semesters
For more information contact us at info@aristotletravel.com
We look forward to offering our best services to your group of students and professors. Feel free to contact us for any further information and one of our agents will get back to you!
