A Greek Odyssey: Art, History, and Culture

Trace the physical record of ancient Greek civilization across four sites that shaped Western thought and art: Athens–the birthplace of democracy, the clifftop monasteries at Meteora, the Oracle at Delphi, and the Temple of Poseidon, where sailors once prayed for safe passage. Guided visits pair directly with primary sources: inscriptions, ruins, and museum collections built over active excavation sites. The trip rounds out with hands-on contemporary culture, such as exploring modern Athens and touring a family-run olive oil workshop. The Winterim will provide students with a broad understanding of one of the most important civilizations that defines European and American cultures today.

Key experiences include:

  • A guided tour of the Acropolis and Acropolis Museum. The Acropolis is a rocky promontory overlooking the city of Athens and is home to several iconic 5th-century BCE structures, including the Parthenon, dedicated to Athena, the patron goddess of the city, and the Temple of Athena Nike.

  • The clifftop monasteries at Meteora. Hermits first settled here in the 9th century, and then the monasteries were built between the 14th and 16th centuries. In the 15th and 16th centuries, there were more than 20 monasteries here, and Meteora was one of the most central sites of Orthodox Christianity.

  • Theopetra Cave, in Thessaly, near the monasteries at Meteora, contains 130,000 years of human history as well as what is potentially the oldest known wall built by humans. 

  • The Temple of Apollo and Ancient Stadium at Delphi. Built in the 4th century BCE, the Temple of Apollo at Delphi celebrated the Greek god of archery, music, light, the arts, prophecy, and healing. It was also the home of the prophetess known as the Oracle of Delphi. The Stadium overlooks the temple and is the best-preserved ancient stadium in Greece. It hosted athletic events and musical contests.

  • Olive oil workshop at Konstas Olive Oil Mill. This family-owned business, not far from the heart of Athens, will host a walking tour of their olive tree grove, a tasting of their extra virgin olive, as well as a demonstration of their olive oil production. This company specializes in extra virgin olive oil using traditional and modern extraction methods.

  • Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion is a 2,500-year-old Greek sanctuary dedicated to Poseidon that is located on the southernmost tip of the Attica Peninsula that juts into the Aegean Sea. This temple has protected sailors and travelers for centuries, and has served as a watchtower for the city of Athens.

  • The Plaka and Monastiraki are famous open-air flea markets close to the Agora and Hadrian’s Library. 

Educational Goals:

  1. Trace the origins of Athenian democracy through primary-source artifacts at the Acropolis Museum and the physical remains of the Acropolis itself. 

  2. Study how Byzantine monastic history shaped the architecture and religious practices preserved at Meteora. 

  3. Analyze the role of the Delphic Oracle in ancient Greek politics and interstate diplomacy. 

  4. Consider ancient Greek art history and religious practice through a visit to the Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion.

  5. Understand Greek art by visiting and learning about temple architecture through the centuries.

  6. Acquiring a taste for modern Greek culture through a cooking class and an olive grove tour.

Students must have a passport valid through 10/1/2027.

Instructors: Alice Bauer and Anne Hecox

Open to: Grades 9-12

Limit: 18 students    

Cost: $4830

Local Day: Friday, March 5   

Depart: Saturday, March 6   

Return: Sunday, March 14