The program begins and ends in Athens. Here (as in every place we visit) our hotel is centrally located. Classes will be held on the hotel's rooftop garden with a magnificent view of the Parthenon. After five nights in Athens, we travel by ferry to the Greek islands: first to the impressive archaeological site on the island of Delos, and then on to the beautiful island of Naxos for an eight-night stay. After a brief return to the mainland, an overnight stay in the port of Piraeus (home of some of the best ancient bronze statues), the group will again board a ferry and travel to Siphnos, an unspoiled island in the Cyclades. The stay here will include a day trip to the neighboring island of Melos, where the "Venus de Milo" was found and Thucydides' famous "Melian dialogue" is set. Students may opt to hike to the ancient gold mines of Siphnos and to take a course in Greek folk dancing.

After a brief stopover in Athens the group will travel by private motor coach to Delphi (with its famous oracle of Apollo), Olympia (home of the Olympic games), and on to the charming seaside town of Nauplion, the first capital of modern Greece. This will serve as our base for exploring the Argolid, with excursions to Mycenae ( home of the legendary King Agamemnon), Argos, Corinth (where Paul preached), Eleusis (site of the famous mystery cult), and the popular ancient healing theater. The group will then visit Athens once more before returning to the U.S.

Please note: Prospective students should be aware that the Greece program is very strenuous. You should be prepared to 1) walk at least a mile or two each day; 2) walk over stony, rough or slippery paths at archaeological sites; and 3) protect yourself in the hot Mediterranean climate by always carrying water, wearing hats, etc. 4) be prepared if susceptible to motion sickness, as we will travel extensively by bus and ferry.