An Unforgettable Experience Awaits
From a relaxed coastal base, this Classics school trip to Olympia, Athens, Delphi and Tolon covers some of the most impressive ancient sites of Greece to inspire studies for years to come.
Trip Highlights
The architectural treasures of the Acropolis
Delphi, epitome of the Ancient Greek universe
The statues and ruined temples of Olympia
Test the acoustics at Epidavros
Recommended excursions
Acropolis
Explore the temples and sculptures of this iconic monument with your group, building up a picture of ancient Greek society and gaining an insight into the role of religion. The Parthenon is the most important surviving building of classical Greece. This beautiful temple, with its decorative sculptures, was built to honour the goddess Athena.
Acropolis Museum
Opened in 2009, this spectacular modern glass and concrete building at the foot of the ancient Acropolis, houses sculptures from the golden age of Athenian democracy. Its five levels are bathed in natural light and sections of glass floor show the archaeological excavations.
Tip: It was built in part to provide a home for the return of the Parthenon Marbles from the British Museum.
National Archaeological Museum, Athens
A visit to the largest archaeological museum in Greece provides inspiration for student enquiries into ancient Greek art. The imposing neoclassical building is home to more than 11,000 exhibits. It was founded at the end of the 19th century to house and protect antiquities from all over Greece, displaying their historical, cultural and artistic value.
Ossios Loukas
This Byzantine monastery is one of the greatest buildings of medieval Greece. It is known for its gold mosaics, wall paintings of the Katholikon church, and 11th century frescoes in the crypt. After wandering through its domed churches, built of red brick and stone, your group can relax among the almond trees on the beautiful slopes of Mount Helon.
Delphi
With its magnificent theatre, Temple of Apollo and ancient ruins, Delphi was, at one time, considered the centre of the earth and the universe, playing a key role in the classical Greek world. A visit to the ruins of the Treasury at Delphi reveals the importance of the ‘central bank’ of Ancient Greece, as well as showing architectural tastes of the time.
Delphi Museum
Students get an unforgettable insight into Delphi’s heyday at this important archaeological museum. Its centrepiece is the collection of antiquities found in the complex of the ancient Oracle of Delphi. Spectacular finds include the Bronze Charioteer, the Naxian Sphinx and the Statue of Antinoos.
Olympia
An educational tour to the ancient ruins of Olympia will help your students understand the importance of the first Olympic Games, held in honour of Zeus. Marvel at colossal statues, ruined temples and resplendent villas, bringing to life the words and pictures from textbooks. A tour of the site sparks enquiries into architectural styles and classical history.
Tolon
This idyllic resort, not far from Nafplio and Epidavros, can provide a welcome bit of rest and recreation in between touring the historical sites of the area. The long sandy beach faces a wide bay dotted with islets and fringed with the mountains of the peninsula to the east, with boat trips available. Photo © Moriya Halon.
Epidavros
When your students hear the quality of the acoustics at Epidavros, they’ll be blown away. Drop a coin in the centre of this astounding theatre to demonstrate just how good they are. Then discuss the architectural skills and importance of theatre in Greek society. Photo © Andrew Baldwin.
Ancient Corinth and Corinth Canal
Boasting ancient baths, the Temple of Hephaestus and a collection of Roman remains, a visit to ancient Corinth is a chance for students to expand their appreciation of the classical world. Visit the deep and narrow Corinth canal, which so many ancient rulers attempted – and failed – to build. Neolithic pottery suggests that the site of Corinth was occupied from at least as early as 6500 BC.
Nafplio (Naúplion)
The original capital of Greece, nestling on the coast of the Argolic Gulf, Nafplio boasts three castles for students of ancient civilisation to explore. They can learn the story of the Venetian fortress of Bourtzi, set out in the harbour to protect the city from invaders. Enjoy the pretty town’s ancient walls and Ottoman fountains.
Tiryns
Visit the ruins of the hill fort that was one of the most important centres of the Mycenaean world. The Ancient Greeks believed that the walls were built by the cyclops – because only giants of superhuman strength could have lifted the enormous stones. Students can view the remains of the palace complex and hear the legends of Hercules linked to the site. Photo © Alun Salt.
Mycenae
As Greece’s dominant city for 500 years, there’s a wealth of opportunity for educational tours in Mycenae. Witness the monumental Lions Gate and the Necropolis and discover the amazing findings of the archaeological digs that have taken place here.
Ancient Pathos Theatre Performance and Workshop
This compilation of powerful scenes from well-known tragedies by Aeschylus, Sophocles and Euripides is followed by a discussion with the actors and director. The performance can be combined with a workshop to create an ancient Greek Mask (which can be taken away) or a seminar on ancient Greek costume.
Typical accommodation
Crystal City Hotel, Athens ★★★
Why groups like it:
- Comfortable rooms and plenty of places for students to meet
- Located near Metaxourgheio Metro station giving easy access to the National Archaeological Museum
- Centrally located and has a beautiful roof garden with panoramic city views
Facilities:
- Air-conditioned rooms with en-suite facilities, TV and hairdryer
- Free Wi-Fi access in public areas
- On-site snackbar/café
Hotel Minoa ★★★
Why students and teachers like it:
- Situated directly on the beach at Tolon
- Friendly family run 3-star hotel
- Free Wi-Fi access
Facilities:
- All rooms with private facilities and air conditioning
- 24-hour staffed front desk and handy luggage storage
- Own restaurant and bar
Itinerary suggestion
1 Flight to Athens, about 4 hours
2 Coach transfer
3 Evening meal
1 Breakfast
2 Your own sightseeing. We suggest the Parthenon, Agora and Acropolis Museum
3 Afternoon sightseeing – we suggest hill of the Acropolis, Parthenon and Acropolis Museum
4 Evening meal
1 Breakfast
2 Your own sightseeing – we suggest National Archaeological Museum
3 Depart by coach for Delphi with optional stop at Ossios Loukas
4 Overnight Delphi – evening meal
1 Breakfast
2 Site of the Great Oracle and Cult of Apollo at Delphi, and Delphi Museum
3 Depart by coach for Olympia via the Rio Andirio Bridge
4 Overnight in Olympia – evening meal
1 Breakfast
2 Olympia, site of the first Olympic games
3 Coach to Tolon
4 Overnight in Tolon – evening meal
1 Breakfast and packed lunch
2 Theatre at Epidavros and Sanctuary of Asklepios
3 Continue to ancient Corinth, ancient port, baths of Helen and Acropolis
4 Overnight Tolon – evening meal
1 Breakfast and packed lunch
2 Visit to Nauplion, original capital of Greece. Tiryns – the birthplace of Hercules. Mycenae, the Homeric city of Agamemnon
3 Overnight Tolon – evening meal
1 Breakfast and packed lunch – check out
2 Coach transfer to Athens airport
3 Return flight to UK to tell of all you’ve seen!
Learning outcomes
Subject focus
Students on this tour will:
- Study remains of classical Greek and Mycenaean civilisations, to see what can be reconstructed and understood from these buildings and artifacts
- See places that inspired Greek poets and playwrights and the theatres where their works were performed
- View archaeological sites and sculptures specified in OCR/AQA syllabuses, particularly in relation to Mycenaean civilisation and theatre
- Think about the continuing influence of classical civilisations today
Student outcomes
Students will have an opportunity to:
- Observe the development and continuity of Greek architecture throughout the height of Greek civilisation
- Put the buildings into context, accounting for differences in style and grandeur
- Reflect on the roles of institutions, the theatre and individuals in Greek history
- Recognise the enduring influence of Greek civilisation
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Our top three excursions were Delphi, Athens and Olympia. The students thought that the final stage at Tolon provided the best surroundings.
King Edward’s School, Birmingham
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