European Cultural History Tour-Summer Program

  Greece

Thessaloniki (Sakonika)

Term: Spring, Summer 

Description: The European Cultural History Tours are 35 and 70 day tours. There are several options: a tour beginning in London and ending in Munich, one that begins in Zurich and ends in Athens, and a tour that combines both sections. These tours are a completely unique approach to university study abroad which combine visits to major cultural and historical sites with intense academic study of the culture and history being experienced. They are an ideal learning environment because they integrate reading and writing with direct involvement to give a richer understanding of the subject than book learning alone could possibly provide. Travel with experienced faculty and visit more than 20 destinations in England, France, Germany, the Czech Republic, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, and Greece while earning 6-12 hours of college credit in art and history.

Highlights: Tour visits Zurich, Venice, Florence, Rome, Naples, Pompeii, Brindisi, Delphi, Meteora, Thessaloniki, Athens, Mycenae, Olympia, Nafplion, and Crete.

Thessaloniki is the second largest city in Greece with over one million inhabitants. The rich history of Thessaloniki has seen Macedonian Emperors, Roman rule, Byzantine Empire, Saints Cyril and Methodius (the saints said to have brought the Cyrillic alphabet to the Slavs) and Ottoman overlords, each leaving their mark on the city. We will see the famous Arch of Galerius, Byzantine churches, and Ottoman streets while in the city, and, perhaps enjoy an evening meal in one of the charming courtyards housing restaurants and Ouzeris.

Our private, chartered bus will take us outside the city of Thessaloniki to the small town of Vergina. There, we will visit the Tomb of Philip II (father of Alexander the Great) and the Macedonian Princes. Considered to be the most important finds since those of Heinrich Schliemann at Myceane, the rich gold treasures, silver ewers, chryselphantine couches and works of bronze that filled the tombs are dramatically displayed and afford us a glimpse into the past. We will see what is considered to be the funeral pyre remains of Philip, his armor, the famous golden casket containing his ashes, and wreathes of solid gold. We will walk the underground passage to the door of his tomb, and, after our visit, walk through the farmlands of Vergina to another Macedonian royal tomb, and up into the hills to the site of a palace.

After visiting this fascinating site, we will board our bus for Mount Olympus and Meteora.

Cost in US$: 4350 or 8600

Experience Required: no

This Program is open to World Wide Participants.

Participants Travel to Greece in Groups

Typically Participants Work in Groups of 25

Application Process Involves:

• Letters of Reference
• Resume
• Transcript
• Written Application

Post Services Include:

• Exit DebriefingAbroad
• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home
• Job and Internship Network

Eastern Michigan University's Mission Statement: Eastern Michigan University is committed to excellence in teaching, the extension of knowledge through basic and applied research, and creative and artistic expression. Eastern Michigan University offers a variety of study abroad programs including Cultural History Tours, travel and study tours, direct exchanges, intensive language and winter break programs. Most programs are open to students from any college or university. EMU students can apply financial aid awards toward the programs. We also provide advising and information about study abroad opportunities available through other universities, work or volunteer opportunities abroad and budget travel.

Year Founded: 1849