European Cultural History Tour - Mediterranean

  Greece

• Athens: 
Athinai (Athens)

Term: Spring, Summer 

Description: The Mediterranean Cultural History Tour (MEDECHT) is a completely unique approach to university study abroad. It combines a thorough tour of major cultural and historical sites throughout Europe and the Mediterranean with intense academic study of the culture and history being experienced. It's an ideal learning environment because it integrates reading and writing with direct involvement to give a richer understanding of the subject than book learning alone could possibly provide. The Mediterranean Cultural History Tour is a 35 day program traveling from Zurich to Athens.

Highlights: Visit Switzerland, Italy and Greece:

Greece:
The small town of Delphi is nestled on the slopes of Mount Parnassus. Arriving at Delphi in the early afternoon, we will visit the archaeological site, one of the most important sites in Greece and probably the most strikingly situated.

Thessaloniki: 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.

Mount Olympus refers to the range of mountains in the Olympus National Park, spanning some twelve miles in length. We will stop in the foothills, and, perhaps visit the small town of Litochoro, for a snack and an opportunity to take photographs of the mountains. Our bus will take us to the charming town of Kalambaka, with the clifftop monasteries of Meteora rising majestically in the distance.

We arrive in Crete via overnight ferry on the morning of our 25th day of travel. On Crete we will visit Knossos, undoubtedly the most famous archeological site on the island, where King Minos, the son of Zeus and Europa, ruled, and Daedalus constructed an intricate labyrinth to hide the Minotaur.

We will travel by chartered bus on a day-long excursion of the Argolid. Our first stop is Mycenae, the fortress-like city of Homeric fame. We will approach the Cyclopean Walls and enter through the Lion's Gate into the Citadel.

In Olympia we will see the wonderful Olympic archaeological site set amidst beautiful groves of cypress and olive trees. Here we will explore the ancient site of the Olympic Games, see the remains of the Temple of Zeus and Temple of Hera, walk through the ruins of the "workshop of Phidias", then admire the "Hermes" of the great sculptor Praxiteles in the newly-restored museum.

While in Athens, two unique sites are a must, the Acropolis and the National Archeological Museum. Our visit to the Acropolis will take the major part of one day. We plan to visit the Parthenon, see the site of the Temple of Athena Nike (now in restoration), the Propylaea and the Erechtheum. We also will stop by the Acropolis Museum, which houses the famous caryatids of the Erechtheum.

Cost in US$: 4350

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

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