Overview
Ignite a love of history on this tour that connects ancient innovation to modern life. Students will trace the origins of democracy and Western civilization on a journey from Athens to the Peloponnese. They'll learn about early government at the Acropolis, ancient acoustics at Epidaurus Theatre, and Bronze Age engineering at Mycenae's Lion Gate. This immersive tour combines epic history and local culture through a hands-on olive oil workshop and an interactive Greek evening featuring traditional dinner and dancing.
Itinerary
Day 1
Overnight flight to Greece (Athens)
Day 2
Arrive in Athens
Meet your Tour Director
Your 24-hour Tour Director will meet you at the airport and remain with your group until your final airport departure.
Athens city walk
In Athens, history is never far away. Walk with your Tour Director through the Plaka district, where winding streets reveal balconies filled with flowers and tavernas alive with traditional dancing. Then visit the Temple of Olympian Zeus, begun in the 6th century BC and finished by Hadrian in AD 132, and see Hadrian’s Arch, once marking the divide between ancient and imperial Athens.
Greek dinner in Plaka
Nestled beneath the Acropolis, Plaka is Athens' oldest neighborhood, known for its winding streets, neoclassical architecture, and vibrant atmosphere. Enjoy a traditional Greek dinner while sampling regional specialties and experiencing the hospitality and culinary traditions that are central to Greek culture.
Day 3
Athens guided sightseeing tour
Explore Athens with your local guide, where ancient history and modern life meet. Visit the Acropolis, the heart of classical Athens, to see the Parthenon, dedicated to the goddess Athena, and the elegant Temple of Athena Nike. Admire sweeping views of the city before stopping at the 2004 Olympic site, a symbol of Greece’s enduring athletic spirit. Continue to Syntagma Square to watch the ceremonial changing of the guards at the Parliament, then to Omonoia Square, a lively gathering place surrounded by cafés and olive trees.
Acropolis Museum visit
The Acropolis Museum contains an impressive collection of sculptures from the area. Learn how the monuments of the Acropolis have withstood centuries of change, from ancient times through the Middle Ages. Until the 17th century, foreign travelers described many of the classical buildings as remaining intact.
Day 4
Travel to Tolo
Corinth Canal photo stop
Carved through the narrow strip of land connecting mainland Greece to the Peloponnese, the Corinth Canal is an impressive feat of engineering linking the Aegean and Ionian Seas. Towering limestone walls and its remarkably narrow waterway showcase the ambitious vision that brought an ancient idea to life in the 19th century.
Epidaurus Theatre visit
Renowned for its remarkable acoustics and exceptional preservation, the Theatre of Epidaurus is one of the greatest masterpieces of ancient Greek architecture. Built in the 4th century BC as part of a sanctuary dedicated to the god of healing, it continues to host performances more than 2,000 years later.
Greek olive farm visit
Olive cultivation has been a cornerstone of Greek life for thousands of years, shaping the country's cuisine, economy, and landscapes. Visit a local olive farm to learn about the growing and production process before sampling a variety of distinctive olive oils.
Day 5
Mycenae archaeological site guided visit
Once the center of one of the most powerful civilizations of the Bronze Age, Mycenae is closely associated with the legends of Agamemnon and Homer's epics. Explore its massive fortification walls, royal tombs, and the iconic Lion Gate while discovering the legacy of the Mycenaean world.
Nemea archaeological site guided visit
Known for hosting the ancient Nemean Games, one of the four major Panhellenic athletic festivals, Nemea played an important role in the sporting and religious life of ancient Greece. During a guided visit, explore the archaeological site, including the Temple of Zeus and the ancient stadium. Built in the 4th century BC, the Temple of Zeus served as the religious center of Nemea, while the stadium offers insight into the competitions and traditions that helped inspire the Olympic Games.
Day 6
Travel to Patras
Ancient Olympia guided visit
Once one of the most important sites in ancient Greece, Olympia was the birthplace of the Olympic Games. Today, the remains of the temple and stadium stand among olive trees and rivers, offering a look at the history of the ancient games and the traditions that began here.
Day 7
Travel to Athens
Athens is one of the oldest cities in the Western world, with a recorded history spanning more than 3,400 years. During the Classical Era, it was a center for the arts, learning, and philosophy, and home to Plato's Academy and Aristotle's Lyceum. Today, Athens blends its ancient heritage with a vibrant modern culture.
Greek evening with dinner and a show
Enjoy Greek cuisine, culture, and a live show!
Day 8
Return home
TourFlex: Your Experience, Your Way
Explore Your Way
- Add experiences like theater tickets or unique excursions
- Swap activities for ones that better serve your group
- Extend the learning through go-aheads or stay-behinds
Go Your Way
- Choose the most accessible departure airport for your group
- Opt for 2-, 3-, or 4-star hotels that are centrally located or a convenient ride to major itinerary attractions
Dine Your Way
- Opt for pre-selected meals or encourage exploration by dining on your own
- Enjoy 2-3 course, culturally representative meals or opt for 3-course, authentic dinners at local restaurants
Already Included
WorldStrides Tour Director: A dynamic destination expert who makes learning come to life by leading your group's activities and discussions
Transportation to and from your destination
Hotel accommodations
Daily meals, with options varying by program. Ask your Account Manager for details
Admissions to top attractions (details in itinerary)
Guided sightseeing tours & city walks (details in itinerary)
Tips for local guides and drivers (excluding multi-day bus drivers)
WorldAssist staff members available 24/7/365 should your group need extra help
High school credit for students in grades 6-12, or college credit for students in grades 9-12, upon completion of the travel program and required WorldStrides online coursework
Professional development credits (CEUs) for educators
Scenes from Athens and the Peloponnese
Health & Safety
Additional health and safety measures may be available within your respective destination. Refer to your program-specific materials for complete details.
Financial Assistance
Financial Assistance
WorldStrides provides over $2.5 million in financial assistance each year to thousands of families. Families with annual adjusted gross incomes of less than $85,000 may qualify. One simple call to Customer Service and you’ll know how much may be available for your trip even before signing up. Please note: financial assistance is given on a first-come, first-served basis.
Payment Plans
Advantage Payment Plan
At program sign-up you can opt to pay in full, or break up the cost of your trip with the Advantage Payment Plan. This plan allows you to pay a small initial deposit, then have your remaining payments spread out into affordable monthly amounts.
EZPay
We offer an EZPay option, which is a simple way to pay for your WorldStrides program by scheduling hassle-free, automatic drafts from your checking account. With EZPay, you'll never be late or miss an installment.
Fundraising Tools
Our easy-to-use tools put students in the driver's seat of their own fundraising efforts. Students can send e-cards, share links on social media, and even send out printed letters through WorldStrides' Gift of Education program. In one click friends and family members can make a direct donation to the trip - with 100% of the money raised going to offset their trip price. Thousands of students pay for their entire trip each year through the Gift of Education.
Also, WorldStrides makes program-specific scholarships available as well as other scholarship resources. Ask your Account Manager for more information about scholarships and fundraising tools.