As the birthplace of numerous academic disciplines, Greece is the perfect destination for a study program! Explore the country’s complex economic history, engage with local and global companies, and immerse yourself in its rich cultural heritage. Marvel at iconic ancient landmarks like the Acropolis and the Agora, while gaining a deeper understanding of Greece’s enduring influence on the world.
* Please note that this is only a sample itinerary for an Undergraduate group. All of our itineraries are tailor-made and can accommodate any academic level and theme. All itineraries are subject to change.
Day 1: Saturday, December 9Sat December 9Day 1: welcome to Greece
Athens, Greece
The birthplace of democracy, the cradle of philosophy, the home of the first Olympic games - just to name some of the many contributions of the great nation of Greece to humanity's evolution. Although the country’s economy underwent rapid growth in the post-World War II period, by the start of the second millennium, Greece was pushed to the brink of bankruptcy due to excessive government expenditures and fiscal profligacy. A decade after the Greek debt crisis, today, the country is on the path to recovery. The return to economic growth has generated new investor interest in the country with major investments from multinational corporations. The current fresh political leadership and renewed business confidence are all signs of better tomorrows to come for Greece.
intercity transfersarrive Athens
Own arrangements
Meet ISP Program Manager at the airport.
own arrangements
afternoon
transportationtransfer to hotel, check-in
bus transfer
rest of the day at leisure
Recommended activity: Get out of your hotel room, and let yourself be charmed by the romantic streets and magnificent architecture of this great city. Use this time to familiarize yourself with the area of your hotel, find where the closest ATM is, and map out the best restaurants and stores in the neighborhood.
Day 2: Sunday, December 10Sun December 10Day 2: admiring Athens' timeless splendor
breakfast
hotel
transportationmeet in hotel lobby, depart for city tour
public transport
morning
cultural eventthe glory of Greece - Acropolis & Agora excursion
Take a pilgrimage to one of the most ancient sites in the Western world, the Acropolis, sitting majestically atop the city. Stroll along its white Pentelic marble ruins, marvel at the grandeur of the Parthenon, and check out the monumental Temple of Olympian Zeus. From here, descend to the Agora nestled beneath the Northwest slope of the hill. This archaeological site used to serve as a communal space for residents of Athens.
walk
mealslunch: own arrangements
Own arrangements
afternoon
free to relax & explore the city
Recommended activity: Take a visit to one of the most modern museums of Hellas, the New Acropolis Museum, housing some of the oldest artefacts, from the Archaic to the Roman periods. The building’s massive windows provide a special vantage point on the limestone hill across, and its floor reveals the ruins of an ancient Athenian quarter. The museum’s main attraction is however, its Parthenon Gallery with the temple's 160 m-long frieze and replicas of the original monuments, currently on display at the British Museum.
transportationmeet in hotel lobby, depart for welcome dinner
bus transfer
evening
mealsdivine dining experience - welcome dinner
Enjoy a special view over the magnificent city of Athens! Get to know some of the traditional crafts, follow the production path of bread and olive oil, note down some authentic Greek recipes during a cooking demonstration, listen to folk music and top it up with delicious dinner while watching a dance show.
restaurant
Day 3: Monday, December 11Mon December 11Day 3: drawing a roadmap to recovery
breakfast
hotel
transportationmeet in hotel lobby, depart for visit
The infamous Greek fiscal crisis has erupted in 2008, when the country declared that its budget deficit exceeded 15%. This outstanding debt was accumulated by the ruling populist government’s wasteful and excessive expenditures, driving the country into recession. The European Union provided a bailout package to Greece that has in return, operated under strict austerity measures ever since. That is until 2020, when with the outbreak of the pandemic, the country has entered yet another depression.
presentation, discussion
mealslunch: own arrangements
Own arrangements
afternoon
visitshipping industry - strategies in navigating the rough economic watersPiraeus Port Authority SA
Piraeus is one of the leading ports in Europe in terms of passenger traffic, the largest container terminal and one of the most important car terminals in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea. It operates as the main commercial gate connecting Greece and Southern Europe with the rest of the world. In addition, it is the cruise center of the Eastern Mediterranean providing comprehensive services to cruise ships. Learn about their operations and position within the global supply chain.
management presentation, discussion, tour of port
Piraeus Port Authority SA, 10 Akti Miaouli, 18538, Piraeus
rest of the day at leisure
Recommended activity: Visiting the Panathenaic Stadium is one of the most popular and fun things to do in Athens, especially for fans of the Olympic Games. The history of the Panathenaic Stadium dates back to ancient Greece when the site was constructed to host a racing track for the Panathenaic Games and later the Panathenaic Festival, ancient Athens’ sporting and various other cultural celebrations. Ancient Greeks began the Panathenaic Games in honor of Athena, who they believed helped them win many battles. Like the modern Olympics, the Panathenaic Games were held every four years.
Day 4: Tuesday, December 12Tue December 12Day 4: discovering the treasures of the Peloponnese
breakfast
hotel
morning
transportationtransfer to Epidaurus (duration approx. 2 hours)
bus full day
cultural eventfull-day trip to Epidaurus and Nafplio
Explore the ancient theater of Epidaurus, famous for its impeccable acoustics, and marvel at the engineering genius of the ancient Greeks. Then, venture to the charming seaside town of Nafplio, known for its colorful architecture, winding alleys, and beautiful beaches. Take a stroll through the town's historic old town and enjoy panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea.
bus/walk
late afternoon
transportationreturn to Athens (duration approx. 2 hours)
rest of the day at leisure
Recommended activity: The Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center designed by Renzo Piano is home to both the Greek National Opera and the main branch of the National Library. Seeing a performance here will be a highlight of your trip, but there are plenty of free things to do and see as well, including meandering through the stunningly beautiful Stavros Niarchos Park.
Day 5: Wednesday, December 13Wed December 13Day 5: the green gold of Greece
breakfast
hotel
transportationmeet in hotel lobby, depart for visit
bus full day
morning
visitfrom branch to bottle - the production of organic olive oilGaea
Olives are deeply embedded in the Greek national identity. According to the mythology, the Goddess Athena won patronage of the city by gifting an olive tree to its residents, and at the ancient Olympic Games the winning athletes were awarded crowns made of olive leaves. Get to know the origins of olive oil production in Greece, learn about different varieties, and their manufacturing process from harvest through extraction to decanting and packaging.
visitclimate-friendly beauty - reducing the carbon footprint of the cosmetics industryApivita Natural Cosmetics
When it comes to natural cosmetics, sustainability does not only refer to the way ingredients are sourced or how the product is manufactured, but also to the materials used during its production and post-production. Olives form an essential part of Greek products, especially in natural cosmetics. Find out how this premium ingredient helps reduce the carbon footprint of products and discover the challenges for sustainability in natural cosmetics.
management presentation, discussion
rest of the day at leisure
Recommended activity: Spend an evening in the hip Psiri district, full of restaurants, cafes and live music venues. It’s also an artistic neighborhood counting many examples of street art and several art galleries and it’s often compared to Soho in New York.
evening
optional cultural eventmastering the art of Greek cooking - class and dinner
Get your hands dirty and discover the secrets of traditional cuisine during an authentic Greek cooking class. The adventure starts at the cooking school, where you'll learn how to make authentic Greek dishes, and you'll end the culinary experience by enjoying the fruits of your labor as you indulge in the dishes you’ve prepared.
sts pay individually
Day 6: Thursday, December 14Thu December 14Day 6: sailing on the Aegian sea
breakfast
hotel
morning
transportationmeet in hotel lobby, depart for excursion
bus transfer
cultural eventfull-day cruise of the Saronic Gulf
Leave the hustle and bustle of Athens behind, and sway off to the islands of the Saronic Gulf. First stop, the volcanic island of Poros, within a stone’s throw of the mainland. A charming place of bleached white houses and untouched hillsides, just a short boat ride away from Hydra, that you may know from the movie "Boy on a Dolphin" starring Sophia Lauren. Today, Hydra is a hot-spot for artists and is known for its charming port. From here, pop over to the nearby Aegina, stroll along its narrow cobblestone streets and buy a few packs of the island's most famous premium exports, pistachios. Treat yourself to some mouth-smacking ice cream sold in the center's colorful gelaterias.
boat/walk
evening
transportationreturn to hotel
bus transfer
rest of the day at leisure
Recommended activity: Feeling overwhelmed by Greece’s majestic history? Try visiting the centers of contemporary young, hip culture, such as Technopolis City of Athens, a unique cultural complex which promotes arts, development and entrepreneurship, education, industrial heritage and public awareness.
Day 7: Friday, December 15Fri December 15Day 7: fostering the local community
breakfast
hotel
transportationmeet in hotel lobby, depart for visit
public transport
morning
workshoptackling unemployment among vulnerable groups - causes and curesShedia Home
One of the long-lasting social issues facing Greece today is high unemployment, especially among young people, women and long-term unemployed. Joblessness has been a persistent problem in Greece, since the aftermath of the economic crisis, which has led to significant cuts in public spending and caused businesses to lay off workers. Meet with the representatives of a local social organization providing unique employment opportunities to people experiencing poverty, homelessness, and long-term unemployment.
management presentation, discussion
mealslunch: own arrangements
Own arrangements
afternoon
free for sightseeing & shopping
Recommended activity: Admire the beautiful panoramic view of Athens from Lycabettus Hill - the highest point in the city. Take a challenging walk up the circular path or ride a funicular up. You can also enjoy dinner with a view from the restaurant on the top of the hill.
transportationmeet in hotel lobby, depart for farewell dinner
bus transfer
evening
mealsfarewell dinner by the beach
Bid farewell to Hellas in style and spend your last evening in Athens is one of the restaurants lining the coastline. Enjoy some delicious Mediterranean fare and special views over the sea, and share with your classmates your key takeaways, lessons and memories from the trip.
restaurant
Day 8: Saturday, December 16Sat December 16Day 8: depart for USA
