Sponsored by the Center for Hellenic Studies PAIDEIA, our Summer Greece Trip offers students a unique opportunity to experience Greek culture firsthand. This trip goes beyond traditional classroom learning, immersing students in the history, language, and traditions of Greece. Participants visit historically significant sites, engage with local communities, and practice their Greek language skills in real-world settings. The journey fosters a deep connection to Greek heritage, allowing students to explore ancient landmarks, enjoy authentic Greek cuisine, and participate in cultural events. This experience not only enriches their understanding of Greece but also strengthens their global perspective and appreciation for cultural diversity.
ESTIMATED COST PER STUDENT: $2800 (approximate)
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Airfare: approximately $1800-1900. It's possible before Christmas or after New Year, for rates to go down.
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Administrative Fee: $400 DUE UPON REGISTRATION ($200 non-refundable prior to airfare being purchased. $400 non-refundable once tickets have been purchased). NOTE: This is a separate fee that helps to cover the cost of staff chaperones and other items needed for the group during the trip. Chaperones: 2-4 Staff Members (depending on number of students participating).
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Student cost charged by the PAIDEIA Hellenic Studies is $2000. The program gives each student a $400 scholarship. Our goal is to bring $1000 covered by individual sponsorships for each student. Total cost for the program $600 per student. This includes hotels, breakfast & dinner, land transportation, admission to museums/ archaeological sites of Greece, tour guide/faculty, and cultural activities.
OPTIONAL
Travel insurance is optional but highly recommended. Socrates Academy does not offer travel insurance as part of the Greece Trip package, but travel insurance can be purchased online.
ESTIMATED COSTS PER PARENT: $3,840 (approximate)
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Airfare: approximately $1800-1900. It's possible before Christmas or after New Year, for rates to go down.
PROGRAM FEES & COST
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Program fee (charged by the Center for Hellenic Studies PAIDEIA): $2000 ($3,200 for a couple-a student may have more than one parent accompany him/her if space allows). This includes hotels, breakfast & dinner, land transportation, admission to museums/ archaeological sites of Greece, tour guide/faculty, and cultural activities
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Background check: $40
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OPTIONAL
Travel insurance is optional but highly recommended. Socrates Academy does not offer travel insurance as part of the Greece Trip package, but travel insurance can be purchased online.
​
EXPENSES & REGISTRATION
Expenses: approximately $500 (for lunch, incidentals, and souvenirs). This amount could be more or less depending on your spending and eating habits
Parent registration will require a $100.00 deposit. This amount is fully refundable once tickets have been purchased.
SAMPLE PACKING LIST
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Two pair(s) of comfortable walking shoes
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One outfit for each day you are on tour
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One piece of rain gear (rain jacket, rain poncho)
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Pajamas
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Personal items (undergarments, socks)
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Toiletries (shampoo, deodorant, toothpaste, etc.)
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Grooming tools (brush, comb, toothbrush)
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Jacket for cool weather
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Modest bathing suit
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2 beach towels
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Sunscreen
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Sunglasses
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Water shoes
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Hat (with a wide rim is best)
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Mosquito Repellent
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Flip flops
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Body powder
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Light backpack for day excursions
​HELPFUL INFORMATION
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This trip is sponsored by the Center for Hellenic Studies PAIDEIA
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Students will have an opportunity to speak Greek, learn Greek dances, and more
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Participants will stay at hotels for the duration of the trip
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Participants will travel in a private bus within Greece to and from the various excursion sites
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Students MUST stay with the group at all times for the duration of the trip.
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Parents may travel with the group but must strictly adhere to the itinerary planned by the PAIDEIA program in Greece.
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Passports are required. Make sure passports are current well in advance of travel.
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This trip involves A LOT of walking and is sometimes strenuous. The weather is also very hot. Please consider any conditions that might affect your scholar’s ability to fully participate on this trip. This also applies to anyone accompanying their student.
LEARN MORE ABOUT GREECE​
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www.gogreece.about.com/cs/grksightseeing/a/olympiaolympus.html
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www.magicaljourneys.com/Macedonia/macedonia_discover_olympus.html
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www.macedonianheritage.gr/Museums/Archaeological_byzantine/Arx_Diou.html
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www.macedonianheritage.gr/Museums/Archaeological_and_Byzantine/Arx_Bas_Tafoi_Berginas.html
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K7qvE_rFEZY&feature=related http://il.youtube.com/watch?v=QTnARJB5jjM http://il.youtube.com/watch?v=aEQJefai8ic&feature=related http://il.youtube.com/watch?v=iwsTh_710gI&feature=related http://il.youtube.com/watch?v=K6eaHYrml8E&feature=related http://il.youtube.com/watch?v=ZyjgoOMW1I8
Paideia Trip Itinerary 2024
01
DAY
Monday, June 30
Overnight flight to Athens, Greece
02
DAY
July 1: Athens
Airport welcome, travel to Arethusa Hotel in Athens.
Check in/free time/dinner/sleep.
Hotel Arethusa, Mitropoleos St & Syntagma Square, Tel. 011-30- 2103229431-4
03
04
DAY
July 2nd and 3rd
Breakfast at the Hotel 8:00 AM.
Walking tour, visit Ancient Agora of Athens, Acropolis, Dionysos Ancient Theater.
Lunch/free time.
Visit Temple of Zeus, Olympic Stadium, Museums.
Free time/dinner/sleep.
Hotel Arethusa, Mitropoleos St & Syntagma Square, Tel. 011-30- 2103229431-4
05
DAY
July 4
Breakfast at the hotel 7:30 AM.
Depart for Delphi at 8 AM. Drive for 90 minutes.
Visit Archaeological site and museum. Learn about Oracle.
Depart for Thermopylae. Drive for 90 minutes.
Thermopylae. Visit the Monument of Leonidas and his 300.
Visit the Museum, learn for the war between the Greeks and the Persians, and visit the battlefield and hot springs.
Depart for Meteora. Drive about 90 minutes.
Check in at Kaikis Hotel Hotel. Dinner/ free time/ sleep.
06
DAY
July 5
Breakfast at the hotel 8:00 AM.
Visit a Monastery. Learn about Byzantium/Art/Architecture
Depart for Aiani, Kozani.
Lunch/Free time
Apollodorus Festival. Participate in running competition with local youth.
Check in at Aliakmon Hotel in Kozani.
Dinner/free time/sleep
07
DAY
July 6
Breakfast at the Hotel 8:00 AM.
Depart for Vergina. Drive 35 minutes.
Vergina. Visit Museum. Learn about King Philip II. Macedonia.
Depart for Veroia. Drive for 15 minutes.
Veroia. Visit steps of Saint Paul
Lunch in Veroia.
Depart for Pella. Visit Museum and Archaeological site. Birthplace of Alexander the Great.
Depart to Thessaloniki. 30 minutes’ drive.
Hotel Amalia; www.hotelamalia.gr; Tel (2310)268321
Dinner/ free time/ sleep
08
DAY
July 7
Breakfast at the hotel.
Visit Ancient Agora.
Visit Byzantine Church of Saint Demetrios.
Visit Rotunda.
Visit Thessaloniki Universities.
Lunch/free time.
Visit Archaeological Museum.
Visit statue of Alexander the Great.
Walking tour of Thessaloniki.
Dinner/ free time/ sleep.
09
DAY
July 8
Breakfast at the Hotel 8:00 AM.
Depart for ancient Amphipolis. 90 minutes away. Visit Museum, Lions statue.
Depart for Ancient Philippoi Archaeological site. Prison of Saint Paul. Drive 20 minutes.
Visit City of Kavala. Lunch/free time/beach-swim.
Visit Nea Karvali. Learn about 1922 period. (Time permitting).
Return to Thessaloniki.
Dinner/free time/sleep
10
DAY
July 9
Breakfast at Hotel 7:30 AM.
Depart for Dodona. About 2 hours away. The oldest oracle and spiritual center of Greece. Ancient theater.
Ioannina. 15 Minutes away. Free time/ lunch at Roufa-Fysa Restaurant
Depart for Messolongi. Drive 90 minutes.
Messolongi. Learn Greek War of Independence in 1821.
Depart for Nafpaktos. Drive 30 minutes.
Nafpaktos. Check in at Akti Hotel.
Nafpaktos. Free time/ beach. Port.
Dinner/ free time/sleep.
Aktis Hotel, 26340-28464; www.akti.gr
11
DAY
July 10
Breakfast at the Hotel 7:30 AM.
Depart for Ancient Olympia. About two hours’ drive.
Ancient Olympia. Visit Archaeological site and Museum.
Lunch in Ancient Olympia.
Depart for Mystras. Drive about 2 hours.
Mystras. Visit the historical site. Learn about Byzantium.
Drive to Sparta. Ten minutes’ drive.
Sparta. Check in at Dioskouroi Hotel.
Dinner at Diethnes Restaurant. Free time/sleep.
12
DAY
July 12
Breakfast at the Hotel 7:30 AM.
Sparta. Visit Archaeological site and Museum.
Visit Monument of King Leonidas.
Visit Olive Oil Museum.
Lunch.
Depart for Mycenae. Drive 90 minutes.
Mycenae. Visit Museum, Lions Gate with Ancient Acropolis, Cyclopean Walls. Mycenaean Tombs of Atreus and Klytaimnystra. Learn about Mycenaean Civilization 1,600-1,100 BC.
Depart to Argos. Drive 15 minutes.
Check in at Morfeas Hotel.
Dinner/ free time/sleep.
13
DAY
July 12
Breakfast at the hotel 8 am
Depart for Epidauros. Drive 40 minutes.
Epidauros. Visit museum and magnificent Ancient Greek Theater of Epidauros. Visit archaeological site with remains of ancient first medical facilities.
Depart for Tolos. Drive 20 minutes.
Lunch/free time/beach-swim.
Visit Nafplion. First capital of Modern Greece. Visit the port.
Visit Isthmus of Corinth
Depart for Athens. Drive 90 minutes.
Athens. Check in at Arethusa Hotel. Free time.
Dinner/ free time/sleep
Hotel Arethusa, Mitropoleos St & Syntagma Square, Tel. 011-30- 2103229431-4
14
DAY
July 13
Breakfast at the Hotel.
Depart for Athens airport to USA.
End of the program.