Step Into History in the Eternal City

Yes. All Basic Program students and alumni of the program are eligible to apply. 

This trip is open to all Graham School students and alumni of the program. Their spouses and partners are cordially welcome as well.

The per-person rate for the 2026 Spring Break in Rome trip is $7,490 with an additional $1,900 fee for the optional post-tour journey to Pompeii. A $1,200 per person deposit is required once accepted into the program and no later than October 15, 2025. The balance of the fee is due no later than November 10, 2025. All cancellations and requests for refunds must be submitted in writing.

Cancellations on or prior to December 12, 2025, will incur a $800 per person cancellation fee. Cancellations received between December 13, 2025, and January 1, 2026 will result in a forfeiture of $3,000 per person. No refunds will be given for cancellations received on or after January 2, 2026. In the unlikely event of the cancellation of the program by the Graham School of Continuing Liberal and Professional Studies or by the Athens Center, a full refund will be given.

• Pre-trip seminar. 

• Pre-trip reception. 

• Double-occupancy hotel accommodations. 

• Daily breakfast and lunch, arrival-day reception, welcome and farewell dinners. 

• Expert-led site and museum tours. 

• Discussion sessions led by a Basic Program instructor. 

• Entry to the ancient sites and museums. 

• Coach transportation to sites outside of Rome. 

Participants are responsible for their own air travel to Rome (and airport transfers) and meals other than those listed above. 

Accommodations are double hotel rooms in 3-4 star hotels near the sites we will visit. Single travelers may book by paying the single supplement.

Yes. These will be shared a few months prior to the trip.

Yes. The Basic Program trip scholar will lead one virtual seminar prior to the trip and several sessions during the trip. Topics and readings will be announced in advance. 

Participants should be aware that the trip requires considerable walking in ancient archaeological sites. Ability to climb 2-3 flights of stairs and ability to stand for up to 90 minutes is required. 

All cancellations and requests for refunds must be submitted in writing. Cancellations on or prior to December 12, 2025, will incur a $800 per person cancellation fee. Cancellations received between December 13, 2025, and January 1, 2026 will result in a forfeiture of $3,000 per person. No refunds will be given for cancellations received on or after January 2, 2026. In the unlikely event of the cancellation of the program by the Graham School of Continuing Liberal and Professional Studies or by the Athens Center, a full refund will be given.

We strongly suggest that participants purchase travel insurance to protect against nonrefundable costs incurred when travel must be postponed on short notice. We are unable to make exceptions to our refund policies. 

Participants may elect instead to waive this requirement understanding fully that the University of Chicago Alumni Association and Graham School of Continuing Liberal and Professional Studies are under no obligation to provide a refund after cancellation dates have passed. 

Medical insurance plans vary. Participants should confirm that their medical insurance covers expenses while abroad or arrange for alternative medical insurance. 

The University of Chicago, the University of Chicago Graham School of Continuing Liberal and Professional Studies, and the Athens Centre have no responsibility in whole or in part for any loss, death, damage, or injury to person or property or accident, mechanical defect, failure or negligence of any nature howsoever caused in connection with any accommodation, transportation, or other services. Baggage is at the owner’s risk entirely. The right is retained to decline to accept or retain any person as a trip member should such person’s health, mental condition, physical infirmity, or attitude jeopardize the operation of the trip or the rights, welfare, or enjoyment of other participants.