Bring the Great Books to life by traveling to Greece with fellow students from the University of Chicago Graham School Basic Program.

The 2027 Spring Break in Greece trip is currently full. If you would like to be notified if a spot becomes available, please join our waitlist.

The Graham School is pleased to offer an opportunity for Basic Program students to explore Greece accompanied by archaeologists, a Graham School instructor, and other experts. All Basic Program students and alumni of the program are eligible to apply to join the upcoming trip. Spouses and partners are cordially welcome.

Benefits of Spring Break Travel Study in Greece

  • See the historic places you read about in the Core Curriculum readings for yourself.
  • Visit sites like the Temple of Athena on the Acropolis, Socrates’s jail cell in the Agora, and major museums.
  • Get to know the members of your travel study cohort while engaging in vibrant, open discussions.
  • Tuition includes accommodations and many meals.

Spring Break in Greece Itinerary

Hotel check-in is available on March 14. The tour activities begin in the morning of the 15th.

Day One

(Hotel check-in is available on March 14. The tour activities begin in the morning of the 15th.)

  • Group lunch 
  • Visit to the ancient Agora 
  • Cocktail reception 
  • Welcome dinner  
  • Overnight in Athens 
Day Two
  • Breakfast at the hotel 
  • Guided visit to the Acropolis site 
  • Lunch at a taverna  
  • Guided visit to the Acropolis Museum 
  • Overnight in Athens 
Day Three
  • Breakfast at the hotel 
  • Guided visit to the National Archaeological Museum 
  • Lunch at a nearby taverna 
  • Guided visit to the Kerameikos site 
  • Discussion session #1 with Basic Program Instructor 
  • Overnight in Athens 
Day Four
  • Breakfast at the hotel
  • Guided visit to Mycenae site and museum and the Tomb of Atreus
  • Guided visit to Tiryns site
  • Lunch
  • Discussion session #2
  • Overnight in Nafplion
Day Five
  • Breakfast at the hotel
  • Guided visit to Epidaurus theatre, museum, and sanctuary
  • Lunch
  • Overnight in Pylos
Day Six
  • Breakfast at the hotel
  • Guided visit to Pylos site (Nestor’s palace) and museum
  • Lunch
  • Overnight in Olympia
Day Seven
  • Breakfast at the hotel
  • Guided visit to Olympia site and museum
  • Lunch
  • Bus to Delphi
  • Overnight in Delphi
Day Eight
  • Breakfast at the hotel
  • Guided visit to the Sanctuary of Apollon, the Sanctuary of Athena, and the museum at Delphi
  • Lunch
  • Discussion session #3
  • Overnight in Delphi
Day Nine
  • Breakfast at the hotel
  • Lunch
  • Bus to Athens
  • Optional visit to the Cycladic Museum
  • Farewell dinner
  • Overnight in Athens
Day Ten
  • Departure

Frequently Asked Questions

Learn more about the Spring in Greece travel study experience from the Graham School.

Is there an application to participate in Spring Break in Greece?

Yes. All Basic Program students and alumni of the program are eligible to apply. The 2027 Spring Break in Greece trip is currently full. If you would like to be notified if a spot becomes available, please join our waitlist.

What are the prerequisites to participate in Spring Break in Greece?

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

How much does Spring Break in Greece cost?

The 2027 Spring Break in Greece trip costs $6,550 with an optional $700 single room add-on.

What is included in the cost for Spring Break in Greece?
  • Pre-trip seminar.
  • Pre-trip reception.
  • Double-occupancy hotel accommodations.
  • Daily breakfast and lunch, arrival-day reception, welcome and farewell dinners.
  • Archaeologist- and 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 Athens.
  • Support services provided by the Athens Centre.

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

What are the hotel accommodations?

Accommodations are single or double hotel rooms in 3-4 star hotels near the sites we will visit.

Are there required advance readings?

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

Will we have discussion sessions during 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.

How much walking is involved?

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.

What is the cancellation policy if my availability to attend the trip changes?

All cancellations and requests for refunds must be submitted in writing.  In the unlikely event of the cancellation of the program by the Graham School of Continuing Liberal and Professional Studies or by the Athens Centre, a full refund will be given.

$800 of the tour deposit per person is nonrefundable. Cancellations received between November 9, 2026 and January 25, 2027 will be subject to a $1,500 per person cancellation fee. Cancellations received from January 26, 2027 through March 1, 2027 will result in a $6,000 per person cancellation fee. No refunds will be given for cancellations received after March 2, 2027.

Is travel insurance required?

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.

Are there any special considerations for medical insurance?

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

What responsibilities should I be aware of?

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.

Travel Study Stories

Articles

Exploring the World of James Joyce in Dublin

Assistant Director of Travel Study Matt Welton reflects on leading Graham students and alumni through the streets and stories that shaped James Joyce’s world.

Read Now

Questions about Travel Study?

Get In Touch

Your Shopping Cart

Enroll Now