Discovering Northern Greece: Macedonian and Byzantine Treasures

The application period for our September 2024 journey through northern Greece is now closed. Follow in the footsteps of the ancient Macedonian kings Philip II and Alexander the Great, as we explore the heartland of an empire.

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plaque of Alexander the Great

The Graham School offers a journey through impressive northern Greece! Follow in the footsteps of the ancient Macedonian kings Philip II and Alexander the Great, as we explore the heartland of an empire that eventually spread Greek culture and a "globalized" economy around the eastern Mediterranean and across Asia as far as India. Our home base for the trip will be Thessaloniki, present-day Greece's Second City, but also once the second-most important city and Christian center in the Byzantine empire after Constantinople. In addition to the ancient monuments, brilliantly decorated Byzantine churches, and picturesque Old/Upper Town of Thessaloniki itself, we will make day-trips to Aigai and Pella, ancient Macedonia's royal seats, and Mieza, where young Alexander was schooled at the knee of his tutor Aristotle. 

Also not to be missed is a special 2-day foray into the three-pronged Chalkidiki region, during which we'll explore mighty-walled Amphipolis and Aristotle's birthplace of Stagira; walk through centuries-old monasteries; and take to the seas to steal a look at the mysterious, secluded monastic enclave of Mount Athos. 

 

Archeologist John Leonard was outstanding. His lectures were relatable and in depth. He added a great deal to my experience of each museum and site.

Past Participant in Travel to Greece

Archeologist John Leonard, a Graham student favorite, co-led the March 2023 and 2024 Basic Program Spring Break in Greece and led the September '23 trip to Crete and Ancient Thera.  He holds a PhD in Greek & Roman archaeology from the University at Buffalo, SUNY.   John is an archaeologist and a writer & editor.  He is a visiting professor of ancient Greek & Roman art, archaeology and, history and is a specialist in Cypriot archaeology.  He is the former assistant director of an archaeological research institute (CAARI) and has diverse record of field research, terrestrial & marine.

Graham Director of Academics and Basic Program Instructor, Zoë Eisenman, joins as trip scholar.  Zoe started teaching in the Basic Program in 1992 and served as the Cyril O. Houle Chair from 2015–2020. She has a BA in Greek from Vassar College and an MA in Classics from the University of Chicago, where she has also done advanced graduate work. Her main academic focus is on Greek and Roman history and philosophy, classical cultural history, and gender studies. Zoë served as trip scholar on the 2019 Spring Break in Greece.  

Jan Watson is the Associate Director of the Basic Program and runs the Study in Oxford programs and trips to Greece.  This will be Jan’s 7th trip in Greece with Graham students.   Jan is a 2007 graduate of the Basic Program and has extensive experience touring with performing arts companies.   She has run travel programs for the Graham School since 2015.

  • Pre-trip seminar with trip scholar
  • Double-occupancy hotel accommodations. Single travelers may book by paying the single supplement.
  • Daily breakfast and lunch and welcome dinner.
  • Archaeologist and expert led site and museum tours, with additional contributions from our trip scholar
  • Entry to the ancient sites and museums.
  • Coach transportation to sites outside of Thessaloniki
  • 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.

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

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

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

Recommended advance readings for this trip will be available soon.


Ruins of Appollo temple with fortress at back in ancient Corinth, Greece.
   
Day One

  • Separate arrivals at Thessaloniki airport 

  • Orientation meeting and walk in neighbourhood

  • Welcome Dinner
Day Two

Thessaloniki Orientation walking tour – (From Trigonion Tower and Eptapyrgio Castle through the old/upper town)

  • Highlights: Ano Polis, ancient/medieval city walls and towers; narrow streets, ancient churches, old, traditional houses of the Upper Town.

  • Vladadon Monastery (mid-14th c.)

  • Church of Hosios David (Latomou Monastery) (5th/6th c. mosaic; rest 12th c.)

  • Byzantine Baths of Thess. (Late 12th, 14th c.)

  • Church of Ag. Dimitrios (4th, 5th, 7th c., post-1917).

  • Lunch

  • Free evening
Day Three

Thessaloniki walk-about 1: (Roman/early Byzantine Thessaloniki)

  • Galerius Palace (late 3rd, early 4th c.), Visitor Centre;

  • Arch of Galerius;

  • Rotunda [Galerius (late 3rd/early 4th) or Constantine (AD 322-323)?];

  • The Church of Saint Pantaleimon (13th/14th c.)

  • Roman Agora, odeion.

  • Lunch

  • Free afternoon
Day Four

Thessaloniki walk-about 2: (ancient and medieval/pre-modern Thessaloniki)

  • Thessaloniki Archaeological Museum.

  • White Tower, seafront.

  • Eastern walls, gates (Deinarchou Street) of the city.

  • Lunch.

  • Visit to American Farm School, a fascinating institution that dates back to earlier days of Greece-US Philhellenic relations (founded in 1904!)

  • Evening: optional group activity – drinks, dinner, live music
Day Five

Day trip (by coach) to Pella

  • Pella (archaeological site and museum)

  • Coach transfer to Naoussa-Lefkadia-Kopanos area

  • Lunch

  • Lefkadia (Naoussa): Macedonian tombs (Tombs of Judgement, Palmettes)

  • Kopanos; ancient Mezia: Theatre, Nymphaeum, Gymnasium

  • Visit to local winery

  • Overnight in Pella/Naoussa/Vergina area 
Day Six

Coach Transfer to Vergina (ancient Aigai)

  • Museum of the Royal Tombs of Aigai

  • Ancient Macedonian royal palace (newly restored)

  • Necropolis, Temenid Cluster, other accessible areas of the archaeological site

  • Lunch

  • New Polycentric Museum of Aigai

  • Byzantine church, 16th-century Church of Aghios Demetrios in adjacent Palatitsia village

  • Return to Thessaloniki. 
Day Seven

  • Thessaloniki walk-about 3: (Byzantine Thessaloniki)

  • Museum of Byzantine Culture.

  • Walking tour of Byzantine churches, including:

  • Church of Aghia Sophia (5th c., 7th, 8th…) [“It is recognized as one of the most important examples of Byzantine art’s ‘Macedonian Renaissance’ (9th-11th centuries).”]

  • Church of Acheiropoietos (AD 450)

  • Church of Panagia Chalkeon (11th c.)

  • Lunch

  • Free Evening
Day Eight

Travel (by coach) to the eastern Chalkidiki, top of the Aegean:
Day Nine

Chalkidiki: 

  • 3-hour boat tour of Mt Athos (where Thucidydes and the fleet sailed) – with view of 8 monasteries; hear history of area.

  • Farewell lunch

  • Free time until afternoon departure

  • Return to Thessaloniki. 
Day Ten

  • Breakfast at hotel

  • Group Departs

The full cost of tuition is $5775.  This price is per person for a twin/double room.   The single supplement is $650.  A $1200 deposit is due upon acceptance into the program and no later than June 3, 2024. The balance of the tuition is due no later than July 22, 2024. 

All cancellations and requests for refunds must be submitted in writing. Cancellations received between June 4 and July 22, 2024 will result in a cancellation fee of $600.  No refunds will be given for cancellations received after July 22, 2024.  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.

Price does not include airfare or ground transportation to and from the Thessaloniki airport and the hotel.  Meals included are daily breakfast and lunch, and welcome dinner.  All hotel rooms are en suite. 

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 Graham School of Continuing Liberal and Professional Studies is under no obligation to provide a refund after cancellation dates have passed.

Participants should also confirm that their medical insurance covers expenses while in Greece 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.

All Graham School students and friends of UChicago are eligible to apply for the trip.  The application period for the program is now closed. Check back in Spring 2025 for information on our next Autumn travel offering.

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

A $1200 deposit is due upon acceptance into the program and no later than June 3, 2024. The balance of the tuition is due no later than July 22, 2024. All cancellations and requests for refunds must be submitted in writing. Cancellations received between June 4 and July 22, 2024, will result in a cancellation fee of $600.  No refunds will be given for cancellations received after July 22, 2024.  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.