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We visited Greece from 25 May thru 5 June thru the
Northeastern University Travel Program. We were part of a small tour group of 14
with 9 being from NU. Our campus director, Mia Blaauw, from AHI was absolutely outstanding.
She lived on Poros Island, Greece. It was a great trip to say the least. Before
touring we had some fine educational lectures by guest lecturers and local
folk. We stayed at three very nice hotels and nearly all meals were included.
Following are some of our "we were there" pictures with links to the specific
sites if you are interested in seeing more.
The first two days and last day were
for travel and were they ever long. However, Lufthansa treats even cattle
class with great service, food and drink.
This particular website at Casper College has some great pictures and the history of many of the sites we visited. It is found here. When you are at the website scroll through it.
Patras - Days 3-6
Day 3 - Tuesday 27 May
Hotel - Achaia Beach is
here.
Outside the church of St. Andrew
-Educational Focus:
Maritime Greece, from
Cretan Pirates to Modern Greek Shipping. Discover the long
relationship that Greeks have had with the ocean. Learn how the ocean has
influenced the Greek lifestyle and contributed to Greece's economy.
Excursion: Patras.
See the old city, harbor and the castle built on the ruins of the city's
ancient acropolis. Stop at Agios Andreas, the church of St. Andrew, said
to be built on the site where the apostle was crucified. Enjoy lunch and
some time to explore on your own before visiting the Achaia Clauss winery.
Delphi - Day 4 - Wednesday 28 May
Delphi is
here.
 The Temple of Apollo - view from below |
 The Temple of Apollo - view from above |
 At the theatre |
 This was the spot of the center of the earth according to Greek mythology. |
Educational Focus: Greece and Western Civilization.
Ancient Greece's influence on the Western world cannot be overstated. Examine the Greek classics of philosophy, science and literature, which ultimately led Europe into the Renaissance.Excursion: Delphi. Perhaps as early as 1600 B.C., the cliffside temple at Delphi was used to honor the goddesses Gaea, Themis and Phoebe. Later, it was devoted to Poseidon before it became the Temple of Apollo. The oracle, the Pythia, dispensed advice to old and young, rich and poor, and gained such international renown that visitors came from outside of Greece to seek her guidance. Also visit the Delphi Museum and see the Athenian Treasury.
Olympia - Day 5 - Thursday 29 May
Olympia is
here.
 Entrance to the stadium |
 At the Olympic site - 40 thousand would sit around it |
 The Temple of Zeus |
 The gymnasium where athletes trained |
 NU Graduates and spouses at the NU sponsored reception at the hotel |
 Part of the group shown at the Achaia Clauss winery in Patras - as you can see we had a few tastes. It is here. |
Educational Focus: The History of Greece.
Explore critical people and periods in Greek history, Alexander the Great, the founding of Constantinople, the Turkish occupation and democracy‐which serve as the foundation for the modern‐day republic.Excursion: Olympia. Walk in the footsteps of athletes who participated in the ancient Olympic Games. Walking through the archway of the stadium, imagine what it was like to compete in the games, the most famous of the four ancient Panhellenic sports festivals. Olympia also was the site of the Phidias' statue of Zeus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
Mycenae and Epidaurus - Day 6 - Friday 30
May
Mycenae is
here.
Epidaurus is
here.
 Inside the Lions Gate that leads to the top of the acropolis |
 The Acropolis is in the background. How they moved stones from 3 miles away that weighed many tons and then placed them atop the hill is an unsolved mystery. |
 Grave site A where countless treasures were found and are on display at the National Archeological Museum which we visited. Being able to do this type of touring made this trip memorable. |
 At the theatre in Epidaurus where you can hear a near whisper from the 55th row - an acoustic marvel. It seats 12,300 and was built in the 4th century BC. |
Excursion:
Mycenae and Epidaurus.
Mycenae was once a
powerful, ancient kingdom. Explore the royal apartments, reception halls and
tombs believed to be those of Agamemnon and Clytemnestra. Then visit the fourth
Poros and Heydra - Days 7 - 9, 31 May - 2
June
Poros is
here.
Hotel - New Aegli is
here.
Poros is a 10 minute ferry ride from here.
Heydra
It is
here.
 There are only two public service vehicles on the island, trash and maintenance. All other transport is by donkey |
 Heydra has no water. Four tanker loads a day keep it quenched. |
Day 7: Excursion:
Poros Orientation Walk. Two islands, Kalávria and Sferiá, constitute the Saronic Gulf island of Poros; the islands are connected by a small isthmus. Poros, admired for its beautiful pine forests, was the seat of an ancient alliance devoted to the worship of Poseidon. Stroll the charming streets of Poros lined with whitewashed houses with bright orange rooftops. In St. George Square, walk past elegant neoclassical houses and continue to the bustling shops along the waterfront.Educational Focus: Meet the People. Have lunch at a taverna and participate in a panel discussion to learn about Greek life through the eyes of local residents. The afternoon is yours to explore on your own.
Day 8: Educational Focus: Greek Art. The visual arts in Greece have embodied the culture, character and beliefs of its people and their invincible spirit for more than 6,000 years.
Excursion: Hydra. The natural beauty of this island is stunning, and spectacular mansions built by 18th‐century privateers only add to the dramatic landscape. Hydra has long been known as the most stylish of the Saronic isles and has many galleries and shops.
Day 9: Educational Focus: Perspectives of Contemporary Greece. Learn how ancient customs, traditions and ceremonies are reflected in modern Greek lifestyles and attitudes. The rest of the day is at your leisure.
Local Flavor: Tonight, enjoy a delicious Greek dinner along with music and dancing.
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 Could they ever.... |
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Athens Days 10 - 11, 3-4 June
Hotel - Athens Plaza Hotel is
here.
The Agora - at the base of the Acropolis where the common Athenians lived and worked. There are four pictures and they are hopefully left to right to cover the area. The Agora is here.
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The Acropolis and Parthenon are here.
 Nearing the end of the journey |
 The Acropolis |
 The Parthenon atop the Acropolis. |
 We then visited the National Archeological Museum in the afternoon. It is here. THE END |
Excursion:
The Acropolis. Visit the Acropolis, which provides a view of the city from 300 feet above. See the ruins of the magnificent Parthenon, built in the middle of the fifth century B.C. After lunch on your own, spend the afternoon shopping, exploring or visiting museums. Tonight, gather for your Graduation Ceremony, followed by a Farewell Reception at your hotel and Dinner at a taverna.