Nicholls Study Abroad - Greece and the Greek Islands

Greece and the Greek Islands
Nicholls Study Abroad Department of Art Summer 2015

Day 1 Departure Depart from New Orleans airport for Athens, Greece, land of mythological gods and heroes, fabled temples, clear blue seas and the original home of the Olympic Games.

Day 2 – 4 Arrive in Athens Visit Cape Sounion, the site of the ruins of the ancient Greek temple of Poseidon, the god of the sea in classical mythology. The remains are perched on the headland, surrounded on three sides by the sea. Here, Aegeus, king of Athens, leapt to his death from the cliff, thus giving his name to the Aegean Sea. Enjoy a panoramic tour of Athens including a visit to the Acropolis and Acropolis Museum. Climb the famous Acropolis, see the wonder of the Parthenon, the Temple of Athena Nike and the renowned Porch of Maidens. See such sights as the Royal Palace, Constitution Square, Parliament and the Plaka. Perhaps you will see the Evzones, the Greek Royal Guard or the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Visit the National Archeological Museum and see the famous treasures housed within. Enjoy the sights, sounds, crafts and food of this remarkable city!

Day 5 – 8 Greek Island Cruise – Embark on your cruise of the Greek islands from the port of Piraeus. Our first port is Mykonos. The village is a tangle of dazzling white alleys and cube-shaped houses built in a maze of narrow lanes to defy the wind and pirate raids. The next port is Kusadasi, a picturesque village on the Aegean coast. Your included shore excursion will take you to ancient Ephesus and the House of the Virgin Mary. The historical island of Patmos, dates back to St. John’s arrival in AD 95 and the founding of the Monastery of St. John in 1088. Our next stop is Rhodes, an island that was part of both the Roman and Byzantine empires before being conquered by the knights of St. John. Their medieval walled city still dominates Rhodes town. Heraklion, the capitol of the famed island of Crete, is the next cruise port. Once under Venetian rule, the city still contains a wealth of Venetian architecture. You will visit the greatest of Crete’s Minoan palaces, the Palace of Knossos on your included shore excursion. The island of Santorini is a volcanic island famous for its white villages clinging to the cliffs above black sand beaches. Many believe that Santorini is one of the candidates for the lost city of Atlantis.

Day 9 – 11 Nafplion Arrive in the port of Piraeus this morning. Transfer to Nafplion, considered one of the most elegant towns in
mainland Greece. The town’s old section mixes Greek, Venetian,
and Turkish architecture and features tree shaded plazas, narrow streets, statues of heroes, surprising alcoves, and interesting shops. The Greeks describe Nafplion as “Oraia” – beautiful! Enjoy free time here exploring this wonderful town. On an excursion to Epidaurus, you will visit the museum and ancient theater designed by Polykleitos
in the 4th century BC that is still in use today. It is considered to be the best-preserved Greek theater in the world. In the fabled city of Mycenae, you will visit the Treasury of Atreus, Lion Gate, and Citadel walking in the footsteps of legendary Greeks and recalling tales of Helen of Troy and Agamemnon.

Day 12 Athens Transfer to your Athens hotel and then enjoy free time activities in this great city. Visit a museum, explore the Plaka, seek out treasures in the flea market, try traditional Greek food or sample the coffee in a kafeneia.

Day 13 Depart for U.S. Return home taking with you the treasured memories of a remarkable visit to the country of Greece.