Program Schedule
Itinerary
For the most part, visits to sites and museums will be confined to the morning hours (in order to avoid both crowds and heat). Lunch and early afternoons will be free for relaxation and study, and lectures and discussion will take place in the middle to late afternoon, after which there will usually be additional free time before dinner. On days designated as “Free", when no touring or travel is scheduled, students will be able to use the morning hours for study and recreation, and class will be held as usual in the middle to late afternoon.
Due to unscheduled closings, it will not always be possible to adhere to the schedule below. The instructor will always endeavor to ensure that the students either visit the sites listed, or ones of equal value and interest.
Travel in Greece
Sea travel (except sailing) is by regular ferries, high-speed ferries, and hydrofoils. Land travel is by private coach driven by a professional driver, who stays with it during the day and secures it at night. The coach is air-conditioned, equipped with a VCR and microphone, and seats over 35, allowing plenty of room to spread out.
There will be a substantial amount of walking and some hiking (including an optional moderately strenuous trek up the slopes of Mt. Olympus). Heavy duty hiking boots should not be necessary, and can be a bit bulky to pack and carry. A sturdy pair of mid-height athletic shoes should be sufficient, and will also be useful for recreational sports should students wish to participate. It would be extremely wise to invest in "pilot" style luggage, with built-in wheels, pop-up handle, and low center of gravity. This will minimize the amount of lifting necessary during transit. Since the appropriate attire for traveling in Greece (especially in the islands) is extremely light and casual, and there will be laundry facilities at many locations, students are strongly encouraged to pack very lightly in order to facilitate the transfer of luggage on buses and boats while traveling around Greece.
Travel Arrangements
Students must make their own travel arrangements to and from Greece. Students must arrive in Crete by May 17. For students flying from the U.S., this means departing on May 16. Students cannot leave the program while it is in progress, and may not schedule their return from Greece before the end date of the program, or June 16. Students fly out of Athens.
After the program ends, students are on their own. More travel in the Mediterranean region is highly recommended, but students must make their own arrangements.
