Greece: An Educational Travel Guide
Ancient ruins overlooking cities that have stood the test of time. Mythology intertwined with history on mountain summits and seaside shores. Longstanding traditions still playing a role in contemporary culture. In Greece, the lines are blurred between the past and the present, offering unique opportunities to step into legendary stories and thousands of years of history.
There are many ways to take advantage of these opportunities, from voyages on the sparkling waters of the Aegean Sea to journeys to Greece’s northern cities and mountains. Whether you’re exploring during the busy summer months or escaping to a Greek island in the winter, Greece has learning opportunities year-round and for all interests. Delve into historic architecture, fascinating myths, geologic features and local life — your Greek classroom awaits!
Ready to go? This travel guide offers some top spots in Greece, important travel information and other facts to inspire your Greek learning adventure.
Greece Travel Tips
“The program was awesome. The motorized sailing vessel, the swims in the Aegean Sea and having the most wonderful instructional leader who was so knowledgeable about Greek history and current events made this learning adventure unforgettable. It was everything I was hoping to experience.”
— Virginia, Phoenixville, Penn., Class of '20 —
Greece At-A-Glance
- Population: ~10 million
- Language: Greek
- Capital: Athens
- Currency: Euro
- Time Zone: Eastern European Standard Time
- Total Size: 50,949 mi²
- Major Cities: Athens, Thessaloniki, Patras, Heraklion, Rhodes, Ioannina, Larissa, Volos
Geography
Did you know that the country of Greece has the longest coastline in the Mediterranean? Or that Greece is Europe's southernmost country? Greece encompasses thousands of islands, but only several hundred are inhabited. Its mainland is covered by mountains, forests and lakes and includes the renowned Mount Olympus, Greece’s highest mountain and the legendary home of the ancient Greek gods. About a third of Greece’s population resides in Attikí, the region around Athens on the country’s southern coast.
Getting Around in Greece
When you’re exploring Greece on a Road Scholar learning adventure, your transportation is included in your program price and planned for you in advance. If you’re traveling independently before or after your program, plan your modes of transportation well in advance, including booking ferry tickets and car rentals. It’s also important to note that parts of Greece can be difficult to navigate for those using wheelchairs or with mobility concerns, due to uneven streets, lack of elevators and steep ramps.
Do You Need a Travel Visa for Greece?
If you are the citizen of the United States, you can travel to Greece without a visa for a total of 90 days within a 180-day period. Make sure your passport is up to date before you depart through — it’s a good idea to ensure that your passport will be valid for at least six months before you head out.
Weather in Greece
The weather in Greece can vary depending on your specific location and the time of year you visit. Spring and fall are optimal times to explore, as the weather is usually milder. Winter can mean even cooler temperatures if you’re hoping to avoid the heat, while summer can offer the perfect weather for taking a dip in the Mediterranean!
Check the weather for your specific itinerary before you head out, and anticipate temperatures ranging from 50-85 degrees Fahrenheit. Layers will be key — pack short-sleeve shirts and a sweater or jacket that you can easily shrug on or off.
“Great program in every way! Fascinating part of Greece about which few of us know very much. The program provides detailed insight into complicated history, culture and geography. Very well-planned and orchestrated.”
— Jane, Cambridge, Mass., Class of '24 —
Top Must-See Sites in Greece
Thanks to its thousands of years of history, vibrant culture and fascinating stories, Greece tops many must-visit lists! Here are some of the country’s top places to explore on your adventure:
Athens
From the iconic view of the Acropolis to the Agora with its Socratic roots, Athens is dotted with historic monuments. Often a starting and ending point to many Greek learning adventures, take advantage of your time in the city by exploring its world-renowned sites. Walk in the footsteps of Olympians at the Panathenaic Stadium, known as Kallimarmaro, where the first modern Olympics were held in 1896. And if you’d like the best view of Athens, find your way to the top of Mount Lycabettus, where you can see how the city stretches all the way to the waters of the Aegean Sea.
Santorini
Another famous region of Greece is the island of Santorini — perched above the Aegean Sea, Santorini is part of a submerged volcanic caldera, which gives the island its crescent shape and black sandy beaches. Whether you’re fascinated by this geological wonder or local culture, Santorini offers something for everyone. Above its rugged coast lies picturesque villages that are home to Santorini’s iconic blue-domed churches and cobblestone streets, as well as ancient ruins and archaeological sites.
Crete
Crete holds several records amongst the Greek islands: It is both the largest and most populous of the Greek isles, as well as the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean. This larger land mass offers diverse terrain to explore, including the White Mountains, the Lasithi Plateau, the Samaria Gorge and more. Equally diverse is the influences on Crete’s history — the Minoans, Romans and Ottomans have all left their mark on Crete’s culture. Mythology fans will recognize Crete’s city of Knossos, where the story of the Minotaur takes place.
Delphi
When you hear of Delphi, you might think of the Oracle — and you’d be correct! But there’s a lot more to this archaeological site than its famous prophetic voice. Delphi was also home to the Temple of Apollo, where the Oracle delivered her messages, and the ancient theatre of Delphi, which is carved into the mountainside and offers astounding views. As one of ancient Greece’s most significant religious and cultural centers, Delphi is well-worth a visit.
Rhodes
The Greek island of Rhodes is a hub for history, exemplified by the ancient city-state of Lindos and the Old City of Rhodes. Modern-day visitors to Lindos can admire the Acropolis of Lindos, which features the Doric temple of Athena that dates back to 300 B.C.E. After walking through ancient history, visitors can then explore the medieval world in the Old City of Rhodes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Alongside the stories that these historic sites offer, rugged coastlines and sapphire waters create the perfect backdrop for learning on the island of Rhodes.
Zagori
Greece’s northern regions offer deep insight and immersive learning experiences into local culture and customs. Here, traditional stone villages line the mountainsides, with historic architecture that contributes to their status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. National parks preserve the surrounding natural wonders and offer glimpses into the region’s remote beauty, like the panoramic views from Vikos Gorge. Zagori’s stone bridges and pathways offer a road into the history and heart of northern Greece.
“As a first-time visitor to Greece, I found this program to be outstanding. It provides a great overview of the culture, the islands, the people, the food and especially the history. The artifacts in the museums are simply breathtaking and seeing the Parthenon for the first time is an experience you will not forget. I highly recommend this program.”
— Christopher, South Windsor, CT, Class of '08 —
Recommended Reading for Greece
The Iliad and The Odyssey
Homer
The classic story of ancient Greece, The Iliad and The Odyssey follows a cast of renowned and tragic figures through the battles of the Trojan War and the character of Odysseus’ great journey home.
A History of Crete
Chris Moorey
The largest Greek island also holds a large history — this book traces that history back to the Stone Age and up to the present day.
Stone Blind
Natalie Haynes
A refreshed take on a classic Greek myth, this novel offers a new perspective on the age-old tale of Medusa and her stony gaze.
Aegean Art and Architecture
Donald Preziosi and Louise Hitchcock
Curious about the art and architecture of ancient Greece, including its pottery and textiles? This book delves into the role that the arts played in ancient Greek culture.
The Oedipus Cycle
Sophocles
Take a look into ancient Greek theater with these translations of Sophocles’ plays about Oedipus and his tragic fulfillment of prophecy.
Want to read more? Check out our Greece booklist on Bookshop.org to find all of our recommended reads for your Greek learning adventure!
