greece
Ancient History students cannot pass up an opportunity to visit the founding place of western civilization – Athens. Climb the Acropolis and wonder at the architectural marvel that is the Parthenon, the most fascinating building surviving classical Greece. Originally built as a temple dedicated to the goddess Athena, over time its function has changed to serve a treasury, a church and a mosque.
The extensive ruins of Agora will provide a glimpse into the daily life of the Ancient Greeks, as the city’s commercial, political and religious centre. Visit the National Archaeological Museum which holds one of the most extensive archaeological collections in the world, encompassing rare artefacts from the Neolithic period up until the Roman Period. Students can decide for themselves if the great bronze Artemisian statue depicts Zeus or Poseidon? A topic debated by historians since its discovery.
Outside of Athens, investigate Mycenaean Civilisation at the site of Mycenae. Step inside the impressive Tomb of Agamemnon and see and the existing cyclopean masonry walls, constructed without mortar. Continue on to Olympia, and explore the remains of the world’s first Olympic Stadium!
Take in breathtaking mountain scenery when you visit the ancient sanctuary at Delphi, which according to Greek mythology was the centre of the world. A special place of worship and celebration. Visit the Temple of Apollo where mystical oracle of Delphi was consulted. A unique experience, visit the ancient monasteries of Meteora, perched high atop huge rocks overlooking the Thessalian Valley.
Complete your Greece tour by taking in the picturesque Mediterranean coastline with an island day trip.
italy
Aspiring historians and archaeologists need look no further than Italy.
In Rome, experience some of the world’s most significant archaeological discoveries. Enter the Colosseum and picture yourself as a spectator of gladiatorial competitions and executions in this ancient amphitheatre. Wander the nearby Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, where the Emperors overlooked the city from their grand estate. An archaeologist guide will engage your students with stories of the Romans – Gladiators, Emperors and commoners alike. Get hands-on at Roman Gladiator school.
See iconic sites such as the Pantheon, the Spanish Steps and the Trevi Fountain. Learn the secrets of the Vatican, the smallest city-state in the world and headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church since the 4th century A.D.
Visit the National Archaeological Museum in Naples, considered one of the most important archaeological museums in the world, it holds many priceless artefacts and artworks including pieces sourced from the Vesuvian cities.
Walk the streets of Pompeii and Herculaneum, towns devastated by the volcanic eruption of Mt Vesuvius in 79AD. Through its excavation, the customs, trades and everyday life of its inhabitants has been revealed. Students have the chance to return home saying that they have climbed the very volcanic mountain that caused the devastation.
Italy is a haven of culture and history waiting for your students to enjoy. View priceless works of art in Florence, the birthplace of the renaissance; or visit the unique floating city of Venice. Outside of the major cities you can visit beautiful medieval hilltop villages and farmlands. Engage students in a cooking class or simply indulge in the world-famous cuisine of pizza, pasta and gelato!
china
Discover over 5,000 years of history and one of the world’s oldest civilisations in our continental neighbour, China.
In Beijing, step through the gates of the Forbidden City, the largest ancient palatial structure in the world! Your guide can share its secrets of this huge complex that served as the Imperial Palace throughout the Ming and Qing dynasties for almost 500 years. Nearby the palace, take a rickshaw ride through one of the cities last remaining Hutongs – a traditional form of community housing, still occupied by minority group families today.
Leave the bustling city behind and add a tick to your bucket list – climb the Great Wall of China! An unforgettable experience for teachers and students alike. Admire beautiful scenery as you imagine thousands of soldiers stationed along this incredible defensive wall which stretches over 21,000km and originated 2,300 years ago. Hear about the Wall’s origins and key battles as well as its legends.
Cycle the City Walls of Xian – the ancient capital of China and an important junction along the Silk Road – an active trading route stretching all the way to the Mediterranean, where upon goods as well as cultures were traded as far back as 200 BC.
View the army of Terracotta Warriors – still in their original finding place. A vast life-size army of generals, soldiers and horses created to protect the Emperor Qin Shihuang in the afterlife. The area remains an ongoing excavation and research site; your students may observe archaeologists at work.
Whilst in China make time to see the majestic Giant Pandas, sample traditional dumplings and Peking duck, and watch a Kung Fu or Acrobatic show. Students may enjoy cultural activities such as a Tai Chi or Calligraphy lesson. Stop in Shanghai to see the modern futuristic architecture and take a ride on the high-speed MagLev train.
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