Classics 3 centre trip to Greece by air: 6 days. 5 nights

Subject range: Classics

What you’ll experience: There’s so much to see in this ancient citadel including the iconic classical ruins of the Parthenon, (former temple dedicated to the goddess Athena), the Theatre of Dionysus (where the Athenian tradition of theatrical representations first began), and the Acropolis museum (located only 300 metres from the Acropolis).
Select says: The glory of the Parthenon was the great statue of Athena designed and sculpted by Phidias and made out of elephant ivory and gold.

Subject range: Classics

What you’ll experience: The Temple of Olympian Zeus is a large ruined temple in the centre of the Greek capital that was dedicated to Zeus. During the Roman periods it was renowned as the largest temple in Greece and housed one of the largest cult statues in the ancient world. There were originally 104 Corinthian columns, each 17 metres high – only 15 columns remain standing today.
Select says: The ruins of the temple can be seen from the Acropolis and are floodlit at night.

Subject range: Classics

What you’ll experience: Plaka is the old historical neighbourhood of Athens, clustered around the northern and eastern slopes of the Acropolis, and incorporating labyrinthine streets and neoclassical architecture.
Select says: Adrianou Street is the oldest street in Athens still in continuous use. It has had exactly the same layout since antiquity.

Subject range: Classics

What you’ll experience: The literal meaning of agora is ‘gathering place’ or ‘assembly’ – the agora was the centre of athletic, artistic, spiritual and political life of the city. Located to the northwest of the Acropolis and its exhibits are connected with the Athenian democracy. The museum’s collection includes clay, bronze and glass objects, sculptures, coins and inscriptions from the 7th to the 5th century BC.
Select says: The Athenian Agora Excavation website has some superb information for pre-tour and post-tour use including information on Athenian democracy, the excavation and objects.

Subject range: Classics

What you’ll experience: The ruins of ancient Corinth are a short drive from the modern city of Corinth. It was an important ancient city about 48 miles west of Athens on the narrow stretch of land that joins the Peloponnese to the mainland of Greece. The most notable ruin is the major landmark of the Temple of Apollo, constructed in 550 BC. Part of the foundation and a few pillars also remain of the Temple of Octavia. There is a sacred spring along the northern edge of the forum and a nearby secret passage, possibly once used by priests, leading to a small shrine. There is also the chance to view the famous Corinth Canal that connects the Gulf of Corinth with the Saronic Gulf in the Aegean Sea.
Select says: Most of the surviving buildings are Roman rather than Greek, dating from the city’s prosperous age after Caesar sacked and rebuilt much of the original Greek city.

Subject range: Classics

What you’ll experience: Mycenae is an archaeological site in Greece, located about 90 kilometres southwest of Athens. The Tomb of Agamemnon is one of a number of beehive tombs found in the vicinity of the ancient site of Mycenae but it is by far the best preserved. Altogether nine of these tombs have been unearthed at Mycenae. The tombs consist of a passageway, or dromos, which leads to the entrance, usually a massive doorway. Inside is the tholos, or round room with a domed roof.
Select says: The tombs were constructed between 1510 BC and 1220 BC.

Subject range: Classics

What you’ll experience: The Theatre of Epidaurus is one of the marvels of ancient Greece. Its position in the hills of the Argolid, surrounded by pine trees and oleanders, and its well preserved state, make it a highlight of any visit to Greece.
Select says: The Archaeological Museum of Asklepeion Epidaurus is at the same site and a ticket covers both.

Subject range: Classics

What you’ll experience: The ruins at Delphi are fascinating – it was once an important ancient Greek religious sanctuary sacred to the god Apollo. Located on Mt. Parnassus, the sanctuary was home to the famous oracle of Apollo which gave predictions and guidance to city-states and individuals. The Archaeological Museum of Delphi is situated on the wider archaeological site of the sanctuary. Its rich collections comprise mostly of architectural sculpture and statues, but you will also see texts, models, maps, sketches and digital reconstructions.
Select says: At the museum make sure you see the Charioteer of Delphi which is one of the best preserved examples of classical bronze cast.