- Athens
- Crete
- The Peloponnese
- Olympia + Delphi
Why Take this Program?
If you are interested in delving into the tombs of the lost Etruscan civilization and then unearthing your way back through the ruins of Sparta and Athens, then this program is for you. Each day we map human connections to our past as we discover how the ideas of Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle laid the foundation to our modern thought, and explore how the plays of Aeschylus, Sophocles and Euripides established the storyboards to today’s box office hits.




What People Are Saying


I learned so much about the world and about myself with MEI. The teachers were extremely supportive and the students all meshed together really well. We really did become a family. Learning about history in such an immersed way, with teachers that are so passionate about the subject is beyond compare. I came back with the most amazing memories, knowledge and new friendships that will last forever. It was an unparalleled experience that is absolutely priceless to me. I don’t think I’ll ever be able to stop traveling now!
Gabrielle Quigley Student, Ancient World Odyssey 2019
Program Itinerary
Click the arrows to explore this program’s detailed itinerary for a sense of the journey ahead!





Departure
November 16: All of our programs begin at our study abroad departure hub, Toronto’s Pearson International Airport. A short meeting is held at the Sheraton Gateway Hotel, Terminal 3 to administer COVID screening, distribute course material, and review COVID safety procedures. All students are responsible for making their own travel arrangements to the Sheraton Gateway Hotel.



Athens
November 17-22: Arriving in Athens, we step back in time to discover the roots of Western civilization. Our quest is far more than a tourist's taste of Greek food and dance; we search for the origin, growth and decline of a culture that resembles our own. Athens is teeming with the sights, sounds and smells of this complex ancient society. From the Acropolis' mythological heights to the gritty markets in the Plaka, you'll experience an astonishing cultural organism that will capture your heart and mind. Our journey explores how people struggled to establish a meaningful life; from living off the land to developing a vast trading empire that spread the ideals of art, religion, politics, and philosophy worldwide to our present day. You will taste Athens' best gyro wrap, dance to traditional Greek music, and barter for handmade jewelry in the market place. The adventure has just begun.



Crete
November 22-29: After our foundational exploration in Athens, we journey to Crete and take a further step back in time to uncover the Minoan civilization. The Aegean Sea and its islands are among the wonders of our globe, and each island sprouts from the sea like a rock temple that provided beacons for travelling mariners. Four thousand years ago, these Cretans developed ships and navigation skills that lead to one of the most artistic civilizations in history. A thousand years before the Trojan War and Homer's epic poems, the Iliad and Odyssey, these waters ignited trade from Egypt and the Far East. The rediscovery of this lost civilization is our academic focus, as we trace the discoveries of Dr. Arthur Evans in 1900 as he searched for the Palace of Minos. As we wander through ancient treasures, the tales of the Minotaur, Daedalus, Theseus and Ariadne come alive in clay tablets, fresco paintings, and the vast labyrinth of the King's palace. From the Heraklion Archeological Museum to Zorba's olive oil trees to sunset beach swims, Crete will be an Island you want to revisit.



The Peloponnese
November 29-December 4: Our flight from Crete to the mainland has us continuing our exploration into the Mycenaean civilization and the Trojan War. We delve into a close reading of Homers' Iliad and Odyssey and the story of the archeological discovery of Mycenae's lost city. Our biographical study of Heinrich Schliemann, businessman-turned-archeologist, leads us alongside his epic lifelong passion for discovering lost civilizations. Each archaeological site provides an opportunity to perform scenes from Aristophanes, Euripides, and Sophocles' Greek plays and analyze how ancient Greece influenced modern western societies. Tolo's relaxing beach town provides a tranquil setting to recharge and enjoy a refreshing swim. It's also the place to perform creative short stories, spoken-word, and songs in open mic podcast sessions in the evening. Tolo is an ideal setting to build confidence and presentation skills with friends while locals help us design a traditional Greek lunch as we venture off the beaten track for a full-day hike through the Lousios Gorge. There is nothing like the fresh mountain air, Greek delicacies, and the echo of ancient mythology to ignite your senses.



Olympia and Delphi
December 4-7: After leaving Tolo, we explore Olympia's archaeological ruins, home to the first Olympic games. Here, you have the unique opportunity to lace up and run the original Olympic stadium's track. We'll trace the beginnings and importance of the ancient Olympic Games and delve into the ethos of 'competition.' There is nothing like a foot race or wrestling match to bring out the competitive spirit. Continuing to the Delphi archeological site, we tackle the conflict between science and religion. We will analyze how Greek philosophers managed to unravel how the world works while keeping reverence for their Greek gods. From the Delphi Oracle's secrets to the rational minds of Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle, you have the opportunity to test your moral compass and define your views on superstition, science, and politics.



Athens
December 7-10: Returning to Athens allows us the time to review what we've discovered and to delve deeper into areas of interest. Socrates' execution, Pericles' leadership style, and the ambition of Alexander the Great inspire you to develop your research assignments when returning home. Each day is an adventure of discovering hidden gems so that your academic studies become a REAL education. This is your opportunity to discover who we are, as you uncover a part of our remarkable human heritage. We'll experience one last dinner under the Acropolis as the sun sets, and the bouzouki music lingers in the air.


Online Live



Final Evaluation Week
Athens
Crete
The Peloponnese
Olympia
Delphi
What’s Included
Fee Breakdown
Program Costs
- Ministry-approved credit(s) upon successful completion of the course(s)
- Custom course pack
- Student Login
- MEI journal
- MEI T-Shirt
- Digital yearbook
Travel Costs
- Hotels and accommodations
- Breakfast and dinner daily
- Entrance fees to all course-specific sites
- Return airfare from Toronto’s Pearson International Airport
- Approximate airline departure taxes, surcharges and fees
- Airfare between countries
- Transportation between hotel locations via private coach
- Transportation for all listed program excursions
Program Fee Does Not Include
- Lunches
- Insurances
- Gratuities
- Local Transportation
- Course texts
- Medical Insurance and Cancellation Protection†
- Non-refundable $95 Registration Fee
†All students travelling with MEI Academy are required to purchase Medical Insurance.
**Program cost does not include non-refundable $95 registration fee or any airline taxes or fees.
Please note the possibility of increases in airfares and land costs prior to departure. Any increase must be borne by the individual participant.
Ready to take the next step?