Destination Spotlight: Why Athens is the ultimate educational destination for your school trip
Athens – widely regarded as the historical capital of Europe, and the home of many of the fundamental principles of Western civilisation, from philosophy and democracy, to arts and sciences. A haven of classical history and archaeology, boasting some of Europe’s most iconic landmarks across its ancient landscape, and of course the home of the modern Olympic games. These days, it’s an icon of modern culture and innovation, the new blending seamlessly with the old, under the glorious Mediterranean sunshine.
It’s this eclectic mix that makes Athens the ideal destination for your next school trip, whether you want to focus on one subject, or create a cross-curricular experience to entice students across a range of different subjects.
Let’s explore this further below:
The Parthenon, Athens
Classics Trips
- Walk in the footsteps of ancient philosophers, politicians and playwrights as you explore the city’s archaeological treasures.
- Visit the Acropolis and marvel at the Parthenon’s Doric perfection, study the friezes and reliefs that depict myths and religious life, and examine artefacts in the Acropolis and National Archaeological Museums to gain insight into everyday life in ancient Greece.
- Journey further afield to Delphi or Epidaurus to explore ancient sanctuaries and theatres, deepening students’ understanding of classical religion, art, and architecture.
The Pnyx, Acropolis, Areopagus Hill
Philosophy, Politics and Citizenship Trips
- Learn about the origins of democracy in the Pnyx, where citizens once debated laws.
- Discuss the contributions of Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle, and how their ideas influence modern political thought and citizenship education.
- Visit the Hellenic Parliament to explore modern-day Greek politics, bridging ancient and modern civic life.
Parthenon Gallery, Acropolis Museum in Athens
Art and Design Trips
- Examine Classical architecture at the Parthenon and sculpture in the Acropolis Museum.
- Head to the National Gallery, home to over 20,000 pieces of post-Byzantine, modern, and contemporary Greek art.
- Understand Greek contributions to form, symmetry, and idealism in art—which influenced Roman, Renaissance, and even modern art.
View of Acropolis of Athens with Parthenon and Erechtheion from Filopappou Hill
Science and Mathematics Trips
- Explore ancient innovations like Archimedes’ principles, early medicine (Hippocrates), and astronomy.
- Look at how geometry and mathematics were used in the design of temples (e.g., the use of the golden ratio in the Parthenon).
- Learn about Plato’s role in the development of abstract thought at the Digital Museum at Plato’s Academy, or check out over 300 models of Ancient Greek inventions at the Museum of Ancient Greek Technology.
The Ancient Agora in Athens, Greece – the birthplace of philosophical and mathematical debate
History and Geography Trips
- Ancient Civilizations: Athens is a living museum of ancient Greece—students can explore the Acropolis, Ancient Agora, and Hadrian’s Library while learning about the birth of democracy, city-states, empire, and conflict (like the Persian Wars).
- Beyond Athens: why not take a day trip to Mycenae to dive further into Homeric archaeology, or to Delphi to explore the Temple of Apollo?
- Geography links: Understand how Athens’ location shaped its role in trade, warfare, and political power. Explore landforms, urban development, and climate.
Theatre of Dionysus
Drama and English Literature Trips
- Visit the Theatre of Dionysus, where ancient Greek tragedies were first performed.
- Study the works of Sophocles, Euripides, and Aristophanes in the place where theatre was born.
- Explore how Greek drama influenced Shakespeare and modern storytelling—great for both literature and performance students.
- All of this can be explored through attending performances and taking part in workshops with professional theatre companies.
Modern Languages + Cultural Studies Trips
- Practice basic Greek phrases and explore the Greek alphabet.
- Compare modern Greek culture to ancient traditions and other Mediterranean societies.
- Learn through food, music, markets, and daily interaction.
As much as we love all these learning opportunities, of course it’s great to have some options for downtime and relaxation too! Whether it’s shopping and gelato hunting in the Plaka district, sampling and experimenting with local cuisine in a cooking workshop, or heading out for a day at the beach or a local theme or water park, education and downtime can be perfectly combined.
Here at Activ4 we can create the perfect bespoke trip for your students, whether that’s subject-specific or cross-curricular. Get in touch with us today to start creating an unforgettable adventure in the Greek capital!
