Explore the origins of Western philosophy, ethics, democracy and culture during a 10-day trip to Greece while earning course credit for PHI-240: Introduction to Ethics.

Students visit some of Greece's most significant historical and philosophical sites, including the Acropolis, the ancient Agora, Delphi and the Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion. They also explore Plato's Academy and Aristotle's Lyceum, where many of the foundations of ethical thought were developed, while experiencing Greek culture through a traditional cooking class, visits to local villages and an excursion to the island of Aegina.

Dates: June 16-25, 2027

Faculty: The course will be led and taught by Wake Tech faculty member Derrick Nantz.

Accommodations: Students stay at a hotel in Athens, with two to six per room.

Meals: The hotel provides a continental breakfast each morning. Other meal options are available in area markets and restaurants.

Cost: $3,310

The cost includes the following:

• A nine-night stay at a comfortable hotel, with ensuite bathrooms and breakfast daily
• International health insurance
• Ground transportation for site visits and sightseeing tours
• Tips and gratuities

The following items are not included in the cost:

• Round-trip flights between Raleigh-Durham International Airport and Athens. Travel is booked through Wake Tech's travel agency liaison and arrangements made by the course leader.
• Wake Tech course fees and tuition
• Any airline baggage fees
• Cost of a passport
• Cost of visas (if necessary)
• Lunches and/or dinners
• Incidental expenses

For more information, email Derrick Nantz at [email protected].

Daily itinerary

• June 16 (Day 1) – Depart RDU on an overnight flight to Greece
   
• June 17 (Day 2) – Introduction to Athens
  After arriving and checking into the hotel, students take an orientation walking tour of the surrounding neighborhood, including public transportation and local services. A safety briefing provides important information about emergency procedures and navigating the city. The day concludes with a welcome dinner featuring traditional Greek cuisine.
   
• June 18 (Day 3) – Athens walking tour and Greek culture
  Students explore many of Athens' most famous landmarks, including Syntagma Square, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Hadrian's Arch, Plaka and Monastiraki. In the afternoon, they participate in a traditional Greek cooking class and enjoy a meal prepared together.
   
• June 19 (Day 4) – Democracy and the Acropolis
  Students visit the ancient Agora, the center of political and civic life in ancient Athens, where many of the foundations of democracy were established. The day continues with a tour of the Acropolis and the Acropolis Museum, home to some of Greece's most important archaeological treasures.
   
• June 20 (Day 5) – Delphi and Arachova
  Students travel to Delphi, one of the most important religious sites in the ancient Greek world. They visit the Sanctuary of Apollo, the Sanctuary of Athena and the Delphi Museum before spending free time in the traditional mountain village of Arachova.
   
• June 21 (Day 6) – Ancient Greek philosophy
  Students explore Plato's Academy, considered the first institution of higher learning in the Western world, and learn about its influence on philosophy and education. The day continues with a visit to Aristotle's Lyceum, where students examine the origins of many ideas that continue to shape modern thought.
   
• June 22 (Day 7) – Corinth and Epidaurus
  Students travel through the Peloponnese, stopping at the Corinth Canal and participating in an olive oil tasting. They then visit the ancient theater of Epidaurus, renowned for its remarkable acoustics and role in Greek cultural and religious life. The day also includes free time at a local beach before returning to Athens.
   
• June 23 (Day 8) – Island excursion to Aegina
  Students take a ferry to the island of Aegina, the first capital of modern Greece. A walking tour introduces the island's history and culture, followed by free time to explore the seaside community before returning to Athens.
   
• June 24 (Day 9) – Cape Sounion and farewell celebration
  Students visit Lake Vouliagmeni and enjoy time along the Athenian coast before continuing to Cape Sounion. There, they tour the Temple of Poseidon, one of Greece's most dramatic ancient monuments overlooking the Aegean Sea. The program concludes with a farewell lunch and free time in Athens.
   
• June 25 (Day 10) – Depart Greece on a flight back to RDU