European Alumnae Symposium Optional Tours
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Please register for the optional tours when you are registering for the Symposium. They are listed on the Symposium Registration Form.
These optional tours are offered on a first-come, first-served basis. If we reach the maximum number of 25 to 30 participants for a tour, we will close the tour. Conversely, if we do not reach the minimum number of participants required for a tour, we will cancel the tour. If the tour you have registered for is cancelled, we will notify you at least one week prior to the Symposium, and your fee will be refunded to you in cash at the Symposium.
All tours will begin and end at the Royal Olympic hotel, where registration will be taking place.
Important Note: Tours overlap. Please make sure you select tours based on the time they begin and end. If you select Tour #1 (The Acropolis and Acropolis Museum), which ends at 2:30 p.m., you would not be able to go on any other tours. Selecting any other tour will allow you to take a morning and an afternoon tour, if you so choose.
Optional Tours
Click on a tour name to reveal details.
1. The Acropolis and Acropolis Museum
A once in a lifetime experience to visit the Acropolis hill and the Parthenon
The Acropolis hill is the sacred rock of Athens. The Parthenon was the temple dedicated to Goddess Athena. It dates back to the fifth century B.C. and is regarded as an architectural and sculpture masterpiece. Learn how it was built, what it has symbolized to date, its varied uses over the centuries as well as the reasons for its current state. The tour will include a visit to the recently opened Acropolis Museum, hosting some of the best examples of classical art.
The tour, led by a professional tour guide, takes about four hours. Note that climbing the Acropolis Hill can be strenuous, the top of the hill is not smooth and the wheelchair elevator is currently not operating.
Maximum number of participants is 30.
Approximate time:
10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. (TBC)
Price:
The price is 45 euros, which includes tickets to the archaeological site of the Acropolis and the Acropolis Museum.
2. Museum of Cycladic Art
Please note: This tour has been cancelled.
The Museum of Cycladic Art houses one of the most complete private collections of Cycladic art worldwide, with representative examples of marble figurines and vases, tools, weapons and pottery from all phases of the distinctive Cycladic island culture that flourished in the central Aegean during the Early Bronze Age (third millennium B.C.).
The visit to the museum is offered in collaboration with the academic program of the College Year in Athens, the first study abroad program in Greece for English-speaking undergraduates. Mount Holyoke students often spend a semester or year abroad in Greece attending the College Year in Athens program.
Maximum number of participants is 25 people.
Approximate time:
10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (TBC)
Price:
The price is 17 euros, which includes a ticket to the Museum of Cycladic Art.
Walking tours in Athens
The tours listed below are offered in collaboration with the Academic program of the College Year in Athens, the first study abroad program in Greece for English-speaking undergraduates. Mount Holyoke students often spend a semester or year abroad in Greece attending the College Year in Athens program.
Important note: The tours listed below are walking tours and may include uphill walks or steps. If you require special assistance or need clarification, please contact us before signing up to make sure that we can accommodate your needs: mhcgreece2019@gmail.com.
3. Experiencing taste, ritual and hospitality through food
Please note: This tour is now full. If you would like to add your name to a waiting list, please email mdcosta@mtholyoke.edu with the subject line Food Tour Waiting List.
Athens is not only history! It’s a place to savor new tastes and experience Greek food. Visit the food markets and try Greek olive oils and other goodies from local farms.
Maximum number of participants is 25.
Approximate time:
10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (TBC)
Price:
The price is 20 euros, which includes food tasting.
4. Under the City: Archaeological tour in Metro stations
Did you think that a metro is just a means of transportation? Not in Athens! While digging for the Athens Metro, many hidden treasures were revealed. An out of the ordinary, underground archaeological tour of Athens will include visits to various Metro stations.
Maximum number of participants is 25.
Approximate time:
1:30 to 3 p.m. (TBC)
Price:
The price is 13.50 euros, which includes Metro ticket.
5. A Byzantine tour of Athens
The history of Athens and Greece spans through the centuries. The historic center of Athens includes many important Byzantine and Christian monuments, which lie near the more known ancient ones.
Maximum number of participants is 25.
Approximate time:
1:30 to 3 p.m. (TBC)
Price:
The price is 12 euros.
6. A tour of modern Athens and places of memory and history
The history of Athens and Greece spans through the centuries. This tour offers insight into the modern history of the city, noting elements related to World War II, the Civil war and even more recent developments.
Maximum number of participants is 25.
Approximate time:
1:30 to 3 p.m. (TBC)
Price:
The price is 12 euros.
7. Architecture and public space
Please note: This tour has been cancelled.
Athens is one of the oldest cities in the world. It has been continuously evolving in its history. Enjoy a walk to discover the urban transformation of Athens into a modern capital. Learn about even the most recent changes, trends and challenges the city faces.
Maximum number of participants is 25.
Approximate time:
1:30 to 3 p.m. (TBC)
Price:
The price is 12 euros.
May 8, 2019
