School Classics Trips to Athens – GCSE and A-Level
Our School Classics Trips to Athens are carefully designed to support your GCSE and A-Level syllabus, with a strong focus on the ancient Greek world—its mythology, politics, theatre, art, and archaeology.
Whether your students are exploring Athenian democracy, Greek religion and philosophy, or the archaeology of ancient sites, this trip offers direct access to the locations, artefacts, and stories that shaped the foundations of Western civilisation.
Whether your students are studying Roman politics, architecture, religion, or social structure, this unforgettable experience will connect them directly with the archaeology, monuments, and cultural legacy of the Eternal City.
Highlights of Our School Classics Trips to Athens:
- Walk in the footsteps of philosophers and tragedians: Visit the Acropolis and its world-renowned monuments, including the Parthenon, Erechtheion, and Temple of Athena Nike—key sites for understanding ancient religion, architecture, and civic identity.
- Explore the birthplace of democracy: The Agora, Pnyx Hill, and Bouleuterion allow students to connect classroom knowledge with real historical locations central to Athenian civic life.
- Discover ancient performance in context: Visit the Theatre of Dionysus, the cradle of Greek drama, and take part in a Greek theatre workshop that brings ancient performance to life.
- Day trip to Delphi: Explore the sacred sanctuary of Apollo, walk the Sacred Way, and visit the site of the ancient oracle. This Panhellenic religious centre deepens understanding of Greek ritual and myth.
- Visit world-class museums: The Acropolis Museum and the National Archaeological Museum offer the chance to study original artefacts and sculptures, including the Charioteer of Delphi and treasures from Mycenae.
- Hands-on learning experiences: Debate on the Pnyx, present artefact studies in museums, or reflect on philosophical questions at Aristotle’s Lyceum—each activity tailored to spark inquiry and deepen understanding.
Athens offers students a vibrant and intellectually rich environment where ancient history comes alive. With expert guides, curated activities, and direct links to your teaching aims, this is more than just a school trip—it’s a transformative classical experience.
Let us help bring your curriculum to life in the city where Western thought began.
Educational Benefits of our School Classics Trips to Athens:
Curriculum Links:
- GCSE & A-Level Classical Civilisation and Ancient History: Students examine key aspects of ancient Greek religion, society, and politics through first-hand encounters with temples, sanctuaries, and historical debate spaces.
- Drama: A visit to the birthplace of Western theatre provides a compelling backdrop for performance, dramatic interpretation, and understanding of Greek tragedy and comedy.
- Philosophy & Politics: Sites like the Pnyx and Aristotle’s Lyceum provide context for the study of political thought, ethics, and philosophy in ancient Athens.
- Art & Archaeology: Museum visits and site tours support the study of Greek sculpture, funerary customs, pottery, and architectural development across periods.
School Classics Trips to Athens – Syllabus Tailoring:
This trip can be customised to match the specific needs of your exam board and teaching focus, including:
- Democracy & Society: A deep dive into Athenian civic structure and the role of citizens.
- Greek Religion & Mythology: Study the roles of temples, festivals, and sacred sites in daily life and pan-Hellenic identity.
- Theatre & Performance: Examine how religious rituals and public entertainment shaped Greek culture.
- Heroism & the Homeric World: Day trips to Mycenae and Epidaurus to explore Bronze Age archaeology and the myth-history of heroes.
Cross-Curricular Opportunities:
- History & Politics: Trace the origins of democratic ideas and their impact on modern political systems.
- Art & Design: Engage with ancient sculpture and architecture, exploring proportion, symbolism, and technique.
- Philosophy & Ethics: Use the setting of ancient Athens to discuss Socratic thought, morality, and the purpose of education.
School Classics Trips to Athens – GCSE and A-Level
- Duration: 5 Days
- Board: Full board
- Passengers: 40
- Free Staff Places: 5
Accommodation
Hermes Hotel
Hermes Hotel is a modern 3-star boutique hotel ideally located in the heart of Athens’ historic Plaka district. Just a short walk from Syntagma Square and Monastiraki, the hotel offers easy access to major landmarks such as the Acropolis, Ancient Agora, and the Roman Forum. Its 45 elegantly decorated rooms, renovated in 2016, feature amenities like air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, satellite TV, mini-fridge, and safe deposit boxes. The hotel provides a rich buffet breakfast with Greek delicacies. Facilities include a roof garden with views of the Acropolis, a children’s playroom and more.
Excursions & Inclusions
A day trip to Delphi, Parthenon, Erechtheion, and Temple of Athena Nike, The Acropolis Museum and the National Archaeological Museum, The Agora, Pnyx Hill, and Bouleuterion, and visit the Theatre of Dionysus.
Where it’s held
Your School Classics Trip takes place in Athens, the heart of ancient Greece and a living classroom for students of Classical Civilisation and Ancient History. Known as the birthplace of democracy and the centre of ancient philosophical and artistic thought, Athens offers a unique blend of archaeological wonders and dynamic cultural experiences.
Many of the core visits take place within walking distance of each other in central Athens, including the Acropolis, Agora, and Plaka district. Day trips to Delphi, Mycenae, and Epidaurus extend the experience beyond Athens, offering broader insight into pan-Hellenic sanctuaries and Bronze Age Greece.
Accommodation is typically based in central Athens, close to key sites, ensuring easy access and minimal travel times for student groups.
Sample Itinerary for School Classics Trips to Athens – GCSE and A-Level
Day 1: Arrival and Acropolis Exploration
- Arrive in Athens and transfer to your hotel
- Guided tour of the Acropolis: Parthenon, Erechtheion, and Temple of Athena Nike
- Explore the Acropolis Museum with an interactive scavenger hunt
- Evening group briefing or myth-themed quiz
- Educational Focus: Sacred architecture, mythology, and identity
Day 2: Democracy and Daily Life
- Visit the Ancient Agora, including the Temple of Hephaistos and Bouleuterion
- Walk to the Roman Agora and Tower of the Winds
- Debate activity on Pnyx Hill, birthplace of democracy
- Evening: Greek food tasting or cultural discussion session
- Educational Focus: Athenian citizenship, civic roles, and daily life
Day 3: Delphi Day Trip
- Full-day coach trip to Delphi, one of the most important sanctuaries in ancient Greece
- Guided visit of the Temple of Apollo, Sacred Way, and ancient theatre
- Explore the Delphi Archaeological Museum, including the Charioteer of Delphi
- Return to Athens
- Educational Focus: Religion, oracle cults, pan-Hellenic identity
Day 4: Mycenae and Epidaurus
- Coach journey to the Bronze Age site of Mycenae: Lion Gate, Tomb of Clytemnestra, Treasury of Atreus
- Continue to Epidaurus: visit the Sanctuary of Asclepius and the world-famous theatre
- Short stop at the Corinth Canal en route
- Educational Focus: Homeric archaeology, myth vs historical evidence, ancient healing
Day 5: Art, Death, and Ancient Thought
- Visit the National Archaeological Museum: sculptures, pottery, and Bronze Age artefacts
- Explore Kerameikos Cemetery to study funerary customs and beliefs
- Optional visit to Aristotle’s Lyceum or walking tour of the Plaka
- Free time for souvenir shopping or group reflection activity
- Transfer to the airport for return flight
- Educational Focus: Classical art, death and memory, philosophy