Semester across the Mediterranean: Spain to Cyprus
Program Itinerary
Students on the Semester across the Mediterranean: Spain to Cyprus program will have the opportunity to participate in educational excursions to Italy, and Greece, to the capital of Spain, and to every major town in Cyprus (approximately 16-18 days of day and overnight travel in total).
Over the course of the trips, students will have the opportunity to compare and contrast four vibrant Mediterranean cultures, while visiting some of the most famous cities of the Renaissance and antiquity.
Key Travel Locations
Athens, Delphi, Santorini, Rome, Florence, Venice, Madrid, and major cities in Cyprus.
Days in Spain: 49
Days in Cyprus: 49
Days of International Travel: 10
Trip: Italy & GreeceSpring Dates: Mid March
Fall Dates: Mid October
Duration: 10 days
Countries: Italy (5 days), Greece (5 days)
Cities: Venice, Florence, Rome, Athens, Delphi, Santorini
NOTE: Itineraries are subject to change.
Fall 2013 Itinerary
To download a detailed Program Itinerary please click on the link below:
Semester Across the Mediterranean - Fall 2013 Program Itinerary
Spring 2014 Itinerary
To download a detailed Program Itinerary please click on the link below:
Semester Across the Mediterranean - Spring 2014 Program Itinerary
Trips to Italy, and Greece
AthensGreece is the birthplace of Western civilization, having given rise to reason, philosophy, science and democracy. In Greece, we are based in Athens and have the opportunity to explore the city.
DelphiOne of the most important oracles in the classical Greek world, it was believed to be the navel of the earth. Along the slope of mount Parnassus, Delphi stands as one of the most significant sites of Greece.
Santorini Santorini is one of the most famous islands in the world. Formed out of a volcanic eruption in the ancient times, today's breathtaking landscape is unique.
Rome and Vatican City Rome is the capital of Italy and the ruling seat of the Roman Empire and Catholicism. We visit the key highlights of central Rome including the Colosseum, the Arch of Constantine, Roman Forum, the Spanish Steps, the Pantheon and Trevi Fountain. We also spend a day at exploring the Vatican complex and the Sistene Chapel
Florence
Florence in Tuscany is the city of the Medici and a Renaissance city second only to Venice. The river Arno runs through the city with the historic center to the north. We focus our time here on the Uffizi and Academia.
VeniceVenice is about 4 kilometers from the mainland. It has about 150 canals and 400 bridges. Transportation to Venice is via vaporetto (motorboat). We have a brief tour of the highlights of Venice and then leave free time to explore the labyrinthine streets and canals.
Day Trips in Cyprus
Walking Tour of Nicosia Nicosia has been the capital of the island for over 1,000 years. We spend a day walking the city. Among the highlights of the tour will be:
- The six-hundred year old Venetian wall that separates the old city from the new city
- The Famagusta Gate that is now converted to a Cultural Center
- The Byzantine museum and Archbishopric
- Several Byzantine churches
- Laiki Yeitonia, a neighborhood reconstructed to reflect what Nicosia looked like at the turn of the century
- The modern shopping street of Makariou
National Museum Tour This is a half day tour of the Cypriot National Archaeological Museum. The Museum Director will make some brief remarks, after which an expert on Cypriot history will walk us through the most important collection of Cypriot artifacts on the island.
Overnight Trips in Cyprus
Southeast Coast: Larnaca, Ayia Napa & ProtarasThis is an overnight trip that first takes us past the Hala Sultan Tekke, an important Islamic holy site that is located on the Larnaca salt lake.
After that, we continue on to the beach resorts of Ayia Napa and Protaras that are known for some of the best beaches on the island, including the beautiful protected park reserve of Cape Grecko. Ayia Napa and Protaras are two of the best known resorts in Europe and make for a very pleasant weekend.
Saturday night is a time for a traditional meal in the beach resort of Ayia Napa and then we will overnight at a resort hotel. Sunday is for relaxing by the pool or beach or enjoying water sports. We return to Nicosia on Sunday evening.
Limassol
We spend a weekend in Limassol on the southern coast of Cyprus. Limassol is the second largest city in Cyprus and home to the shipping and off-shore sector.
In Limassol, we will visit:
- The historical Old Town with its narrow streets, coffeeshops and restaurants
- Limassol Castle, where Richard the Lionheart married Queen Berengaria in 1191
- Kolossi Castle, a military castle built in the plantations outside of Limassol. Kolossi was the Grand Commandery of the Knights of the Order of St. John of Jerusalem and eventually passed to the Knights Templar. Kolossi is also the home of the production of Commandaria wine, the oldest continuously produced brand of wine in the world.
PaphosWe spend a weekend in Paphos, a city so rich in history that it has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage site.
On our way to Paphos, we stop at Curium, a remarkable Greek-era city built on a cliff overlooking the sea and Petra tou Romiou, the legendary birthplace of Aphrodite, the goddess of love and an iconic location for Cyprus.
In Paphos, we stay near the pretty harbor and fort. Our visit is focused on the mosaics of Paphos, some of the best-preserved ancient mosaics in the Eastern Mediterranean.
