Greece 2027

Philosophy, Mount Olympus, and Architecture

Embark on an eight-day academic journey through Greece, where students will trace the origins of Western philosophy, democracy, and classical art while engaging directly with Greek peers. The experience begins in Thessaloniki with a cultural exchange at Pinewood International School, where students will shadow Greek hosts through a day of classes. From there, travel through the foothills of Mount Olympus to the Archaeological Park of Dion, exploring the ancient sanctuary where Greeks honored Zeus among temples, theaters, and preserved mosaics.

In Athens, students will examine the Acropolis—including the Parthenon, Erechtheion, and Theatre of Dionysus—studying the monuments that shaped Western architecture and civic life. Subsequent days will include the Acropolis Museum, the Ancient Agora where Athenian democracy took root, the Roman Forum, the marble Panathenaic Stadium, and the National Archaeological Museum, alongside guided walks through the Plaka, Monastiraki, and Anafiotika neighborhoods.

The trip concludes with a ferry excursion to the car-free island of Hydra, where students will visit the Historical Archives–Museum of Hydra to study its maritime heritage and pivotal role in the Greek War of Independence.

Trip Leader: Carl Coombs

Essential Questions
  • What responsibilities do we have as travelers when visiting historically significant sites and culturally rich communities?
  • How does participating in a school exchange with students at Pinewood American International School deepen our understanding of global citizenship and cultural perspective? How can we deepen this exchange beyond just the days of our time on campus?
  • How does the geography of Greece, from mountains like Mount Olympus to coastal islands like Hydra, shape its cultural identity, historical development, and how does tourism both preserve and transform these landscapes and their significance in modern Greek life?
  • How do sites like the Acropolis of Athens, Parthenon, Ancient Agora of Athens, and Archaeological Park of Dion reveal connections between mythology, religion, and daily life in ancient Greece and how can they deepen our understanding of the past and how we interpret history today?

Brimmer and May School

69 Middlesex Road
Chestnut Hill, MA 02467
617-566-7462
As an inclusive private school community, Brimmer welcomes students who will increase the diversity of our school. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, sex, gender, gender identity and expression, disability, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, or any other characteristic protected from discrimination under state or federal law, in the administration of our educational policies, admissions practices, financial aid decisions, and athletic and other school-administered programs.