National Geographic Student Expeditions - Rome and Greece - High School Student Travel and Community Service Programs

The Expedition

More than 2,000 years ago, the ancient Greeks laid the foundations for Western civilization: democracy, philosophy, history, mathematics, science, medicine, art, and architecture. Close on their heels, the Romans established the ancient world's greatest empire, stretching far beyond the Mediterranean and building on the classical traditions of the Greeks. Against a backdrop of magnificent temples and rich mythology, explore stunning islands by boat and on foot, visit archaeological sites, learn the rhythms of modern life, and experience the living legacy of the Greek and Roman Empires.

ROME
10 days. Begin in magical, timeless Rome. Set out with your On Assignment team to discover the many wonders of this great city with your camera, journal, or sketchbook in hand. Walk through the Roman Forum, where Caesar was assassinated by conspirators. Imagine crowds cheering on the gladiators in the grand Colosseum and the chariot races in the Circus Maximus. Take in some of the world's greatest classical sculpture at the Vatican museums and the Villa Borghese. Examine Michelangelo's masterpiece on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. Explore the streets and alleyways of this vibrant contemporary city with your team, finding hidden parks and ruins. Peer into the gaping mouth of the Bocca della Verità, a sculpted mouth reputed to bite off the hand of anyone who doesn't tell the truth. Interact with street performers and local young people, sample delicious gelato near the Spanish Steps, and take in the contemporary music scene in one of Rome's many historic piazzas.

Journey south along Rome's ancient Appian Way, and hike around aqueducts that have stood for 2,000 years. Venture into the ancient catacombs, vast underground cemeteries where persecuted Christians and Jews were buried. Head south to Pompeii and Herculaneum, cities that were blanketed by a thick layer of scorching ash when Mount Vesuvius erupted in A.D. 79. Step into the past in palaces still adorned with original frescoes, and see the haunting figures of townspeople frozen in time. Cruise out to the rugged island of Capri and explore its extraordinary rock formations and its cliff-top villa, built by Emperor Tiberius. Throughout our stay, experience Rome's excellent cuisine and lively street life.

GREECE
10 days. From Rome, fly to Athens and continue overland to Delphi, perched on the shoulder of Mount Parnassus. Settle into this tiny, picturesque village, just a short walk from the Temple of Apollo, home to the Delphic oracle. Wander through the well-preserved ruins, browse fascinating artifacts at the local museum, and take in amazing views of the mountains and the turquoise sea. Return to Athens to spend two days exploring the Acropolis, the Ancient Agora, and the National Archaeological Museum of Athens. Experience the lively street life, markets, and cuisine of the modern city.

Náfplio, your base for the next five days, is set on the eastern coast of the Peloponnese in the shadow of a cliff-top castle. The town's pedestrian streets wind down the hillside to a tiny beach. During our time here, we'll get to know the locals, join in a pick-up game of soccer, attend a street fair, or stroll down to the beach for a swim in the crystal-clear water of the Gulf of Argos. On day trips, discover the legendary home of Agamemnon at Mycenae; view one of the world's best preserved Greek theaters at Epidaurus; and hike the slopes of Hydra, a starkly beautiful island where cars are forbidden. In Náfplio's idyllic setting, put the finishing touches on your On Assignment project and present it to the group.

Born and raised in Italy, photojournalist MASSIMO BASSANO has been photographing his country for many years. His work has been published in National Geographic Traveler and on nationalgeographic.com and he has taught many National Geographic Photography Workshops in Tuscany and Venice. His acclaimed photography book, The Color of Silence, detailed the 12 weeks he spent in a little-known Italian monastery. Massimo will join us in Rome.

Choose one of these On Assignment projects. Throughout your expedition, break into teams to delve further into your selected area of focus.

PHOTOGRAPHY: Document your adventure on photography assignments in the field. Evoke the classical past by shooting tumbled columns in the Roman Forum or the rugged landscape of Delphi. Take to the street to capture the flavors of contemporary life and the relics of an ancient world.

ARCHAEOLOGY & ANCIENT CULTURE: Step back in time to investigate the rich civilizations of the ancient Greeks and Romans. Study legends of gods and goddesses and explore the ruins of temples built in their honor. Sketch the Parthenon or the Colosseum as they might have appeared thousands of years ago, and delve into the fascinating history of the archaeological excavation of Pompeii.

JOURNALISM: Approach the ancient world from a journalist's perspective, learning to observe, question, and report; and developing your writing skills through a series of field workshops. Craft a biographical portrait of a local character, pen a travel narrative about exploring Capri, or write a story on the excavation of Pompeii.

Your participation in a National Geographic Student Expedition provides support to National Geographic's mission of increasing global understanding through exploration, geography education, and research.