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by Jonathan Tomlinson

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Categories: Uncategorized

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It is with great pleasure that we announce the beginning of the fifth consecutive edition of the Athens–Peloponnese Summer School, an experience that has now become essential for both our students and the teaching team. For this new adventure, we are joined by 37 passionate participants.

From May 3 to 13, our stay in Athens offered an experience that was both educational and convivial at the heart of the Greek capital. Each morning, the classical archaeology courses held in the ICG facilities allowed students to acquire a solid common foundation, whether in ceramic analysis, the study of sanctuaries, or the reading of ancient architecture. These concepts then took on their full meaning during the afternoon visits, where the Acropolis, the agoras, the museums, and the historic districts appeared as concrete extensions of the morning lessons.

The Athenian experience, however, was not limited to archaeological sites: the ascent of Mount Lycabettus, the walk on the Hill of the Muses (Philopappou), and the culinary discoveries—especially during the dinner at the traditional taverna Klimataria—allowed the group to appreciate the city in all its diversity. Between learning, breathtaking views, and shared moments, Athens proved to be a stimulating, welcoming, and richly rewarding setting.

On Friday, the scenery changed: we headed to the island of Aegina for a maritime interlude. Between the boat crossing, the relaxed atmosphere of the port, and the visit to the sanctuary of Aphaia, the day offered a perfect balance between culture and a seaside escape.

On Saturday evening, some students extended their Greek experience by attending the concert of Despina Vandi and Konstantinos Argyros, a festive immersion in the local music scene that left a lasting impression.

For the remainder of the stay, everyone was free to explore Athens at their own pace: lively streets, terrace cafés, colorful markets, sunsets over the hills… The city revealed itself in all its facets, between millennia‑old heritage and contemporary energy.

After these intense and discovery‑filled days, our Athenian adventure was already coming to an end. Between the morning courses, the fascinating visits, the panoramic views from the hills, and the shared meals, Athens offered us a beginning of the program that was both enriching and warm. But the summer school does not end there: a second, equally captivating chapter awaited us on the other side of the Corinth Canal. With great enthusiasm, we left the capital and set off toward the Peloponnese, ready to explore its mythical sites, impressive landscapes, and local traditions.

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