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Seminars and Panel Discussions on the Cultural and Historical  Aspects of Italy and Greece
From an Architecture, Art, and History Perspective
Perspective (Dr. Robin Hardy)
July 1 to July 14, 2025

Duration: 
13 Days

Destination:
Greece

Trip Type: 
Educational Program

Airfare: 
Round Trip

Cost: 
$5,500




Dr. Robin Hardy

Director, Modern Africa | Modern Europe
Aramfo Educational Foundation

Overview

Join us on an enlightening journey to Italy and Greece, lands where history, art, and culture have intertwined for millennia. This exclusive program invites professors to immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of Italian and Greek civilizations, exploring their profound cultural and historical significance through unique perspectives in art, architecture, and history.
Our journey begins in Italy, where participants will experience the heart of the Renaissance, exploring Rome, Florence, and Venice. Through guided tours and expert-led discussions, professors will gain insight into Italy’s artistic masterpieces, architectural marvels, and historical landmarks, including the Colosseum, the Vatican, the Duomo in Florence, and the canals of Venice. This Italian segment provides an essential foundation in understanding the Renaissance and its impact on Western culture.
Following Italy, the journey continues to Greece, where participants will engage in seminars and panel discussions with leading experts, delving into Greece's cultural heritage and the ancient achievements that have shaped its identity. From the Parthenon in Athens to the classical ruins scattered throughout the region, this Greek experience offers a comprehensive exploration of the ancient world and its lasting influence on the modern era.
Whether you are a seasoned scholar or a passionate educator, this trip provides an unparalleled opportunity to deepen your understanding of Italian and Greek cultural legacies while fostering meaningful discussions with fellow academics in two of the world’s most historically significant regions.


Attending this trip can benefit your university in several ways:

  1. Enhanced Academic Expertise: Professors will gain deeper insights into Italian and Greek cultures, architecture, and history, enriching their knowledge and expertise. This can be directly integrated into their teaching, providing students with a more nuanced and informed education.

  2. Curriculum Development: The experience can inspire new course offerings or the enhancement of existing ones, particularly in areas such as history, art history, classics, cultural studies, architecture, and anthropology. This will broaden the academic offerings at your university, making them more diverse and globally focused.

  3. Networking Opportunities: Professors will have the chance to collaborate with international experts and fellow academics from other institutions. These connections can lead to joint research projects, publications, and even future academic exchanges, strengthening your university's global partnerships.

  4. Increased Prestige: Participation in this program can enhance your university’s reputation as a forward-thinking institution that values global perspectives and encourages professional development among its faculty.

  5. Student Engagement: Professors can bring back fresh insights and experiences to share with students, potentially sparking greater interest in Italian and Greek culture, history, and related fields. This can lead to higher student engagement and the possibility of student-led projects, study abroad programs, or cultural events on campus.

  6. Cultural Awareness and Sensitivity: Exposure to Italy and Greece’s rich cultural heritage can foster greater cultural awareness and sensitivity among faculty, which can be reflected in more inclusive and diverse classroom discussions and activities.

  7. Research Opportunities: The trip could provide unique research opportunities, particularly in the fields of classical studies, archaeology, Renaissance art history, and cultural studies. Faculty members may find inspiration or resources for their research, resulting in new publications, grants, and contributions to their academic fields. 

By participating in this program, your university will not only benefit from the immediate academic and professional development of its faculty but also from the long-term enrichment of its educational offerings and global engagement. 

We look forward to your participation.

Program Itinerary 

Initial Itinerary (subject to change)*

» Day 1: July 1, 2025 - Departure to Rome

  • Departure: Depart from JFK International Airport to Rome.

Day 2: July 2, 2025 - Arrival in Rome

  • Morning: Arrival in Rome. An ARAMFO representative will welcome the group and accompany them to the hotel by private bus.

  • Afternoon: Orientation tour of Rome, based on arrival time.

  • Evening: Welcome dinner featuring Italian cuisine.

Days 3-4: July 3-4, 2025 - Rome’s Iconic Landmarks

  • Day 3:

    • Breakfast at Hotel

    • Morning: Private tour guide to the Colosseum.

    • Afternoon: Guided visits to the Roman Forum, Vatican Museums (including the Sistine Chapel), St. Peter's Basilica, and the Pantheon.

    • Evening: Free time for dinner and further exploration.

  • Day 4:

    • Breakfast at Hotel

    • Morning: Colosseum, Imperial Forum, and Palatine Hill.

    • Afternoon: Piazza Venezia, Pantheon, and Vatican Museums.

    • Evening: Panoramic views of Rome from Gianicolo Hill.

    • Evening: Free time for dinner and further exploration.

Day 5: July 5, 2025 - Travel to Florence

  • Breakfast at Hotel

  • Morning: Private transport to Florence, check-in at the hotel.

  • Afternoon: Tour of Florence’s highlights with a guide, including Piazza del Duomo, Uffizi Gallery, and Ponte Vecchio.

  • Evening: Free time for dinner and further exploration.

Day 6: July 6, 2025 - Art and Culture in Florence

  • Breakfast at Hotel

  • Morning: Guided visit to the Accademia Gallery to view Michelangelo’s David, followed by a tour of San Lorenzo Market.

  • Afternoon: Explore Palazzo Pitti and Boboli Gardens.

  • Evening: Free time for dinner and further exploration.

Day 7: July 7, 2025 - Travel to Venice

  • Breakfast at Hotel

  • Morning: Departure from Florence to Venice by private bus.

  • Afternoon: Check-in and introductory exploration of Venice, including the Rialto Bridge and Campo Santa Margherita.

  • Evening: Free time for dinner.

Days 8-9: July 8-9, 2025 - Venice’s Cultural Treasures

  • Day 8:

    • Breakfast at Hotel

    • Morning: Guided tour of Piazza San Marco, St. Mark’s Basilica, Doge’s Palace, and Rialto Bridge.

    • Afternoon: Grand Canal Vaporetto Ride with scenic views.

    • Evening: Free time for dinner.

  • Day 9:

    • Breakfast at Hotel

    • Morning: Gallerie dell'Accademia and Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari.

    • Afternoon: Peggy Guggenheim Collection and the Dorsoduro District.

    • Optional: Excursion to Murano or Burano for local crafts.

    • Evening: Free time for dinner.

Day 10: July 10, 2025 - Travel to Athens

  • Breakfast at Hotel

  • Morning: Transfer to the airport for flight to Athens. Arrival in Athens, where a guide will welcome the group.

  • Afternoon: Guided tour of the Acropolis, Parthenon, and the Plaka Neighborhood.

  • Evening: Free time for dinner.

Days 11-13: July 11-13, 2025 - Athens’ Historical and Cultural Sites

Day 11

  • Breakfast at Hotel

  • Morning & Afternoon: Transfer to the American University of Athens for a full day of seminars and discussions.

  • Lunch: Provided during the university day.

  • Evening: Free time for dinner and personal exploration.

Days 12

  • Breakfast at Hotel

  • Morning: National Archaeological Museum and Benaki Museum.

  • Afternoon: Kolonaki Neighborhood and sunset views from Mount Lycabettus.

  • Evening: Free time for dinner.

Days 13

  • Breakfast at Hotel

  • Morning: Gazi Neighborhood for art and cafés.

  • Afternoon: Psiri and Exarcheia neighborhoods.

  • Evening: Farewell dinner celebrating Greek cuisine.

Day 14: July 14, 2025 - Departure

  • Morning: Depart Athens back to JFK.

Hotels:

  • Rome: The Guardian Hotel, 4-star
  • Florence: Il Guelfo Bianco, 3-star
  • Venice: Hotel Paganelli, 3-star
  • Athens: Airotel Parthenon, 4-star

Program Cost Covers:

Flights: Round-trip from JFK to Rome, Venice to Athens, and Athens to JFK.

Accommodations: Double-occupancy with breakfast included

Transportation: Private buses.

Guides: Private English-speaking guides throughout the trip.

Meals: Breakfast daily and welcome and farewell dinners

Program Cost: $5,500 per person (double occupancy) ​​

​$600 for single occupancy (due by March 14, 2025)

This educational trip can be funded out of pocket or through institutional support. Schools and universities can cover the full cost or offer partial sponsorship for their faculty's participation.

ARAMFO Payment Plan Options

We believe that every participant should have the opportunity to travel without financial stress. That’s why we provide flexible payment options designed to accommodate different financial needs.

Payment Plan Options
🔹Option 1: Pay in Full at Enrollment (No Fee)
✅ Pay the entire balance upfront at the time of enrollment.
✔ Accepted Payment Methods: Credit Card, Debit Card, ACH, Personal Checks, and Bank Transfers.

🔹 Option 2: Automatic Payment Plan (No Fee)
Set up automatic payments with no additional fees and spread out your balance for easy budgeting. Your full balance is scheduled until 30 days before departure.
How It Works:
  • No registration or plan fee – completely free to join!
  • $300 first payment due within 30 days of registration to confirm your spot.
  • Flexible payment schedule: Choose monthly or bi-weekly automatic payments based on your preference.
  • $1,500 payment must be completed no later than 60 days before departure.
  • Final balance must be completed no later than 30 days before departure.
  • No penalties for early payments – pay off your balance anytime!
    ✔ Accepted Payment Methods: Credit Card, Debit Card, ACH, Personal Checks, and Bank Transfers. 


The cost doesn’t cover

Travel and health insurance

Tips

Any activities or meals not mentioned in the program

Cancellation Policy:

All cancellations must be received in writing.  The following cancellation schedule applies:

  • 70% of the paid amount refunded between 100 and 91 days prior to departure.
  • 60% of the paid amount refunded between 90 and 61 days prior to departure.
  • 50% of the paid amount refunded between 60 and 51 days prior to departure.
  • No refund within 50 days of the departure date.




Dr. Robin Hardy

Director, Modern Africa | Modern Europe
Aramfo Educational Foundation