The Faculty of Arts is pleased to announce the successful completion of a study tour which was a sea voyage across the Aegean Sea. This was held as part of its annual commitment to enrich the MA in Mediterranean Studies programme. The tour, which took place between 23 and 30 May, provided an immersive learning experience for 51 participants, by exploring the region's unique blend of classical history, art, and geography through visits to Greece and Turkey.

Led by Dr Charlene Vella from the Department of Art and Art History, Dr Carmel Serracino from the Department of Classics and Archaeology, and Dr Ritienne Gauci from the Department of Geography, the study tour aimed to deepen the participants' appreciation for the Aegean Region and its significance within the Mediterranean heritage.

The study tour started with a series of lectures and briefings by UM academics about the region and its carefully curated itinerary which included notable historic and cultural destinations across Athens (Piraeus), Ephesus (Kusadasi), Rhodes, and Santorini. The onsite trips began in Athens, Greece, with a visit to the historic Corinth Canal: an impressive engineering and geological marvel connecting the Aegean and Ionian Seas. Participants then explored Ancient Corinth, including the Agora, the Temple of Apollo, and the Archaeological Museum of Corinth. The day included a trip to Mycenae, renowned for its archaeological  and artistic achievements and its vital role in the development of classical Greek culture. The day was concluded with a short guided walk through the enchanting alleys of coastal Nafplio. 

On the fourth day, the group travelled to Kusadasi, Turkey, to explore the ancient city of Ephesus. Highlights included the Library of Celcius, the Great Theater where St. Paul preached, and the Temple of Hadrian. The participants also visited the House of the Virgin Mary, the Basilica of St. John, and concluded the day with a short visit to a workshop about Turkish carpet manufacturing.

The third destination was the island of Rhodes, Greece. The tour included visits to the Medieval Town of Rhodes, a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Palace of the Grand Masters, the Archaeological Museum and also featured the Acropolis of Lindos. The final destination was Santorini, Greece, where participants visited Akrotiri Archaeological Site, the black beaches of Perivolos, Pyrgos and a guided walk in the village and castle of Emporio.

"The study tour across the Aegean Sea was an interdisciplinary learning experience for our students and invited guests," said Dr Charlene Vella, academic coordinator of the trip. "Through lectures, site visits and expert guidance, we provided our participants with valuable insights into the Greco-Turkish heritage and its impact on the present region."

The Faculty of Arts remains committed to offering exceptional educational opportunities such as the MA in Mediterranean Studies programme, which equips students with a comprehensive understanding of the Mediterranean region as a complex melting pot of cultural manifestations. This study tour to the Aegean Sea serves as another testament to the Faculty's unwavering commitment to fostering academic excellence in its programmes.

The tour was customised by Enrico travel Ltd.

For more information about the MA in Mediterranean Studies programme by the Faculty of Arts, please visit the UM website or contact Ms Karen Pace by sending an email.