Study in Rome - UChicago | Graham School

Study in Rome - UChicago | Graham School
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Spring Travel Study in Rome
Step Into History in the Eternal City
Join fellow Graham School students and alumni on a journey to Italy to explore the legacy of the Roman Empire.
Prerequisite
Basic Program
student or alum
Type
Travel
Duration
10 days
Next Journey
March 2026
Cost
$7,490
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ABOUT SPRING TRAVEL STUDY IN Rome
Embark on an immersive journey through the Eternal City and beyond, where ancient history, literature, and art converge.
This unique travel study experience invites Basic Program students and alumni to explore the enduring legacy of the Roman Empire accompanied by an art historian, a Graham School instructor, and other experts.
Whether you’re revisiting foundational texts from the Core Curriculum or building new connections between the ancient and modern world, this opportunity offers intellectual discovery in a setting unlike any other. Spouses and partners are warmly invited to join the adventure.
The Legacy of Empire: Discovering Rome
Rome has captivated thinkers, artists, and scholars for centuries. Now, you have the chance to walk in the footsteps of emperors, poets, and philosophers as you explore the architectural and artistic wonders of this monumental civilization.
Visit iconic locations such as the Pantheon, The Vatican, and Hadrian’s Villa, and bring to life the great texts studied in the Basic Program and the Romans Alumni Sequence. The program culminates in an optional excursion to Pompeii, offering a closer look at one of antiquity’s most haunting archaeological sites.
Benefits of Spring Break Travel Study in
Rome
Deepen your understanding of the great books and Romans Alumni Sequence through experiential learning.
Explore key historical and artistic landmarks that shaped the history of the Roman Republic and Western thought.
Enjoy lively conversations and shared exploration with fellow Graham students and alumni.
Learn from a team of seasoned educators, scholars, and local guides.
Tuition includes comfortable accommodations and many group meals.
Extend your journey with an optional Pompeii excursion to further enrich your understanding of Roman culture and history.
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Itinerary
Our itinerary, developed in partnership with
The Rome Institute of Liberal Arts
, is designed to mirror texts and themes from the Graham School’s curriculum that examine the history of imperial Rome while offering rich opportunities to engage with Italy’s vibrant cultural and historical heritage along the River Tiber.
Primary Excursion: March 13–22, 2026
Includes guided tours of:
The Pantheon
The Roman Forum
The Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica
Hadrian’s Villa in Tivoli
An exploration of Etruscan and Roman Art and archaeological museums
Optional Post-Tour Excursion: March 22–25, 2026
Journey to
Pompeii
, one of the world’s most remarkably preserved ancient cities, and explore the ruins that provide insight into daily life in the Roman Empire.
Please note: The itinerary is subject to change.
Day One
Arrival in Rome. Today we check in to our hotel.
Day Two
We begin our journey with guided visits to the Pantheon and Ara Pacis
Cocktail reception
Group welcome dinner
Day Three
We start our day with a lecture on ancient art with members of RILA
Guided visit to Palazzo Altemps
Day Four
Guided visit to the Capitol (Capitol, Palazzo dei Conservatori)
Guided visit to the Capitoline Museum
Discussion Session #1 with a Basic Program instructor
Day Five
We head out of Rome on a coach bus to explore Tivoli
Guided of Hadrian’s Villa
Guided visit of the Villa D’Este
Day Six
Guided visit of the Palazzo Massimo
Guided visit of the Baths of Diocletian and later buildings
Day Seven
Guided visit to the Forum
Art Lecture
Day Eight
Guided visit and access to the Vatican Museums with time allotted for personal exploration
Day Nine
Guided visit to Palatine Hill, House of Augustus, House of Livia, and Palatine Museum
Farewell Dinner
Day Ten
Departure or continue on for an optional excursion to Pompeii
Optional Pompeii Excursion Day 1
Today we travel from Rome to Paestum and visit the Greek temples and frescoes in a local museum
Optional Pompeii Excursion Day 2
Today we embark on a guided tour of the legendary site of Pompeii
Travel to Naples in the afternoon
Optional Pompeii Excursion Day 3
Visit to the Archaeological Museum of Naples
Return travel to Rome for an overnight stay and departures
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Information session
Study in Rome Info Session
Join us on October 9 for an online information session about our immersive journey through Rome. Trip leader and Director of Academics at the Graham School, Zoë Eisenman, along with Assistant Director of Travel Study, Matt Welton, will guide the session.
Register now
Frequently Asked Questions
Learn more about the travel study in Rome experience from the Graham School.
Is there an application to participate in Spring Break in Rome?
Yes. All Basic Program students and alumni of the program are eligible to apply.
What are the prerequisites to participate in Spring Break in Rome?
This trip is open to all Graham School students and alumni of the program. Their spouses and partners are cordially welcome as well.
How much does Spring Break in Rome cost?
The per-person rate for the 2026 Spring Break in Rome trip is $7,490 with an additional $1,900 fee for the optional post-tour journey to Pompeii. A $1,200 per person deposit is required once accepted into the program and no later than October 15, 2025. The balance of the fee is due no later than November 10, 2025. All cancellations and requests for refunds must be submitted in writing.
What is the refund policy?
Cancellations on or prior to December 12, 2025, will incur a $800 per person cancellation fee. Cancellations received between December 13, 2025, and January 1, 2026 will result in a forfeiture of $3,000 per person. No refunds will be given for cancellations received on or after January 2, 2026. In the unlikely event of the cancellation of the program by the Graham School of Continuing Liberal and Professional Studies or by the Athens Center, a full refund will be given.
What is included in the cost for travel study in Rome?
Pre-trip seminar.
Pre-trip reception.
Double-occupancy hotel accommodations.
Daily breakfast and lunch, arrival-day reception, welcome and farewell dinners.
Expert-led site and museum tours.
Discussion sessions led by a Basic Program instructor.
Entry to the ancient sites and museums.
Coach transportation to sites outside of Rome.
Participants are responsible for their own air travel to Rome (and airport transfers) and meals other than those listed above.
What are the hotel accommodations?
Accommodations are double hotel rooms in 3-4 star hotels near the sites we will visit. Single travelers may book by paying the single supplement.
Are there required advance readings?
Yes. These will be shared a few months prior to the trip.
Will we have discussion sessions during the trip?
Yes. The Basic Program trip scholar will lead one virtual seminar prior to the trip and several sessions during the trip. Topics and readings will be announced in advance.
How much walking is involved?
Participants should be aware that the trip requires considerable walking in ancient archaeological sites. Ability to climb 2-3 flights of stairs and ability to stand for up to 90 minutes is required.
What is the cancellation policy if my availability to attend the trip changes?
All cancellations and requests for refunds must be submitted in writing. Cancellations on or prior to December 12, 2025, will incur a $800 per person cancellation fee. Cancellations received between December 13, 2025, and January 1, 2026 will result in a forfeiture of $3,000 per person. No refunds will be given for cancellations received on or after January 2, 2026. In the unlikely event of the cancellation of the program by the Graham School of Continuing Liberal and Professional Studies or by the Athens Center, a full refund will be given.
Is travel insurance required?
We strongly suggest that participants purchase travel insurance to protect against nonrefundable costs incurred when travel must be postponed on short notice. We are unable to make exceptions to our refund policies.
Participants may elect instead to waive this requirement understanding fully that the University of Chicago Alumni Association and Graham School of Continuing Liberal and Professional Studies are under no obligation to provide a refund after cancellation dates have passed.
Are there any special considerations for medical insurance?
Medical insurance plans vary. Participants should confirm that their medical insurance covers expenses while abroad or arrange for alternative medical insurance.
What responsibilities should I be aware of?
The University of Chicago, the University of Chicago Graham School of Continuing Liberal and Professional Studies, and the Athens Centre have no responsibility in whole or in part for any loss, death, damage, or injury to person or property or accident, mechanical defect, failure or negligence of any nature howsoever caused in connection with any accommodation, transportation, or other services. Baggage is at the owner’s risk entirely. The right is retained to decline to accept or retain any person as a trip member should such person’s health, mental condition, physical infirmity, or attitude jeopardize the operation of the trip or the rights, welfare, or enjoyment of other participants.
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