An Unforgettable Alumni Experience
This custom-designed trip for Guilford alumni and friends blends modern, high-energy sporting events with deep dives into the classical world that shaped them. We'll stand in the Colosseum, where gladiators once fought; feel the roar of the crowd at a Six Nations rugby match; and walk the original track at Ancient Olympia.
Led by expert faculty from Guilford's Sport Studies Department, Michael White, Assistant Professor and Director of the International Sport Management Master's Program, and offered in cooperation with Sport Study Abroad and its director Arno Langevoort, this experience is a moving seminar, a thrilling sports tour, and a fantastic alumni gathering all in one.
Trip at a Glance
Dates
March 6β15, 2026
Duration
9 days / 8 nights
Destinations
Rome, Athens, & Olympia
Group Size
10β25 alumni
Cost
$6,200 per person
Focus
Sport Management, History, & Culture
Detailed Itinerary
Welcome to Rome
Arrive at FCO, where you'll be met by our private transfer to our centrally located hotel. Settle in before joining the group for a light orientation walk through Rome's historic center to kick off our adventure.
Welcome Lunch & Six Nations Rugby
Our first full day begins with a welcome lunch and an introductory talk. Then, we head to the legendary Stadio Olimpico to feel the electric atmosphere of a Six Nations match: Italy vs. England. After the final whistle, we'll enjoy a classic Italian dinner at a trattoria near the stadium.
Roman Bike Tour & Serie A Football
See the Eternal City on two wheels with a guided city-center bike tour. This afternoon, it's back to Stadio Olimpico for a different kind of passion: top-tier Italian football. We'll watch the Serie A match between Lazio and Sassuolo. We'll celebrate the day with an after-game group dinner.
Ancient Sport & Spectacle
Walk in the footsteps of emperors and gladiators. Today features an expert-guided tour of the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill. In the afternoon, we'll participate in an expert talk on "Sport & leadership in ancient Rome and today."
Local & International Sport Immersion
Today offers an immersion in local and international sport, just as a Guilford student would experience. We'll visit a local sports for development organization for a briefing, followed by an introduction to the multi-sport club structure. We'll end the day with a memorable group dinner at an iconic location.
The Vatican & On to Athens
This morning, we explore the artistic and spiritual heart of Vatican City with a guided tour of its incredible museums and grounds. In the afternoon, we take a private transfer to the airport for our flight from Rome to Athens. Upon arrival, we'll check into our hotel in the heart of the city.
Athens' Olympic Legacy & EuroLeague Basketball
Explore Athens with a morning bike tour before heading to the OAKA Olympic campus, the main venue ecosystem for the 2004 Games. The excitement builds into the evening as we take in a high-octane EuroLeague basketball game, watching Panathinaikos take on Ε½algiris.
The Acropolis & Modern Empowerment
No trip to Athens is complete without visiting its most famous landmark. We'll enjoy a guided tour of the Acropolis and the stunning Acropolis Museum. Later in the day, we'll be inspired by an empowerment talk and skills demonstration from a local sports for development organization.
The Birthplace of the Games
We journey from Athens into the Peloponnese to our final destination: Olympia. After lunch, we will immerse ourselves in history with a visit to the Ancient Olympia archaeological site and museum, standing on the very ground where the Olympic Games began in 776 B.C.
Departures
Enjoy a final breakfast in Greece before your private transfer to the airport for your flights home, filled with memories of an incredible journey through sporting history.
Program Fee & Inclusions
Cost: $6,200 per person** (Based on double occupancy)
A Gift to Guilford
A portion of your trip costβ$1,000βis a tax-deductible gift to Guilford College, supporting the College's greatest needs and the future of our community.
Price Includes:
Price Does Not Include:
β’ International airfare to Rome (FCO) and from Athens (ATH)
β’ Lunches and dinners (unless specified in the itinerary)
β’ Travel insurance (highly recommended)
β’ Personal expenses and gratuities
Please note: This program and its itinerary are based on availability and are subject to change accordingly.
Faculty Leadership
Michael White
Leading this unique alumni experience, Professor White brings his expertise in sport management and international perspectives to create an unforgettable journey that combines academic insight with real-world sporting experiences.
Arno Langevoort
With decades of experience designing custom sport-focused travel programs, Arno ensures seamless logistics and exceptional access to sporting events and venues throughout the journey.
Ready to Join Us?
This is a unique opportunity to reconnect with fellow Guilford alumni while exploring the rich history and modern excitement of sport in Rome and Greece.
Contact Us for More Information