Discovering Greece through tourism, culture and connection

From fine art to international tourism

When I decided to begin a Master’s degree in International Tourism, Hospitality and Event Management at Middlesex University, many people around me were surprised. My background was in fine art, and for years I had worked as an artist, organising exhibitions and creative projects. However, over time, I realised that art, tourism and event management are more connected than they first appear as they all share a common focus on culture, storytelling and creating meaningful experiences for people.

Returning to university in my mid-forties was both exciting and intimidating. Moving back into student life after years of professional work felt unfamiliar at first, especially in such an international environment. Many of my classmates were younger than me and came from completely different backgrounds and cultures. I remember feeling slightly nervous during the first weeks of the course, questioning whether I would fit in. Thankfully, those feelings quickly disappeared, and one of the most rewarding parts of studying at Middlesex has been becoming part of such a welcoming and diverse community.

Bringing tourism theory to life in Greece

In March 2026, the course became even more meaningful during a five-day field trip to Greece organised by the university. Before travelling, we attended a presentation explaining the schedule and academic purpose of the trip. The programme included visits to Thessaloniki and Kavala, alongside cultural and tourism-related activities connected to our studies.

Our journey began with a flight from London Stansted to Thessaloniki. Throughout the trip, we visited historical sites, museums, local tourism organisations and UNESCO heritage locations. Some of the highlights included visiting the Museum of the Royal Tombs at Aegae (Vergina), exploring the White Tower of Thessaloniki, walking through the historic Jewish neighbourhood of Veria, visiting the old town and fortress of Kavala, and meeting representatives from the Kavala Tourism Board.

One of the most valuable parts of the experience was learning about the rich history and civilisation of Greece through the local tour guides arranged for us. Walking through ancient streets and historical sites while listening to detailed stories and explanations made the destinations feel alive rather than simply academic case studies. In many ways, the experience felt like a live workshop where we were not only observing tourism, but also learning how tours are professionally managed, how visitors are guided and how cultural experiences are carefully created.

Tourism through culture and creativity

As someone with a creative background, I was especially interested in the emotional side of the experience. Standing inside historical spaces that had existed for centuries created a very different feeling from studying tourism only through lectures or textbooks. Some moments during the trip felt surprisingly personal and reflective, especially while walking through quieter historical areas or watching the atmosphere of local life in the evenings after our scheduled visits had finished.

The trip also highlighted the diversity of tourism experiences beyond heritage attractions.

We visited Oenogenesis S.A. in Drama and participated in a wine tasting experience. Learning about the wine production process, exploring the winery and hearing explanations about how wine is produced and preserved gave this part of the trip a unique atmosphere. Beyond the tasting itself, it showed us how local traditions and industries play an important part of tourism and regional identity.

Lessons, connections and lasting memories

The trip also gave us insight into the practical side of travelling as a group. We learned how to manage busy schedules, move between different cities and adapt to unfamiliar environments while balancing academic visits with travel arrangements. Even simple moments, such as conversations during coach journeys or sharing meals after long days, became memorable parts of the experience.

What made the field trip especially enjoyable was how well it had been organised. The schedule was carefully planned, and the hotels were very well chosen both in terms of location and quality of service. This made the experience comfortable while still keeping us focused on the academic purpose of the journey.

For me, one of the most valuable aspects of the trip was the balance between education and human connection. During the day, we learned together through visits, discussions and guided tours, while outside the programme, we shared conversations, explored the cities and experienced local culture together as a group. Those shared experiences created a much stronger sense of connection between us as students.

This field trip, organised by our lecturers Dr Matina Terzidou and Rui Su, became one of the most memorable parts of my studies at Middlesex University. This experience showed me that tourism is not only about destinations, but also about people, culture and the memories created through shared experiences.

About the author

Vida is a multidisciplinary artist, educator, and community project leader.

She graduated with a BA in Fine Art from Middlesex University and is currently studying an MSc in International Tourism, Hospitality and Event Management. Through her work, she has collaborated with autistic adults, refugees, and university students, using creativity to build confidence, develop skills, and foster meaningful connections. Her current studies have deepened her interest in the role of arts, cultural events, and creative experiences in bringing communities together and generating positive social impact.