A Grecian Odyssey: Exploring Greece and Her Islands
Uncommon Odysseys is excited to offer a unique summer program in Greece during the summer of 2023. Participants will travel as a group with an experienced teacher, a graduate student, and local guides to parts of mainland Greece and its islands while learning about all the culture, history, cuisine, archaeology, architecture, geology, and so much more this beautiful country has to offer.
Our journey begins in Athens where participants will spend two days exploring the shops and cafes of the Plaka and touring the ancient temple of Olympian Zeus, Hadrian’s arch, the National Archeological Museum and many more. Then we will embark on a day excursion to Delphi for a hike up to the stadium and tour of the museum. Then, participants will travel even further back in time to the legendary cities of Corinth and Mycenae to see the origins of Classical Greece at sites such as the Treasury of Atreus, an open-air Greek theater, and the oracle and temple of Apollo, to name a few.
Next, we will leave the mainland via an overnight ferry (with accommodations) to spend three days on the amazing island of Crete. We start with a day in Chania where we will sample the local cuisine, shop in small groups, and explore the magical seaside town for the day, including a relaxing afternoon at the beautiful Falasarna beach. We will also learn about the cultural and historical diversity of Greece’s largest island. Participants will explore the Minoan palace of Knossos, made famous by the ancient legend of Theseus and the Minotaur. They will come to understand the influences of Minoan, Roman, and Venetian civilizations in Crete while experiencing the culture and cuisines in the cities of Heraklion, Rethymno, and Chania.
Next, we board a short ferry for the beautiful island of Santorini. There, participants will experience the Aegean lifestyle by visiting the towns of Oia, Firostefani, and Imerovigli. The group will learn about both the culture of the Cyclades at the archaeological site of Akrotiri as well as the geological history of the area on a boat tour of the island’s enormous submarine volcanic crater.
Finally, the group will take a very short flight back to the mainland for a final day in Athens where we see the famous Acropolis and visit the Acropolis museum. We will take a cable car to the top of Mount Lykavitos for a farewell dinner admiring the gorgeous, breathtaking view.
Dates and Rates
Dates: June 16-27, 2023
Included in Program:
Round-trip airfare and transfers
Ground transportation between cities
Professional airport assistance upon arrival
All lodging
Majority of meals provided with a few “explore on your own” meals
Escorted and guided tour program
Overnight ferry from Athens to Crete
5 days total on the islands of Crete and Santorini
Entrance to sightseeing as described in the program
Taxes and service charges on above-stated items
Experienced chaperones to escort and care for students daily
All tips for all guides, escorts, and drivers
Rates: $4750 - $5700 (includes airfare)
$2700 - $3800 (doesn’t include airfare)
Not included:
Passport and visa expenses
Airline luggage expenses
Accident and baggage insurance
Personal expenses such as cell phone usage, food and beverages in addition to provided meals
A valid passport is required.
Click here to visit our enrollment page which also has flight itineraries, program notes, and much more information about our trip.
View the slideshow from a recent info session which has information about our itinerary and more trip info.
Reviews
Eye opening and educational.
“This trip has been very eye opening and educational for me; I have learned I am capable of more things than I knew or realized before going on this trip. I have read Latin I never would have thought I would/could comprehend, I ‘went adventuring’ in a large city in a foreign country using public transportation and a map to navigate rather than using my phone.”
— A.D.
Amazing and profound.
“The visit to the refugee center was one of the most amazing and profound experiences of my life.”
— R.N.
How lucky I am!
“It's days like today that remind me of how lucky I am simply to be alive and well. Today we went to Capri. Capri is an island located off the Bay of Naples, famous for its beauty. It quite possibly could be one of the most beautiful places in the world.”
— N.B.
