Exploring Homer’s World: Bronze Age Greece

GREECE TOUR OVERVIEW

Part tour, part retreat, our trip is a unique opportunity for you to immerse yourself in the world of Homer by reading his epic Odyssey and visiting sites connected to his myths and stories.

We set the context by exploring the architectural masterpieces of Athens, including the Acropolis and the Parthenon. The Classical Pursuits leader and our local guides will bring Homeric legends and ancient Greek drama to life on excursions to sites such as Thebes. And we’ll see written in stone the multicultural heritage of Greece in towns such as Nafplion, with its Roman, Frankish, Venetian, and Turkish architecture.

For the second part of our journey, enjoy a relaxing yet stimulating week at the Kapsaliana resort in beautiful, mountainous Crete. The quiet setting among olive groves is the ideal place to dig deeper into the Odyssey. Homer’s epic poem tells the story of the journey of the Ithacan king Odysseus as he tries to return home after the Trojan War. Here we will mix daily discussions with plenty of free time to relax. Our tour leader will facilitate an engaging and memorable experience whether you are coming to the epic for the first time or have read it many times before.

The guiding principle of our trip is a concept sacred to ancient Greeks and still a fundamental value in Greece today: philoxenia, which can be translated as “friend to the stranger.” The Odyssey is a story of xenia (guest-friendship), whether it is practiced well or poorly, treated with reverence or parodied. Outside the pages of the book, enjoy Greece’s famous hospitality with a group of travellers who might start out as strangers but will end up as friends.

GREECE ITINERARY AT A GLANCE

Day 1: Guided walk of Athens, welcome dinner
Day 2: Explore the Acropolis, “the most perfect poem in stone”
Day 3: Visit the dazzling modernist Acropolis Museum
Day 4: Drive to Nafplion, with stop in Corinth
Day 5: See the magnificent 4th century BCE theatre at Epidaurus
Day 6: Argos, Tiryns, Mycenea
Day 7: Fly to Crete, settle in at our relaxing resort
Days 8–11: Daily discussions and explorations on Crete
Day 12: Herakleon with visit of Knossos
Day 13: Depart Crete

GREECE ONLINE PROGRAMS

The Many Faces of Helen of Troy
September 26, 2:00 p.m. ET
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Image credits: The Acropolis as viewed from the Mouseion Hill, Christophe Meneboeuf/Wikipedia

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DESTINATION
Athens and Crete, Greece

DATES
March 29–April 10, 2025

GROUP SIZE
14 to 16 participants

COST From US$5995

READINGS
The Odyssey by Homer, translated by Emily Wilson; The Three Theban Plays: Antigone; Oedipus the King; Oedipus at Colonus, translated Robert Fagles

LEADERS
Mark Cwik's deep understanding and appreciation of classical texts are evident in his ability to engage discussion participants and bring ancient stories to life. Mark's extensive reading and dedication have earned him a reputation among peers and enthusiasts as a highly knowledgeable and skilled reader. He has devoted thousands of hours to reading and discussing the Iliad, Odyssey and the Greek tragedies with adult learners of all ages, making him one of the most experienced guides available for what will be an only-at-Classical-Pursuits experience.

Johanna Klinsky is the Director of Strategic Improvement for a network of 57 schools across England. She brings her zest for life, passion for travel and is looking forward to the great discussions that will be had on this trip. She lives in the English countryside with her husband, Mark Cwik, where they spend their free time renovating their Victorian home and riding their tandem bicycle.

ACCOMMODATION
Athenaeum Grand Hotel, Athens, Hotel Castellano, Nafplion; Kapsaliana Village Resort, Crete


Cost includes guides, readings, accommodation in double occupancy, two meals a day, discussions, ground transportation, walking tours, talks, excursions, admissions, and taxes and gratuities.


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