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

Accommodation

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

Readings

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

Image credits: The Acropolis as viewed from the Mouseion Hill, Christophe Meneboeuf/Wikipedia

Mark is a fabulous leader with deep knowledge of Homer and Greek literature.

Sheryl H., New York

My favourite was the time spent at the Kapsaliana Resort; it was magical. The setting, ambiance, staff, quietness and quality of the resort were very enjoyable.

Jillinda G., Toronto

Leaders

Mark Cwik

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

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.

FAQ

What's the cost of this tour?

The per-person cost is US$5995. The supplement for a single room is US$1105.

Where does the tour start and end?

The tour starts in Athens, Greece and ends in Crete, with a transfer to Heraklion International Airport, with connections to Athens and Thessaloniki and seasonal connections to many European cities.

Can you help me with flight bookings?

Our travel partner Worldwide Quest can help you make your flight arrangements. You are also of course welcome to make your own arrangements. Worldwide Quest will provide joining instructions to help you make sure you arrive in time for the tour. For more information, please contact Abbie at abbie@worldwidequest.com.

I have dietary restrictions; can you accommodate me?

We can accommodate most dietary restrictions. To talk more about your specific needs, please contact Abbie at abbie@worldwidequest.com.

I use a cane, walker or other aid for mobility. Is this tour a good fit for me?

We’ve rated this tour as moderate in intensity. This tour involves walking on city sidewalks and in museums and galleries. Sidewalks can be uneven, and amenities like elevators are restricted in places such as the Acropolis.

We will also be enjoying hikes and walks while we are staying in the countryside. You should be comfortable walking on uneven terrain and be able to walk for periods of up to three hours.

We have welcomed guests using mobility aids on this itinerary. If you do use a mobility aid, please contact Abbie at abbie@worldwidequest.com or 1-800-387-1483 to further discuss your needs. We always want to make sure you’re booking a tour that’s a good fit for you.

If you're a Canadian company, why are most of your tours priced in US dollars?

Like other tour operators, our travel partner Worldwide Quest plans tours 18 to 24 months in advance, with payments to vendors and suppliers due well ahead of the tour. Suppliers in the countries Worldwide Quest works with expect payment in US dollars. When these suppliers must convert to CAD so many months in advance, they have to speculate the value of the Canadian dollar at the time of booking.

Over the past several years, the final pricing has worked in the favour of our travellers, paying a better rate than would have been if originally priced in Canadian dollars.

What’s Included

Airport transfers on tour start and end dates
Accommodations based on double occupancy in hotels listed or similar
Ground transportation
All activities as described in the detailed itinerary
Entrance fees
Internal flight
Meals as specified in the itinerary
Literary discussions and spaces
Books and readings
Audio headsets for touring
Bottled water in vehicle during excursions
Coffee, tea, and water at each meal
Gratuities for guides, drivers, and included meals
All taxes
Services of your Discussion Leaders
Local English-speaking site guides

Online Learning: Presentations

The Many Faces of Helen of Troy

September 26, 2:00 p.m. ET

Emily Wilson's Illiad

November 4, 2024, 2 p.m ET

Map

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Toronto, Canada. Classical Pursuits organizes literary and cultural trips and seminars in Toronto, Canada, and around the world with our travel partner Worldwide Quest (TICO Reg: #2667946). Design by Ctrl Alt Create.