Travel Program
My Big FUN Greek Odyssey (The Spirit of Odysseus)
My Big FUN Greek Odyssey (The Spirit of Odysseus) is designed for young men and women of Greek heritage who live outside of Greece. Conducted by experienced educators and travel professionals, this 14-day educational/cultural trip will lead you through a voyage of discovery, both of your ancestral Greek homeland and yourself.
From the splendor of Athens to the mythical Peloponnese and the clear crystal sapphire waters of Greece’s Ionian Islands, My Big FUN Greek Odyssey (The Spirit of Odysseus) will captivate you with the beauty of a land rich in culture, people, history and cuisine. It will immerse you in the Greek values, ideals and ideas that gave rise to western civilization and help you better understand your own place in the cultural fabric of modern society.
The Spirit of Odysseus
The story of Odysseus (also known by the Latin variant as Ulysses) is well known. The legendary Greek king of Ithaca was the hero of Homer’s epic poem THE ODYSSEY and played a key role in Homer’s ILIAD. He is most famous for his nostos or “homecoming”, which took him on a ten-year journey to find his way back home after the decade-long Trojan War. We were inspired by the story of Odysseus to develop this world-class education and travel program, one that captures the desire of young men and women of Greek heritage, living abroad, to “return home“ to mother Greece.
My Big FUN Greek Odyssey (The Spirit of Odysseus) will immerse you into Greek civilization, both historical and modern. You will experience Greece of ancient times through guided visits of the Parthenon, Cape Sounion, Epidaurus and Olympia. You will see how modern Greece rose from the ashes after 400 years of Ottoman occupation, with visits to Nafplion, Palamidi, and Bourtzi. Lastly, you will see and taste the magic of the Greek Islands with visits to the Ionian jewels of Kefalonia, Zakynthos and Ithaca, the island home of the legendary Odysseus.
Characterized by a culture and people that are welcoming and hospitable, Athens will make you feel at home. The city will inspire you, leaving its mark on your heart and your mind forever.
Visit the New Acropolis Museum, “a masterpiece” that holds the permanent collections, findings and artefacts from the sacred rock of the Acropolis.
Take an inside tour of the Greek Parliament and stop by the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier before immersing yourself in the glory that was the first modern Olympic Games at the Panathenaic – Olympic Stadium, itself erected on the ruins of the ancient for the Panathenaic Games stadium built in 330 B.C.
Later, discover the charm of Monastiraki, with its fabled souvenir shops and flea market. Explore the winding pathways of Plaka and delight your palate by indulging in traditional Greek cuisine.
Join us as we make our way to the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center near the bay of Phaliron in Athens. Set within an extensive parkland, this €566 million project was completed in 2016, and was donated to the Greek state in 2017.
Explore contemporary Athens as we tour the new National Library of Greece and National Opera House.
Later, take a fascinating coastal drive with us to Cape Sounion and the Temple of Poseidon before stopping at one of the many tropically-designed seaside restaurants on our way back to the centre of Athens.
According to mythology, the town was founded by Nafplios, the son of god Poseidon and the daughter of Danaus (Danaida) Anymone. The town’s history traces back to the prehistoric era when soldiers from here participated in the Argonautic expedition and the Trojan War.
Follow a dream trail to discover Nafplion’s precious gems starting from the medieval Old Town, the narrow cobblestone alleys and neoclassical mansions.
Visit Palamidi Castle, where the famous hero of the Greek Revolution Theodore Kolokotronis had been imprisoned. Continue on to Bourtzi, the most photographed spot of Nafplion.
Take an invigorating swim on Tolo beach before returning for a sunset stroll around the “Arvanitia Promenade”, the most popular walk in town dominated by the rocky landscape of Akronafplia.
Spetses, an island boasting a long naval tradition, is famous for its significant contribution to the 1821 War of Independence. It was here that the revolution flag was raised on 3rd April 1821.
The rich history and naval tradition of the island is reflected on numerous sites. After a brief tour of the island, we will head to the sun-drenched beach of Ayia Marina, the most famous beach of the island! Sandy, organized with horseback riding, beach bars, and restaurants, it will satisfy foodies, sun lovers and water sport fans alike.
The Asklepieion at Epidaurus gained fame throughout the world for its unique healing practices. Its monuments are proof of the practice of medicine in antiquity and illustrate the medical evolution from the time where it was believed that healing depended on God to the time where it developed into a science.
The Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus is dedicated to the ancient Greek God of medicine, Asclepius. It is considered to be the most perfect ancient Greek theatre with regard to acoustics and aesthetics.
According to UNESCO, there is probably no ancient archaeological site anywhere in the world more relevant in today’s world than Olympia. The stadium of Olympia, where the ancient Olympic Games were held, and the massive temple of Zeus, the largest temple in the Peloponnese, are the site’s most significant attractions. Join us for a visit of the ancestral home of the Olympic Games.
If you love snorkeling or diving then the island’s amazing seabed will definitely satisfy you. Kefalonia’s culinary tradition, history, picturesque villages, upbeat nightlife and pristine beaches will make you fall in love with the island.
Famed as the home of Odysseus, Ithaki symbolizes the return home, the discovery and the fulfillment of a journey back to a land that nourishes us all, in spirit and in mind.
With its 27-kilometre long and 6.5-kilometre large mountainous surface, Ithaka boasts plenty of hiking as well as mountain bike trails. Beach lovers will also take pleasure in some of Greece’s most beautiful beaches. If you are a foodie, it might be difficult to date the local dishes back to the ancient era; still their taste is mythical all the same..
On the north west coast of the Greek Ionian island of Zakynthos you will find Shipwreck Cove or Smugglers Cove also called Navagio Beach. It is probably the most famous beach in Greece. Join us as we explore this jewel of the Ionian islands.
Join us as we conclude our tour at one of the most hallowed places of ancient Greek history.
