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Greece

A Mythical Journey: Stories That Shaped Modern Greece

Program No. 2484960MEADV-0219
Love Greek mythology? Journey into the past on this learning adventure to some of the most well-known settings in ancient stories, including Athens, Delphi and Olympia!

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Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone? 800-454-5768
Select your type of room
Price will update based on selection
Prices displayed below are based on per person,doubleoccupancy.
DATES & starting prices
PRICES
Mar 29 - Apr 10, 2025
Starting at
4,299
May 3 - May 15, 2025
Starting at
4,599
May 17 - May 29, 2025
Starting at
4,599
Sep 13 - Sep 25, 2025
Starting at
4,599
Oct 18 - Oct 30, 2025
Starting at
4,549
DATES & starting prices
PRICES
Filling Fast!
Mar 29 - Apr 10, 2025
Starting at
5,099
May 3 - May 15, 2025
Starting at
5,519
Filling Fast!
May 17 - May 29, 2025
Starting at
5,519
Sep 13 - Sep 25, 2025
Starting at
5,519
Filling Fast!
Oct 18 - Oct 30, 2025
Starting at
5,449
This date is available to book as a private experience for your group!

At a Glance

Are you fascinated by the history and mythology of ancient Greece? Join us as we delve into the storied past of classical Greece as you explore iconic locations such as the Acropolis and Delphi, home to the famed Oracle. Archaeological sites merge fact and fiction by exploring Greek life from thousands of years ago, including through a unique visit to the Nestor Palace. Take a look into modern Greek life as well as you wander through local markets to learn about agriculture and enjoy a traditional meal with a local family. When the time comes to depart for home, you’ll not only know more about Greek mythology, but you’ll come away with a better understanding of how ancient Greece has influenced the world today.
Activity Level
Let's Go!
Walking uphill and downhill, up to two miles per day, on uneven terrain, cobblestone and marble streets that may be slippery. Steep stairs without railings and standing for four hours per day with breaks at museum/historic sites.
Small Group
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.

Best of all, you’ll…

  • Walk in the footsteps of mythological figures with visits to Delphi and Mycenae, significant settings in the stories of ancient Greece.
  • Enjoy a behind-the-scenes experience in Olympia, birthplace of the first Olympics.
  • Explore the unforgettable monuments of the Acropolis, a symbol of Athens and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
Program
At a Glance
Duration
13 days
Program Begins
Athens
Program Concludes
Glyfada
Group Type
Small Group
Meals
25 | 11B | 6L | 8D |
Activity Level
Are you fascinated by the history and mythology of ancient Greece? Join us as we delve into the storied past of classical Greece as you explore iconic locations such as the Acropolis and Delphi, home to the famed Oracle. Archaeological sites merge fact and fiction by exploring Greek life from thousands of years ago, including through a unique visit to the Nestor Palace. Take a look into modern Greek life as well as you wander through local markets to learn about agriculture and enjoy a traditional meal with a local family. When the time comes to depart for home, you’ll not only know more about Greek mythology, but you’ll come away with a better understanding of how ancient Greece has influenced the world today.)
Best of all, you'll...
  • Walk in the footsteps of mythological figures with visits to Delphi and Mycenae, significant settings in the stories of ancient Greece.
  • Enjoy a behind-the-scenes experience in Olympia, birthplace of the first Olympics.
  • Explore the unforgettable monuments of the Acropolis, a symbol of Athens and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Activity Level
Let's Go!
Walking uphill and downhill, up to two miles per day, on uneven terrain, cobblestone and marble streets that may be slippery. Steep stairs without railings and standing for four hours per day with breaks at museum/historic sites.
Small Group (13 to 24)
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.
Suggested Reading List
View Full List (20 Books)
You can also find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
HAVE QUESTIONS?
Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone?
We can help. Give us a call, and we can answer all of your questions!
Call 800-454-5768
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Duration
13 days
12 nights
What's Included
25 meals | 11B | 6L | 8D |
3 expert-led lectures
22 expert-led field trips
2 hands-on experiences
An experienced Group Leader
11 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
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Activity Note
Check-in available from 2:00 PM.
Dinner:
At the local restaurant, enjoy a festive Welcome Dinner. Unless otherwise noted, dinners on this program are typically a three-course set menu. Please note that water is included in the program cost at all meals.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Walking about 2 miles including some downhill and uphill; standing and walking up to 2 hours on the site of Agora and Plaka area. At the Acropolis Museum, walking and standing for more than an hour. Popular sites may be crowded at certain periods.
Breakfast:
In the hotel dining room, our breakfast buffet offers a daily selection of breads, cheeses, cold-cuts, yogurt, fruit, cereals, juice, milk, coffee, tea and water.
Morning:
Field trip Agora and Hephaestus temple. Discover Plaka and Monastiraki. This morning after breakfast we will start to learn about Greek civilization and ancient Athens discovering Agora and the Hephaestus temple on our first walking field trip. Agora, meaning market, was a central public space in Greek cities. Visiting Athen’s agora, we will start our learning on basic of architectural setting of an ancient Greek city, we will learn what the public space was in ancient Greek society. The best-known Agora in Greece is Athen’s agora, the center of political, cultural, spiritual, artistic and athletic life of Athens. Agora is situated on the Northern slope of the Acropolis. Apart from being the place where democracy has been born or stage for many known Greek philosophers, it was also very special sacred place. We will learn about temple of Hephaestus that still stands there, as also the importance, significance and the architectural lay outs of Greek temples in general. After visiting ancient agora, we will enter different, modern world of today’s market and social place known as Plaka and Monastiraki. We will stroll around to get the filling of today’s Athen’s spirit. Your Group Leader will take you around and show you the palaces you can visit and enjoy during you late afternoon free time.
Lunch:
Lunch in local restaurant in Athens.
Afternoon:
After lunch we will head walking to the Acropolis Museum as an introduction for tomorrows Acropolis visit.. This museum holds the exquisite finds from the archeological site of the Acropolis, and lies over ruins of Roman and early Byzantine Athens. Your Group Leader will provide commentary on some of the most of notable pieces of the museum, before providing you with some time to explore the exhibitions on your own. After our visit, we will return to the hotel, where you will have some time to freshen up and relax in your rooms. We will then gather once again before dinner, where we will take part in a lecture by a university professor from Athens.
Dinner:
On your own. This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to independently explore local fare. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions and give directions.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Walking about 2 miles including uphill along a winding trail with over 100 well-worn steps to reach the Acropolis, no handrails; uneven, slippery and rocky at the top; standing up to 2 hours. Popular sites may be crowded at certain periods. Drive to Nafplion with one stop will be approximately 2-3 hours.
Breakfast:
In the hotel dining room.
Morning:
Field trip Acropolis. After breakfast we will check out from the hotel. We will than start our walking field trip exploring the most signature site of Athens – the Acropolis. Led by your Group Leader, climb the rocky summit to explore some of the most iconic monuments of ancient Athens. The Acropolis’ focal point is the Parthenon, built in honor of the city’s patroness Athena and completed in 432 B.C. Learn how ancient peoples transformed this site into a manifestation of Greek advancement in culture and the arts, and how this legacy lingers to the present. After our visit, we will descend from the Acropolis site and head for lunch before we board the motorcoach and leave Athens.
Lunch:
Light lunch in local restaurant.
Afternoon:
After lunch we will drive to Nafplion. On our way we will have a brief photo stop on the bridge over Corinth Canal. The isthmus of Corinth was in the territory of the ancient city-state of. Corinth. Corinthians tried to cut a canal but it was an impossible with task with the ancient technology. The canal was finally cut in the 19th century and connects the Ionian with the Aegean seas. We will continue our journey to Argolis through the valley of Nemea and the territory of ancient city-state of Argos. Arriving at Nafplio, we check in at our hotel and then go for an orientation walk around the beautiful town of Nafplio. Today Nafplio is the capital of the region of Argolis, a charming town with monuments from the Venetian and Ottoman periods. Nafplio was the first capital of Greece and before Athens was chosen as the new capital with the arrival of the first king of Greece.
Dinner:
At a hotel restaurant.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on/off motorcoach. Driving around 1.5 hour. Walking and standing around 2 hours on uneven and varied terrain, several steps without handrails.
Breakfast:
In the hotel dining room.
Morning:
We after breakfast we will board the motorcoach for Epidaurus. Epidaurus was one of the greatest sanctuaries of Asclepios, the god of medicine. People from all around the Mediterranean visited the sanctuary for healing. We will explore the ruins of the sanctuary; we will admire the temple of Asclepios, the Dormitory, the Tholo, the stadium as well as baths, gymnasium and hotels and understand this sanctuary evolved into one of the greatest healing centers of antiquity. We will also visit the best preserved theatre of Classical times, designed by the famous architect Polykleitos the Young. The theatre is in such good condition that is still used for theatre performances during the Epidaurus festival in the summer months.
Lunch:
Lunch on own in Nafplion.
Afternoon:
Afternoon Historical walk through the old town of Nafplion. We will explore on foot the old part of Nafplion and see the Venetian Arsenal, Ottoman mosques and Venetian fortifications. Meet with a local chef at his workshop and prepare with him your dinner for tonight, including wine of course.
Dinner:
Dinner we will enjoy the dinner we have prepared with our chef.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on/off motorcoach. Driving around 2 hours. Walking and standing around 2 hours on uneven and varied terrain with small inclines, several steps without handrails.
Breakfast:
In the hotel dining room.
Morning:
Morning Depart for Mycenae. Field trip of the Acropolis of Mycenae and the beehive Tomb of Agamemnon. Mycenae was the kingdom of king Agamemnon, the mythical king who united the Achaean kings and Trojan war as we know from the epic poem of the Iliad bz the famous poet Homer. Heinrich Schliemmann discovered the legendary citadel in 1876, one of the greatest discoveries of world archaeology. During our fieldtrip we will admire the famous Lion Gate, the principal gate of the citadel, and the Grave circle A where Schliemmann discovered the famous tombs of the royal family of Mycenae. We will continue our day boarding the motorcoach and drive to an awarded Winery of the Nemea region known as the “Greek Bordeaux”. Visit the winery, learn about the whole process of the wine making and conclude by tasting some excellent local wines followed by snacks.
Lunch:
Light lunch in local winery.
Afternoon:
Return to Nafplion in the early afternoon. Before dinner we will have a lecture in the hotel. Your Group Leader will be happy to suggest what more to explore in Nafplion on your own during your free time.
Dinner:
On your own.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on/off motorcoach. Driving around 2-3 hours. Walking and standing around 2.5 hours on uneven and varied terrain with small inclines, several steps without handrails.
Breakfast:
In the hotel dining room.
Morning:
After breakfast we board our motorcoach for our drive to the south western region of Peloponnese. We will visit the archaeological site of Ancient Messene, UNESCO World Heritage site. Ancient Messene was a city state founded by the Messenians after they were liberated from the Spartan domination with the help of the ancient Thebans. During our fieldtrip we will explore the agora of the ancient city, the temple of Asclepius, the council where the representatives of the city-state had regular meetings and we will also see the fortifications and the gates of the ancient city. The ruins are very well preserved and the landscape is untouched by human intervention. Visiting Ancient Messene will provide us with valuable insights of how an ancient city state was organized and functioned. After the visit we will drive to a local Olive Grove to learn all about the art of making the world famous Kalamata olive oil by a local producer. We will proceed to a modern olive oil pressing factory and learn about the process of olive oil production today. An olive oil sommelier will initiate us to olive oil tasting and share the secrets of recognizing a good olive oil.
Lunch:
A home made lunch at the old olive oil factory includes special dishes of the region of Kalamata.
Afternoon:
After lunch we will continue our drive to Kalamata and check in to the hotel. We will have some time to unpack and rest before dinner.
Dinner:
At hotel restaurant.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on/off motorcoach to the centre of Kalamata total 30 min. Walking and standing around 2- 3 hours on uneven and varied terrain, several steps without handrails.
Breakfast:
In the hotel dining room.
Morning:
After breakfast we will set off on foot to explore Kalamata town. In order to learn about the town and area we will walk Kalamata streets and also through the impressive farmers market, see the fresh local produce and meet the locals. The market is well known in the area and would see local producers selling their best products in the area; olive oil, olives, cheese, vegetables. After market experience we will make a brief stop at a local coffee shop and enjoy a traditionally made Greek coffee. After our break we will continue our walk through the historical city center to the Karelia Museum. The museum exhibits one of the most impressive collections of traditional costumes of the area.
Lunch:
Today we will enjoy a light lunch in town.
Afternoon:
Free afternoon to explore Kalamata on your own. Before your dinner you will meet in the hotel for a lecture.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on/off motorcoach. Driving around 2 hours. Walking and standing around 2.5 hours on uneven and varied terrain with small inclines, several steps without handrails.
Breakfast:
In the hotel dining room.
Morning:
This morning we will board the motorcoach for our drive to Western Messenia. We will head to Pylos a coastal town at the Ionian sea. Our first stop will be the famous Mycenean Palace of Nestor, one of the best preserved palaces of the late Bronze Age in Greece. We will explore the Megaron the residential quarters of the royal family of Pylos and the well known bee hive tombs which are located nearby. After the visit of the palace we will drive to the town of Pylos where we will have free time to stroll around the charming port town.
Lunch:
Lunch at a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
After lunch we will drive to Methoni to visit one of the most impressive forts of the Venetian era. Methoni was located at a strategic location on the trade route between Venice and the Levant. For that reason the Venetians applied advanced military engineering and created one of the strongest strongholds in the Eastern Mediterranean. After the visit we will return to our hotel at Kalamata.
Dinner:
On your own.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on/off motorcoach. Driving around 6-7 hours. Walking and standing around 2.5 hours on uneven and varied terrain, several steps without handrails.
Breakfast:
In the hotel dining room.
Morning:
After breakfast we will depart for Olympia. During our fieldtrip we will explore the famous sanctuary of Zeus, home of the ancient Olympic games. Since 776 BC, and for nearly a millennium the games were organized every four years. Messengers were sent all around the Greek world declaring the sacred truce so that their athletes could arrive safely at Olympia to compete in the stadium. We will admire the Temple of Zeus home of the statue of the god one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. We will explore the ancient ancient gymnasiums, baths, treasuries and the stadium where the athletes competed. We will then proceed to the archaeological museum of Olympia to see famous sculptures such as Hermes of Praxiteles and the sculptural decoration of the temple of Zeus. After our fieldtrip of Olympia, we will walk to nearby village where we will have free time for lunch or visit of other museums in the area on your own. Our Group Leader will be happy to give you suggestions for your free time.
Lunch:
Lunch on own in local Village and free time.
Afternoon:
After our free time we board the motorcoach again for our drive to the central part of Greece. We will leave Peloponnese and cross the Corinthian gulf. On our way we will enjoy the scenic drive and pass through the historical city of Nafpaktos (location of the Venetian Lepanto) where the Papal states with other western powers defeated the Ottoman fleet in the famous naval battle in 1571. Upon arrival to our hotel in the mountainous town of Arachova on the Southern slopes of Mount Parnassus, we will check in and have dinner in our hotel.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on/off motorcoach. Driving around 20 minutes. Walking and standing around 2.5 hours on uneven and varied terrain with inclines and steps, several steps without handrails.
Breakfast:
In the hotel dining room.
Morning:
After breakfast we will board our motorcoach for a short drive to Delphi. As the god of adivination, Apollo had the gift of foreseeing the future. People arrived in what the ancient Greeks considered the center of the world to receive the valuable prophecies. The oracles were always ambiguous, prompting people to think as the thought process was very important for the ancient Greeks. We will walk along the ancient Sacred Way following the steps of the ancient pilgrims and admire the rich treasuries, the temples and the votive offerings. After the site we will visit the archaeological museum of Delhpi, home of famous exhibits like the Charioteer, the sculptures of the treasury of the Siphnians and the Athenians. After visiting the site and the museum we will walk to small town of Delphi to explore the charm of it during our free time. Your Group Leader will suggest options for lunch.
Lunch:
On your own.
Afternoon:
After free time in Delphi, we will take a short ride back to Arachova to our hotel. Arachova has beautiful panoramic view over this mountainous area. The picturesque architecture of this small town situated at about 3182 ft makes it very attractive for a wall around during your free time this afternoon.
Dinner:
Dinner in local restaurant.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on/off motorcoach. Driving around 3 hours. Walking and standing around 1 hours on varied terrain, several steps without handrails.
Breakfast:
In the hotel dining room.
Morning:
After breakfast we will board our motorcoach once again and had towards Athens. On our way we will make a brief stop near small town of Distomo to learn about 11th c. Byzantine Monastery of Hosios Loukas. The Monastery is very important monument of Byzantine architecture and since 1990 is on the UNESCO’s World Heritage list. The most impressive are the mosaics and frescoes that we will see. After visit we will stop on our route to Athens for lunch.
Lunch:
On your own en route.
Afternoon:
After stop for lunch we will continue towards Athens. Upon arrival we will check into our hotel and have a free afternoon for packing and leisure. This evening we will enjoy our Farewell dinner with our fellow participants.
Dinner:
At the local restaurant.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
In transit from program
Breakfast:
In the hotel dining room.
Please select a day to update the map
Map details are not available for this location.
MEALS
25 Meals
11 Breakfasts
6 Lunches
8 Dinners
The following choices may be available when requested in advance: Gluten Free, Vegetarian
LODGING
Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.
Showing Lodging For:
Oct 18, 2025 - Oct 30, 2025
  • Oct 18, 2025 - Oct 30, 2025
  • Mar 29, 2025 - Apr 10, 2025
  • May 03, 2025 - May 15, 2025
  • May 17, 2025 - May 29, 2025
  • Sep 13, 2025 - Sep 25, 2025
  • Oct 18, 2025 - Oct 30, 2025
2 nights
Location: Athens
The Divani Palace Acropolis sits at the foot of the world-famous Acropolis in Athens. Guests can enjoy a meal on the rooftop garden, classical decor, and five-star comforts and amenities.
3 nights
Location: Nafplion
Amphitryon Hotel is located on the coast at Nafplion, only 140km from Athens, in the Peloponnese region.
Hotel Elite City
3 nights
Location: 24100
Anemolia Domotel Hotel
2 nights
Location: 32004 Arachova
Idyllically located on the outskirts of the historic Arachova village, Domotel Anemolia Resort offers unique views across the Delphi Valley and the Parnassos mountain range. Domotel Anemolia is the ideal base for exlporing the nearby Delphi Archaeological site, the picturesque Galaxidi fishing village, the Byzantine monastery of Osios Loukas and Parnassos mountains, which are perfect for snow skiing during winter (usually January – March) as well as for trekking, mountain biking in summertime.
Emmantina Hotel
1 night
Location: 16675 Glyfada
2 nights
Location: Athens
The Divani Palace Acropolis sits at the foot of the world-famous Acropolis in Athens. Guests can enjoy a meal on the rooftop garden, classical decor, and five-star comforts and amenities.
3 nights
Location: Nafplion
Amphitryon Hotel is located on the coast at Nafplion, only 140km from Athens, in the Peloponnese region.
Hotel Elite City
3 nights
Location: 24100
Anemolia Domotel Hotel
2 nights
Location: 32004 Arachova
Idyllically located on the outskirts of the historic Arachova village, Domotel Anemolia Resort offers unique views across the Delphi Valley and the Parnassos mountain range. Domotel Anemolia is the ideal base for exlporing the nearby Delphi Archaeological site, the picturesque Galaxidi fishing village, the Byzantine monastery of Osios Loukas and Parnassos mountains, which are perfect for snow skiing during winter (usually January – March) as well as for trekking, mountain biking in summertime.
Emmantina Hotel
1 night
Location: 16675 Glyfada
2 nights
Location: Athens
The Divani Palace Acropolis sits at the foot of the world-famous Acropolis in Athens. Guests can enjoy a meal on the rooftop garden, classical decor, and five-star comforts and amenities.
3 nights
Location: Nafplion
Amphitryon Hotel is located on the coast at Nafplion, only 140km from Athens, in the Peloponnese region.
Hotel Elite City
3 nights
Location: 24100
Anemolia Domotel Hotel
2 nights
Location: 32004 Arachova
Idyllically located on the outskirts of the historic Arachova village, Domotel Anemolia Resort offers unique views across the Delphi Valley and the Parnassos mountain range. Domotel Anemolia is the ideal base for exlporing the nearby Delphi Archaeological site, the picturesque Galaxidi fishing village, the Byzantine monastery of Osios Loukas and Parnassos mountains, which are perfect for snow skiing during winter (usually January – March) as well as for trekking, mountain biking in summertime.
Emmantina Hotel
1 night
Location: 16675 Glyfada
2 nights
Location: Athens
The Divani Palace Acropolis sits at the foot of the world-famous Acropolis in Athens. Guests can enjoy a meal on the rooftop garden, classical decor, and five-star comforts and amenities.
3 nights
Location: Nafplion
Amphitryon Hotel is located on the coast at Nafplion, only 140km from Athens, in the Peloponnese region.
Hotel Elite City
3 nights
Location: 24100
Anemolia Domotel Hotel
2 nights
Location: 32004 Arachova
Idyllically located on the outskirts of the historic Arachova village, Domotel Anemolia Resort offers unique views across the Delphi Valley and the Parnassos mountain range. Domotel Anemolia is the ideal base for exlporing the nearby Delphi Archaeological site, the picturesque Galaxidi fishing village, the Byzantine monastery of Osios Loukas and Parnassos mountains, which are perfect for snow skiing during winter (usually January – March) as well as for trekking, mountain biking in summertime.
Emmantina Hotel
1 night
Location: 16675 Glyfada
2 nights
Location: Athens
The Divani Palace Acropolis sits at the foot of the world-famous Acropolis in Athens. Guests can enjoy a meal on the rooftop garden, classical decor, and five-star comforts and amenities.
3 nights
Location: Nafplion
Amphitryon Hotel is located on the coast at Nafplion, only 140km from Athens, in the Peloponnese region.
Hotel Elite City
3 nights
Location: 24100
Anemolia Domotel Hotel
2 nights
Location: 32004 Arachova
Idyllically located on the outskirts of the historic Arachova village, Domotel Anemolia Resort offers unique views across the Delphi Valley and the Parnassos mountain range. Domotel Anemolia is the ideal base for exlporing the nearby Delphi Archaeological site, the picturesque Galaxidi fishing village, the Byzantine monastery of Osios Loukas and Parnassos mountains, which are perfect for snow skiing during winter (usually January – March) as well as for trekking, mountain biking in summertime.
Emmantina Hotel
1 night
Location: 16675 Glyfada
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