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Travel with Insight, Explore with Passion
2026 Solar Eclipse Cruise:
Totality in The Mediterraneanwith Sarah Rugheimer
FRANCE & SPAIN
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Great Music Masters of Italy: Verdi and Italian Opera
with Robert Greenberg
ITALY
ENGLAND & FRANCE
D-Day: Courage, Conflict, and History in England and France with Ed Lengel
Great Music Masters of Vienna: The Romantics
with Robert Greenberg
Enchanted England: Folklore, Fairy Tales, and Wonder
with Sara Cleto and Brittany Warman
Revisiting World War 1 in France
with Keith Huxen
Exploring Cuba: From Trinidad
to Havana
with Joyce Salisbury
Great British Mysteries: Conan Doyle, Christie, and More
ENGLAND
ENGLAND
FRANCE
CUBA
AUSTRIA
Travel with Insight, Explore with Passion
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The Acropolis
Temple of Zeus
Palaia Epidavros
Hosios Loukas Monastery
Stadium at Olympia
Starting at $7,175 per person
Step into the world of gods, heroes, and philosophers as you embark on an unforgettable journey through Greece, a land where myth and history intertwine. Led by Dr. Monica Cyrino, a scholar of ancient Greece and an expert in classical mythology and literature, this immersive exploration brings the past to life through legendary sites, evocative ruins, and thought-provoking lectures. Travel from the grandeur of the Acropolis in Athens to the sacred sanctuary of Delphi, where the Oracle once shaped the fate of kings. Walk in the footsteps of Agamemnon in Mycenae, stand where Olympians once competed in honor of Zeus, and marvel at the healing sanctuary of Asclepius at Epidaurus. Along the way, savor Greece’s celebrated cuisine, explore vibrant coastal towns and islands, and immerse yourself in the timeless landscapes that inspired some of history’s greatest epic tales. With expertly guided visits and engaging discussions, this journey offers you a deep understanding of Greece’s enduring cultural and historical legacy.
with Monica S. Cyrino
Ancient Greece: Myths, History, and Archaeology
DEPATURE DATES AND PRICING
Stand in the ruins of Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympic Games, and imagine the excitement of ancient athletes competing in honor of Zeus, king of the gods.
Discover the stunning mosaics of Hosios Loukas, a hidden Byzantine monastery, where centuries of devotion are etched in golden tiles, revealing Greece’s transition from antiquity to medieval splendor.
Immerse yourself in the myth and majesty of the Acropolis and explore the Parthenon and its surrounding temples with Professor Cyrino, uncovering the divine power of Athena and the artistic mastery that shaped classical Greece.
Travel in the footsteps of Agamemnon as you walk through the Lion Gate of Mycenae and visit the Tomb of Agamemnon, learning how Homer’s epics immortalized the kings and warriors of this ancient civilization.
Explore the sacred center of Delphi as you ascend the slopes of Mount Parnassus to the Temple of Apollo, where the Oracle once delivered cryptic prophecies that shaped the course of Greek and Mediterranean history.
Highlights
Dr. Monica S. Cyrino
Monica S. Cyrino is a Professor of Classics at the University of New Mexico. Her research centers on Greek and Roman poetry, Aphrodite and Ancient eros, and Classical portrayals in film and television. Professor Cyrino has led student tours through Greece and Italy and frequently gives talks around the world on classics and popular culture in addition to serving as an academic consultant for numerous feature films and television productions. An esteemed teacher, she’s won numerous teaching awards including the national Society for Classical Studies’ Excellence in Teaching Classics Award, UNM’s Outstanding Teacher of the Year Award, the Presidential Teaching Fellowship Award, the College of Arts & Sciences Teaching Award, and the UNM Alumni Association Faculty Teaching Award. Professor Cyrino is the author of many popular and academic books, including the widely used textbook, A Journey Through Greek Mythology. She earned her PhD in Classical Philology at Yale University. For the Great Courses, Professor Cyrino created an Audible Original Sex Scandals of Ancient Greece and Rome.
Journey Expert
Monica S. Cyrino
Tower of the Winds
Ascend to the Acropolis, the “high city,” crowned by the Parthenon, a temple dedicated to Athena, whose wisdom and strength safeguarded Athens. Reflect on the various manifestations of Athena’s divinity and her enduring legacy in this iconic hilltop complex. Then, tour the Acropolis Museum to uncover treasures such as the Parthenon frieze, a masterpiece of classical art, depicting Athena’s significance in Athenian life. Consider the role of museums in representing and preserving ancient history and culture. View the Tower of the Winds, a clock station constructed more than 2,000 years ago featuring large reliefs of wind gods around its top. Continue to the Plaka district, Athens’ oldest neighborhood, and dine as a group at a local restaurant in the bustling market area. Return to the hotel for a lecture from Professor Cyrino on the founding myths of the earthborn Athenians (including Athena, Poseidon, Erichthonius, and Theseus) and gain deeper insight into Athens’ cultural and mythological significance. Spend the evening at leisure, discovering modern Athens on your own.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodations: Fresh Hotel
Theater of Dionysus
Begin the day at the National Archaeological Museum, housing Mycenaean gold masks, intricate Greek vases, and sculptures that bring the ancient gods’ stories to life. Professor Cyrino will share her “Top Five Must-See Treasures” in the Museum, including the “Mask of Agamemnon” and the “Jockey of Artemision.” Then, savor Greek flavors on a culinary walking tour, sampling local delicacies that have nourished Greeks for centuries. Continue to explore Athens on your own this afternoon and evening and discover why this vibrant capital has been a beacon of intellect and culture for millennia. Professor Cyrino will also share some of her favorite sites in Athens, including the Temple of Olympian Zeus and the Theater of Dionysus.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodations: Fresh Hotel
Epidaurus
Travel along the coast to Corinth, an ancient city steeped in the myths of Poseidon, god of the sea, and Apollo, god of music and prophecy. Visit the Temple of Apollo, view Acrocorinth, and marvel at the engineering feat of the Corinth Canal. Learn how Corinth was one of the four most important Panhellenic sites of ancient Greece, the site of the Isthmian Games sacred to the god Poseidon. Hear about Corinth as the site of the worship of Aphrodite, goddess of love, and the popularity of Corinth as an “ancient tourist town” for adventurers, lovers, and gamblers. Enjoy authentic Greek fare during lunch as a group at a local restaurant in Corinth. Next, visit Epidaurus, home to the sanctuary of Asclepius, god of healing, and learn how visitors would receive dreams from the god to speed their recovery from illness. Continue to Nafplio, a picturesque seaside town with Venetian influence, and join your local guide for a brief walking tour of the city. See one of the best-preserved theaters in Greece--The Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus, renowned for its exceptional acoustics. Conclude the day with dinner and Greek dancing at a local taverna in Nafplio.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodations: Amelia Hotel Nafpilo
Lion Gate
Explore Argos, a city tied to Hera, queen of the gods, and learn from Professor Cyrino about Hera’s significance in Greek mythology; and Tiryns, where Herakles, the son of Zeus and the greatest Greek hero, began his famous labors. Continue to Nemea, sacred to the great god Zeus, and another famous Panhellenic site for games and contests, known for its wine production dating back to ancient times, for lunch and wine tasting at a local winery. Journey to the fortified city of Mycenae, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you will walk through the Lion Gate and visit the Tomb of Agamemnon, a key figure in Homeric epics. Learn about the return of the victorious Agamemnon from the Trojan War and how his queen, Clytemnestra, lay in wait for him in this very palace. Return to Nafplion for a lecture from Professor Cyrino on the myths of the Peloponnesian cycle: the Labors of Herakles; the curse of the House of Atreus; Agamemnon and Clytemnestra; and Menelaus and Helen. Explore the many delights of Nafplion on your own this evening with ample dinner options to suit your taste.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodations: Amelia Hotel Nafpilo
Olympia
Depart your hotel and travel approximately 3.5 hours to Olympia, passing through the Arcadian landscape, the domain of Pan, the rustic god of shepherds and wild nature, and a favorite region of the messenger god Hermes, who roamed the wooded landscape in search of adventure. After lunch on your own, visit the sacred site of the first Olympics, established to honor Zeus, king of the gods. Explore Olympia’s temples, altars, and stadium, and marvel at the site’s enduring significance as the most influential Panhellenic site for centuries. Visit the archaeological museum to learn about Olympia’s origins. After, learn about olive oil production with a hands-on tasting experience and savor a farm-to-table dinner of distinctly local flavors.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodations: Hotel Europa
Nafpaktos
Depart the hotel and drive approximately 2.5 hours along the Gulf of Corinth to Delphi, considered in ancient times to be the “navel of the world.” Pause for lunch in Nafpaktos, important as an ancient Athenian naval station during the Peloponnesian War. Then, enjoy a visit to a local farm to learn about ancient and modern beekeeping. Learn about the links between bees and their honey with the god Apollo, poetry, and prophecy. Gather for an evening lecture from Professor Cyrino on the fascinating myths of Delphi before enjoying dinner as a group at the hotel.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodations: Amalia Hotel Delphi
Temple of Athena
Ascend the Sacred Way to the Temple of Apollo and explore Delphi’s ruins, including the theater, stadium, and treasuries. Gain a deeper appreciation of Apollo’s connection to the Oracle of Delphi, and the crucial role of the Pythia, Apollo’s high priestess. Learn about the role of Dionysus, god of wine and revelry and Apollo’s half-mortal brother, who spent the winters in Delphi celebrating his mysterious rituals. Recharge at lunch as a group at a local restaurant featuring popular Greek dishes. Then, visit the Sanctuary of Athena Pronaea, “in front of the Temple,” the gateway to Delphi, and admire its circular tholos. Learn how Athena protected her half-brother Apollo’s sanctuary. Tonight, discover Delphi’s many dinner offerings as you take time to reflect on Delphi’s mystical allure.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodations: Amalia Hotel Delphi
Fresco at Hosios Loukas Monastery
Drive approximately 45 minutes to the Hosios Loukas Monastery, founded in the 10th century and dedicated to Saint Luke the Hermit. This stunning Byzantine site located on the slopes of Mt. Helicon features exquisite mosaics. Enjoy a private reception with mezze platters and wine overlooking the valley. Return to Athens (approx. 2 hours) this afternoon and settle into your hotel before an evening on your own to revisit your favorite parts of the city.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodations: Fresh Hotel
Temple of Poseidon
The morning begins with a ferry to Aegina, a maritime power and home to the Temple of Aphaea, a local goddess linked to Athena and Artemis. Admire this well-preserved Doric temple, part of the “sacred triangle” with the Parthenon and the Temple of Poseidon. Savor lunch in a private farmhouse on the island, overlooking pistachio and olive trees. Then, return by ferry to Athens and freshen up before a final celebratory dinner. Toast your journey with a final reception and dinner at a local restaurant overlooking the Acropolis.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Fresh Hotel
Hotel Europa (Olympia) (1 Night)
Nestled within the breathtaking mountain landscape of Olympia, the four-star Hotel Europa provides guests with the peace and tranquility of a hill-top setting as well as access to the beauty of the city. The hotel is equipped with a restaurant, pool, business center, and laundry service, while guest rooms are spacious and feature multiple amenities such as complimentary Wi-Fi, mini-bar, and air conditioning.
Amalia Hotel Delphi (2 Nights)
Ideally located at the foot of Mount Parnassus, the Amalia Hotel Delphi boasts picturesque mountain and valley views as well as unparalleled access to numerous ancient sites, including the Temple of Apollo. The hotel offers a contemporary atmosphere with modern amenities such as complimentary Wi-Fi, business center, restaurant and lounge, pool, and laundry service.
Athens Fresh Hotel or similar (5 Nights)
The Athens Fresh Hotel is a vibrant and modern retreat in the heart of Athens, near historic landmarks, including the Acropolis. This chic hotel features stylish, contemporary decor with bright pops of color and sleek furnishings. Guests can enjoy top-tier amenities, including a fully equipped gym, a rooftop pool with stunning city views, and an on-site restaurant serving Mediterranean-inspired cuisine.
Hotel Amalia Nafplio (2 Nights)
The Amalia Hotel Nafplio is a four-star property that combines modern luxuries with classical charm. The estate offers guests numerous amenities including a bar and lounge, pool, business center, laundry services, and access to the beautiful garden located on the grounds. Guest rooms feature complimentary Wi-Fi, mini-bar, flat-screen televisions, and garden views.
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