From the legendary kingdoms of Mycenae to the labyrinthine palaces of Crete, this journey invites students to explore the foundations of Greek civilization across land and sea. Beginning in Athens, where democracy and philosophy shaped the Western world, students stand beneath the Parthenon and gaze out over the Aegean from the Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion. In Argolis, the engineering marvel of Epidaurus and the royal tombs of Mycenae bring Homeric legend into vivid focus. Crossing by ferry to Crete, the program shifts to the Bronze Age splendor of the Minoan world, where Knossos and Phaistos reveal Europe’s earliest advanced civilization. Roman Gortys, the dramatic coastline of Matala, and the Venetian-influenced towns of Rethymnon and Chania add further layers of cultural exchange and continuity. Blending mythology, archaeology, maritime history, and Mediterranean landscape, this program offers students a dynamic and immersive exploration of Greece from antiquity to the present.

Take an overnight flight to Greece

Arrival at Athens airport, meeting with the assistant and transfer to hotel, dinner, and overnight.

Breakfast and departure for the visit of the region of Argolis. Stop at the Corinth Canal and visit the theatre of Epidaurus famous for its perfect acoustics. Passing from Nafplion, Mycenae is reached. Free time for lunch. In the afternoon visit of the royal tombs, the Acropolis and the local museum. Return to Athens for dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast and departure to visit the city of Athens. Panoramic tour of the city by bus past the main sights. Proceed to the Acropolis to visit the Parthenon and other monuments. Free time for lunch. In the afternoon excursion to visit the temple of the sea god Poseidon at Cape Sounion, situated along the coastal road from Athens port at the southernmost point of the region of Attica. Return to Athens and proceed to Piraeus. Boarding the ferry to Crete, dinner

Breakfast. Disembarkation, meeting with the guide, a brief panoramic tour in Heraklion and visit of the archaeological museum, followed by the visit to the famous palace of Minos at Knossos, valuable evidence of the Minoan civilization. Proceed to the hotel and accommodation. Free time for lunch. Afternoon free at your disposal. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast and departure for the excursion to the Palace of Phaistos, Gortys, and Matala. Visit of ‘the ancient Minoan palace, similar to that of Knossos, the ancient Roman city’ of Gortys with its extensive ruins. Free time for lunch. Possibility to swim. Return to hotel, dinner and overnight.

Breakfast and departure to Rethymnon. During the transfer stop to visit the famous Arkadi monastery. Visit the old town of Rethymnon which still preserves its medieval appearance, with the old harbour and the narrow alleys that give it a particular charm. Free time for lunch. In the afternoon visit of Chania and the historic center with its considerable evidence of the Venetian and Turkish occupation. Return to Heraklion and boarding the ferry to Piraeus, dinner on board (not included). (Ferry tickets not included in the price).

Breakfast. Disembarkation and transfer to the airport with an assistant.