Lizzie’s Behind-the-Scenes Experience in Mythical Greece: Part Two
- Lizzie G. travels to Greece, shares what happens behind the scenes of a Road Scholar learning adventure and describes why this country, steeped in history, is a perfect fit for our 2026 Campus of the Year.
- In part two of this three-part series, excerpts from her journal take us to Nafplio, Kalamata and UNESCO World Heritage Sites, as well as on activities such as exploring olive oil flavors with a sommelier, regional wine tasting and a Greek cooking class.
- This three-part series explores archeological sites, ruins and temples dating back thousands of years that tell the stories of Greek mythology and ancient civilization … with a splash of modern culture.
Hi there! I’m Lizzie from Road Scholar, and I’ve recently returned from an exploration of Greece — our 2026 Campus of the Year.
In Part Two of this three-part series, I continue to share excerpts from my personal journal so you can have a peek behind the scenes of this amazing learning adventure — A Mythical Journey: Stories That Shaped Modern Greece.
And now, I open my journal to leg two, as we head to the Peloponnese peninsula!
Day 4
Our Road Scholar group is visiting Nafplio mid-week before the busy summer season hits, so we have the place to ourselves. Over the next few days, we’ll have the opportunity to walk around and explore the Venetian Arsenal and fortifications, Ottoman mosques and elaborate Greek Orthodox churches in town.
Charming outdoor cafes in Nafplio.
The Hotel Amphitryon, our lodging for the next few days, could not possibly be any more lovely, with balconies overlooking the sea and a promenade into town mere steps away. Occasionally, I see a cruise ship pull into port. Those who disembark will have mere hours to enjoy Nafplio. Which makes me even more grateful that we’ll have a several days in this magical place to explore every nook and cranny, from the ocean dotted by magnificent beaches to the harbor surrounded by glorious mountains towering over an ancient island fort. Pictures barely capture the magnitude of Nafplio’s beauty. This is the storybook village of my dreams and truly an off-the-beaten-path treasure of a town.
Ancient Greek theatre granite seats.
Day 5
While in Nafplio, we are close enough to other historic spots up in the mountains to take some amazing field trips. So, this morning our motor coach transports us up to Epidaurus — one of the greatest sanctuaries of the god of medicine, Asclepios. In ancient times, people from all around the Mediterranean would make the journey here with the hope of being healed.
We explore the ruins and admire the temple in order to better understand how this sanctuary evolved into one of the greatest healing centers of antiquity. We even have the chance to sit in the carved granite seats of the best-preserved ancient outdoor theatre of classical times, designed by the famous architect Polykleitos the Young. It was built in the fourth century B.C. and its acoustics are so incredible that today it’s still used for theatrical and musical performances — no microphones needed!
Back in Nafplio, we are in for a real treat this evening — a date with a private chef to learn the art of preparing some of the most popular Greek dishes! From appetizers through dessert, this private cooking class is an instant hit, and a group experience we won’t soon forget. Food prep is sprinkled with laughter, and chopping, slicing and dicing pairs well with a dash of humor. From grape leaves to phyllo dough, we peel, mix, roll and stuff as if we’re pros. And our teamwork pays off when we sit down to savor the most delicious meal — knowing that we made it together!
Day 6
An early morning stroll through the quaint streets of Nafplio fills my senses, from the ringing church bells to the cats slinking by, birds chirping and gentle sea breezes. Cozy cafés offering fresh-squeezed orange juice and Greek coffee.
Today’s field trip takes us up another mountain to the Acropolis of Mycenae and the beehive Tomb of Agamemnon. This land was once the realm of the mythical king who we know from the epic poem of the Iliad by the poet Homer. This legendary citadel was uncovered in 1876 — one of the greatest discoveries in the world of archeology. We even get to walk under the famous Lion Gate — the main gate of the citadel.
From there, it’s off to an award-winning winery of the Nemea Region, better known as the “Greek Bordeaux” wine region. When we arrive, we have a chance to explore the winery and learn about their process of winemaking before sitting down to a lovely wine tasting and exquisite lunch. (Their sweet dessert wine, Ekoypae, Domaine Skouras, is my personal favorite!)
Ancient beehive tomb interior.
Back in Nafplio, we have the afternoon and evening free, which is such a gift, because I really want one last chance to have a private date with this precious town on my own. I walk across town to the beachfront on the Aegean Sea with its turquoise waters, then slowly stroll back through the charming town before deciding upon a quaint outdoor restaurant for a relaxed, peaceful meal under a canopy of bougainvillea. I people-watch while savoring a fresh salad with ripe figs and apricots in a lemon dressing. Devine! My dreamy evening wraps up with a stroll along the harborside promenade.
I will miss Nafplio tremendously. But alas, we move on in the morning. I sit on my balcony as the moon reflects upon the ancient picturesque fortress in the middle of the harbor. The final thought drifting through my mind as I fall asleep is that if I had to choose between anywhere else in the world and here, I’d choose here.
Greek wine region.
Day 7
We say goodbye to dreamy Nafplio. It’s time to drive up and over those majestic mountains we’ve been gazing at in the distance and discover what’s on the other side. After all, we’ve got another sea to dip our toes into!
We love and trust our bus driver, George, who has become every bit as much a part of our group as our fellow Road Scholars. And that’s important, because otherwise I may not have been able to catch my breath through the twists and hairpin turns along cliffs high above the sea. We’re heading to the southwestern region of the Peloponnese — to the olive-growing region of Kalamata.
Along the way, we stop at the archeological site of ancient Messene, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This was once a city state founded by the Messenians after they were liberated from Spartan domination with the help of the ancient Thebans. Here, we explore the temple of Asclepius and ruins that are very well preserved. The landscape is untouched by human intervention, especially the fortification walls surrounding the ancient city — including the most-intact structure, the Arcadian Gate.
When we reach the region of Kalamata, we are welcomed by a family who owns an olive grove farm and spend the afternoon with these local producers to learn more about the art of making the world-famous Kalamata olive oil. We see for ourselves both the ancient way of pressing olive oil and the more modern olive oil-pressing factory, both on site. We discover the differences in the process of olive oil production from then until now. We’re initiated into the fine art of olive oil tasting by an olive oil sommelier who shares with us the secrets of recognizing a good olive oil. I especially savor a first, early pressed olive oil — which has a strong and bitter taste. I enjoy the flavor so much, that I’ll be bringing home a few bottles!
This olive-oil tasting takes place in an old stone cellar over a farm-to-table lunch inside the old yet cozy olive oil factory. And it’s an impressive spread of specialty dishes of the region, ending with dessert we all loved so much — a creamy, authentic Greek yogurt (10%!) whisked with a little vinegar, topped with a pumpkin, orange, honey and cinnamon marmalade. Chef’s kiss! When it’s finally time for us to leave this special place, some of us decide to take a final stroll through the olive grove with its majestic trees hundreds of years old. There’s no doubt this unique experience has been a favorite highlight for us. I’ll never look at Kalamata olives and oils the same way again once I’m back in America!
Heading down into the city of Kalamata, we check into our hotel along the waterfront of the Ionian Sea, underneath the enormous mountain Taigetus. The promenade along the sea becomes an instant hit — giving our group members an opportunity to stretch their legs on morning, afternoon and evening walks in between other planned activities.
Old olive oil press in Kalamata.
Ionian Sea and mountainside in Kalamata.
Day 8
Today we explore the city center of Kalamata. We begin with a visit to the Karella Museum for an exhibit of traditional Greek costumes. Then we’re treated to a gin and ouzo tasting at a local distillery, along with a lesson on how small-batch dry gin is made using sage from the local mountain. This is an unexpectedly fun time that Sophia, our Group Leader, surprised us with! Ya gotta love experiencing Greece through a local’s eyes.
Strolling the pedestrian-only center of old downtown Kalamata on a Saturday, we see families shop at the outdoor markets for fresh local produce (olives, olive oils, cheeses, vegetables) while grandfathers gather in the square to enjoy games of backgammon. We’re given such a sweet slice of local life today.
Greek men playing backgammon in the square.
In the evening, we head to a cozy little square at the old train station to try local favorites for dinner, like rooster and pork neck. This meal is a turning point for our group. We’ve now been together for a week, and we’ve gone beyond simply learning each other’s names. It’s evident that we’re really beginning to absorb each other’s stories and forming new friendships. It makes the meal that much more special — more like we’ve become a family. We’ve actively played musical chairs at every meal so that we feel comfortable and friendly no matter who we’re sitting next to. I love this idea so much! And with this level of comfort comes a joy that can’t be manufactured. We’re all experiencing Greece for the first time and that knits us together in a special way.
The festive mood carries on once we’re back at our hotel, as several group members naturally fall into step with each other for strolls along the seaside promenade. It’s a warm spring evening with a light breeze off the water and twinkling lights from the terraced mountainside cottages. Locals go about their evening rituals, from walking their dogs to dancing and laughing as they enjoy good food, drinks and family celebrations along this stretch of the Ionian. This is a taste of local culture that you just don’t get when you rush from one location to another. Relaxing into Greek life has allowed us this rich and immersive perspective on how locals live their lives here in Kalamata.
Fresh farm-to-table meal in Kalamata.
And with that, I’ll conclude Part Two of my Road Scholar experience in Greece. Thanks for following along and stay tuned for my next and final journal entries, as we explore areas around the Kalamata region, visit the home of the first Olympics, and then head towards the top of Mount Parnassus! In the meantime, feel free to explore all of the programs that Road Scholar’s 2026 Campus of the Year has to offer!
