Ready for Your Odyssey? Discover 5 Ways to Explore Greece with Road Scholar
- Five ways to explore Greece with Road Scholar: follow the Greek myths, sail by small ship, savor Greek cuisine and wine, discover Greece in winter and go off the beaten path in Northern Greece.
- Expert instructors bring ancient sites to life — from the Acropolis and Delphi to Mycenae — connecting mythology, history and place.
- Winter travel means fewer crowds and a more relaxed, authentic pace at Greece's celebrated sites.
- Inspired by the new Odyssey film, travelers can experience Homer's epic stories right where they began.
With Christopher Nolan’s new film adaptation of The Odyssey bringing Homer's epic back to the big screen, many lifelong learners are finding themselves captivated by ancient Greece all over again. The story of Odysseus's long journey home has inspired readers, artists and explorers for nearly 3,000 years — and now it's time to add your name to that list!
Greece rewards curiosity. With Road Scholar, you'll walk ancient cities alongside expert instructors, discuss mythology where those stories began, sample regional specialties with local hosts and explore centuries of history through the people who know it best. Every experience adds another layer to your understanding of a country whose past continues to shape the present. Rather than simply checking landmarks off a list, you'll gain a deeper understanding of the stories, people and places that continue to shape Greece today.
Here are five inspiring ways to experience Greece with Road Scholar.
1. Follow the Greek Myths
For many travelers, Greece begins with its stories. From Odysseus's legendary voyage home to the tales of Athena, Zeus, Apollo and Poseidon, mythology is woven into nearly every corner of Greece — and exploring archaeological sites takes on a whole new meaning.
Stand on the Acropolis as your expert explains how mythology and history became intertwined, explore Mycenae through the lens of Homer's epics or visit Delphi to understand why people once crossed the ancient world seeking answers there. The stories you read — or perhaps recently rediscovered through the new film — become richer when you experience the places where they took shape.
2. Explore Greece by Small Ship
Odysseus spent years navigating the seas of the eastern Mediterranean, and while today's voyages are considerably more comfortable, exploring Greece by water remains one of the most rewarding ways to discover the country.
With more than 6,000 islands and islets scattered across the Aegean and Ionian Seas, Greece has always been defined by its relationship with the sea. A small ship voyage allows you to reach islands and coastal communities that larger vessels can’t — you’ll be able to explore ports whose histories stretch back thousands of years.
3. Savor Greek Cuisine & Wine
Every memorable journey includes unforgettable meals, and Greece delivers at every table.
Greek cuisine reflects thousands of years of history, regional traditions and seasonal ingredients — and with Road Scholar, you’ll have an opportunity to better understand the people and traditions behind the food. Olive oil, fresh seafood, fragrant herbs, locally produced cheeses and ripe vegetables create dishes that are both simple and deeply flavorful, and these ingredients come from locally owned farms and markets.
Whether you're sharing freshly grilled seafood beside the water, tasting local wines in the countryside or enjoying a hands-on cooking class with local experts, every meal becomes part of the story when you’re in Greece!
4. Discover Greece in the Winter
When many people picture Greece, they imagine sunny beaches and bustling summer islands. But winter reveals an entirely different side of the country — one that's quieter, more relaxed and wonderfully authentic.
Traveling during the cooler months means fewer crowds at many of Greece's most celebrated archaeological sites and museums. Instead of navigating busy streets, you'll have more opportunities to appreciate the country's remarkable history at a comfortable pace.
5. Go Off the Beaten Path in Northern Greece
Northern Greece offers spectacular mountain landscapes, Byzantine monasteries, historic towns and cultural traditions that remain largely undiscovered by many international visitors.
Here, you'll find a different pace of life — one that emphasizes local heritage, natural beauty and regional diversity. Explore Thessaloniki's layered history, visit monasteries perched high above the landscape or discover archaeological sites that receive far fewer visitors than Greece's better-known landmarks.
Thessaloniki, Greece
Experience Your Own Odyssey
The Odyssey isn't simply about adventure — it's about curiosity, resilience and discovering new worlds along the way. Those same qualities continue to inspire Road Scholars today.
Whether you're retracing the footsteps of ancient heroes, sailing among the islands, savoring regional cuisine, experiencing Greece in its quieter winter season or exploring the hidden treasures of the country's north, every journey offers opportunities for meaningful discovery. Like Odysseus, you'll return home with stories. Unlike Odysseus, yours might include conversations with archaeologists, shared meals in village tavernas and a deeper understanding of the people and history that continue to shape Greece today.
Explore the full collection of Road Scholar Greece programs and find the journey that speaks to your own sense of adventure.
