From the heroes and gods of ancient Greece to the footsteps of the Apostles and early church, you’ll journey over the sea, mountains, and islands as you encounter the philosophers, poets, saints, of your classical education.
Beginning on the island of Samos, your classical journey will trace the birthplace of Western Civilization in the story of Greece itself. Guided by the Athena, Sophocles, Plato, and the Apostles John and Paul, you will sail the wine-dark sea of Homer, walk the streets of Ephesus, climb into the cave of the first philosopher, race in the stadium of Olympia, ascend the Acropolis of Athens, pray in the cave of Revelation of the Apostle John, and contemplate the oracle of Delphi at the ancient center of the world and the imperative, ‘know thyself.’
Stretching back almost four-thousand years, the story of Greece is inseparable from an understanding of what it means to be human. Situated between the archetypes of sea, mountain, sky, and wind, it was in this landscape that gave rise to the shared language of the logos, communities of sea-farers and farmers, a keen observation of nature and the development of the sciences, a belief in the virtuous life, and our own understanding of the beautiful, the good, and the true.
Our two-week journey will begin on the beautiful island of Samos, birthplace of philosophy and the likely site of Homer’s first performance. Located in the eastern Aegean, Samos is uniquely positioned to reveal the connection between the sea, early Greek civilization, farming, sea-faring and the beauty of the Greek islands.
Upon arrival at Samos Airport, we’ll transfer by taxi to Limnionas Bay and check into our hotel. After settling in, we’ll meet our Alithea guide for an orientation to the journey and the adventure that lies ahead. This evening we’ll enjoy a traditional Greek welcome dinner.
Transportation: 1 hour taxi/bus
Meals included: Dinner
After breakfast this morning, we’ll depart Limnionas Bay for the nearby Heraion, the birthplace of the goddess Hera and the site of her marriage to Zeus. Here we’ll see the ruins of one of the greatest temples of the ancient world while contemplating the Greek notion of a sanctuary and Hera’s role as the protectress of the home and the sanctity of marriage.
Our morning will continue with a visit to the tunnel and aqueduct of Eupalinos. Constructed in the sixth century B.C. to protect the Samians against siege, the tunnel is one of the best preserved engineering marvels of ancient Greece.
We’ll then continue to Pythagoreo, where we’ll have time to explore the town and, if time permits, visit the Archaeological Museum.
Around midday, we’ll continue to Ormos and board a traditional boat for an afternoon on the water. We’ll enjoy lunch by the sea before returning to Limnionas Bay.
Walking: 2-3 miles
Transportation: 2 hours total bus time
Meals included: Breakfast and lunch
We’ll depart early from Limnionas Bay and travel to Ormos, where we’ll board our private ferry for the island of Patmos.
Upon arrival, we’ll visit the Cave of Revelation, where tradition holds that the Apostle John received the visions recorded in the Book of Revelation. We’ll then continue to the Monastery of St. John, founded in the eleventh century and overlooking the town of Chora. We’ll have time to explore the monastery and its historic collections before enjoying free time for lunch.
In the afternoon, we’ll return by ferry to Ormos and then continue to Limnionas Bay for a relaxed evening including dinner with the group.
Walking: 3 miles
Transportation: Ferry and bus 4 hours
Meals included: Breakfast and dinner
After breakfast this morning, we’ll drive up the mountainside for a visit to the Cave of Pythagoras. It was here that the first philosopher changed the course of philosophy through the rigorous examination of ideas, mathematics, the music of the spheres–and by inspiring the first students of philosophy.
Following our visit to Pythagoras’s Cave, we’ll continue to Ormos for lunch before returning to Limnionas Bay.
Walking: 1 hour (including steep climbing)
Transportation: 1.5 hours
Meals included: Breakfast and lunch
After an early breakfast, we’ll depart for Pythagoreo and board the ferry to Kusadasi, in modern Turkey.
After arriving in Kusadasi, we’ll travel to the archaeological site of Ephesus, one of the greatest Greek cities in Asia Minor. We’ll explore the ancient city and its monumental streets, theater, library, and agora. After lunch in nearby Notion, our journey will continue to the archaeological site of Notion, an ancient Greek city overlooking the Aegean.
In the late afternoon, we’ll return to Kusadasi and board the ferry back to Samos. After disembarking the ferry we'll stop at a traditional tavern before walking to the hotel.
Walking: 5 miles
Transportation: 3 hours ferry, 2.5 hours bus
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
We’ll depart Limnionas Bay this morning and catch a flight to the Athen’s airport where we’ll travel by bus to Delphi. After lunch and checking into our hotel, we’ll regroup for a visit to the archeological site and museum dedicated to the gods Apollo and Dionysius. Here we’ll witness the Greek conception of order and chaos, beauty and knowledge, suffering and freedom, and the human relationship to the divine.
Perhaps the most beautiful archeological site in Greece, Delphi was considered the geographic center of the ancient world, near the birthplace of the muses, and the site where Apollo slew the Python. It was from here that Socrates was pronounced the wisest man by the oracle of Delphi and it was to this place the ancient Greeks came seeking knowledge.
We’ll dine this evening overlooking the spectacular valley and Corinthian gulf.
Walking: 2 miles
Transportation: Flight: 1 hour; bus: 2 hours
Meals included: Breakfast and dinner
After breakfast in our hotel, our journey will continue west along the coast of the gulf of Corinth then cross over to the Peloponnese towards the archeological site of Olympia: the original site of the Olympic games and the sanctuary to Olympian Zeus, king of the gods.
In the late morning, we’ll explore Olympia's role in establishing equality and merit as two fundamental principles of human agency and achievement. While considering the relationship between the strength of the body and mind, we’ll begin to understand why the Olympic games were considered more important than any political disagreement or even wars for the ancient Greeks.
After free time for a late lunch, we’ll regroup and continue our drive into the heart of Arcadia, the beautiful mountainous region at the center of the Greek Peloponnese. Known by Homer as Teuthis, we’ll arrive in Dimitsana in the late afternoon, and check into our hotel with free time to stroll the streets of this town that has been continuously inhabited for three and a half-thousand years.
This evening we’ll regroup for a traditional Arcadian meal.
Walking: 2.5 miles (not counting stadium sprints)
Transportation: 5 hours
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
After a traditional breakfast in our hotel, our day will begin with a visit to nearby New Philosophy monastery (road conditions permitting). Rebuilt in the 19th century, our morning will reveal how the Christian monks in this area preserved Greece under the Ottoman occupation.
After conversation with the resident monks, we’ll hike across the gorge to the monastery of Saint John Prodromos. Built onto the cliffside, we’ll take time to visit the ancient frescoed chapel and consider the challenges of living in this mountainous landscape provide space and solitude for a life of prayer, work, and contemplation.
Weather depending, we’ll hike back down to the river for a picnic and a swim before returning to Dimitsana for a free evening.
Walking: 5 miles
Transportation: 2 hours
Meals included: Breakfast and lunch
Departing Dimitsana after breakfast, our journey will continue east towards the Argolic peninsula and center of the Mycenaean age civilization at the heart of Homer’s epic poems.
The visit to Mycenae we'll break for lunch in a nearby tavern before boarding the bus again taking the short ride to Nafplio. After checking into the hotel you'll be free to climb up to the castle of Palamidi, swim at the beach, and to explore Nafplio's old town.
This evening we’ll be free to dine on our own.
Walking: 2 miles
Transportation: 2.5 hours
Meals included: Breakfast and lunch
After breakfast in our hotel, we’ll drive to nearby Epidaurus to see the ancient sanctuary of healing. Here, we’ll learn about the Greek god Aesclepius, the roots of our own hospitals, and an approach to medicine that emphasized the treatment of both body and soul.
Our visit to this Aesclepion will include a visit to the abaton where patients slept with snakes (an animal who exemplified a relationship between life and death, the underworld and the divine), the stadium for athletic games, and one of the best-preserved theaters in Greece.
In the early afternoon, after a group lunch, we'll return to Nafplio where we'll be free for the rest of the day.
Walking: 3 miles
Transportation: 1 hour
Meals included: Breakfast and lunch
Departing from Nafplio after breakfast, our journey will continue towards Corinth where St. Paul lived and preached for almost two years. While visiting the archaeological site, we’ll take time to read Paul’s letters to the Corinthians while reflecting on the transition from Classical to Christian Greece. After some free time to explore the site we'll gather for lunch in the nearby town.
Arriving in Athens in the afternoon, we’ll check into our hotel and explore the Ancient Agora, the heart of public life in ancient Athens, where citizens gathered to trade, debate, and discuss the questions that occupied Socrates and his fellow Athenians.
After the Agora we'll be free for the rest of the afternoon and evening to explore Athens on our own.
Walking: 1.5 hours
Transportation: 2.5 hours
Meals included: Breakfast and lunch
For those who are interested, we’ll take the morning to visit the nearby National Archeological Museum whose artworks will recapitulate the development of western civilization and the notion of a museum, not as a sterile building of artifacts locked away behind glass but as the workshop of the muses.
After free time for lunch, we’ll regroup this afternoon for a visit to the Acropolis and its slopes. Climbing to the highest point of the city, the acro-polis, we’ll imitate the Athenian aspiration to the divine and their admiration for Athena, the goddess of wisdom.
This evening we’ll celebrate our journey and the many gifts of Greece with a final dinner of stories, reflections, and celebration.
Walking: 3 miles
Meals included: Breakfast and dinner
For those who have not selected the Istanbul extension, there are no planned activities for this morning. Your Alithea guide will be available to help with airport transfers or wherever the next leg of your journey may lead.
For those continuing on to Istanbul, your Alithea guide will accompany you to the airport to catch a flight to the Queen of all Cities, the center of the Roman Empire for more than a thousand years.
In the afternoon, we'll arrive at the city center where we’ll check into our hotel before setting out on foot to explore the city. Starting from the famous Sultanahmet Square, we’ll begin to perceive how this marvelous city has been shaped by overlapping civilizations including the Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Ottoman, and Turkish.
Together we’ll see the Roman hippodrome with its towering obelisk, the Blue Mosque, and one of the city’s ancient underground cisterns whose massive columns feel more like the supports of a gothic cathedral than a Byzantine era water tank.
Walking: 4 miles
Transportation: 3 hours (combined flight and bus)
Meals included: Breakfast
This morning our local guide will lead us through the luxurious fifteenth-century Topkapi Palace. The story-book beauty of the palace is enchanting. This royal residence is a window for the imagination, the intrigue of palace romances, political aspirations, and the official seat of the Ottoman court. We’ll also visit Hagia Irene, the church of Holy Peace, originally constructed during the reign of Constantine.
After our visit to the Topkapi Palace and museums we’ll stroll over to the Grand Bazaar, the largest and oldest covered market in the world. With over sixty streets and 4,000 shops, a visit to the Grand Bazaar is a multi-sensory experience like stepping into a covered city out of a story-book. This magical market is filled with craftsmen, jewelers, ceramics, and the vaulted ceilings where the expertise of thousands of years of artisan culture is gathered into one place. We’ll chat with local shop owners to learn the routine of daily life in Grand Bazaar. After our visit to the Grand Bazaar we’ll be free for the rest of the afternoon and evening.
Walking: 4 miles
Meals included: Breakfast
This morning we’ll begin our local guided tour with a visit to the former church, the Hagia Sophia. For nearly a thousand years, it was the largest church in Christendom renowned for its astonishing dome and gorgeous mosaics. It was the seat of the Eastern Patriarch until the fall of Constantinople to the Ottomans– who subsequently converted it into a mosque. After our visit to this holy marvel, we’ll hop on a tram and head over to the Spice Market for an introduction to Turkish spices, teas, halva, and perhaps the world's tastiest Turkish delight.
For lunch our guide will introduce us to an assortment of street-food treats before bringing us to one of Istanbul’s greatest architectural marvels, the Suleymaniye Mosque. Designed in the middle of the sixteenth century by the architect Sinan, it is a mathematical wonder of beautiful proportions like the greatest buildings of the Renaissance. Time and energy-permitting, we'll head over to see the Chora church, one of the greatest examples of Byzantine iconography and art where the gospels, miracles and life of Christ are portrayed in the spectacular mosaics that decorate the walls and ceilings.
This evening we'll regroup for a last night dinner, celebrating our journey from the roots of Western Civilization on the island of Samos to the confluence of history and culture in modern-day Istanbul.
Walking: 3 miles
Meals included: Breakfast and dinner
This trip exceeded all my expectations. Italy’s rich history came to life through thoughtfully curated experiences, with knowledgeable guides and immersive visits to iconic landmarks. Jessie and Giada’s kindness and positive energy made the journey even more special—I left a piece of my heart in Rome and Florence.
Excellent tours and excellent culture! Love you guys!
Alithea planned a wonderful trip that covered everything expected and provided suggestions for self exploration to get more out of the time we had. A great adventure! Well done!
Alithea delivered a travel experience filled with beauty, delight, and adventure. Living out the Classics in Rome, Florence, and Pompei brought history, culture, and learning to life. The knowledge and enthusiasm of the guides, thoughtful details, shared meals, and daily moments together created wonderful fellowship—truly a trip of a lifetime.
The whole trip was fantastic. The tour guides were engaged and the trip was costume fit to our interests.
I really enjoyed the musical gondola ride through Venice. That was a lot of fun. Favorite moment was at the vineyard when the power went out we all made a big fire and just hung around talking with each other.
My two favorite moments were watching sunset from the top of Brunelleschi’s dome, and our time at Castello DI Bossi. My favorite activities were watching the glass blowing at the glass cathedral, and the incredible tour we got at the Palazzo Colona
Best fun was spending the day with Marillia's family to get a real authentic Greek experience. My personal favorite was going to St. Andreas in Patras and seeing the relics of the apostle Andrew.
My favorite moment was spending the day with Marilia's family. As much as I love history and the building arts (and all the sites we saw left a huge impact on me) that day with her family we got the most greek experience possible, and that was very special.
For further questions don't hesitate to reach out to us directly.
International flights (USA → Samos and Athens → USA) are not included in the trip price. We recommend using Skyscanner or Google Flights to search for your preferred itinerary.
The domestic flight from Samos to Athens, which takes place during the tour, is included in the trip price.
This trip is confirmed, and we recommend booking your airfare as soon as flights become available. Please note that the arrival and departure cities are different.
Our recommended travel dates and airports are as follows:
For any questions about flights or alternate travel arrangements, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
No, airport transfers are not included in the trip price, but the Alithea team will be available to help you make arrangements for your arrival and departure flights. Upon arrival in Samos on October 11, taxis will be readily available for the short ride to Pythagoreio.
For departure in Athens we will provide instructions on how to arrive by metro or
The deposit is $500 and is fully refundable within 30 days of payment.
Yes, payment plans are available. Once you have paid the deposit, write to explore@alitheatravel.com or respond to the tour confirmation email to request a custom payment plan.
Yes. Starting in late 2026, U.S. citizens will be required to obtain an ETIAS travel authorization before entering Europe.
ETIAS is a simple online application, with responses typically issued within 96 hours. Once approved, it is electronically linked to your passport.
ETIAS is not yet in operation, but it is expected to be introduced soon. We kindly ask travelers to check whether ETIAS is required for their travel dates and to complete the application if necessary.
To apply, please visit: https://travel-europe.europa.eu/etias
All activities and most meals are covered in the trip. For meals and extras that are not covered in the trip we recommend budgeting ~20 euros per day. While almost all vendors accept credit card payments, we recommend withdrawing some euros just in case you encounter a place that does not.
Yes, the base price will automatically be reduced to $4,300 when the group reaches 20 travelers.
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