Photos of Ancient Greece

Glories of Ancient Greece

September 25–October 5, 2026

Pricing: $7,295 per person; For a single room add $1,375
Trip is limited to 25 participants

register

Please contact ATA at 855-395-6100 or CHQtravels@academic-travel.com to inquire.

Overview

Let Chautauqua Travels take you into the heart of ancient Greece, where history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes come together in an unforgettable experience. Join your Chautauqua Travels Expert, acclaimed archaeologist Kristin Romey, for an immersive exploration that brings Greece’s legendary past to life.  Walk in the footsteps of philosophers and warriors, stand before awe-inspiring ruins, and gain exclusive insights from Romey’s expertise. Savor the flavors of Greece with curated meals, from seaside tavernas to farm-to-table experiences. With privileged access to archaeological treasures, engaging lectures, and intimate cultural encounters, this journey offers a deeper understanding of Greece’s enduring legacy. 

Chautauqua Travels logo

Questions?

Please contact ATA at:
Toll-Free Number: 855-395-6100
CHQtravels@academic-travel.com

view the brochure

Sign up to receive updates:


Trip Highlights

  • Gain exclusive archaeological perspectives from renowned explorer Kristin Romey, a shipwreck archaeologist, as she shares her knowledge of Greece’s ancient wonders. 
  • Enjoy behind-the-scenes exploration of iconic sites, including the Acropolis, Mycenae, and Meteora’s monasteries, with expert-led discussions enhancing each visit. 
  • Indulge in traditional flavors with meals at local tavernas, farmhouses, and wineries, featuring fresh Mediterranean ingredients and regional specialties. 
  • Participate in unique hands-on experiences, such as an evening of Greek dancing, an olive oil tasting at a working farm, and a honey-harvesting demonstration. 
  • Walk through legendary sites like Olympia, Delphi, and Corinth while enjoying Greece’s breathtaking coastal and mountain scenery. 

Trip Expert: Kristin Romey 

Kristin Romey is a former Senior Editor and Writer at National Geographic, where she covered archaeological and cultural topics including pharaonic tombs in Sudan and modern Zoroastrianism. A trained shipwreck archaeologist and Fellow of the Explorers Club, Romey has also worked on scientific expeditions in more than a dozen countries. She has served as a subject expert for several tour operations and is thrilled to be able to share her knowledge and experience with the Chautauqua community.  

Itinerary

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Day 4

Day 5

Day 6

Day 7

Day 8

Day 9

Day 10

Day 11

Day 1

Arrival in Athens 

Fly into Athens and transfer independently to your centrally located hotel. After settling in, gather with your tour expert Kristin Romey for a welcome reception and dinner.  

Included Meals: Dinner, Reception 

Accommodations: Athens Elia Ermou Hotel 

Day 2

Acropolis Adventures & Ancient Insights 

This morning, explore the hilltop complex of the Acropolis, crowned by the magnificent Parthenon. Then, visit the new Acropolis Museum, where you will explore panels of the famous Parthenon frieze, along with many other ancient works. Stroll through the vibrant Plaka district, with lunch as a group at Palio Tetradio in the bustling historic market area. Return to the hotel for a lecture from your Chautauqua Expert about how Greek exploration fueled innovation across the ancient world before exploring Athens on your own this evening. 

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch 

Accommodations: Athens Elia Ermou Hotel 

Day 3

Corinthean Coastline & Nafplio Nights 

Start your day at the National Archaeological Museum, home to countless treasures including Mycenean gold masks, Greek vases, and evocative marble sculptures. Then, drive along the coastline to the city of Corinth, stopping at the Corinth Canal en route. Enjoy lunch as a group before exploring key ancient Corinthean sites, including the Temple of Apollo and the Roman Forum. Continue to the charming seaside town of Nafplio for a brief walking tour of the city followed by an afternoon and evening at leisure to explore Nafplio on your own.  

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch 

Accommodations: Amalia Hotel Nafplio

Day 4

Mycenae Marvels 

Take a short drive to the fortified city of Mycenae. Enter the citadel through the Lion Gate, discovering an ancient grave circle, the royal palace, and the Tomb of Agamemnon, which houses the largest of the tholos (beehive) tombs. Continue to Nemea, a region known for its wine production dating back to ancient times, for lunch and wine tasting at a local winery. Then, visit the city of Epidaurus, one of the most famous healing centers in antiquity and home to the best-preserved theater in Greece, renowned for its exceptional acoustics. Return to your hotel with time to freshen up before joining Kristin Romey for a lecture on how and why the Mediterranean world “collapsed” at the end of the Bronze Age. After, enjoy a festive dinner and Greek dancing at a local taverna. 

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 

Accommodations: Amalia Hotel Nafplio 

Day 5

Olympian Origins & Olive Oil 

This morning, travel through Arcadia, a village named after the mythological character Arcas and residence to ancient Greek legend, the god Pan. Continue to Olympia, with time on arrival for lunch at leisure before visiting the site of the first Olympics. Explore Olympia’s evocative collection of ancient temples, altars, and a stadium. Visit the archaeological museum to learn about Olympia’s origins as a sanctuary honoring Zeus. This evening, indulge in an olive oil tasting and dinner at a local farm where you will learn about the process for harvesting and pressing olives. 

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner 

Accommodations: Hotel Europa

Day 6

Honey Harvest & Delphi Discovery  

Depart the hotel and drive approximately 2.5 hours along the coast toward Delphi, considered by the ancient Greeks to be the center of the world. Stop for lunch at leisure en route in Nafpaktos. Your tour staff will provide recommendations. Continue to a local farm where you will learn the secrets of honey production through the ages. Visit the Sanctuary of Athena Pronaea, constructed as the entryway into Delphi, before settling into your hotel. Gather for a lecture at the hotel this evening for a lecture from your Expert about how Greeks explained scientific phenomenon. After, enjoy dinner with your fellow travelers.  

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner 

Accommodations: Amalia Hotel Delphi 

Day 7

Oracle’s Pathway 

Depart the hotel this morning and walk the sacred pathway to the Temple of Apollo and explore Delphi’s awe-inspiring ruins of the theatre, a stadium, treasuries, and altars. Have lunch as a group at a local restaurant before continuing to the 11th-century monastery featuring well-preserved mosaics, and home to local saint, Ossios Loukas. Enjoy a reception on site before returning to Delphi for an evening at leisure. 

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch 

Accommodations: Amalia Hotel Delphi 

Day 8

Thessalian Travels & Kalambaka Charm 

Travel through the fertile plain of Thessaly to Kalambaka, the quaint village nestled underneath Meteora, translated to “in the heavens above.” En route, stop at Thermopylae, where the famous battle took place between the Athenians and Spartans against the army of Xerxes and the Persians. Check into your well-located hotel and enjoy a free afternoon to relax and explore the city. Those who choose can join a guided walk with a local naturalist to explore the nearby rock formations. Gather this evening for dinner as a group at a local restaurant. 

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner 

Accommodations: Hotel Divani Meteora Hotel

Day 9

Meteora Monasteries 

Begin the day with a visit to the “middle of the sky,” better known as the Meteora Monasteries. Built atop sandstone pillars, these rock formations are known for their well-preserved 15th-century frescoes, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After lunch in Kalambaka, return by coach to Athens (approx. 5 hours). Check into your Athens hotel with time to explore the city on your own.  

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch 

Accommodations: Athens Elia Ermou Hotel 

Day 10

Aegina Antiquity 

Travel early this morning to the port town of Piraeus, stopping en route to observe the Port of Piraeus, the largest Greek seaport. Board a ferry to the island of Aegina, once an important maritime power. Explore the fifth-century B.C. Temple of Aphaea, the best-preserved 5th-century BC Temple. Enjoy lunch in a private farmhouse, overlooking pistachio and olive trees. Return by ferry to Athens this afternoon and freshen up at your hotel before dinner. Toast your journey with a final reception and dinner at a local restaurant overlooking the Acropolis.  

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 

Accommodations: Athens Elia Ermou Hotel 

Day 11

Departure 

Depart the hotel anytime today for individual flights home. 

Included Meals: Breakfast 

What’s Included?

  • All accommodations and meals as listed for the duration of the tour
  • All sightseeing and visits as noted in the itinerary
  • Expertise of an expert, ATA-hired tour manager and local guides throughout the tour
  • All gratuities for on-tour guides, drivers, hotel, and restaurant staff as part of the group program
  • All on-tour transportation, unless otherwise noted including airport transfers on arrival and departure
  • Quietvox listening devices to facilitate audibility and social distancing on tour
  • The assistance of an ATA professional travel team to assist with pre-trip questions, travel arrangements, including flights, extra hotel nights and other services
  • Comprehensive pre-departure mailings and materials with information about the destination and what to expect on tour, including a suggested reading list
  • Emergency evacuation insurance

Accommodations

Elia Ermou Athens Hotel or similar (4 Nights) 
Nestled in the heart of Athens, the Elia Ermou Athens Hotel offers a luxurious stay just steps from the vibrant Plaka district. This modern property blends contemporary elegance with classical Greek influences, featuring sleek interiors and refined finishes. Guests can indulge in Mediterranean cuisine at the rooftop restaurant while enjoying breathtaking Acropolis views. The hotel’s wellness center includes a spa, sauna, and hammam for relaxation. Stylish rooms boast minimalist décor, plush bedding, and state-of-the-art amenities.  

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. 

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. 

Divani Meteora Hotel  (1 Night) 
Situated beneath the breathtaking rock formations of Meteora, the elegant Divani Meteora Hotel combines traditional Greek architecture with modern comforts. Guests can unwind in the expansive wellness center, which includes an indoor pool, sauna, and spa. The on-site restaurant serves regional delicacies, emphasizing local flavors. Spacious rooms showcase classic décor with wooden furnishings and balconies overlooking Meteora’s dramatic landscape.