Journey into the realm of the Gods and legends, Odysseus, Athena, Apollo, Hercules, Poseidon and the mighty Zeus
Experience the mythology of ancient Greece in an epic adventure taking you to the impressive Parthenon in Athens’ Acropolis, and the stunning islands of Zakynthos, Mykonos and Ithaca.
This voyage in the Mediterranean is based on one of the major ancient Greek epic poems, fundamental to modern literature. It was probably composed near the end of the 8th century BC, somewhere in Ionia, the Greek coastal region of Anatolia.
The poem mainly centers on the Greek hero Odysseus and his long journey home after the fall of Troy, it takes Odysseus ten years to reach Ithaca after the Trojan War. In the English language as well as many others, the word odyssey has come to refer to an epic voyage.
Canakkale, Turkey – Visit the Troy archaeological site. Troy was a city, real and legendary, located in northwest Turkey. It is best known for being the setting of the Trojan War. The small village of Hisarlik is near the ruins, supporting the tourist trade visiting the Troia archaeological site. It lies some 30 km southwest of Canakkale. Troia was added to the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1998.
Greek Islands – See the stunning Greek Isles of the Aegean, with their relaxed atmosphere and turquoise waters. Explore on foot, the best way to connect with the land, the people, and their history.
Pylos – Mycenean Pylos is an important archaeological site located on the western coast of Greece. The site, located at modern Epano Englianos some 9 km north-east of the bay, was first excavated by Carl Blegen in 1952.
Blegen dubbed the remains of a large Mycenean palace excavated there the Palace of Nestor, after the Homeric ruler Nestor, who ruled over “Sandy Pylos” in the Iliad. Homer quoted ‘Sandy Pylos’ in the Odyssey about Telemachus travelling to Sparta in search of news of his father Odysseus.
Athens – Visit ancient sites including the Parthenon, the Erectheion, the Temple of Athena Nike.
Events in the Odyssey take place in what are now called the Ionian Islands
The homeland of Odysseus is an island that is called Ithaca. The 16th of April 1178 BC is believed as the most likely date of Odysseus’ return. In the Eastern Mediterranean, well-known by ancient Greeks, Homer describes the sea routes followed by his heroes returning from Troja so accurately that one can trace them on a map.
Below are links to more travel information such as locations, what to see and do activities, how to get there, and a history of the myth and legend. Use a custom search engine to find your bookings.
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The Odyssey • Locations & Activities