Homer’s History: The Glories of Early Greece

Please note this travel itinerary is tentative and subject to change pending the release of the final schedule, which is expected in fall 2025.

Day 1 | Welcome to Greece

Travelers will arrive individually in Athens (by midday recommended) and check into our 4-star accommodations at the Athenaeum Grand Hotel, conveniently located near the heart of the historic city. A welcome drink and lecture at the hotel will be followed by a group dinner.

Day 2 | Agora of Ancient Athens

You'll enjoy a guided tour of the Agora of Ancient Athens, the nerve center of the classical city, which served as a marketplace not only for goods and services, but for the political, legal, and philosophical ideas that made Athens famous. From there, we will continue to Plaka, the tony shopping and dining district nestled beneath the Acropolis, with stops at the Roman Agora of Athens, including the famous "Tower of the Winds." Optional individual activity: Late afternoon/early evening visit to the National Archaeological Museum of Athens. Group dinner.

Day 3 | Views of the Acropolis

We'll begin the morning with a visit to the new and indescribable Acropolis Museum, followed by a leisurely exploration of the Acropolis itself. Interested parties can also visit the nearby hill of the Areopagus, site of Athens’ first lawcourts and well-known from Paul’s sermon in Acts as the place where he converted Dionysius the Areopagite. The rest of the afternoon is yours for exploring our beautiful environs in Athens. No group dinner.

Day 4 | Corinth, Epidaurus and the Grecian coast

We'll board a private, chartered bus and leave Athens for new destinations. Our first stop will be a visit to the Corinth Canal, followed by the ancient city itself, famous for both its Classical and Roman-Christian history. After lunch in Corinth, we'll take a tour of the Markellos olive oil mill before proceeding to Epidaurus, the most famous sanctuary of the healer-god Asclepius, nestled in the rolling mountains of Eastern Argolis. Among its wonders is one of the best preserved Ancient Greek theaters. Then, it's on to Nafplio, the charming seaside town in the shadow of the massive Palamidi Fortress. Group dinner with folk dancing demonstration.

Day 5 | Wonders of the Bronze Age

Our exploration of Greece's Bronze Age wonders kicks into a higher gear as we visit the fabled kingdoms of Tiryns and Mycenae, with their massive Cyclopean fortifications and commanding views of the Argive Plain. We'll also explore a few of the massive tombs preserved in the immediate vicinity of Mycenae. We will then travel to the nearby wine region of Nemea, famous especially for its red Agioritiko varietal, where we will have a winery tour, wine tasting, and a late lunch. It’s then back to Nafplio, where you'll be free to explore the local sights of the beautiful and historical town. No group dinner.

Day 6 | Island of Crete

Those who wish can join us for an optional, early-morning visit to the Archaeological Museum of Nafplio, housed in an old Venetian barracks facing the main square of the town. We will then go by our private bus to the Athens airport and catch our flight to Chania on the island of Crete. Upon arrival, we'll enjoy a walking tour of Chania’s Old Town with its picturesque Venetian harbor and a visit to the Maritime Museum. Group dinner.

Day 7 | Rethymno, Fortezza Castle and Heraklion

Departing Chania, we'll make our way to Rethymno, with its charming port, Fortezza Castle, and rich Greek, Italian and Turkish cultural heritage housed in its local archaeological museum. The morning will end with a demonstration of traditional baking methods by the “phyllo master,” as he is locally known. We'll then proceed to Heraklion for a relaxing afternoon.

Day 8 | Lair of the Minotaur

Our first visit will be to the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion to see the treasures of the great Bronze Age civilization of the Minoans. The day will continue with a trek to the Minoan villa of Vathypetro, with its nearby wine and oil press. After lunch in the traditional village at Archanes, we'll head out to the site of the famed Palace at Knossos, the greatest center of the Minoans. The well-preserved and extensively reconstructed ruins will occupy us much of the afternoon. We'll return to Heraklion for Cretan night, with live music and a group dinner.

Day 9 | Santorini's Stunning Beauty

Our private bus will take us to the port of Heraklion so we can catch the ferry to picturesque Santorini. After checking in at the hotel in the main town of Fira, we'll head to the famed village of Oia, well-known for its white-washed buildings, blue roofs, and spectacular sunsets. We'll return to Fira where you can enjoy the many shops and eateries with stunning views overlooking the Aegean Sea. 

Day 10 | Bronze Age Pompeii

After taking in the artifacts and displays at the Prehistoric Museum of Thira, we'll travel to the “Bronze Age Pompeii” of Akrotiri, a sprawling town buried by a volcanic eruption some 3,600 years ago and preserved in places to the third story. After lunch in the town, we will tour and taste wines at Argyros Estates. It’s then back to Fira for our group farewell dinner.

Day 11 | Homeward Bound

Our private bus will take us to Santorini Airport for our flight back to Athens. Travelers will make their own arrangements to return to the United States or elsewhere.

Dr. Jason Hawke has been a member of Roanoke College’s History Department since 2011. His primary specialty is Ancient Greece, and his teaching focuses include the histories of the ancient Mediterranean (Greece, Rome, and the civilization created by Alexander’s conquests), the archaeology of the Bronze Age Aegean, the anthropology of law, and Latin. He is the author of "Writing Authority: Elite Competition and Written Law in Early Greece" as well as several peer-reviewed articles on Greek law, aristocratic culture, early Athens, and the ancient historian Herodotus.

He arrived at Roanoke after previous positions at the University of Iowa, Northern Illinois University and Furman University. During his time at NIU, he received the Honors Program’s “Great Professor Award,” a distinction granted to only one faculty member each year. Going back to his time as a doctoral graduate assistant at the University of Washington, Jason has three decades of teaching experience ranging from large lecture halls at research universities to the more intimate settings of a liberal arts college, which he vastly prefers. He has also traveled extensively within Greece, leading students there for his popular May Term course in 2014, 2017, 2023 and 2024 (with a fifth trip pending in 2025).

Outside of his professional life, Jason is a father to two growing boys, as well as a husband to Laura, who often assists him on his May Term courses. His other passions include classic rock, the Seattle Mariners, Modern Greek language, reading about the Byzantine Empire for fun and, when he can, aspiring to write historical fiction.

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Refunds

Deposits are non-refundable unless the trip is canceled by Maroon Passport due to low registrations. In that event, deposits will be refunded in full.

No refunds can be offered for other circumstances or for balance payments.

Travel Arrangements

Travelers are responsible for booking their flights to and from Athens (see: general FAQs) as well as making their passport and ETIAS arrangements. Passports must have at least six months of remaining validity at the time of the trip as specified by European Union regulations.

ETIAS, a new travel authorization from the European Union, also is set to launch in mid-2025. ETIAS approval can be applied for online and is valid for up to three years.

Once in Greece, in-country travel will be arranged by Maroon Passport as part of your tour package.

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Acceptance of Risk

Participants acknowledge that travel may involve risk. Waivers must be signed and returned to Maroon Passport before your trip departs.