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An Exciting Family Adventure With Odysseus

    The tale of Odysseus, known to the ancient Romans as Ulysses, tells us how he fights to find his way back home after the long and brutal Trojan War, having to endure harrowing ordeals and adventures and come to terms with devastating losses.

    Whilst this may sound quite tragic, there are triumphant tales to be celebrated and lots of hidden morals to be unfolded. We look at where you can take your children on your Greek vacation, which will make them feel like gods and goddesses.

    Be King of Ithaca for a Day

    Situated in the Ionian sea, the beautiful island of Ithaca was where Odysseus reigned in Ancient Greek times. From the island, he started a quest to Troy to rescue his wife Penelope’s cousin Helen from the grasp of the prince of Troy, then returned some 10 years later. According to mythology, Ithaca was named after Ithacus’, son of the sea-god Poseidon or Ithaca’s, the sun of a Kefalonian king who settled there.

    The island is mostly unspoiled, with beautiful beaches, clear blue seas, and lots of sun, as you would expect from a Greek Island.

    Head to Vathi, home to the Cave of the Nymphs, where Odysseus hid the gifts that he was given by the Phaeacians, who supported him in his eventual return to Ithaca.

    ithaca island village sea

    For a little history, head to Homer’s School, an archeological site where you can immerse yourselves in the ancient Greek world and charming 3,000-year-old ruins. After your educational trip, you can sit back, relax and soak up the atmosphere of modern Greek culture.

    Experience what it is like to be shipwrecked in Corfu

    In Homer’s Odyssey, the shipwrecked hero Odysseus has washed ashore on what is possibly at modern Érmones, on the Northwest coast of Corfu. The woman that rescued him took him to the Phaeacian Palace and after revealing his identity to King Alkinoös he is given a ship to take him safely back to Ithaca.

    Upon his return, the Phaeacian ship is turned to stone by Poseidon, still enraged because Odysseus’ men had blinded Poseidon’s son the Cyclops, in revenge for the Phaeacians helping Odysseus.

    There are plenty of activities on the island of Corfu, including a trip to the impressive Achilleion Palace*, and walks along both the old and new fortress will allow you to step back in time and picture Odysseus taking the very same path.

    *December 2022 UPDATE: Achilleion will be closed for renovation. Please talk to your trip planner about the expected date of opening.

    Achilleion Corfu Achilles statue

    You can walk forward into more modern history as you visit archeological sites, such as Palaeopolis, and ancient churches and monasteries that give Corfu its laid-back spiritual feel.

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    Follow in a true god’s footsteps in Sparta

    Visit the remains of ancient Sparta and relive the history of Ancient Greece, where Achilles and Odysseus battled to become the most renowned gods of the land. Situated in the Laconia region, Sparta was built on the banks of the Evrotas River, which provided water and acted as a natural fortress that protected its inhabitants.

    Odysseus famously took 10 years to get back home from battle, with Sparta being one of his main stop of points, where plenty of battles ensued.

    Modern Sparta is a lovely place to head to, where you can see remains of ancient theatres and artifacts that remain from the Roman period.

    Head to The Menelaion, where excavations are uncovering a significant Mycenaean settlement. The views over to Sparta are spectacular from here so it is well worth the drive and there are always opportunities to stop off along the way to soak up the Greek atmosphere.

    Sparta

    Go on a Trip in Troy from Instabul in Turkey

    The third major stop of a point on Odysseus’ hiatus from Ithaca was Troy, an ancient Turkish town that is now a UNESCO world heritage site. You can take a day trip from Greece and explore the significance of the region in terms of classical mythology.

    Troy is famously known as being the battleground for the Trojan war and is steeped in plenty of history to keep little ones entertained for a fun day out. You can visit Turkey from Greece, either by taking a plane or a short ferry from Rhodes, Kos, or Samos to Marmaris or Kusadasi.

    Hear all about Odysseus and Achilles’ battles, go in search of life-size Trojan horses, and hear about the life of Helen of Troy, who was integral to this famous battle.

    These adventures can be combined for a full-on Greek Myth experience or simply built into your itinerary for your standard Greek holiday, either way, you are sure to have lots of godly fun!

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