Buried Italy Series
Myth & Sea: An Odyssey Through Italy and Greece
Overview
Duration: 11 days / 10 nights
Journey: Through Ancient Mythology, History & the Mediterranean
Destinations: Rome, Sperlonga, Gaeta, Pozzuoli, Miseno, Naples, Athens and Argostolion
One of the oldest Stories Ever Told
Follow one of the oldest sea stories ever told, travelling along the Mediterranean coastlines where ancient Greeks and Romans believed the adventures of Odysseus took place.
For thousands of years, travellers have sought out the coves, headlands, volcanic lakes and islands associated with Homer’s Odyssey. Known to the Romans as Ulysses, the legendary hero provides the inspiration for this remarkable journey through Italy and Greece.
Over eleven unforgettable days, explore the legendary headland associated with the sorceress Circe, discover dramatic coastal landscapes linked to the man-eating Laestrygonians, visit the volcanic lake the Romans associated with the entrance to the underworld, and travel across the sea to the green Ionian islands connected with Odysseus’s long-awaited homecoming.
Combining archaeology, ancient literature, mythology and spectacular Mediterranean scenery, this historian-led journey invites you to experience the places where myth and history meet.
Expedition itinerary
Day 1 — Welcome to Rome: The Threshold of the Journey
Begin in Rome, the heart of the ancient Roman world. Discover the historical setting for a journey that follows the stories, beliefs and geographical traditions inherited from the Greeks and Romans.
Day 2 — The Coast of Ulysses
Travel along the beautiful coast associated with Ulysses and the legendary encounters described in the Odyssey. Discover the landscapes that inspired ancient stories of enchantment, danger and adventure.
Day 3 — Gaeta: The Giants, the Nurse & Deep Time
Explore Gaeta and its dramatic coastal surroundings, where ancient legend meets geological history. Discover the traditions associated with the giants and other figures of the Odyssey, while uncovering the region’s long human past.
Day 4 — The Fields of Fire: Avernus, Cumae & Sunken Baiae
Enter the volcanic landscape of the Phlegraean Fields. Visit Lago d’Averno, long associated with the underworld, explore the ancient Greek settlement of Cumae, and discover Baiae, the celebrated Roman resort whose archaeological remains are partly submerged beneath the sea.
Day 5 — Miseno: The Potter’s Hands & the Volcano’s Wine
Discover Miseno and the surrounding volcanic landscape, where ancient traditions, local craftsmanship and wine production tell stories of life around the Bay of Naples.
Day 6 — Naples: At the Crossroads of the Mediterranean
Explore Naples, a city shaped by Greek foundations, Roman heritage and centuries of Mediterranean exchange. Discover how the city’s history connects the cultures and stories encountered throughout the journey.
Day 7 — Across the Sea to the Homeland
Travel from Italy towards Greece, continuing the journey into the world of Homer and the Ionian islands associated with Odysseus’s homecoming.
Day 8 — Homeric Kefalonia
Discover Kefalonia, an island of green mountains, beautiful coastline and deep connections with the ancient Greek world. Explore the traditions and historical interpretations linking the Ionian islands with the geography of the Odyssey.
Day 9 — Following Odysseus to Ithaca
Continue into the Ionian island world associated with Odysseus’s legendary homeland. Explore the landscape and traditions surrounding the hero’s long-awaited return to Ithaca.
Day 10 — Blue Water & the Farewell
Enjoy the Ionian setting as the journey draws to a close. Reflect on the ancient stories, archaeological discoveries and coastal landscapes encountered along the way.
Day 11 — Departure from the Ionian Kingdom
Conclude your Odyssey-inspired adventure, departing with a deeper appreciation of the relationship between ancient literature, Mediterranean geography and the enduring power of myth.
Departure dates
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Saturday, 22 May 2027 – Tuesday, 1 June 2027
Availability and tour details
For current availability, accommodation, inclusions, exclusions and important travel information, enquire by email using the details below.
An exclusive offer from Gateway Travel
Save 5% on your tour
Use code GATEWAY5 (Valid until 31st December, 2027)
Gateway Travel is pleased to offer travellers an exclusive 5% discount on An Italian Mosaic: Emperors, Myths & Buried Cities.
To access this offer and request full tour details, email:
Quote GATEWAY5 in your email. Tour information, availability and booking arrangements are provided directly by Historian Joseph Walker and his team.
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