IMMERSE YOURSELF IN THE 5,000 YEAR HISTORY OF THE GREEK PEOPLE

Custom designed for the TOWER Fellows Program at the University of Texas at Austin, this unique academic experience will immerse you in a land that forever changed the course of human history. From the golden grave goods of Homeric kings to the Parthenon Marbles celebrating the world’s archetypal democracy to the haunting solemnity of 500-year-old Greek Orthodox churches, you’ll see the glorious remains of ancient civilizations up close while learning about their historical importance from engaging lecturer and Greek-American scholar Adam Sparks.

Travel offers a perspective unobtainable in the classroom, and this tour also invites you to delve into the modern culture and vibrant outlook of the modern Greek people. Go off-the-beaten-path as you spend three nights on the picture-perfect, car-free island of Hydra, wander the neo-classical streets of Nafplio with its Venetian and Ottoman roots, enjoy hand-selected menus at our favorite local tavernas, and enjoy three nights in the shadow of the Parthenon on this unforgettable journey to the heart of Greece. With personal attention and engaging guiding as our hallmark, this is an immersive trip through Greece like no other.

Traveler Testimonials

“Five gold stars for the Texas Exes in getting Adam Sparks on board. The best tour guide we have ever experienced.”
- Darlene and Wilson Cozby, Texas Exes Authentic Greece 2013

“One of the few tours, and still fewer guides and leaders, that actually exceeds its billing. Adam’s encyclopedic knowledge of the country’s culture and history, and his indefatigable patience, makes the venture not only fun but educational—even inspiring.”
– Dan Flatten, Texas Exes Authentic Greece 2022

“EXCELLENT. There is NOT enough space here to fully explain how wonderful Adam made this trip for us. Adam's knowledge of all things Greek was incredible. I know we could NOT have had a better tour guide than him. His knowledge of culture and history was only second to his passion for the places my husband and I were visiting for the first time.”
– Penny Green, Texas Exes Authentic Greece 2022

11 DAY ITINERARY

THREE NIGHTS IN NAFPLIO

Mainland Greece’s most beautiful town, Nafplio is the perfect base to begin exploring Greece. The modern town, with its picturesque bougainvillea lined walkways, is an exotic mix of Venetian and Ottoman architecture. Enjoy the stunning sea views from your hotel room, located just steps away from the charming main square of the quaint historical center of Nafplio.

Day 1 and 2 - Arrival
Depart USA, arrive Athens and transfer to Nafplio, Greece. After a welcome reception and introductory meeting, we walk into town and enjoy dinner al fresco at a family-run taverna for our first taste of authentic Greek food. (D) 

Day 3 - Nafplio | Epidavros
In the morning, we begin with an introductory meeting and a cultural orientation to life in Greece while sipping Greek coffees in Nafplio’s main square. After a short walking tour and a visit to the local farmer’s market, we set out to the ancient healing center of Epidavros, home to the magnificent Theater of Epidavros, the best preserved theater from the ancient world. After learning about the origins of Greek drama and comedy, we explore the adjoining Asklepion healing complex where doctors like Hippocrates first established western medicine. In the afternoon, enjoy a leisurely seafood lunch in a picturesque seaside fishing village. Then, return to Nafplio for free time for shopping and swimming in this idyllic town before gathering for a waterside dinner to the accompaniment of traditional musicians. (B,L,D)

Day 4 - Mycenae | Nemea | Peloponnesian Vineyard
Our day begins with an optional visit to a portion of a Greek Orthodox church service. We then visit the palace citadel of King Agamemnon, leader of the Trojan War, at Mycenae. We tour the Bronze Age site, including the throne room and the remarkable underground beehive tombs, as we hear the words of the Athenian playwright Aeschylus who most famously told Agamemnon’s story. After a brief stop at ancient Nemea to walk inside the Temple of Zeus, we continue to a countryside, family-run vineyard for a vineyard tour, a sampling of the wines, and a sumptuous feast. Enjoy a free evening in Nafplio with an optional evening hike through the haunting ruins of Palamidi Fortress, high above Nafplio. (B,L) 

THREE NIGHTS IN HYDRA

Hydra is like a dream. Nearly unchanged from its 18th and 19th c. heyday as Greece’s first modern naval port, Hydra maintains a remarkable authenticity and charm. With no motorized transportation on the island, most goods are still transported by donkey along the narrow, white-washed streets. Stay in the former home of an 18th c. shipping magnate as we soak up the relaxed culture of this one-of-a-kind island.

Day 6 - Hydra
In the morning we are introduced to beautiful Hydra as we learn about its impressive history on a walking tour of town. We visit the beautiful cathedral, its Ecclesiastical Museum, and the Historical Archives with its amazing collection of 18th and 19th century naval artifacts. In the early evening, we gather together for a waterside happy hour from a scenic overlook as we watch the sun set over the endless waters of the Aegean. (B)

Day 7 - Hydra
The day is at leisure to enjoy magical Hydra. In the morning, take an optional visit to the Kountouriotis Museum and the former house and studio of the Greek painter Panagiotis Tetsis. In the late afternoon, take an optional horseback ride across the island to enjoy the stunning views. The rest of this free day can be spent in the local boutiques, admiring the island’s famous art displays, or soaking up the sun on a pristine beach. Overnight Hydra. (B)

THREE NIGHTS IN ATHENS

Few cities on the planet have shaped the course of history like Athens. Its 5th c. BC Golden Age set the foundations for all of western history that followed. Now the capital and major city of Greece, we enjoy the quaint neighborhood feel of our hotel’s location at the base of the legendary Acropolis. Enjoy one of the city’s best Parthenon views from our hotel’s unforgettable rooftop garden and bar as we trace the unique legacy of this remarkable city.

Day 8 - Athens | Transfer from Hydra to Athens
After a morning at leisure in Hydra, we depart the island by fast ferry and arrive in the port of Piraeus, home to the main Greek naval fleet since ancient times. We then take a quick ride to Athens, the greatest city of both ancient and modern Greece, as we check in to our hotel at the foot of the Acropolis. In the evening, we gather on our hotel’s wonderful roof garden for drinks and the world’s best views of the Parthenon before heading to the Plaka traditional marketplace district for dinner. (B,D)

Day 9 - Athens | Acropolis Museum, Acropolis, Parthenon, Areopagus, Plaka
Our exploration of this city’s matchless heritage begins at the impressive Acropolis Museum, as we examine the world famous Parthenon Marbles up close. We then ascend the dramatic rock of the Acropolis, visiting the Theater of Dionysus (the birthplace of all drama and comedy), the Odeon of Herod Atticus, and the Temple of Athena Nike on the way. Walking through the grandiose, ancient Propylaea, we arrive to the top of the Acropolis and stand in the shadow of the architecturally stunning Parthenon. After admiring its optical refinements and the panoramic views of Athens, we continue to the Areopagus and hear the words of the Apostle Paul’s 1st c. sermon to the Greek pagans in its original setting. We continue to lively Monastiraki Square for lunch before free time to shop in the festive Plaka traditional marketplace. The afternoon and evening are free to continue exploring this cosmopolitan city. (B,L) 

Day 10 - Athens | National Archaeological Museum, Cape Sounion
In the morning, we watch the unforgettable Changing of the Guard ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and admire the evzones in their traditional dress. We then visit the National Archaeological Museum, home to the world’s single greatest collection of ancient Greek antiquities. After touring this impressive collection, the afternoon is at leisure to enjoy Athens. We then head out to unforgettable Cape Sounion, where we enjoy a festive final dinner and closing meeting at a seaside taverna. We then visit the beautiful Temple of Poseidon, located on a promontory high above the Aegean Sea at the edge of mainland Greece, as we watch the stunning sunset over the distant waters of the Aegean Sea. (B,D)

Day 11 - Depart
Depart for stunning Santorini for an optional 4 day extension, or depart Greece as lifelong lovers of this legendary land! 

OPTIONAL POST TOUR EXTENSION TO SANTORINI

Rightly considered one of the most beautiful places on the planet, the island of Santorini is the crown jewel of the legendary Greek islands. Enjoy three unforgettable nights in the world famous town of Oia at our traditional cave-style hotel perched high on the rim of an ancient volcano with breathtaking views from your private terrace.

INCLUDES

• World-renowned 5-star hotel with stunning caldera views
• Cave-style suite accommodations with private terrace & jacuzzi
• Sumptuous daily breakfast and pool in a remarkable setting
• Private sunset catamaran cruise through the caldera
• Final group dinner from a terrace overlooking the sunset
• Three nights in the charming town of Oia, Santorini
• Flights and airport transfers from Athens
• One night at the Athens Airport hotel before return home

Details

May 15-19, 2025

$3,180 per person in double room accommodations
(+1,360 single room supplement)

Please note: Due to its unique location on the rim of an ancient volcano, our five star hotel in Santorini includes multiple flights of stairs between the hotel entrance, the rooms, and the breakfast area. In order to enjoy our Santorini hotel, a general comfort with stairs is required.

Please note: After being checked in to your hotel in Santorini, the remainder of the extension will be on your own without a guide.

“I have never had tour guides as wonderful, gracious, knowledgeable and friendly as the Sofia Travel team. They made the tour fabulous and I would definitely travel with them again.”
- Carolann Smith, Texas Exes Authentic Greece 2013

“Greece is the foundation of so much of our culture.  The scope is breathtaking.  Sofia Travel touches every part and makes it understandable, from the most ancient expressions to the most recent.  Putting several thousand years into perspective is what they do best and have fun at the same time!”
– Pat Cook, Texas Exes Authentic Greece 2018

“Their depth of knowledge and attention to detail made this the best vacation we've ever had AND sold us on traveling with them again in the near future.”
- Monica Schiller, Texas Exes Authentic Greece 2014

RESERVE YOUR SPOT ON THIS TOUR

We'd love to travel with you! 

If you'd like more information about this tour, please contact us or give us a call at (214) 493-3027.

GALLERY

ABOUT SOFIA TRAVEL

In 1976, right before Elisavet Iliadou boarded her first airplane to attend college in the US, she promised her mother that she wouldn’t marry an American. Three years later, David Sparks of Irving, Texas was on his way to the town of Verea, Greece where Elizabeth (as her American friends knew her) was born and raised. After a wedding in the church that her grandfather had helped build, David and Elizabeth Sparks settled in the States and started a family. 

Five years later, and now with a two year old son, Elizabeth had not been able to afford a plane ticket back home on her husband’s salary as a small town pastor. So, Elizabeth and David planned a tour. By organizing a group of six people, they covered the cost of their airfare and allowed Elizabeth and young David Jr. the opportunity to spend a month in Greece with family. 

Slowly, the business started to grow. Rather than continue the standard industry procedure of hiring land operators and hop-on-guides at each site, David and Elizabeth realized that what they really wanted to do was personally show people the Greece that they knew and loved. By combining David’s love of teaching with Elizabeth’s passion for authentic cultural experiences, their business began to grow.  

Now, over thirty-five years later, their sons David Jr. and Adam are continuing the family legacy. As the head of Sofia Travel, Adam Sparks has continued his father’s passion for engaging teaching and his mother’s delight in showing travelers the best that Greece has to offer.

We know you have many options when traveling, and we cannot thank you enough for choosing to join our family on this tour. Our goal is to provide you with exceptional service, so please do not hesitate to let us know how we can help you make the most of your time exploring Authentic Greece.