About the Journey

Trace the journey of Homer’s legendary hero on a voyage from Istanbul to Naples that will bring The Odyssey to life. Cruising the Aegean and Mediterranean Seas, discover the history, archaeology, and epic landscapes behind one of the greatest stories ever told.

Walk among the fabled ruins of Troy, pay homage to Odysseus at his island home of Ithaca, visit the Palace of Nestor on Pylos, and explore Catania and Trapani on Sicily’s stunning east and west coasts, linked by legend to the Cyclops Polyphemus and the cannibal Laestrygonians who attacked Odysseus and his companions. Along the way, call on the UNESCO-designated island of Delos, wander sun-drenched Mykonos, and explore archaeologically rich Delphi in Greece and Valletta in Malta.

A robust line-up of faculty speakers will illuminate the stories of each magnificent stop. For those wishing to continue the adventure, pre- and post-trip extensions in Istanbul and Naples will be offered.

Princeton travelers will be joined on this program by those from Harvard, Yale, the University of Pennsylvania, and the Archaeological Institute of America.

Accommodation

Hilton Istanbul Bosphorus Istanbul, Türkiye
First opened in 1955, the newly renovated rooms of the Hilton Istanbul Bosphorus overlook Istanbul’s historic Old Town and Bosphorus Strait. This iconic hotel blends historic heritage with modern comfort with indoor and outdoor pools, spa, Turkish bath, fitness center, and a variety of restaurants.

Hebridean Sky
The Hebridean Sky has 59 exceptionally spacious and well-designed suites, all with ocean views and several with private balconies. All suites feature a sitting room, ensuite bathroom, flat screened TV, spacious wardrobes, a dressing table, and beds that can be configured as twins or a double. Public spaces include a large lounge, elegant club and bar with piano, library, and two outdoor seating areas. An elevator services all passenger cabin decks.

Onboard chefs prepare international and regional cuisine served at a single open seating in the Restaurant or on the Lido Deck, weather permitting. A friendly crew provides exceptional service with a 1:2 crew to passenger ratio. The ship features advanced satellite navigation and communication equipment, roll stabilizers, and a fleet of Zodiacs to access remote shorelines and islands.

Itinerary
 

B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner, R = Reception

• Friday-Saturday, October 8-9 | Depart Home / Istanbul, Türkiye
  Depart home on overnight flights to Istanbul, Türkiye. Upon arrival on October 9th, transfer with the group to the recently renovated Hilton Istanbul Bosphorus, beautifully situated overlooking the Bosphorus Strait. Gather this evening for a welcome reception with your fellow travelers.
  Hilton Istanbul Bosphorus (R)  
• Sunday, October 10 | Istanbul
  Begin the day with an orientation and lecture, followed by a choice of two guided excursions:
  Option 1 – Explore the iconic Byzantine and Ottoman landmarks of the Old City, including the UNESCO-designated Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque and Basilica Cistern, and a visit to the Grand Bazaar.
  Option 2 –Discover the late Ottoman era at the opulent Dolmabahce Palace, the exquisite Ortakoy Mosque, and the UNESCO-designated Rumeli Fortress.
  
  Later this afternoon, embark the Hebridean Sky with dinner together on board.
  Hebridean Sky (B, D)  
• Monday, October 11 | Canakkale (Troy), Türkiye
  Today visit the world-class Troy Museum, where artifacts spanning millennia illuminate the city’s story, then continue to the UNESCO-designated archaeological site itself. Explore 4,000 years of history with the remains of nine successive settlements, including that associated with the Trojan War, the event which drove Odysseus away from home. In the afternoon, relax at sea as the lecture series continues. 
  Hebridean Sky (B, L, D)  
   
• Tuesday, October 12 | Mykonos, Greece / Delos
  Start the day with a scenic boat ride to the UNESCO-designated archaeological site of Delos, once a sacred sanctuary and a thriving center of trade and religion in the ancient Greek world. Explore its well-preserved temples, mosaics, and market streets before enjoying lunch on board the ship or independently on shore.
  
  In the afternoon, wander the charming, labyrinthine streets of Mykonos on your own, visiting its iconic windmills, picturesque waterfront, or lively cafes. 
  Hebridean Sky (B, L, D)  
   
• Wednesday, October 13| Corinth Canal / Delphi
  This morning, glide through the narrow passage of the Corinth Canal, where towering limestone walls rise steeply from the water. Completed in the nineteenth century, this slender channel linking the Aegean and Ionian Seas remains one of Greece’s most impressive engineering achievements.
  
  In the afternoon, travel into the mountains to legendary Delphi on the slopes of Mount Parnassus. At the Delphi Archaeological Museum and the UNESCO-designated Delphi Archaeological Site, explore the sanctuary once believed to be the center of the ancient world. Stroll along the Sacred Way, stand before the Temple of Apollo, and admire sweeping views across a valley of olive trees extending to the Gulf of Corinth. 
  Hebridean Sky (B, L, D)  
   
• Thursday, October 14 | Ithaca
  Discover the timeless beauty of Ithaca, the storied homeland of Odysseus. Begin at the tranquil Bay of Dexia, often associated with Homer’s harbor of Phorcy, before continuing to the village of Stavros and the School of Homer Archaeological Site, long linked by tradition to the palace of the legendary king.
  
  In the afternoon, take a guided walk through Vathy, the island’s picturesque harbor town, followed by time at leisure to explore inviting shops or enjoy the relaxed waterfront setting.
  Hebridean Sky (B, L, D)  
   
• Friday, October 15 | Pylos
  Explore the remarkable Bronze Age site of Nestor’s Palace, traditionally identified as the home of wise King Nestor in The Odyssey and The Iliad, and offering unique insights into Mycenaean life. Walk through its grand halls, storerooms, and throne room, and see where the famous Linear B tablets were discovered. Continue to the Chora Archaeological Museum to view finely crafted pottery, fresco fragments, and jewelry that illuminate daily life, culture, and trade in this ancient kingdom.
  
  In the afternoon, relax aboard as the ship sails the sparkling Aegean.
  Hebridean Sky (B, L, D)  
   
• Saturday, October 16 | Catania, Sicily
  Spend a relaxing morning at sea with lectures to set the stage for the afternoon’s Sicilian adventures. Then choose from three excursions exploring landscapes long linked to The Odyssey:
  
  Option 1 – Visit Aci Castello and nearby Aci Trezza, where the famous “Faraglioni” limestone sea stacks are known as “Islands of the Cyclops,” identified by legend as the rocks thrown by the Cyclops Polyphemus at Odysseus and his companions. 
  Option 2 – Journey to Taormina to explore its 3rd-century B.C. Greek-Roman theater overlooking the Ionian Sea, traditionally tied to Odysseus’s journey and a filming location for Christopher Nolan’s 2026 film adaptation. 
  Option 3 – Ascend Mount Etna, Europe’s tallest active volcano at about 1,900 feet, once imagined as the home of the Cyclops.
  Hebridean Sky (B, L, D)  
   
• Sunday, October 17 | Valletta, Malta
  Enjoy a full day excursion with lunch ashore, choosing from three options:
  
  Option 1 – Explore Valletta and Mdina, including the vibrant, UNESCO-designated fortified capital city of Valletta, medieval Mdina, the prehistoric UNESCO-designated Hagar Qim Temples, and views from the Upper Barrakka Gardens.
  Option 2 – Go ashore on the slower-paced island of Gozo, believed by some to be Ogygia, where Calypso held Odysseus captive for seven years, visiting the prehistoric UNESCO-designated Ggantija Temples, the fortified hilltop citadel in Victoria, and taking in the dramatic coastal scenery of Xlendi and Dwejra Bays.
  Option 3 – Take a deep dive into Malta’s rich archaeology, featuring the National Museum of Archaeology and two UNESCO-designated prehistoric sites: the underground Hal Saflieni Hypogeum and the Tarxien Temples.
  Hebridean Sky (B, L, D) 
   
• Monday, October 18 | Trapani, Sicily
  This morning explore Trapani, known by legend as the home of the cannibal Laestrygonians who destroyed 11 of Odysseus’s 12 ships. Ascend Mount Barbaro to the Doric Greek temple at Segesta, where its weathered columns rise above the surrounding countryside. After lunch ashore, continue to the hilltop town of Erice, wandering its winding streets and enjoying panoramic views across western Sicily. This evening toast to an epic adventure with fellow Princetonians at your final dinner together.
  Hebridean Sky (B, L, D)  
   
• Tuesday, October 19 | Naples, Italy / Home
  Disembark in Naples and transfer to the airport for your flights home, or continue your journey with the Naples post-trip extension. 
  (B)  

Please note: Itinerary is subject to change.

Pricing

Ship Deck Plan

• Category A, Standard Suite (Amundsen Deck, forward, 226 sq ft, portholes): $9,990 per person sharing; $15,990 single occupancy
• Category B, Standard Suite (Amundsen Deck, 226 sq ft, portholes): $10,990 per person sharing; $17,590 single occupancy
• Category C, Superior Suite (Byrd Deck, 237 sq ft, picture window): $12,990 per person sharing; $20,790 single occupancy
• Category D, Premium Suite (Mawson Deck, 226 sq ft, picture window): $14,990 per person sharing
• Category E, Corner Suite (Mawson Deck, forward, 237 sq ft, picture windows): $16,490 per person sharing
• Category F, Deluxe Balcony Suite (Scott Deck, 225 sq ft plus 43 sq ft balcony): $17,990 per person sharing
• Category G, Owner’s Balcony Suite (Shackleton Deck, 237 sq ft plus 86 sq ft balcony): $19,490 per person sharing
• Category H, Hebridean Suite (Shackleton Deck, 264 sq ft plus 101 sq ft balcony): $21,490 per person

Inclusions

Program rates include: One hotel night and nine nights aboard Hebridean Sky • Meals and excursions are included as noted in the itinerary, featuring ten breakfasts, eight lunches, nine dinners, and two receptions • Comprehensive program of briefings, lectures and presentations • Shared airport transfers on group arrival and departure dates • Baggage handling • Gratuities to porters, waitstaff, guides and drivers • Gratuities to shipboard personnel • Port charges • Entrance fees • Welcome and farewell wine receptions • House wine, beer, and soft drinks with lunches and dinners • Professional tour manager throughout the program

Program rates do not include: U.S. domestic and international airfare • Passport/visa expenses • Medical expenses and immunizations • Private airport transfers or airport transfers outside of group arrival and departure dates • Travel and trip cancellation insurance • Excursions that deviate from the scheduled tour options • Airline baggage charges • Meals not specified in the itinerary; dishes and beverages not part of the included meals; liquor or soft drinks except as noted • Laundry or dry cleaning • Telephone, Internet and email charges • Room service • Other items of a personal nature

What to Expect

This program is moderately strenuous and requires a good level of physical fitness and mobility. Participants should be able to walk one to two miles at a time over uneven terrain, including cobblestones, dirt paths, and archaeological sites, and be capable of walking up and down hills for 20 minutes without stopping.

Shore excursions and on-land explorations involve visiting historic sites, archaeological ruins, and museums, some of which require navigating stairs or narrow pathways. Lectures, guided tours, and cultural activities are scheduled throughout the day, and participants should be prepared for full days with a balance of walking, sightseeing, and onboard learning.

Participants must be able to stand outside for up to two hours with limited shade and no available seating. All participants will be required to follow safety/sanitization protocols set forth by Princeton Journeys and Criterion Travel, local staff, and host country laws. If the tour manager decides that a participant cannot visit a site safely or in a timely manner, their judgment will be final. Where possible, an alternate activity may be suggested; additional costs may apply.

Optional Extensions

Extension details and pricing will be shared with participants in a future communication after registering.

Pre-Tour Extension: Cappadocia, Türkiye
Arrive early for a three-night extension in Cappadocia, a landscape of fairy chimneys and honeycombed hills. Visit ancient cave churches, explore the underground city of Kaymaklı, tour a traditional ceramics workshop, and attend a whirling dervish ceremony. Take in panoramic views from Uçhisar Castle, the highest point in the region.

Post-Tour Extension: Naples, Italy
This two-night extension in Naples draws on the mythic world of Odysseus, whose legendary voyage unfolded along the shores of southern Italy. Explore the National Archaeological Museum, walk the storied streets of Naples, and visit Herculaneum beneath the shadow of Mount Vesuvius, continuing your exploration of the landscapes and classical heritage that shaped Homer’s epic.

Reservations

Please view the tour terms and conditions, then register online or contact the Princeton Journeys team at journeys@princeton.edu / 609.258.8686 with questions.