Group Size: 64-94 participants across all sponsors Price: Starting from $9,990 per person, double occupancy Co-sponsored with: Archaeological Institute of America, Penn Alumni Travel, Princeton Journeys, and Yale Alumni Academy
We are delighted to invite you to join us on a remarkable voyage through the Aegean and Mediterranean, following the legendary path of Homer’s Odysseus. This program blends history, archaeology, and culture with breathtaking landscapes, offering an unforgettable journey through the lands that inspired one of the greatest stories ever told.
Begin in Istanbul with a choice between the lavish Dolmabahce Palace, adorned with crystal chandeliers and marble staircases, or the iconic Hagia Sophia Mosque, whose soaring dome has stood at the heart of the city for centuries. Sail to the UNESCO World Heritage island of Delos, the mythical birthplace of Apollo and Artemis, with its ancient temples and sun-bleached marble, and walk among the evocative ruins of Troy, where legend tells Odysseus began his journey home. Visit the picturesque village of Pylos to see the 13th-century Palace of Nestor, whose weathered walls speak of kings and heroes, then explore Trapani on Sicily’s dramatic west coast, tied in myth to the Laestrygonians. In Malta, choose from three full-day excursions across one of Europe’s most historically rich regions, from prehistoric temples to medieval fortresses, before the journey concludes in Naples.
Engaging lectures and expert guides bring each stop to life, illuminating the stories behind the ruins and landscapes you encounter.
A three-night pre-trip extension in Istanbul and a two-night post-trip extension in Naples are available for those wishing to further immerse themselves in the region’s history and culture.
Schedule by Day
Click each drop-down below to view a detailed itinerary. For a full view, please select "print page".
Depart home on overnight flights to Istanbul, Türkiye.
Upon arrival, transfer with the group to the recently renovated Hilton Istanbul Bosphorus, beautifully situated overlooking the Bosphorus Strait. Take time to relax and settle in before gathering this evening for a welcome reception with your fellow travelers.
Overnight: Hilton Istanbul Bosphorus
Meals: R
Begin the day with an orientation and first lecture. Then choose one of two guided excursions:
Option 1 – Old City: Trace the layers of Byzantine and Ottoman history with visits to Hagia Sophia, first constructed as a sixth-century cathedral under Emperor Justinian; the elegant Blue Mosque with its cascading domes and Iznik tilework; the subterranean Basilica Cistern, built to supply Constantinople with water; and the storied Grand Bazaar, one of the world’s oldest covered markets.
Option 2 – Palaces: Explore the architectural and political transformation of the late Ottoman Empire with a visit to Dolmabahce Palace, a 19th-century waterfront residence reflecting European influences; the graceful Ortakoy Mosque; and the strategically positioned Rumeli Fortress, built in 1452 to control traffic along the Bosphorus.
Later this afternoon, embark on the Hebridean Sky and continue discussions over dinner on board.
Overnight:Hebridean Sky
Meals: B, D
Today, visit to the Troy Museum, where artifacts spanning millennia illuminate the city’s story, then continue to the UNESCO World Heritage archaeological site itself to see the remains of successive settlements. In the afternoon, relax at sea while attending engaging lectures that deepen your understanding of the region’s rich history and culture.
Overnight:Hebridean Sky
Meals: B, L, D
Start your day with a scenic boat ride to the 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 onboard the ship or independently on shore.. In the afternoon, enjoy free time to visit the island’s iconic windmills, picturesque waterfront, and lively cafes.
Overnight:Hebridean Sky
Meals: B, L, D
Start your day with a scenic boat ride to the 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 onboard the ship or independently on shore.. In the afternoon, enjoy free time to visit the island’s iconic windmills, picturesque waterfront, and lively cafes.
Overnight:Hebridean Sky
Meals: B, L, D
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 evocative 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.
Overnight:Hebridean Sky
Meals: B, L, D
Step back in time at the Palace of Nestor, one of Greece’s most intact Mycenaean palaces. Explore the grand halls, storerooms, and throne room, and see where the famous Linear B tablets were discovered, offering a glimpse into the world of Bronze Age. Continue to the Chora Archaeological Museum to view finely crafted pottery, fresco fragments, and jewelry that reveal daily life, culture, and trade in this ancient kingdom.
In the afternoon, relax aboard as the ship sails the sparkling Aegean, with expert lectures that illuminate the history, archaeology, and stories behind today’s discoveries.
Overnight:Hebridean Sky
Meals: B, L, D
Spend a leisurely morning at sea with engaging lectures that set the stage for today’s Sicilian adventures.
In the afternoon, choose from three excursions that explore Sicily’s dramatic landscapes — long associated with episodes from Homer’s Odyssey and the wanderings of Odysseus.
Option 1 - Aci Castello & Aci Trezza: Visit Aci Castello and see nearby Aci Trezza, where the striking “Faraglioni” sea stacks are traditionally linked to the Cyclops Polyphemus, said to have hurled stones at Odysseus as he fled.
Option 2 - Taormina & the Ancient Theater: Journey to Taormina to explore its remarkable 3rd-century B.C. Greek-Roman theater overlooking the Ionian Sea. In Homeric tradition, this stretch of coast is associated with the landing of Odysseus and his crew in the realm of Helios, the sun god.
Option 3 - Mount Etna: Ascend the slopes of Mount Etna to approximately 1,900 feet for a closer look at Europe’s tallest active volcano. In ancient imagination, the Cyclops was said to dwell in a cave on Etna’s slopes.
Overnight:Hebridean Sky
Meals: B, L, D
Enjoy a full day of excursions with lunch ashore, choosing from three remarkable journeys across Malta and its islands:
Option 1 - Valletta and Mdina: Wander through the fortified capital of Valletta and the medieval walled city of Mdina, encounter the prehistoric Hagar Qim Temples, and take in sweeping views from the Upper Barrakka Gardens.
Option 2- Gozo: Cross to the island of Gozo to marvel at the ancient Ggantija Temples, tour the medieval citadel in Victoria, and admire the dramatic coastal scenery of Xlendi Bay and Dwejra Bay.
Option 3 - Malta’s Archaeology: Delve into the island’s prehistoric heritage at the National Museum of Archaeology, descend into the subterranean Hal Saflieni Hypogeum, and uncover the ancient Tarxien Temples.
Overnight:Hebridean Sky
Meals: B, L, D
This morning, 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.
Overnight:Hebridean Sky
Meals: B, L, D
Disembark in Naples and transfer to the airport for your flights home, or continue your journey with the Naples post-trip extension.
Meals: B
Pricing
More information on the cabin categories can be found on the ship webpage here.
Cabin Category
Double Occupancy
Single Occupancy
Category A, Standard Suite Forward
$9,990 per person
$15,990
Category B, Standard Suite
$10,990 per person
$17,590
Category C, Superior Suite
$12,990 per person
$20,790
Category D, Premium Suite
$14,990 per person
Inquire
Category E, Corner Suite
$16,490 per person
Inquire
Category F, Deluxe Balcony Suite
$17,990 per person
Inquire
Category G, Owner's Balcony Suite
$19,490 per person
Inquire
Category H, Hebridean Balcony Suite
$21,490 per person
Inquire
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
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.
To reserve a space on this program, a $2,000 deposit is required per person. Final payment is due 120 days before departure (June 10, 2027) payable by check, wire transfer, or credit card (credit card payments will incur a processing fee of 2%). Participants will receive an invoice directly from the tour operator, Criterion Travel for all subsequent payments after the initial deposit.
Notification of cancellation must be received in writing by HAA from the participant. Cancellations received within 14 days of booking are eligible for a full refund, provided that initial deposits were made 121 days or more prior to departure. After 14 days, $1,000 per person becomes non-refundable.
The program terms and conditions can be found here and must be acknowledged upon registration.
Accommodations
Hilton Istanbul Bosphorus(one night)
Hebridean Sky (nine nights)
Optional Pre-Tour Extension: Istanbul
October 5 - 8, 2027
Arrive early for a three-night extension with two nights 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.
Overnight: to be announded
Meals: to be announced
pricing coming soon
Optional Post-Tour Extension: Naples
October 19 - 21, 2027
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 - immersing yourself in the landscapes and classical heritage that shaped Homer’s epic.
Overnight: to be announded
Meals: to be announced
pricing coming soon
The opportunity to register for the extension will be provided directly from the tour operator following the participants confirmation on the program
What to Expect
Activity Level 3
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 Harvard Travels 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.
The 59-cabin, all-suite Hebridean Sky is a spacious, yet intimate, expedition vessel. After a major refurbishment in 2016 and further enhancements since, she now boasts beautifully-designed public spaces that include a large lounge, elegant club and bar with piano, library, and two outdoor seating areas.
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. 
