Life at school: Invitation about the Return of Odysseus in Ithaca

TO FRIENDS OF ODYSSEUS

You are invited to celebrate, together with our students, the return of the Homeric hero Odysseus to his real homeland of Ithaca — 3233 years after his legendary return.

The celebrations will take place over two weeks, from October 19 to 31, 2026, beginning in Athens and continuing in Ithaca, where we will follow Odysseus’ footsteps and recite The Odyssey, Rhapsody by Rhapsody, at the locations connected with the events described in the poem.

Students will recite in Ancient or Modern Greek, as well as in their own languages, according to a programme prepared by our team. Our teachers and staff will recite in Ancient or Modern Greek.

This will be the 10th time we have organised these celebrations and the 3rd time in Ithaca.

Following Odysseus’ Journey — Day by Day

Based on the date traditionally assigned in our study to the killing of Penelope’s suitors on October 30, we have established corresponding dates for the other events narrated in The Odyssey, from Odysseus’ release from Calypso in Rhapsody 5 through to the final conflict between Odysseus, his family and the relatives of the slain suitors in Rhapsody 24.

This chronology is based on a relevant study that was accepted by the Academy of Athens on October 19, 2017.

Accordingly, every year since 2017, between October 1 and 31, we and our students have read each Rhapsody on the day — and approximately at the time — when, according to this chronology, the events it describes took place.

The 2026 Programme

October 19 — Athens
We begin at our school with an introduction to Homeric epic and the world of The Odyssey.

October 20
Rhapsody 5

October 21–23
Rhapsodies 1, 2, 3 and 4

October 25 — Departure for Ithaca
We sail to Ithaca, where we will remain until October 31.

October 25–31 — Ithaca
Each day, we will read the corresponding Rhapsodies at the locations where the narrated events are traditionally situated — following in the footsteps of Odysseus and bringing Homer’s epic into the landscape that inspired its story.

Throughout this special two-week programme, lessons, recitations, music activities and discussions will run in parallel, creating an immersive educational and cultural experience.

PARTICIPATION & COSTS

Two-week programme — Athens & Ithaca
Two weeks of lessons, recitations and activities: one week in Athens and one week in Ithaca
€750 per person

One-week programme — Ithaca
One week of lessons, recitations and activities in Ithaca
€375 per person

THE ITHACA JOURNEY PACKAGE

The Ithaca journey package includes:

Return travel tickets to and from Ithaca
Transportation in Ithaca, including transfers to and from the ferry and transportation to the locations of the guided visits and recitations
Hotel accommodation with breakfast
Guided visits
Educational material
One dinner

€1,100 per person in a single room
€925 per person in a double room

Therefore, the total cost per participant is:

Two-week programme + Ithaca journey
€1,850 single room
€1,675 double room

One-week Ithaca programme + Ithaca journey
€1,475 single room
€1,300 double room

JOIN US FOR ODYSSEUS’ RETURN TO ITHACA

Don’t miss the opportunity to take part in this unique journey through Homer, history, language and the landscape of Ithaca.

If you are interested, send us an email and we will provide you with the full programme, practical information and cost.

Participation: minimum 8 — maximum 18 participants.

Come with us and experience Odysseus’ return to Ithaca — Rhapsody by Rhapsody, step by step.

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4.7 45 reviews

Snezana Dunjic ★★★★★ 9 months ago
I attended Greek classes at this school during the summer of 2023 and 2024. I ve enjoyed the learning process with my wonderful … More teacher Vasiliki. She had the patience to listen to me even when I made mistakes in my speech and to correct me, to guide me during my studies in a way that would make my learning easier. During my stay at the school, I also met other teachers who were involved in extracurricular activities such as joint trips to museums, dinners, Greek dance lessons, classes on Greek culture and visits to supermarkets where we learned new words.... This school is my recommendation for anyone who wants to get to know the language and Greek culture and spend a pleasant time with wonderful people.
Koke Saavedra ★★★★★ 11 months ago
This is not only a wonderful place to learn Greek, with fantastic and caring teachers, but also a place to feel connected … More to a community, the Greek culture, while being inspired to keep learning. I was an absolute beginner student when I showed up to the School of Greek Language & Culture in Thessaloniki (itself an amazing, hidden jewel of a city). I didn’t know what to expect. What I found was a great, comfortable learning environment, with two talented, professional, inspiring teachers, in Christos and Maria, with a profound knowledge of the Greek language and culture. They also had a great passion for teaching and bringing students together, so this was much more than language learning, We were placed in flexible groups of students of comparable understanding, then taught in a way that was fun, engaging as well as effective. Through the teaching process itself we experienced contemporary Greek culture and it was uplifting. All the students I met were happy to be there and they came from many countries, including Germany, the United States (I am from California), Spain, Austria, etc., and all were friendly and happy to be there. Several had been coming back for many years, and some had achieved a great mastery of the Greek language. As you notice I loved my experience here, and I am sure you will love it too. In addition, the neighborhood is super safe with a great, friendly coffee shop across the square, and a couple of great Greek restaurants a couple of minutes away. Awesome all around. I’m continuing my Greek learning online and will be coming back next year.
peter sarandon ★★★★★ 9 months ago
I have been a student at this wonderful school for five years having started in the group classes for beginners and extending … More my learning with massively beneficial one to one lessons. Not only are all the teachers invested in the quality of the learning experience, this school gives you the opportunity to learn Greek in the context of Greek culture. Being able to be a part of this has enabled me to grow in my language skills and gain valuable understanding of Greek culture and make the leap from text book Greek to the language that is spoken every day - and for this i am truly grateful
Tom ★★★★★ 9 months ago
Wonderful experience with this school in Thessaloniki - the right mixture of the grammer, texts and above all the discussions … More which motivate to speak Greek. And all of that in a relaxed, even funny setting. What can be better?
Eleni Zachari ★★★★★ a year ago
100% satisfaction.I took one week ,B2 level, at the school and was impressed with the staff and the program. Starting from … More the receptionist to the president of the school, they were extremely friendly, helpful, informative, and the didactic approach to teaching extremely effective. I am planning to come back. Thank you so much for this wonderful experience!

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