Odysseus, Greek: Οδυσσεύς , was the king of Ithaca and the hero of
Homer’s epic poem ‘The Odyssey’. He was the son of Laertes and Anticlea,
the husband of Penelope and the father of Telemachus. He is most famous
for his intelligence, for the ten eventful years he took to return home after
the ten – year Trojan War and his famous Trojan horse trick.
The etymology of his name derives from the Greek verb odyssomai, Greek:
οδύσσομαι, and it means ‘the one who is chased’. Odysseus was chased by
the Greek Gods.
When Helen was abducted, Menelaus called upon the other kings to help
him to retrieve her, an attempt that lead to the Trojan War. Odysseus tried
to avoid it, as an oracle had prophesied a long – delayed return home for
him if he went. However, as nobody can escape from his destiny, Odysseus
travelled to Thessaly to recruit Achilles, because of a prophecy that Troy
would not be taken without him.
Odysseus was one of the most influential advisors during the Trojan War.
His most famous contribution to the war effort was devising the stratagem
of the Trojan horse, which allowed their army to sneak into Troy. It was
built by Epius, filled with warriors, and led by Odysseus.
After the Trojan War, Homer describes in his epic poem Odysseus’s travails,
as he tries to return home and reassert his place as rightful king of Ithaca.
Gran tour of Greece by car, suggested routing
Day 1: Lefkada
Depart early in the morning and drive from Athens to Lefkada. Lefkada is a
Greek island in the Ionian Sea on the west coast of Greece, connected to
the mainland by a long causeway and floating bridge. The principal town of
the island is Lefkada city. It is situated on the northern part of the island,
approximately twenty minutes by car. After the arrival to your hotel, you
may wish to visit Lefkada town for its night life and try the Lefkadian
cuisine at a local tavern. Overnight at the hotel in Lefkada town.
Day 2: Lefkada – Cephalonia
In the morning you may wish to visit the Archaeological Museum of
Lefkada town, which houses many archaeological findings dating back to
the Bronze age and on. Then you may drive to Nydri and visit its amazing
waterfall. After that, you may go to Porto – Katsiki and Kathisma beach,
where you can enjoy its crystal clear waters. Later on, you can drive to
Vassiliki Bay where you can catch the ferry to Cephalonia. After the short
boat trip, you arrive to Fiskardo, which is a colourful port village at the
north of the island. Overnight at the hotel in Fiskardo.
Day 3: Cephalonia – Ithaca
Early in the morning you can catch the ferry to Ithaca. After the short boat
trip, you arrive to Frikes, which has a beautiful pebble beach. From there,
you may drive to the capital of Ithaca, Vathy and visit the cave of the
nymphs, as well as its archaeological museum. Local artists have their own
shops, and the many small cafes and taverns will impress you. Overnight at
the hotel in Vathy.
Day 4: Ithaca – Cephalonia
In the morning you may wish to visit Vathy’s beach. Then, you can drive
back to Frikes, where you will catch the ferry to Fiskardo. Afterwards, you
can drive south through the tallest mountain of Cephalonia, Aenos, which is
full of unique pine trees in the world. After 40 kms, you will arrive to
Argostoli, the capital of the island, and you may settle in the hotel. Then,
you may have lunch at one of the local restaurants. In the afternoon, you
may wish to explore other parts of the island, like Pesada, Skala, Poros,
Valsamata, Livadi and Lixouri. Overnight at the hotel in Argostoli.
Day 5: Cephalonia – Zakynthos
In the morning, you can drive to Pesada port, where you will take the ferry
boat to Agios Nikolaos, which is in the beautiful island of Zakynthos. From
there, you can drive to Skinaria, where the famous blue caves of Zakynthos
are located. It is a very beautiful and rare geological formation of arches,
passages and caves into the rocky coast. Then, you may drive to the town of
Zakynthos, where you can settle in the hotel. Later on, you may wish to go
to the beautiful beach of Laganas, one of the largest sandy beaches of the
island. In the afternoon, you can visit the Kastro, the city’s fortress, where
you will have a nice view of the whole city. Overnight at the hotel in
Zakynthos.
Day 6: Zakynthos
If you decide to spend the entire day exploring the island, we suggest you to
appreciate its natural beauty at its northwest side, facing towards the Ionian
sea. You may start early in the morning and drive towards the traditional
villages of Lagkadakia and Lithakia. Some kilometres away, you will find
some of the most beautiful coastlines of the Mediterranean, like Porto
Koukia, Vasilikos and Argasi, combining naturally high cliffs with sandy
beaches. In the evening, you may return to the town and enjoy the night life
of the island. Overnight at the hotel in Zakynthos.
Day 7: Zakynthos – Olympia
In the morning, you will go to the port to catch the ferry boat to Kyllini,
which is in Peloponnese. After one hour boat trip, you will arrive to the port
of Kyllini. Then, you will continue driving southwards and after 60 kms you
will arrive to Olympia. You may visit the archaeological area, which is where
the Olympic sport spirit was born. Moreover, you may visit the Sanctuary of
Olympian Zeus and Hera, the Museum of Olympia and the altar of the
Olympic Flame. Overnight at Olympia.
Day 8: Olympia – Nafplion
Start early in the morning as this day involves a bit more of driving. Follow
the road from Olympia to Kalo Nero, Megalopoli, Tripoli and then Nafplio.
The whole journey will take you four hours. After arriving at Nafplion, you
may wish to explore the beautiful town, enjoy your drink or take your dinner
right at the waterfront, facing the small islet of Burji. The town of Nafplion
was the capital of the first Hellenic Republic. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 9: Nafplion
In the morning, you may wish to visit Palamidi, which is nestled on the crest
of a 216 – metre high hill. The fortress has 999 steps. Once you reach the
top, you will enjoy the impressive view of the Argolic Gulf. Then, you may
wish to drive to Mycenae, an archaeological site of great interest, with the
prehistoric capital of the Mycenaean Kingdom and its megalithic walls.
Overnight at the hotel in Nafplion.
Day 10: Nafplion – Athens
In the morning, as you drive back to Athens, you may wish to stop to one
of the most important theatres of Greece, Epidaurus, which is famous for
its excellent acoustic. There, you will also find Asclepeion, a healing temple
sacred to the God of Asclepius. After that, you can continue your way back
to Athens, by taking the national road. The program ends with the delivery
of the car.
