May

16

—

May

27

Europe

Greece — Athens & Crete

FACULTY HOST
A picturesque view of the Venetian harbor in Chania, Crete, featuring colorful buildings lining the waterfront. The turquoise water reflects the vibrant facades, while the historic mosque of Kioutsouk Hassan is visible in the foreground. Snow-capped mountains rise majestically in the background under a clear blue sky, adding to the stunning coastal scenery.
About the Trip

Immerse yourself in Greek island life on this 10-night journey featuring seven nights on Crete and three in Athens. Explore charming villages, tranquil beaches and ancient Minoan sites like Knossos. Enjoy a Santorini excursion, a sunset Chania Bay cruise and a cooking class. MSU professor Jon Frey is scheduled to host this tour.

A minimum number of participants is needed to send the faculty host.

Highlights

  • Immerse yourself in Crete's authentic charm with visits to its villages, Venetian harbors and ancient Minoan sites like Knossos and Phaistos.
  • Savor Greek cuisine, including olives, olive oil, wine, seafood and an interactive cooking class.
  • Explore the Cycladic beauty of Santorini and cruise to Spinalonga, home to an ancient Venetian fortress.
  • Discover Greece's rich history at the UNESCO-listed Acropolis and stroll the historic harbor towns of Chania and Heraklion.
Itinerary
  • Day 1: Depart gateway city
  • Day 2-3: Arrive in Athens
  • Day 4: Fly to Heraklion / Heraklion
  • Day 5: Anogia
  • Day 6: Matala / Phaistos
  • Day 7: Santorini
  • Day 8: Spinalonga Island / Arolithos
  • Day 9: Chania
  • Day 10: Vouves / Chania
  • Day 11: Fly to Athens / Athens
  • Day 12: Transfer to airport and depart for gateway city
Date
May 16 – 27, 2025
Region
Europe
Hiker
Activity Level
Medium
Price
From $5,940 per person, plus airfare
Tour Operator
AHI Travel
A person in a gray T-shirt sits in a dimly lit room, looking toward someone off-camera, surrounded by bookshelves.

MSU Faculty Host - Jon Frey, a classical archaeologist, specializes in Greek and Roman architecture, focusing on construction and material reuse. With two decades of fieldwork in Greece, Egypt, Crete and Kythera, he directs MSU's Isthmia Excavations, using digital tools to study the ancient world. An Associate Professor at MSU, he teaches Classical World, Mythology and Ancient Art courses.

Map
A map of Greece and Crete showing key locations and travel routes. Highlighted destinations include Athens on the mainland, and Chania, Heraklion, Matala, Phaistos, Anogia, Arolithos, Vouves, and Spinalonga on Crete. Santorini is also marked as a nearby island. Dotted lines indicate travel paths between Athens, Santorini, and Crete, providing an overview of connections within the Aegean Sea region.
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