This Nine-Day Greek Odyssey Lets You Channel Your Inner Hercules

Whether you’re a fan of Disney’s Hercules or the ancient Greek god, Black Tomato is bringing the classic tale to life with a new family-friendly adventure.  

The luxury tour operator—which often launches set-jetting packages for shows like Yellowstone and Ripley—just unveiled a new itinerary within its “Take me on a Story” series inspired by the mythology of Hercules. The concept essentially offers travelers a chance to step into the pages of their favorite books and follow in the footsteps of beloved characters like Alice in Wonderland or Jim Hawkins from Treasure Island, to name a few.  

This nine-day adventure will take travelers on a Greek odyssey through the lens of a demigod where they’ll have to tackle a number of challenges, including completing his famed 12 labors imposed by Eurystheus. The quest kicks off in ancient Athens where you’ll stay at the Athens Capital M Gallery Hotel. Once you get the blessing of the goddess Athena at the Acropolis, you’ll learn to read and write Greek as you search for clues and treasure. 

Next, you’ll set sail across the Saronic Gulf and visit the Temple of Poseidon. Before you leave the ruins, guests will have to race to swim to shore as fast as possible while collecting gifts, not unlike the legendary contest between Athena and the god of the sea. Then, it’s off to Olympia to compete in the stadium where the 2024 Paris Olympics torch was lit. From there, you’ll hop aboard a plane to Crete to track down the fictious Cretan bull, a mythical creature who’s hiding among apple trees and oregano bushes. Other highlights of the trip include trekking though the oak forests of Foloi in search of Centaur Pholus, solving a riddle with Pythia at Mount Parnassus, and crafting your own artifact with the help of a skilled sculptor. 

“As someone who’s personally passionate about mythology, Hercules teaches timeless lessons around courage, perseverance, and humility—values that I wish to instill upon my daughters,” said Tom Marchant, co-founder of Black Tomato. “Greece also holds a special memory in my heart—I’ve shared unforgettable moments there with my kids and am thrilled to undertake this adventure in a place they love while helping other families create their own treasured memories.” 

According to the Black Tomato, the launch of the Hercules experience aligns with a recent surge in travel to Greece. The company says that 25 percent of its bookings are for this fall during what’s considered the Aegean country’s shoulder season and that families make up roughly 50 percent of its bookings to Greece this year. Prices for the itinerary start at $49,000 for a family of four and include stays at the Dexamenes Hotel and Domes of Elounda Hotel, plus all transportation, activities, and some meals.