IAN STALKER
The big screen is expected to provide a big boost for Greece’s tourism trade and in doing so serve Greece-based Variety Cruises well. The movie Odyssey has proven hugely popular and in doing so is shining a light on many locales that Variety features; welcome news for the cruise company, says its CEO, Filippos Venetopoulos.
“It is still early to quantify the film’s direct impact on tourism in Greece, but the international response to The Odyssey has been remarkable,” he says. “The film has generated significant global attention around Greek mythology and the landscapes associated with Homer’s epic. Travel companies are already reporting increased interest in Greece, with some operators seeing substantial growth in bookings following the film’s release. For us, this renewed interest is particularly relevant because one of the highlights of our Ionian Odyssey itinerary is Ithaca, traditionally associated with Odysseus and his journey home. We also noticed a small increase in bookings for this particular itinerary.”
Venetopoulos notes that visiting Ithaca allows travellers to experience the landscape and atmosphere of a place deeply connected with the Odyssey.
“On our Ionian Odyssey itinerary, we sail to Vathi, the capital of Ithaca, and guests have time to explore the town and experience the island at their own pace. Ithaca’s connection with Odysseus is an important part of its identity and adds another dimension to the journey. Of course, we don’t present the island as a literal recreation of the world described in Homer’s epic. Rather, the experience allows guests to discover the landscapes, traditions and cultural heritage that have helped keep the story of Odysseus alive for thousands of years.”
Greece is famed for its lengthy past and cultural heritage and history are an important part of the Variety Cruises experience. It regularly includes visits to historical landmarks, archeological sites, museums and places of cultural significance.
“The balance depends on the destination,” Venetopoulos says. “Our Ionian Odyssey itinerary, for example, combines the mythology and history of Ithaca and Corfu with the islands’ natural beauty, local communities, cuisine and coastal experiences. Ithaca is traditionally known as the homeland of Odysseus, while Corfu is traditionally identified with the land of the Phaeacians, where Odysseus is welcomed by King Alcinous and Princess Nausicaa. This makes the Ionian Odyssey especially relevant for travelers inspired by the new film and interested in experiencing the landscapes and places associated with Homer’s epic.”
On other Greek itineraries, Venetopoulos noes that archeological heritage is even more central, with visits to sites such as Olympia, Delphi and Nestor’s Palace.
“More specifically, our Peloponnese Treasures: Antiquity to Byzantium itinerary places an even greater emphasis on Greece’s archeological and historical heritage. The cruise visits Methoni, Pylos and Mycenae, among other important destinations, offering travelers the opportunity to explore places that connect directly with the world of The Odyssey and the new film. Pylos, associated with Homer’s King Nestor, and Methoni, both of which feature in Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey, are particularly timely destinations for travelers inspired by the film. Mycenae, meanwhile, is closely connected to the wider Homeric world as the legendary kingdom of Agamemnon and, together with Tiryns, is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its connection to the Mycenaean civilization and the Homeric epics.”
The itinerary also includes visits to some of Greece’s most significant archeological and historical landmarks, including Delphi, the ancient Theatre of Epidaurus and Olympia, as well as important Byzantine sites. This combination of destinations allows guests to travel through different chapters of Greek history, from the Bronze Age and Classical antiquity to the Byzantine era.
“For us, this is an essential part of small-ship cruising in Greece: history and culture are not simply an excursion added to the itinerary, but an integral part of discovering the places, landscapes and stories that have shaped the country,” adds Venetopoulos, whose family owned company has been in business for over 75 years.
Greece has an extraordinary concentration of archeological and historical sites, many of which are recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. They include the Acropolis of Athens, Delphi, Olympia, Mycenae and Tiryns, Epidaurus, Delos, Meteora among others. Greece currently has 21 properties inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, reflecting the country’s exceptional cultural heritage. The sites are spread throughout the mainland and the islands and reflect many different periods of Greek history, from the Bronze Age and Classical Greece to the Roman, Byzantine and later periods.
“This is one of the reasons Greece is such a rewarding destination for cultural travel: history is not confined to one or two major sites. It is woven into the landscape, towns, islands and communities that travelers encounter throughout the country,” Venetopoulos. “For travelers following the story of The Odyssey, this connection is particularly fascinating. Mycenae and Tiryns, for example, are UNESCO World Heritage Sites and are closely linked to the Homeric epics, including the Odyssey. What makes the connection between The Odyssey and our Ionian Odyssey particularly special is that guests are not simply following a film-related trend. They are travelling through a part of Greece where the story of Odysseus has been part of the cultural imagination for centuries. For us, small-ship cruising is an ideal way to experience this. Rather than simply visiting a major landmark and moving on, our guests have time to explore smaller ports and islands, connect with local communities and experience the landscapes and traditions that give these stories their meaning.”
Venetopoulos notes that the film has brought a timeless story to a new global audience.
“We hope it inspires travellers to go beyond the screen and discover the Greece behind the myth for themselves.”
The seven-day Ionian Odyssey itinerary (starting from US$3,180 per person*) sails roundtrip from Athens. For a shoulder season alternative, Variety’s Antiquity to Byzantium itinerary (from US$2,000 per person) focuses on the evolution of Greek civilization from antiquity through the Byzantine era, visiting regions deeply connected with the Homeric tradition, such as Messenia and Voidokoilia. Guests can visit Diros Cave, historically revered as an entrance to the Underworld (Homer’s Kingdom of the Dead).
Each itinerary includes visits to UNESCO World Heritage sites, authentic Greek cuisine and swim stops along the way.
