A Greek Odyssey

• a pilgrimage through an ancient storied land •

June 20-30, 2024

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“The unexamined life

is not worth living.”

-Socrates

Greece is one of the oldest cultures in the world and the iconic cradle of western civilization. To visit it is to step along the stones where ancient thinkers, philosophers, inventors, politicians, poets, artists, and theologians shared their truth, goodness, and beauty with the world. The rocky land and storied islands are worth a modern odyssey, because Socrates was right: our lives are worthwhile when we reflect on who we are, how we're made, and why we're here. What better way to do that than to travel? And what better place to pilgrimage for a deep, reflective look into our modern lives than in historic Greece?

Join Tsh & Kyle Oxenreider on a pilgrimage to Greece.

…Together, you'll learn from locals, trod on old soil, and spend time each day unpacking what you've learned — probably over a pint or a glass of ouzo.

A Tidbit of What You’ll Experience:

The Parthenon, Erechtheum, Propylaea, Mars Hill, & the ancient Agora in Athens
A 4-day Aegean cruise (drinks included!)
The narrow, cobbled streets on the island of Mykonos
The island of Rhodes’ ancient Roman & Byzantine architecture
The Palace of Knossos on the island of Crete (home of the fabled minotaur!)
The iconic whitewashed cafés & side streets on the island of Santorini
Ancient Corinth and the Temple of Apollo
The island of Patmos and the site where St. John penned the book of Revelation
A day trip to Turkey to walk through the ruins of Ephesus*

….and plenty more, including breathtaking churches and monasteries, delectable local cuisine, Greek folklore dancing, and beyond!

*right near where Kyle & Tsh lived for three years!

“We wander for distraction, but we travel for fulfillment.”

– Hilaire Belloc

Who Are You?

You appreciate Tsh’s laid-back adventure style of travel — yet whether you're a seasoned nomad or you've never left the country, you're also a little unsure what it might be like to travel with a group of strangers. (It's understandable, and Tsh was honestly a little unsure what it'd be like to lead a group trip the first time, too!) But rest assured: there are no matching shirts here, and there's no one saying "We're walking, we're walking" through a crowd of fellow tourists. When you travel with Tsh, you're joining a likeminded group of pilgrims who value meaningful conversations in meaningful places, who want to savor the big and small pleasures of travel, who are willing to embrace the unexpected, yet who also relish the simple joy of a good conversation over a drink at the café.

All are welcome: young and older, men and women, single and married, religious and not, seasoned travelers and first-time abroad newbies. So long as you’re willing to learn about yourself, the world, and your place in it — you'll fit right in.

*Pilgrims from Tsh’s summer 2022 trip to Italy*

*Pilgrims from Tsh’s summer 2023 trip to Ireland*

Meet Your Guides

Kyle and Tsh Oxenreider are explorers down to their bones, and ever since they met on a dirt road in war-torn Kosovo 20-plus years ago, travel has been in their family's DNA. They've lived in Kosovo and Turkey and traveled to well over thirty countries, and along the way they've learned a heckuva lot about home. Several years ago they took their three kids on a round-the-globe journey, spending a school year learning from the greatest textbook there is: the world.

Because of all this (not in spite of!), they love being home in their cozy small town north of Austin, Texas, where they spend their weekends renovating an old house and walking to coffee shops and the library. Kyle is a small business owner by day, podcast editor by night, and loves all things outdoors.

Tsh is an experienced travel guide, high school literature teacher, and author of six books including At Home in the World: Reflections on Belonging While Wandering the Globe. She also writes for publications like America Magazine, Public Discourse, Word on Fire, and more. She is a long-time podcaster and currently co-hosts A Drink With a Friend, a show that explores what it means to see all of ordinary life through a sacramental lens.

Both of them are Catholic converts after spending most of their lives as devoted evangelicals, followed by Anglicans. They're beyond grateful for discovering where they belong after years of searching for where they could best find the presence of Jesus. There's little that gets them more encouraged than connecting ecumenically with brothers and sisters, wherever God has them, and sharing real-world experiences together.

When you travel with them, you'll try new things and ask new questions about the world and your place in it, but not at the cost of unwise risk. You’ll learn from locals, trod on old soil, and spend time each day unpacking what you’ve learned — often over a pint or a glass of something unique to the culture. They’d love you to join them!

FAQs

What is the group size?

Groups are a maximum of 50 people.

When will group participants be revealed to each other?

You’ll connect via email a few weeks before departure.

What should I pack?

Layers are key to helping you pack as light as you can. Greece is warm, so loose-fitting, lighter clothing feels best. Comfortable walking shoes are also a must! And you may want to toss in your bag something simple you enjoy wearing out for the evening. But on the whole, this trip is casual, and Tsh is a big fan of packing light.

Is this trip only for Christians? Or Catholics?

Not at all. Tsh and Kyle are Catholic Christians, and as such, their worldviews are a natural outflow of their faith. Naturally, the conversations throughout the week follow suit.

But as a participant, you’re not asked about your beliefs beforehand, you don’t have to sign some sort of doctrinal statement, and they embrace the idea that all of us are on our own unique journey. Will there be chats about the intersection of travel and faith? Yes, absolutely. But they trust that God knows where you’re at, and there’s no pressure to be anyone but you.

What's the investment?

The investment for the trip is $4,895, which includes round-trip airfare from Newark to Athens. This includes stays in first-class hotels, daily breakfast, outside cabins on the cruise, included experiences, and more! See the brochure for more details.

Why does Tsh partner with Select International?

She has led trips on her own before, and they’re a lot of work to plan. As a full-time writer, teacher, and mother, planning a unique trip of this magnitude often feels like an additional full-time job! Select International has a longstanding track record of excellence in the travel industry (particularly with pilgrimages) and the people behind the scenes are fantastic. Plus, they’re able to make the trip more affordable than if Tsh ran it on her own! She loved working with them in 2022 to Italy, in 2023 to Ireland, and is thrilled to work with them again.