Live Like a Greek God or Goddess: A Journey Through Greece with AmFund

Mary Blankenship Pointer
Jun 13
4 min read

Most of us remember learning about Greek mythology in school — tales of mighty gods, epic heroes, and legendary lands. But what if you could step into that world and live like a Greek god or goddess?

That’s exactly what happened on this extraordinary journey through Greece with AmFund — a trip that wove together history, beauty, culture, purpose, and more than a few moments of pure magic.

Santorini: The Island of Light and Legacy

Our mythological adventure began in paradise — Santorini.

Perched atop a cliff with sweeping views of the Aegean Sea, our hotel gave us front-row seats to the caldera’s sunrise and the famous sunsets that painted the sky in colors no photo could capture. Our welcome was made even more special by a traditional Santorini wedding, where guests wore white and blue to echo the island’s iconic domed churches and sea.

On our first full day, we attended Mass at St. Joseph Cathedral — a moment of grounding and inspiration that set the tone for the journey ahead. Then it was off to explore Fira, where we debated the best baklava (Greece or Turkey?) over a delicious lunch. AMFund’s expert itinerary ensured we got to decide for ourselves.

We walked scenic trails, took the iconic cliffside cable car, and hiked past whitewashed villages to panoramic vistas. One of the highlights was a hands-on cooking class in Megalochori, where we prepared tzatziki, crispy tomato balls, Greek salad, and Mediterranean pasta — a feast of food and fellowship. Later, we wandered cobblestone streets and hiked to the cliff-carved Chapel of St. Nikolas before dining at the legendary Cave of Nikolas, where every bite felt like home.

From Myth to Memory

This wasn’t just a vacation. Traveling to Greece with AmFund was about living history, tasting tradition, feeling philosophy — and discovering new parts of the world and ourselves. Even better? Every experience supported a nonprofit making a real difference.

Whether you’re a history buff, a beachgoer, a foodie, or a philosopher, this trip had something unforgettable for everyone.

From Santorini to Mykonos: A Sea of Beauty and Warm Welcomes

Leaving Santorini felt like waking from a dream — but the dream continued.

We boarded the SeaJet ferry for a scenic cruise across the Aegean, with 6,000 Greek islands dotting the glittering horizon. Soon, we arrived in Mykonos and checked into a seafront hotel, where the gentle sound of waves became our lullaby.

Mykonos dazzled with its energy and elegance — winding streets, vibrant bougainvillea, charming boutiques, and tucked-away cafes. We dined under the stars, laughed with new friends, and soaked in the effortless beauty of a place that felt at once ancient and alive.

A must-do? A beach day at Ornos Beach — where we read, relaxed, and lunched with the sound of the waves as our soundtrack. The standout dish? Cheese pie with local honey and sesame — my new obsession.

Speaking of honey — honey tasting in Greece is a revelation. I couldn’t leave without buying every kind for my husband: thyme, pine, chestnut, fir, citrus, and heather. Each flavor was uniquely divine.

Then came a sunset lighthouse tour at the top of the island, where we spent two golden hours gazing so far across the Aegean, we could almost see Italy.

Athens: A Living Classroom of Civilization

The final stop was the pièce de résistance: Athens.

As a history lover, I could barely contain my excitement. We arrived ready to walk in the footsteps of Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle — the great minds that shaped the world.

Our first day began at a sidewalk café, refueling before diving into the Acropolis Museum. We pored over the exhibits as if preparing for a dissertation. I imagined being swept back in time, part of the very history I had studied. A stop at the museum store meant a couple of new books to add to my growing collection.

Dinner that night was on a rooftop with a glowing view of the Acropolis — a moment that felt surreal and sacred.

Then came the grand finale.

I walked the Acropolis and stood before the Parthenon, imagining myself as the goddess Athena — wise, strong, and timeless. The sun glinted off the marble columns, and I felt as if the city whispered, Welcome home.

Here, where democracy was born and philosophy flourished, I reflected on the teachings of the ancients:

Socrates, who taught us to question boldly.
Plato, who dreamed of justice and wisdom.
Aristotle, who showed that knowledge was the path to happiness.

Even as we acknowledged the scars of conquest and the ruins of once-mighty temples, the spirit of Athens endured — a living reminder that while empires fall, ideas last forever.

A Journey of Purpose

This trip wasn’t just about checking places off a list. It was about stepping into legend, walking through history with purpose, and letting each moment change you.

Greece is more than a destination. It’s a living classroom, a feast for the senses, and a journey for the soul. Whether watching the sun melt into the sea, wandering ancient ruins, or tasting honey that’s been crafted the same way for centuries — every moment meant something.

And thanks to AMFund, every detail was expertly curated, every day unforgettable, and every step purposeful. Best of all, each traveler’s journey helped support a nonprofit doing life-changing work.