Explore Worldwide has reported a 29% rise in Greece bookings as Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey drives a new wave of ‘set-jetting’ tourism.
*All details correct at time of publish (10 August 2026)
According to the company, the release of Christopher Nolan’s Hollywood blockbuster The Odyssey is inspiring travellers to look beyond the cinema screen and experience the landscapes, history and mythology that have shaped one of the world’s greatest stories.
With the epic film now playing to audiences around the world, Explore Worldwide has seen increased interest in holidays and tours connected to Greece and the wider world of Homer’s Odyssey.
Over the past four weeks, bookings to Greece have risen by nearly a third (29%) year on year, suggesting that travellers are increasingly seeking out the destinations that inspired the ancient tale.
The small-group adventure specialist believes the film could encourage a new wave of ‘set-jetting’, with fans of cinema, history and Greek mythology inspired to experience the destinations and ancient sites associated with Odysseus for themselves.
Interest in Explore’s historical tours across Sicily and Greece has increased by seven per cent year on year overall, while bookings for historical tours in Sicily alone have risen by 20%, highlighting growing demand for culturally rich travel experiences inspired by the ancient Mediterranean world.
Greece is at the heart of the story, with the mythical hero’s ten-year journey home from the Trojan War taking him through a world of gods, monsters and mythical islands before he finally returns to Ithaca.
The country is also among the locations used in the production, with the Peloponnese providing a spectacular backdrop for parts of the film.
For travellers inspired by the film, Explore Worldwide’s Peloponnese Explorer trip offers an opportunity to delve deeper into the history and landscapes of the Peloponnese, including a visit to Pylos, a destination with a particularly strong connection to the ancient world and the story of Odysseus.
The company’s Greek Island Wanderer offers another way to experience the Mediterranean, travelling between Greek islands by boat and capturing something of the spirit of an island-hopping voyage.
The connection extends beyond the Peloponnese. Explore’s Corfu-based adventures, including Walking the Corfu Trail (South), offer travellers the chance to explore the Ionian Islands, a region closely associated with the wider geography and mythology of the Odyssey.
For those keen to follow the story beyond Greece, Explore also offers tours that connect travellers with other locations linked to the epic’s ancient world, including Troy in Türkiye (Highlights of Turkey), as well as historical and cultural experiences in Sicily including the Walking in Sicily tour.
Michael Edwards, CEO at Explore Worldwide, said: “There is something incredibly powerful about seeing a story as timeless as The Odyssey brought to life on the big screen. It gives people a reason to look again at the places behind the mythology, to stand on the shores, explore the ancient landscapes and imagine the stories that have been told there for thousands of years.
“We’re already seeing rising interest around trips to Greece and destinations connected to the world of the Odyssey. Greece bookings have increased by 29% over the past four weeks, while demand for historical tours across Sicily and Greece continues to grow.
“It’s still early days, but we expect the film to inspire even more travellers to discover the Peloponnese, the Greek islands and the wider Mediterranean for themselves.
“For us, this is exactly what travel is about. It’s not simply visiting a place; it’s understanding the history, culture and stories that make it special. The Odyssey offers an incredible invitation to explore Greece and beyond, and to create your own epic adventure along the way.”
Go to www.explore.co.uk for more information.
