Hansen Family Mediterranean Adventure: Greece & Italy 2025

Escape the city heat with a day in Tivoli, where waterfalls, ruins, and Renaissance gardens offer a cool, scenic retreat. We’ll walk the wooded trails of Villa Gregoriana, hear how a pope rerouted a river to save a town, and peek at the grandeur of Villa d’Este and Villa Adriana. With nature, history, and a bit of Roman engineering magic, Tivoli is where emperors—and now the Hansens—go to unwind.

This episode takes you from the ashes of ancient Pompeii to the birthplace of modern pizza—all in one unforgettable day. We’ll sail past the cliffs of Capri, stroll the sunny streets of Sorrento, and then explore the ruins of Pompeii, where daily Roman life was frozen in time. Along the way, we’ll dish out stories of emperors, eruptions, lemon groves, and the perfect slice of Margherita.

With its whitewashed houses, blue domes, and volcanic cliffs, Santorini is one of the most iconic islands in the world. In this episode, we’ll explore the island’s dramatic origins, the ancient ruins of Akrotiri, and the postcard-perfect towns of Fira and Oia. You'll hear how a massive eruption shaped the island—and maybe even inspired the myth of Atlantis—plus tips on what to eat, where to wander, and how to spot the best sunset in the Aegean.

Step into a real-life storybook on the island of Rhodes, where ancient temples, medieval knights, and sunny beaches all share the stage. We’ll explore the walled Old Town, the legacy of the Colossus, and the hilltop acropolis of Lindos—plus a stop at Tsambika Beach for some well-earned relaxation. From mythology to mosaics, this episode brings the island’s epic past and scenic beauty to life.

Climb to the top of ancient Athens as we explore the Parthenon, the Acropolis, and the birthplace of the modern Olympics. This episode blends myth and marble, with stories of gods, philosophers, stadiums, and one very sacred hill. We’ll also wander through Plaka, dip into Poseidon's temple, and cool off in the thermal waters of Lake Vouliagmeni—all while keeping it fun and family-friendly.

Crete is where legends come to life—literally. This episode explores the birthplace of Zeus, the mysterious ruins of Knossos, the labyrinth-loving Minoans, and the breathtaking White Mountains. We’ll hike gorges, snack on goat cheese, peek into WWII resistance hideouts, and unravel the story of Theseus and the Minotaur. It’s part history, part mythology, and all adventure.

Welcome to the land of myths and mountains! This episode sets the stage for your Greek island adventures with fun facts, handy phrases, ancient history, and travel tips for the whole family. From feta cheese and ferry routes to Zeus myths and polite bathroom etiquette, this is your all-ages guide to understanding Greece—before you even set foot on the Acropolis.

Before your Mediterranean adventure even reaches shore, the magic begins at sea. This episode is your guide to life aboard the Disney Fantasy—from Broadway-style shows and water coasters to concierge perks, quiet lounges, trivia nights, and chocolate soufflé. Whether you're hunting hidden Mickeys, sipping wine on the adult sundeck, or solving a mystery in the hallways, this floating resort has something for every Hansen onboard.

From a fisherman martyred in ancient Rome to the newly elected Pope Leo XIV, this episode traces the epic 2,000-year story of the papacy. We’ll explore how popes are chosen, why the Vatican exists, what a jubilee year means, and introduce a few of the most fascinating popes in history—scandalous, saintly, and everything in between. It’s a crash course in papal power, tradition, and the quirks that come with leading over a billion Catholics.

Step inside the world’s smallest country—and one of its grandest artistic treasures. This episode guides you through the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica with stories of Michelangelo’s ceiling, ancient sculptures, and the secrets of the Popes’ palace halls. We’ll share what to look for, how to beat the crowds, and why this place has inspired pilgrims, artists, and travelers for centuries.