Greece and Sicily Ancient Wonders Adventure

Upon arriving in Athens, we will ensure a smooth transfer to the hotel, where you can take some time to relax and unwind. The afternoon is yours to explore as you wish—perhaps take a stroll through the vibrant streets of Athens or savour some local cuisine. Later in the day, you'll find important details about the start of your tour on the boards located in the hotel reception area. We hope this marks the beginning of a memorable journey. Please note: This tour may have travellers joining or departing at various points along the route, meaning group composition can change during the tour. Please also be aware that depending on group composition, guiding may be in additional languages as well as English.

On our second day in Athens, we'll embark on a fascinating city tour, expertly led by a local guide. Our exploration begins with visits to key landmarks including the impressive Presidential Mansion and the historical Panathenaic Stadium—the host site of the first modern Olympic Games. We'll also marvel at the grand architecture of the National Library and experience the lively atmosphere of the city centre's bustling squares. As we delve into the more contemporary sections of Athens, developed after the 2004 Olympic Games, we'll see the dynamic side of the city. Our tour will culminate at the iconic Acropolis, where you'll have the opportunity to visit independently (entry not included). In the evening, we'll transport you to the enchanting historical neighbourhood of Plaka. This area is renowned for its charming Greek tavernas, where you can savour local cuisine and immerse yourself in the vibrant folklore that richly embodies Greek culture.

On day three, we set off early for northern Greece, making our first stop at the delightful coastal town of Kamena Vourla. Known for its picturesque surroundings, this seaside resort offers a perfect blend of scenery and charm. We then continue northward, pausing at the historic Thermopylae Mountain Pass, famously the site of the ancient battle between the Greek city-states and the Persian Empire. Our journey carries on to Kastraki, a quaint village perched above the valley, where you have leisure time to enjoy lunch and take in the stunning views. In the afternoon, we explore the awe-inspiring Meteora, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its majestic monasteries perched on natural sandstone pillars. You'll have the chance to visit one of these iconic sanctuaries, with entry included. After a fulfilling day, we head to Kalabaka for an included dinner.

Today, we embark on a journey through the scenic Thessaly region, famous for its breathtaking landscapes. Our first destination is Delphi, an exquisite archaeological site known for its stunning vantage point overlooking the Gulf of Corinth. You'll have time to explore and enjoy lunch amidst these inspiring surroundings. Later, we proceed to the Hosios Loukas Monastery, celebrated for its exquisite Byzantine architecture and recognised as a World Heritage Site. The monastery's 11th-century mosaics are particularly noteworthy. Our travels then take us back to Athens, arriving by evening.

Today promises a fascinating exploration as we venture into the Saronic Islands, a true highlight with Greece boasting nearly 6,000 islands, over 100 of which are inhabited. We will begin early in the morning by catching a ferry from Athens to Aegina, a historically rich island inhabited for over 4,000 years and conveniently located less than an hour away. Once on Aegina, you can absorb the charm of its harbour, stroll through traditional neighbourhoods with their quaint houses and ancient churches, or visit the historic Temple of Apollo. Our journey continues with a ferry to Poros, a lively island famous for its old houses climbing up to the clock tower, providing an ideal spot for a leisurely walk and lunch. After lunch, we'll embark on a short 15-minute ferry ride to Galatas in the Peloponnese. From there, we'll travel by road through stunning hillside landscapes until reaching Epidaurus. Here, the Ancient Theatre awaits – an architectural marvel, remarkably well-preserved despite being built 2,400 years ago, and capable of seating up to 14,000 spectators for ongoing performances. Our final destination today is Nafplio, a picturesque coastal city noted for its citadel and Venetian fortress. You'll have the chance to explore this enchanting area at your own pace. Dinner is included today. Please note that ferry schedules may vary, especially during the low season, and adjustments to our itinerary will be made if services between Aegina and Poros are unavailable.

On our sixth day, we venture through the rugged mountains of the Peloponnese hinterland, arriving in Tripoli, the capital of the Arcadia region. You’ll have free time to explore Areos Square, where you can relax in one of the many cafés and restaurants lining the area. Our journey then continues to Olympia, where we’ll visit the renowned archaeological site with a guided tour included. This historic location hosted the first Olympic Games in 776 BC and draws visitors with its significant landmarks such as the Temple of Zeus, the Stadium, the Gymnasium, and the Arena. Following Olympia, we make our way to Patras, Greece’s third-largest city. This bustling port city is known for its medieval fortress and Greece’s largest cathedral, a significant pilgrimage site. You’ll also find the nearby old church of St. Andrew. Dinner will be provided as we conclude the day.

Following breakfast, we head across the impressive Rio–Antirrio Bridge, a marvel of modern engineering that links the Peloponnese to mainland Greece. Our journey takes us through the picturesque regions of Central Greece and Epirus, ending in the port town of Igoumenitsa. Here, enjoy some time for a leisurely stroll before we embark on a modern ferry at 2 p.m. to cross the Ionian Sea. We arrive in Brindisi, Italy, by the end of the day, around 9 p.m., where we will spend the night.

We begin our day by visiting two extraordinary Italian towns that are steeped in history and culture. Our first stop is Alberobello, renowned for its distinctive trulli houses. These charming, conical-roofed structures are a stunning example of rural Italian architecture and have been recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We then move on to Matera, situated in the Basilicata region. This town is famous for its ancient centre and the Sassi di Matera—a striking array of homes and buildings carved directly into the rock, some of which are among the oldest continuously inhabited dwellings in the world. After enjoying an included lunch in Matera, we’ll journey through the beautiful landscapes of the Basilicata and Campania regions. Our day concludes in Naples, where you’ll have free time to explore the vibrant city in the evening.

Upon having breakfast, we’ll make our way to the port of Naples and catch a ferry to the enchanting Island of Capri. We recommend making the ascent to Capri town on the funicular to wander around and take in the spectacular views. After a leisurely lunch, we’ll reboard the ferry and head to Sorrento, a delightful tourist destination perched charmingly at the foot of a cliff. Here, you’ll have time to explore at your own pace. Our journey will then lead us along the stunning coastline to the Gulf of Salerno, where we’ll settle down for the night in the lively city of Salerno.

As we embark on our journey today, we'll traverse the beautiful landscapes of southern Italy, travelling through the Cilento National Park. Our first destination is Paola, a picturesque town situated by the Tyrrhenian Sea. Here, we will visit the Sanctuary of St. Francis of Paola and you'll have some free time to explore the historic centre and enjoy lunch at your leisure. Continuing our adventure, we'll head towards Villa San Giovanni, where a short ferry ride will take us across the strait to the enchanting island of Sicily. Upon arriving in Messina, there will be an opportunity to wander around and admire the city's notable cathedral. Our day concludes as we travel to the stunning town of Taormina. Dinner will be included this evening. Please note, while accommodation is typically in the Taormina area, certain dates may require lodging in Messina instead.

Nestled at the foot of Mount Etna, Taormina is celebrated for its captivating beauty. You’ll have the opportunity to explore its vibrant old town, home to the impressive Greek theatre set against a stunning natural backdrop. As we continue our adventure, we'll head towards the heart of the island to visit Caltagirone, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its striking Baroque architecture. Here, you’ll enjoy a ride on a quaint tourist train, providing insights into the town's notable landmarks. Known as Sicily's ceramics capital, Caltagirone boasts numerous shops and workshops, as well as the iconic 142-step staircase, each step adorned with unique, colourful tiles. After lunch, a local guide will lead you through Villa Romana del Casale (admission and guided tour included), another UNESCO World Heritage site. This extraordinary Roman villa is famed for its exquisite 4th-century mosaics, considered some of the finest in the ancient world. Our journey will then take us through the island's mountainous interior, reaching Palermo by evening, where you'll enjoy an included dinner.

Today, we explore the vibrant city of Palermo with a guided tour led by a local expert. Our itinerary includes a visit to the impressive Palermo Cathedral, renowned for its unique blend of architectural styles and its royal tombs, with entry included. We will also explore the magnificent Palazzo dei Normanni, a former royal palace surrounded by beautiful fountains, bustling markets, and lush gardens. A highlight of the day is a visit to Monreale, where you will admire the cathedral’s stunning golden mosaics—a UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned for their breathtaking beauty (admission included). The afternoon will be yours to enjoy as you wish. Please note, if our group is smaller, the tour might be part of a regular local excursion rather than a private one.

Following breakfast, our memorable journey concludes, bidding farewell to the experiences we've shared. You'll leave with cherished memories from this remarkable adventure. Safe travels on your onward journey!