Greek Wonders to Italian Marvels Adventure

Upon your arrival in Athens, we will arrange your transfer to the hotel, giving you some free time to settle in and explore at your leisure. As evening approaches, you'll find essential information about the commencement of your adventure on display in the hotel reception area. While the first day is one of orientation and individual exploration, it's the perfect opportunity to familiarise yourself with the vibrant cityscape and prepare for the exciting journey ahead. 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, we embark on an intriguing city tour of Athens, complete with a knowledgeable local guide. We will visit notable sites such as the Presidential Mansion and the Panathenaic Stadium, renowned as the venue for the first modern Olympic Games. Our exploration continues with the National Library and the lively squares in the city centre. We will also venture into the vibrant neighbourhoods that emerged following the 2004 Olympic Games. Our tour will conclude at the iconic Acropolis, though please note that entrance is not included in the itinerary. In the evening, we will whisk you away to the historic neighbourhood of Plaka, where you will find delightful Greek tavernas and dive into the rich cultural folklore of Greece.

On Day 3, we set off in the early morning for northern Greece, with our first stop at the charming seaside resort of Kamena Vourla, surrounded by stunning landscapes. Continuing north, we take a break at the historic Thermopylae Mountain Pass, famously known for the ancient battle that took place there. Our journey then brings us to Kastraki, a picturesque village offering splendid views of the entire valley, where you’ll have free time for lunch. Afterwards, we explore the awe-inspiring Meteora, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its incredible rock formations and monasteries. Admission to one of the renowned monasteries is included in our visit. We'll end our day with dinner in the town of Kalambaka, providing a perfect close to a day filled with cultural and historical marvels.

Today, we will travel south through the picturesque Thessaly region, renowned for its stunning landscapes, and make our way to the historic site of Delphi. Here, you'll have the opportunity to explore the remarkable archaeological site, perched with spectacular views over the Gulf of Corinth. Following our exploration, there will be some time set aside for lunch.Afterward, we continue our journey to the Hosios Loukas Monastery, celebrated as one of Greece's finest Byzantine monasteries and recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The monastery is famed for its magnificent 11th-century mosaics, reflecting the Byzantine artistry of the period. We will then proceed towards Athens, planning to arrive in the evening.

Today, we embark on a delightful exploration of two of the Saronic Islands. Our day begins with an early morning ferry journey from Athens to Aegina, a historic island inhabited for over 4,000 years and just under an hour away from the mainland. During your time here, you are free to wander around the picturesque harbour, explore the traditional neighbourhoods, and perhaps visit the Greek Temple of Apollo. Following this, we board another ferry for a 1-hour and 15-minute trip to Poros, a charming island renowned for its vibrant tourist scene and old houses that lead up to the clock tower. Enjoy your free time to take a stroll and have lunch at your leisure. After lunch, we take a short 15-minute ferry ride to Galatas, a quaint coastal village in the Peloponnese, before travelling overland through breathtaking hillside landscapes to Epidaurus. Here, we provide entrance to the Ancient Theatre, a remarkably preserved structure built 2,400 years ago, still hosting performances for up to 14,000 spectators. Our final destination today is Nafplio, a beautiful coastal city showcasing a citadel and a Venetian fortress, where you have free time to explore the enchanting surroundings. Dinner will be included, completing our exciting island-hopping adventure. Note that ferry schedules are subject to change, especially in the low season, which may affect our planned visit to Aegina.

Today, we'll travel through the mountainous heart of the Peloponnese to Tripoli, the capital of the Arcadia region. Here, you'll have free time to explore Areos Square, which is lined with inviting cafés and restaurants. We then continue our journey to Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympic Games, which first took place in 776 BC. We'll visit the archaeological site, where a guided tour and admission are included. Highlights include the Temple of Zeus and the ancient Stadium. Our adventure continues to Patras, Greece's third-largest city and a lively port. Dominated by a medieval fortress, it is also home to the country's largest cathedral, a significant pilgrimage site. Dinner will be provided as you immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of this bustling city.

On the seventh day, after a hearty breakfast, we will cross the impressive Rio–Antirrio Bridge, connecting the Peloponnese with mainland Greece. As we travel through the regions of Central Greece and Epirus, you'll be treated to ever-changing landscapes. Upon reaching the port town of Igoumenitsa, there will be some time to stretch your legs and explore the area before boarding a modern ferry at 2:00 p.m. Enjoy a leisurely sail across the Ionian Sea, as you make your way to Italy. We'll arrive in Brindisi by the end of the day, around 9:00 p.m., where the night's rest awaits.

Today, we venture into two extraordinary towns, each offering a unique glimpse into Italy's rich architectural history. Our first destination is Alberobello, celebrated for its iconic trulli—quaint, conical-roofed houses that stand as a testament to Italian rural architecture. These distinctive dwellings are recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. From here, we continue to Matera in the Basilicata region, renowned for the Sassi di Matera—ancient rock-carved dwellings and one of the oldest continuously inhabited settlements in the world, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After an included lunch in Matera, we will journey through the picturesque landscapes of Basilicata and Campania. Our day concludes in Naples, where you’ll have the evening at leisure to discover the city's vibrant atmosphere.

Today begins with a morning ferry ride from the port of Naples to the enchanting Island of Capri. Once there, we suggest taking the funicular to Capri town, where you can explore its charming streets and enjoy breathtaking views at your leisure. After lunch, we'll head to Sorrento, a delightful coastal town nestled at the base of rugged cliffs. You’ll have free time to wander its picturesque streets and perhaps indulge in some local treats. Our journey continues as we travel to the Gulf of Salerno, where we’ll settle in the city of Salerno for the evening.

Today, we journey south through the picturesque landscapes of southern Italy, traversing the Cilento National Park. Our first stop is Paola, a charming town situated on the Tyrrhenian Sea's coastline. Here, we will visit the Sanctuary of St. Francis of Paola, a significant religious and historical site, before you enjoy some leisure time for lunch in the quaint historic centre. After lunch, we continue to Villa San Giovanni, where we will board a ferry for a brief crossing to the island of Sicily. Upon our arrival in Messina, there's time to explore the area surrounding the city's renowned cathedral. Our day concludes as we travel onwards to Taormina, where an included dinner rounds off your day of exploration. Note: Accommodation is typically provided in the Taormina region, but on specific dates, it may be available in Messina.

Nestled at the foot of Mount Etna, Taormina offers a captivating blend of history and beauty. Described by Churchill as one of the most beautiful places on earth, you will have the opportunity to explore its vibrant historic centre. The ancient Greek theatre, with its commanding presence, offers stunning views over the landscape. If relaxation is on your agenda, consider unwinding on the beautiful beaches. Dinner is included, providing the ideal end to a delightful day in this enchanting Sicilian city.

Today, we venture from Taormina to the captivating city of Catania, founded by the Greeks. Despite its history of volcanic eruptions, Catania has preserved a baroque centre that enchants visitors. Following our visit, we will head to the island's interior to explore Caltagirone, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Here, you can enjoy a ride on the charming tourist train and take a leisurely walk to admire the city's renowned Sicilian ceramics. After lunch, our journey continues to the marvellous Villa Romana del Casale. Admission and a guided tour are included, showcasing its beautifully preserved Roman mosaics, considered some of the finest in the world. Our day concludes in Agrigento, where we will enjoy sweeping views of the Valley of the Temples from the comfort of our coach before arriving at the hotel. Dinner is included this evening.

Today, we will explore the magnificent Valley of the Temples in Agrigento with an expert guide. This extraordinary archaeological site is renowned for its collection of well-preserved Greek temples—admission is included. After marvelling at this historic treasure, we will head to Marsala, a city celebrated for its lively atmosphere and famous fortified wines. Here, you'll have some time to enjoy lunch and perhaps sample the local flavours.Our adventure continues as we meander around the scenic Marsala salt pans, leading us to the enchanting town of Erice. Perched above the sea, Erice is a picturesque Phoenician town that offers a delightful setting for a leisurely stroll through its charming streets. We will then make our way to Palermo, where dinner will be provided, concluding another intriguing day of discovery.

Today, after breakfast, we will delve into the vibrant history and culture of Palermo. Our exploration starts with a visit to Monreale, now a picturesque suburb of the city. Here, you'll marvel at the stunning Arab-Norman cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its magnificent golden mosaics (entry included). Palermo itself is a city rich in contrasts, showcasing a fascinating blend of Arabic, Norman, and Baroque influences. Highlights of our tour include the impressive Cathedral (admission covered) and the Norman Palace, where the exquisite Palatine Chapel awaits your admiration. Following this, you will have some leisure time to explore at your own pace. In the late afternoon, we will board a modern night ferry, providing accommodation in double cabins equipped with en suite bathrooms, setting the stage for tomorrow's adventures.

We’ll dock in Naples early this morning. As breakfast is not included, you may want to grab a bite to eat on your own. Our first stop will be Pompeii, an ancient Roman city that was tragically buried under volcanic ash from Mount Vesuvius in AD 79. A local guide will lead us through this remarkable archaeological site, with tickets and tour included. Next, we'll explore the vibrant city of Naples, a place known for its historical significance and bustling energy. Its historic centre, among the largest in Europe, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offering you ample opportunity to wander and discover. Enjoy some free time to stroll around and perhaps indulge in a local lunch, before we continue our journey to Rome, the captivating capital of Italy, where our day will conclude.

Following breakfast, our tour concludes. You depart with lasting memories that capture the essence of your travel experiences, with their rich tapestry of history, culture, and stunning scenery throughout this incredible journey. Safe travels as you return home or continue your adventures.