Greek and Italian Heritage Odyssey
Starting in Athens and finishing in Rome, this 12 day journey blends ancient icons with Mediterranean flair. You’ll explore Athens’ grand avenues and the Acropolis, then sweep across the Peloponnese for the Corinth Canal and Olympia. Sail to Italy to visit Alberobello’s trulli and Matera’s cave quarters, before tasting coastal life around Naples – Capri and Sorrento included. Continue through Cilento’s scenery to Calabria, then hop to Sicily to visit Taormina beneath Mount Etna, the mosaic filled Villa Romana del Casale, and Palermo with Monreale. Fly to Rome for Imperial landmarks and the Vatican – plus time in lively Trastevere. Expect varied landscapes, insightful guides and generous free time.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more.
Tour Overview
Duration
12 daysHotel Rating
3-5 star hotelsStarts
AthensEnds
RomeMinimum Age
No minimum ageMaximum Age
Tours have upper age limits for several reasons, such as but not limited to: tour pace, activity level, and accommodation standards. If you fall outside of this age limit, we do have lots of other tours in Greece that are suitable for all ages!
Arrival Transfer
YesDeparture Transfer
NoTour Guide
Yes - English speaking guides (guiding may be in additional languages to English)Countries
Greece, ItalyPassengers
$4,917.25
$500.00
Tour Style
Group Size
Min 2 / Max 65
Trip Type
Large Coach Tours
Range
This tour is operated by our trusted local partner and has been handpicked by us to deliver you an unforgettable trip.
Guiding Style
This tour includes scheduled sightseeing with expert guides in key destinations as per the Inclusions, as well as transportation (either with a driver or public transport), plus of course your accommodation. There is no single tour guide or tour leader throughout the trip. You’ll have support where it counts, and more freedom in between. Our cruise tours also fall into this category where you will be looked after by a crew. For more information, check the Inclusions of this tour.
Tour Pace
A balanced pace, with a mix of free time and visits to multiple locations, allowing for both relaxation and exploration. Generally doesn't visit more than one or two destinations per day.
Physical Rating
A moderate amount of walking is required during sightseeing, with some free time, offering a balance between activity and relaxation. As a general rule, you should be able to walk 2-kilometres without stopping.
Tour Guide
Yes - English speaking guides (guiding may be in additional languages to English)Group Size
Min 2 / Max 65Range
This tour is operated by our trusted local partner and has been handpicked by us to deliver you an unforgettable trip.
Guiding Style
This tour includes scheduled sightseeing with expert guides in key destinations as per the Inclusions, as well as transportation (either with a driver or public transport), plus of course your accommodation. There is no single tour guide or tour leader throughout the trip. You’ll have support where it counts, and more freedom in between. Our cruise tours also fall into this category where you will be looked after by a crew. For more information, check the Inclusions of this tour.
Tour Pace
A balanced pace, with a mix of free time and visits to multiple locations, allowing for both relaxation and exploration. Generally doesn't visit more than one or two destinations per day.
Physical Rating
A moderate amount of walking is required during sightseeing, with some free time, offering a balance between activity and relaxation. As a general rule, you should be able to walk 2-kilometres without stopping.
Trip Type
Large Coach ToursPlaces You'll See
Athens
Tripoli
Olympia
Patras
Igoumenitsa
Igumenitsa - Brindisi Ferry
Brindisi
Alberobello
Matera
Naples
Capri
Sorrento
Salerno
Paola
Mesina
Taormina
Caltagirone
Villa Romana del Casale
Palermo
Rome
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Day 1 - Athens
Welcome to Athens – on arrival, we’ll arrange your transfer to the hotel. You’ll then have free time to settle in or explore the area at your own pace. In the afternoon, please check the information boards at hotel reception for details about the start of your tour.
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.
Day 2 - Athens
We set out on a guided city tour of Athens with a local expert, taking in the Presidential Mansion, the Panathenaic Stadium – site of the first modern Olympic Games – the National Library and the lively squares of the city centre. We also pass through the newer neighbourhoods developed after the 2004 Olympic Games. The tour finishes at the Acropolis – admission not included – where you can explore independently if you wish.In the evening, we provide a transfer to Plaka, the historic neighbourhood renowned for its Greek tavernas and traditional folklore. Here you can wander its atmospheric streets and choose a spot for dinner at your own pace.
Day 3 - Athens - Tripoli - Olympia - Patras
We travel into the Peloponnese, pausing at the Corinth Canal – a striking feat of 19th century engineering. Continuing through the mountains, we reach Tripoli, capital of Arcadia, and stop at Aeros Square – time to enjoy its cafés and restaurants. We then continue to Olympia to visit the Archaeological Site with a local guide – tickets included. The first Olympic Games were held here in 776 BC, and we’ll see the Temple of Zeus, the Stadium, the Gymnasium and the Arena. Afterwards, we proceed to Patras, Greece’s third largest city, noted for its medieval fortress and the country’s largest cathedral; alongside stands the small Church of St Andrew, an important place of pilgrimage. Dinner is included.
Day 4 - Patras - Igoumenitsa - Igumenitsa - Brindisi Ferry - Brindisi
After breakfast we cross the Rio–Antirrio Bridge – an impressive suspension crossing linking the Peloponnese with the Greek mainland – then travel through Central Greece and Epirus to the port of Igoumenitsa. You’ll have time for a stroll before we board the modern ferry at 14:00 for our Ionian Sea crossing to Italy. We arrive in Brindisi around 21:00 and spend the night there.
Day 5 - Brindisi - Alberobello - Matera - Naples
Today we visit two remarkable Italian towns. Our first stop is Alberobello to see its UNESCO World Heritage trulli – distinctive houses with conical roofs built from stacked stone that showcase traditional rural architecture. We then continue into Basilicata for Matera to explore the historic centre and the Sassi di Matera – ancient dwellings and other structures carved from the rock that date back thousands of years. This World Heritage city is among the oldest continuously inhabited settlements in the world. Lunch in Matera is included. In the afternoon we travel across Basilicata and Campania, enjoying mountain landscapes, and reach Naples by evening, where you’ll have free time to explore.
Day 6 - Naples - Capri - Sorrento - Salerno
After breakfast, we head to the port of Naples and board the ferry to Capri. On arrival, you can take the funicular to Capri Town to stroll and enjoy the views. After lunch, we reboard to continue to Sorrento – a coastal town set at the base of a cliff – where you’ll have free time to explore. We then travel to the Gulf of Salerno and stay in the city of Salerno.
Day 7 - Salerno - Paola - Mesina - Taormina
From Salerno we travel south, soaking up the scenery as we cross Cilento National Park. We arrive in Paola on the Tyrrhenian coast to visit the Sanctuary of St Francis of Paola, and you’ll have free time for lunch in the historic centre. We then continue to Villa San Giovanni to board a short ferry across to Sicily. On arrival in Messina, we have time to stroll by the cathedral before continuing to Taormina. Dinner is included. Note: accommodation is usually in the Taormina area – on some dates we may stay in Messina.
Day 8 - Taormina - Giardini Naxos - Villa Romana del Casale - Palermo
At the foot of Mount Etna, Taormina has long captivated visitors – Churchill once called it the most beautiful place on earth. We begin early, heading to nearby Giardini Naxos, the first Greek settlement in Sicily founded in 734 BC, to take in its seafront promenade and beaches. We then continue to Taormina, where you can wander the lively old town – the Greek Theatre frames memorable views. After lunchtime, we travel inland to the Roman Villa of Casale for an included guided visit – admission is covered. In the Roman world, such villas signalled agricultural wealth, and here the fourth century layout survives alongside mosaics considered the most beautiful in the Roman world. Crossing the mountainous heart of the island, we arrive in Palermo at the end of the day. Dinner is included.
Day 9 - Palermo
Today we join a guided tour of Palermo with a local expert, taking in the city’s highlights. We visit Palermo Cathedral – known for its mix of architectural styles and royal tombs – with admission included, and continue to the Palazzo dei Normanni, the former royal palace. We also visit Monreale to see its cathedral – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – with admission included, celebrated for its golden mosaics. The afternoon is free for you to explore at your own pace. Note: for smaller groups, this tour may operate as a regular excursion offered by local companies rather than a private tour.
Day 10 - Palermo - Rome
At the time advised by your guide, we’ll transfer you to Palermo airport for your included domestic flight to Rome. On arrival, we’ll provide a transfer to your hotel. Your guide will get in touch towards the end of the afternoon – or you can check the information available at reception. Please note – on domestic flights the usual checked baggage allowance is one suitcase of up to 20 kg in the hold; any excess must be paid directly to the airline.
Day 11 - Rome
In the morning, we take a guided tour lasting around three hours – part walking, part panoramic coach – to discover the highlights of Imperial Rome, including the Arch of Constantine, the exterior of the Colosseum and the Imperial Forums, the Circus Maximus, the Baths of Caracalla, the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, the Pyramid of Cestius and Castel Sant’Angelo. We finish at Vatican City around 11:00 a.m., where our guide will offer an optional visit to the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel – you can choose to join. In the evening, we include a transfer from the hotel to Trastevere, known for its cosy restaurants and lively atmosphere – return to the hotel is around 8:30 p.m.
Day 12 - Rome
After breakfast, our tour concludes in Rome – we hope you leave with lasting memories of your journey.
Tour Reviews
Extras and add-ons
If you'd like to add extras or add-ons to your booking, you can do this easily during checkout. Just review the available options and select any additional services or upgrades you'd like before completing your purchase.
Pre and Post Tour Accommodation
Extend your tour with us by booking pre and post-accommodation, available at a per-person, per-night rate.
Post-Tour Accommodation - Rome
Pre-Tour Accommodation - Athens
Hotels
The hotels listed below are examples which we frequently use on this tour. Alternative hotels of a similar standard may be used instead.
Confirmation of the hotels used may not be available until 48 hours before the tour departs.
If you are interested in booking pre or post-tour accommodation, here are some of the hotels we typically use.
Prices & Dates
Departure dates are guaranteed with 2 travellers. 'Double/Twin' prices are per person when there are 2 people on the same booking sharing a room. 'Single' prices are applicable to anyone wanting the privacy of their own room. 'Triple' prices are per person when there are 3 people on the same booking sharing a room. 'Shared' prices are for solo travellers who are happy to share with another solo traveller of the same sex in a twin room - a single room will be provided at no additional cost if there are no suitable travellers to share with.
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