Eternal History Rome to Athens Odyssey

Upon your arrival in Rome, we will be ready at the airport to transfer you to your hotel. Information boards will provide all the necessary details to meet your guide there. In the late afternoon, we will venture to the Esquilino neighbourhood, a perfect introduction to Rome with its magnificent basilicas and a view of the iconic Colosseum. Dinner is included in this evening’s experience. Please note, fellow travellers may join or depart the tour at different points along the route, but the group size will always remain within the set limit. 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.

We begin our day in Rome with a captivating guided exploration of one of the world's most historic cities. Over a leisurely three-hour tour, we'll delve into the highlights of the Eternal City. Our adventure includes a guided walk through Imperial Rome and a panoramic bus tour that introduces us to Rome's illustrious past and its divine architectural wonders. Key sites we'll encounter include the majestic Arch of Constantine, offering a glimpse into Rome's triumphal past, and the iconic exterior of the Colosseum, a testament to the grandeur of ancient entertainment. We'll also see the Imperial Forums, the Circus Maximus, and the Baths of Caracalla, each echoing tales of Rome's legendary history. Our journey continues with views of the Basilica of Saint Mary Major and the Pyramid of Cestius, culminating at the formidable Castel Sant’Angelo. We conclude our morning tour around 11:30 in Vatican City, offering you the afternoon free to explore at your own pace and perhaps dive deeper into Rome's rich tapestry of culture and history.

Take advantage of a full day at your leisure to explore the captivating city of Rome. Whether you choose to wander through its historic streets, visit world-renowned sights, or simply soak in the vibrant atmosphere, you have the freedom to craft your own Roman adventure. Stroll past centuries-old monuments, indulge in delicious Italian cuisine, or perhaps relax in one of the city's charming piazzas. The day is entirely yours to uncover the many treasures this iconic city has to offer.

Today, we'll set off towards the Adriatic Sea, taking in the breathtaking views of the Apennine Mountain range along the way. Our first destination is the San Giovanni in Venere Abbey, a magnificent 11th-century abbey constructed on the remnants of an ancient Roman temple—admission is included. Following this, we'll visit Termoli, a delightful coastal town. Enjoy time to savour lunch and wander around, admiring the old town's walls, the 13th-century castle, and Romanesque cathedral. Our journey then continues to Bari, a historic port city that has been inhabited since before Roman times. Here, you have the opportunity to explore the old town, with its narrow streets, beautiful churches, and energetic atmosphere, brimming with southern Italian charm.

After breakfast, we continue our journey to the coastal city of Brindisi. Here, you can take a leisurely walk along the shore, visit the impressive Roman column, and explore the charming old town at your own pace. In the afternoon, we board a modern ferry, scheduled to depart at 1:00 p.m., and embark on a serene voyage across the Ionian Sea. After an eight-hour crossing, we arrive in the Greek port of Igoumenitsa and proceed to our local accommodation.

After breakfast, we will set off on a journey through the towering mountains of Epirus to arrive in Metsovo, a picturesque Balkan village nestled amidst the hills. The area's rugged terrain has preserved a unique cultural mix influenced by Slavic and Turkish traditions. You'll have the opportunity to explore its quaint streets, characterised by traditional stone houses with red-tiled roofs and intricately carved wooden balconies. As we continue into Thessaly, we'll pause in Kastraki, a charming village that offers stunning views of the Meteora Valley. Here, you can enjoy lunch before we explore the Meteora, an extraordinary World Heritage Site. "Metéora" translates to "suspended in the air" in Greek, which perfectly describes these lofty rock pillars topped with monasteries. These secluded monasteries have provided sanctuary and solitude for monks over the centuries. Our visit includes entry to one of the most renowned monasteries. We will end the day in Kalabaka, where dinner will be provided.

As we journey south through the picturesque Thessaly region, you'll be treated to some outstanding scenery before arriving in Delphi. Here, we will explore this renowned archaeological site, perfectly positioned with striking views over the Gulf of Corinth. Enjoy some time for lunch amidst this spectacular setting. Our voyage then continues to the magnificent Hosios Loukas Monastery, celebrated as one of Greece's finest examples of Byzantine artistry and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The 11th-century mosaics adorning the monastery are particularly noteworthy. We will then proceed towards Athens, reaching the vibrant Greek capital by evening.

Today, we embark on an enlightening tour of Athens with a knowledgeable local guide. We'll visit prominent landmarks, including the Presidential Mansion and the historic Panathenaic Stadium, the site of the first modern Olympic Games. We'll continue to the striking architecture of the National Library and explore the lively squares in the city centre. Our tour will also take us to see the more contemporary neighbourhoods that emerged after the 2004 Olympic Games. The exploration will conclude with a stop at the iconic Acropolis—please note that admission is not included.In the evening, we'll transport you to the enchanting neighbourhood of Plaka. Known for its charming Greek tavernas, this area offers an authentic taste of local culture and a delightful opportunity to immerse yourself in Greece's rich folklore.

You have a full day to continue your exploration of Athens. Use this opportunity to delve deeper into the vibrant history and culture of Greece's capital at your own pace. Visit any museums, neighbourhoods, or sites you might have missed, enjoy the bustling atmosphere of local markets, or simply savour leisurely moments at a café, absorbing the city's unique blend of ancient and modern life. Your time is your own to experience Athens in the way that most inspires you.

Today, you'll embark on a captivating journey as we set sail to explore some of Greece's renowned islands. With nearly 6,000 islands scattered across its seas, Greece boasts more than 100 that are inhabited. This morning, we'll board a ferry to Aegina, a picturesque island rich in history, having been inhabited for over 4,000 years and just under an hour from Athens. Whilst on Aegina, you may wish to wander the charming harbour area, explore quaint neighbourhoods adorned with traditional houses and ancient churches, or perhaps visit the Temple of Apollo.Our adventure continues as we take another ferry, approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, to Poros. Enjoy the lively atmosphere and take time to stroll through its quaint streets. The island promises delightful exploration opportunities, along with time to pause for lunch. Following lunch, we'll embark on a brief 15-minute ferry journey to the Peloponnese coastal village of Galatas. From here, our road journey takes us through stunning landscapes until we arrive at Epidaurus. Here, you'll delve into history with a visit to the Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus, a marvel of Greek architecture built 2,400 years ago and still hosting performances for up to 14,000 visitors.The day concludes in the coastal city of Nafplio, known for its Venetian fortress and citadel. You'll have leisure time to explore this beautiful town, after which we will dine together. Please keep in mind that ferry schedules may vary, and during the low season, ferries between Aegina and Poros might not operate, which will affect the day's itinerary accordingly.

Today, we traverse the picturesque mountains of the Peloponnese to reach Tripoli, the vibrant capital of the Arcadia region. You'll have some free time to explore Areos Square, where a collection of cafes and restaurants await. Our journey then takes us to Olympia, home to the esteemed Archaeological Site, where the inaugural Olympic Games occurred in 776 BC. With a guided tour and entry included, you can marvel at landmarks such as the Temple of Zeus, the Stadium, the Gymnasium, and the Arena. We continue to Patras, Greece’s third-largest city, distinguished by its bustling port, a medieval fortress, Greece’s largest cathedral—considered a significant pilgrimage site—and the nearby old church of St. Andrew. Dinner is included this evening.

After breakfast, we'll embark on a journey across the Rio–Antirrio Bridge, an impressive suspension bridge connecting the Peloponnese with mainland Greece. Travelling through the regions of Central Greece and Epirus, we'll arrive in the port town of Igoumenitsa, where you'll have some time to enjoy a leisurely stroll. In the afternoon, at 2 p.m., we'll board a modern ferry for our voyage across the Ionian Sea back to Italy. We'll reach Brindisi near the end of the day, around 9 p.m., where we'll spend the night.

Today, we explore two truly captivating towns, each offering a glimpse into Italy's unique architectural heritage. Our first stop is Alberobello, where we encounter its famous trulli—remarkable stone houses with iconic conical roofs. These singular structures are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an outstanding example of rural Italian architecture. From Alberobello, we journey to Matera, nestled in the Basilicata region. Matera is celebrated for its ancient centre known as the Sassi di Matera, a network of dwellings carved directly into the rock. With roots stretching back thousands of years, Matera boasts one of the oldest continually inhabited human settlements globally and also holds World Heritage status. After a delightful lunch in Matera, which is included, we continue our travels through the scenic mountain landscapes of Basilicata and Campania. Our day concludes in Naples, where you will have some free time to explore this dynamic city in the evening.

Following breakfast, we will set off to the port of Naples to embark on a ferry to the Island of Capri. Once there, we highly recommend taking the funicular up to the picturesque town of Capri, where you can enjoy a leisurely walk and take in the breathtaking views. After lunch, we will travel to Sorrento, a delightful tourist destination perched at the base of a cliff, where you will have some free time to explore at your leisure. Our journey continues to the Gulf of Salerno, with an overnight stay in the city of Salerno, offering you an opportunity to unwind and absorb the local charm.

Today, we'll begin with a visit to Pompeii, providing you the opportunity to explore this fascinating ancient Roman city preserved under the ashes of Mount Vesuvius (admission and guided tour included). Following our exploration of Pompeii, we'll make our way to Naples. This dynamic city is one of Italy's most enchanting and also boasts the distinction of being among the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Europe. Its historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the largest in Europe, offering you plenty to explore during your free time, along with options for lunch. Afterwards, we'll proceed to Cassino, where you may wish to visit the renowned abbey, noted for being the site of a significant World War II battle and offering remarkable views. Our day will conclude as we journey back to Rome, arriving in the evening.

After breakfast, our journey draws to a close, leaving you with unforgettable memories of your travels.