Greek Wonders and Sicilian Charms
Start in Athens and finish in Palermo on this 10 day journey across Greece, southern Italy and Sicily. Begin with a guided tour of Athens – from the Panathenaic Stadium to lively Plaka – then head via the Corinth Canal to Olympia’s legendary ruins. Sail the Ionian Sea to Brindisi, discover Alberobello’s trulli and Matera’s cave dwellings, and sample Naples with a hop to Capri and time in Sorrento. Continue south through Cilento to Sicily – Taormina’s views of Etna, Giardini Naxos and the superb mosaics at the Villa Romana del Casale. Conclude in Palermo with its grand cathedral and Monreale’s golden glow.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more.
Tour Overview
Duration
10 daysHotel Rating
3-5 star hotelsStarts
AthensEnds
PalermoMinimum 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
$2,605.25
$400.00
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
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Day 1 - Athens
Arrival in Athens – we’ll transfer you to your hotel. You’ll then have free time to relax or explore nearby. 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
This morning we take a guided city tour of Athens, taking in the Presidential Mansion, the Panathenaic Stadium – where the first modern Olympic Games were held – the National Library and the lively squares of the city centre. We also explore the newer neighbourhoods developed after the 2004 Olympic Games. The tour concludes at the Acropolis – admission not included. In the evening we provide a transfer to the historic Plaka neighbourhood, known for its welcoming Greek tavernas and traditional atmosphere.
Day 3 - Athens - Tripoli - Olympia - Patras
We travel into the Peloponnese, pausing at the Corinth Canal – an impressive feat of late nineteenth century engineering. Continuing through the mountains, we reach Tripoli, capital of the Arcadia region, where we break in Aeros Square – you can explore the cafés and restaurants around the square.We then continue to Olympia for a guided visit to the Archaeological Site – tickets included. This was the birthplace of the Olympic Games in 776 BC, and we see the Temple of Zeus, the ancient stadium, the gymnasium and the arena. Afterwards, we head to Patras, the third largest city in Greece, noted for its medieval fortress and the country’s largest cathedral, with the small church of St Andrew beside it. Dinner is included.
Day 4 - Patras - Igoumenitsa - Igumenitsa - Brindisi Ferry - Brindisi
After breakfast, we cross the Rio–Antirrio Bridge – a striking suspension bridge linking the Peloponnese with mainland Greece – and continue overland through Central Greece and Epirus. In the port of Igoumenitsa, you’ll have free time for a stroll before we board the modern ferry at 2:00 pm to sail across the Ionian Sea to Italy. We arrive in Brindisi towards the end of the day, at around 9:00 pm, and spend the night there.
Day 5 - Brindisi - Alberobello - Matera - Naples
From Brindisi, we travel to Alberobello to see its trulli – distinctive conical stone houses and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We then continue to Matera in Basilicata, famed for the Sassi di Matera – ancient rock hewn dwellings dating back thousands of years and recognised as one of the oldest continuously inhabited human settlements. Lunch is included in Matera. In the afternoon, we continue through Basilicata and Campania, passing mountain landscapes, and arrive in Naples by evening, where you’ll have free time to explore.
Day 6 - Naples - Capri - Sorrento - Salerno
After breakfast, we travel to the port of Naples and board the ferry to Capri. On arrival, you can take the funicular up to Capri town to stroll and enjoy the views. After lunch, we reboard the boat and continue to Sorrento – a charming town set beneath cliffs – where you’ll have free time to wander. We then continue to the Gulf of Salerno for an overnight stay in Salerno.
Day 7 - Salerno - Paola - Mesina - Taormina
We travel south – crossing Cilento National Park – to Paola on the Tyrrhenian coast. We visit the Sanctuary of St Francis of Paola, then you have free time for lunch in the historic centre. We continue to Villa San Giovanni for a short ferry crossing to Sicily. On arrival in Messina, we have time to see the cathedral before continuing to the Taormina area, where dinner is included. Please note – accommodation is normally in the Taormina region, though on some dates it may be in Messina.
Day 8 - Taormina - Giardini Naxos - Villa Romana del Casale - Palermo
Early this morning we head to Giardini Naxos – the first Greek settlement in Sicily, founded in 734 BC – for a stroll along its seafront promenade and beaches. We then continue to Taormina at the foot of Mount Etna, where you’ll have time to wander the lively old town; you can visit the ancient Greek Theatre for sweeping views if you wish. After lunch, we travel inland to the Villa Romana del Casale for an included guided visit and admission. This UNESCO‑listed 4th‑century complex preserves its original layout and extraordinary mosaics, celebrated as among the finest of the Roman world. Crossing the mountainous heart of the island, we continue to Palermo, arriving at the end of the day. Dinner included.
Day 9 - Palermo
With a local guide, we set out on a city tour of Palermo. We visit the cathedral – renowned for its blend of architectural styles and royal tombs – with admission included, and continue to the Palazzo dei Normanni, the former royal palace with fountains, markets and gardens. We then travel to Monreale to visit its cathedral – admission included – a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for its golden mosaics that cover the interior. The afternoon is yours to spend at leisure. Note: for smaller groups, this tour may operate as part of a regular excursion run by local companies rather than a private tour.
Day 10 - Palermo
After breakfast in Palermo, we conclude the tour – a final moment to reflect on the journey before your onward travel.
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 - Palermo
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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