Italian Splendour to Greek Odyssey Journey

Welcome to Rome! Upon your arrival at the airport, we will be ready to transfer you to your hotel. You will find all the necessary details about meeting your guide on the hotel information boards. In the late afternoon, we'll take you to explore the Esquilino neighbourhood, a perfect introduction to Rome with its magnificent basilicas and the iconic Colosseum. Dinner is included this evening. Please note that during the tour, travellers may join or leave at different points along the route, but rest assured, 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.

In the morning, we will embark on a three-hour guided exploration of Rome, famously known as the Eternal City. Our adventure combines a walking tour through the impressive landmarks of Imperial Rome with a panoramic bus journey to highlight one of Western civilisation’s most influential cities. We will visit renowned sites including the Arch of Constantine, the Colosseum's exterior, the Imperial Forums, the Circus Maximus, and the Baths of Caracalla. Our route will also take us past the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, Pyramid of Cestius, and Castel Sant’Angelo. The tour concludes in Vatican City around 11:30 a.m., offering you free time for the afternoon to explore more of Rome at your leisure.

Take advantage of a free day in Rome to delve into the city's unique allure and explore its iconic landmarks. Use this opportunity to wander through the charming streets, discover hidden gems, and soak up the vibrant atmosphere at your own pace. Whether you're visiting world-renowned sites or simply enjoying a leisurely stroll through a local neighbourhood, the day is yours to embrace the timeless beauty of the Eternal City.

Today, we set off towards the Adriatic Sea, passing through the breathtaking Apennine Mountains. Our journey includes a visit to the San Giovanni in Venere Abbey–a magnificent 11th-century structure built on the remains of an ancient Roman temple, where admission is included. Following this, we will explore Termoli, a delightful coastal city known for its picturesque beach framed by the ancient walled town. Here, the impressive 13th-century castle and Romanesque cathedral serve as key attractions. You will have time here to enjoy lunch and take a leisurely stroll. Our travels then take us to Bari, a vibrant port city with a rich history dating back to pre-Roman times. You'll have the opportunity to wander its charming old town, with narrow streets, beautiful churches, and a lively atmosphere, all embodying the essence of southern Italy.

After breakfast, we'll make our way to Brindisi. Here, you will have the opportunity to take a leisurely stroll along the sea and admire the impressive Roman column that marks the end of the ancient Roman road, Via Appia. You can also explore the old town, with its charming streets and historical sites. Later in the day, we'll board a modern ferry, scheduled to depart at 1:00 p.m., for a journey across the Ionian Sea. This eight-hour crossing will take us to Igoumenitsa in Greece, where we will head to our accommodation for the evening.

Following breakfast, we embark on a scenic journey through the majestic mountains of Epirus, heading towards Metsovo, a picturesque Balkan village renowned for its traditional charm. Nestled within rugged terrain, Metsovo encapsulates a unique blend of culture shaped by Slavic and Turkish influences. Enjoy the opportunity to explore its charming streets, dotted with stone houses, red-tiled roofs, and beautifully carved wooden balconies. Our adventure continues as we traverse into Thessaly, stopping in Kastraki, a quaint village offering spectacular views of the Meteora Valley. Here, you can savour a leisurely lunch before we delve into the awe-inspiring landscape of Meteora. This World Heritage Site is famous for its dramatic rock formations crowned with monasteries, historically serving as retreats for monks in search of solitude. The term "Meteora" translates to "suspended in the air" in Greek, aptly describing these remarkable structures. We will include a visit to one of the most renowned monasteries, allowing us to appreciate its rich history. Our day concludes in Kalambaka, where a delightful dinner awaits.

As we journey south through the Thessaly region today, you'll be enchanted by the stunning landscapes that lead us to Delphi. Here, we'll explore the remarkable archaeological site, perched high above the Gulf of Corinth with awe-inspiring views. There will be time for lunch before we continue to the Hosios Loukas Monastery, a celebrated World Heritage Site known for its beautiful Byzantine architecture and exquisite 11th-century mosaics. Our day concludes with a drive towards Athens, where we will arrive in the evening, ready for the next chapter of our adventure.

We will start our exploration of Athens with a guided city tour, taking in key sites such as the Presidential Mansion and the historic Panathenaic Stadium, which hosted the first modern Olympic Games. Our tour also includes the National Library, as well as the lively city centre squares. Additionally, we'll explore the newer districts that emerged post-2004 Olympics. Our tour concludes at the iconic Acropolis, though please note that entry is not part of the tour. In the evening, we will transport you to the picturesque Plaka neighbourhood, a perfect place to enjoy traditional Greek tavernas and soak up the country’s rich folk culture.

Enjoy a leisurely day in Athens, where you can continue to explore the vibrant city at your own pace. Whether you're drawn to ancient ruins, bustling markets, or charming neighbourhoods, Athens offers a wealth of experiences waiting to be discovered. Take this opportunity to delve deeper into its rich history, enjoy local cuisine, or simply unwind as you soak in the unique atmosphere of this iconic city.

Today is a special day as we explore two of Greece’s enchanting Saronic Islands, part of a nation that boasts nearly 6,000 islands—over 100 of them inhabited. We begin with an early morning ferry from Athens to Aegina, a beautiful island with a history that stretches back over 4,000 years. The journey is under an hour, bringing you to the island’s picturesque harbour. You'll have time to explore its charming neighbourhoods, possibly visiting the Greek Temple of Apollo or wandering by the ancient churches that dot the landscape.Later, we’ll ferry for about an hour and 15 minutes to reach Poros. Here, you can enjoy free time on this lively island, famous for its vibrant atmosphere and historic houses climbing up to the clock tower. After a leisurely stroll or lunch, we'll take a brief 15-minute trip to Galatas, a quaint village on the Peloponnesian coast. From there, our journey continues through scenic hillside landscapes to Epidaurus. Admission is included to the Ancient Theatre, a marvel of ancient architecture built 2,400 years ago and still hosting performances for up to 14,000 spectators. We conclude our day in the coastal city of Nafplio, known for its citadel and Venetian fortress, where you’ll have time to explore the charming area. Dinner is included.Please note that ferry schedules can vary, particularly during the low season, and the ferry between Aegina and Poros may not operate; in such cases, Aegina will not be visited.

Today we traverse the mountainous heart of the Peloponnese to reach Tripoli, the bustling capital of the Arcadia region. You'll have time in Areos Square, the city’s lively hub, where a variety of cafés and restaurants offer a perfect opportunity to relax. We then continue our journey to Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympic Games in 776 BC. Here, you’ll join a guided tour of the archaeological site, where you'll encounter the iconic Temple of Zeus, the ancient Stadium, and the historical Gymnasium and Arena. Our day concludes with a visit to Patras, Greece’s third-largest city. This lively port, watched over by a medieval fortress, is home to Greece's largest cathedral, a renowned place of pilgrimage. You’ll also find the venerable church of St Andrew here. Dinner is included to round off your day.

After breakfast, we'll make our way across the Rio–Antirrio Bridge, a marvel of modern engineering connecting the Peloponnese to mainland Greece. Our route will take us through the scenic regions of Central Greece and Epirus, leading us to the port town of Igoumenitsa. Here, you'll have time to explore the area on foot, immersing yourself in the town's coastal charm, before we board the ferry at 2:00 p.m. to cross the Ionian Sea. This modern vessel will carry us to Italy, arriving in Brindisi by roughly 9:00 p.m., where we'll spend the night as our voyage continues.

On this day, we will explore two exceptional and authentic towns. Our first visit is to Alberobello, renowned for its unique trulli houses – charming conical-roofed structures that are a testament to Italy's rural architectural heritage and are recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Next, we travel to Matera in the Basilicata region, famed for its ancient centre, the Sassi di Matera. This remarkable site features dwellings and buildings carved into the rock, some dating back thousands of years, making it one of the oldest continuously inhabited human settlements globally and also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the afternoon, you’ll enjoy an included lunch in Matera before we continue our journey through the picturesque landscapes of Basilicata and Campania. We'll arrive in Naples by the evening, where you’ll have some free time to explore at your leisure.

Today, we’ll set off by ferry to the enchanting island of Capri—celebrated for its stunning scenery and affluent way of life. The 45-minute journey offers a prelude to the island's charm. Once there, you might choose to explore its natural wonders by taking a boat to the Grotta Bianca or opt for a cable car ride up to Capri town to explore the exquisite Gardens of Augustus, where breathtaking views await. After our time on the island, we’ll return to Naples, offering you a chance to wander its lively streets and enjoy lunch at your leisure. In the afternoon, our travels will take us to the fascinating archaeological site of Pompeii, buried under volcanic ash during the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. With admission and a guided tour included, you’ll uncover the remarkably preserved remnants of this ancient city. Our day will conclude with a journey back to Rome, arriving by evening.

After a hearty breakfast, our remarkable journey concludes today in Rome. Reflect on the wealth of experiences and lasting memories gathered throughout your travels. Safe onward journey!