Grand Odyssey Italy and Greece Adventure

Welcome to Rome! Upon your arrival at the airport, our team will be on hand to transfer you to your hotel. Detailed information about meeting your guide will be available on the hotel's information boards. In the late afternoon, we'll head to the Esquilino neighbourhood — a perfect introduction to Rome, featuring grand basilicas and views of the iconic Colosseum. Dinner is included. Please note that you may encounter fellow travellers joining or leaving at different points, but rest assured, the group size will never exceed its 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.

Upon waking in Rome, prepare for a journey through the heart of the Eternal City. Our morning begins with a three-hour guided exploration, immersing you in the essence of Imperial Rome. This combined walking and panoramic bus tour introduces us to some of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Marvel at the Arch of Constantine and admire the grand exterior of the Colosseum. As we traverse historic grounds, you'll also spot the Imperial Forums, the legendary Circus Maximus, and the ancient Baths of Caracalla. We will pay homage at the Basilica of Saint Mary Major and admire the unique structure of the Pyramid of Cestius. Our journey will continue past Castel Sant’Angelo. The tour concludes around 11:30 a.m. in Vatican City, leaving the afternoon free for you to explore at your own pace. Whether you choose to delve further into Rome's rich heritage or simply savour a leisurely lunch, the day is yours to experience the city as you like.

Enjoy a day at your own pace in Rome, immersing yourself in the city's timeless allure. Today's agenda is entirely in your hands, allowing you to delve into Rome's rich history, explore hidden gems or savour Italian cuisine at leisure. Whether visiting the Vatican Museums, wandering through the vibrant streets of Trastevere or simply relaxing with a gelato at a local piazza, the day is yours to create unforgettable memories.

Today, we embark on a journey towards the Adriatic Sea, traversing the picturesque Apennine Mountain range. Our first destination is the San Giovanni in Venere Abbey – admission is included – a splendid 11th-century structure, standing on the site of an ancient Roman temple. Following this, we head to Termoli, a delightful coastal city where the beach merges seamlessly with the historic old town, renowned for its 13th-century castle and the Romanesque cathedral. You will have some time here to enjoy lunch and take a leisurely stroll through its charming streets. Our journey then continues to Bari, a port city steeped in history, with roots dating back to before the Roman era. In Bari, you can explore the old town, with its narrow streets, stunning churches, and lively atmosphere, all of which contribute to the city's quintessential southern Italian appeal.

After breakfast, we'll make our way to Brindisi, a charming coastal town where you can enjoy a leisurely stroll by the sea or explore the historic old town, taking in the sights such as the impressive Roman column. Following this, we’ll board a modern ferry that departs at 1:00 p.m. for a scenic eight-hour journey across the Ionian Sea. We'll arrive in Igoumenitsa, Greece, where we'll head to our accommodation for the night, marking the start of our adventures in this breathtaking country.

After breakfast, we set off through the dramatic peaks of the Epirus region, arriving in the picturesque village of Metsovo. Nestled among the mountains, this charming village is steeped in cultural heritage influenced by both Slavic and Turkish traditions. Wander its quaint streets lined with traditional stone houses, topped with red-tiled roofs and adorned with intricately carved wooden balconies. Continuing our journey into the Thessaly region, we pause in Kastraki. Here, you'll be treated to magnificent views over the Meteora Valley while enjoying lunch. Our exploration leads us to Meteora, a stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site where the term "Meteora" aptly describes the towering rock formations crowning the landscape. These secluded monasteries, perched atop the cliffs, have been sanctuaries of peace and reflection for monks over the centuries. We will explore one of its most famous monasteries. Our day concludes in Kalabaka, where dinner is arranged for you.

We'll continue our adventure through the scenic Thessaly region, taking in the breathtaking landscapes as we head south to Delphi. Here, we'll explore the extraordinary archaeological site situated on the slopes of Mount Parnassus, offering stunning views of the Gulf of Corinth. After taking in the wonders of Delphi, we'll have time to enjoy lunch before moving on to the Hosios Loukas Monastery. Known for its exquisite 11th-century mosaics, this World Heritage Site is one of the most beautiful examples of Byzantine architecture in Greece. Later, we'll make our way towards Athens, arriving in the evening, ready for the next chapter of our journey.

Today in Athens, we begin with an engaging city tour led by a knowledgeable local guide. Explore the vibrant heart of this historic city as we visit notable landmarks such as the stately Presidential Mansion and the iconic Panathenaic Stadium, host of the first modern Olympic Games. We'll also admire the grand architecture of the National Library and meander through the bustling city squares. As we journey through the city, we will also discover the newer districts that have flourished since the 2004 Olympic Games. The highlight of our tour will be a visit to the legendary Acropolis; while entrance is not included, you can take in its stunning exterior beauty at your leisure. In the evening, we'll provide a transfer to the charming and historic Plaka neighbourhood. Here, you can savour authentic Greek cuisine at traditional tavernas and soak up the area's lively atmosphere. It's the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in Greek culture and folklore.

On day nine, you have the freedom to explore Athens at your leisure. This is an excellent opportunity to immerse yourself in the vibrant history and culture of Greece's capital. You might choose to wander through the ancient streets, visit renowned sites like the Parthenon, or explore the lively neighbourhoods filled with shops and cafes. Whether you're interested in history, shopping, or simply enjoying the city's unique atmosphere, Athens offers a plethora of memorable experiences for you to discover.

Our day embarks early as we set sail on an enchanting adventure to the Saronic Islands amidst Greece's collection of almost 6,000 islands, over a hundred of which are inhabited. We will board a ferry bound for Aegina, a compelling island steeped in over 4,000 years of history, just under an hour away from the mainland. Here, you may explore the quaint harbour or meander through traditional neighbourhoods adorned with charming houses and ancient churches. Alternatively, visit the fascinating Greek Temple of Apollo. Later, we'll catch another ferry for a scenic hour-and-fifteen-minute journey to Poros, an island known for its lively tourist atmosphere and traditional architecture ascending toward the iconic clock tower. After some time for a stroll and lunch, we'll embark on a brief 15-minute trip to the coastal village of Galatas in the Peloponnese. As we continue our journey, we'll travel through stunning hillside landscapes until we reach Epidaurus. Admission to the Ancient Theatre, an architectural marvel built 2,400 years ago and still functional today, is included. This monumental site can accommodate up to 14,000 spectators and remains a testament to the region's vibrant cultural history. Our day concludes in Nafplio, a picturesque coastal city distinguished by its historic citadel and Venetian fortress. You'll have the evening free to wander and explore before enjoying an included dinner. Please be aware that ferry schedules may vary, particularly during the low season when services between Aegina and Poros may not be available. In such cases, Aegina Island will not be part of our itinerary.

Today, we'll traverse the mountainous interior of the Peloponnese to reach Tripoli, the capital of Arcadia. Here, you'll have some free time to explore the impressive Areos Square, where numerous cafés and restaurants create a vibrant atmosphere for unwinding. Our journey then continues to Olympia, a site of immense historical significance as the birthplace of the Olympic Games in 776 BC. At this archaeological marvel, we'll be treated to a guided tour (with entry included), unveiling landmarks such as the Temple of Zeus, the ancient Stadium, the Gymnasium, and the Arena. Following this, we proceed to Patras, Greece's third-largest city, known for its bustling port, medieval fortress, and the grandest cathedral in Greece, which serves as an important pilgrimage site. You'll also find the old church of St. Andrew here. The day concludes with an inclusive dinner, marking the end of another memorable exploration.

After breakfast, we embark on a scenic journey across the breathtaking Rio–Antirrio Bridge, a remarkable feat of engineering that connects the Peloponnese to the Greek mainland. Our route takes us through the charming regions of Central Greece and Epirus, arriving in the port town of Igoumenitsa. Here, you will have the opportunity to explore the town at a leisurely pace before we set sail on a modern ferry at 2:00 p.m. for a crossing of the Ionian Sea to Italy. We anticipate arriving in Brindisi by around 9:00 p.m., where our day concludes with an overnight stay, ready to immerse ourselves in more Italian adventures.

Today, we'll explore two captivating destinations showcasing Italy's unique architectural heritage. Our first stop is Alberobello, where you can admire the distinctive trulli buildings—these conical-roofed structures are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and serve as a fascinating example of rural Italian architecture. From there, we continue to Matera in the Basilicata region, known for its ancient city centre, the Sassi di Matera. These remarkable cave dwellings and structures, carved directly into the rocky landscape, are not only another World Heritage Site but also represent one of the oldest continuously inhabited human settlements on the planet. After enjoying a lunch included in our visit, we proceed through the scenic landscapes of Basilicata and Campania, eventually arriving in Naples by evening. The evening is yours to explore this vibrant city and uncover its many charms.

After breakfast, we'll set off for the port of Naples to catch a ferry to the enchanting Island of Capri. Once there, you might consider taking the funicular up to Capri town, where you can roam around and soak in the breathtaking vistas. Following a leisurely lunch, we will reembark and head to Sorrento. This delightful tourist town, nestled at the foot of a cliff, provides you with free time to explore its charming streets. Our journey continues to Salerno, located by the Gulf of Salerno, where we will spend the night.

We will set off southward through the captivating landscapes of southern Italy, passing through the Cilento National Park. Our first stop will be Paola, gracing the shores of the Tyrrhenian Sea. Here, we will visit the revered Sanctuary of St. Francis of Paola and then savour some free time to explore the town's historic centre and enjoy lunch at your leisure. Our journey continues to Villa San Giovanni, where we will board a short ferry across the strait to Sicily. Upon landing in Messina, take some time to explore the area around the cathedral before we travel on to Taormina. Dinner will be provided at our destination. Please note that while accommodation is usually arranged in the Taormina region, on specific dates, we may stay in Messina instead.

Nestled at the base of Mount Etna, Taormina is an enchanting city often hailed as one of the world's most beautiful locales. Here, you’ll have ample time to explore the vibrant historic quarter, a place where the ancient Greek theatre commands a spectacular view, offering glimpses of the mesmerising surroundings. If you prefer a more leisurely pace, you can unwind on the nearby beaches and soak up the sun. As the day unwinds, we’ll regroup to enjoy an included dinner.

Today, we'll begin our adventure in Catania, a city with origins tracing back to the Greeks. Despite its tumultuous history with volcanic eruptions, Catania still retains a stunning baroque heart. Next, we’ll make our way to Caltagirone, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its exquisite Sicilian ceramics. You'll enjoy a ride on a tourist train and have time to explore the vibrant streets. After lunch, our journey will take us to the Villa Romana del Casale, where you can marvel at its incredibly preserved Roman mosaics—renowned as some of the world's finest (admission and tour included). We will then proceed to Agrigento to take in the spectacular views of the Valley of the Temples from our coach before heading to the hotel. Your day will conclude with a delightful included dinner.

Today, we embark on a fascinating exploration of the Valley of the Temples, guided by an expert who will illuminate the wonders of this remarkable archaeological site, famed for its collection of Greek temples—considered one of the most complete in existence (admission included). After immersing ourselves in history, our journey takes us to Marsala, a city brimming with life and renowned for its famous wine. You’ll have the opportunity to enjoy a leisurely lunch here. Next, we will travel around the picturesque Marsala salt pans as we head towards Erice. This charming town offers breathtaking sea views and a delightful atmosphere perfect for a gentle stroll among its ancient Phoenician streets. We’ll then make our way to Palermo, where an included dinner awaits to round off an extraordinary day.

We begin our day in Palermo with a morning visit to the village of Monreale, now part of the city's outskirts. Here, we will explore the stunning Arab-Norman cathedral, a World Heritage Site celebrated for its dazzling golden mosaics—admission is included. Palermo itself is a city woven with history, showcasing influences from Arab, Norman, and Baroque periods. We will delve into its rich past by visiting key landmarks such as the Palermo Cathedral and the Norman Palace, which houses the beautiful Palatine Chapel, with tickets provided for both. Afterwards, you'll have some leisure time to discover more of the city's vibrant character at your own pace. In the late afternoon, we embark on an overnight ferry to Naples. Accommodation will be in comfortable double cabins equipped with en suite bathrooms, ensuring a restful journey as we sail through the night.

We arrive early in the morning in Naples, after disembarking from the overnight ferry, and head directly to the legendary site of Pompeii. Here, we'll explore the fascinating remnants of this ancient Roman city, perfectly preserved under the ash of the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79. Accompanied by an expert local guide, we'll delve into the ruins, gaining insight into the daily lives of its inhabitants (admission and tour included). Following our exploration, we return to Naples, one of Italy's most intriguing cities. Known for its lively atmosphere and deep-rooted history, Naples boasts one of the largest historic centres in Europe, recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You'll have some time to wander and perhaps savour some local cuisine for lunch. We conclude the day by travelling to Rome, where the journey promises to leave lasting impressions.

Following breakfast, our adventure sadly concludes, leaving you with cherished memories of our journey together.