Classical Greece and captivating Italy, 14 days

After breakfast you will meet for the Athens Panoramic City Tour

• Panathenaic Stadium: Pass by this historic stadium (Kallimarmaro), the only one in the world built entirely of marble, where the first modern Olympic Games were held in 1896.
  Hellenic Parliament: Drive past the Hellenic Parliament, the seat of Greece’s government, and see the changing of the guard at the Monument to the Unknown Soldier. Also pass by the Prime Minister's Residence, guarded by the traditionally dressed Euzones.
  Temple of Olympian Zeus: Admire the towering columns of this once-grand temple dedicated to Zeus, the king of the gods.
• Hadrian’s Arch: Observe this impressive Roman-era arch, which once marked the boundary between ancient Athens and the Roman city.
• Academy, University & National Library: Pass by these neoclassical buildings, which
  represent Greece’s dedication to education and culture.
• Constitution Square (Syntagma): Drive through the central square of Athens, a hub of
  political and social activity surrounded by historical buildings.
• Acropolis: Stop at this legendary site and explore its iconic monuments, including the
  Parthenon, Propylaea, Temple of Athena Nike, and the Erechtheion.
• Acropolis Museum: Stop to visit this modern museum showcasing an impressive collection of artifacts and sculptures from the Acropolis.

Free Afternoon: Spend the rest of the day at your leisure, exploring Athens on your own.

Today, you have the option to join a one-day cruise to the Saronic Gulf islands of Aegina, Poros, and Hydra. The cruise departs from the port of Piraeus and allows you to explore the beautiful islands at your own pace. In Aegina, visit the monastery of Aghios Nektarios or the Temple of Aphaia. In Poros, enjoy a walk amidst pine and lemon trees. Finally, explore the picturesque streets of Hydra.

Return to the hotel in the evening.

Depart from Athens aboard a shared luxury bus and travel along the scenic coast to the
Corinth Canal, making a short stop to admire this engineering marvel.

Continue to Epidaurus,
home to the world-renowned ancient theater with exceptional acoustics, where every word
spoken on stage can be heard perfectly by 14,000 spectators. Visit the Ancient Theatre of
Epidaurus and experience its legendary sound properties. Journey onwards to Nafplion,
Greece’s first capital, for a brief stop to stroll through its charming streets and take in the
picturesque views.

Next, head to Mycenae, the legendary kingdom of Agamemnon, one of the most significant
archaeological sites of the Bronze Age. Explore the Mycenaean Citadel, pass through the Lion’s Gate, and visit the Treasury of Atreus (Tomb of Agamemnon), one of the grandest and most elaborate tholos tombs of the ancient world.

Finally, cross the Peloponnese to Olympia, arriving in time for dinner and an overnight stay at a 4-star hotel.

Travel to Olympia on a shared bus, the birthplace of the Olympic Games. Visit the archaeological site and museum, gaining insights into ancient athletic traditions.

Arrival at Delphi for dinner and an overnight stay in a 4-star hotel.

Journey to Delphi on a shared luxury bus, once considered the center of the world in ancient
Greek mythology. Explore the Temple of Apollo and the Delphi Museum.

Arrival at Meteora for dinner and an overnight stay in a 4-star hotel.

Visit the extraordinary monasteries of Meteora, perched atop massive rock formations. Witness the harmonious blend of nature, spirituality, and architectural marvels.

Afterwards, depart for Athens, making a stop at Thermopylae to see the monument of King Leonidas. Arrive in Athens in the afternoon and check into your hotel for overnight accommodation.

Transfer at the airport and flight to Rome. Arrival in the capital of Italy and departure to the hotel. After settling into the hotel, we will visit the historical center accompanied by our leader, to have the opportunity for a first acquaintance with the eternal city.

Breakfast followed by a guided tour of St. Peter’s Basilica, the largest Christian church that will impress you with its wealth and grandeur. We will then visit and take a guided tour of the Colosseum, the largest surviving ancient Roman amphitheater in the world. Once it resounded with the shouts of gladiators and the screams of the mob, and later the blows of hammers that removed the plinths and marbles that decorated it to build the churches and palaces of papal Rome. The Roman market was the heart of ancient Rome and the center of power of an empire that spanned most of the then known world. Today it is one of the most important archaeological sites in Europe.

In Piazza Venezia you will be impressed by the massive monument dedicated to Victor Emmanuel II, the first king of modern united Italy, which is also the monument to the Unknown Soldier in front of the Capitoline Hill, the most important of the seven historical hills where the ancient city was built, from which Rome has been governed from ancient times until today. Then with our office escort, you will visit the famous Piazza Di Spagna, Piazza Navona, an archaeological paradise for its visitors, full of restaurants and cafes, actors, musicians and outdoor painters. The stunning central Fountain of the Four Rivers will leave you speechless. At the end we will visit the Pantheon. This ancient Pagan temple is preserved almost intact and the natural lighting from the largest wooden dome in all of Europe is unique. In the afternoon return to the hotel. For the evening we recommend a walk and entertainment in Trastevere.

Visit the Vatican Museums, home to remarkable art and treasures, including Michelangelo’s famous Sistine Chapel ceiling frescoes.

Depart for medieval Siena, known for its beautiful Piazza del Campo and stunning architecture.

Continue to Florence and check-in at the hotel.

Overnight in Florence.

Explore the art-rich city of Florence with a guided city tour. Admire famous landmarks such as the Church of the Holy Cross, Ponte Vecchio, Piazza Della Signoria, Piazza San Giovanni, and the magnificent Santa Maria Del Fiore Cathedral with Brunelleschi’s dome.

Depart for Venice and check in at the hotel in the Mestre area.

Overnight in Venice.

After breakfast, embark on a self-guided exploration of Venice, the city of canals. Take a Vaporetto to Piazza San Marco and visit St. Mark’s Basilica, Doge’s Palace, Bridge of Sighs, and other iconic landmarks.

Visit the Orthodox Church of Ag. Georgiou and a traditional Murano glass manufacturing workshop.

Overnight in Venice.

After your breakfast, travel to Milan and enjoy a free day to explore the city on your own. Visit the Brera district known for design and fashion, the Navigli district with its canals, or explore traditional Milanese houses.

Overnight in Milan.

Breakfast and then the tour of Milan. During which we will see the largest Gothic building in the country, the Duomo Cathedral, the famous covered arcade Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, the neoclassical theater of Milan’s staircase and its museum. Time for shopping and then departure for the airport and boarding our return flight.