Athens to Rome Odyssey of Heritage - 11 Days

Welcome to Athens, the vibrant capital of Greece, where your adventure begins! Upon arrival, we will take you to your hotel, allowing you some leisure time to settle in and soak up the local atmosphere. Later in the day, please refer to the hotel reception boards for important details regarding the start of your journey. Enjoy your first taste of Athens, perhaps by exploring nearby attractions or unwinding in the comfort of your hotel surroundings. 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.

Our day in Athens begins with an engaging city tour, guided by a local expert who will lead us through some of the city's most iconic sites. We'll visit the Presidential Mansion and stop at the impressive Panathenaic Stadium, the historic venue of the first modern Olympic Games. As we journey through this vibrant city, we'll pass the National Library and explore the lively squares at the heart of Athens. The tour extends to the newer districts that sprang up following the 2004 Olympic Games, offering a glimpse into Athens' modern development. Our excursion will come to a close at the legendary Acropolis, the ancient citadel that remains a symbol of Athens, though entry is not included in our tour. In the evening, we'll transition to the enchanting neighbourhood of Plaka. Here, you can dive into the vibrant atmosphere of traditional Greek tavernas and enjoy a taste of the rich cultural folklore. Whether you choose to relax or explore further, Plaka's charm is sure to captivate you.

We begin our day with an early departure heading north through Greece. Our first stop is Kamena Vourla, a delightful seaside resort town surrounded by stunning scenery, where you can enjoy some free time before we continue our journey. Next, we visit the historic Thermopylae Mountain Pass, known for the famous ancient battle site. We then make our way to Kastraki, a charming village offering spectacular views of the entire valley. Here, you�ll have the opportunity to explore and enjoy lunch at your own pace. Our day continues with a visit to the extraordinary Meteora, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its awe-inspiring monasteries perched high on towering rock formations. Admission to one of these iconic monasteries is included, allowing us to delve into the unique history and serenity of this remarkable place. Our day concludes in Kalambaka, where dinner will be provided.

Today, we will travel south through the scenic Thessaly region, where you will be treated to breathtaking landscapes. Our first stop will be Delphi, a site of immense archaeological significance, perched above the Gulf of Corinth. Here, you will have the opportunity to explore the ancient ruins and enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding area. There will also be time to pause for lunch. Following this, we will visit the Hosios Loukas Monastery, a stunning example of Byzantine architecture from the 11th century, celebrated for its remarkable mosaics. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it stands as one of Greece's most beautiful monasteries. We will then continue our journey back to Athens, arriving in the evening.

Our day begins with an early morning ferry journey from Athens to Aegina � an island steeped in history and less than an hour away. As you arrive, you'll have the opportunity to explore the charming harbour and wander through neighbourhoods rich with traditional architecture and ancient churches. You may choose to visit the Temple of Apollo, a testament to Aegina's historical significance. We will then take a second ferry, a leisurely hour and fifteen minute journey, to Poros. This enchanting island offers lively tourist atmospheres and historic homes that ascend towards a clock tower. Enjoy free time to stroll and savour lunch amidst the vibrant island life.

After lunch, a brief 15-minute journey will take us to Galatas in the Peloponnese. From there, we'll travel through captivating hillside landscapes to reach Epidaurus. Here, you'll have the chance to explore the Ancient Theatre, an incredibly preserved structure dating back 2,400 years, which still hosts performances today with a capacity of up to 14,000 spectators. Our day will continue as we head to the picturesque coastal city of Nafplio, renowned for its citadel and Venetian fortress. Enjoy some free time to discover the local delights before we gather for an included dinner.

Please note that ferry schedules are subject to change, particularly during the low season, which may affect travel between Aegina and Poros. If this occurs, our visit to Aegina Island will be adjusted accordingly.

Today, we journey through the scenic mountains of the Peloponnese to reach Tripoli, the capital of the Arcadia region. You'll have some free time to relax and explore Areos Square, where local cafes and restaurants offer the perfect taste of Greek life. We'll then continue to Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympic Games in 776 BC. Here, you'll enjoy a guided tour of the archaeological site (ticket included), where you can marvel at historical landmarks like the Temple of Zeus, the ancient Stadium, Gymnasium, and Arena. Our day ends in Patras, Greece's third-largest city, where we'll provide dinner. This bustling port city boasts a medieval fortress overlooking it and is home to Greece's largest cathedral, a significant site for pilgrimages, as well as the nearby old church of St. Andrew.

After breakfast, we will embark on a journey across the impressive Rio�Antirrio Bridge, which elegantly connects the Peloponnese to mainland Greece. From there, our route takes us through the captivating landscapes of Central Greece and Epirus, eventually arriving in Igoumenitsa. This vibrant port town offers a pleasant spot for a leisurely stroll before we board a modern ferry at 2:00 p.m. Our voyage across the Ionian Sea leads us to Brindisi in Italy. We anticipate reaching Brindisi by the end of the day, around 9:00 p.m., where we will settle in for the night.

Today, we'll explore two extraordinary towns, each with its own charm and historical significance. Our adventure begins in Alberobello, renowned for its unique trulli�fascinating conical-roofed houses constructed with stacked stones, earning this area recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The trulli exemplify a remarkable aspect of Italy's rural architecture.

Our journey continues to Matera, nestled in the Basilicata region. This town is famed for the Sassi di Matera, a network of ancient cave dwellings carved into the rock, which date back thousands of years. Recognised as a World Heritage Site, Matera is one of the oldest continuously inhabited settlements worldwide. You'll have the chance to enjoy an included lunch in this atmospheric setting.

As the afternoon unfolds, we'll travel onward through the scenic mountainous landscapes of Basilicata and Campania, aiming to reach Naples by evening. Upon arrival, you'll have free time to wander and uncover the city's many attractions at your leisure.

Following breakfast, we'll set sail from the port of Naples, heading to the enchanting Island of Capri. On arrival, we suggest taking the funicular to Capri Town, where you can explore at your leisure and savour the breathtaking panoramic views. Post-lunch, we'll board again and proceed to Sorrento, a delightful resort town beautifully tucked beneath towering cliffs. Here, you'll have the opportunity to meander through its charming streets during some free time. Our travels for the day will conclude at the Gulf of Salerno, where we�ll stay in the welcoming city of Salerno.

Our day begins with an excursion to Pompeii, where you can marvel at the remnants of this ancient Roman city famously preserved beneath the ash of Mount Vesuvius. The visit includes tickets and a guided tour, ensuring you get the most out of this extraordinary archaeological site. Following Pompeii, we head to Naples, a captivating city known for its vibrant history and culture. It's one of Europe's oldest continually inhabited places, with a historic centre recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You'll have some free time to explore its treasures and enjoy lunch. In the afternoon, we travel on to Cassino, where you may visit the stunning abbey, marking one of World War II�s significant battle sites. We conclude the day by making our way to Rome, where we expect to arrive in the evening.

Following breakfast, our incredible journey draws to a close in Rome, leaving you with a treasure trove of cherished memories from our adventures together.