Mediterranean Odyssey Greece to Italy Venture - 13 Days

Welcome to your adventure in Athens, where we will ensure a smooth arrival by providing a transfer to your hotel. Once settled, the afternoon is yours to unwind and explore. Be sure to check the boards in the hotel reception for important details about the start of your journey. 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.

Today, we will explore the captivating city of Athens with a knowledgeable local guide. Our tour will include notable landmarks such as the Presidential Mansion and the Panathenaic Stadium, the site of the first modern Olympic Games. We will also pass by the impressive National Library and immerse ourselves in the vibrant atmosphere of Athens' bustling city centre squares. Furthermore, we'll venture into the newer districts that sprung up following the 2004 Olympic Games. The highlight of the tour will be the Acropolis, although please note that entry is not included. In the evening, we�ll arrange a transfer to the historic Plaka neighbourhood, famous for its charming Greek tavernas. This area offers the perfect opportunity for you to dive into the rich folklore of Greece.

Today, we set off for the Peloponnese, making our first stop at the impressive Corinth Canal, an outstanding nineteenth-century engineering achievement. Continuing our journey, we traverse the mountain regions to reach Tripoli, the capital of the Arcadia region. Here, you'll have free time to explore Aeros Square, a vibrant spot filled with cafes and restaurants. Our next destination is Olympia, where a local guide will lead us through its famous Archaeological Site, with admission included. This historic location hosted the first Olympic Games in 776 BC, drawing athletes from across Greece and its colonies. Noteworthy sites here include the Temple of Zeus, the Stadium, the Gymnasium, and the Arena. We then proceed to Patras, known as Greece's third-largest city. Patras is notable for its medieval fortress and the country's largest cathedral, adjacent to which stands the significant pilgrimage site, St. Andrew's small church. The day concludes with an included dinner.

Following breakfast, we�ll traverse the impressive Rio�Antirrio Bridge, a stunning feat of engineering that links the Peloponnese to mainland Greece. Our journey takes us through the scenic regions of Central Greece and Epirus, leading us to the port town of Igoumenitsa. On arrival, there�s time for you to enjoy a leisurely stroll and perhaps capture some memorable photos before we set sail. At 2:00 p.m., we�ll board a modern ferry and embark on a voyage across the Ionian Sea to Italy. As the day draws to a close, we�ll dock in Brindisi around 9:00 p.m., where we�ll prepare to rest for the night.

Today, we set off to discover two unique and authentic Italian towns. Our journey begins in Alberobello, where we will explore its famous trulli � remarkable cone-shaped houses recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. These distinctive dwellings, with their iconic stone roofs, showcase the ingenuity of rural Italian architecture. Our adventure continues as we head to Matera in the Basilicata region. Known for the Sassi di Matera, this ancient city comprises centuries-old cave dwellings carved into the rock and has been continuously inhabited for thousands of years. Designated a World Heritage Site, Matera stands as one of the world's longest-settled human habitats. After enjoying a delightful lunch in Matera, included in our itinerary, we will continue our scenic drive through the beautiful mountain landscapes of Basilicata and Campania, eventually arriving in Naples by evening. Once there, you'll have the opportunity to explore this vibrant city at your leisure.

Following breakfast, we set off to the port of Naples to catch a ferry to the enchanting Island of Capri. We suggest taking the funicular up to Capri town, where you can leisurely wander and soak in the captivating vistas. After savouring lunch, we reboard for our journey to Sorrento, a delightful tourist town nestled at the foot of a cliff. Here, you'll have some free time to explore at your own pace. Our travels continue to the Gulf of Salerno, culminating in an overnight stay in the city of Salerno.

Today, we travel to the southern regions of Italy, delighting in the scenic beauty of the Cilento National Park as we make our way. Our first stop is Paola, a charming town nestled along the Tyrrhenian Sea. Here, we take in the tranquillity of the Sanctuary of St. Francis of Paola and offer you the chance to wander its historic centre and enjoy lunch at leisure. Our journey continues as we head to Villa San Giovanni, where a short ferry ride transports us to Sicily. Upon arriving in Messina, there is time to explore the area around the striking cathedral. Our day concludes with a journey to Taormina, where we savour an included dinner. Please note that accommodation is typically arranged in the Taormina area, though on certain dates you may stay in Messina instead.

Beneath the imposing presence of Mount Etna, you'll find the captivating city of Taormina, celebrated by Churchill as one of the most beautiful places on earth. You have the opportunity to explore its vibrant historic quarter, where the remarkable Greek theatre stands proudly against the stunning backdrop. Alternatively, you may choose to unwind on the nearby beaches. Dinner will be provided, giving you the perfect end to your day in this enchanting location.

We will begin our day by travelling to Catania, a city established by the Greeks. Despite its history of volcanic eruptions, Catania still enchants visitors with its baroque architectural charm. Our next destination is Caltagirone, a UNESCO World Heritage city renowned for its exquisite Sicilian ceramics. You will enjoy a ride on the tourist train, with time to wander and admire the splendid craftsmanship that adorns its streets. After lunch, we will proceed to the renowned Villa Romana del Casale, where you can marvel at its remarkably preserved Roman mosaics, considered among the most exquisite in the world�admission and guided tour are included. Our day will conclude with a journey to Agrigento, where before settling into our hotel, we�ll take in the sweeping views of the magnificent Valley of the Temples from our coach. Dinner will be included.

We will begin the day with a guided visit to the Valley of the Temples, an extraordinary archaeological site celebrated for its remarkably preserved Greek temples (entry included). Next, we journey to Marsala, a city with a rich historical backdrop, known for its lively spirit and renowned wine. You'll have free time here for lunch. Our exploration leads us around the picturesque salt pans of Marsala, characterised by their dazzling white mounds and traditional windmills, before arriving in Erice. Perched high above the sea, this charming town offers breathtaking views and quaint streets perfect for an afternoon stroll. Our day's travel concludes with a drive to Palermo, where we will enjoy a delicious included dinner.

Following breakfast, we will discover Palermo, starting with a visit to the nearby village of Monreale, now a suburb. Here, we'll explore the astonishing Arab-Norman Cathedral, a World Heritage Site celebrated for its splendid golden mosaics, with entry tickets included. Palermo itself offers a tapestry of contrasts, reflecting an intriguing history shaped by Arabs, Normans, and Baroque influences. Our tour will feature pivotal landmarks like the Cathedral and the Norman Palace, where we'll find the exquisite Palatine Chapel, both with included admission. After the guided exploration, you'll have time to wander and take in the city's vibrant atmosphere.

As the afternoon unfolds, we'll board a modern night ferry to sail across to Naples. Accommodation for the night will be provided in double cabins, each with an en suite bathroom, ensuring a comfortable journey.

We arrive in Naples early in the morning from the ferry � please note breakfast is not included. Our first destination today is Pompeii, where you will have the opportunity to explore the extraordinary remains of this ancient Roman city, which was buried under the volcanic ash of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. A local guide will accompany us on this tour, with both tickets and the tour included in our itinerary. After this fascinating glimpse into history, we'll venture back to Naples, a city renowned for its rich cultural heritage and historical significance; it is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Europe. The city's historic centre is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offering captivating sights to explore as you wander its lively streets. You'll have time for a leisurely stroll and to enjoy lunch at your own pace. We end our day with our arrival in Rome, ready for the next part of our journey.

Following breakfast, the tour concludes in Rome, bringing to a close our incredible journey. As you depart, you'll take with you a myriad of unforgettable memories from the rich cultural experiences and stunning sights we've encountered along the way. Safe travels as you continue on your adventure or journey home.