Mountains, Myths, and Maritime Marvels - 8 Days

Upon arrival in Athens, we'll take care of your transfer to the hotel, allowing you some free time to settle in and get acquainted with the city at your own pace. In the afternoon, you�ll find useful information about the commencement of your adventure on the information boards at the hotel reception. Take this opportunity to relax or explore the local surroundings, and prepare yourself for the vibrant experiences ahead in this historic city where ancient meets modern. 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.

On your second day, we will set off on a comprehensive city tour of Athens with a local guide. Our itinerary includes visits to iconic sites such as the Presidential Mansion, the Panathenaic Stadium�where the first modern Olympic Games took place�the National Library, and the vibrant squares at the city's heart. We'll also explore some of the newer districts that have flourished since the 2004 Olympic Games. Our tour concludes at the Acropolis, an essential landmark of ancient Greece. Please note that admission is not included. In the evening, we will provide transportation to Plaka, a historic neighbourhood celebrated for its delightful Greek tavernas and a perfect setting to soak in the rich cultural folklore.

On day three, we venture into the Peloponnese region, starting with a pause at the Corinth Canal, an extraordinary feat of engineering from the late 1800s. Our journey continues through the scenic mountains to Tripoli, the capital of the Arcadia region. Here, we'll take a moment to unwind at Aeros Square, teeming with caf�s and eateries. Our next stop is Olympia, where a local guide will lead us through the archaeological site � entry is included. This historic site hosted the first Olympic Games in 776 B.C. and features remarkable attractions like the Temple of Zeus, the Stadium, the Gymnasium, and the Arena. Afterwards, we make our way to Patras, Greece's third-largest city, home to an impressive medieval fortress and the country's largest cathedral. Adjacent to the cathedral is the quaint church of St. Andrew, a revered pilgrimage site. Our day culminates with an included dinner, offering an opportunity to reflect on the day's rich experiences.

On day four, after a hearty breakfast, we embark on a journey across the remarkable Rio�Antirrio Bridge, a striking suspension bridge linking the Peloponnese to the Greek mainland. We traverse the picturesque landscapes of Central Greece and Epirus on our way to Igoumenitsa, a bustling port town. Here, you'll have some free time to explore at a leisurely pace before we board a modern ferry at 2:00 in the afternoon. Our voyage takes us across the shimmering Ionian Sea, destined for Italy. We expect to arrive in Brindisi by the end of the day, around 9:00 in the evening, where we will spend the night.

Today, we will explore two captivating and authentic towns. Our first destination is Alberobello, celebrated for its unique trulli houses. These distinctive conical structures with their iconic stone roofs are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offering an extraordinary insight into Italian rural architecture. We'll then proceed to Matera, located in the Basilicata region. Matera is famed for its historic centre and the Sassi di Matera, a series of ancient cave dwellings and buildings carved directly into the rock, which have housed inhabitants for thousands of years. This remarkable site is not only a World Heritage Site but also one of the oldest continuously inhabited settlements in the world. After enjoying a delightful lunch in Matera, which is included, we'll continue our journey through the stunning landscapes of Basilicata and Campania, with their beautiful mountain views. We�ll arrive in Naples by evening, where you�ll have some free time to explore at your leisure.

Following breakfast, we'll make our way to the port of Naples to board a ferry heading to the enchanting Island of Capri. Upon arrival, we suggest taking the funicular up to Capri town, where you can enjoy a leisurely walk and soak up the breathtaking views. After a satisfying lunch, we will reboard and continue our journey to Sorrento. This delightful tourist town is beautifully situated at the foot of a cliff, where you'll have some free time to explore at your own pace. Our adventure today will conclude as we travel to the Gulf of Salerno, where we will stay in the city of Salerno for the night.

Today begins with an exploration of Pompeii, where you can discover the fascinating remnants of this ancient Roman city, famously preserved by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. We'll provide tickets and a guided tour to enhance your experience of this significant archaeological site. Following our visit to Pompeii, we set off for Naples�renowned as one of Italy's most enchanting cities and a historical gem. Naples boasts one of Europe�s largest and most vibrant historic quarters, which is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Savour some leisure time to explore and enjoy lunch at your own pace. In the afternoon, we journey onward to Cassino, where you will have the opportunity to visit the remarkable abbey, a poignant site steeped in World War II history. Our travels will end in Rome, with an evening arrival, where the excitement of the city awaits you.

After breakfast, our journey concludes, leaving you to cherish the wonderful memories of your trip.