Sightseeing highlights

• VIP Admission to the Vatican Museums
• Explore Rome, Florence, Delphi and Athens with a Local Specialist
• Discover Venice
• Visit St. Peter’s Basilica, the Sistine Chapel and the Colosseum in Rome, Piazzale Michelangelo and Piazza della Signoria in Florence, a glassblowing factory in Venice, the monasteries of Meteora, the Temple of Apollo in Delphi, the Acropolis in Athens
• View the ancient sites of Rome, the Duomo and Baptistery in Florence, the Doge’s Palace and the Basilica in Venice and the Parthenon, Royal Palace and the Temple of Zeus in Athens
• See Hadrian’s Arch in Athens
• Scenic Cruise by private launch to St. Mark’s Square in Venice

DAY 1 ARRIVE ROME (2 NIGHTS) (D)

Welcome to Rome, the ‘Eternal City’. Join your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a Welcome Reception and evening orientation drive to view some of this city’s magnificent sites.
Hotel: Hotel Villa Pamphili Rome (or similar)

DAY 2 ROME SIGHTSEEING (B)

Visit St. Peter’s Basilica and view Michelangelo’s Pietà with a Local Specialist. See the Circus Maximus where chariot races were held and visit the impressive Colosseum. There’s time afterwards to explore the city on your own or simply relax and watch the world go by.

DAY 3 ROME – FLORENCE (B/D)

This morning, head to the Vatican Museums with a Local Specialist. Dive Into Culture as you ascend the Bramante staircase, then admire Michelangelo’s frescoed ceiling in the Sistine Chapel. Later, drive north to Renaissance Florence in Tuscany. Tonight, Connect With Locals at a Be My Guest experience in the Chianti countryside.
Hotel: Cosmopolitan Concept Hotel Florence (or similar)

DAY 4 FLORENCE – VENICE (2 NIGHTS) (B)

Your Local Specialist reveals Florence’s rich cultural heritage during your walking tour. Visit Piazza della Signoria, with its impressive sculptures, and imposing palazzi. View the marble Duomo and the famous Baptistery, renowned for its bronze doors with relief sculptures and the Ponte Vecchio. Learn about the quality and workmanship of one of this city’s historic industries at a demonstration of Florentine leathercraft. Then travel through the Apennines and cross the Veneto plains to Venice. This evening, you may choose to take a gondola ride along the city’s enchanting canals.
Hotel: Novotel Venezia Mestre Castellana Venice (or similar)

DAY 5 VENICE (B)

Cruise by private launch to St. Mark’s Square to see the Bridge of Sighs, St. Mark’s Square, St. Mark’s Basilica and the ornate Doge’s Palace. Later, you’ll enjoy a memorable MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience where you’ll witness the ancient Venetian tradition of glassblowing. You’ll learn how the talented master craftsmen are using the same techniques their forefathers once did and how your visit helps to preserve this delicate art for generations to come. Don’t resist the urge to buy a souvenir to remember the special experience before enjoying the rest of the day to explore Venice your way. You could choose to spend a lazy evening watching the traffic on the busy waterways with a Venetian Spritz, or consider taking an Optional Experience to one of the islands in the lagoon.

DAY 6 VENICE – ANCONA – IGOUMENITSA (B/D)

Board an Overnight Ferry to Greece. Travel south to the ancient port city of Ancona to board your overnight ferry to mainland Greece.
Accommodation on Ferry

DAY 7 IGOUMENITSA – METEORA – KALAMBAKA (B/D)

Arrive early at the port of Igoumenitsa and travel along the foothills of the Athamanika mountains before arriving at the UNESCO-listed monasteries of Meteora. These are some of the largest and most important complexes of Eastern Orthodox monasteries in Greece. Your Local Specialist will guide you on a visit to two of the six monasteries built on sandstone rocks that tower above the town. Dine tonight at your hotel.
Hotel: Amalia Hotel Kalambaka or similar

DAY 8 KALAMBAKA – DELPHI (B)

Drive south towards Mount Parnassos and Delphi, where we will stay overnight. Join a Local Specialist and see the site of the most important oracle in the classical world and walk the Sacred Way to the Temple of Apollo where athletes competed in the Pythian Games.
Hotel: Amalia Hotel Delphi or similar

DAY 9 DELPHI – ATHENS (B/D)

We depart the ‘navel of the earth’ this morning and travel to Athens where we’ll discover the city’s rich heritage during our morning sightseeing tour with a Local Specialist. Marvel at the Agora, the Royal Palace, the Temple of Zeus and the Acropolis. See Hadrian’s Arch and the stadium where the first modern Olympics took place in 1896. Indulge in a Farewell Dinner to celebrate the end of your trip.
Hotel: Crowne Plaza Athens City Centre or similar

DAY 10 ATHENS (B)

Say goodbye to your fellow travellers and Travel Director after an unforgettable journey. Transfer to the airport or extend your holiday with a 4 day Greek Island cruise extension

4 Day Greek Island Cruise Extension from $1700 more

Day 10 ATHENS – MYKONOS – KUSADAI (B/L/D)