Best of Italy and Greece

Europe Italy
OVERVIEW
Admire the art and architecture of Rome and the rich cultural heritage of Florence. Visit the monasteries of Meteora and see the site of the most important oracle in the classical world.
EXPERIENCES
: Enjoy an after-hours visit to the Basilica of Santa Maria in Cosmedin. Get up close to the legendary Mouth of Truth, an ancient Roman marble mask said to bite any liar who places their hand in the mask’s mouth. Dare to test the legend yourself and take one of the city’s most coveted photos.

Athens: Delve into Athens with a Local Specialist. See the iconic highlights of this ancient city, from the Acropolis to the site of the first modern Olympics.

Delphi: With your Local Specialist, walk to The Sacred Way once lined with offertory temples. See the reconstructed Athenian Treasury and pass the superb Polygonal Wall to reach the Temple of Apollo, where people once sought divine wisdom from the mysterious Oracle.

Florence: Join a Local Specialist to view the Multi-coloured marble cathedral, bell tower and baptistery, adorned by Ghiberti's Gates of Paradise. Visit the political heart of the city, Signoria Square.

Florence: See the area around Santa Croce Basilica, famous for the quality of its luxury goods, and witness a gold and leatherwork demonstration.

Meteora: With a Local Specialist, visit one of the remarkable centuries-old monasteries of Meteora, teetering on towers of rock and arguably the most spectacular place to visit in Greece.

Rome: Be inspired by the magnificence of Michelangelo and da Vinci at the Vatican Museums.

Rome: During an orientation with your Travel Director see the medieval buildings, Renaissance palaces and Baroque churches scattered throughout the city.

Rome: In the Vatican City visit St Peter's Basilica with a Local Specialist. Witness the early genius of Michelangelo as you take in the Pietà.
DEPARTURE DATES AND PRICES
Tour
Departs		 Tour
Returns		 Starting From
(price per person)		 Definite Departure
What's this?		 Book Now!
06/09/2025 15/09/2025 £3,096 Book
13/09/2025 22/09/2025 £3,603 Book
ACCOMMODATION
DAY 1: Midas Palace - Meals: Dinner
DAY 2: Midas Palace - Meals: Breakfast
DAY 3: Villa Neroli - Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 4: Novotel Mestre Castellana - Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 5: Novotel Mestre Castellana - Meals: Breakfast
DAY 6: Crowne Plaza Athens City Centre - Meals: Breakfast
DAY 7: Amalia Kalambaka - Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 8: Amalia Delphi - Meals: Breakfast
DAY 9: Crowne Plaza Athens City Centre - Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
WHAT'S INCLUDED
  • All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
  • All porterage and restaurant gratuities
  • An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
  • Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
  • Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
  • Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
  • European flight from Milan to Athens
  • Four-night Aegean Cruise
  • Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
  • Must-see sightseeing
  • On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilised
  • Optional Experiences and free time
ITINERARY

2025 marks a Jubilee Year, a momentous Roman Catholic event celebrated every 25 years, turning Rome into a centre of celebration. As festivities unfold, itineraries may be adjusted to ensure you make the most of your time as you visit the Eternal City.Benvenuti a Roma! Open your heart to a whirlwind of antiquities and local flavours. Join your Travel Director for an introduction to the 'Eternal City'. This evening, enjoy dinner with your fellow travellers.

Venture across the Tiber River to Ancient Rome and see the mighty Colosseum and Circus Maximus, where daring chariot races were once held to thunderous applause. Drive to the Basilica of Santa Maria in Cosmedin for a private after-hours visit to the Mouth of Truth. See the church, crypt, and relics of the famous saint of love, Valentine, and learn about the legend of the Mouth of Truth.

This morning, head to the Vatican Museums with a Local Specialist and admire Michelangelo's frescoed ceiling in the Sistine Chapel. Visit St Peter's Basilica and view Michelangelo's Pietà. Later, drive north to Renaissance Florence in Tuscany. Tonight, Connect With Locals at a Be My Guest experience in the Chianti countryside. Due to increased demand during the Jubilee year, access to the Vatican Museums may be limited. If tickets are unavailable during your visit, your sightseeing will instead explore the Capitoline Museums, home to the Capitoline Wolf, ancient Roman bronzes and Renaissance art. From its spot on Capitoline Hill, you’ll have the chance to take in views of the Roman Forum.

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 Baptistry, renowned for its bronze doors with relief sculptures and the Ponte Vecchio. Learn about the quality and expertise of one of this city's historic industries at a demonstration of Florentine leathercraft. Then travel through the Apennines and cross the Veneto plains towards Venice. This evening, you may choose an Optional Experience to take a gondola ride along the city’s enchanting canals.

Cruise by private launch to St. Mark's Square to see the Bridge of Sighs, 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 masters 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 afternoon 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.

Today, travel through Lombardy. The region is Italy's commercial powerhouse bordering Switzerland with lakes and mountains in the north and plains to the south. Later, board your flight to Athens.

Travel north to Kalambaka and the astonishing 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 one of the six monasteries built on sandstone rocks that tower above the town.

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. Join a fun, interactive Greek Culinary Optional Experience and taste your creations along with other dishes prepared by your cheery chef.

We depart the 'navel of the earth' today and travel to Athens where we'll discover the city's rich heritage during your sightseeing tour with a Local Specialist. Marvel at 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 dinner to celebrate the end of your trip.

Say goodbye to your fellow travellers and Travel Director after an unforgettable journey.
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