CLASSICAL ITALY AND GREECE

Day 1

Upon your arrival at Rome Airport, one of our representatives will be waiting for you to welcome you and transfer you comfortably and quickly to your hotel. The rest of the day will be free for you to relax.

At 19:45 hour pick up at the hotel to start your Rome night tour. With your local guide, you will discover the wonders of Rome when the sun goes down and the neon lights come on, a romantic way to get to know the Eternal City.

This panoramic excursion will take place in a luxury bus and on foot, so as not to miss a single detail of Rome in the moonlight.

The tour will end in the Spanish Steps area to finish the visit and relax, enjoying a creamy and tasty Gelato.

You will return to your hotel on your own at the time you want.

Day 2

In the morning, at 07:15 AM, and after a tasty breakfast, you will depart from Assisi on our luxury bus. Assisi is a small medieval city, attractive and full of surprising buildings. Due to its welcoming character and its great historical importance, it is visited every day by many visitors.

The recommendation is to visit the magnificent Basilica di San Francesco, decorated with frescoes by many late medieval painters, such as Giotto and Cimabue. It has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000.

You will have free time for lunch (not included) at any of the eating places dotting the main streets.

In our luxury coach, you will head towards Siena, one of the most beautiful walled medieval cities in the world. You will visit the historic center with its medieval streets and Piazza del Campo, a uniquely round-shaped piazza, which hosts the twice-annual Palio race.

The race attracts locals and tourists alike for an incredible festival-like experience where neighborhoods of Siena race against one another. Here you will also find the mesmerizing Siena Duomo, with its incredibly intricate facade and its black and white striped columns, which give it a luxurious feel.

Finally, you will continue your journey to Florence, where you will have dinner and rest.

Day 3

After a delicious breakfast, you will visit the magnificent city of Florence, the “city of arts”. You will start with a panoramic tour of the historic center, the exterior of the Cathedral complex: Giotto’s Tower, the Baptistery with the famous Door to Paradise, and the Duomo of Florence, with the spectacular Brunelleschi dome.

Later, you will continue to Piazza de la Signoria, which was the political heart of the Florence of the Medici, and finally the Church of Santa Croce, in Gothic style, which is the largest Franciscan church in Italy and holds the tombs of notable Florentines such as Galileo and Michelangelo. You will then have lunch in a typical Tuscan restaurant.

In the afternoon, you will have free time and the option to go on a panoramic tour of Pisa, one of the most famous cities in the world and the birthplace of Galileo Galilei.

Once there, you will visit the Square of the Miracles, a World Heritage Site, its famous 60-meter Leaning Tower, which, after the recent restoration, is estimated to maintain its stability for another 300 years, and the Duomo, a Romanesque-style masterpiece, with the golden coffered ceiling and the gigantic columns as well as the imposing baptistery with its excellent acoustics.

You will then return to your hotel and rest.

Day 4

After a delicious breakfast, you will depart to your next destination, Bologna, known as the “cultured (la dotta), red (la rossa) and fat (la grossa) city” for being the headquarters of one of the oldest universities in Europe, because of the color of the buildings and roofs and for its richly delicious gastronomy.

Bologna is one of the best preserved historical cities and has the second largest medieval old town in Europe, after Venice. It is also a perfect example of coexistence between the past and its traditions (such as architecture and Italian gastronomy) and modernity (such as prestigious cultural events and exhibitions).

The tour will start at Piazza Malpighi to marvel at the famous arcades and porticoes until reaching Piazza de Neptuno and Piazza Maggiore, the epicenter of the old town.

Around the squares, there are the most representative buildings that have been preserved since medieval times: the 16th-century Neptune Fountain (they say that if you go around it twice it will bring you good luck), the Communal Palace, the Palace of King Enzo, the Palazzo di Podestá and the Basilica di San Petronio, the oldest church and it was going to be the largest in the world, but it remained in fifth place.

Then you will continue your trip with a visit to the city of Padua, famous for its university and for having one of the most beautiful and beloved churches in Italy, the Basilica of Saint Anthony, known locally as “il Santo”. Finally, you will travel to Venice, a magical city that amazes all who are fortunate to visit it.

Day 5

After a tasty breakfast, you will climb on a private boat to head to Piazza San Marco to begin your city tour. You will visit: St. Mark’s Square, which began to be built in the 9th century, acquiring its current form in the 12th century, and the Doge’s Palace.

Built in Venetian Gothic style and pink Vernon marble, this palace is considered a coherent hodgepodge of Byzantine and Gothic architecture, along with traces of Late Renaissance architecture. It was the historic seat of the La Serenissima, the Venetian Republic, and sheathes secrets that have rarely left the walls of the Palace.

Also, the palace boasts ornate furnishings, Venetian art pieces, and lavish rooms and house paintings by Titian, Tintoretto, and Bellini. It is a symbol of the glory and power of Venice and the Bridge of Sighs or Ponte dei Sospiri connected it with the prisons that were built across the canal. Legend has it that this famous bridge took its name because prisoners who crossed the bridge on the way to their prison cells or the execution chamber would sign as they caught their last glimpses of Venice through the tiny windows.

After the walking tour, you will be invited to enjoy a “spritz or prosecco“.

You will have the afternoon free to enjoy this wonderful city and an overnight stay at your hotel.

Day 6

After a delicious breakfast, you will leave on our luxury bus to Montepulciano in the region of the Valle di Chiana in Tuscany famous for its wonderful wines. You will pass through landscapes full of vineyards that will remain engraved on your retina.

Then, you will visit Montepulciano, a picturesque medieval town located on a hill in the center of Italian Tuscany protected by 16th-century Etruscan walls, rich in medieval and Renaissance buildings, and famous for producing one of the oldest and best wines in Italy, the “Nobile di Montepulciano“.

Stands out for their beauty: the Plaza Grande, the heart of the town, located at the highest point of the city with its magnificent Duomo accompanying it, the Tarugi Palace, with its marble-covered facade, and the Church of Santa María dei Servi, one of the symbols of Renaissance art.

You will have lunch in a traditional restaurant and then have some free time to enjoy Montepulciano at your own pace.

After the visit, you will return to your hotel in Rome.

Day 7

After a refreshing breakfast in the Italian capital, considered the highest expression of the historical, artistic, and cultural wealth of the Western world and therefore a UNESCO World Heritage Site, you will leave between 07:45 and 08:00 hours to visit the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica.

Together with the guide and the exclusivity of skipping the lines, you will start with the Vatican Museums, one of the most important art collections in the world. You will see the fantastic Gallery of Geographical Maps, decorated by Gregorio XIII, the Gallery of Tapestries, a collection of different manufacturers from the 16th and 17th centuries, and the Raphael rooms.

Then you will know the incredible Sistine Chapel, one of the most famous and visited monuments in the world, commissioned in the 15th century by Pope Sixtus IV. Thanks to the genius of Miguel Ángel, you will enjoy an unforgettable experience where the frescoes surround the entire space: The Creation of Adam and the incomparable Last Judgment stand out, located on the wall of the altar.

Finally, it will be the turn of the monumental St. Peter’s Basilica, whose works lasted no less than 160 years and in which first-rate artists such as Maderno, Michelangelo, and Bernini worked. The tour will end in Plaza San Pedro.

Then you will have the afternoon free, to continue enjoying the last day in the “Eternal City” at your own pace.

Day 8

After breakfast, and at the time indicated, we will transfer you to Rome International Airport for your flight to Athens.

Upon your arrival in the mythical city of Athens, you will be greeted with a seamless transfer to your hotel in one of our vehicles, where your professional and friendly English-speaking driver will ensure your comfort and convenience throughout the journey.

Later in the afternoon, at an agreed time, our representative will meet you at the hotel to provide all the essential details of your trip. They will also offer a captivating presentation of the city, sharing insights into its everyday way of life. This is an excellent opportunity for you to ask any questions and have any doubts dispelled, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience throughout the rest of your trip.

You will have the remainder of the day free to relax and discover Athens at your own pace, taking in the sights, sounds, and flavors of this remarkable city.

Day 9

Today, we’ll head to the Corinth Canal, where you’ll make a brief stop to take photos and admire this famous waterway that connects the Aegean Sea and the Gulf of Corinth. This impressive engineering marvel eliminates the need for ships to travel over 400 kilometers around the Peloponnese peninsula to reach the Ionian Sea.

Continuing on our journey, we’ll reach the Theater of Epidaurus, renowned worldwide for its exceptional acoustics and still used today for various performances, particularly during the summer. We’ll also have time to explore the Archaeological Museum of Epidaurus, which pays homage to the origins of modern medicine.

Next, we’ll travel to the city of Mycenae, where you’ll have the opportunity to visit the prehistoric Acropolis, the iconic Lions Gate, and the tomb of Agamemnon.

In the afternoon, we’ll make our way across the central Peloponnese region.

By early evening, we’ll arrive in Olympia, where you’ll check into your hotel, enjoy dinner, and rest.

Day 10

In the morning, you will visit the site of the ancient Olympic stadium, where the first games were held at around 776 BC.

The importance of these games was widely accepted, given the extensive participation of the Greek cities, which suspended hostilities throughout the celebrations. The Olympiad was recognized as the only chronological event in Greece and represented four years between two consecutive events.

Olympia was also the most important sanctuary of Ancient Greece, a place to worship Zeus, the first among the gods. The gigantic gold and ivory sculpture crafted by Phidias was considered one of the seven wonders of the ancient world.

After we visit the Museum of Olympia, you will continue your journey across the suspension of the Rion-Antirion Bridge, a modern engineering wonder, until you reach your destination.

Upon your arrival at Delphi, you will have dinner and a well-deserved rest.

Day 11

Start your day with a delightful breakfast before embarking on a visit to Delphi, an esteemed UNESCO World Heritage site and the heart of the ancient world.

Here, the famous Oracle of Delphi advised kings and pilgrims. Don’t miss the chance to explore the Delphi Archaeological Museum, home to the remarkable “Bronze Charioteer,” a masterpiece of Greek sculpture.

Conclude your enriching Delphi tour by descending Mount Parnassus and making your way to the Thessaly plains, where the captivating city of Kalambaka awaits.

Upon reaching Kalambaka, indulge in a satisfying dinner and enjoy a well-deserved rest.

Day 12

Early in the morning, you will visit Meteora, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1988. In this mysterious landscape, the natural beauty is combined with the compelling presence of the eternal monasteries suspended or “Meteora” on top of the huge rocks. Currently, there are only six in use, five for the male and one for the female monastic community.

Dress code to the Monasteries: Sleeveless clothing and shorts above the knee are not allowed. Skirts, shawls, and trousers are available at the entrance of the Monasteries in case visitors do not have such clothing to cover themselves with.

On the way back to Athens, you will briefly stop at Thermopylae, where you can see the statue of the Spartan King Leonidas, famous for leading the battle against the Persians in 480 BC. In the late afternoon, you will arrive in Athens, where we will drop you off at your hotel.

Day 13

After breakfast, you will embark on a panoramic tour of Athens’ Neoclassical Center, visiting iconic landmarks such as the Parliament, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, University, Library, Ilion Palace, Temple of Zeus, Hadrian’s Gate, and the Panathenaic Stadium. Accompanied by a licensed English-speaking Tour Guide, you will gain insights into their fascinating history.

Following the panoramic tour, we will explore the awe-inspiring Acropolis and the Acropolis Museum, both included in the tour. After the visit, you will be dropped off at your hotel or the nearest convenient location.

In the evening, enjoy a delightful walking tour through Athens’ charming areas, including Anafiotika, Thissio, Monastiraki, and Plaka.

Day 14

Today, you have the opportunity to enjoy a free day in Athens, allowing you to explore the city at your own pace. Alternatively, if you’re in the mood for an enchanting experience, you can opt for a captivating one-day cruise to three stunning islands nestled in the picturesque Saronic Gulf.

On the one hand, if you choose to embark on the full-day cruise, you will be conveniently transferred to the port, where your adventure begins. The itinerary includes visits to three remarkable islands: Aegina, renowned for its delightful assortment of pistachios; Poros, celebrated for its scenic beauty; and Hydra, the greenest among these islands, boasting elegant stone mansions, a tranquil atmosphere, and car-free streets.

On board the ship, you can indulge in a delectable lunch accompanied by traditional Greek music and dance. At the end of the day, you will be comfortably transferred back to your hotel, ensuring a seamless experience.

On the other hand, if you decide to spend the day in Athens, you will have the freedom to explore the city’s rich history, vibrant culture, and iconic landmarks at your own leisurely pace.

Day 15

At the appointed time, one of our drivers will transfer you to Athens International Airport, where you will check in your luggage and benefit from the tax return resulting from your last-minute tax-free shopping for family and friends.

Having spent a few fantastic days with Greca, we hope to see you again soon to create together new and extraordinary moments that will be lovingly etched in your memory.

Have a nice trip! Or, as the Greeks say, “Kalo taksidi!“