Ancient Greece & Italy Combined
Duration: 10 Days
Program only valid for private groups of 20 or more people
Day 1: Athens Arrival
Welcome to Athens, Greece! During this tour you will visit very important historical sites, ancient monuments and world class museums. Learn about the societies and cultures of Ancient Greece and Italy. Our local representative will assist you with your transfer to your hotel in the center of Athens.
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Day 2: Athens City Tour
Enjoy a walking tour of Athens that includes visits to the Temple of Olympian Zeus and the Acropolis with the famous Parthenon and Erectheion temples. Enjoy the spectacular view of the city below including the ancient Agora and the Theatre of Herod Atticus where modern concerts still take place until today. Continue on to the impressive Acropolis Museum where you can admire all the findings from the Acropolis hill.
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Day 3: One Day Cruise
Depart for a day cruise to the lovely Greek islands of Hydra, Poros and Aegina, including lunch on board. First stop is Hydra, a post card port town where no cars are allowed and the cobbled streets are lined with restaurants, cafes and little artisan shops. Then move on to the island of Poros with delightful scenery marked by the low pine-wooded hills. Our last port of call is Aegina, an attractive and tranquil resort destination, famous for its local pistachio trees. Return to Athens early evening.
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Day 4: Full Day Delphi
Today we drive to the center of the Ancient world, the "omphalos" (navel) of the earth - whose prestige extended far beyond the boundaries of the Hellenistic world. We visit the Sanctuary of Apollo, the Treasury of the Athenians and the theater, built 2,500 years ago that seats over 5,000 people. We also visit the Archaeological Museum containing masterpieces of ancient Greek sculpture, such as the bronze Charioteer and the famous athlete Aghias. Return to Athens in the evening.
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Day 5: Epidaurus – Nafplion – Mycenae – Patras – Ferry to Bari, Italy
Morning departure to Epidaurus, to visit the famous well-preserved theater, where concerts and festivals are still held until today. Next stop is the beautiful city of Nafplion, the first modern capital of Greece. Our tour continues to Mycenae, the center of power in the archaic period and home to king Agamemnon. Visit the archaeological site and enter the Beehive Tomb of king Agamemnon. Continue to Patras to catch the overnight ferry to Bari, Italy.
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Day 6: Arrival in Bari -Sorrento
Welcome to Bari, Italy! Upon arrival, we depart for Sorrento with a stop in Benevento to see the Arco di Traiano, the best preserved Roman triumphal arch in the world. Enjoy some free time before our authentic Italian dinner in Sorrento.
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Day 7: Sorrento – Pompeii - Rome
Today we will visit the once thriving and sophisticated Roman city, Pompeii, which was buried in meters of ash and pumice after the catastrophic eruption of Mt. Vesuvius in 79 AD. After the visit, we start our drive to Rome.
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Day 8: Rome
Let the “Eternal City” enchant you as you stroll through its picturesque cobblestone alleyways and discover some of the world’s most famous sites including the Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon and Piazza Navona. After a break for lunch, enjoy a guided tour of the Colosseum, the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill.
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Day 9: Rome
Discover the Vatican City State visiting its Museums and the Sistine Chapel, to see Michelangelo’s famous Creation of Adam painting. We also see the famous Italian Renaissance church of St. Peter’s Basilica and St. Peter’s Square.
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Day 10: Rome Departure
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight.
We hope you return soon and experience more of these wonderful lands!
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