Itinerary
- Day 1
Rome
You'll arrive in Rome and get settled at your hotel. Late in the afternoon, head over to the Esquilino neighborhood to walk around and see the grand basilicas and the Colosseum area. Dinner's taken care of for you this evening.
- Meals
- Dinner
Included Activities
- Late afternoon transfer and introduction to Esquilino neighborhood with basilicas and Colosseum views
Landmarks/POIs Colosseum - Day 2
Rome
This morning starts with a three-hour guided tour that combines walking with a panoramic bus ride through Imperial Rome. You'll see the Arch of Constantine, the exterior of the Colosseum, Imperial Forums, Circus Maximus, Baths of Caracalla, Basilica of Saint Mary Major, Pyramid of Cestius, and Castel Sant'Angelo. The tour wraps up at Vatican City around 11:30 a.m., leaving your afternoon free to do what you'd like.
Included Activities
- Three-hour guided tour of Imperial Rome including Arch of Constantine, Colosseum exterior, Imperial Forums, Circus Maximus, Baths of Caracalla, Basilica of Saint Mary Major, Pyramid of Cestius, and Castel Sant'Angelo
- Panoramic bus ride through Rome
Optional Activities
- Afternoon activities in Vatican City or Rome city center
Landmarks/POIs Arch of Constantine Colosseum Imperial Forums Circus Maximus Baths of Caracalla Basilica of Saint Mary Major Pyramid of Cestius Castel Sant'Angelo - Day 3
Rome
You have a free day in Rome to spend however you want. If you're interested, there's an optional excursion available to Naples, Capri, and Pompeii.
Optional Activities
- Optional excursion to Naples, Capri, and Pompeii
- Day 4
Rome to Bari
Head toward the Adriatic Sea, traveling through the Apennine Mountain range. You'll visit San Giovanni in Venere Abbey, an 11th-century structure built right on top of ancient Roman temple ruins. After that, stop in Termoli, a charming coastal town with its walled old town, 13th-century castle, and Romanesque cathedral. Then continue to Bari, a historic port city where you'll walk through the old town's narrow streets and see various churches.
Included Activities
- Visit San Giovanni in Venere Abbey with admission included
- Stop in Termoli to explore walled old town, 13th-century castle, and Romanesque cathedral
Optional Activities
- Lunch in Termoli
- Leisurely walk in Termoli
- Exploration of Bari old town
Landmarks/POIs San Giovanni in Venere Abbey Termoli - Day 5
Bari to Igoumenitsa
After breakfast, you'll explore Brindisi by walking along the sea, checking out the impressive Roman column, and wandering through the old town. At 1:00 p.m., board a modern ferry for an 8-hour crossing of the Ionian Sea to Igoumenitsa, Greece. From there, transfer to your accommodation.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Walk along the sea in Brindisi
- View the Roman column in Brindisi
- Exploration of Brindisi old town
Landmarks/POIs Roman Column - Day 6
Igoumenitsa to Kalabaka
After breakfast, travel through the tall mountains of Epirus to reach Metsovo, a charming Balkan village with traditional stone houses, red tile roofs, and wooden balconies. Continue into Thessaly and stop in Kastraki for views of the Meteora Valley. After lunch, explore Meteora with its towering rock formations and monasteries, visiting one of the monasteries. You'll end the day in Kalabaka with dinner included.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
Included Activities
- Visit Metsovo village and explore traditional stone houses and architecture
- Stop in Kastraki village with views of Meteora Valley
- Admission to one Meteora monastery included
Optional Activities
- Lunch in Kastraki
Landmarks/POIs Metsovo Kastraki Meteora - Day 7
Kalabaka to Athens
Head south through Thessaly's landscapes to Delphi and explore the archaeological site that overlooks the Gulf of Corinth. After lunch, visit the Hosios Loukas Monastery, a World Heritage Site known for its 11th-century Byzantine mosaics. Then continue on to Athens, arriving in the evening.
Included Activities
- Guided exploration of Delphi archaeological site
- Admission to Hosios Loukas Monastery included
Optional Activities
- Lunch in Delphi
Landmarks/POIs Delphi Hosios Loukas Monastery - Day 8
Athens
A local guide will take you on a city tour of Athens, visiting the Presidential Mansion, Panathenaic Stadium where the first modern Olympic Games took place, the National Library, and busy squares in the city center. You'll also see newer neighborhoods built after the 2004 Olympics. The tour ends at the Acropolis (admission separate). In the evening, transfer to Plaka, the charming neighborhood with traditional Greek tavernas.
Included Activities
- Guided city tour of Athens including Presidential Mansion, Panathenaic Stadium, National Library, and city center squares
- Visit to newer neighborhoods developed after 2004 Olympic Games
- Evening transfer to Plaka neighborhood
Optional Activities
- Acropolis admission (not included in tour price)
- Dining and exploration in Plaka neighborhood
Landmarks/POIs Presidential Mansion Panathenaic Stadium National Library Acropolis Plaka - Day 9
Athens
After breakfast, your tour comes to an end, and you'll head out with great memories from your time in Rome and Greece.
- Meals
- Breakfast
