Best of Italy and Greece
Operated by: Trafalgar
10 Days from $2,903 per person
Locations Visited
Rome, Florence, Mestre, Venice, Ancona, Igoumenitsa, KALAMBAKA, Kalabaka, Meteora, Delphi, Athens ...more Rome, Florence, Mestre, Venice, Ancona, Igoumenitsa, KALAMBAKA, Kalabaka, Meteora, Delphi, Athens"Fun tour of Italy and Greece"I enjoyed all of the experiences and outings. It was fun and educational.
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Day 1
Arrive Rome (2 Nights)
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.
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Day 2
Rome Sightseeing and Free Time
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.
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Day 3
Rome Sightseeing – Florence
This morning, head to the Vatican 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' over a 'Be My Guest' dinner in the Chianti countryside.
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Day 4
Florence Sightseeing – Venice (2 Nights)
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 through the city's enchanting canals.
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Day 5
Venice Orientation and Free Time
Savour the unique sights and sounds of Venice as you cruise by private launch to Giudecca Island, where you'll 'Dive Into Culture' and witness the ancient Venetian tradition of glassmaking. See the Bridge of Sighs, St. Mark's Square, St. Mark's Basilica and the ornate Doge's Palace. This afternoon, consider taking an Optional Experience to one of the islands in the lagoon.
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Day 6
Venice – Overnight Ferry
Travel south to the ancient port city of Ancona to board your overnight ferry to mainland Greece.
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Day 7
Igoumenitsa – Meteora – Kalambaka
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.
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Day 8
Kalambaka – Delphi
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.
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Day 9
Delphi – Athens Sightseeing
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 and the Temple of Zeus. 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.
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Day 10
Depart Athens
Say goodbye to your fellow travellers and Travel Director after an unforgettable journey. Airport transfers are available. Conditions apply.
Price Includes
Dining Highlights
- 9 breakfasts
- 5 dinners (including Be My Guest)
First class travel Highlights
- Audio Headsets for flexible sightseeing
- Daily breakfast and up to half your evening meals
- Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
- Overnight ferry from Ancona to Igoumenitsa
- Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
- Optional Experiences and free time
- All porterage and restaurant gratuities
- Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
- An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
- All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
- Handcrafted Highlights
- VIP entry to many sights
Sightseeing Highlights
- VIP ADMISSION to the Vatican Museums
- ORIENTATION of Venice
- VISIT St. Peter's Basilica, the Sistine Chapel and the Colosseum in Rome, Piazzale Michelangelo, Piazza della Signoria in Florence, the monasteries of Meteora, the Temple of Apollo in Delphi and 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
Dates & Prices
Airfare is not included, but can be added to quote upon request-
Definite Departure
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Start Date:
Sat, May 2, 2020
Return Date:
Mon, May 11, 2020
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$3,225$2,903pp | SAVE: $322Pay by Dec 18AARP members save an additional $100 |
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Request Quote Book Now | ||
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Start Date:
Sat, May 9, 2020
Return Date:
Mon, May 18, 2020
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$3,225$2,903pp | SAVE: $322Pay by Dec 18AARP members save an additional $100 |
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Request Quote Book Now | ||
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Start Date:
Sat, May 16, 2020
Return Date:
Mon, May 25, 2020
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$3,225$2,903pp | SAVE: $322Pay by Dec 18AARP members save an additional $100 | Request Quote Book Now | |||
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Start Date:
Sat, May 23, 2020
Return Date:
Mon, Jun 1, 2020
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$3,225$2,903pp | SAVE: $322Pay by Dec 18AARP members save an additional $100 | Request Quote Book Now | |||
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Start Date:
Sat, May 30, 2020
Return Date:
Mon, Jun 8, 2020
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$3,225$2,903pp | SAVE: $322Pay by Dec 18AARP members save an additional $100 | Request Quote Book Now | |||
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Start Date:
Sat, Jun 6, 2020
Return Date:
Mon, Jun 15, 2020
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$3,225$2,903pp | SAVE: $322Pay by Dec 18AARP members save an additional $100 | Request Quote Book Now | |||
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Start Date:
Sat, Jun 13, 2020
Return Date:
Mon, Jun 22, 2020
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$3,375$3,038pp | SAVE: $337Pay by Dec 18AARP members save an additional $100 |
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Request Quote Book Now | ||
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Start Date:
Sat, Jun 20, 2020
Return Date:
Mon, Jun 29, 2020
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$3,495$3,146pp | SAVE: $349Pay by Dec 18AARP members save an additional $100 | Request Quote Book Now | |||
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Start Date:
Sat, Jun 27, 2020
Return Date:
Mon, Jul 6, 2020
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$3,495$3,146pp | SAVE: $349Pay by Dec 18AARP members save an additional $100 | Request Quote Book Now | |||
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Start Date:
Sat, Jul 4, 2020
Return Date:
Mon, Jul 13, 2020
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$3,450$3,105pp | SAVE: $345Pay by Dec 18AARP members save an additional $100 | Request Quote Book Now | |||
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Start Date:
Sat, Jul 18, 2020
Return Date:
Mon, Jul 27, 2020
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$3,450$3,105pp | SAVE: $345Pay by Dec 18AARP members save an additional $100 | Request Quote Book Now | |||
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Start Date:
Sat, Aug 1, 2020
Return Date:
Mon, Aug 10, 2020
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$3,450$3,105pp | SAVE: $345Pay by Dec 18AARP members save an additional $100 | Request Quote Book Now | |||
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Start Date:
Sat, Aug 29, 2020
Return Date:
Mon, Sep 7, 2020
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$3,450$3,105pp | SAVE: $345Pay by Dec 18AARP members save an additional $100 | Request Quote Book Now | |||
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Start Date:
Sat, Sep 5, 2020
Return Date:
Mon, Sep 14, 2020
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$3,295$2,966pp | SAVE: $329Pay by Dec 18AARP members save an additional $100 | Request Quote Book Now | |||
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Start Date:
Sat, Sep 12, 2020
Return Date:
Mon, Sep 21, 2020
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$3,295$2,966pp | SAVE: $329Pay by Dec 18AARP members save an additional $100 |
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Request Quote Book Now | ||
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Start Date:
Sat, Sep 19, 2020
Return Date:
Mon, Sep 28, 2020
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$3,295$2,966pp | SAVE: $329Pay by Dec 18AARP members save an additional $100 | Request Quote Book Now |
Optional Add-Ons
Optional Experiences are subject to change. Your Travel Director will supply you with a final list of Optional Experiences available on your trip. Optional Experiences cannot be booked online; they can be purchased during your trip through your Travel Director.
Rome
Piazzas and Fountains of Rome
Discover the most charming areas in the city with a Local Specialist. Wander through the labyrinth of narrow streets and beautiful squares of Rome's historic centre, leading to highlights such as the Trevi Fountain and the Pantheon, as well as hidden corners of the Eternal City.
Adult Price: €33
Delights of Rome with Dinner
Spend an evening getting to know Rome. We’ll take you via coach where you’ll have the chance to see some of the city’s much-loved sights. Afterwards, you’ll enjoy a delicious light dinner of Italian specialities, alongside local music and drinks.
Adult Price: €49
Florence
Michelangelo's 'David' & Accademia
Enjoy an insight into the world of Michelangelo and his masterpiece, David. We visit the Academy of Fine Arts and its Michelangelo collection, where you’ll learn all about the life and works of this immortal Renaissance genius through the expert commentary of our Local Specialist. This optional involves reservations and entrance prepayments. If you decide to cancel this optional, a 50% cancellation fee will be incurred.
Adult Price: €47
Venice
Gondolas and the Grand Canal
Join us for a scenic cruise by private water taxi along Venice's Grand Canal. You’ll admire the magnificent palazzi, as well as catching a glimpse of the Rialto Bridge and St. Mark's Square. Later on, you'll glide gracefully on a gondola along Venice’s dreamy, narrow waterways.
Adult Price: €70
Venice's Secrets and St. Mark's Basilica
Explore the hidden maze of streets which make up this unique city as your Local Specialist gives you a fascinating insight into Venice's past and present. You’ll visit the majestic Basilica of St Mark, where you’ll have a chance to view some of the prized trophies looted by the Venetians in their rise to power.
Adult Price: €36
Lagoon Cruise to Burano with Food and Drinks
Join us as we discover the Venetian Lagoon by private boat. You will enjoy a delicious meal with a selection of drinks on the fishermen's island of Burano, famous for its multi-coloured houses - a real photographer's paradise.
Adult Price: €72
Delphi
Flavours of Parnassos Mountain and Wine Tasting
A delightful evening commences as we meet our local wine expert at our welcoming restaurant. Located in the heart of the village of Delphi, it overlooks a sea of olive trees covering the stunning valley below. As we discover the tantalizing local wines and learn about the indigenous grape varieties cultivated locally, we savor a variety of Greek hors d’oeuvres followed by a choice of delicious entrees and sumptuous dessert. A wonderful night to remember! Wine tasting, drinks and dinner included.
Adult Price: €51
Patmos
Patmos Countryside Tour with Hora And Grotto Of Apocalypse
We visit Patmos a UNESCO “World Heritage Monument” and enjoy a panoramic guided tour of the island, a magical visit to the Grotto of the Apocalypse, where it is said St John the Apostle wrote the Book of Revelation. We reach the medieval town of Hora to enjoy a leisurely walk, marvel at the views of the Monastery of St John the Evangelist, and culminate our tour at Scala the port of Patmos where we enjoy a welcoming coffee, tea or refreshment.
Adult Price: €67
Child Price: €44
Rhodes
Medieval tour - Acropolis of Lindos and the Citadel of the Knights
Lindos, situated 55 km (40 miles) from the city of Rhodes, is known for its clifftop acropolis. Here we'll find the ancient Temple of Athena, built in 300 B.C. and erected on the location of an older monument. The ancient city-state of Lindos was for many centuries the most important on the island, reaching its heyday in the 6th century B.C. At the ancient city of Rhodes, we'll go through D’Amboise Gate to walk on the Street of the Knights where we'll find Knight's residences separated according to Order, which still bear their corresponding crests.
Adult Price: €74
Child Price: €55
Mykonos
Myconian Countryside tour with Hora & Little Venice
The shore-experience with the coach and your local expert sets off from Chora. Next stop at the south, the leeward beach of Ornos, a picturesque fishing harbour which is a popular anchorage and then on to the small beach of Agia Anna and Kalafatis beach. During the trip back to Chora, you will visit the traditional village of Ano Mera and the monastery of Panagia Tourliani, founded in 1542. The pretty village square is perfect spot for a short break. Returning to Chora you will stop at Paraportiani. A few metres down you will meet the Mykonos Folklore Museum, which is housed in an old two-storied merchant baron’s house. You continue towards the “Little Venice” of Mykonos, Alefkandra, with its windmills and the almost otherworldly sunsets.
Adult Price: €67
Child Price: €44
Santorini
Spectacular Oia Village Perched On The Caldera Rim
First you head up to Megalochori village, one of the most authentic and unspoiled villages of the island with its distinctive architecture and character. We will continue on to the east, in the background, you will have settlements like Kamari and Monolithos, while you will pass through Fira, the small traditional villages of Firostefani and Imerovigli with delicate architecture and beauties, to eventually arrive at the settlement of Oia. During the entire route, to the west you will have before your eyes the lace-like caldera, the little islands of Thirasia, Palea and Nea Kameni and an unsurpassable panoramic view. In Oia you will have plenty of time to stroll through the marble-paved alleys, to gaze at the adorably cute shops, to take pictures, to become acquainted with the characteristic buildings, carved into the rocks and the unusual captains’ manors, the settlement Ammoudi at the foot of the caldera, returning to the ship afterwards.
Adult Price: €74
Heraklion
Minoan Palace of Knossos - 1st European Civilization
he ancient city of Knossos the residence of the wise King Minos and the Minotaur, with constant habitation from the Neolithic era until the 5th century A.D., is beyond doubt the land that “gave birth” to the first civilization of Europe, the Minoans. The palace of Knossos spreads around a large Central Court. You will reach the awe inspiring Throne Room, the fresco of the “Prince of the Lilies”, the imposing Grand Staircase, the Queen’s Megaron. Walking through the apartments of the Knossos palace and observing the finds even as a visitor, you will feel part of this cultural heritage. There is time for a stop in the city of Heraklion before boarding the ship again.
Adult Price: €74
Child Price: €55
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