Best of Italy and Greece

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Travel south to the ancient port city of Ancona to board your overnight ferry to mainland Greece.

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.

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.

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.

Say goodbye to your fellow travellers and Travel Director after an unforgettable journey. Airport transfers are available. Conditions apply.