Best of Italy & Greece with 4-Day Aegean Cruise Premier

Explore the captivating art and architectural wonders of Rome, immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of Florence, and embark on a journey to the monasteries of Meteora.

Discover the historical significance of the site that once held the most important oracle in the classical world. This tour promises a fascinating exploration of art, culture, and ancient history in these iconic European destinations.

Price based on 10 Aug 2024 departure.

What’s Included

An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
All porterage and restaurant gratuities
All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
European flight from Milan to Athens
Optional Experiences and free time
Four-night Aegean Cruise
On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilised.

Highlights

• Enjoy the convenience of a Fast Track Entrance to the Vatican Museums, granting you swift access to explore the wealth of ancient artifacts and art.
• Immerse yourself in the historical wonders of Rome, from the iconic sites like the Duomo and Baptistery in Florence to the majestic Doge’s Palace and Basilica in Venice.
• Delight in a scenic cruise by private launch, offering picturesque views as you approach St. Mark’s Square in Venice.
• Witness the grandeur of the Parthenon, Royal Palace, and the Temple of Zeus in Athens, completing your journey through these remarkable European destinations.

Day-by-day Itinerary

Day 1: Ciao Rome

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.

Day 2: Discover Ancient Rome and the Vatican City

See the Circus Maximus where chariot races were held and enjoy an in depth walking experience around the walls of the Colosseum. Later, visit St. Peter’s Basilica and view Michelangelo’s Pietà with a Local Specialist. There’s time afterwards to explore the city on your own or simply relax and watch the world go by. (B)

Day 3: Journey to Renaissance Florence

This morning, head to the Vatican Museums with a Local Specialist. Admire Michelangelo’s frescoed ceiling in the Sistine Chapel. Later, drive north to Renaissance Florence in Tuscany. Tonight, Connect With Locals at a Be My Guest experience in the Chianti countryside. (B,D)

Day 4: Venture to Venice (Mestre)

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 Baptistry, 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 along the city’s enchanting canals. (B,D)

Day 5: Explore the Floating City

Cruise by private launch to St. Mark’s Square to see the Bridge of Sighs, St. Mark’s Square, St. Mark’s Basilica and the ornate Doge’s Palace. Later, you’ll enjoy a memorable MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience where you’ll witness the ancient Venetian tradition of glassblowing. You’ll learn how the talented master craftsmen are using the same techniques their forefathers once did and how your visit helps to preserve this delicate art for generations to come. Don’t resist the urge to buy a souvenir to remember the special experience before enjoying the rest of the day to explore Venice your way. You could choose to spend a lazy evening watching the traffic on the busy waterways with a Venetian Spritz, or consider taking an Optional Experience to one of the islands in the lagoon. (B)

Day 6: Onwards to Greece

Today we travel through Lombardy. The region is Italy’s commercial powerhouse bordering Switzerland with lakes and mountains in the north and plains to the south. Later we board our flight to Athens.

Day 7: Monasteries of Meteora on the way to Kalambaka

Travel north to Kalambaka and the astonishing 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. Join a fun, interactive Greek Culinary Optional Experience and taste your creations along with other dishes prepared by your cheery chef. (B)

Day 8: Onwards to Legendary 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. (B,D)

Day 9: Off to Historic Athens

We depart the ‘navel of the earth’ today 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, the Temple of Zeus and the Acropolis. 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. (B,D)

Day 10: Embark and Cruise to Stunning Mykonos

Board your ship in Athens. Cruise to the island of Mykonos and spend time discovering the town and sparkling beaches. (B,L,D)

Day 11: Continue to Ancient Ephesus and Patmos

Arrive early at the port of Kusadasi in Turkey where you will enjoy a complimentary Shore Experience to Ephesus. Continue on to Patmos, where you might join an Optional Experience to the cave where the Book of Revelation was written. (B,L,D)

Day 12: A Day to Explore Beautiful Rhodes

Arriving in Rhodes, you may wish to join an optional experience for an encounter with one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World today. Walk in the footsteps of the medieval knights who conquered this land. There’s time to explore it for yourself as you trace the thick stone walls, gates and cobblestone lanes of its capital before returning to your cruise. (B,L,D)

Day 13: Cruise to Crete and on to Santorini

You may decide to explore Crete’s ancient Minoan culture and heritage at the Palace of Knossos. Admire its bright wall paintings that were restored at the turn of the 20th century and explore centuries of history that predate Christ. Or choose to drive deep into the beautiful countryside and experience the true flavour of Cretan lifestyle. Continue to Santorini, watching as this Cycladic island comes closer on the horizon, rising out of the Aegean with its distinctive cliff-top towns. You could consider an optional Shore Experience this afternoon, passing villages and vineyards bound for Oia with its white buildings and blue-domed churches which vie for the best views over the caldera. (B,L,D)

Day 14: Disembark in Athens

This morning, disembark from your ship for your transfer to the airport. (B)