Highlights of Greece and Southern Italy

5.0Based on

Carbon neutral

16 daysDuration

Group TourJoin a group of travelers

35 peopleMaximum group size

8 - 99 yearsAge range for participants

EnglishGuide language

Relaxed

Minimal physical effort, perfect for travelers seeking an easy-going experience.

Starts

Athens, Greece

Ends

Rome, Italy

Highlights

Explore Athens' Acropolis, Parthenon, then relax in Kamena Vourla's rejuvenating hot springs

Marvel at Meteora's surreal monasteries, visit Delphi's ancient sanctuary and explore its ruins

Island-hop through Aegina, Poros, visit Epidaurus' amphitheater and stroll Nafplio's charming streets

Discover Alberobello's trulli houses, Matera's caves and Brindisi's Mediterranean ambiance

Experience the rich history, breathtaking coastal beauty and vibrant Italian culture of Southern Italy

Visit Paola's Sanctuary of Saint Francis before diving into Sicily's rich cultural heritage

Delve into Rome's rich heritage: Colosseum, Palatine Hill and Vatican's cultural marvels

Visit Paola's Sanctuary of Saint Francis before diving into Sicily's rich cultural heritage

Delve into Rome's rich heritage: Colosseum, Palatine Hill and Vatican's cultural marvels

Itinerary

Travelers in search of an epic journey through the cradle of Western civilization will find their dream adventure in the "Highlights of Greece and Southern Italy" tour package. Spanning 16 days from Athens to Rome, this relaxed-paced trip invites you to uncover the most iconic sights and hidden gems of two storied nations.

Start with the awe-inspiring Acropolis and Parthenon in Athens, then unwind in Kamena Vourla’s soothing hot springs. Marvel at the mystical monasteries of Meteora, explore the ancient sanctuary of Delphi, and visit the serene Osios Loukas Monastery. Island-hop to Aegina and Poros, experience the acoustics of Epidaurus, and wander the charming lanes of Nafplio.

Sail across the Ionian Sea to Italy, where the whitewashed trulli of Alberobello and the ancient cave dwellings of Matera await. Discover the enchanting Amalfi Coast—Naples, Capri, Sorrento, and Salerno—before journeying through Sicily’s legendary cities. Explore the ruins of Pompeii, lose yourself in Palermo’s Baroque beauty, and stand in awe before the Roman Colosseum and Vatican City.

The unique selling point of this tour is its rare depth and variety: from Greek island magic to Roman grandeur and Sicilian treasures, every day offers a new highlight. With all accommodations, transport, and meals provided, this tour package ensures an effortless, immersive exploration of two of Europe’s most beloved regions.

day 1 - Athens Arrival

Welcome to Athens! Upon arriving at the airport, you will be transferred to the hotel. You can enjoy free time at leisure. Check the information board in the hotel reception area for details regarding the meeting place, time, and the guide's name. Enjoy leisure time to explore the local market or relax in your hotel room.

Overnight in Athens

day 2 - Athens

Today after breakfast, begin your day with a guided city tour and visit the Presidential Palace, the Panathenaic Stadium where the first modern Olympic Games were held. Explore the National Library and the bustling squares of the center, along with the new neighborhoods that emerged after the 2004 Olympic Games. The tour will conclude at the Acropolis site (entry not included). In the evening, a transfer is arranged to the Plaka area, renowned for its small Greek bars, where you can immerse yourself in the rich folklore of this country.

Overnight in Athens

day 3 - Athens - Kamena Vourla- Kastraki- Meteora- Kalambaka

Following breakfast in the morning, you will begin your journey towards the North of Greece. Your first stop will be KAMENA VOURLA, a stunning tourist destination by the sea surrounded by picturesque landscapes. Continuing northward, you will pause briefly at the gorge where the Battle of Thermopylae occurred. Next, you will visit KASTRAKI, a charming village offering breathtaking views of the valley. Here, you will have free time for lunch before exploring the METEORA valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its awe-inspiring scenery.

Overnight in Kalambaka

day 4 - Kalambaka - Delphi - Osios Loukas - Athens

After your morning meal, you will start your journey south through the Thessaly region, enjoying the beautiful scenery along the way. Your first stop will be DELPHI, where you will visit an amazing old site overlooking the Gulf of Corinth. You will have time to explore before lunch. Then, you will go to the OSIOS LOUKAS MONASTERY, an old and beautiful place with colorful pictures on the walls. It's a special place protected by UNESCO. After that, you will head to ATHENS and arrive there in the evening.

Overnight is in Athens.

day 5 - Athens - Aegyna- Poros- Epidaurus- Nafplio

Your morning begins with breakfast at the hotel before embarking on today's special journey. You will start by catching a ferry from your hotel to Aegina, an island inhabited for over 4,000 years, where you can stroll around the charming harbor, quaint neighborhoods, and visit the Greek temple of Apollo. Then, take another ferry to Poros, a picturesque island with old houses leading up to a clock tower, offering free time for exploration and lunch. Afterward, head to Galatas by a short boat ride and then continue by road to Epidaurus, where you can visit the well-preserved ancient theater built 2,400 years ago and enjoy free time. Your journey will then take you to Nafplio, a coastal city with a Venetian fortress, before returning for dinner.

Overnight in Nafplio

day 6 - Nafplio - Tripoli- Olympia- Patras

After breakfast in the morning, you will journey through the mountains of the Peloponnese to Tripoli. Upon arrival, you can explore the lively capital of the Arcadia region. Take some time to wander around Areos Square, where there are plenty of cafes and restaurants to enjoy. Later, you will head to Olympia, where you will explore the ancient site that hosted the first Olympic Games in 776 BC. Athletes from all over Greece and its colonies competed here. You will see landmarks like the Temple of Zeus, the stadium, the gymnasium, and the arena. Following that, your journey continues to Patras, the third-largest city in Greece. It's a bustling port city with a medieval fortress overseeing the area and the largest cathedral in Greece. Both the cathedral and the small Saint Andrew’s church are popular pilgrimage sites.

Overnight in Patras

day 7 - Patras - Igoumenitsa - Brindisi

Post breakfast, you will cross the Rio-Antirrio bridge, a big cable-stayed bridge that links the Peloponnese to the rest of Greece. You will travel through Central Greece and Epyrus. Igoumenitsa, a coastal city, you will have some free time to explore before boarding a modern ferry. This ferry will take you across the Ionian Sea to Italy, and you will arrive in Brindisi by the end of the day.

Overnight in Brindisi

day 8 - Brindisi - Alberobello- Matera- Naples

Today, you will explore two remarkable and authentic towns. After breakfast in the morning, you will visit Alberobello, a charming town renowned for its unique conical-shaped houses called \"trulli\". These distinctive structures, featuring stacked stone roofs, are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and serve as an exceptional example of Italian rural architecture. Then, you will head to Matera, situated in the Basilicata region, known for its ancient historic center known as the \"Sassi di Matera\" – a collection of ancient houses and buildings carved into the rock, dating back thousands of years. This area is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is among the oldest continuously inhabited human settlements globally. You will take a leisurely walk and enjoy lunch. In the afternoon, you will drive through the scenic mountain landscapes of Basilicata and Campania before reaching Naples in the evening. You will have free time to explore on your own. Enjoy more All-inclusive Italy vacations with Indus Travels.

Overnight in Naples

day 9 - Naples - Capri - Sorrento - Salerno

Start your day with a delightful breakfast, followed by a leisurely stroll in Naples before boarding. After that, you will enjoy a boat trip to the Island of Capri, where you can choose to visit the Blue Grotto or take the cable car to Capri city. Following this, you will explore Sorrento, a charming town nestled at the base of a cliff, with free time to wander. Finally, we'll proceed to the Gulf of Salerno for a visit to Salerno.

Overnight in Salerno

day 10 - Salerno - Paola- Messina- Taormina

After breakfast, you embark on a journey southward to the beautiful landscapes of southern Italy, passing through the Cilento National Park. Your destination is Paola, situated on the shores of the Tyrrhenian Sea. Here, you visit the sanctuary of St. Francis of Paola and enjoy some leisure time for lunch in its charming historic center. Continuing your journey, you reach Villa San Giovanni, where you board a short ferry to Sicily. Upon arrival in Messina, you take a stroll and visit the cathedral before heading to Taormina.

Overnight in Taormina or Messina

day 11 - Taormina

Following your morning meal, you will head out to explore the charming city of Taormina, nestled at the foot of Mount Etna, famously described by Churchill as the prettiest place on earth. Take some time to wander through the bustling ancient city center, where you will marvel at its Greek theatre with its stunning views.

Overnight in Taormina or Messina

day 12 - Taormina - Noto- Syracuse- Agrigento

Post breakfast in the morning, you proceed to SYRACUSE, a city that once rivaled Athens and Rome in power and splendor. It's time to explore its magnificent historic center. Then, you move on to NOTO, a small city that appears frozen in time, known as the Baroque jewel of Sicily. Continuing your journey, you head towards AGRIGENTO. Along the way, from the coach, you catch glimpses of the magnificent temple complex.

Overnight in Agrigento

day 13 - Agrigento - Marsala- Erice- Palermo

Today after breakfast, you will visit the Valley of the Temples, an impressive archaeological site considered the most complete complex of Greek temples (ticket not included). Then, you will travel to Marsala, a historic city known for its vibrant atmosphere and famous wine, with time for lunch. Next, you will explore the Marsala salt marshes before heading to Erice, a picturesque Phoenician town overlooking the sea, where you will have time to stroll. Finally, you will continue your journey to Palermo.

Overnight in Palermo

day 14 - Palermo - Monreale- (ferry)

Following breakfast, you will explore PALERMO, including a transfer to the charming village of MONREALE, located on the outskirts of the city. Uncover the stunning Arab-Norman cathedral (entrance included), a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its breathtaking golden mosaics adorning the interior. Palermo, the capital of Sicily, is a city steeped in history, boasting a mix of Arab, Norman, and Baroque influences. Highlights of your tour include visits to the Cathedral (entrance included) and the Palace of the Normans, featuring the Palatine Chapel. You will have free time at the end of the visit to explore on your own. Later in the afternoon, you will board a modern night ferry.

Overnight on Ferry

day 15 - Naples - Pompeii- Cassino- Rome

Upon arrival in Naples early in the morning, you proceed to Pompeii where you will have the opportunity to explore the remains of this Roman city, famously preserved under the ashes of Mount Vesuvius. A local guide will accompany you for the visit (entrance and guided tour included). Following that, you will explore Naples, one of Italy's most captivating cities, boasting a rich history as one of Europe's oldest and continuously inhabited urban areas. The old town of Naples, one of Europe's largest, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy some leisure time for a stroll and lunch. Next, you continue to Cassino, where you will visit the immense abbey, the site of one of the most grueling battles of the Second World War. You will arrive in Rome by the end of the day.

Overnight in Rome

day 16 - Rome – Us/canada

Enjoy your breakfast, make your own way to Rome International Airport to prepare for your flight back home.

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What's Included

Accommodation

15 Nights of accommodation on a twin-sharing basis at listed Superior hotels or similar

Meals

Daily buffet breakfastSpecial Lunch in Tormina06 dinners at the hotels

Transport

Arrival transfer in AthensTransportation in an air-conditioned deluxe motorcoachFerry from Igumenitsa (GR) to Brindisi (IT)Ferry from Naples - Capri - SorrentoFerry from Galatas - Poros - Aegina - AthensOvernight ferry from Palermo to NaplesFerry from San Giovanni - Messina (Sicily)

Guide

Services of a Bilingual English/Spanish-speaking local tour guide

Others

Guided city tour of Agrigento, Athens, Palermo and PompeiiArcheological Site of Delphi and Hosios Loukas MonasteryGreek Theatre of EpidaurusMonastery at MeteoraMonreale CathedralGuided tour to Archaeological site of OlympiaPalermo CathedralPompeiAll currently applicable local taxes

Entrance

Sightseeing and entrance fees as per the itineraryAdmission and tour of the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento

What's Excluded

Customer Reviews

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