Rome, Puglia and Meteoras

Welcome to Rome! Upon your arrival at the airport, we will be there to transfer you to your hotel. You will find all the details you need to meet your guide at the hotel on the information boards. In the late afternoon, we will provide a transfer to the Esquilino neighborhood, an excellent introduction to Rome with its grand basilicas and the Colosseum. Dinner will be included.

In the morning, we´ll enjoy a threehour guided tour of the Eternal City, combining a walking tour of Imperial Rome with a panoramic bus ride to admire one of the oldest and most influential cities of Western civilization. During the tour, we’ll see iconic sites such as the Arch of Constantine, the exterior of the Colosseum and the Imperial Forums, the Circus Maximus, the Baths of Caracalla, the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, the Pyramid of Cestius, and Castel Sant’Angelo. The tour will end in VATICAN CITY around 11:30 a. m. Free time in the afternoon.

Free day. Today, we suggest an optional excursion to Naples, Capri, and Pompeii.

Today, we’ll travel toward the Adriatic Sea, passing through the stunning landscapes of the Apennine Mountain range. Our first stop will be the San Giovanni in Venere Abbey (admission included), a beautiful 11thcentury abbey built on the ruins of an ancient Roman temple. Next, we’ll visit Termoli, a charming coastal city where the beach is framed by the walled old town, with its 13thcentury castle and Romanesque cathedral as the main attractions. You’ll have time to enjoy lunch and take a leisurely walk. We’ll then continue to Bari, a historic port city inhabited since before Roman times. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to explore and stroll through the old town. Its narrow streets, beautiful churches, and vibrant atmosphere make it a truly special city, full of southern Italian charm.

After breakfast, we’ll continue to Brindisi, where you can go on a nice walk along the sea, see the impressive Roman column and explore the old town. Later, we’ll board a modern ferry (scheduled departure at 1:00 p. m. ) for our journey across the Ionian Sea. We’ll arrive in Igoumenitsa, Greece, after an 8hour journey and head to our accommodation.

After breakfast, we´ll journey through the tall mountains of Epirus to reach Metsovo, a charming Balkan village nestled between mountains. Isolated by rugged terrain, this area retains a unique culture influenced by Slavic and Turkish traditions. Take time to wander its streets lined with traditional stone houses, red tile roofs, and intricately carved wooden balconies. Continuing into Thessaly, we´ll stop in Kastraki, a quaint village offering stunning views of the Meteora Valley. Enjoy lunch before exploring the Meteora, a remarkable World Heritage Site. The name "Metéora" in Greek means "suspended in the air" or "in the sky," aptly describing the towering rock formations crowned with monasteries. These secluded sites have been havens for monks seeking solitude and tranquility for centuries. Our visit includes admission to one of its most renowned monasteries. We´ll end our day in Kalabaka, where dinner will be included.

We’ll journey south through the Thessaly region, where you’ll experience stunning landscapes, before reaching Delphi. Here, we´ll explore the exquisite archaeological site overlooking the Gulf of Corinth, with breathtaking views. There will be time for lunch. Following that, we´ll head to the Hosios Loukas Monastery, renowned as one of the most beautiful Byzantine monasteries in Greece and a World Heritage Site. Its magnificent 11thcentury mosaics are truly remarkable. We´ll then continue our journey towards Athens, arriving in the evening.

We´ll embark on a city tour of Athens with a local guide, visiting landmarks such as the Presidential Mansion, the Panathenaic Stadium where the first modern Olympic Games were held, the National Library, and the bustling squares of the city center. We´ll also explore the newer neighborhoods that developed after the 2004 Olympic Games. The tour will conclude at the Acropolis (admission not included). In the evening, we´ll provide a transfer to the historical neighborhood of Plaka, renowned for its charming Greek tavernas and opportunities to immerse yourself in the rich folklore of this country.

After breakfast, our journey will come to an end, leaving you with wonderful lasting memories.