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Italy and Greece—two countries filled with ancient history and cultures, as well as beautiful scenery, sumptuous cuisine, and awe-inspiring sights. You’ve seen the Olympic games on TV—now’s your chance to learn their history and see where they started in ancient Greece. You’ve heard about the romantic canals in Venice—now’s your chance to ride a gondola through one. You’ve seen the pope speak from St. Peter’s Square in Rome—now’s your chance to stand in it. You’ve seen pictures of the Leaning Tower of Pisa—now’s your chance to take your own photo!

On this tour, you’ll spend time in Rome, Florence, Venice, Assisi, Olympia, Delphi, and Athens. A trip highlight is in Delphi, where in ancient times pilgrims would travel from all over the Mediterranean to consult the famous Delphic oracle to have questions about their future answered. You’ll explore the excavations and visit the Archaeological Museum. Also explore the ancient ruins in Rome, including the Roman Forum, dating back to the 7th century BC, and the Colosseum, completed in the 1st century AD.

This is just a sampling of the fascinating places you’ll visit on this trip to Italy and Greece. Just imagine the memories you’ll create on this marvelous vacation.

No one brings the world’s stories to life like we do. What story will you discover next?

Day 1 Arrive in Rome, Italy
Time to rest or start exploring the “Eternal City.” At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and traveling companions and leave the hotel for a special welcome dinner with wine at one of Rome’s lively restaurants. (Dinner)

Day 2 Rome
Sightseeing with your Local Guide starts with a visit to the VATICAN MUSEUMS and SISTINE CHAPEL, world famous for Michelangelo’s ceiling paintings and The Last Judgement. Continue to monumental ST. PETER’S SQUARE and BASILICA. Cross the Tiber and visit the COLOSSEUM and the ROMAN FORUM, where Roman legions marched in triumph. Time for independent activities and exciting optional excursions. (Breakfast)

Day 3 At Leisure in Rome
Another day to savor la dolce vita. If you feel like traveling, you may want to join an optional excursion to Pompeii, the Roman city both destroyed and preserved by a volcanic eruption in 79 AD. Tonight, why not join an optional dinner with local specialties and wine? (Breakfast)

Day 4 Rome–Pisa–Florence
Follow the Aurelian Way along the Tyrrhenian coast to Pisa. Take your pictures of the amazing Leaning Tower, 180 feet high and no less than 12 feet out of the perpendicular. Next is Florence, the splendid capital of Tuscany and the “Cradle of the Renaissance.” Tonight an optional dinner at a typical Tuscan restaurant can be arranged. (Breakfast)

Day 5 Florence
Follow your Local Guide to the ACADEMY OF FINE ARTS with Michelangelo’s David and the magnificent CATHEDRAL. Admire Giotto’s Bell Tower, the Baptistry’s “Gate of Paradise,” and sculpture-studded SIGNORIA SQUARE. Afternoon is at leisure. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 6 Florence–Padua–Venice
Across the wooded Etruscan Apennine Mountains into the lush plains of the Po River to Padua, city of St. Anthony, for a visit to the majestic six-domed BASILICA. Time for lunch and independent exploration before continuing to Venice. Enter in style by PRIVATE BOAT. (Breakfast)

Day 7 Venice
Highlights of your guided walking tour this morning are ST. MARK’S SQUARE and the byzantine BASILICA, lavish DOGES’ PALACE and the BRIDGE OF SIGHS. Also watch skilled GLASSBLOWERS fashion their delicate objects in an age-old traditional manner. Then, enjoy Venice at your own pace or join an optional gondola ride. (Breakfast)

Day 8 Venice–Ferrara–Assisi
A scenic drive today through the lush plains of the mighty River Po to Ferrara. Stroll past the imposing Este Castle to the marble cathedral before continuing to peaceful Assisi. A walking tour with a Local Guide features ST. CLARE’S CHURCH and ST. FRANCIS’ BASILICA, the hub of a religious order devoted to ideals of humility, forgiveness, simplicity, and love for God’s creatures. Hear about monastic life and see the priceless frescoes adorning the walls of the church. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 9 Assisi–Ancona–Overnight Cruise to Patras, Greece
In Ancona, board your high-speed FERRY for your overnight cruise to Greece. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 10 Patras–Olympia
Dock at Patras and continue by motorcoach to Olympia. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 11 Olympia–Delphi
Focus on Olympia, where the athletes of antiquity performed in honor of the King of Deities. Learn about the history of those original Olympic Games as you walk with your Local Guide among the impressive remains of the GYMNASIUM and the Temples of Hera and Zeus. Visit the MUSEUM, which displays a magnificent statue of Hermes. In the afternoon, proceed to mythical Delphi. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 12 Delphi–Athens
Morning visit with a Local Guide to the ancient sanctuary of the god Apollo in its dramatic setting on the slopes of Mount Parnassus. Hear about the Oracle and tour the EXCAVATIONS. Also visit the ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM to admire the Charioteer of Delphi, an extraordinary 5th-century BC bronze statue. On your way to Athens, your Tour Director will tell you about Thebes, the setting of Sophocles’ Oedipus Rex, and Marathon, where 10,000 Athenians defeated more than twice that number of Persian invaders in 490 BC. You may wish to join an optional dinner outing to one of Plaka’s tavernas with cool Retsina wines and folk dancing reminiscent of Zorba the Greek. (Breakfast)

Day 13 Athens
Tour the capital’s classical sights with a Local Guide: the Parthenon’s crowning beauty atop the ACROPOLIS, the Erechtheum with its Porch of Maidens, the beautifully preserved Theseum, Roman Temple of Zeus, Theater of Dionysus, and the Agora where Socrates taught. Vistas of government buildings and elegant homes in the modern city provide a striking contrast to the remains of a glorious past. Exciting optional evening excursions are available. (Breakfast)

Day 14 At Leisure in Athens
A full day at leisure. How about an optional day cruise to the islands of Aegina, Hydra, and Poros? This evening, enjoy a farewell dinner with wine to celebrate the success of your vacation. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 15 Athens
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (Breakfast)

INCLUDED FEATURES
Headsets throughout the tour

Rome:
Welcome dinner at a local restaurant; guided sightseeing, visit the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Square and Basilica, and the Colosseum and Roman Forum

Pisa:
Take pictures of the Leaning Tower

Florence:
Guided walking tour, visit Michelangelo’s David, the cathedral, and Signoria Square

Padua:
Visit St. Anthony’s Basilica

Venice:
Private boat ride; guided walking tour, visit St. Mark’s Square and Basilica, Doges’ Palace and the Bridge of Sighs; glassblowers’ demonstration

Ferrara:
Walk past the Este Castle to the cathedral

Assisi:
Guided walking tour, visit St. Clare’s Church and St. Francis’ Basilica

Ancona-Patras:
Overnight crossing in two-berth cabins with private facilities

Olympia:
Guided walking tour of the archaeological site including the Gymnasium and the Museum

Delphi:
Guided walking tour of the excavations and the Archaeological Museum

Athens:
Guided sightseeing, visit the Acropolis; farewell dinner

Note:
Add a 4-night Greek cruise to your vacation.

INSIDE VISITS
Inside visits and special features are shown in the description, including admission charges when applicable.

MEALS
Full buffet breakfast; 7 three-course dinners, including a welcome dinner with wine in Rome and a farewell dinner with wine in Athens.

SUPERIOR HOTELS - (D) Deluxe (SF) Superior First-Class (F) First-Class
Rome NH Villa Carpegna (F), Florence Athenaeum (F), Venice Sant’Elena (F), Assisi San Francesco, Olympia Amalia (F), Delphi Amalia (F), Athens Zafolia (F)

Optional Excursions

Important Note: the following list of optional excursions are examples only for this vacation as they are the excursions that are being offered for this vacation in the current travel year. These optional excursions might or might not be offered next year, as well as new optional excursions might be offered. Information about what optional excursions will be offered for your vacation will be available later this year into next year. If no example excursions are listed, please check back later.

Here's a list of optional excursions you can enjoy during your vacation. Whether it's a special dinner, a local show or a special behind-the-scenes glimpse into an historical site, optional excursions are a wonderful way to enrich your vacation even further. Plus, they give you flexibility. We include the must-see sites and experiences, and we also understand that people take interest in different activities and may want to craft a more personal vacation by hand-picking optional excursions that appeal to them.

Availability is subject to sufficient participation, weather conditions, seasonal suitability, days of operation, group interests, and general feasibility for your vacation. The approximate value listed gives you a good, general idea of what you can expect to pay but may vary once you are on your vacation. Some information provided might be in a foreign currency.

CITY: Athens

Aegean Island Full-Day Cruise
Board a comfortable cruise ship to sail to the legendary islands of Aegina, Hydra, and Poros. A light lunch is included, then time for a stroll, swim, or just bask in the sun.
Approximate value: EUR €87 per person

Romantic Greek Dinner in Microlimano
Admire the illuminated harbor of Microlimano before enjoying your four-course dinner with drinks included at one of the city's finest restaurants. You'll have spectacular views of the Acropolis and Lycabettus Hill.
Approximate value: EUR €66 per person

Plaka with Dinner
Sample a glass of ouzo and enjoy a Greek-style four-course dinner with drinks included at a taverna in the festive Plaka district. Folk dances put you in that special mood reminiscent of Zorba the Greek.
Approximate value: EUR €62 per person

Acropolis Museum
Meet your Local Guide for a short drive to the new ACROPOLIS MUSEUM, which houses sculptures and artifacts from Athens' Golden Age. See the most important marble sculptures from the Pantheon and other archaeological treasures never before exhibited.
Approximate value: EUR €43 per person

CITY: Florence

Tuscan Dinner
Drive out to the Tuscan Hills to enjoy a traditional Florentine meal, including drinks, in a picturesque country setting.
Approximate value: EUR €53 per person

Highlights of Uffizi Gallery
Admire the world's greatest collection of Italian and Florentine art. The GALLERY showcases works by Leonardo da Vinci, Botticelli, and Michelangelo.
Approximate value: EUR €34 per person

Royal Dinner with the Prince
Delve into the past and experience a noble Italian dinner welcomed by a Prince in traditional costume who will tell you stories and show you around the historical building. Savor tasty specialties, drinks, and musical entertainment-a unique experience!
Approximate value: EUR €45 per person

CITY: Rome

Excursion to Tivoli
Leave Rome for a guided visit of the famous VILLA ADRIANA or the VILLA D'ESTE GARDENS and FOUNTAINS in Tivoli.
Approximate value: EUR €49 per person

Full-Day Excursion to Pompeii
A scenic drive along the Highway of the Sun takes you past the famous Abbey of Montecassino and Naples for a guided visit of POMPEII, the well-preserved Roman city that was buried by the catastrophic volcanic eruption of Vesuvius in 79 AD and was rediscovered 1,700 years later. A fascinating open-air museum provides an extraordinarily detailed insight into the life of a city during the Roman Empire and should not be missed!
Approximate value: EUR €88 per person

The Catacombs and St. Paul Outside the Walls
This guided tour takes you to the 4th-century basilica ST. PAUL OUTSIDE THE WALLS and the CATACOMBS.
Approximate value: EUR €37 per person

Roman Highlights
A guided walking tour takes you to some of the most famous monuments. Admire the Spanish Steps, Via Condotti, Piazza Navona, Parliament, and Pantheon. A four-course dinner including drinks at a popular Roman restaurant can also be added for the total price of EUR 65.00 per person.
Approximate value: EUR €37 per person

Roman Hidden Treasures
Your Tour Director will propose a tailor-made itinerary for your tour that features some of Rome's authentic jewels such as: Trastevere and its basilica of Santa Maria or the baroque district, Campo de' Fiori, the Pantheon and San Luigi dei Francesi with Caravaggio paintings or famous Piazza Navona, Trevi Fountain, Via dei Condotti and Piazza del Popolo with its church of Santa Maria del Popolo and displays of Caravaggio paintings.
Approximate value: EUR €37 per person

CITY: Venice

A Venetian Night Out
Travel by private water taxi along the splendid Grand Canal with its elegant palaces to a fine Venetian restaurant, and taste four mouth-watering courses of local specialties and wine. Later there's time to explore and absorb the romantic and unique atmosphere of Venice by night.
Approximate value: EUR €68 per person

Dinner by the Venetian Canal
A pleasant stroll to your restaurant, conveniently located along the busy Grand Canal, where you wine and dine, enjoying the lively atmosphere of this part of Venice.
Approximate value: EUR €51 per person

Gondola Serenade
Enjoy a serenaded ride in a traditional gondola (for 6 people), gliding through centuries-old canals, under famous arched bridges, and past lavish palaces and quaint piazzas.
Approximate value: EUR €37 per person

Lagoon Cruise with Lunch or Dinner in Burano
Leave the crowds of Venice behind and appreciate the peaceful vistas of the Lagoon while you glide past the islands of San Giorgio, Santa Elena, and the famous Lido. In the picturesque fishing village of Burano, renowned for its pastel-colored houses, savor a four-course lunch/dinner with drinks included. Afterward there's time to shop and stroll.
Approximate value: EUR €67 per person

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