Best of Italy and Greece with 4-Day Aegean Cruise Premier
Best of Italy and Greece with 4-Day Aegean Cruise Premier
$6417
Best of Italy and Greece with 4-Day Aegean Cruise Premier
14 Days Starting in Rome, Italy and ending in Athens, Greece
Visiting: Rome, St Peter's Basilica, Colosseum, Rome, Circus Maximus, Rome, Basilica of Santa Maria in Cosmedin, Rome, Vatican City, Florence, Chianti, Piazza della Signoria, Duomo, Florence, Ponte Vecchio, Florence, Venice, St. Mark's Square, Venice, Bridge of Sighs, Venice, St. Mark's Basilica, Venice, Doge's Palace, Venice, Lombardy, Athens, Meteora, Kalambaka, Delphi, Royal Palace, Temple of Zeus, Acropolis, Hadrian's Arch, Panathenaic Stadium, Mykonos, Kusadasi, Ephesus, Patmos, Rhodes, Crete, Santorini, Oia
Tour operator:
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Italy and Greece with the "Best of Italy and Greece with 4-Day Aegean Cruise Premier" tour. Begin in Rome, where you'll explore ancient sites like the Colosseum and Vatican City, with fast-track access to the Vatican Museums. Discover the Renaissance wonders of Florence and the enchanting canals of Venice, where you'll witness traditional glassblowing. Fly to Athens and delve into Greece's rich history, visiting the monasteries of Meteora and the iconic Acropolis. The adventure continues with a luxurious four-day Aegean cruise, visiting Mykonos, Ephesus, Patmos, Rhodes, Crete, and Santorini. Enjoy cherry-picked accommodations, expert guides, and a blend of cultural and historical experiences, all while savoring delicious local cuisine. This tour promises a perfect blend of sightseeing, relaxation, and cultural immersion.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Ciao Rome
Location: Rome
Accommodation Name: Midas Palace
Meals Included: Dinner
2025 marks a Jubilee Year, a momentous Roman Catholic event celebrated every 25 years, turning Rome into a center of celebration. As festivities unfold, itineraries may be adjusted to ensure you make the most of your time as you visit the Eternal City.Benvenuti a Roma! Open your heart to a whirlwind of antiquities and local flavors. Join your Travel Director for an introduction to the 'Eternal City'. This evening, enjoy dinner with your fellow travelers.
Day 2: Discover Ancient Rome and the Vatican City
Location: St Peter's Basilica, Colosseum, Rome, Circus Maximus, Rome, Basilica of Santa Maria in Cosmedin, Rome
Accommodation Name: Midas Palace
Meals Included: Breakfast
Visit St Peter's Basilica and view Michelangelo's Pietà with a Local Specialist. Venture across the Tiber River to Ancient Rome and see the mighty Colosseum and Circus Maximus, where daring chariot races were once held to thunderous applause. Drive to the Basilica of Santa Maria in Cosmedin for a private after-hours visit to the Mouth of Truth. See the church, crypt, and relics of the famous saint of love, Valentine, and learn about the legend of the Mouth of Truth.
Day 3: Journey to Renaissance Florence Dive Into Culture Connect with Locals
Location: Vatican City, Florence, Chianti
Accommodation Name: Villa Neroli
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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.
Day 4: Venture to Venice (Mestre)
Location: Florence, Piazza della Signoria, Duomo, Florence, Ponte Vecchio, Florence, Venice
Accommodation Name: Novotel Mestre Castellana
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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 expertise of one of this city's historic industries at a demonstration of Florentine leathercraft. Then travel through the Apennines and cross the Veneto plains towards Venice. This evening, you may choose an Optional Experience to take a gondola ride along the city’s enchanting canals.
Day 5: Explore the Floating City Make Travel Matter
Location: St. Mark's Square, Venice, Bridge of Sighs, Venice, St. Mark's Basilica, Venice, Doge's Palace, Venice, Venice
Accommodation Name: Novotel Mestre Castellana
Meals Included: Breakfast
Cruise by private launch to St. Mark's Square to see the Bridge of Sighs, 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 masters 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 afternoon 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.
Day 6: Onwards to Greece
Location: Lombardy, Athens
Accommodation Name: Crowne Plaza Athens City Center
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today, 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, board your flight to Athens.
Day 7: Monasteries of Meteora on the Way to Kalambaka
Location: Meteora, Kalambaka
Accommodation Name: Amalia Kalambaka
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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 one of the six monasteries built on sandstone rocks that tower above the town.
Day 8: Onwards to Legendary Delphi
Location: Delphi
Accommodation Name: Amalia Delphi
Meals Included: Breakfast
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. Join a fun, interactive Greek Culinary Optional Experience and taste your creations along with other dishes prepared by your cheery chef.
Day 9: Off to Historic Athens
Location: Athens, Royal Palace, Temple of Zeus, Acropolis, Hadrian's Arch, Panathenaic Stadium
Accommodation Name: Crowne Plaza Athens City Center
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
We depart the 'navel of the earth' today and travel to Athens where we'll discover the city's rich heritage during your sightseeing tour with a Local Specialist. Marvel at 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 dinner to celebrate the end of your trip.
Day 10: Embark and Cruise to Stunning Mykonos
Location: Athens, Mykonos
Accommodation Name: MV Celestyal Discovery
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Board your ship in Athens. Cruise to the island of Mykonos and spend time discovering the town and sparkling beaches.
Day 11: Continue to Ancient Ephesus and Patmos
Location: Kusadasi, Ephesus, Patmos
Accommodation Name: MV Celestyal Discovery
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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.
Day 12: A Day to Explore Beautiful Rhodes
Location: Rhodes
Accommodation Name: MV Celestyal Discovery
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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.
Day 13: Cruise to Crete and on to Santorini
Location: Crete, Santorini, Oia
Accommodation Name: MV Celestyal Discovery
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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 flavor 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.
Day 14: Disembark in Athens
Location: Athens
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning, disembark from your ship for your transfer to the airport.Note: please do not book flights before midday.
What's Included
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Expert Travel Director and Professional Driver
An expert Travel Director and professional Driver are included in the tour.
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Porterage and Restaurant Gratuities
All porterage and restaurant gratuities are included in the tour.
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Hotel Tips, Charges, and Local Taxes
All hotel tips, charges, and local taxes are included.
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Must-see Sightseeing and Surprise Extras
Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras are included in the itinerary.
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Audio Headsets for Flexible Sightseeing
Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing are provided.
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Luxury Air-conditioned Coach
Travel in a luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation such as rail journeys.
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European Flight from Milan to Athens
A European flight from Milan to Athens is included.
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Four-night Aegean Cruise
A four-night Aegean cruise is included in the tour.
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Optional Experiences and Free Time
Optional experiences and free time are part of the tour.
What's Not Included
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
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Optional Experiences
Optional experiences and excursions are not included in the base price.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and should be purchased separately.
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Flights to and from the Starting/Ending Locations
International flights to Rome and from Athens are not included.
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Visa Fees
Visa fees and related expenses are not included.
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Gratuities for Tour Director and Driver
Gratuities for the tour director and driver are not included.
Mode of Transport
Travel in a luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries, enjoy a European flight from Milan to Athens, and embark on a four-night Aegean cruise. Alternative transportation such as rail journeys may also be utilized.
Accommodation
Stay in cherry-picked hotels that are tried and trusted, including Midas Palace in Rome, Villa Neroli in Florence, Novotel Mestre Castellana in Venice, Crowne Plaza Athens City Center, Amalia Kalambaka, Amalia Delphi, and the MV Celestyal Discovery cruise ship.
Dining Summary
- 9 Dinner (D)
- 13 Breakfast (B)
- 4 Lunch (L)
Iconic Experience
- Rome: During an orientation with your Travel Director see the medieval buildings, Renaissance palaces and Baroque churches scattered throughout the city.
- : In the Vatican City visit St. Peter's Basilica with a Local Specialist. Witness the early genius of Michelangelo as you take in the Pietà.
- : Enjoy an after-hours visit to the Basilica of Santa Maria in Cosmedin. Get up close to the legendary Mouth of Truth, an ancient Roman marble mask said to bite any liar who places their hand in the mask’s mouth. Dare to test the legend yourself and take one of the city’s most coveted photos.
- Rome: Be inspired by the magnificence of Michelangelo and da Vinci at the Vatican Museums.
- Florence: Join a Local Specialist to view the multi-colored marble cathedral, bell tower and baptistery, adorned by Ghiberti's Gates of Paradise. Visit the political heart of the city, Signoria Square.
- Florence: See the area around Santa Croce Basilica, famous for the quality of its luxury goods, and witness a gold and leatherwork demonstration.
- Meteora: With a Local Specialist, visit one of the remarkable centuries-old monasteries of Meteora, teetering on towers of rock and arguably the most spectacular place to visit in Greece.
- Delphi: With your Local Specialist, walk to The Sacred Way once lined with offertory temples. See the reconstructed Athenian Treasury and pass the superb Polygonal Wall to reach the Temple of Apollo, where people once sought divine wisdom from the mysterious Oracle.
- Athens: Delve into Athens with a Local Specialist. See the iconic highlights of this ancient city, from the Acropolis to the site of the first modern Olympics.
- Ephesus: Discover one of the world's finest ancient sites. Led by your Local Specialist, walk the Arcadian Way, see the Library of Celsus and Amphitheater and visit the House of the Virgin Mary.
- Rhodes: With your Local Specialist, explore the classical Acropolis of Lindos and the Temple of Athena in Rhodes. These awe-inspiring ruins date back to the 4th century and offer panoramic views of the stunning coastline.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes accommodation in cherry-picked hotels that are tried and trusted. On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
Yes, the tour includes daily breakfast and up to half of your evening meals. Additionally, there are 9 dinners, 13 breakfasts, and 4 lunches included.
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What kind of transportation is used during the tour?
The tour provides travel in a luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation such as rail journeys. A European flight from Milan to Athens is also included.
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Is there a cruise included in the tour?
Yes, a four-night Aegean cruise is included in the tour, with stops at various locations such as Mykonos, Ephesus, Patmos, Rhodes, Crete, and Santorini.
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What unique experiences are included in the tour?
The tour includes must-see sightseeing and surprise extras, such as a private after-hours visit to the Mouth of Truth in Rome, a Be My Guest experience in the Chianti countryside, and a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience witnessing Venetian glassblowing.
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Are there any optional experiences available during the tour?
Yes, the tour offers optional experiences and free time, such as a gondola ride in Venice, a visit to the cave where the Book of Revelation was written in Patmos, and exploring Crete's ancient Minoan culture.
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What is the role of the Travel Director and Driver on the tour?
An expert Travel Director and professional Driver are included in the tour to ensure a smooth and informative travel experience.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
The beauty of taking a guided holiday with us is that you’ll have the opportunity to meet and travel with people from all over the globe.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Vaccination against Covid-19 is not mandatory to travel with Trafalgar. However, we strongly recommend that guests are vaccinated before travelling. Please note that airlines and/or other authorities may have different requirements. It is the guest's responsibility to comply with these requirements at all times.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1947
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Trafalgar is a founding partner of the TreadRight Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation established in 2008. So far, the charity has donated more than US$2 million to help underprivileged communities and support sustainable tourism around the world.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Trafalgar requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of trafalgar charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions
