Best of Italy and Greece
Best of Italy and Greece
$4568
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Italy and Greece with the "Best of Italy and Greece" tour. Begin in Rome, where you'll explore iconic sites like the Vatican Museums and the Colosseum. Travel to Florence to experience Renaissance art and culture, and enjoy a special dinner at a 15th-century olive oil estate. In Venice, witness the ancient craft of glassblowing and cruise to St. Mark's Square. Fly to Greece to discover the breathtaking Meteora monasteries and the historic sites of Delphi. Conclude your adventure in Athens, marveling at the Acropolis and other ancient wonders. With expert guides, luxury accommodations, and a four-night Aegean cruise, this tour offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and relaxation. ...more ...less
Must-see Highlights
- Fast Track Entrance to the Vatican Museums
- Explore Rome, Florence, Meteora monasteries, Delphi and Athens
- Visit the Vatican Museums and St. Peter's Basilica, the Sistine Chapel in Rome, Piazzale Michelangelo and Piazza della Signoria in Florence, a glassblowing factory in Venice, the monasteries of Meteora, the Temple of Apollo in Delphi and the Acropolis in Athens
- View the ancient sites of Rome, the Duomo and Baptistery in Florence, the Doge's Palace and the Basilica in Venice and the Parthenon, Royal Palace and the Temple of Zeus in Athens
- See Hadrian's Arch in Athens
- Scenic Cruise by private launch to St. Mark's Square in Venice
Make Travel Matter®
Venice: Discover the ancient skill of Venetian glassblowing and play a part in preserving this traditional craft. Your visit directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.
Be My Guest
Florence: The Pazzi and de Medici feud is brought to light on this visit to the 12th-century Castle of Trebbio. Meet Anna and Alberto, enjoy a traditional Tuscan buffet, explore the cellars, and indulge in olive oil and wine tasting.
Itinerary
Day 1: Ciao Rome
Location: Rome
Accommodation: Villa Pamphili
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. ...more ...less
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: Villa Pamphili
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: Villa Neroli
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, Venice
Accommodation: Novotel Mestre Castellana
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: Venice, St. Mark's Square, Bridge of Sighs, St. Mark's Basilica, Doge's Palace
Accommodation: Novotel Mestre Castellana
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: Crowne Plaza 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: Amalia 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: Amalia 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: Divani Caravel, Radisson Blu Park, Crowne Plaza Athens
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: Farewell Athens
Location: Athens
Meals Included: Breakfast
Say goodbye to your fellow travelers and Travel Director after an unforgettable journey.
What's Included
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Expert Travel Director and Professional Driver
The tour includes the services of an expert Travel Director and a professional Driver.
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Cherry-picked Hotels
Accommodation is provided in cherry-picked hotels that are tried and trusted.
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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
The tour covers all hotel tips, charges, and local taxes.
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Must-see Sightseeing and Surprise Extras
The tour includes must-see sightseeing and surprise extras.
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Audio Headsets
Audio headsets are provided for flexible sightseeing.
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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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Optional Experiences and Free Time
The tour offers optional experiences and free time.
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Four-night Aegean Cruise
A four-night Aegean Cruise is part of the tour.
What's Not Included
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Optional Experiences
Optional experiences are not included and are available at an additional cost.
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International Flights
International airfare to/from the start/end of your trip is not included.
Mode of Transport
Travel in a luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi, enjoy a scenic cruise in Venice, and take a European flight from Milan to Athens, ensuring a seamless travel experience.
Accommodation
Stay in cherry-picked hotels like Midas Palace in Rome, Villa Neroli in Florence, and Novotel Mestre Castellana in Venice, ensuring comfort and quality throughout your journey.
Dining Summary
- 5 Dinner (D)
- 9 Breakfast (B)
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.
Check out our Q&As
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What unique experiences are included in the tour?
The tour includes 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 the ancient Venetian tradition of glassblowing.
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What kind of transportation is provided during the tour?
The tour provides travel in a luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries, and includes a European flight from Milan to Athens.
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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.
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What kind of accommodation can I expect on this tour?
Accommodation is provided in cherry-picked hotels that are tried and trusted. On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized.
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Is there any free time or optional activities available during the tour?
Yes, the tour offers optional experiences and free time for personal exploration.
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What is the significance of the Jubilee Year mentioned in the itinerary?
2025 marks a Jubilee Year, a significant Roman Catholic event celebrated every 25 years, which turns Rome into a center of celebration. The itinerary may be adjusted to ensure you make the most of your time during this period.
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What cultural sites will be visited in Rome?
In Rome, you will visit St. Peter's Basilica, the Colosseum, Circus Maximus, and the Basilica of Santa Maria in Cosmedin.
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What is the MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience in Venice?
The MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience in Venice involves witnessing the ancient Venetian tradition of glassblowing, where you learn how the talented masters use the same techniques as their forefathers, helping to preserve this delicate art.
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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
Best of Italy and Greece
10 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, Venice, St. Mark's Square, Bridge of Sighs, St. Mark's Basilica, Doge's Palace, Lombardy, Athens, Meteora, Kalambaka, Delphi, Royal Palace, Temple of Zeus, Acropolis, Hadrian's Arch, Panathenaic Stadium ...more ...less
Tour operator:
Tour code:
ICLAMZN20
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
