Combine the very best of Italy and Greece on this 14-day vacation extravaganza by train and sea!
Before heading to Greece you’ll go from the canals of Venice, enjoy a day in Florence. Next you’ll spend 2-nights in the capital Rome before taking the train to Bari for the overnight ferry crossing to Patras. A driver will drive you to Athens for a full day of sightseeing, take the ferry to the breathtaking volcanic island of Santorini, and finally 2-nights on the classic island of Mykonos. This vacation is a fascinating mix of adventure, ancient history, and stunning destinations!
DAY 1 – Your journey begins in Venice
Welcome to Venice! You will be met at the airport and escorted to your hotel the best way possible – via a water taxi through the magical canals of Venice. Once checked in for your 2-night stay, venture out for dinner at one of the city’s many fine tavernas. (Overnight Venice)
DAY 2 – Venice
Learn the rich history of this ancient island state with a small group tour of the Doges Palace and beautiful Golden Basilica, then enjoy a short walking tour led by a Venetian. Here you will venture from the well-trodden streets to some of the small alleys and canals which hide some of Venice’s most beautiful surprises! (Overnight Venice)
DAY 3 – Florence
Depart ‘The Floating City’ on your direct train to Florence, where you will be staying tonight. Once checked in, enjoy a stroll around the very walkable city center to admire the gorgeous architecture. The Florence Duomo is one of the world’s biggest and best, and its pinkish glow in the sunlight is a sight to behold. In the afternoon, go to the world-famous Uffizi gallery for a tour. Since the 16th Century, the gallery has been home to some of the world’s most treasured masterpieces. In the evening, take a walk down the river to view the unmistakable Ponte Vecchio. (Overnight Florence)
DAY 4 – Florence to Rome
Enjoy the morning in Florence, perhaps with a tour of the Pitti Palace and its incredible views across the city, but then make your way to the station for a direct train to Rome. On arrival, head to your hotel for a 2-night stay. Take an evening stroll and admire how beautiful Rome is at night. The Trevi Fountain and Spanish steps lit up are an incredible sight, while the ancient Pantheon is genuinely remarkable. A bowl of pasta or pizza with a glass of wine or 2 is an excellent end to the end. (Overnight in Rome)
DAY 5 – Rome
Spend a full day sightseeing today with an afternoon tour of the colossal Colosseum and ancient Roman Forum – the center of the ancient Roman Empire. Contact me to add a morning visit to the Vatican Museums and see the legendary Sistine Chapel. (Overnight Rome)
DAY 6 – Italy to Greece by Overnight Ferry
Take a morning train to Bari and check in for your ferry crossing. Once onboard, settle into your cabin for the night (Overnight onboard)
DAY 7 – Arriving in Greece
Enjoy breakfast onboard and head out on deck to watch and admire the Greek coastline as your ship navigates its way through the Gulf of Patras. You will be met on arrival and driven to Athens. Break up the 2hr drive with a photo stop at the ancient Corinth Canal, and once you arrive in Athens, check in for a 2-night stay, then take a stroll to the cobbled streets of Plaka for an excellent choice for dinner. (Overnight Athens, Greece)
DAY 8 – Athens
Get the most out of this great city today with a half-day tour + guided visit to the Acropolis and its equally rewarding Museum. The Acropolis is the ancient citadel on a rocky hilltop around which Athens is built and features numerous remains of old buildings of immense historic significance, the most famous of which is the iconic Parthenon. Following your tour, follow the footsteps of Plato and Aristotle with a stroll around the ancient Greek Agora. Be sure to head to the vast Temple of Zeus and Hadrian’s Arch. There is so much to see in this fascinating city. One day barely scratch the surface! (Overnight Athens, Greece)
DAY 9 – Athens to Santorini
You will be picked up from your hotel this morning and driven to Piraeus in time for your ferry to Santorini. The pristine blue seas of the Greek Islands have caught the imagination of millions over millennia, and nothing will prepare you for the beauty you will face on Santorini. The cliffs of the main island make it one of the most popular destinations in all of the Mediterranean. On arrival, go to your hotel for a 2-night stay. In the evening, enjoy dinner with an exceptional view across the Caldera. (Overnight Santorini, Greece)
DAY 10 – Santorini
Following breakfast at your hotel, spend the day exploring the island. The main town of Fira is home to many picturesque whitewashed Greek buildings and classic windmills. Its dramatic setting, some 1200ft above sea level, reward you with breathtaking views at every turn. In the evening, you will be taken down to the harbor for a sunset catamaran cruise, including the opportunity for a swim or snorkeling, a delicious BBQ feast, the sights of Aspronisi, Akrotiri, the Ancient Lighthouse, and ending in the village of Oia for the world-famous Santorini sunset. (Overnight Santorini, Greece)
DAY 11 – Santorini to Mykonos
This morning you will be taken down to the harbor in time for your ferry to Mykonos. Relax on deck for the 2.5hr cruise before arriving and being transferred to your hotel for a 2-night stay. Once settled, head out to explore the island. Often described as one of the gems of Greece, Mykonos has much to offer, including its iconic windmills. Some beautiful local shops, bars, and restaurants line the lanes of Little Venice. At the same time, there is a photo opportunity around every corner with the classic whitewashed Greek buildings and obligatory donkey or 2. (Overnight Mykonos, Greece)
DAY 12 – Delos Day Trip
Today enjoy a small group tour of the neighboring island of Delos, which plays a significant role in the work of Greek Mythology. Being the birthplace of the Gods, Apollo and Artemis Delos is one of the most important archaeological sites in the world and was a major commercial and trading center in the 1st and 2nd Centuries. Fascinating temples, houses, amphitheaters, and the iconic Terrace of the Lions statues scatter the tiny island. (Overnight Mykonos, Greece)
DAY 13 – Athens
Enjoy the morning, then bid farewell to Mykonos as you are transferred to the harbor for the high-speed ferry back to Athens. A car will take you to your hotel for the night, then enjoy one last dinner in the Greek capital. (Overnight Athens, Greece)
DAY 14 – Your journey ends in Athens
A car will collect you from your hotel and take you to the airport for your flight home, or let me know if you would like to extend your travels elsewhere.
