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DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN ATHENS
Arrival in Athens, transfer to your hotel.
DAY 2: ATHENS SIGHTSEEING
This tour gives you an opportunity to observe the striking contrasts that make Athens such a fascinating city. Our expert guides take you to see the centre of the city, Constitution square (Syntagma), the House of Parliament, the Memorial to the unknown soldier and the National Library.
Driving down Herod Atticus street, you will see the Evzones in their picturesque uniform and the Presidential Palace. On your way to the Acropolis you will see the Handrian’s Arch, visit the Temple of Olympian Zeus and you will make a short stop at the Panathinaic Stadium where the first Olympic Games of the modern era were held in 1896.
On the Acropolis visit the architectural masterpieces of the Golden Age of Athens: the Propylaea, The Temple of Athena Nike, The Erechtheion, and finally “the harmony between material and spirit”, the monument that “puts order in the mind”, The Parthenon. You complete the visit with the Museum of Acropolis.
DAY 3: FREE DAY IN ATHENS
Free day at leisure. Discover city’s shopping areas, enjoy your lunch and café, dine out in style, enjoy yourself through a variety of nightlife places!
DAY 4: CRUISE EMBARKATION / ATHENS Depart 13:00
Transfer to the port, embarkation followed by 3-night cruise to Greek islands & Turkey.
Your 3-night adventure starts as we head out to the idyllic island of Mykonos.
Home to the famous white windmills, the Island of the Winds is a picturesque with traditional villages, charming churches, whitewashed houses and a lively waterfront lined with bohemian cafes and welcoming bars.
Day 4: MYKONOS (GREECE) Depart 23:00
The magical sun-kissed island of Mykonos invites you to admire its stunning coastline, soft sandy beaches, and rugged rocky landscape. Affectionately known as the ‘Island of Winds’, Mykonos is home to the 16th-Century windmills that have become iconic landmarks on postcards. The energetic Greek island is well known for its beauty, diverse range of bars, cafes and restaurants and a vibrant atmosphere.
Day 5: KUSADASI (TURKEY) Depart 13:00
We arrive in the stunning coastal town of Kusadasi in the morning where you will disembark to join your expert guide for the complimentary excursion to the iconic Hellenistic ruins of Ephesus, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. Upon returning, you ‘ll have just enough time to browse the port side bazaar.
Day 5: PATMOS (GREECE) Depart 21:30
In the afternoon, we head to the volcanic island of Patmos with its enchanting lace-like coastline and dramatic sheer cliffs. Patmos is where John the Baptist is thought to have penned the Book of Revelation and you have the opportunity to visit the ‘Cave of the Apocalypse’ and monastery or indulge in a traditional feast.
Day 6: HERAKLION, CRETE (GREECE) Depart 12:00
As we pull into Heraklion, you have the chance to snap the imposing 16th century walls of Koules Fortress. Here you can enjoy the calm of the stunning waterfront, explore the Cretan countryside or discover the Palace of Knossos. This spellbinding tour invites you to listen to tales of intrigue and learn about Europe’s first civilization in the Knossos Museum. Was the Minotaur half-man or myth? You’ re about to find out!
Day 6: SANTORINI (GREECE) Depart 21:30
The romantic charm of Santorini is one of the most celebrated Greek Islands in the Aegean. Here you will have the opportunity to explore the magical villages of Fira and Oia and photography the whitewashed houses and blue-domed churches perched on Caldera cliffs. With extraordinary views from an elevated position, this idyllic island is the perfect location to watch the sunset.
Day 7: ATHENS Arrive 06:00 / DISEMBARKATION – FLIGHT TO ROME & FREE DAY
Morning disembarkation and transfer to Athens airport for flight to Rome. Arrival and transfer to hotel. Free day in the eternal city.
DAY 8: ROME / COLOSSEUM TOUR WITH ROMAN FORUM & PALATINE HILL
Our Skip-the-line Colosseum Underground Tour is perfect for those who want to experience more of Rome’s iconic monument. Our enhanced tour allows you special access to the Gladiator arena to get a fighter’s view of the amphitheatre, and special access to the underground “backstage” area to discover how the awesome spectacles were created.
You also get Skip-the-Line access to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill.
Step back in time on this semi-private tour of the Colosseum, entering through the Gladiator’s Entrance and step into the Arena Floor, where millions of fights took place. Get a real sense of what life was like in ancient Rome when this amphitheatre provided a venue for bloodshed and entertainment.
In a group of 10 or less, explore this incredible monument alongside an expert, English-speaking guide who will be on hand to tell you all about the history of the Colosseum as well as the Roman Forum & Palatine Hill. The stories will take your breath away and audio headsets will be used where appropriate, so you won’t miss a thing.
This tour gives you exclusive access to areas of the Colosseum that are often unexplored, including the amazing underground level where the Gladiators would wait to head out into battle. The animals were also held here, and it is a fascinating part of Roman history to be able to discover.
DAY 9: ROME / VATICAN MUSEUMS & SISTINE CHAPEL TOUR
Discover the marvels of the Vatican on TripAdvisor’s Number One Tour in the World for 2019. Be mesmerized by Michelangelo’s world famous Sistine Chapel and Last Judgement, visit the Raphael Rooms and hear the stories behind the renowned “School of Athens”.With our Reserved Entrance, you can head straight into the Vatican to explore the museums with your dedicated expert guide. Headsets allow you to hear the stories your art historian guide will tell as they bring these works to life.
Tours are limited to 20 people, and the Vatican is quieter than ever. With reduced capacity and fewer crowds, feel like a VIP as you wander the quiet corridors and explore the museum in peace with your safety as a priority.
DAY 10: TRAIN TO FLORENCE & FREE DAY
Transfer to Florence by fast train – free day.
DAY 11: BEST OF FLORENCE TOUR WITH DAVID & THE DUOMO
Take this opportunity to see Florence’s best sights – this 2.5h tour gives you Skip the Line access to the Accademia as well as taking you to the amazing Duomo. Perfect for a short but sweet trip to this amazing city! With an expert, English-speaking guide and audio headset, hear the city come to life before you as you listen to a fun and interesting commentary about the art and architecture found throughout Florence.
Now is the perfect time to book a trip to Florence and see what the city as to offer – with fewer visitors, you’ll be able to get a real sense of just how amazing it is here. There are extra safety measures in place, so your day can be completely stress-free!
DAY 12: TRAIN TO VENICE & FREE DAY
Transfer to Venice by fast train – free day
DAY 13: SKIP-THE-LINE VENICE ICONS TOUR: DOGE’S PALACE & ST. MARK’S BASILICA
Make the most of your vacation time in Venice with Skip-the-Line Access to two of the Floating City’s most iconic landmarks. Begin your day skipping the line to marvel at St. Mark’s Basilica’s iconic gold mosaics. Then, visit the birthplace of the Republic of Venice, Doge’s Palace.
Marvel at St. Mark’s Basilica, from its east-meets-west onion dome to its dazzling mosaics. Immerse yourself in Venetian culture, history and tradition as your expert, English-speaking guide enthralls you with fascinating insight only a local could know. Audio headsets will be provided so you and your small tour group, no larger than 10 people, won’t miss a word of your guide’s expert commentary as you explore.
Day 14: DEPARTURE / END OF TOUR
Transfer to Venice airport for your final departure/destination.
