Day 1: Rome
Welcome to Rome! You will be met at the airport and driven 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 a wonderful sight, whilst the ancient Pantheon is truly amazing. A bowl of pasta or pizza with a glass of wine or 2 is a fine end to the end. (Overnight in Rome)
Accomodation Options
Mercure Roma Centro Colosseo
InterContinental Rome Ambasciatori Palace
Anantara Palazzo Naiadi
The Inn At The Roman Forum
The Inn At The Spanish Steps
Kolbe Hotel Rome
Day 2: 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. Why not speak to any of our Travel Consultants about adding a morning visit to the Vatican Museums and visit the legendary Sistine Chapel? (Overnight Rome)
Accomodation Options
Mercure Roma Centro Colosseo
InterContinental Rome Ambasciatori Palace
Anantara Palazzo Naiadi
The Inn At The Roman Forum
The Inn At The Spanish Steps
Kolbe Hotel Rome
Day 3: Italy to Greece
Take a morning direct train to Bari and check in for your ferry crossing. Once onboard settle into your cabin for the night. (Overnight onboard)
Day 4: Patras to Zakynthos
Your driver will meet you on your arrival into Patras then take you on the hours’ drive along the Peloponnese coastline to Kyllini where you will take the short ferry crossing to Zakynthos then transfer to your hotel for a 3-night stay. (Overnight Zakynthos)
Day 5: Zakynthos
Enjoy a leisurely day today with a 4-hour introductory island tour. First, to the mountains to explore some traditional mountain villages and enjoy some breath-taking views, then learn about the island's rich history and relationship with Mary Magdalene and St Dennis – the patron of the island. Explore the remains of the old Venetian castle in Bochali before returning to Zakynthos town. (Overnight Zakynthos)
Day 6: Zakynthos
You will be met at your hotel and escorted to the harbour for your private boat cruise to the magical Blue caves set below the steep cliffs off Cape Skinari, then onto the beautiful Shipwreck Cove which is only accessible by sea. Spend 30mins here for a swim in the clear blue water then head back to Zakynthos town to enjoy the rest of your day at your will. (Overnight Zakynthos)
Day 7: Zakynthos to Olympia
Back to sea again today, but just the 1hr cruise back to Kyllini on the mainland then a 1hr drive to ancient Olympia. Check in at your hotel for a 2-night stay then perhaps relax by the pool. (Overnight Olympia)
Day 8: Olympia
Visit Ancient Olympia today, the archaeological site of the first Olympic Games in 776BC. Every 4yrs the Olympic flams is rekindled here and carried to the games host country by hand. You will discover the Temple of Zeus, the Stadium, the Hermes of Praxiteles statue and numerous other amazing artifacts and treasures which are housed in the fascinating museum. In the evening enjoy some local delicacies and fine local wine at any of the local tavernas nearby. (Overnight Olympia)
Day 9: Olympia to Athens
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel, then relax for 3hr drive across the Peloponnese to Athens. En route make a short stop at the ancient Corinth Canal – the 4-mile waterway that links the Ionian and Aegean Seas. Initially proposed and attempted in the 1st Century AD it was finally completed in 1893 following centuries of failed attempts. Its steep sides and narrowness make it an impressive sight! Once your driver has dropped you at your hotel settle in then head out for dinner in the evening. The village like neighbourhood of Plaka is a better place than any for choices. (Overnight Athens)
Day 10: 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 ancient buildings of huge historic significance, the most famous of which is of course 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 over to the vast Temple of Zeus as well as Hadrian’s Arch. There really is so much to see in this fascinating city one day barely scratch the surface! (Overnight Athens)
Day 11: Delphi Day Trip
It is an early start today but so very worth it as you will be heading to the mountains and the sacred town of Delphi. In the classical world Delphi was considered as the centre of the world and its location on Mount Parnassus is now an extensive archaeological site which includes a vast theatre, gymnasium, stadium, and the ruins of the Temple of Apollo. There are fewer sites in the world which are in such dramatic surroundings which had such an important role in the ancient world. A local lunch is included here, before you make the return journey to Athens for the night. (Overnight Athens)
Day 12: Your Journey Ends in Athens
Following breakfast at your hotel, you will be driven to the airport for your flight home or let me know if you'd like to extend your travels elsewhere!