Day 1: Rome
Welcome to Rome! Upon your arrival at the airport, we will be there to transfer you to your hotel. You will find all the details you need to meet your guide at the hotel on the information boards. In the late afternoon, we will provide a transfer to the Esquilino neighborhood, an excellent introduction to Rome with its grand basilicas and the Colosseum. Dinner will be included.
Day 2: Rome
In the morning, we´ll begin with a panoramic tour that will introduce us to the “Eternal City.” This tour includes admission to the Imperial Forums, an impressive architectural complex of monumental buildings and squares that served as the center of political activity in ancient Rome. Afterward, we’ll go to St. Peter´s Basilica in the Vatican, where you´ll have free time. The afternoon will be at your leisure.
Day 3: Rome
Free day. Today, we suggest an optional excursion to Naples, Capri, and Pompeii.
Day 4: Rome - Termoli - Trani - Bari
Today, we’ll travel toward the Adriatic Sea, passing through the stunning landscapes of the Apennine Mountain range. Our first stop will be the San Giovanni in Venere Abbey, a beautiful 11th-century abbey built on the ruins of an ancient Roman temple. Next, we’ll visit Termoli, a charming coastal city where the beach is framed by the walled old town, with its 13th-century castle and Romanesque cathedral as the main attractions. You’ll have time to enjoy lunch and take a leisurely walk. We’ll then continue to Trani, known as “the pearl of the Adriatic.” This magnificent city embraces the sea and showcases its stunning pink Romanesque cathedral. We’ll arrive in Bari later in the day, where you’ll have some free time to explore the lively port, stroll along the seafront, and wander through the old town’s narrow alleys before heading to the hotel.
Day 5: Bari - Brindisi - Brindisi igumenitsa ferry - Igoumenitsa
After breakfast, we’ll have time to explore the old town of Bari, a port city with a history that predates Roman times. Its narrow streets, churches, and lively atmosphere make it a truly special place. Later, we’ll continue to Brindisi, where we’ll board a modern ferry (scheduled departure at 1:00 p.m.) for our journey across the Ionian Sea. We’ll arrive in Igoumenitsa, Greece, after an 8-hour journey and head to our accommodation.Note: During the ferry journey, you’ll need to keep your luggage with you. If the group is small, you may travel without an accompanying Europamundo guide. A new guide will meet you upon arrival.
Day 6: Igoumenitsa - Metsovo - Kalabaka
After breakfast, we´ll journey through the tall mountains of Epirus to reach Metsovo, a charming Balkan village nestled between mountains. Isolated by rugged terrain, this area retains a unique culture influenced by Slavic and Turkish traditions. Take time to wander its streets lined with traditional stone houses, red tile roofs, and intricately carved wooden balconies. Continuing into Thessaly, we´ll stop in Kastraki, a quaint village offering stunning views of the Meteora Valley. Enjoy lunch before exploring the Meteora, a remarkable World Heritage Site. The name "Metéora" in Greek means "suspended in the air" or "in the sky," aptly describing the towering rock formations crowned with monasteries. These secluded sites have been havens for monks seeking solitude and tranquility for centuries. Our visit includes admission to one of its most renowned monasteries. We´ll end our day in Kalabaka, where dinner will be included.
Day 7: Kalabaka - Delphi - Hosios loukas - Athens
We’ll journey south through the Thessaly region, where you’ll experience stunning landscapes, before reaching Delphi. Here, we´ll explore the exquisite archaeological site overlooking the Gulf of Corinth, with breathtaking views. There will be time for lunch. Following that, we´ll head to the Hosios Loukas Monastery, renowned as one of the most beautiful Byzantine monasteries in Greece and a World Heritage Site. Its magnificent 11th-century mosaics are truly remarkable. We´ll then continue our journey towards Athens, arriving in the evening.
Day 8: Athens - Ferry athens rhodes
We´ll include a panoramic tour of Athens during which we´ll visit the Presidential Mansion, the Panathenaic Stadium—site of the first modern Olympic Games—the National Library, the bustling downtown squares and the new infrastructure developments introduced by the 2004 Olympics. The tour will end near the Acropolis (admission not included). In the afternoon, we’ll transfer you to the Port of Piraeus to board an overnight ferry, equipped with amenities similar to those found on cruise ships. Accommodation will be in a double cabin. Night on board.
Day 9: Ferry athens rhodes - Rhodes
Arriving in Rhodes early in the morning, we’ll start with a city tour that includes its impressive walled citadel and Old Town, showcasing the influences of various cultures such as Greek, Roman, Byzantine, the Knights of St. John, Ottoman, and Italian. You´ll have free time in the afternoon to explore at your leisure.
Day 10: Rhodes - Heraklion
Today, we’ll depart from Rhodes city for an excursion to explore the rest of the island (included). Our first stop will be Filerimos, situated atop a hill, where you can visit its monastery amidst stunning landscapes. From there, we’ll continue to Lindos to explore its fortress and Acropolis, offering breathtaking views of the sea. You can stroll through its charming, whitewashed streets, relax on one of its beaches, or even opt for a traditional donkey ride up to the Acropolis. After lunch, we’ll return to Rhodes city, and you’ll have some free time in the afternoon. In the evening, we’ll provide a transfer to the airport for a flight to the island of Crete. Later, we’ll transfer to the hotel in Heraklion.Note: Direct flight schedules between Rhodes and Crete are limited and subject to change; sometimes the flight may occur on Friday morning or include a stopover in Athens.
Day 11: Heraklion
In the morning, we’ll journey along the coast towards the west of the island. Rethymno, a picturesque coastal city of Venetian origin, known for its medieval castle, will be our first stop. Then, we’ll continue to Chania, a captivating city boasting an impressive fortress and stately mansions. Throughout its history, Chania has been contested among Romans, Byzantines, Venetians, Genoese, Turks, Egyptians, and Greeks. We’ll return to Heraklion at the end of the day.
Day 12: Heraklion
Today, we’ll embark on an excursion to the Palace of Knossos, where we´ll delve into the Minoan culture that laid the foundation for Greek civilization four thousand years ago (admission and guided tour included). After our visit, we’ll travel through the island´s tall mountains and journey southward to the shores of the Libyan Sea, arriving at Agia Galini—a picturesque town with winding streets, a charming fishing port, and crowded taverns. You’ll have time for lunch and, if you wish, a swim in the sea. We´ll return to the capital of Crete at day’s end.Note: From November to April, due to the end of the summer season and business closures, we´ll visit the picturesque town of Matala instead of Agia Galini. Matala is renowned for its beautiful beach and unique landscapes of cliffs with carved caves.
Day 13: Heraklion
We’ll travel along the coast towards the east of the island. Our first stop will be in the small town of Kritsa to visit Panagia Kera, a 13th-century church renowned for its exquisite frescoes (admission included). Afterward, we’ll arrive at Agios Nikolaos, a picturesque town with a natural port. You’ll have time to stroll and enjoy lunch. Next, we’ll continue to Elounda, a former city-state turned into a beautiful tourist enclave. Here, we’ll embark on a boat ride to Spinalonga Island to visit the Fortress of Spinalonga, an ancient Venetian fortress later used as a leper colony for many years. After the visit, we’ll return by boat and head back to Heraklion for accommodation.
Day 14: Heraklion - Santorini - Athens
Early in the morning, we’ll transfer to the port and board a high-speed ferry to Santorini, arriving between 09:00 and 10:00 a.m. From there, we’ll journey by bus through stunning landscapes to Oia, undoubtedly the most spectacular town on the island: vibrant white streets, beautiful cliff views, remnants of a castle, and windmills. You’ll have time for lunch and a leisurely stroll. Later, we’ll visit Fira, the island’s capital. Those interested can descend to the port by cable car or donkey and admire the cruise ships. Afterwards, we’ll proceed to the port to board a high-speed ferry departing around 03:15 p.m. Arrival in Athens expected around midnight.Important Note: From November to mid-April, the high-speed ferry service from Heraklion to Santorini is suspended. During these months, we will travel from Heraklion to Athens by plane instead.
Day 15: Athens
Enjoy a free day to take in the charm of this city, exploring and discovering its memorable places.
Day 16: Athens
After breakfast, our journey will come to an end, leaving you with wonderful lasting memories.
