from $1199.00
Rome to Athens Adventure
Or call 800.497.0236
Day 1 Rome
Arrive Rome anytime. As your fellow travellers are arriving throughout the day, there are no planned activities, so check-in to the hotel (check-in time is approx 3pm) and enjoy the city. In the evening meet your fellow group members to go over the details of your trip. Check the notice boards or ask at reception for the exact time and location of this group meeting. After the meeting, you can head out for a meal at a local restaurant with the group (optional). If you arrive late, no worries, your Tour Leader will leave you a message at the front desk.
Day 2 Rome
Benvenuto a Rome! Possibly the most recognized symbol of the city is the Colisseum, the scene of the bloody gladiator bouts for the entertainment of ancient Rome's aristocracy. Take a tour around the old venue and then head over to the Palatine hill and the Roman Forum to see where it all began. Even with the bustle of modern day Rome whizzing past on Vespas you can still lose yourself in the fragmented columns and ancient ruins, conjuring images of the rich Romans sauntering by in togas. From the Colisseum it's not too much of a hike to Piazza Navona. Known for the Baroque buildings surrounding the square, and its beautiful central fountain, it's truly a great place to walk, mingle with the Romans, and sip a cappuccino at one of the sidewalk cafés. Next stop can be the Spanish Steps and Trevi Fountain. Sit among the young Italians cuddling on the steps or watch the rich and powerful shopping in the elegant boutiques nearby. Take a short walk over to the Fontana di Trevi to throw a coin over your shoulder backwards to ensure your return to this magical city. When you’ve had enough of secular Rome, head to the smallest country in the world, the Vatican City. Located within the city of Rome, the Vatican City is a separate country ruled by the pope and the perfect place to see art and religion intertwined. Within the Vatican, you will find the famous St. Peter’s Basilica, the world’s largest church and the headquarters of Roman Catholicism. It is difficult to decide whether to look up, down, or to the side as there are treasures everywhere in the church: Bernini’s canopy, the dome, the treasury, the statue of St. Peter, the Pieta, and the grotto should all be seen, and it can be possible to attend services in the church. The Vatican Museums are near the basilica and contain priceless works of art from ancient to modern times. There are many different galleries but seeing all of them is definitely not possible in one day, so do a little research before visiting and decide what you really want to see. There are countless pieces of art, including statues, busts, Renaissance paintings, tapestries, early icons and Egyptian artifacts, just to name a few. Two of the most well-known exhibits in the Vatican Museums are the Sistine Chapel and the Raphael rooms. Although the Sistine Chapel is always very crowded, it is a must-see for any visitor to the Vatican. The magnificent frescoed ceiling of the chapel painted by Michelangelo depicts over 300 figures from the Book of Genesis, the most well-known being “The Creation of Adam,” showing God touching the finger of Adam. “The Last Judgment” on the west wall depicts a scene from the Book of Revelations. It’s a good idea to book a ticket to the Vatican online from home as waiting until the day you arrive may well be too late!
Days 3-4 Naples
Estimated Travel Time: 3 hrs We head south to the vibrant, fiery, chaotic, yet utterly charming city of Naples. Here, jumbles of crumbling mansions seem to be held up by networks of washing lines in the old town. Naples is where all the Italian stereotypes come from- the crazy driving, the old men yelling out their windows in their undershirts over the streets lined with historic churches, buzzing student cafés and the best pizza houses in the country. Napoli is the home of pizza and once you have had la vera pizza napoletana the rest will never seem as good! On your free day, check out the excellent archaeological museum, full of incredibly preserved ancient treasures from Pompeii and Herculaneum, or take a trip out to the impressive and extensive ruins themselves of Pompeii or Heraculeum, lying beneath Mount Vesuvius, both a short trip on the local train. Travel a little further down the Circumvesuviana train line to Sorrento (about 1 hour from Naples) where you can soak up the lemon-scented air of the Amalfi coast, look out at the azure waters of the Bay of Naples, or shop for blue and yellow ceramics in the shops along the cliffs. Or from Naples itself you can catch a boat for a day trip to Capri.
Days 5-7 Corfu
Estimated Travel Time: 5 hrs to Brindisi, 12 hr ferry to Greece (overnight airline style seating) We travel by train across Italy to the Adriatic port of Brindisi to catch our overnight ferry to the laid back Greek Island of Corfu. The greenest of the Ionian Islands, it was Odysseus' last stop on his mythical voyage home to Ithaca. Corfu, known also as Kerkyra, is the northernmost of the Ionian Islands in Greece and an ideal location for the nature lovers among us. The North is fairly rugged with Mt. Pantokrator, the highest mountain. At the other extreme is Korission Lake in the South; an inland lake, separated by a thin sand bar from the sea. Corfu was a British protectorate and gingerbeer is one of the British style drinks that the locals adopted with enthusiasm, the local version is called "Tsitsibeera" and might just be worth a try!
Day 8 Athens
Estimated Travel Time: 7-8 hours We board a public bus in Corfu, whisking us over the Ionian Sea by car-ferry to the port of Igoumenitsa and on southwards overland to the capital city of Athens, named for the goddess of wisdom, Athena. We have ample time to explore the city that was so influential in the development of Western civilization. Classical, Byzantine, and modern history thrive side-by-side as this bustling city goes about its daily life. A small Byzantine church sits beside a multi-story office building, and from all over Athens, one is rewarded with awe-inspiring glimpses of the Acropolis and its beautiful, stone architecture. Athens is a fascinating city with loads to keep you busy. The main site for all visitors to Athens is the Acropolis, home to The Parthenon, built in 438 B.C. This stone temple is breathtakingly beautiful while a museum on the hill, adjacent to the Parthenon, houses marble carvings, statues, and other artifacts from the area. At the foot of the hill lies the classical theatre of Dionysus, amazingly preserved. For some fun, head to Plaka, the old city surrounding the foot of the Acropolis Hill. This is Athens’ evening entertainment district with its curving, cobblestone streets overflowing with small restaurants called tavernas, most of them offering live entertainment. The scent of grilled lamb and chicken combine with the notes of lilting, traditional Greek music wafting throughout this neighbourhood. A meeting place for Athenians and tourists alike, sidewalk cafes beckon weary workers and travellers to sip a cup of strong Greek coffee as they watch the people go by. During the day, the lively quarter of Monastiraki, just west of Syntagma Square, is home to the daily flea market. Here, vendors haggle with passers-by over the price of rugs, copperware, jewellry and antiques. Nothing tells more about a society than its food markets. Athens is no different. The central market complex just next to our hotel is comprised of a long, narrow meat market, separate produce market, and dozens of surrounding shops selling everything from spices to cookware. Unusual produce, pottery, and spices are sure to delight. To get some exercise and a great panorama, head for Lycabettus Hill, offering a spectacular view of the city, the Acropolis, and, on a clear day, the Aegean Sea. Reached by foot or by funicular, Lycabettus Hill will reward your journey with a stunning sunset view. A snack bar and picnic benches are available at the top for visitors to rest and relax. We sometimes use triple share at our sensationally located Athens hostel - it's right at the foot of the Acropolis!
Day 9 Departure
Kalo taxidia! You are free to depart Athens at any time.
Or call 800.497.0236
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