From the Pantheon to the Parthenon, Florence to Venice to Olympia, this is a journey to the heart of empire and civilization. You will explore places that changed the world, including the oldest Greek ruins and medieval Tuscany. Immerse yourself in the atmosphere of cities that live and breathe history. Lose yourself in archaeological sites and the redolent wonder of ruins. These are the countries of legend, and this two-week journey will take you far back in time.
Customizable Itinerary
Day 1
Rome – Soaking Up the History
Your first footsteps in Rome will feel special. The Colosseum’s archways glow in the afternoon light, and the Pantheon is mere footsteps from your hotel. Everywhere you look there will be a place of legend. Rome is also a lived-in city that doesn’t stay frozen in the past. Locals hang out on the piazzas, people walk past with gelato ice creams, and the new juxtaposes with the old. You’ll be greeted at the airport and transferred to a very central hotel. The guide provides a brief orientation, and you have the evening free to walk around ancient Rome to enjoy your first impression of the place where so much started.
What's Included:
Day 2
Rome – Highlights of Ancient Rome
Day 3
Rome – Exploring the Vatican and Ostia Antica
Day 4
Florence – Past the Tower to the Domes
Day 5
Florence – Renaissance Art and Architecture
Day 6
Venice – History of Venice Gondola Tour
Day 7
Venice – Sailing to Venetian Islands
Day 8
Athens – Welcome to Ancient Greece
Day 9
Athens – Atop the Acropolis and Amid the Ancient Agora
Day 10
Olympia – 2700 Years Of History Come Alice
Day 11
Mani Peninsula – Unique Villages and Tower Houses on the Coast
Day 12
Monemvasia – A Dramatic Medieval Town on the Aegean
Day 13
Nafplio – Byzantine Churches, Legendary Sparta and Fortress Nafplio
Day 14
Nafplio – The Mysteries of Mycenae
Day 15
Athens – The Famous Healing Center and Theater; Back to Athens
Day 16
Athens – Departure
Trip Highlights
- Stand in the place where so much began as you explore the ancient Acropolis in Athens
- Surround yourself with early civilization in the heart of ancient Rome
- Travel further back in time to discover the mysteries of Mycenae and Olympia
- Jump forward into the Middle Ages and discover all the history of Renaissance Florence
- Explore a Byzantine-era as you travel through rural Greece and find enigmatic churches from the past
- Celebrate the beauty of Venice among the canals of the old republic
- Immerse yourself in cobbles and charm as you stay in the Greek medieval town of Monemvasia, as well as spending time in Pisa
- Encounter so many legends from history including Sparta, Nafplio, St Peters Square, St Marco’s Basilica, the Pantheon, and the Parthenon
Detailed Description
History does not stand still, as the stories change over time until they become fascinating myths and stories. Yet history can remain authentic. It can retain its truth for all to experience. When you stand at the Athens Acropolis or ride a gondola down Venice’s canals, the history from the books falls away. When you walk the streets of Florence or explore the ruins of Olympia the history comes alive. As you travel from Byzantine churches to leaning towers and Vatican art you find that history is not merely something from the past. It is a part of the past, laying its heart open for you to discover.
No other countries have a history like Italy and Greece. Together they narrate over three millennia of civilizations and empires. Sometimes the abundance of historical sights can be baffling. At other times, it seems impossible that a certain column or sculpture has stood for over 3,000 years. In some places, the history is left in a redolent state of ruin. You must imagine the attraction’s original grandeur but you get a true sense of its age. In other places, the history has been preserved and restored to create a more polished experience. Even on a single day, it will be remarkable how many centuries you can experience. When you combine the legends of Italy and Greece you live out the history that made the world what it is today.
Begin this historical tour in Ancient Rome as you travel to the later Middle Ages. Then, visit Florence before you go back to the early Middle Ages as you explore Venice. You will also visit renowned sites such as the Vatican, Ostia Antica, Pisa, Tuscany and sailing to Venetian islands. Then, in Greece, you will hop between the eras while you visit Athens, Olympia, then rural medieval life on the Aegean Sea. Explore Byzantine remains, legendary Sparta, mysterious Mycenae, and the early healing center of Epidaurus. In Greece, you’ll spend the night in five differing destinations, and each will be a new window onto history. As you fly out of Athens, you’ll have your own historical tale to tell of a legacy that stretches from the Colosseum to the Temple of Athena.
Starting Price
$8,000 per person (excluding international flights)
What's Included
- Accommodations
- In-country transportation
- Some or all activities and tours
- Expert trip planning
- 24x7 support during your trip
Your final trip cost will vary based on your selected accommodations, activities, meals, and other trip elements that you opt to include.
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