Gems of the Mediterranean: 14-Day Italy and Greece Tour

Your guide will meet you at your hotel after breakfast and lead you to the Colosseum to begin your tour of Ancient Rome. The exterior walls stand 159 feet tall and represent the engineering capabilities of the empire. The scent of antique stone will fill the stadium as you find seating that could support up to 50,000 spectators. You will continue to the Vatican to explore the details of St. Peter’s Basilica and the galleries of the museum. You will then end your tour in the Sistine Chapel, where you hints of frankincense linger beneath Michelangelo’s Creation of Adam.

You will make your way to the ancient Roman road of the Appian Way, which once connected the capital to the port at Brindisi 350 miles away. The Basilica of San Sebastian was constructed around the 3rd century AD and has preserved frescoes, epigraphs, and stucco work. Your guide will lead you through the subterranean labyrinth to find the early Christian iconography. You will continue to the Villa Borghese, where your guide will introduce you to the captivating works that have been collected by Cardinal Scipione Borghese.

You will have a private transfer to the train station, where you will board a first-class train to Florence. After settling in to a gorgeous hotel in the heart of Florence, your guide will take you on an immersive tour of the city’s historic center. The Duomo contains 44 stained-glass windows that are set beneath the soaring figure of the iconic Dome. You will also view the Gates of Paradise, which are Ghiberti’s 15th-century bronze doors that depict scenes from the Old Testament.

After breakfast, your guide will escort you through Florence to the famous Accademia Gallery, which is home to Michelangelo’s celebrated David. You will find Michelangelo’s incomplete works that depict slaves that have been half-carved from large pieces of marble. It looks as though each figure is breaking free from the stone. The statue of David stands 17 feet tall with exceptional detail. In the afternoon, you will partake in a cooking class in a private kitchen to learn the art of crafting authentic pappardelle pasta.

You will travel in the luxury of a first-class train car to Padua for a private tour of the tranquil city. You will discover the unique works of Cappella degli Scrovegni and the 14th-century Madonna dell’Arena. Master artist Giotto draped the interior in frescoes that depict important moments of Jesus’s life, including the Kiss of Judas. In the afternoon, you will board a boat and cruise the Brenta Canal to Venice to find opulent villas from the 16th century. Weeping willows frame Villa Foscari, and you will also find a reception floor that is covered in mythological figures from the Metamorphoses.

Your guide will lead you along the canals in the morning to experience the vibrant aisles of the Rialto Market. Here, merchants display fresh seafood and fruits, such as apples and pomegranates. In St. Mark’s Basilica, you will find glistening mosaics that cover 45,638 square feet. The golden altarpiece shines with 2,000 gems and precious stones. In the evening, you can board a gondola and wind along the narrow canals for which Venice is famous.

You will venture to Marco Polo Airport by private transfer for your flight to Athens. When you arrive, you will settle in to your accommodation at the heart of the vibrant city that possesses 3,000 years of history. Your guide will take you through the highlights of the city and immerse you in ancient life, from the Temple of the Olympian Zeus to the cobblestones of Plaka. At the top of the Acropolis, you will come face to face with the famous Parthenon. The temple dates back to the 5th century BC and was dedicated to Athena.

The ferry ride along the Aegean Sea will take you to the island of Hydra. Marble-cobbled lanes frame the marina and wind along the hillside. The scent of cappuccino and the sea will fill the air as you visit the shops, watch the waves crash against the cliffs, and wander through the Kimisis Tis Theotokou Cathedral. You will continue to Poros, which is a town that is separated from the greater Peloponnese by a narrow channel. Here, you can find the 6th-century remains of the Temple of Poseidon.

You will have a brief flight to Mykonos in the morning. Here, you can indulge in the comforts of your luxury resort that overlooks the azure water of the Aegean Sea. The whitewashed walls and blue trim of the architecture embody the classic ambiance of the Cycladic islands. You can take your time strolling down the maze-like lanes of Mykonos Town. The little Venice quarter consists of old merchant homes that have been wedged between the water and the lanes. Boutique shops will showcase elegant fashion, and restaurants will fill the air with the scent of grilled calamari.

The rugged landscape hosts the former spiritual capital that was once home to the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis. You can view the Terrace of the Lions that looms over the water of the Sacred Lake. The museum hosts the original sculptures, but the replicas capture the drama and grandeur of the original designs. When you return to Mykonos, you can spend the day on the golden sands of Elia Beach. Rows of recliners offer tranquil seating from which you can enjoy the view of the horizon.

After traveling to Santorini, your private transfer will meet you at the harbor and escort you to a gorgeous hotel on the northern cliffs in the village of Oia. The panorama that overlooks the caldera enchants visitors with its whitewashed walls, blue trim, and cobblestone lanes. You can visit the charming shops, art galleries, and the Venetian tower before your sunset cruise. The boat will stop at select beaches, including the Red Beach. Here, you can snorkel in the water close to the rusty hue of the volcanic sand.

Your guide will meet you at your hotel and escort you to Akrotiri, which is a Minoan city that has been buried in volcanic ash since the 17th century BC. A protective structure covers the wooden walkways and multi-storied buildings. Here, you can find drainage systems and pottery that has been filled with wine. Your tour will continue with a visit to a number of celebrated wineries that will highlight the unique basket method the region uses for growing vines. You will sample the iconic white grape of Assyrtiko to find hints of mango and a lingering aroma of sea air.

At breakfast, you can enjoy the stunning panorama that sweeps across the caldera. The shops of Oia will open their doors and return the vibrant images of local artists to the streets. The aromas of freshly baked bread will begin to fill the lanes of the village. Your private transfer will escort you from Oia to the airport for your return flight to Athens, where you will connect with your flight home.