Italy, Greece, Turkey & Croatia: 2 Weeks in Europe Tour

The city of Venice embodies luxury that reflects the prestige of the former Republic. Marble palaces rise above the winding canals and the Ducal Palace exudes the power exuding from the seat of the former ruler. The city defies convention with modern art galleries that contrast the historic design of the architecture and the beaches along the Lido that reflect the faded allure of the Art-Deco aesthetic. You will only need to collect your baggage and clear customs before your private transfer greets you at the airport and escorts you by boat to your luxurious hotel.

Following a relaxed breakfast at your hotel, you will depart this morning on a half-day guided tour of Venice. Passing through the city's innumerable and ever-enchanting passageways, you will slowly amble between some of the city’s best sights like the Doge’s Palace or the Bridge of Sighs. Though the beauty of these sights speaks for themselves, your tour guide will be able to share with you the unique insight into the history and significance of each destination. Your guide will then lure you to the island of Murano and the dazzling boutiques.

In the morning, the aromas of fresh espresso will linger in the streets stemming from the corner bars serving residents breakfast before work. Your guide will meet you in the hotel lobby before leading you to the edge of the Brenta Canal ferrying wealthy Venetians into the countryside since the 16th century. You will board a boat and cruise the waterway lined with lavish villas including Villa Foscari, a 16th-century mansion adorned with lavish frescoes meant to resemble architectural features such as trompe-l’oeil paintings that protrude from the wall like three-dimensional pieces when you stand in a precise spot.

In the morning, you will take to the waters and venture down Italy's east coast  to reach Bari, the capital of Puglia. These seaside streets are often noted for their remarkable resemblance to a fairytale, as a result of the plethora of homes resembling chanterelle mushrooms. The trullo design of homes dates back to 3000 BC and is unique to this particular region of Italy. These single-story domed homes carry with them a unique history of rural Italy emphasized by the whitewashed walls protecting the interior from the summer heat while retaining warmth in the winter cold.

You will arrive in the city of Olympia, which is famous for its ancient history as the birthplace of the classic Olympic games in 776 BC. The original grounds were constructed in honor of Zeus and retain some of the finest masterpieces of Ancient Greece art and architecture. While little remains of the entire ancient city, the remaining sanctuaries reveal the prevalence of temples and remnants of sporting structures making the intensity and vibrancy of this ancient culture near palpable, accentuated by the preserved power of the gods.

You will arrive in Turkey, yet feel as though you still remain in a world connected to the ancient Greek and Roman worlds as you spend time exploring Ephesus with a private tour. Your guide will help unearth the humbling image of Europe’s single largest collection of Roman ruins in the ancient metropolis of which only 17% has been excavated. You will view the façade of the Library of Celsus to find refurbished grandiosity and glory through the reconstruction project using the original material for a clear picture of both the power and opulence of this Mediterranean capital.

Istanbul offers a marvelous and unique image of culture at the point where East and West converge. Renowned for its vibrancy, art, flavors, and history, Istanbul is a deeply mysterious and utterly enthralling city captured in the lively sounds of Grand Bazaar where rugs, lights, and tea sets line the walkways amid the aromas of fresh mint tea drizzled with honey. Your guide will take you on an encompassing tour of the city’s most treasured sights, immersing you in the splendor the Topkapi Palace and the Blue Mosque.

Your guide will meet you at your hotel after breakfast to tour the sights of coastal Dubrovnik beginning with the Cathedral where ancient artifacts adorn the nave. You can admire the intricate and ornate construction of St. Blaise Cathedral, which typifies Baroque period with a mixture of elegance and opulence. The cable car will take you up 1,328 feet above sea level for a spectacular view of the city and the surrounding scenery sweeping across rugged hills and the sapphire Adriatic Sea. You will discover the elaborate grounds of the imperial palace based on its strategic vantage point.

You will return to Venice where the charming ambiance of the city rising out of the canals feels familiar. The cafes will open their doors in the morning offering the comforting aromas of almond cookies and freshly brewed espresso. Your private transfer will meet you after you disembark the ship and escort you to Marco Polo International Airport for your flight home bringing an end to your magnificent European tour along the Adriatic Sea.