Mediterranean Bliss: Best Italy and Greece Vacation

There is no better place to launch this 15-day tour of the Mediterranean than the Italian capital of Rome, specifically in the rolling hills and charming villages of the Lazio region. As a lens through which to view Italian history and culture, Rome presents visitors with a head-spinning array of churches, artwork, ruins, and gastronomy that will make every trip around the block an adventure. After a private car transfers you swiftly from Rome's Fiumicino airport to your hotel in the historic city center, you will have the remainder of the day to orient yourself to your new surroundings.

On your first full day in the city, you will be able to enjoy an in-depth look at Rome's ancient origins. Some believe the city was founded by a fratricidal brother or refugees from the Trojan war; however, by the 4th century BC, Rome had grown to considerable power on the Italian peninsula. Two of the most iconic emblems of this illustrious past are the Roman Colosseum and Forum, which you will investigate today on a tour with the help of an expert guide.

For your final day in Rome, you will visit the heart of the Catholic Church on a tour of Vatican City. Capped by the dome of St. Peter's Basilica, the largest church in the world, the Vatican boasts an impressive array of churches, chapels, priceless artwork, and stunning views. As your private guide orients you to this stunning setting, you will be able to ponder the vast depths of St. Peter's interior, Michelangelo's genius, and a host of other unforgettable sights.

After turning your back on the landlocked capital, you will make your way to the southern coast of Italy and the cliffside town of Sorrento. Overlooking the Bay of Naples and the distant specter of a volcano, Sorrento has long been a top destination for those hoping to escape the heat and crowds of central Italy. After arriving, you can relax in the refined comfort of your luxury hotel or take to the streets to explore the sophisticated boutiques and charming alleys that cross the town.

After enjoying the more rural ambiance of Sorrento, no trip to the Campania region would be complete without a trip to its capital of Naples. This bustling port city is one of the most populous in Italy. Today, you will dive into the city center where a veritable treasure trove of exciting sights and tasty eateries await. A guided tour will ensure that you maximize your visit and appreciate the architectural splendor displayed at locations, such as Piazza del Plebiscito and the Royal Palace.

Upon arriving at the idyllic Bay of Naples, you would have undoubtedly noticed the looming mountain on the Eastern shore that dominates the horizon. Mt. Vesuvius  enjoys a considerable reputation in Italian history and erupted into history in 79 AD when the volcano erupted, blanketing many nearby towns and villages. Into this dramatic story you will step on a tour of the lost city of Pompeii and the adjacent Mt. Vesuvius.  As you take in the ruins of Pompeii and enjoy the overlooks, you will better understand the precarious relationship between man and mountain.

Your final day in Sorrento will be yours to spend however you wish. Perhaps, you will stroll your way down the the beaches and boardwalks of the marina where the seductive waves offer relief from warm temperatures. The nearby Amalfi Coast offers visitors excellent hiking trails and stunning vistas of this lush, coastal paradise. No matter how you decide to spend your final hours in this stunning and magical environment, the Sorrentine peninsula inevitably leaves a lasting mark on all who visit.

The next leg of this Mediterranean tour will lead you to the whitewashed brilliance of Greece and its dazzling archipelago. One of the crown jewels of Greece is the island of Santorini amid the stunning Aegean sea. Whether visiting some ancient Greek ruins or enjoying some of the fresh local cuisine, boredom is as rare as bad moods on this sunny island. After arriving at the local airport, a private car will carry you to your resort destination. Here, you will have the remainder of the day to spend at your leisure.

Serenity will be the main theme on your first full day in Greece. There is no better way to find relaxation than on a catered cruise through the nearby waters. Here, your only job will be to soak up the sun, views, and the delicious refreshments served by your attentive crew. On this cruise, you will visit the Nea Kameni hot springs before finding your own secret beach on which to relax. From the deck of your catamaran cruise, you will gain a whole new appreciation of the  Santorini coastline and enjoy priceless views of the whitewashed villages that tumble down the hillsides.

Perched on the eastern edge of the volcanic island, your resort will be the perfect retreat to access what is best on the island while avoiding the more crowded side. Today will be yours to spend at your leisure and is a perfect opportunity to visit that charming cafe you saw earlier or sample that delicious fried cheese pasty that caught your eye. The principal towns of Oia and Fira also offer local diversion and great views of the massive prehistoric caldera that makes up the west coast.

The next leg of your Greek tour will take you to the nearby island of Mykonos. In this picturesque environment, you cannot help but fall in love with the balance of pearly white houses and the turquoise of the Aegean sea. As you will see, ships are an excellent way to island-hop through this region and to visit remote sections of the Greek coastline. After you have had a chance to settle in to your new surroundings, the day will be yours to explore the hilltop villages or to find your very own beach on which to unwind.

After enjoying a leisurely morning at your seaside accommodation, only a few steps separate you from a delicious breakfast inspired by local ingredients and some panoramic views of the sea. Today, you will embark on your very own exploration of Mykonos with a tour of the unique history and vibrant modern identity. Your knowledgable guide will introduce you to the Agricultural museum, the famous Mykonos windmills, and a host of other destinations that display what is best of this Greek isle. Your tour will conclude with wine tasting at a savory taverna. Here, you can sip through centuries of Greek winemaking tradition.

For your final day on the island, you will be able to enjoy the day at your leisure. A short journey from your resort will take you to the attraction known as Little Venice, where a row of houses abound directly over the crashing waves, and brightly colored balconies contribute to its comparison to those of Venice. Likewise, a trip to this part of Greece would not be complete without sampling the famous Kopanisti Mykonou, a local cheese made simply irresistible with a drizzle of olive oil.

Your island-hopping will conclude as you finally make your way to the Greek mainland and visit the capital of this beautiful country in Athens. Picking you up at the port, a private car will whisk you effortlessly over the cobbled lanes and streets of the city to your luxurious and conveniently located hotel. As you make your way from the bustling port, you will catch glimpses of the Acropolis between the rows of buildings. By the time you finally settle in to your comfortable accommodations, the allure of the Athenian evening will begin to inspire your imagination.

Your final full day in Greece will include a guided tour of the nearby Acropolis and a trip to witness the panoramic views at the Temple of Poseidon. From Syntagma square to the Parthenon, this tour will exhibit the culture and history of Greece that has infused so many other Mediterranean nations. Finally, you should be sure to be on your best behavior as you visit the famous Greek god's temple at Cape Sounion because it was Poseidon's wrath that caused Odysseus's 10-year detour to return home after the Trojan war.

From the capital of Italy to the capital of Greece, you have enjoyed a stunning tour of what is best in both countries and will depart with a much greater appreciation for life in the Mediterranean. After enjoying a final breakfast from your attentive hotel staff, you will make your way by private car to the main Athenian international airport for your return flight home armed with the new knowledge and suntan that comes with just about every visit to the magical part of the world.