Athens, Peninsula and Sicily End Palermo (2025)

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Welcome to your tour with Europamundo! We’ll transfer you to the hotel and you’ll have some free time. In the afternoon, you’ll find information about the start of your tour on the boards located at the hotel reception.

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We´ll embark on a city tour of Athens with a local guide, visiting landmarks such as the Presidential Mansion, the Panathenaic Stadium where the first modern Olympic Games were held, the National Library, and the bustling squares of the city center. We´ll also explore the newer neighborhoods that developed after the 2004 Olympic Games. The tour will conclude at the Acropolis (admission not included). In the evening, we´ll provide a transfer to the historical neighborhood of Plaka, renowned for its charming Greek tavernas and opportunities to immerse yourself in the rich folklore of this country.

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We’ll travel to the Peloponnese, making a brief stop at the Corinth Canal, an impressive engineering marvel from the late nineteenth century. Continuing through the mountains, we’ll reach Tripoli, the capital of the Arcadia region. Here, we’ll take a break to explore the bustling Aeros Square, known for its cafes and restaurants. Our journey will then take us to Olympia, where we’ll visit the Archaeological Site with a local guide (tickets included). The first Olympic Games were held here in 776 B.C., attracting athletes from all over Greece and its colonies. Highlights of the site include the Temple of Zeus, the Stadium, the Gymnasium, and the Arena. Next, we’ll proceed to Patras, the third largest city in Greece, with a remarkable medieval fortress and the largest cathedral in the country. Adjacent to the cathedral is the small church of St. Andrew, a significant place of pilgrimage. Dinner will be included.

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After breakfast, we’ll cross the Rio–Antirrio Bridge, a spectacular suspension bridge that connects the Peloponnese with the Greek mainland. We’ll travel through the regions of Central Greece and Epirus. Upon arrival in Igoumenitsa, a port town, there will be time for a stroll before boarding the modern ferry at 02:00 p.m. to sail across the Ionian Sea to Italy. We’ll reach Brindisi by the end of the day, around 09:00 p.m., where we’ll spend the night.

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Today, we’ll visit two extraordinary and authentic towns. Our first stop will be Alberobello, famous for its unique conical-shaped houses known as trulli. These distinctive structures, with their stacked stone roofs, are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and represent a remarkable example of Italian rural architecture. Next, we’ll head to Matera, located in the Basilicata region, renowned for its ancient historic center and the Sassi di Matera—a complex of ancient dwellings and buildings carved into the rock, dating back thousands of years. Not only is it a World Heritage Site, but also one of the oldest continuously inhabited human settlements in the world. You’ll have time to explore and enjoy lunch. In the afternoon, we’ll continue our journey through Basilicata and Campania, taking in the beautiful mountain landscapes. We’ll arrive in Naples by evening, where you’ll have free time to explore.

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We’ll have free time to explore Naples before boarding a boat for a trip to the Island of Capri, where you can choose to take a boat to Grotta Bianca or the funicular to Capri city. After lunch, we’ll reboard and head to Sorrento, a charming tourist town nestled at the base of a cliff, where you’ll have free time to wander. Our journey will then take us to the Gulf of Salerno, where we’ll stay in the city of Salerno.

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We’ll journey to the south of “the boot”, marveling at the stunning southern Italian scenery as we cross the Cilento National Park. We’ll arrive in Paola, located on the shores of the Tyrrhenian Sea, where we’ll visit the Sanctuary of St. Francis of Paola and enjoy free time for lunch in its charming historic center. Our adventure will continue to Villa San Giovanni for a short ferry crossing to the island of Sicily. In Messina, we’ll have time for a leisurely near the cathedral before heading to Taormina.Note: Accommodation will normally be in the region of Taormina, but on certain dates it may be in Messina.

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Nestled at the foot of Mount Etna, the beautiful city of Taormina was once described by Churchill as the most beautiful place on earth. You’ll have time to explore the vibrant old town, where the Greek theater is set against the breathtaking landscape. Afterward, we’ll continue our journey toward the center of the island. Our next stop will be Caltagirone, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its impressive Baroque architecture. You’ll get to ride a little tourist train (included), where you’ll learn about the city’s rich history and key landmarks. Caltagirone is also the ceramic capital of Sicily, as seen in its numerous shops, workshops, and iconic sites, including the famous 142-step staircase, each step uniquely decorated with colorful tiles. After lunch, we’ll visit the Villa Romana del Casale (admission included), another UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the Roman Empire, villas were symbols of agricultural wealth, and Villa del Casale is exceptional not only for its well-preserved 4th-century architecture but also for its stunning mosaics, which adorn almost every room, considered the finest in the Roman world. We’ll then cross the island’s mountainous interior and continue to Palermo, arriving by the end of the day.

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Today, we’ll embark on a guided city tour of Palermo with a local expert. Highlights include the cathedral, famous for its blend of architectural styles and royal tombs (admission included), and the Palazzo dei Normanni, a former royal palace with fountains, markets, and gardens. We’ll also visit Monreale to see its cathedral (admission included), a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for its breathtaking golden mosaics that adorn the entire interior. The afternoon is yours to enjoy at your leisure.Note: For smaller groups, the tour may be conducted as part of a regular excursion offered by local companies instead of a private tour.

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After breakfast, our journey will come to an end, leaving you with wonderful lasting memories.