Day 1: Athens
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.
Day 2: Athens
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.
Day 3: Athens - Tripoli - Olympia - Patras
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.
Day 4: Patras - Igoumenitsa - Igumenitsa brindisi ferry - Brindisi
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.
Day 5: Brindisi - Alberobello - Matera - Naples
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.
Day 6: Naples - Capri - Sorrento - Salerno
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.
Day 7: Salerno - Paola - Mesina - Taormina
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 then take us to Villa San Giovanni, where we’ll board a short ferry crossing to the island of Sicily. Upon arrival in Messina, we’ll have time to stroll around the cathedral. Finally, we’ll continue to Taormina. Dinner will be included.Note: Accommodation will normally be in the Taormina region, but on certain dates, lodging may be provided in Messina.
Day 8: Taormina
At the foot of Mount Etna lies the enchanting city of Taormina, once described by Churchill as the most beautiful place on earth. You´ll have time to explore the lively historic quarter, with its Greek theater dominating the mesmerizing landscape. You can also relax on the beach. Dinner will be included.
Day 9: Taormina - Catania - Villa romana del casale - Agrigento
We’ll journey to Syracuse, a city that once rivaled Athens and Rome in power and splendor. You’ll have time to explore its magnificent historic center and have lunch. Then, we’ll head to Noto, a charming city frozen in time, renowned as the Baroque jewel of Sicily. After, we’ll continue to Agrigento, where we’ll admire the stunning Valley of the Temples from the coach. Dinner will be included.
Day 10: Agrigento - Marsala - Erice - Palermo
We’ll visit the Valley of the Temples with a local guide, an impressive archaeological site known as the most complete complex of Greek temples (admission included). Then, we’ll travel to Marsala, a historic city renowned for its vibrant atmosphere and famous wine, where we’ll have time for lunch. Our journey will continue around the scenic Marsala salt pans to Erice, a charming Phoenician town overlooking the sea, perfect for a leisurely stroll. Finally, we’ll head to Palermo. Dinner will be included.
Day 11: Palermo - Monreale - Palermo naples ferry
After breakfast, we’ll explore Palermo, starting with a transfer to the picturesque village of Monreale, now on the outskirts of the city. We’ll visit the breathtaking Arab-Norman cathedral, a World Heritage Site famed for its magnificent golden mosaics (tickets included). Palermo is a city rich in contrasts, reflecting the history of Arabs, Normans, and Baroque splendor. Key sights include the Cathedral (tickets included) and the Norman Palace, featuring the exquisite Palatine Chapel. After our tour, we’ll enjoy some free time. Later in the afternoon, we’ll board a modern night ferry. Accommodation will be in double cabins with en suite bathrooms.
Day 12: Palermo naples ferry - Pompeii - Naples - Rome
We’ll arrive in Naples early in the morning (breakfast not included) and continue to Pompeii, where we’ll admire the remains of this ancient Roman city, buried under the ashes of Mount Vesuvius. A local guide will accompany us (tickets and tour are included). Afterward, we’ll explore Naples, one of the most fascinating cities in Italy and among the oldest populated places in Europe. The historic center of Naples, one of the largest in Europe, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We’ll have time to stroll and enjoy lunch. Our journey will then take us to Cassino, where we’ll visit the grand abbey, the site of one of the fiercest battles of World War II. We’ll conclude our day with an arrival in Rome.
Day 13: Rome
After breakfast, our journey will come to an end, leaving you with wonderful lasting memories.
