Rome, Complete Greece with Puglia and Campania

Welcome to Rome! Upon your arrival at the airport, we will be there to transfer you to your hotel. You will find all the details you need to meet your guide at the hotel on the information boards. In the late afternoon, we will provide a transfer to the Esquilino neighborhood, an excellent introduction to Rome with its grand basilicas and the Colosseum. Dinner will be included.

In the morning, we´ll begin with a panoramic tour that will introduce us to the “Eternal City.” This tour includes admission to the Imperial Forums, an impressive architectural complex of monumental buildings and squares that served as the center of political activity in ancient Rome. Afterward, we’ll go to St. Peter´s Basilica in the Vatican, where you´ll have free time. The afternoon will be at your leisure.

Enjoy a free day to take in the charm of this city, exploring and discovering its memorable places.

Today, we’ll travel toward the Adriatic Sea, passing through the stunning landscapes of the Apennine Mountain range. Our first stop will be the San Giovanni in Venere Abbey, a beautiful 11th-century abbey built on the ruins of an ancient Roman temple. Next, we’ll visit Termoli, a charming coastal city where the beach is framed by the walled old town, with its 13th-century castle and Romanesque cathedral as the main attractions. You’ll have time to enjoy lunch and take a leisurely walk. We’ll then continue to Trani, known as “the pearl of the Adriatic.” This magnificent city embraces the sea and showcases its stunning pink Romanesque cathedral. We’ll arrive in Bari later in the day, where you’ll have some free time to explore the lively port, stroll along the seafront, and wander through the old town’s narrow alleys before heading to the hotel.

After breakfast, we’ll have time to explore the old town of Bari, a port city with a history that predates Roman times. Its narrow streets, churches, and lively atmosphere make it a truly special place. Later, we’ll continue to Brindisi, where we’ll board a modern ferry (scheduled departure at 1:00 p.m.) for our journey across the Ionian Sea. We’ll arrive in Igoumenitsa, Greece, after an 8-hour journey and head to our accommodation.Note: During the ferry journey, you’ll need to keep your luggage with you. If the group is small, you may travel without an accompanying Europamundo guide. A new guide will meet you upon arrival.

After breakfast, we´ll journey through the tall mountains of Epirus to reach Metsovo, a charming Balkan village nestled between mountains. Isolated by rugged terrain, this area retains a unique culture influenced by Slavic and Turkish traditions. Take time to wander its streets lined with traditional stone houses, red tile roofs, and intricately carved wooden balconies. Continuing into Thessaly, we´ll stop in Kastraki, a quaint village offering stunning views of the Meteora Valley. Enjoy lunch before exploring the Meteora, a remarkable World Heritage Site. The name "Metéora" in Greek means "suspended in the air" or "in the sky," aptly describing the towering rock formations crowned with monasteries. These secluded sites have been havens for monks seeking solitude and tranquility for centuries. Our visit includes admission to one of its most renowned monasteries. We´ll end our day in Kalabaka, where dinner will be included.

We’ll journey south through the Thessaly region, where you’ll experience stunning landscapes, before reaching Delphi. Here, we´ll explore the exquisite archaeological site overlooking the Gulf of Corinth, with breathtaking views. There will be time for lunch. Following that, we´ll head to the Hosios Loukas Monastery, renowned as one of the most beautiful Byzantine monasteries in Greece and a World Heritage Site. Its magnificent 11th-century mosaics are truly remarkable. We´ll then continue our journey towards Athens, arriving in the evening.

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.

Free day to continue exploring the city.

Today´s journey is quite special because Greece is home to nearly 6,000 islands, more than 100 of which are inhabited. Various ships connect these islands to the mainland, and today we’ll visit two of the Saronic Islands. Our day will start early in the morning by taking a ferry from the hotel to Aegina, an island that has been inhabited for over 4,000 years and is less than an hour away. You´ll have the chance to explore the picturesque harbor, wander through traditional neighborhoods filled with charming houses and ancient churches or visit the Greek Temple of Apollo. Afterward, we´ll take another ferry for about 1 hour and 15 minutes to reach Poros. Enjoy some free time on this charming island, filled with lively tourist activity and old houses that climb up to the clock tower. There will be time for a stroll and lunch, after which we´ll take a short 15-minute journey to Galatas, a small coastal village in the Peloponnese. From there, we´ll continue by road through stunning hillside landscapes until we reach Epidaurus. Admission is included to the Ancient Theatre, built 2,400 years ago and remarkably well-preserved. It´s still used today and can host up to 14,000 spectators for performances. Then, we´ll head to Nafplio, a charming coastal city characterized by its citadel and Venetian fortress. You´ll have free time to explore the area. Dinner will be included. Note: Ferry schedules can change, especially during the low season months when ferries between Aegina and Poros may not operate. If this is the case, we will not visit Aegina Island.

We´ll journey across the mountains of the Peloponnese hinterland to Tripoli, the capital of the Arcadia region. There will be free time to explore Areos Square with its cafes and restaurants. Afterward, we´ll continue to Olympia, where we´ll visit the Archaeological Site (ticket and guided tour included). This is where the first Olympic Games were held in 776 BC, attracting athletes from across Greece and its colonies. The most impressive landmarks here include the Temple of Zeus, the Stadium, the Gymnasium, and the Arena. Our next destination will be Patras, Greece’s third-largest city. It´s a bustling port city overlooked by a medieval fortress, home to Greece´s largest cathedral, a significant pilgrimage site, along with the nearby old church of St. Andrew. Dinner will be included.

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.

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.

We’ll take a ferry to Capri, and after a 45-minute crossing, we’ll arrive on this island, famous for its natural beauty and luxurious lifestyle. If you’d like, you can take a boat to the Grotta Bianca or ride the cable car up to Capri town and visit the Gardens of Augustus for stunning panoramic views. We’ll then return to Naples, where you’ll have time for a walk and lunch. In the afternoon, we’ll visit Pompeii (admission and guided tour included), the once-thriving city that was buried under ash and rubble when Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79 AD. We’ll continue to Rome, arriving at the end of the day.

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