Rome and Athens

8 or 12 days

Italy, Greece

Rome and Athens are more than just cities to explore. They are living artifacts for you to explore from every angle. In Rome, the ancient treasures are sprinkled across the map, seamlessly integrated into everyday life. In Athens, most of the relics share a spotlight on center stage, high above modern society on the Acropolis. But each city changes your views of history, and offers new perspective on the world today.

Due to national and/or religious holidays, some sites may be closed and your itinerary may be modified on the following dates in 2026: March 19, March 25, April 3-8, April 12, May 1, June 29, and August 14-15. These dates fluctuate each year—please contact us for more information.

Image displaying map describing the itinerary of the Rome and Athens tour

Day 1: Fly overnight to Italy

Day 2: Rome

Meet your Tour Director at the destination airport

Day 3: Rome

Take a guided tour of Rome

With your expert local guide you will see:

Colosseum
Roman Forum
Capitoline Hill
St. Peter's Square and Basilica

Explore Rome during a food-themed walking tour

Day 4: Rome

Add this in-depth excursion:

Pompeii

Gain unparalleled insight into the lives of the ancient Roman elite on this excursion. Buried in volcanic ash in 79 A.D., the former resort town of Pompeii is now fully excavated and, uniquely preserved as it was, one of the world’s richest archaeological sites. After a guided tour, enjoy an included lunch and free time before returning to Rome for dinner. Note: Comfortable shoes are recommended.

Day 5: Rome • Athens

Fly to Athens

Day 6: Athens

Take a guided tour of Athens

With your expert local guide you will:

See the Ancient Olympic Stadium
See Syntagma Square, the central square of Athens
Visit the Acropolis

Visit the Acropolis Museum, home to ancient ruins and prehistoric artifacts

Take a walking tour of Athens

With your Tour Director you will see:

Plaka district
Athenian Trilogy

Take a Greek dance lesson

Day 7: Athens

Add this in-depth excursion:

Delphi

Ponder the mysteries of your future at the sacred site of Delphi. Greece’s ancient military leaders left gifts for the Oracle in hopes of receiving good fortune in battle. Visit the Temple of Apollo, where it’s said the god communicated with mortals, and stop at the Delphi Museum, which features artifacts from 550 B.C. Note: This 11-hour excursion includes round-trip bus transfer to Delphi from Athens.

Day 8: Depart for home

Add 4 more days

Day 8: Athens • Heraklion

Fly to Heraklion on the island of Crete

Take a tour of Knossos Palace with a local guide

Take a walking tour of Heraklion

Enjoy a cheese tasting with lunch

Day 9: Heraklion • Elounda • Spinalonga

Travel to the coastal town of Elounda

Take a guided boat tour of Spinalonga, a historic fortress island

Explore the beach town of Elounda on your own

Day 10: Chania • Night ferry