Rome, Athens & the Greek Isles

12 days

Italy, Greece, Turkey

It’s no myth—Italy and Greece are home to some of the world’s most impressive archaeological sites, stunning scenery, and long-standing cultural traditions. During this tour, you’ll see the landmarks and landscapes of these Mediterranean countries firsthand. Explore the area’s ancient ruins, from Pompeii to the Acropolis and Delphi, and wander through charming seaside towns along the Mediterranean coast.

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, Athens & the Greek Isles 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 • Pompeii

Take an excursion to Pompeii

Tour the ruins of Pompeii with an expert local guide

Day 5: Rome • Athens

Fly to Athens

Day 6: Athens • Night ferry

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 night ferry to Heraklion

Day 7: Heraklion

Take a tour of Knossos Palace with a local guide

Take a walking tour of Heraklion

Enjoy free time to explore Heraklion town on your own

Enjoy a cheese tasting with lunch

Day 8: 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 9: Heraklion • Rethymno • Chania

Travel via Rethymno to Chania

Take a walking tour of the old port city of Rethymno

Enjoy free time in Rethymno

Day 10: Chania • Night ferry

Participate in a cooking class and learn how to make traditional Greek cuisine

Take a night ferry to Athens

Day 11: Athens • Delphi

Take a day trip to Delphi

Take a guided tour of Delphi

With your expert local guide you will see:

Temple of Apollo
Delphi Archaeological Museum

Visit the Delphi Museum

Add this in-depth excursion:

Greek evening

Friends, feta, and fresh Mediterranean flavors—opa! Stuff yourself like an olive during a traditional Greek dinner. Then, link arms for a night of music and dancing. You might even get to experience the famous plate-smashing tradition. Whatever the night brings, you'll enjoy a lively celebration and experience the best of Greece’s theatrical culture.

Day 12: Depart for home