13-Day Complete Greece, Puglia, Campania and Sicily Tour Code: 738-20686 europamundo 2606556

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.

We'll depart early in the morning towards northern Greece, stopping at Kamena Vourla, a charming seaside tourist hub surrounded by stunning landscapes. We'll then proceed north, stopping at the Thermopylae Mountain Pass, the historic site of the famous battle. Next, we'll visit Kastraki, a picturesque village with beautiful views of the entire valley, where you'll have free time for lunch. Afterward, we'll explore the Meteora, a breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage Site. Admission to one of its renowned monasteries is included. Dinner will be provided in Kalabaka.

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.

After breakfast, we set out for the PELOPONNESE PENINSULA, renowned for its history, landscapes, picturesque towns, and archaeological sites. We make a brief stop at the CORINTH CANAL, which links the Aegean Sea with the Ionian and is famous for its impressive rock walls.Next, we visit one of the most charming islands near the Peloponnese. From the small port of Galatas, we take a ferry that brings us in just 15 minutes to the island of Poros, a delightful destination full of tourist life, with old houses climbing up to the Clock Tower. Free time to stroll and have lunch.After lunch, we return to the mainland and travel through beautiful hilly landscapes to the ancient Theater of Epidaurus (admission included), where we'll have time to explore this magnificently preserved structure. Built 2,400 years ago, with a capacity of up to 14,000 spectators, it is still in use today.We then continue on to NAFPLIO, a charming coastal city dominated by its citadel and Venetian fortress. Free time to stroll. Dinner included.

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. In the afternoon, after enjoying an included lunch in Matera, 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.

After breakfast, we'll head to the port of Naples to board a ferry to the Island of Capri, where we recommend taking the funicular up to Capri town to stroll around and enjoy the stunning views. 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.

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.

At the foot of Mount Etna lies the beautiful city of Taormina, described by Churchill as the most beautiful place on earth. Early in the morning, we will head to Giardini Naxos, the first Greek settlement in Sicily (founded in 734 B.C.), with its lovely seafront promenade and popular beaches. Afterwards, we will have time to stroll through the lively old town of Taormina, with its stunning Greek Theater overlooking unforgettable landscapes.After lunchtime, we continue to the Roman Villa of Casale (admission and guided tour included), a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the Roman Empire, villas symbolized agricultural wealth and exploitation. At Casale, not only has the 4th-century architectural layout been preserved, but thanks to their richness and quality, the mosaics decorating nearly every room are considered the most beautiful of the Roman world.Crossing the mountainous heart of the island, we continue on to Palermo, arriving at the end of the day. Dinner included.

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.

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