8-Day Athens, Peninsula, Heart of Italy with Sorrento Tour Code: 838-20686 europamundo 2606520

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 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.

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 begin our day with a visit to Pompeii, where you'll have the chance to admire the remains of this ancient Roman city, buried by the ashes of Mount Vesuvius (tickets and guided tour included). Afterward, we'll head to Naples, one of Italy's most captivating cities and among the oldest continuously inhabited areas in Europe. The historic quarter of Naples, one of the largest in Europe, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You'll have time to explore and enjoy lunch. We'll then continue to Cassino, where you can visit the breathtaking abbey, the site of one of World War II's fiercest battles. Our journey will conclude in Rome, arriving in the evening.

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