Greece and Southern Italy are separated by a large body of water. However, their peoples express a similar attitude towards life, keep similar colorful traditions, and evoke a glorious common past. This two-country tour will help our guests explain this seemingly paradox.

*Designates UNESCO World Heritage Site

Day Two 

Today, our guests will be given private tour of the Acropolis*, Acropolis Museum, Plaka and Monastiraki historic districts at the bottom of the Acropolis Hill. They can spend the rest of their time in the vibrant central district, and enjoy a typical Greek dinner.

Day Three 

Our guests will check out of their hotel this morning. Our excursion away from Athens takes our group to the Monastery of Hosios Loukas* (10th century), mountain village of Arachova, and Delphi to visit both the archaeological site and the incredible museum. Then, we will head to the picturesque port of Galaxidi where we will check in to our hotel.

Day Four 

This morning, the group will explore the port of Galaxidi and feel its 19th century charm. Then, we will cross the mountains of Central Greece to include the Lamia Castle and Agathonos Monastery. We continue west to the mountain town of Karpenisi, one of Asheville’s sister cities. Karpenisi will be our base for the next day.

Day Five 

From Karpenisi our group will travel to and visit the idyllic little towns of Koryschades and Voutyro. We will continue travelling on a scenic road that goes to Proussos Monastery (13th century). Nestled in the mountains, it dominates a landscape of incomparable natural beauty. Return to Karpenisi. The rest of the day is dedicated to Karpenisi. We will know the town and its people, and enjoy local delicacies. We will meet with local officials and experience Greek hospitality at its best.

Day Six 

Our guests will check out of their hotel this morning. From Karpenisi they will visit Kremasta Lake, the largest artificial lake in Greece. Their route continues to Missolonghi in the central west coast of Greece, a historic city, most known for its dramatic siege (1825-1826) during the Greek War of Independence. It is also linked to romantic poet Lord Byron who gave his fortune and life for the Greek cause (he died there in 1824).  They will also see the Missolonghi Lagoon, one of the most important lagoons in the Mediterranean Sea. They will end our excursion in Nafpaktos, a romantic seaport, surrounded by Venetian fortifications.

Day Seven 

We begin our day’s explorations from the hotel in Nafpaktos. After crossing the breathtaking suspension bridge that links the Greek mainland to the Peloponnesian Peninsula, we continue our tour to the Ancient Olympia Archaeological Site*, birthplace of the Olympic Games. Our visit includes the archaeological museum admired for its exceptional collections. We will end our day in the port city of Patras, European Capital of Culture for 2006.

Day Eight 

We will have the time to explore Patras and its heritage. Our tour includes the Roman Odeon and the New Archaeological Museum.  The group will be departing Patras by ferry today this evening and will make the crossing to Bari on board the ferry in first class accommodations.

Day Nine 

Upon arrival in Bari, we cannot miss the Basilica of St. Nicholas, a pilgrimage destination built during the 11th - 12th centuries. Then, our transfer vehicle will take the group to the lovely village of Alberobello* for a visit. Its characteristic feature is the whitewashed houses with conical roofs made of limestone (trulli). Following that, we will head to the incredibly beautiful city of Lecce, known as the Capital of Baroque. We will complete our day in the town of Galatina and the villages of Grecia Salentina whose inhabitants still speak Griko, a dialect of Greek. Accommodations in Galatina.

Day Ten 

Following our exploration of Galatina this morning, we will head to the ancient city of Matera*, European Capital of Culture for 2019, for a guided tour. Matera is an intact example of a troglodyte settlement riddled with tunnels and caverns inhabited since the prehistoric era. On our tour, we will not miss Museo della Scultura Contemporanea with its impressive underground halls. We will stay in Matera this evening.

Day Eleven 

From Matera this morning our group will transfer to Metaponto, the ancient Greek colony of Metapontion, to visit the archaeological site and museum. Our next destination is the town of Corigliano Calabro crowned by a medieval castle, originally built by the Normans in the 11th century. Accommodations in Corigliano Calabro.

Day Twelve 

The group’s travel today will cross the lower boot of the Calabrian peninsula and will explore the cities of Cosenza and Reggio di Calabria. In Cosenza, we will certainly be impressed by Saint Georges and the Dragon, and The Archaeologists, sculptural compositions by Salvador Dalí and Giorgio de Chirico. We will spend our evening in Reggio di Calabria.

Day Thirteen 

In the morning, the group will have the opportunity to view the famous Bronzes of Riace in Museo Nazionale della Magna Grecia, Reggio di Calabria. We will traverse the Straits of Messina and visit the small city of Taormina, famous for the panoramic sea view, a well preserved Greco-Roman theater, and a number of medieval monuments going back to the Norman and Arab conquests. We will continue our way south to the coastal city of Catania. Accommodations at a hotel in Catania this evening and tomorrow evening.

Day Fourteen 

Today the group will have a guided tour of the historic center of Catania. One of Sicily’s largest and most beautiful cities, Catania is located at the foot of Mount Etna*, facing the Ionian Sea. Its Duomo*, Fontana dell'Elefante*, and other monuments of Sicilian Baroque* blend with a remarkable ancient and medieval heritage.

Day Fifteen 

Our clients will be departing from Catania International Airport today on their return flights to the United States. 

Tour schedule is subject to change due to local conditions