A three-week super trip that will reveal to our guests the real soul
of two Mediterranean countries

*Designates UNESCO World Heritage Site

Day Two 

We start today’s tour by visiting the Archaeological Site of Philippi*. Then, we are heading towards Thessaloniki, where we will spend the rest of our day exploring its characteristic landmarks. Founded in the 4th century BCE and named after a sister of Alexander the Great, Thessaloniki became a major city of the Roman and Byzantine Empires. Its ancient and medieval glory is manifested in the Paleochristian and Byzantine monuments* we intend to visit. Captured by the Ottomans in 1430, Thessaloniki became a safe haven for thousands of Sephardic Jews expulsed from the Iberian Peninsula; their thriving presence lasted until World War II. Overnight in Thessaloniki at a central hotel.

Day Three

In the morning , we visit the Jewish Museum of Thessaloniki. After gaining familiarity with the metropolis of northern Greece and its landmarks, we are departing for the Archaeological Site of Aigai*, the royal capital of Macedon. Our next destination is the historic city of Veroia nearby. The restored Jewish Quarter is the most characteristic part of the Old Town. St. Paul’s Tribune is another major landmark. We continue our tour in Mount Vermion, where and spend our night at a renovated mountain villa in the village of Koumaria.

Day Four 

We are departing Koumaria for Meteora Rocks and Monasteries*, a unique combination of nature, culture, and art. Several breathtaking monolithic pillars—in Greek, Meteora means “suspended in the air”—are crowned by six monasteries from the 14th-16th centuries. Besides their architectural significance, the Meteora monasteries house valuable Byzantine and post-Byzantine artwork and manuscripts. The scenery in the area is fantastic! We spend our evening in the fascinating village of Pertouli on the slopes of Pindus Mountains.

Day Five 

This morning we visit the Church of Porta Panagia (13th c.), a lesser known Byzantine gem at the entrance of an impressive gorge. We are heading further south crossing the Plain of Thessaly. After entering Central Greece, we stop at Thermopylae, place of the heroic sacrifice of 300 Spartans under King Leonidas during the Greco-Persian Wars. We contemplate the Monument of Leonidas, erected with Greek-American funds in the 1950’s, and visit the Innovative Center of Historical Information highlighting historical events of the time of the battle of Thermopylae. We continue our way south to Mount Parnassus and spend the evening in the scenic mountain town of Arachova.

Day Six 

Today’s tour starts with the Oracle of Delphi*, the site of Apollo’s oracle wonderfully nestled in the mountains. After visiting the archaeological site and the splendid museum, we are moving east to visit Hosios Loukas Monastery (10th-12th c.)*, decorated with some of the finest Byzantine mosaics. On our way, we cross the Martyr Village of Distomo, site of a World War II Nazi massacre. We keep going in the direction of the Greek capital Athens, where we will transfer to a central hotel. We will spend the evening in the vibrant central district. 

Day Seven 

This day is entirely dedicated to Athens. Our city tour focuses on the Acropolis* and the Acropolis Museum, the most impressive museum in Greece. Remaining of the day at leisure. We strongly suggest a walk in the historic neighborhoods of Plaka and Monastiraki at the bottom of the Acropolis Hill, and a tram ride to the seashore. In the evening, we can meet all together for a typical Greek diner around a reserved table at a selected taverna. Opa!

Day Eight 

Our day begins with a visit to Daphni Monstery* (10th c.) in the vicinity of Athens. Its mosaics are also counted among the masterpieces of the Byzantine art. Then, we make our way to Peloponnese. Soon after, we cross the breathtaking Corinth Canal that separates this large peninsula from the Greek mainland. Onward we journey to the sanctuary of Asclepius* and the theater of Epidaurus*, the best preserved among ancient theaters. Today’s last destination is the former capital of Greece Nafplio, a charming port city surrounded by impressive Venetian fortifications. Accommodations in the old city of Nafplio.

Day Nine 

Today, we will be moving west. We first stop at the archeological site of Mycenae* (14th-13th century BCE)*, indissolubly linked to the Homeric epics. Then, we cross the legendary region of Arcadia, and visit the historic town of Dimitsana and the Open Air Water-Power Museum nearby. We will continue travelling to Olympia, where we will spend the night.

Day Ten

This morning, our guests will explore Ancient Olympia*, the birthplace of the Olympic Games, one of the most inspiring archaeological sites in Greece. The focal point is the ancient stadium used as an Olympic venue in 2004. The museum focused on the findings of the archaeological site is another must-see attraction. We continue our trip through northern Peloponnese and arrive in the port of Patras, one of Greece’s largest cities. Impressive Roman vestiges denote the key role played by this city during the Roman times. Our city tour includes a guided visit to Achaia Clauss winery, famous for its fortified red wine, Mavrodafne. In the evening, we take the ferry to Bari, Italy. Overnight travel in first class cabins.

Day ELEVEN

After our arrival in Bari, we will walk the port’s picturesque back-streets up to the Basilica di San Nicola (11th-12th c.), a major pilgrimage destination since the Middle Ages. We will then depart for another famous historical monument, Castel del Monte* (13th c.)*, best known for its unusual octagonal design. We end the day in the charming little town of Canosa di Puglia, and spend the night at a family owned hotel.

Day Twelve 

We are leaving Canosa di Puglia for Naples, the metropolis of the Italian South. Nicknamed as “the City with 500 domes,” Naples is widely known for its turbulent history, rich culture, multi-influenced architecture, genuine gastronomy, and wonderful setting in the Bay of Naples. It is also noted for its very unique charming chaos. Our city tour goes beyond making our guests familiar with the landmarks of the Historic Center*; it is perceived as an experience that will help them discover the Neapolitan soul and understand the meaning of the expression “vedi Napoli e poi muori!” – “see Naples and die!” Accommodations at a central hotel in Naples.

Day Thirteen 

Today, we are heading north. We stop at the Royal Palace of Caserta (18th c.)*, residence of the Bourbon kings. Larger than Versailles, it is one of the most imposing examples of the Baroque. We continue our trip to Tivoli in the Metropolitan City of Rome. In the afternoon, we visit Villa d’Este in Tivoli (16th c.)*. According to UNESCO, this sumptuous garden residence “is one of the most remarkable and comprehensive illustrations of Renaissance culture at its most refined. Its innovative design along with the architectural components in the garden (fountains, ornamental basins, etc.) make this a unique example of an Italian 16th-century garden.” We spend the evening in some of the most scenic areas of neighboring Rome. Later on, we return to Tivoli, where we will be staying for the next evening.

Day Fourteen 

We start our day by visiting Villa Adriana* in Tivoli (3rd c. BCE), an amazing complex of buildings, gardens, pools, and statues used as summer retreat by Roman Emperor Hadrian. The rest of the day tour is dedicated to Rome and covers both the Historic Center* and Vatican City*. As in the case of Naples, we seek far more than familiarity with monuments. We do want to make our clients feel the vibe of the Eternal City.

Day Fifteen 

We are departing Tivoli for Spoleto. Nestled in the foothills of the Apennine Mountains, Spoleto is a city rich in history and culture, and known to music lovers for its annual Festival dei due Mondi. The Basilica of San Salvatore* (4th c.), several other Roman edifices, and many splendid medieval and Renaissance monuments compose a great architectural legacy that will become more easily visible at the end of our city tour. Assisi*, best known as the birthplace of St. Francis of Assisi, is the final destination for the day. Its Papal Basilica of St. Francis (13th c) with frescoes by Cimabue and Giotto presents a unique blend of Medieval beauty and spirituality. Accommodations in Assisi.

Day Sixteen 

Today, we travel north along the Apennines and arrive in Urbino*. The magnificent Palazzo Ducale (15th c.) is its main landmark. It was built by Duke Federico da Montefeltro, a typical Renaissance personality that combined the soldier, the scholar, and the patron of the arts. We continue travelling north. At some point, we are leaving Italy for the Republic of San Marino, a microstate that claims to be the world’s oldest surviving republic. Its tiny capital, the City of San Marino*, is panoramically located on the slopes of Monte Titano. It looks like a fairy tale medieval town and offers splendid views of the Apennines and the coastal plain. Later in the day, we re-enter Italy and spend our evening in Rimini.

Day Seventeen 

Our morning is dedicated to Rimini’s Roman past. We visit the Arch of Augustus (1st c. CE), the oldest surviving Roman arch, the Bridge of Tiberius (1st c. CE), and the Surgeon’s House, an impressive archaeological area spanning over 700 square meters, known as Little Pompeii. Then we depart for Modena, where we will admire the three major landmarks of its old town: the Cathedral*, Torre della Ghirlandina*, and Piazza Grande*. Modena is also reputed to be a gastronomic heaven. Hence, we will have the opportunity to taste local delicacies at one of its famous trattorias. We are continuing our way north towards Mantua, a “città d'arte,” and the Italian Cultural Capital for 2016. Like Modena, it is also proud for its gastronomic tradition. Mantua’s splendid Historic Center* reflects the glory and refined taste of its lords (14th-17th c.), the House of Gonzaga. We will spend the night in Mantua.

Day Eighteen 

From Mantua we continue our exploration of northern Italy.  We first visit Verona* in the region of Veneto. Founded in the 1st century BCE, and immortalized in Shakespeare’s works, Verona is a city of a remarkable architectural, artistic, and musical tradition. The Roman Arena (1st c. CE), Porta Borsari (1st c. CE), Basilica of St. Zeno (11th c.), Castel Vecchio Bridge (14th c.), and Juliet’s House (14th c.) are some of the city’s major attractions. We are keeping going north along the eastern shore of Lake Garda. After crossing the charming lake resort of Malcesine, we arrive in Bolzano (Bozen in German), the capital city of South Tyrol, where we will stay for the night.

Day Nineteen 

South Tyrol is a majority German speaking Italian province. Having previously been part of the Austrian lands, it became Italian in the aftermath of World War I. Since 1972, it has enjoyed large autonomy, and in this context, German has been a co-official language. Focusing on a number of Bolzano’s characteristic landmarks, our tour aims to make South Tyrol’s ethnocultural specificity more transparent. The city sightseeing includes the tomb of Prince Peter the Lame, Dracula’s great-grandson! Our explorations continue, as we leave Bolzano for the eastern part of the Alpine range, known as the Dolomites*. Pristine mountains with rugged edges create a landscape of striking beauty. In the course of our journey, we visit Cortinna d’Ampezzo in Veneto, a dream destination for the lovers of winter sports. We end our day in Belluno, another gem in the region of the Dolomites. Overnight in Belluno.

Day Twenty 

We say farewell to Belluno, as we are travelling downhill to Venice*. Once in the City of Waters, our guests will have the experience of an architectural tour that will give them valuable insights on the history, aesthetic value, and social significance of the city’s famous sites. Above all, they will realize why multiculturalism is an integral part of the Venetian identity since the city’s very beginnings. Despite the time limits concerning such a trip, we know how to not rush; our guests will even take a bit of time to just sit and contemplate Venice’s daily life. Our tour continues on the neighboring island of Murano, best known for its handcrafted glass, and Byzantine mosaics. And along with lots of locals, we will enjoy a typical dinner at one of the island’s osterias. Accommodations in Murano.

Day Twenty One 

On board a vaporetto, we are sailing across the Venetian Lagoon* to our final destination, Venice Marco Polo Airport, for the return flights to the United States.

Tour schedule is subject to change due to local conditions