Day 1: Welcome to Greece - Arrival in Athens
Arrival in Athens, welcome at the airport, and transfer to the hotel. After check-in, free time to relax or explore the surroundings at your leisure. In the evening, welcome dinner at the hotel followed by an overnight stay.
Day 2: Exploring Athens - Between History and Tradition
After breakfast, set out to explore Athens. Visit the Acropolis, a symbol of ancient Greek civilization, and stroll among the monuments of this historic hill, such as the Parthenon. Discover the Acropolis Museum, which houses archaeological finds from the site. Walk through the ancient Agora and the picturesque district of Plaka with a stop at a traditional tavern for a light lunch. Free time in the afternoon to further explore the city or relax in one of its many welcoming squares. Return to the hotel, dinner, and overnight stay.
Day 3: Corinth and the Corinth Canal
After breakfast, departure to Corinth, an ancient city that once flourished as a powerful commercial and religious center. Here, visit the evocative ruins that tell tales of bygone eras, including the temple of Apollo, one of the few Doric buildings still standing, and the Acrocorinth, a majestic fortress located on a hill overlooking the city.
The journey continues to the Corinth Canal, an extraordinary example of 19th-century engineering. This canal, carved into the rock, connects the Gulf of Corinth with the Aegean Sea, bearing witness to human skill and ambition. It's an ideal moment for photography and to admire the structure from different viewpoints.
In the afternoon, the tour moves to Mycenae, a legendary city of ancient Greece. Here, you'll have the opportunity to explore the archaeological site, a testament to the grand Mycenaean civilization. Among the structures, the Lion Gate stands out, one of the oldest examples of monumental architecture in Europe, and the Tomb of Agamemnon, a royal burial place covered by a massive earthen dome. The day concludes with a transfer to Epidaurus, a famous healing center dedicated to Asclepius, the god of medicine. After the visit, dinner and overnight stay to relax and recharge for the next day's adventures.
Day 4: Olympia - The Cradle of the Gods
After breakfast, departure to Olympia, a sacred place and symbol of peace and competition, where the ancient games in honor of Zeus were held. Arrival and visit to the archaeological site, a testament to the greatness of ancient Greek culture. Here, you can stroll among the ruins where the first Olympics were held, immersing yourself in history as you explore the majestic remains of the Temple of Zeus, which once housed one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Temple of Hera, where the Olympic flame is still lit today, and the Olympic Stadium, where athletes from all over the ancient world competed for glory.
The day continues with a visit to the Archaeological Museum of Olympia, a treasure trove of art and history that houses a rich collection of artifacts. This museum holds precious statues, reliefs, and other objects that offer a deep insight into the life and culture of ancient Olympia.
Return to the hotel in the late afternoon, where you'll have the opportunity to relax and reflect on the wonders seen during the day. The evening concludes with a traditional dinner, followed by an overnight stay.
Day 5: Patras - Between Sea and Mountains
After enjoying a traditional breakfast, departure towards Patras, Greece's third-largest city, a gem located where green mountains meet the azure waters of the sea. Its privileged position offers breathtaking views and a unique mix of history and modernity.
The tour begins with an exploration of the Patras Castle, an ancient fortress overlooking the city. As you walk through its walls, you can admire stunning views ranging from the city below to the vast Gulf of Patras. The castle's history dates back to Byzantine times and has witnessed numerous sieges and battles over the centuries.
Continuing the day, you'll have free time to immerse yourself in the vibrant heart of Patras. The lively city center offers a variety of experiences, from picturesque cafes where you can taste authentic Greek coffee to traditional shops where you can find local handicrafts and gastronomic specialties.
In the late afternoon, return journey to Athens, the historic capital of Greece. After a day full of discoveries, you can relax by enjoying a typical dinner in one of the city's traditional restaurants, followed by a well-deserved overnight stay.
Day 6: Flying to Sicily - Arrival in Palermo
After breakfast, transfer to Athens airport and flight to Palermo. Welcome at the airport and transfer to the hotel. After check-in, free time to relax or explore the surroundings at your leisure. In the evening, welcome dinner at the hotel followed by an overnight stay.
Day 7: The Magnificence of the Past - Palermo and Monreale
After breakfast, departure for a tour of Palermo and Monreale. In Palermo, the Cathedral stands with its mix of architectural styles that tell centuries of history. The nearby Palatine Chapel is a jewel of Byzantine mosaics. Lunch break in a typical market, where you can savor Sicilian street food. The journey continues to Monreale, where the Cathedral, with its shimmering and intricate golden mosaics, offers a living testament to medieval art and devotion. From the Cathedral's terrace, the view extends over the Conca d'Oro and the blue sea. Return to the hotel in the late afternoon, dinner, and overnight stay.
Day 8: Echoes of History - Agrigento and the Valley of the Temples
After breakfast, departure to Agrigento. Arrival at the Valley of the Temples, a UNESCO archaeological site, where ancient Doric temples stand majestically among olive and almond trees, witnesses to Sicily's glorious Greek past. Check-in at the hotel in the late afternoon, dinner, and overnight stay.
Day 9: Ancient Charm - Villa Romana del Casale - Syracuse and Noto
After breakfast, departure to Piazza Armerina, where the Villa Romana del Casale reveals its extraordinary Roman mosaics, offering a window into daily life during Roman times through vivid and detailed scenes. Continue to Syracuse, a city that once rivaled Athens in terms of power and beauty. Visit the Archaeological Park of Neapolis, where the Greek Theater and the Roman Amphitheater tell stories of epic battles and theatrical performances. Continue to Ortigia, the beating heart of Syracuse, with its legendary Fountain of Arethusa and the Cathedral built on a Greek temple. In the afternoon, transfer to Noto, a jewel of Sicilian baroque, where you can admire the artistic elegance of palaces and churches, such as the Cathedral of Noto. Check-in at the hotel, dinner, and overnight stay.
Day 10: Towards the Volcano - Etna and Taormina
After breakfast, venture towards Mount Etna, the highest active volcano in Europe. An expert guide will accompany the group through lava paths, up to the Silvestri craters where the earth smokes, highlighting the volcanic power. Next, travel to Taormina, a town nestled on a rocky terrace with breathtaking views of the sea. Visit the Greek Theater, the second-largest theater in Sicily, with a panoramic view of the sea and Etna. Walk along Corso Umberto, Taormina's main street, where you can discover craft shops and taste local delights like the Sicilian cannolo. Return to the hotel in the late afternoon, dinner, and overnight stay.
Day 11: Exploring Catania - The Beauty of Baroque
After breakfast, departure to Catania. Visit the historic center with its baroque architecture, the Cathedral of Sant'Agata, and Piazza del Duomo with the famous Elephant Fountain. Free time in the afternoon to further explore the city or relax. Return to the hotel in the late afternoon, dinner, and overnight stay.
Day 12: Farewell Sicily
After breakfast, free time until transfer to Catania airport. With memories of the adventures experienced and the beauty discovered in Tunisia and Sicily, departure for the return flight, marking the end of an unforgettable journey through the heart of the Mediterranean.