Travel from one great city to another on our Mediterranean Trail tour. Retrace the path of the Roman Empire, then travel to seaside Sorrento on the Amalfi coast where the spectacular scenery is matched only by the food. A day trip out to the Isle of Capri & a visit to the Ancient City of Pompeii are perfect ways to farewell Italy before sailing to Greece. It's 2 days of watersports & relaxation on Corfu before travelling to Athens. Top it all off with 3 days cruising around the Greek Isles for the perfect end to a perfect holiday!
| Length: | 15 days |
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| Accommodations: | Hotel, Adriatic Ferry, Cruise ship as per itinerary
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| Meals: | Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch, Supper as per itinerary
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| Sightseeing: | Italy, Vatican City, Greece, Turkey |
| Transportation: | Modern coach, Ferry, Cruise Ship |
Depart for EuropeJet off to the trip of a lifetime awaiting you in Europe!
Arrive RomeCheck-in to your hotel, drop off your stuff and head out into the streets of Italy to get a sneak peek at vibrant Rome. Get to know your travel buddies and Tour Manager over dinner. Stylish Rome oozes energy and overflows with relics from another age. Get into the thriving atmosphere of this living timeline as your Tour Manager shows you the Colosseum, the Pantheon, Piazza Venezia and Piazza Navona. Honour tradition at the Trevi Fountain and throw a coin in the fountain’s waters (it’s meant to improve your chances of returning to Rome!). Maybe hang out with your new friends at the Spanish Steps, sit back and people watch.
RomeOn your first day in Rome, check-out the smallest country in the world and home to the Pope, the Vatican City. There’s included entry and our Local Guide to show you St. Peter’s Basilica and Michelangelo’s masterpiece, the Sistine Chapel. Make the most of our Local Guide’s inside knowledge and uncover the remains of an ancient empire with a fantastic optional tour of the Roman Forum and Colosseum. Take off into the city and absorb the atmosphere, as Vespas flash past timeworn monuments that are surrounded by fountains, pizzerias, cafés and bars. In your free time, live the local lifestyle by indulging in a long lunch on a paved piazza or knock back a shot of espresso at the bar, like the Romans do. Before you hit the shops, let your Tour Manager point you in the right direction with some tips on the best buys. Your second day in the city is yours to chill out, Roman-style. Maybe head to the cool & off beat Trastevere area of town if you feel like something different. The area is known for its restaurants & hip bars and is a great place to head to totally get you off the tourist track. If you feel like getting active, maybe hire a bike & hit the city streets for a different way to see the city’s monuments. You could also hit up to Villa Borghese. This park at the top of the city offers free WiFi & endless good times – hire a golf cart to whizz around the city, grab a beer & sit on the grass & watch the Romans go about their daily life. Tonight, there’s your chance for an optional Italian meal at the Ristotheatre, or you could find a party hotspot or head out for a wander to experience the romance of Rome by night.
Rome to SorrentoThis morning, it’s your chance to splash some cash, with our stop at La Reggia Designer Outlet mall for our exclusive Italian food & fashion experience. You can use this opportunity to get some gear to show off to your friends at home. This outlet mall is amazing, with your chance to pick up some designer fashion at incredible prices. With between 30%-70% off regular retail, the savings are epic, and because you’re with Contiki you’ll get up to an additional 10% off! From labels like Blumarine, Guess, Liu Jo & Quiksilver (to name a few) – there’s going to be plenty to tempt today. We take it up a level too, with some extra special Italian experiences with our local expert, like sampling regional produce for those authentic local flavours. Later, there’s your chance to take a guided tour of ancient Pompeii, before reaching beautiful Sorrento, overlooking the stunning Bay of Naples. Bliss!
Capri ExcursionThis morning, it’s a boat ride to the main marina of the island of Capri, famous for its stunning caves and surrounding rock formations. Get out on the water of the Bay of Naples in an optional cruise around Capri in our very own traditional wooden motorboat. See the world-famous Green and White Grottos and choose to get up closer to the world-famous Blue Grotto, with its intense blue glow, on a separate boat ride into the cave. With plenty of swim stops on the cruise around the island, cool off in the Mediterranean and then use your free time to explore even more of the island. Soak up the views and head off with some friends into the cute, white-washed villages where you can try out the region’s sweet lemon liqueur, limoncello. If you have time, explore Sorrento’s web of narrow streets or the Villa Communale Park, which has stunning views of Mt. Vesuvius.
Sorrento to CorfuThen there’s time to chill out on the coach, crossing through the rugged landscapes of southern Italy, before boarding the overnight ferry to Greece in Brindisi. Check out the amazing 360 degree views from the deck!
CorfuCorfu is all that’s great about Greek island living. You’ll immediately find yourself on “local time”, browsing the markets of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town and bargaining with the laid-back locals. Jump on board George’s Boat optional with a bunch friends for a fun day out on the water. It will give you another angle on idyllic Corfu. Work up an appetite swimming in the secluded spots and then feast on a lunch of olives, salad, cheeses, fresh bread and dips – prepared with ingredients from George’s back yard. Corfu also gives you the chance to dive into action with a selection of water sports, like parasailing, banana-boating and waterskiing. Otherwise hire a car for a deeper look into Corfu and venture across the island to explore some beautiful, remote beaches.
Corfu to AthensFrom Corfu, head to the mainland and travel to the impressive, man-made Corinth Canal. Athens is next, a city crammed with myth and ancient wonders, and busy with modern, urban soul.
AthensThis morning take a step back in time in Europe’s oldest city to the birthplace of democracy. Get the run down on the Parthenon and the Acropolis from our Local Guide, as you wander around the marble columns perched above the city sprawl. Then we check out the first modern Olympic Stadium from the 1896 Games. Spend the day exploring mythical Athens, a city crammed with ancient wonders yet busy with modern, urban soul. Wrap up the day on the shady slopes beneath the Acropolis and jump start your trip with an optional dinner in the rustic district of Plaka, where traditional tavernas spill out onto the pavements. Finish up with a night out in Athens’ up-and-coming district of Psiri, buzzing with trendy bars and clubs.
Athens to MykonosToday, board a typical Greek ship to Mykonos and take advantage of the amazing views across the Aegean, full of rocky islands. Mykonos is famous for its blissful beaches and party culture. No matter what you’re after, chances are this island has got it! You’ll soon understand why this happening hub draws people from all walks of life, from jetsetters to backpackers. In your free time, head into Mykonos town and wander through the maze of tiny streets lined by whitewashed, cube-shaped houses. Maybe grab a table for lunch in the village and feast on fresh local specialties, like olives, feta and tzatziki dip. Chill for the afternoon with friends on the island’s world famous beaches and cool off in the azure waters. Wrap up the day with a drink at one of Mykonos’ hip bars and watch the sun go down. But don’t stop there, toast the start of the cruise back on board and hit the ship’s nightclub with the group.
Cruising to Patmos via KusadasiIn the morning, wake up to the Turkish port town of Kusadasi. Rummage through the Grand Bazaar and go local bargaining for leather goods, jewellery or local crafts. Otherwise hook up with the group and our Local Guide for an optional excursion to ancient Ephesus, a stunningly preserved city that Mark Antony and Cleopatra once visited. Our next port of call is Patmos, with its sacred spots and wild countryside. Get the background from your Rep on why this island attracts both pilgrims and holiday makers. Explore the monasteries, traditional settlements and country churches. Get into the spirit of the island with an optional excursion that takes you to Patmos’ UNESCO World Heritage sites: the 11th century Monastery of the Apocalypse and to the Grotto of St. John – the hilltop cave where John the Apostle lived for many years.
Cruising to SantoriniNext up: the quintessential Greek Island, Santorini. This island will make your jaw drop with its stunning natural beauty – the result of a massive volcanic eruption. From the water, look up at the iconic blue–domed, whitewashed churches. Once we’re back on land, head up the cliff and the twisting stone steps, or take it easy in the cable car for views of neighbouring volcanic islands. Your Rep will fill you in on Fira – dramatically perched on the edge of the crater - as the group explores its narrow streets. Get tips on the best places to pick up a piece of Santorini’s famous jewellery, or just wander the cute cobbled lanes & pick up some souvenirs. Try out the delicious local specialty, domatoktedes (fried tomato balls), some tasty saganaki (delicious fried cheese) & maybe some ouzo. Otherwise you could jump on an optional coach ride & head to one of the distinctive black or red sand beaches, and soak up the breathtaking scenery & the sunshine! You could take an optional boat ride out to the active volcanic island of Nea Kamini & cruise past lava formations to get up close to the active crater.
Arrival into AthensDisembark after breakfast and transfer into central Athens where the tour ends once you arrive.
All these highlights along with city sightseeing are included in your tour price!