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 Athens. Top it all off with 3 days cruising around the Greek Isles (and a stop in Turkey) for the perfect end to a perfect holiday!
| Length: | 14 days |
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| Accommodations: | Hotel, Adriatic Ferry, Cruise ship as per itinerary
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| Meals: | , Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Dinner, Breakfast, Lunch, Supper, Dinner as per itinerary
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| Sightseeing: | Italy, Vatican City, Greece, Turkey |
| Transportation: | Modern, air-conditioned 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. Tonight, there’s your chance for an optional Italian meal, or you could find a party hotspot or head out for a wander to experience the romance of Rome by night. 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. There is also the option to learn some amazing traditional Italian cooking with our Me Time optional Cooking Class. 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.
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 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. 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.
SorrentoToday is your chance to really go all out Italiano! We'll start of with a true Neopolitan experience - some wine tasting & local mozzarella making lesson from those that know it best - the locals! We'll head to one of our favourite hidden spots, where you'll get in the know from these local experts who have been wine making & preparing delicious Italian mozzarella the true authentic way for generations. You'll get to sample the flavours that really show you why nothing beats the real deal! This afternoon, there's the option of checking out the beautiful Italian haven, the Amalfi Coast on our optional trip. Famous for its beach, colourful houses & the rich & famous who flock to Positano & the Amalfi during the summer, these places are packed with cool locals, travellers & sun seekers alike are a photography lovers dream. Take to the streets for some shopping or pull up a lounger & hit the beach for sunbaking, swimming & people watching the gorgeous Italians. Tonight, enjoy Sorrento.
Sorrento to GreeceToday is perfect for relaxing and taking in the views! There’s time to chill out on the coach, crossing through the stunning rugged landscapes of southern Italy, before boarding the overnight ferry to Greece. Check out the amazing 360 degree views from the deck!
To AthensFrom Patras, cross 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 KusadasiWake up this morning in 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. Please note: Departures between March - May, and September - November follow a slightly revised itinerary. These cruises spend a half day in Kusadasi & make an additional stop in Patmos in the afternoon.
Cruising to Santorini via CreteToday we start the day off with a visit to the biggest of the Greek Islands, Crete. Choose an optional excursion to the Palace of Knossos where our Local Guide will tell you the story of this 4000 year old mythical Minoan Palace, where the minotaur (half-man/half-bull) was slain. Next up: 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, save your breath on a donkey ride 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 and where to try out the delicious local speciality, domatoktedes (fried tomato balls). Otherwise head to one of the distinctive black or red sand beaches, and soak up the breathtaking scenery. You could jump on an optional boat ride out to the active volcanic island of Nea Kamini. Cruise past lava formations and 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!