Rome to Athens plus 3 day Greek Island Cruising

Rome to Athens plus 3 day Greek Island Cruising

Travel from one great city to another on the Rome to Athens tour. Begin by retracing the path of the Roman Empire, then travel to the seaside town of Sorrento on the Amalfi coast where the spectacular scenery is matched only by the food. A day trip out to the Isle of Capri and a visit to the Ancient City of Pompeii are perfect ways to farewell Italy before sailing to Greece. It's two days of watersports and relaxation on the Greek island of Corfu before travelling to Athens to see the Acropolis and Parthenon. Top it all off with 3 days of cruising around the Cycladic Islands and you have the perfect end to the perfect holiday!

Length: 14 days
Accommodations: n/a
Meals: Dinner, Breakfast, Lunch, Supper
as per itinerary
Sightseeing: Italy, Greece, Turkey
Transportation: Coach, Ferry, Cruise Ship
Return to Tour

Itinerary

  1. Day Icon-day1 Arrive Rome

    After making your way to the hotel in Rome, your day is free is explore this ancient city. Tonight, meet your Tour Manager and get to know your fellow travellers over dinner.

  2. Day Icon-day2 Rome

    Ancient and modern Rome await your discovery. Why not take a guided tour of the Imperial Forum and walk in the footsteps of Gladiators? In your free time explore the Vatican City and Sistine Chapel, snap up Italian fashions or just watch the world go by with a gelato (or two).

  3. Day Icon-day3 Rome to Sorrento

    Travel south past Naples, the home of pizza, to the beautiful resort town of Sorrento. Tonight take the opportunity to sample local food and wine and enjoy the views of the Mediterranean.

  4. Day Icon-day4 Capri Excursion

    Cruise on our complimentary boat out to the stunning Isle of Capri. And spend the day roaming around the island - see the natural beauty of the Blue Grotto, stroll through the hillside town of Anacapri, explore Marina Piccola, or sip on a cafe al fresco with the locals.

  5. Day Icon-day5 Sorrento to Corfu

    Today we visit Pompeii, why not take a guided tour through this ancient city that was once one of the most advanced civilisations in Europe? Later, we travel through southern Italy to board our overnight ferry to the Greek island of Corfu.

  6. Day Icon-day6 Icon-day7 Corfu

    Two full days on this fabulous Greek island. Work on your tan, take to the water with a chance to enjoy some watersports or get off the beaten track in an open-top jeep. At night an opportunity to visit a local taverna, try some Greek specialities and dance to the sound of the Zorba!

  7. Day Icon-day8 Corfu to Athens

    Traveling across the Peloponnese peninsula, we stop at the Corinth Canal en-route to the capital of Greece, Athens.

  8. Day Icon-day9 Athens

    A whole day in Athens where our city tour includes the first modern Olympic stadium, the Acropolis and the Parthenon.

  9. Day Icon-day10 Athens to Mykonos

    This morning we leave Athens and board our cruise ship to head to Mykonos - island of whitewashed houses and blue domed churches.

  10. Day Icon-day11 Cruising to Patmos via Kusadasi

    Our early morning call is the Turkish port of Kusadasi. Explore the bazaar or perhaps take an excursion to the ancient ruins of Ephesus. Later, we dock at Patmos where St John is reputed to have written the book of Revelation.

  11. Day Icon-day12 Cruising to Santorini via Crete

    We dock in Crete, the largest of the Greek islands, before sailing for Santorini. This spectacular volcanic island is in the Cycladic chain of islands. Enjoy Fira and its narrow paved streets with plenty of opportunity to shop in the many boutiques.

  12. Day Icon-day13 Arrival into Athens

    Transfer into central Athens where your tour ends.

Tour Map

Highlights

All these highlights along with city sightseeing are included in your tour price!

Included
  • Rome: See Piazza Venezia, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, Piazza Navona, Colosseum & Roman Forum
  • Vatican City: See St. Peter's Basilica
  • Naples: See the Bay of Naples; See Mt. Vesuvius
  • Capri: Visit the Isle of Capri
  • Sorrento: Scenic coastal drive
  • Corfu: Visit the old town
  • Corinth: See the Corinth Canal
  • Athens: Visit the Acropolis & Parthenon with a local guide; See the first modern Olympic Stadium & Hellenic Parliament; Visit the famous Plaka area
  • Mykonos: Visit Mykonos town
  • Kusadasi: Visit the local bazaar
  • Patmos: See the Monastery of St. John
  • Crete: Visit Heraklion town
  • Santorini: Visit Fira town; See the spectacular volcanic islands
Accomodations
  • 12 nights twin or triple share hotel accommodation; 8 nights in hotels, 1 night on board a ferry, 3 nights onboard a cruise ship
  • 12 continental breakfasts (B), 3 lunches (PL) 8 three-course dinners (D), & 3 suppers (S) as per itinerary
  • Hotel tips, local taxes & service charges
Contiki Difference
  • Experienced, professional Tour Manager & Driver
  • Onboard Contiki Cruise Rep
  • Transport on a modern, air-conditioned coach
  • Ferry crossing as per itinerary
  • Sightseeing tours of all major cities
  • Free Contiki Travellers Guide
  • Free Contiki document wallet

Optional Excursions

Rome

Guided Imperial Tour (Euro 25.50 (10-19 people) / Euro 24.50 (20+ people))
Join a local guide for an excursion back in time. You'll wander across the cobbled stones of the Roman Forum, marvel at the Colosseum and learn why the glory of Imperial Rome still stands out in the history of western culture. Price includes entry into Forum and Colosseum.
Rome Folklore Dinner (Euro 36.00)
Enjoy a typical Italian meal in the heart of Rome - a wonderful menu of Italian specialties and wine will be sure to tantalize your taste buds. In true Italian style you'll also enjoy the sounds of typical songs and folklore from around this fantastic country.

Pompeii

Guided Tour of Ancient Pompeii (Euro 18.00 (20-34 people)/ Euro 17.00 (35+ people))
The once thriving city of Pompeii lay buried for centuries under thick layers of ash which rained down after the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79. It was rediscovered in the 17th Century and two-thirds of the city has now been excavated. A local guide takes you to the important sites and explains the history of this fascinating city.

Sorrento

Restaurant Meal (Euro 34.00)
The Circolo dei Forestieri is a superb setting for an evening meal. Dinner is comprised of four courses, including antipasta, pasta, a traditional main course and lemon cake for dessert. Finish it all off with a glass of the local speciality... lemon liquer!
Cruise Around The Island Of Capri (Euro 20.00)
A fabulous day on the 'island of dreams'. Enjoy a great off-shore view of Capri's rocky coastline studded with sea caves and stop by the entrance of one of the most famous: the Blue Grotto. Treat yourself to a boat trip inside the cave (entrance fee not included); the effects of the light reflecting through the water is sublime. All in all, a splendid day filled with great memories for you to cherish.

Athens

Athens Plaka Meal (Euro 34.00)
A night out in the famous Plaka area - we visit a typical Greek Taverna for a three-course meal including local wine. Whilst dining enjoy the show which includes singing, traditional Greek dancers and "Bouzouki" music.