Compare From Rome to Athens by Europamundo Vacations vs Glories of Greece - Reverse, Classic Group, 2022 Reverse Classic Group by Insight Vacations
Compare details and see what other travelers are saying.
| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 8 days | 7 days |
| Price From | $ 2,328 | $ 2,650 |
| Price Per Day | $ 291 | $ 379 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Group tour | Group tour |
| Lodging Level | Premium | Premium |
| Physical Level |
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| Travel Themes |
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| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Airfare included |
| Activities |
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| Meals Included |
1 Dinner |
N/A |
| Description |
Explore From Rome to Athens visit Ioannina, a historic walled city on the lake’s shore, Explore Meteora Valley and the gorgeous landscapes of the Abruzzo region. |
Explore the ancient Acropolis in Athens and indulge in an authentic cooking demonstration in Olympia, as a local chef prepares a feast from locally farmed produce. Replete with lashings of olive oil and Greek cheeses you’ll master moussaka and tzatziki, before experiencing Greece in all its glory. From the Temple of Athena and the Arch of Hadrian in Athens, the gargantuan pinnacles of Meteora near Kalambaka beckon. Guided by your Travel Director, you'll ascend the ancient rock formations of this UNESCO World Heritage Site and visit one of the historic monasteries at the top. Explore where the Olympic Games began in 776 B.C at the Temple of Zeus and in the city of Mycenae, take in the giant Cyclopean stones before discovering traditional Greek pottery methods at the Mycenae Pottery Studio. |
Day 1: Rome
Today’s Highlights: Arrival. Transfer to the hotel. Welcome to Europe!!!. On arrival at the airport we shall be waiting to transfer you to the hotel. You can enjoy free time until your tour starts, information about the meeting place and start time can be found on the information boards in the hotel reception area.
Day 2: Rome
Today’s Highlight: City tour of Rome. Night transfer to Trastevere area. We will enjoy a panoramic tour to give you an introduction to the Eternal City, finishing at St Peter’s in the Vatican, where you will be able to visit the Basilica and museums. In the evening, we transfer to the Trastévere, the busy city district well known for its typical restaurants. Return to hotel.
Day 3: Rome
The day at leisure to rest and relax or explore the city of Rome further.
Day 4: Rome - Loreto – Ancona - Igoumenitsa Ferry
Today’s Highlights: Overnight ferryboat trip from Italy to Greece. We will leave Rome early in the morning. We will cross the Apennines amid the gorgeous landscapes of the Abruzzo region. Loreto, visit to the Basilica Della Santa Casa (Basilica of the Holy House), the house of Virgin Mary, and its lovely medieval town. Arrival in Ancona. Quick tour of this town on the Adriatic shore. We will go on an early afternoon boat trip in the Adriatic and Ionian seas. Overnight ferryboat trip. Accommodation in double cabins with private bathroom (we recommend bringing a handbag along to spend the night on board. Breakfast on the boat Tuesday morning is not included).
Day 5: Ancona - Igoumenitsa Ferry - Ioannina - Kalambaca
Today’s Highlights: Boat trip. Meteora Valley. Arrival in Greece early in the morning (Igoumenitsa). Northern Greece reminds us of the proximity of the Slav and Turk worlds. Arrival in Ioannina, a historic walled city on the lake’s shore. We will go on a short boat trip to Ioannina Island located on the lake. This tiny, quiet lake town holds several monasteries. We will continue to Kalabaka where we will arrive early in the afternoon. We will visit Meteora valley, a spectacular place added to UNESCO World Heritage List. We will have the opportunity to enter one of its famous monasteries. Dinner included.
Day 6: Kalambaca - Delphi - Athens
Today’s Highlight: Delphi and Thessaly region. Night transfer in Athens. We will travel south through the Thessaly region. We will arrive in Delphi after enjoying the view of wonderful landscapes. Visit and lunch at the beautiful archeological complex looking over the Gulf of Corinth offering amazing vistas. We will resume our journey to Athens. Arrival at mid-afternoon. We include night transportation to the Pláka quarter, a place full of Greek taverns where you will have a chance to enjoy this country’s rich folklore.
Day 7: Athens
Today´s Highlights: City tour in Athens. In the morning, we will enjoy a panoramic tour of the city with a local guide which includes the Presidential Palace, the Panathinaikos stadium where the first modern Olympic games were held, the national library, the bustling squares of the center; the new neighborhoods that emerged after the 2004 Olympic games. The tour will end at the Acropolis site (entry not included).Free time during the day to walk around and discover unforgettable places.
Day 8: Athens
After breakfast, end of our services.
Day 1: Welcome to Athens
An Insight host will meet you at the airport and take you to the hotel, where there is time to settle in and relax. At 19:00, join your Travel Director for a Welcome Reception, and get to know your fellow travellers over a delightful evening of dinner and wine.
Day 2: The Parthenon, Mycenae and on to Olympia
Your exploration reveals this ancient city as your Local Expert takes you to the Parthenon, built atop the Acropolis. See the Temple of Athena Nike, also known as the Temple of the Wingless Victory, and the six stone-carved caryatids that make up the Porch of the Maidens on the Erechtheion. Your journey continues, following the shores of the Saronic Gulf to pass the Corinth Canal dividing the Peloponnese and mainland Greece. Arrive at the ruined city of Mycenae, featured in the epics of Homer. With your Local Expert, walk through the Lion Gate, visit the royal beehive-tombs and see the giant Cyclopean stones used to build the city walls. Meet the artisans and view beautiful works of art when you visit a family-run pottery studio. Travel on to the elegant town of Nafplio, known for it's beautiful architecture, colourful shops and cafes. You then continue to Olympia where dinner is served at your hotel.
Day 3: Ancient Olympia
It's all in the name. Ancient Olympia is the site where the Ancient Olympic Games began in 776 B.C., in dedication to Zeus. See the ruined Temple of Zeus that was built to honour the ruler of the gods. Continue your exploration through time to the athletes gymnasium and the Ancient Stadium of Olympia with its characteristic arch. The start and finish points for the sprint track are still marked by stones and there is time to capture your own memory, with a photo at the starting line. In the evening, join a local chef for an entertaining cooking demonstration, showcasing classic Greek cuisine. Experience authentic Greek flavours, as you savour dishes prepared for your Highlight Dinner.
Day 4: Delphi, Centre of the Ancient World
Travel north to Patras and cross the soaring Rio-Antirrio Bridge to the mainland. Follow the coastal road before stopping at the foothills of Mount Parnassus. Ascend the Sacred Way of Delphi with your Local Expert. Pass the Parian marble Treasury of the Athenians and Polygonal Wall with its interlocking stones still perfectly intact after thousands of years. You'll approach the Temple of Apollo, where for 14 centuries the mysterious Oracle of Delphi breathed her enigmatic ‘words,' rumoured to have successfully predicted events related to the Argonauts expedition and the Trojan War. Your journey continues to Kalambaka where dinner is served at your hotel.
Day 5: The Pinnacles of Meteora Relaxed Start
With your Local Expert, visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Meteora, meaning 'in the air.' The massive pinnacles of smooth rock are ancient, yet could also be the setting for a science fiction tale. Visit one of the monasteries, that adds to the strange and beautiful landscape and enjoy stunning views over the Peneios Valley. The rest of the day is at your leisure. Why not explore with a relaxed walk on the nature trails? Alternatively, you may wish to visit the Natural History Museum.
Day 6: Thermopylae and to Athens
Journey south to Thermopylae, famous as the mountain pass where King Leonidas led his Spartan army, along with fellow Greek soldiers, into battle against the Persians in 480 B.C. See the memorial dedicated to Leonidas and his courageous Spartans. Travel on to Athens, City of Gods, to see the Temple of Zeus, Hadrian's Arch and the Panathenaic Stadium, used for the first modern Olympic Games in 1896. In the evening, enjoy a hearty Celebration Dinner in true Greek style, complete with wine and good cheer.
Day 7: Depart Athens Relaxed Start
This morning after breakfast, your Grecian odyssey comes to an end. Take a complimentary transfer to Athens Airport for your onward journey.
