Compare Italy & Greece by Cosmos vs Highlights of Ancient Greece by Exodus Travels

Day 1: ARRIVE IN ROME, ITALY

Check into your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to explore Italy’s ancient capital using your CosmosGO app. This evening, meet your Tour Director and travel companions.

Day 2: ROME

The “Eternal City” is steeped in history, vibrantly alive and exciting, and absolutely unique! Start the included introduction to Rome’s landmarks from St. Peter’s Square with a Local Guide. Enjoy a drive along the iconic landmarks of the city: the Tiber River, the Caius Cestius Pyramid, the Aurelian Walls, and the Caracalla Baths. Complete the experience with a walk back in time from the Circus Maximus to the Arch of Constantine and to the fascinating Colosseum, symbol of the Roman Empire.* (Breakfast)

* For operational reasons, schedule changes for the Rome program cannot be excluded.

Day 3: ROME–PISA–FLORENCE

Vistas of rolling hills, cypress trees, vineyards, olive groves, and rural villages form the backdrop of your journey through beautiful Tuscany. Stop in Pisa and enjoy a mini-train ride to see the Square of Miracles and the amazing Leaning Tower, then on to Florence. End the day by joining the optional Gastronomy Experience in a typical restaurant.
Today’s Distance: 273 mi/ 440 km (Breakfast)

Day 4: FLORENCE

Today, discover the wonders of Florence, starting with a guided walking tour, featuring some of the city’s greatest attractions. See Piazza Santa Croce; world-famous Signoria Square; 13th-century Palazzo Vecchio with its collection of artistic masterpieces; Loggia dei Lanzi; the unique Duomo with Giotto’s Gothic Bell Tower and the Baptistry’s ornate bronze door known as the “Gate of Paradise.” (Breakfast)

Day 5: FLORENCE–VERONA–VENICE AREA

Travel north and cross the Po River to Verona, setting for Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet. Marvel at the ancient Roman Arena, built for gladiator fights but now still used as a popular venue for the festivals and concerts; shop in Via Mazzini, or just wander the cobblestone streets of the city center.
Today’s Distance: 217 mi/ 350 km (Breakfast)

Day 6: VENICE

Venice is a place of unmatched beauty and a feast of fantastic sights. View the delightful crisscrossing canals, the gondolas, arched bridges, palaces, and piazzas. Your included orientation features a boat ride to St. Mark’s Square and a visit to a Venetian glassblowing workshop. You’ll have time to explore at leisure on your own, sipping a cappuccino or the typical Venetian drink called spritz at one of the many bars or cafés. or join one of our optional excursions, like a ride on one of the most iconic boats in the world, the romantic gondola. (Breakfast,Dinner)

Day 7: VENICE AREA–ANCONA (EMBARKATION)–OVERNIGHT FERRY CROSSING TO PATRAS, GREECE

Travel across the flatlands of the Po Delta to reach Ancona on the shores of the Adriatic Sea, to embark on the ferry for the crossing to Patras, Greece. Accommodation will be in two-berth cabins with private shower and toilet.
Today’s Distance by coach: 186 mi/ 300 km (Breakfast)

Day 8: PATRAS (DISEMBARKATION)–OLYMPIA

During the crossing, enjoy the ship’s amenities. Disembark in Patras and drive south into the Peloponnese to Olympia.
Today’s Distance: 63 mi/ 100 km (Breakfast,Dinner) (excluding overnight ferry)

Day 9: OLYMPIA–NAUPLIA

Enjoy time at leisure or make the most of this morning by taking the optional tour of the sites of ancient Olympia, including the ruins of the Temple of Zeus. In the afternoon, enjoy the rugged scenery of the Peloponnese on the way to Nauplia. This evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.
Today’s Distance: 124 mi/ 201 km (Breakfast,Dinner)

Day 10: NAUPLIA–MYCENAE–ATHENS

Morning visit with a Local Guide to the impressive ruins of Mycenae, an ancient city of Homer’s epics. Later, stop to view the Corinth Canal, built between 1881 and 1893.
Today’s Distance: 87 mi/ 140 km (Breakfast)

Day 11: ATHENS

Join the included sightseeing tour of Athens, featuring the highlights of the ancient capital and a visit to the Acropolis. Explore the shops and museums or take the tram to the coast. In the evening, enjoy the lively atmosphere of the tavernas in the old Plaka district with its narrow streets and sound of bouzouki music, or join an optional traditional Greek dinner. (Breakfast)

Day 12: ATHENS

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (Breakfast)

Day 1 Start Athens

Our adventure begins in Athens, an enthralling capital city soaked in myth and legend. Depending on when you land, you may have time to explore a little or perhaps dive into a taverna to sink your teeth into the much-loved local cuisine. Either way, we’ll gather at the hotel for a welcoming briefing in the evening when we’ll meet as a group for the first time. Accommodation: Arion Hotel or Achilleas Hotel (or similar)

Day 2 Morning walking tour of Athens, including the Acropolis, Acropolis Museum and Plaka; afternoon free to explore Athens

This morning we embark on a walking tour of Athens, taking in the Acropolis ruins and artefact-filled Acropolis Museum. This walk is actually a journey through the history of the city; from the classical world ruled by the Olympian deities to the 21st century. The afternoon is free for you to explore Athens on your own. Your leader can suggest where to visit. Please note: During busy periods, the walking tour might take place in the afternoon when it is quieter and the morning will be free. Accommodation: Arion Hotel or Achilleas Hotel (or similar)

Day 3 To Nafplio, visiting Ancient Corinth and Mycenae en route

After breakfast, we head to Nafplio. On the way, we stop at the Corinth Canal, which separates the Peloponnese from mainland Greece and connects the Gulf of Corinth with the Aegean Sea. We then visit the archaeological site of Corinth, one of the major cities in antiquity and an important centre of trade. Extended excavations here have revealed a Roman forum, temples, fountains and various other monuments. We then continue to the archaeological site of Mycenae, the kingdom of legendary Agamemnon and the most important and richest palatial centre of the Late Bronze Age in Greece. Mycenae comprises a fortified acropolis and surrounding funerary and habitation sites. We then head to the picturesque town of Nafplio, where we spend the night. Accommodation: Rex Hotel (or similar)

Day 4 Morning visit to the fortress of Palamidi; afternoon to explore ancient Epidaurus

Today we visit the impressive Venetian fortress of Palamidi, overlooking the town. It was initially fortified by the Venetians during the second Venetian occupation of the area (1686-1715). In 1715, it was captured by the Turks and remained under their control until 1822, when it was liberated by the Greeks. The most important monuments we’ll visit are the castle, and the prison of Kolokotronis, a hero of the Greek Revolution. Next, we will explore Epidaurus (approximately a 45-minute drive from Nafplio), where the Sanctuary of Asclepius, the most famous healing centre of the classical world, is found. We’ll also visit the Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus, one of the finest examples of its kind. In the afternoon, we head to Mystras, where we spend the night. Accommodation: Hotel Byzantion (or similar)

Day 5 Morning to explore Mystras; afternoon to Pylos, visiting Ancient Messene en route

This morning we visit Mystras, a Unesco World Heritage site known as the Wonder of the Morea. The site occupies a steep foothill on the northern slopes of Mount Taygetos and has a Frankish castle that came under Byzantine control in 1262, before becoming a seat of the Despotate of Morea in the mid-14th century. In 1460, it was captured by the Turks, but was liberated again in 1821. We explore the site on foot, visiting beautiful Byzantine churches, mostly built between the 12th and 15th centuries; the palaces of the Mystras Despots; and some urban buildings. Please note: Unfortunately, the castle and the palaces are closed for reconstruction so we are unable to enter any buildings. We will have a look at them from the outside. In the afternoon, we head towards ancient Messene, one of the finest and best-restored archaeological sites in Greece, yet still relatively unknown. Lying in a fertile valley, below Mount Ithomi in central Messenia, the site was first inhabited during the Late Neolithic or the Early Bronze ages. Among the site monuments, we will visit the ancient theatre, agora, and Asclepeion. The stadium and gymnasium are among the most impressive and well-preserved building complexes in ancient Messene. We then drive to the seaside town of Pylos, where we will spend the night. Accommodation: Hotel Karalis (or similar)

Day 6 Morning to explore the Castle of Pylos; to Olympia or Katakolo

After breakfast, we will visit the Castle of Pylos, which also hosts a fine exhibition and museum of underwater antiquities. Here you will find out more about underwater archeology in Greece, how research, excavations and preservation of the antiquities take place. You will also see artefacts from shipwrecks found in the sea near the Peloponnese and Ionian islands. After lunch, we’ll drive along the west coast of the Peloponnese towards Olympia where we spend the night (approximately a two-hour drive). Accommodation: Hotel Pelops (or similar)

Day 7 Explore Ancient Olympia, the site of the first Olympic Games

After breakfast, we visit ancient Olympia, the site that hosted the first Olympic Games. At the confluence of two rivers, in a lush landscape, near the west coast of the Peloponnese, Olympia is the most important religious and athletic centre in Ancient Greece. We will explore this major archeological site, including the Sanctuary of Zeus and the many buildings put up around it, such as an athletic premises used for the preparation and celebration of the Olympic Games, administrative buildings, and other lay buildings and monuments (the Temple of Hera, the Council House, the Ancient Stadium and Gymnasium and the Altar of Zeus). After lunch, we will drive (approximately 3hr 30min) to Delphi where we will spend the night. En route, we will cross from the Peloponnese peninsula to mainland Greece and will have the chance to admire the cable-stayed Rio-Antirrio Bridge, a masterpiece of architecture. Accommodation: Nidimos Hotel (or similar)

Day 8 Morning to explore Delphi; afternoon visit to Arachova on the slopes of Mount Parnassus; to Meteora

In the morning, we will head to the Unesco World Heritage site of Delphi. We will explore this magnificent archaeological zone on foot, the place that in ancient times was considered the centre of the world, the place where heaven and Earth met. According to mythology, it is here that two eagles sent by Zeus from the ends of the universe to find the navel of the world met. The sanctuary of Delphi, on the slopes of Mount Parnassos, was for many centuries the cultural and religious centre and symbol of unity for the Hellenic world. Once at the archaeological site, we’ll visit the Temple of Apollo, the Treasury of the Athenians and of the Siphnians, the ancient theatre and the Castalian Spring that was considered the sacred source of Delphi. After lunch, we head northeast to the Unesco World Heritage site of Meteora (approximately a four-hour drive). Meteora is one of the largest Greek Orthodox communities in Greece, second only to Mount Athos. Situated over the town of Kalampaka, on the northwest edge of the Plain of Thessaly (in central Greece), Meteora is one of the most imposing sights in Greece. Steep sandstone rocks, rising more than 1,312ft (400m) above the ground, were formed about 60m years ago through fluvial erosion, earthquakes and geological changes. What makes Meteora even more astonishing are the monasteries perched on top of rocky pinnacles. We aim to arrive in Meteora late afternoon, going to several viewpoints where we can enjoy panoramic views over the Kalampaka plain and stone forest of Meteora. Accommodation: Hotel Meteoritis (or similar)

Day 9 Explore the Unesco World Heritage site of Meteora; afternoon to Athens airport and end

After breakfast, we will visit one of the cliff–top monasteries of Meteora and learn more about their history and monastic life. The area of Meteora was initially inhabited by monks who lived in caves within the rocks during the 11th century. Please note: Clothing must cover knees and shoulders for both men and women to enter the clifftop monasteries of Meteora. In the late 12th century, a small church called the Panaghia Doupiani was built at the foot of one of the rocks, but during the Turkish occupation it became less secure so the monks climbed higher and higher up the rocks to protect themselves from different conquerors. Numerous monasteries were systematically built on top of the rocks so by the end of the 15th century there were 24 constructed in total; today only 6 of them are still active. The monks had to climb up ladders or use baskets and ropes to transfer the material for the construction of these monasteries and until 1920 this was the only means for getting supplies. After lunch, we’ll return to Athens airport (approximately a 4hr 30min drive) where our adventure will end. Please note, we offer post-tour accommodation if you prefer to fly back the next day.