Cradle of Civilization

The itinerary is the starting point to your tour, but it’s not set in stone. Your group leader may make changes leading up to departure.

Day 1, Wednesday March 20: Overnight Flight

Depart from the USA.

Day 2, Thursday March 21: Athens

Arrive in Athens, meet your ACIS Tour Manager and begin to explore this enchanting, ancient city. Perhaps stop for a plate of honey-soaked, cinnamon-spiced loukoumades while you stroll through the winding streets of this cradle of civilization. (D)

Day 3, Friday March 22: Athens

Greet the day with a guided sightseeing tour that reveals the glories of ancient Greece. Ascend to the top of the Acropolis and visit the iconic Parthenon, which dominates the city and stands as a powerful and impressive memorial to the remarkable civilization that built it. Then view the Agora, followed by a stroll through the Acropolis Museum, a modern architectural jewel. The afternoon is yours to explore more at your own pace. Tonight you’ll be thoroughly entertained by a Greek cultural evening in a traditional village setting. Taste freshly pressed olive oil, watch a tzatziki making demonstration, dine on authentic taverna cuisine and feast your eyes and ears on professional dancers moving to the traditional music. An expert also teaches you the steps of traditional Greek dances so that you can join in the fun! (B,D)

Day 4, Saturday March 23: Athens

Spend the day further exploring the ancient city of Athens, the birthplace of many notable philosophers, politicians and writers in the ancient world. Tonight perhaps venture out to watch the pedestrian-friendly Plaka, the oldest section of Athens, come alive as the day winds down. (B,D)

Day 5, Sunday March 24: Overnight Ferry

Drive to mythical Delphi, where ancient Greeks asked for counsel from its fabled oracle. Visit the Temple of Apollo and the Delphi Archaeological Museum, featuring artifacts unearthed during local excavations. Continue to Patras to board the overnight ferry to Bari, Italy. (B,D)

Day 6, Monday March 25: Sorrento

Once you land in Bari, travel through the olive groves of southern Italy towards Sorrento. You’ll stop at a working mozzarella farm and learn first-hand how this creamy cheese is made, from ingredients to production to taste. Later, arrive in Sorrento, get settled and begin to explore this coastal gem. (B,D)

Day 7, Tuesday March 26: Rome

Visit the excavated city of Pompeii with a local guide. Nearby Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79 AD and buried the city in ash. What we have today is a perfect picture of life as it was nearly 2,000 years ago. Continue to the Eternal City, Rome. After dinner tonight, join your tour manager for a passeggiata romana through the piazzas around the Spanish Steps and the Trevi Fountain. (B,D)

Day 8, Wednesday March 27: Rome

This morning go inside the iconic and historic Colosseum with a local guide and learn the many stories of this nearly 2,000-year-old Roman landmark that's considered one of the architectural wonders of the ancient world. This afternoon visit St Peter's before a local expert accompanies you through the Vatican Museums, including the Sistine Chapel this afternoon, rounding out your Rome experience. In the evening, we'll enjoy an authentic Roman pizza dinner and cap off an exceptional week with a stroll around lively Piazza Navona. (B,D)

Day 9, Thursday March 28: Departure

Depart for the USA. (B)