Athens, Florence and Rome

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, Friday March 14: Overnight Flight

Depart from the USA.

Day 2, Saturday March 15: 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, Sunday March 16: Athens

Sightseeing with a local guide features the spectacular Acropolis and the 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, Monday March 17: Kalambaka

This morning we will journey to mythical Delphi for a guided tour of the site where ancient Greeks asked for counsel from the fabled oracle. Visit the Temple of Apollo and the Delphi Archaeological Museum, featuring artifacts unearthed during local excavations. After, drive to the Kalambaka area, known for the spectacular Meteora rocks that rise nearly 2,000 feet above the town. (B,D)

Day 5, Tuesday March 18: Overnight Ferry

This morning, ascend to the top of the Meteora rocks to visit the monasteries of Varlaam and Great Meteoron, perched atop these sandstone cliffs. After that, you'll have free time to discover more of Kalambaka. After that, you'll continue on to the port city of Igoumenitsa, where you’ll board the overnight ferry to the Italian city of Ancona. (B,D)

Day 6, Wednesday March 19: Florence

After arriving in Ancona, travel to Florence, called the Cradle of the Renaissance for its role as a center for education, art, and science. (B,D)

Day 7, Thursday March 20: Florence

Today's sightseeing tour with a local guide providing commentary shows you Brunelleschi's splendid Duomo, Ghiberti's famous Baptistry Doors and the Piazza della Signoria—the political center of this Renaissance city. Then breeze by the crowds with your own timed entrance to the Accademia, which houses Michelangelo's David. Later learn about Italy's most famous frescoes during a fresco making workshop and test your skills against Michelangelo's after learning the technique from a master. You will certainly gain a deeper appreciation of what he accomplished with the Sistine Chapel. As you explore Florence today, keep an eye out for that special trattoria you might want to come back to. Tonight you'll dine like (and with) the locals using our insider tips and restaurant vouchers. (B,D)

Day 8, Friday March 21: Rome

All roads lead to Rome, and we will follow. Upon arrival, visit the iconic and historic Colosseum with a local guide (another line-avoiding timed reservation) 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. Your ticket also includes entrance to the nearby Roman Forum if your group has time. After dinner join your tour manager for a passeggiata romana through the piazzas around the Spanish Steps and the Trevi Fountain. (B,D)

Day 9, Saturday March 22: Rome

Rome is called “The Eternal City” because the ancient Romans believed that no matter what empires rose and fell, Rome would endure forever. Today's panoramic drive of the city is a great introduction to the many phases of Roman history. Our local expert accompanies you through the Vatican Museums, including the Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter's Basilica. The best part is that these are timed entrances, meaning you'll breeze right by the long lines facing other tourists. In the evening, we'll enjoy an authentic Roman pizza meal and cap off an exceptional week of travel with a stroll around lively Piazza Navona. (B,D)

Day 10, Sunday March 23: Departure

Depart for the USA.



Optional Extensions and Extra Nights:

Further immerse yourself in the culture and wonders of la dolce vita with an extra night in Rome, including the services of your ACIS Tour Manager.

Discover destinations of rich classical heritage on a three-night Greek Island Cruise highlighting Mykonos, Patmos, Ephesus and more, plus an additional night in Athens. (B)