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, Tuesday June 16: Overnight Flight

Depart from the USA.

Day 2, Wednesday June 17: 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, Thursday June 18: 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, Friday June 19: Athens

Today you may choose an optional cruise with lunch to the islands of Hydra, Aegina and Poros in the Saronic Gulf. Otherwise, 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, Saturday June 20: 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, Sunday June 21: 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, Monday June 22: Rome

Visit the excavated city of Pompeii with a local guide giving commentary via personal headsets. 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, Tuesday June 23: 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, giving commentary via personal headsets. The best part is that these are timed entrances, meaning you’ll breeze right by the long lines facing other tourists. You’ll also go inside 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. 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, Wednesday June 24: Rome

Today why not visit the tranquil Borghese Gardens or the shops of Via Condotti? Climb each of the seven hills, or visit some of the majestic churches such as Santa Maria Maggiore. Be sure to sample the gelato. One of the best spots for that is Piazza Navona. (B,D)

Day 10, Thursday June 25: Departure

Depart for the USA.



Optional Extensions and Extra Nights:

Enhance your experience with an extra night in Rome, including a full-day excursion to Florence by high-speed train—discover the Renaissance city's rich heritage, art and architecture with included sightseeing and entrance to the Accademia.

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, at the beginning of your tour. (B)