Greeks and Romans

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 6: Overnight Flight

Depart from the USA.

Day 2, Saturday March 7: Athens

Welcome to Athens. Meet your ACIS Tour Manager and begin to explore the bustling Plaka. (D)

Day 3, Sunday March 8: 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, Monday March 9: Overnight Ferry

Today drive to mystical Delphi, home to the great oracle of Apollo. Explore the Archaelogical Museum of Delphi and visit the Temple of Apollo, whose ruins date from the 4th century BC. Then continue to Patras to board your overnight ferry. (B,D)

Day 5, Tuesday March 10: Sorrento

Awaken amidst the waters of the Mediterranean as you cruise toward Italy. Land and travel through the olive groves of the southern region to Pompeii. With a local guide giving commentary via personal headsets, explore the ancient city left perfectly preserved after Mount Vesuvius' eruption engulfed it in ash in 79 AD. Then continue to the stunning Sorrento region for the night. (B,D)

Day 6, Wednesday March 11: Rome

Drive north to Rome this morning and immerse yourself in a city rich in history and culture as you begin to explore its fountains, Baroque façades and charming piazzas. After dinner join your tour manager for a stroll through the lively Piazza Navona and to gaze up at the magnificent Pantheon, at once an ancient temple and functioning Roman Catholic Church. (B,D)

Day 7, Thursday March 12: 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. Then 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. . (B,D)

Day 8, Friday March 13: 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. (B)