Cradle of Civilization with Anna

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, Monday July 11: Overnight Flight

Depart from the USA.

Day 2, Tuesday July 12: Sorrento

Arrive in Naples, meet your ACIS Tour Manager Anna, then transfer by bus to your hotel in Sorrento. Anna will take you on an orientation tour of the town before dinner. (D)

Day 3, Wednesday July 13: Sorrento

Today's excursion brings you by high-speed hydrofoil to Capri, the Island of Dreams. Arriving on the island, take the funicular past sub-tropical gardens to the main piazza. Wandering the narrow lanes that twist past tiny boutiques and lush, breathtaking landscapes you will understand why Capri has been such a popular destination for millennia. Return to Sorrento for dinner and a leisurely evening in this lively resort town. (B,D)

Day 4, Thursday July 14: Rome

Explore some of the world's most extensive archaeological excavations with a local expert at the UNESCO World Heritage site of Pompeii. Life in the 1st century AD is revealed as you walk the ancient city's original Roman roads, which were covered with ash and debris, and therefore preserved, by the devastating eruption of nearby Mount Vesuvius. After lunch, continue north to the capital, Rome, where you'll jump right in with a visit to the iconic and historic Colosseum with a local guide (with a 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. Spend the evening in festive Piazza Navona and dine like the locals in the heart of Rome's historic center using dinner vouchers. (B,D)

Day 5, Friday July 15: Rome

Anna will show you some of her favorite hidden corners of Rome this morning. After time for lunch in Campo dei Fiori enjoy a visit inside St Peter's Basilica. Then enjoy a timed entrance to visit the Vatican Museums, including the Sistine Chapel with a local guide during quieter, off-peak evening hours. Restaurant vouchers are included for lunch instead of dinner today. (B,L)

Day 6, Saturday July 16: Rome

This morning journey by high-speed train to Florence, the Cradle of the Renaissance. You'll breeze past the crowds with your timed reservation at the Accademia, home to many of Michelangelo's sculptural wonders. Your local guide will introduce you not only to his exquisite, life-like David here, but also to his magnificent city at large (which is really an open-air museum). See the splendid Duomo, Ghiberti's famous Baptistry Doors and the Piazza della Signoria—the political center of this Renaissance city. There is time in the afternoon to explore the historic center at your own pace before returning to Rome by high-speed train in time for a late dinner. (B,D)

Day 7, Sunday July 17: Athens

This morning you'll board a flight to Athens. Greece welcomes you with a spectacular coastal drive to Cape Sounion, where your local guide recalls its myths and history. In ancient times, the Temple of Poseidon, perched high above the Aegean, was the last sign of civilization Athenians saw as they sailed away from home and the first as they returned. It is hard to imagine a more perfect setting for a temple, especially one dedicated to the god of the seas. Later in the afternoon, continue to the center of Athens for hotel check-in, a walking orientation with Anna, and dinner in the Plaka neighborhood. (B,D)

Day 8, Monday July 18: Athens

Greet the day with a guided sightseeing tour that reveals the glories Greece's Golden Age. Ascend the Acropolis to visit the iconic Parthenon then tour a modern jewel—the Acropolis Museum, rated as one of the world's best museums and certainly one of its most memorable. After, Anna will orient you in the historic center where you'll have time to find lunch on your own and explore this vibrant City of Athena. Tonight, you will be thoroughly entertained during a Greek cultural evening in a classic village-like setting atop the city. Taste freshly-pressed olive oil and see a demonstration of how to prepare Greek specialties like tzatziki from the chef before delighting in a dinner of authentic taverna cuisine. Feast your eyes and ears on professional dancers enthusiastically moving to live music. They will even teach you some steps to these traditional Greek dances so you can join in on the fun. Opa! (B,D)

Day 9, Tuesday July 19: Athens

Sailing the azure blue Saronic Gulf is the perfect finale to our Mediterranean odyssey! Today we will board several sailboats and ‘race’ in our own private regatta to the charming island of Aegina where you'll get a taste of tiny beaches, picturesque fishermen's villages, and possibly an olive or two. Upon returning to Athens, cap off this incredible adventure abroad with a delicious, traditional meze dinner. (B,D)

Day 10, Wednesday July 20: Departure

Depart for the USA. (B)