Italy & Greece
Italy & Greece
Italy & Greece
12 Days Starting in Rome, Italy and ending in Athens, Greece
Visiting: Rome, Florence, Verona, Venice, Ancona, Olympia, Athens
Tour operator:
Tour code:
6480-2024
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Age range:
5-99
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Italy and Greece are steeped in history with a treasure trove of ancient sites and scenic beauty. On this affordable Italy and Greece tour, you’ll see the exceptional features these countries have to offer, starting in Rome and ending in Athens. In Italy, you’ll stay in Rome, Florence, and the Venice area; in Greece, you’ll stay in Olympia, Nauplia, and Athens. You’ll also spend one night on a ferry, crossing the Adriatic Sea from Ancona, Italy to Patras, Greece. Visit Rome with a local guide who brings ancient Imperial Rome back to life as you see the Colosseum. Enjoy must-see sights, including Piazza Signoria, in the middle of Florence; the Roman arena in Verona, and Pisa’s famous Leaning Tower. In Venice, take a boat ride to St. Mark’s Square and watch glassblowers create works of art as they have done for centuries – or discover the lagoon at your own pace. Step back in time on your visit to Athens’ Acropolis and the Parthenon, dating back to the 5th century BC, and the most accurate indication of the influence and wealth of Athens at its greatest peak. You’ll also visit Mycenae, dating back to 1350 to 1200 BC, where you’ll marvel at the arches, fountains, ramparts, and amazing masonry still standing. All these elements come together perfectly to create a value-minded Italy and Greece tour like no other!
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive In Rome, Italy
Location: Rome
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: American Palace Eur
Check into your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to explore Italy’s ancient capital using your CosmosGO app. This evening, meet your Tour Director and travel companions.
Day 2 : Rome
Location: Rome
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: American Palace Eur
Meals Included: Breakfast
The “Eternal City” is steeped in history, vibrantly alive and exciting, and absolutely unique! Start the included introduction to Rome’s landmarks from St. Peter’s Square with a Local Guide. Enjoy a drive along the iconic landmarks of the city: the Tiber River, the Caius Cestius Pyramid, the Aurelian Walls, and the Caracalla Baths. Complete the experience with a walk back in time from the Circus Maximus to the Arch of Constantine and to the fascinating Colosseum, symbol of the Roman Empire.* * For operational reasons, schedule changes for the Rome program cannot be excluded.
Day 3 : Rome - Pisa - Florence
Location: Florence
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: B&B Firenze City Center
Meals Included: Breakfast
Vistas of rolling hills, cypress trees, vineyards, olive groves, and rural villages form the backdrop of your journey through beautiful Tuscany. Stop in Pisa and enjoy a mini-train ride to see the Square of Miracles and the amazing Leaning Tower, then on to Florence. End the day by joining the optional Gastronomy Experience in a typical restaurant. Today’s Distance: 273 mi/ 440 km
Day 4 : Florence
Location: Florence
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: B&B Firenze City Center
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today, discover the wonders of Florence, starting with a guided walking tour, featuring some of the city’s greatest attractions. See Piazza Santa Croce; world-famous Signoria Square; 13th-century Palazzo Vecchio with its collection of artistic masterpieces; Loggia dei Lanzi; the unique Duomo with Giotto’s Gothic Bell Tower and the Baptistry’s ornate bronze door known as the “Gate of Paradise.”
Day 5 : Florence - Verona - Venice Area
Location: Verona
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Poppi
Meals Included: Breakfast
Travel north and cross the Po River to Verona, setting for Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet. Marvel at the ancient Roman Arena, built for gladiator fights but now still used as a popular venue for the festivals and concerts; shop in Via Mazzini, or just wander the cobblestone streets of the city center. Today’s Distance: 217 mi/ 350 km
Day 6 : Venice
Location: Venice
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Poppi
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Venice is a place of unmatched beauty and a feast of fantastic sights. View the delightful crisscrossing canals, the gondolas, arched bridges, palaces, and piazzas. Your included orientation features a boat ride to St. Mark’s Square and a visit to a Venetian glassblowing workshop. You’ll have time to explore at leisure on your own, sipping a cappuccino or the typical Venetian drink called spritz at one of the many bars or cafés. or join one of our optional excursions, like a ride on one of the most iconic boats in the world, the romantic gondola.
Day 7 : Venice Area - Ancona (Embarkation) - Overnight Ferry Crossing To Patras, Greece
Location: Ancona
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Poppi
Meals Included: Breakfast
Travel across the flatlands of the Po Delta to reach Ancona on the shores of the Adriatic Sea, to embark on the ferry for the crossing to Patras, Greece. Accommodation will be in two-berth cabins with private shower and toilet.Today’s Distance by coach: 186 mi/ 300 km
Day 8 : Patras (Dismbarkation) - Olympia
Location: Olympia
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Olympia Palace
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
During the crossing, enjoy the ship’s amenities. Disembark in Patras and drive south into the Peloponnese to Olympia. Today’s Distance: 63 mi/ 100 km (excluding overnight ferry)
Day 9 : Olympia - Nauplia
Location: Olympia
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Rex
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Enjoy time at leisure or make the most of this morning by taking the optional tour of the sites of ancient Olympia, including the ruins of the Temple of Zeus. In the afternoon, enjoy the rugged scenery of the Peloponnese on the way to Nauplia. This evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.Today’s Distance: 124 mi/ 201 km
Day 10 : Nauplia - Mycenae - Athens
Location: Athens
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Acropolis Select
Meals Included: Breakfast
Morning visit with a Local Guide to the impressive ruins of Mycenae, an ancient city of Homer’s epics. Later, stop to view the Corinth Canal, built between 1881 and 1893. Today’s Distance: 87 mi/ 140 km
Day 11 : Athens
Location: Athens
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Acropolis Select
Meals Included: Breakfast
Join the included sightseeing tour of Athens, featuring the highlights of the ancient capital and a visit to the Acropolis. Explore the shops and museums or take the tram to the coast. In the evening, enjoy the lively atmosphere of the tavernas in the old Plaka district with its narrow streets and sound of bouzouki music, or join an optional traditional Greek dinner.
Day 12 : Athens
Location: Athens
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
What's Included
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Accommodation
Stay at American Palace Eur in Rome, B&B Firenze City Center in Florence, Poppi in Venice, Olympia Palace in Olympia, Rex in Nauplia, and Acropolis Select in Athens.
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Meals
Buffet breakfasts daily and 3 dinners, including dinner at a local restaurant in Nauplia.
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Guided Tours
Included guided tours in Rome, Florence, Venice, Mycenae, and Athens.
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Transportation
Transportation by coach and overnight ferry crossing from Ancona to Patras.
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Local Experiences
Visits to landmarks such as the Leaning Tower of Pisa, the Roman Arena in Verona, and the Acropolis in Athens.
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UNESCO Sites
Visits to UNESCO World Heritage Sites including Acropolis Athens, Archeological site of Mycenae, City of Verona, Historic Centre of Florence, Historic Centre of Rome, Piazza del Duomo Pisa, Vatican City, and Venice and its Lagoon.
What's Not Included
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Optional Excursions
Optional excursions such as the Gastronomy Experience in Florence and traditional Greek dinner in Athens are not included.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as drinks, snacks, and souvenirs are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended to be purchased separately.
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Gratuities
Gratuities for guides, drivers, and hotel staff are not included.
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Passport and Visa Fees
Passport and visa fees are not included and must be arranged by the traveler.
UNESCO Sites
Acropolis Athens|Archeological site of Mycenae|City of Verona|Historic Centre of Florence|Historic Centre of Rome - various properties Vatican City|Piazza del Duomo Pisa|Vatican City|Venice and its Lagoon
Notes
Security cruise regulations require clients’ passport information at time of booking.
Meals
Buffet breakfasts daily; 3 dinners, including dinner at a local restaurant in Nauplia
Accommodation
American Palace Eur
Hotel American Palace Eur is situated in the southern area of Rome near the EUR business district and is extremely well connected thanks to its vicinity to the subway station Laurentina which make both city center and airports easy to access. All 196 guest rooms have bathrooms en-suite and are furnished in a modern style with carpet or wooden floor. Every room is equipped with minibar, safe, heating, a/c, digital tv, direct line telephone, hairdryer, desk and courtesy set. The hotel offers on-site bar, restaurant and a free 24-hour gym.
B&B Firenze City Center
This stylish modern 99-room hotel is located in the Santa Croce district, in the center of the city, just a short walk away from the Basilica. Guest rooms have sleek, minimalist decor and are equipped with air-conditioning, in-room safes, Sky TV and Free Wi-Fi internet access. A rich buffet breakfast is served in the bright breakfast room and a selection of drinks and snacks can be purchased in the handy B&B lobby shop.
Poppi
Situated on the Riviera del Brenta and founded in 1965,the hotel is still family run. hotel Poppi offers 100 rooms and a renowned restaurant.
Olympia Palace
The Olympia Palace is a 3-storey building with 65 spacious rooms, indoor and outdoor restaurants, located in the town on Ancient Olympia.
Rex
Hotel Rex is located in the city center of Nafplio,very close to the port in a cozy atmosphere guarantees a pleasant stay.With 42rooms and a cafeteria-bar the hotel offers rest and relax to the customers .All the archailogical sites and museums are very close to the hotel and that gives you the opportuity to visit them very easy.
Acropolis Select
Hotel is located in the city center, next to public transportation and within walking distance from the New Acropolis Museum, the ancient site of the Acropolis and the Plaka district.The Temple of Olympian Zeus, the Flee Market and Syntagma Square are within easy reach.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour provides accommodation in various hotels including American Palace Eur in Rome, B&B Firenze City Center in Florence, Poppi in the Venice area, Olympia Palace in Olympia, Rex in Nauplia, and Acropolis Select in Athens. Additionally, there is an overnight ferry crossing to Patras with accommodation in two-berth cabins with private shower and toilet.
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Are there any meals included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes buffet breakfasts daily and 3 dinners, including dinner at a local restaurant in Nauplia.
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What are some of the key activities and experiences included in the tour?
The tour includes a variety of activities such as an introduction to Rome's landmarks, a mini-train ride to see the Leaning Tower of Pisa, a guided walking tour of Florence, a visit to the ancient Roman Arena in Verona, a boat ride to St. Mark's Square in Venice, and a visit to a Venetian glassblowing workshop. Additionally, there are guided tours of Mycenae and Athens, including a visit to the Acropolis.
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Is there any free time during the tour for personal exploration?
Yes, there is free time allocated in various locations such as Rome, Florence, Venice, Olympia, and Athens for personal exploration and leisure activities.
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Are there any optional excursions available during the tour?
Yes, there are optional excursions available such as a Gastronomy Experience in Florence, a ride on a gondola in Venice, and a traditional Greek dinner in Athens.
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What are some of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites visited during the tour?
The tour visits several UNESCO World Heritage Sites including the Acropolis in Athens, the archaeological site of Mycenae, the city of Verona, the historic centres of Florence and Rome, Piazza del Duomo in Pisa, Vatican City, and Venice and its Lagoon.
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What is the starting and ending point of the tour?
The tour starts in Rome, Italy and ends in Athens, Greece.
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What type of transportation is used during the tour?
The tour includes various modes of transportation such as coach travel between cities, a mini-train ride in Pisa, a boat ride in Venice, and an overnight ferry crossing from Ancona to Patras.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1961
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Cosmos is committed to minimizing our impact on the environment and to reducing dependence on non-renewable resources. In this endeavor, we have implemented policies to support this mission and are working carefully to enhance our products with this mission and our values combined. We are committed to complying with all relevant legislation and/or regulations.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Travel documents, including any air tickets, itineraries, and other information, are available approximately two to three weeks prior to departure provided full payment has been received.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
All guests are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 for travel through February, 2023. Beginning March 1, 2023, while we highly recommend vaccination, we will no longer require it. We ask all guests to comply with airline and destination requirements, which still may apply. To check your destination requirements for your travel dates, view the Latest Travel & Health Restrictions for Travel.
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Low Deposit
Cosmos requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of cosmos charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.