GREECE: ANCIENT RUINS & ICONIC ISLANDS

Highlights

• Explore the ancient temples of the Acropolis and the legendary Agora with an archaeologist.

• Step into the Bronze Age Mycenae citadel on the storied Peloponnese Peninsula.

• Cruise to Naxos and Santorini, exploring whitewashed towns and golden sand beaches.

• Learn how to put together a platter of meze— Greek-style appetizers—with a local expert.

DAYS 1–2 | ATHENS, GREECE

Arrive at any time. The next day, set out to explore the Greek capital, one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities. Join an archaeologist guide to discover the Acropolis, the columns of the Parthenon, and the Agora, where ancient Athenians gathered to discuss the day’s affairs.

DAYS 3–4 | ATHENS/DELPHI/OLYMPIA

Explore Athens on your own. Journey to Delphi, considered by ancient Greeks to be the center of the world. The next day, take a guided tour of the mystical ruins here; then enjoy free time or examine artifacts at the archaeological museum. Cross the scenic Gulf of Corinth by way of the impressive Rio–Antirrio cable bridge onto the Peloponnese Peninsula. We’ll wind our way to Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympic Games, where ancient athletes would gather every four years to compete in honor of Zeus.

DAY 5 | OLYMPIA/NAFPLIO

Visit the Olympia Museum this morning, then travel to evocative Nafplio, modern Greece’s original capital. Wander the old town’s winding lanes, and glimpse the sapphire Aegean Sea from the hilltops.

Day 6 | NAFPLIO

Head to the Bronze Age city of Mycenae, where the legendary King Agamemnon ruled. Take a guided tour of the walled ruins, and enter through the monumental Lion Gate. Return to Nafplio, and enjoy an afternoon at leisure. Opt to climb up to the Akronafplia fortress.

DAYS 7–8 | ATHENS/NAXOS

See the ancient site of Epidaurus and the ruins of Corinth. From Athens, board a ferry for the Cyclades Islands. Enjoy sparkling views of the sea, and disembark at Naxos. The next day, explore the storybook old town of the archipelago’s largest island. Opt to walk to the emblematic Temple of Apollo, or unwind at the beach.

DAYS 9–10 | SANTORINI

Catch a ferry to legendary Santorini. Get to know its candy-hued doorways and sugarcube buildings at your own pace, and take in a spectacular sunset from Oía village. Sail Santorini’s spectacular sunken caldera, and learn about its volcanic origins.

DAYS 11–12 | ATHENS

Fly back to Athens. Shop at a market with a local expert; then put together a platter of appetizers, called meze, in a teaching kitchen. Pair the spread with some ouzo, an anise-flavored liqueur. Depart at any time the next day.

12 DAYS FROM $ 3,399 PER PERSON.

AIRFARE TO/FROM IS NOT INCLUDED.

MY OWN ROOM OPTION: + $1,379

MAXIMUM GROUP SIZE: 16

Dates

2023: Departures available May–October

2024: Departures available May–September

Please visit our website for departure dates.

WHAT’S INCLUDED

All transport between destinations and to/from included activities, and activities as listed in the itinerary. Optional activities are at an additional cost.

ACCOMMODATIONS

Comfortable, mid-range hotels (11 nights)

MEALS INCLUDED

11 breakfasts, 1 dinner. Allow an additional $560–$730 per person for meals not included.

TRANSPORTATION

Ferry, private vehicle, plane

GUARANTEED DEPARTURES

If you’re booked, you’re going.

Call or visit our website for full itineraries, inclusions, and more.

Above: Rome's Colisseum glows under the setting sun.

ICONIC ITALY

HIGHLIGHTS

• Delve into the colorful coastal towns of Cinque Terre, and walk the “Path of the Gods” in Amalfi.

• Wander amid the ruins of Pompeii alongside an expert archaeologist.

Connect with some of the world’s greatest cultural highlights on an exploration of Italy. Get in touch with the ancient past alongside an archaeologist amid the ash-preserved ruins of Pompeii, marvel at Renaissance treasures in iconic Venice and enchanting Florence, and stop in the quaint cliffside villages of the Amalfi Coast.

DAYS 1–3 | VENICE, ITALY/CINQUE TERRE

Arrive at any time. Discover Venice’s winding canals and architectural wonders, such as the Doge’s Palace. If you’d like, take a gondola ride. Then head to the colorful cliffside villages of the Cinque Terre.

DAYS 4–6 | FLORENCE

Travel to Tuscany. Enjoy two free days in Florence—discover the Duomo and Uffizi Gallery, amble along its ancient streets and medieval Ponte Vecchio, or opt to go on a day trip to Lucca or Pisa.

DAYS 7–11 | NAPLES/SORRENTO/AMALFI

Catch the train to Naples. Set out for the ruins of ancient Pompeii with an archaeologist. Then take a private bus to seaside Sorrento. Opt to set sail for the islands of Capri or Ischia. Stroll through fragrant lemon groves and taste limoncello. Travel to the spectacular Amalfi Coast and visit a family farm before setting out along ancient footpaths high above the sea.

DAYS 12–14 | ROME

Continue to Rome. Choose to discover the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and the Vatican at your pace, or simply people-watch over gelato. On our final day, depart at any time.

14 DAYS FROM $ 5,199 PER PERSON.

AIRFARE TO/FROM IS NOT INCLUDED.

MY OWN ROOM OPTION: + $1,459

MAXIMUM GROUP SIZE: 16

Call or visit our website for full itineraries, inclusions, and more.

Above: Jade-colored lakes feed the waterfalls in Croatia’s Plitvice Lakes National Park.

DISCOVER THE BALKANS

HIGHLIGHTS

• Take a guided tour of the Roman ruins of Diocletian’s Palace in Split.

• Spend two days on the sparkling Bay of Kotor, a picturesque World Heritage site in Montenegro.

The Balkan Peninsula dazzles with less discovered gems. Enjoy a fascinating introduction to the stunning Dalmatian coast of Croatia, the dramatic history of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the lush waterways of Montenegro, discovering an array of UNESCO World Heritage sites and natural wonders along the way.

DAYS 1–4 | ZAGREB, CROATIA/PLITVICE LAKES NATIONAL PARK/SPLIT

Arrive at any time. Travel to Plitvice Lakes National Park and take in the splendor of the karst formations, gem-like pools, and cascading waterfalls of this World Heritage site. Begin our Adriatic exploration in seaside Split, home to dazzling Roman ruins. Dine on traditional delicacies.

DAYS 5–7 | MOSTAR, BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA/SARAJEVO

Cross the border to ancient Mostar in Bosnia and Herzegovina, stopping at the Stari Most bridge, a symbol of resilience. Continue to Sarajevo and gain insights about the devastating Bosnian War from a resident expert. Experience the capital’s resurgence amid its cobblestone streets and historic sites.

DAYS 8–12 I KOTOR, MONTENEGRO/DUBROVNIK, CROATIA

Travel to Montenegro and soak up two days on the sparkling Bay of Kotor, a World Heritage site. Enjoy lunch and a tour of a family-run agritourism villa set amid lush gardens. Continue to Dubrovnik, the “Pearl of the Adriatic.” Walk the medieval city walls and meet local female entrepreneurs. Enjoy a day exploring the World Heritage–designated old city on your own. Depart at any time on the final day.

12 DAYS FROM $ 3,599 PER PERSON.

AIRFARE TO/FROM IS NOT INCLUDED.

MY OWN ROOM OPTION: + $899

MAXIMUM GROUP SIZE: 16

Call or visit our website for full itineraries, inclusions, and more.