Our 22-day tour through Italy and the Greek Islands begins as we travel with our new friends to Milan, epicenter of fashion and one of the most visited cities in the world. We’ll climb to the rooftops of the iconic Duomo di Milano, visit the historic Sforza Castle, and pass by historic bridges and colorful buildings on our bike ride along the Naviglio Grande canal. Our next stop is breathtaking Venice, a city covering 118 islands connected by over 400 bridges. Enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime moonlit gondola ride along Venice’s canals, visit St. Mark’s Basilica, marvel at Doge’s Palace, and enjoy a late-night gelato in the famous Piazza San Marco.
Next up is fabulous Florence, bustling with industry, commerce, culture, and art. Marvel at the famous David at Galleria dell’ Academia, wander through the serene Boboli Gardens, learn to cook like a pro at our Italian cooking class, and enjoy the sunset views from Piazza Michelangelo. We’ll spend a relaxing day in the Tuscan countryside touring the quaint streets of Siena and the beautiful medieval village of San Gimignano. Our final stop in Italy is the Eternal City of Rome, home to unparalleled history and a treasure trove of amazing sites. We’ll check out the Colosseum where the gladiators once fought, stroll down the ancient Roman Forum, step inside the Pantheon, tour St. Peter’s Basilica, and watch the world go by as we spend time together on the Spanish Steps.
Onward to the fabled Greek Islands, a diverse and enchanting collection of unique islands scattered throughout the Aegean Sea. Our first stop is Santorini, famous for its caldera and considered one of the most stunning and iconic of the Greek islands. You’ll never forget the views of the whitewashed buildings and blue domes of Fira and Oia, two awe-inspiring towns perched along the cliffs of the caldera. Visit the black sand beaches of Kamari, relax at our resort’s pools, and get ready for a most beautiful evening during our sunset catamaran cruise. We’ll board our ferry for our next stop, the lush island of Naxos, offering a rich blend of history, culture, and stunning natural beauty. Enjoy sunning on postcard perfect Agios Prokopios Beach, stroll through the perfect whitewashed alleyways of the old town, visit bucolic mountain towns, learn how to make delicious local dishes at our Greek cooking class, and enjoy the sunset from the ancient Temple of Apollo.
Across the sea we go to our final island, picture-perfect Paros, known for its picturesque villages, beautiful beaches, and rich cultural heritage. We’ll relax on the soothing white-sand beaches, learn to ride the waves during our awesome wind-surfing lessons, walk through charming mountain villages, and enjoy time in the cosmopolitan towns of Parikia and Naoussa. The final stop on our incredible journey is the vibrant and bustling capital of Greece, ancient Athens. We’ll visit the awe-inspiring Acropolis, tour the ancient Agora, check out the hip and happening Plaka neighborhood, and stroll through Monastiraki Square.
We’ll enjoy our farewell dinner as we reminisce with our new friends about our amazing summer exploring Italy and the Greek Islands.