Day : 1
Arrive Rome
Number of Days : 1
Check-in to your hotel, drop off your stuff and head out into the streets of Italy to get a sneak peek at vibrant Rome.
Get to know your travel buddies and Trip Manager over dinner. Make your first night in Rome one to remember!
Stylish Rome oozes energy and overflows with relics from another age. Get into the thriving atmosphere of this living timeline as your Trip Manager shows you the Colosseum, the Pantheon, Piazza Venezia and Piazza Navona. Honour tradition at the Trevi Fountain and throw a coin in the fountain’s waters (it’s meant to improve your chances of returning to Rome!). Afterwards, maybe hang out with your new friends at the Spanish Steps, sit back and people watch.
Day : 2
Rome
Number of Days : 1
Get ready to check-out the smallest country in the world and home to the Pope, the Vatican City. There’s included entry and our Locally Guided tour to show you St. Peter’s Basilica and Michelangelo’s masterpiece, the Sistine Chapel. With a heap of insider knowledge on the Eternal City, make the last night in Rome extra special by opting in for an optional dinner of Italian specialities.
Full and ready, don’t stop there – afterwards discover Rome after dark, explore cute local hangouts or head to a bar with a view for a cocktail in style.
Day : 3
Rome
Number of Days : 1
This morning, make the most of our Local Guide’s inside knowledge and uncover the remains of an ancient empire with a fantastic optional tour of the Roman Forum and Colosseum.
With more knowledge under your belt than you can shake a stick at, take off into the city and absorb the atmosphere, as Vespas flash past timeworn monuments that are surrounded by fountains, pizzerias, cafes and bars. In your free time this afternoon, live the local lifestyle by indulging in a long lunch of caprese and pasta on a paved piazza or knock back a shot of espresso at the bar, or an aperol if you're feeling like something stronger like the Romans do. Before you hit the shops, let your Trip Manager point you in the right direction for some tips on the best buys.
Tonight is yours to explore the culinary highlights of Rome; head for pizza or try some Cacio e Pepe & Da Danilo (Roman pasta dishes) or maybe try a Caprese salad and some fresh seafood.
Day : 4
Rome to Amalfi Coast
Number of Days : 1
It's a complete change of scene today as we head south to the world famous Amalfi Coast. Cameras at the ready please, stunning Sorrento will impress. On arrival, get straight into the glamourous Italian Riviera lifestyle and indulge in some local wine and world famous Mozzarella cheese. Later, discover the crystal clear waters & rocky coastline of the Amalfi and get some pics up on Facebook as soon as you can. Pure bliss.
Day : 5
Amalfi Coast
Number of Days : 1
This morning, the Amalfi will serve up even more of it's famous angles. Start the day with a boat ride to the main marina of the Isle of Capri, famous for its stunning caves and surrounding rock formations, as well as it's glamorous visitors that flock to the island every year.
Get out on the water of the Bay of Naples in an optional cruise around Capri in a traditional wooden motorboat. See the world-famous Green and White Grottos and choose to get up closer to the world-famous Blue Grotto, with its intense blue glow, on a separate boat ride into the cave itself for a view of this aquamarine water.
With plenty of swim stops on the cruise around the island, cool off in the Mediterranean and then use your free time to explore even more of the island. Soak up the views and head off with some friends into the cute, white-washed villages where you can try out the region’s sweet lemon liqueur; limoncello.
Day : 6
Amalfi Coast
Number of Days : 1
Today is yours to explore one of Europe's most desirable and romantic destinations at your own pace. Discover the shimmering azure sea, pass olive groves, lemon terraces & tumbling villages. If time permits, maybe head to Amalfi Town for a day trip, park up at the beach with book, or get lost wandering among the colourful houses, plunging mountains & grand villa in search of your next delicious gelato.
Day : 7
Amalfi Coast to Greece
Number of Days : 1
From picture perfect Amalfi to Pompeii, opt in to discover the dramatic history of this ancient city. Then there’s time to chill out on the coach, crossing through the rugged landscapes of southern Italy, before boarding the overnight ferry to Greece. Check out the amazing 360 degree views from the deck!
Day : 8
To Athens
Number of Days : 1
From Patras, cross the impressive man-made Corinth Canal. Athens is next, a city crammed with myth and ancient wonders, and busy with modern, urban soul.
Day : 9
Athens
Number of Days : 1
Use your first full day in Athens to explore more of this open-air museum. You could honour the birthplace of drama by climbing around the massive Theatre of Dionysus or get the background on Ancient Greece at the National Archaeological Museum. Otherwise, experience Athens’ urban heart. Take off into the streets and find a hole-in-the-wall food joint where you can try the famous souvlaki.
This evening meet up with your Trip Manager & fellow Contiki travellers then wrap up the day on the shady slopes beneath the Acropolis with an optional dinner in the rustic district of Plaka, where traditional tavernas spill out onto the pavements. Tonight’s festive atmosphere is perfect for toasting the end of your trip.
Day : 10
Athens to Mykonos
Number of Days : 1
Board your ship & cruise to the Aegean paradise of Mykonos. Hang out on this island, famous for its young, vibrant party culture.
Day : 11
Cruising to Patmos via Kusadasi
Number of Days : 1
In the morning, wake up to the Turkish port town of Kusadasi. Rummage through the Grand Bazaar and go local bargaining for leather goods, jewellery or local crafts. Otherwise hook up with the group and our Local Guide for an optional excursion to ancient Ephesus, a stunningly preserved city that Mark Antony and Cleopatra once visited.
Our next port of call is Patmos, with its sacred spots and wild countryside. Get the background from your Rep on why this island attracts both pilgrims and holiday makers. Explore the monasteries, traditional settlements and country churches.
Get into the spirit of the island with an optional excursion that takes you to Patmos’ UNESCO World Heritage sites: the 11th century Monastery of the Apocalypse and to the Grotto of St. John – the hilltop cave where John the Apostle lived for many years.
Day : 12
Cruising to Rhodes
Number of Days : 1
Rhodes has it all, smack in the middle of three continents, it serves up a mix of relics from different civilisations alongside a modern laid back vibe. Wind your way through the walls of the Old Town and discover life in ancient Greece, shop up a storm in the waterfront boutiques or dive into the turquoise ocean.
Day : 13
Cruising to Santorini via Crete
Number of Days : 1
Start the day in Heraklion, the main port of Crete. The rich history of the island is none more evident that at the Palace of Knossos from where the Minoans ruled, one of the most advanced civilizations in all Antiquity.
Later, the ship will leave for Santorini. Enjoy a nice lunch and relax on deck while you sail through the turquoise sea to this iconic Greek island. We will disembark and transfer to the hotel, then take the opportunity to start exploring the picture perfect island!
