Italy & Greece

Italy & Greece

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12 Days From

$2582

$2364

Italy & Greece

12 Days Starting in Rome, Italy and ending in Athens, Greece

Visiting: Rome, Florence, Verona, Venice, Ancona, Olympia, Athens

Tour operator:

Cosmos

Tour code:

6480-2024

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Age range:

5-99

Tour operated in:

English

Activities:

Sightseeing

From: $2582 $2364 Operator discount: -$99 Travel Club discount: -$118

NB: Prices correct on 19-Sep-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

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

  • Explore the ancient landmarks of Rome, including St. Peter's Square, the Tiber River, and the Colosseum.

  • Visit the Leaning Tower of Pisa and the Square of Miracles.

  • Discover the artistic masterpieces of Florence, including Piazza Santa Croce and the Duomo.

  • Marvel at the ancient Roman Arena in Verona, the setting for Shakespeare's Romeo & Juliet.

  • Experience the unique beauty of Venice with a boat ride to St. Mark's Square and a visit to a Venetian glassblowing workshop.

  • Tour the impressive ruins of Mycenae and view the Corinth Canal.

  • Sightsee in Athens, featuring the Acropolis and the lively Plaka district.

Places You'll See

Acropolis Select

B&B Firenze City Center

Poppi

American Palace Eur

Olympia Palace

Rex

Itinerary

Expand All

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

  • 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.

  • Meals

    Buffet breakfasts daily and 3 dinners, including dinner at a local restaurant in Nauplia.

  • Guided Tours

    Included guided tours in Rome, Florence, Venice, Mycenae, and Athens.

  • Transportation

    Transportation by coach and overnight ferry crossing from Ancona to Patras.

  • Local Experiences

    Visits to landmarks such as the Leaning Tower of Pisa, the Roman Arena in Verona, and the Acropolis in Athens.

  • 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

  • Optional Excursions

    Optional excursions such as the Gastronomy Experience in Florence and traditional Greek dinner in Athens are not included.

  • Personal Expenses

    Personal expenses such as drinks, snacks, and souvenirs are not included.

  • Travel Insurance

    Travel insurance is not included and is recommended to be purchased separately.

  • Gratuities

    Gratuities for guides, drivers, and hotel staff are not included.

  • 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

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • What is the starting and ending point of the tour?

    The tour starts in Rome, Italy and ends in Athens, Greece.

  • 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.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Since 1961

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

Reviews of this operator

Mrs Susan Hyland  

We have just returned from a Cosmos…

28-Sep-2022

We have just returned from a Cosmos tour- Gourmet Tuscany. We stayed in Montecatini Terme and traveled from there to many wonderful places, in towns and the fabulous Tuscan countryside. We visit Vineyards for wine tastings, farms for cooking lessons and lunches and dinners in authentic Italian restaurants. All assisted by a friendly, informative tour director. First class holiday

Trustpilot
Rick  

Excellent in every respect

08-Dec-2022

I recently did a 2-week "best of Italy" tour with this company. Our guide, Daniella, was fantastic, the itinerary was excellent and they catered for my rather difficult dietary requirements really well. Really happy and will certainly book with them again

Trustpilot
John Lomanno  

A wonderrful experience

09-Nov-2022

WE saw so much. The tour director Mladin was very knowledgeable and made the experience so enjoyable. The bus driver Paul was so nice and helpful. A couple of the hotels had no refrigerators to keep the water cold. We had to carry our own luggage to and from the rooms. There should have been porters to help us. Over all we had a great time.

Trustpilot
Bruce  

Old South &Florida tour

27-Oct-2022

Great organisation, tour guide(Kris) and driver(Tony) who went extra mile and good group of people from all over world. The hotels were excellent in New Orleans and Nashville and very good in other cities. The itinerary was well thought out with visits to Gracelands and Grande ole Oprey topping the bill. We added 3extra nights in New Orleans (giving us 6nights) which was absolutely fab and would advise anyone doing this tour that they consider some extra nights to see and do as much as you can

Trustpilot
Francine Ramos  

The tour director expertise and…

18-Dec-2022

The tour director expertise and personality made the trip all the more pleasant. No stress. The local guides as well added to the beauty of this trip. They were knowledgeable and personable. I also have to mention the travelers (the group of 21). The people were friendly an accommodating. This is my third trip with this tour company and I will continue to travel with this company due to excellent planning and customer service. Thank you

Trustpilot

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