Tour Details - Highlights of Italy and Greece Plus 7 Day Aegean Cruise Superior 2012

Welcome to Rome, the Eternal City! Relax and unwind after check-in. Later this afternoon meet with your Travel Director and fellow travellers.

Your morning guided sightseeing tour with your expert Local Guide starts with a visit to St. Peter’s Basilica. Then cross the River Tiber to view the Circus Maximus, the Forum, the centre of daily life in ancient Rome, and the Colosseum, the largest amphitheatre in the Roman Empire and the site of gruesome public entertainment! Spend free time afterwards exploring this wonderful city on your own.(Buffet Breakfast)

Journey south past the Abbey of Monte Cassino, scene of fierce fighting during the Second World War, into the fertile Campania region. There is the opportunity to take an optional guided walking tour of Pompeii, the vibrant Roman city buried beneath tons of volcanic ash when Mount Vesuvius erupted in AD 79. Later enjoy a dramatic scenic drive to your hotel in Sorrento.(Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)

Your day starts with an orientation tour of Sorrento and a visit to an inlaid wood workshop to see how these wonderful local crafts are produced. Later, don't miss the opportunity to take an optional cruise excursion to the Isle of Capri, featuring a ride by funicular railway through lemon groves to the Piazzetta in Capri town, a guided walking tour and spectacular views across the Faraglioni rocks, this picturesque island has beguiled locals and tourists for centuries!(Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)

Today, traverse Italy from coast to coast via Salerno and Potenza to the port of Brindisi, where you board a ferry for your overnight trip to Patras in Greece.(Buffet Breakfast)

Cross the Ionian Sea for a morning arrival in Patras. Continue by road to Olympia, where your expert Local Guide takes you on a tour of the world's oldest Olympic Stadium – the first Olympic Games took place here in 776 BC. Explore the Temples of Zeus and Hera, thought to be the oldest structure at Olympia. Dine tonight at your hotel.(Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)

A scenic drive brings you to Delphi where your experienced Local Guide takes you on a walking tour of the sights, including the famous Oracle! Walk along the Sacred Way to visit the ancient Sanctuary of Apollo.(Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)

Pass Thebes, birthplace of Oedipus, to the Greek capital, Athens. Enjoy a wonderful sightseeing tour with your expert Local Guide, including a walk around the Acropolis and Parthenon. See the Agora – where Socrates taught – the Royal Palace, Temple of Zeus, Hadrian's Arch and the stadium built in 1896 for the first modern Olympic Games.(Buffet Breakfast)

Spend today relaxing, seeing the sights of your choice and shopping for souvenirs! This evening, maybe enjoy dinner in one of the many restaurants in the Plaka area of the city.(Buffet Breakfast)

You are transferred to Piraeus. Board your ship and cruise to Turkey.(Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)

Relax as you cruise towards Istanbul for an early evening arrival.(Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)

A free day to enjoy this fabled city. Why not visit Topkapi Palace before sailing for Izmir?(Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)

Relax and enjoy the facilities as you cruise to the Turkish port of Izmir.(Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)

An early arrival in Patmos. Then cruise to Mykonos arriving mid-afternoon with time to explore the island.(Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)

An early arrival in Rhodes. Time to explore the medieval Old Town declared a World Heritage Site and the village of Lindos.(Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)

An early arrival in Heraklion on the Island of Crete for free time before continuing your cruise to spectacular Santorini.(Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)

Your fantastic cruise ends with an early morning arrival at Piraeus, which includes a transfer to your hotel in Athens for the final night of your trip.(Breakfast)

Say farewell to Athens at the end of your fascinating holiday in Italy and Greece. Airport transfers are available, conditions apply.(Buffet Breakfast)