Florence to Athens - Overland Trip

2 weeks: Florence to Athens (IMT-UAFA)

Intro

Italy is renowned as one of the most beautiful countries in Europe with a wealth of architectural marvels, artistic achievements, culinary delights and scenic wonders. After traversing the length of the country on this tour of constant highlights, you will certainly have experienced this for yourself and will doubtless be captivated. We finish in Athens, offering a chance to see the ancient Acropolis so you can compare for yourself the two ancient civilizations of Rome and Greece.

Maximum Group Size

Fully Escorted

By Imaginative Traveller tour leader

Transport

Ferries, trains and buses

Activities

Extensive walking at sites, hike in the Cinque Terra, swimming

Accommodation

13 nights simple hotels, 1 overnight ferry (deck class)

Meals

Some breakfasts included. Allow €25-30 per day for other meals

Itineraries

Day 1,FLORENCE

Arrival day. No meals

Day 2 to Day 3,FLORENCE

The capital of Tuscany and the heart of Renaissance Italy, Florence is packed with world famous museums, art galleries, cathedrals, piazzas and churches. We have two full days to discover the artistic and architectural wealth of the city. (B)

Day 4,PISA

Today we take a train to Pisa, famous for its leaning tower. The afternoon is free to visit the tower and nearby cathedral before we continue to La Spezia. (B)

Day 5,CINQUE TERRA - LA SPEZIA

In the early morning we take a train to Riomaggiore, the easternmost village of the justifiably famous Cinque Terra region. We enjoy an 11km walk along the spectacular coastline to Monterosso, enjoying gorgeous views along the way. In the late afternoon we take a train back to la Spezia. (B)

Day 6,LA SPEZIA

La Spezia is an attractive seaside town with a palm fringed beach promenade and an impressive backdrop of mountains. The day is free to explore or you could take a day trip to the attractive fishing village of Portofino, up the coast. (B)

Day 7,VENICE

We take the train to Venice where we spend two nights. (B)

Day 8,VENICE

The fairytale city of Venice is one of the most romantic cities in Italy with a myriad of canals, enticing narrow streets, wonderful bridges and impressive architecture. We have a full day to explore.

Day 9,ROME

Travelling south through the Italian countryside we take the train to Rome.

Day 10,ROME

Capital of Italy, Rome is like a living history lesson covering the last two thousand years. We have a full day to explore with the chance to visit the Roman Colosseum, the Trevi Fountain, the Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel. (B)

Day 11,NAPLES

Continuing south we take the train to Naples, home to the best pizza in Italy. There is time to explore the city. (B)

Day 12,NAPLES

Not far from Naples is the ancient city of Pompeii, famously destroyed by the eruption of Mt Vesuvius. Today is free for you to visit the ruins. (B)

Day 13,BARI - OVERNIGHT FERRY

We travel across Italy to the port of Bari. On arrival there is time to look around before we board the overnight ferry to Patras in Greece. (B)

Day 14,PATRAS - ATHENS

Arrive in Patras by midday and transfer to Athens.

Day 15,ATHENS

Tour ends after breakfast. (B)

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Last updated: 5th September 2008