Southern Italy and Greek Island Getaway

To awake early in Rome is to see a side of the city that is often missed by many. As the growing light glints off passing fiats and locals fill neighborhood bars in search of their morning espresso, the streets will be relatively empty. Today, the city will be a blank canvas for your imagination to fill with Italian adventures; however, no imagination is needed today as you step into the past on a visit to the Colosseum and the adjacent Roman Forum. Here, you can run your fingers along the crude graffiti that has been scrawled by centuries-worth of visitors to the Forum and Colosseum. You will also be able to see where gladiators used to prepare for their lethal performances.

Your final day in the Eternal City will introduce you to one of the most iconic and sacred destinations of Rome. Set alongside the placid banks of the Tiber River, Vatican City stands as the perennial center of the Catholic Church and a symbol of Papal authority. This visit will include a trip to St. Peter's Basilica, whose vast interior could easily accommodate scores of other churches. Your tour will conclude with a trip to the stunning Sistine Chapel before an evening exploration of Rome's culinary scene.

Today, you will leave the interior of Lazio and make your way to the Campania region and the seaside retreat of Sorrento. Perched on the rugged cliffs that overlook the Bar of Naples, Sorrento offers a great vantage point to oversee the stunning terrain of this volcanic region and the bustling port of Naples. After a pleasant train ride from Rome and a private transfer, you will arrive at your hotel, ready to immerse yourself in this playful environment. You will have the remainder of the day to enjoy the commanding views from your hotel or to explore the charming town.

Your first full day in Sorrento will deliver an exciting glimpse of the historical and architectural wonder on display in Naples. Partly on foot and part by bus, this tour will ensure that no attraction is missed. You will stroll along cobbled alleys and witness the explosion of city life in neighborhood piazzas. Whether enjoying the impressive visage of the Royal Palace or the towering profile of the Nuovo Castle, the political and imperial might of Naples will be proudly displayed along with the  picturesque attractions of Via Caracciolo and Mergellina.

Dominating the skyline, the towering bulk of Mt. Vesuvius is just as impressive as it was 2,000 years ago when it erupted and blanketed the countryside in pyroclastic debris. Today, you will explore this notorious history during a visit to the mountain and the adjacent city of Pompeii, which stood little chance against nature's fury. Whether pondering mortality at the preserved remains of Pompeii's doomed inhabitants or marveling at the relatively intact villas and lanes of this ancient town, your tour will provide you with an excellent view of the precarious relationship of man and nature.

After a week in Italy, there is no doubt that even the most robust traveler will need time to relax and enjoy with a day of leisure between outings and tours. Today, Sorrento will be yours to explore at your own pace with intuition as your only guide. Perhaps, you have worked up the confidence to stroll into a jam-packed bar and order your favorite coffee. You can also sample some of the limoncello products from the local citrus orchards. No matter how you decide to spend this relaxing day, you can rest assured knowing that you are in one of the most picturesque parts of the Italian coast.

With a wistful glance behind, you will leave Italy and make your way deeper into the Mediterranean to the origins of some of the ruins and culture you encountered in Italy. Greece was one of the first major civilizations to spread its influence across the Mediterranean world, and your first stop in this magical country will be at the island of Santorini. After departing from Naples international airport, you will head into the stunning archipelago of islands that dot the Aegean sea. Your accommodations on Santorini will be equipped with a suite of services, including spa treatments and easy access to all the local attractions.

Like a brilliant crown atop rugged cliffs, the whitewashed villages of Santorini are best appreciated in the morning when the horizontal light crisply illuminates each building. The early inhabitants of this island relied heavily on the sea as a means of food production and transportation. Today, you will also take to the waves on a powerful catamaran and cruise the island's water in search of idyllic beaches and volcanic hot springs. Refreshments served on board will enhance your relaxation and ensure that, by the time you return, you will be ready for the thrilling Greek nightlife.

Your final day on this Greek island paradise will be yours to recline in sunny bliss before the next leg of your journey. Perhaps, you want to sample the savory products from Santorini's famous wineries or feel the sand beneath your feet on a stroll along the beach. For those with more subterranean interests, the geologic history of the island involves the eruption of a massive volcano around the 16th century BC, which left a massive underwater caldera that makes up Santorini's eastern rim.  A trek along the many paths that cover the island will lead you to some stunning locations where this dramatic history will come to life.

Traveling through the Aegean is best done by boat. Today, you will depart Santorini and make your way to the fabled island of Mykonos, one of the most popular destinations in the Cyclades island chain. Over the centuries, Mykonos has been ruled by many groups, including the Mycenaeans and Roman civilizations. Today, it is the tourists that flock here in the greatest numbers. After a private car meets you at the port, you will be swiftly carried to your stunning villa resort, where you will be greeted by stunning sea views and an attentive staff.

No visit to Mykonos is complete without exploring its intricate and compelling culture and history. You will be led through this history by an experienced guide, who will introduce you to the heart of the island's heritage through visits to the folklore, naval, and agricultural museums. The island's reputation for wind will also be illustrated with a visit to the Boni's windmills, where the productive power of the perennial winds was harnessed. The rich ambiance of a traditional taverna will be yours to conclude your tour. Here, you can sample the local wine and Greek cuisine.

Modern-day Mykonos is a veritable paradise for sun worshippers and beachgoers. The island enjoys a party-scene that could rival Spain's Ibiza; however, like many destinations on this tour, there is something for everyone on this island retreat. Today, you will be able to chart your own course for your final day in the Aegean. Whether you decide to take a day trip to the famous archeological site at Delos or bask in the refreshing climate, there is no wrong way to enjoy your final day on this  enchanting island.

From Mykonos, you will hop on a ferry that will take you to mainland Greece and the thriving capital of Athens. As you watch the island disappear over the horizon, you can ponder the ancient origins of Athens and the famous Greeks that lived there. Once you arrive at your conveniently located hotel, the remainder of the day can be spent orienting yourself to your bustling and exotic surroundings.

In Athens, the juncture of the past and present is blurred. This exciting balance is best seen at the Acropolis, where ancient greek ruins poke through the rocky soil of a very modern Athens. Today, you will enjoy a walking tour of this site, including visits to the Parthenon and the Temple of Athena. Situated on a craggy outcropping that overlooks the city, you will also be able to enjoy some excellent views from this perch.

After such an active tour, you are allowed to hit the snooze button on your last morning in Greece. From the Italian peninsula to the Greek Archipelago, you will have seen much of the Mediterranean world and will now have the memories and souvenirs to prove it. Picking you up at your hotel, a private car will carry you past well-preserved villas and crowded high rises on your way to the international airport for your flight home.