Overview
Climb the Acropolis where the ancient Parthenon overlooks modern Athens, see the birthplace of the Olympics in Olympia and explore the ruined city of Pompeii where time stands still. Wonder the imperial streets of Rome and descend the famous Spanish Steps to throw a coin in the early Baroque fountain.
Itinerary
Greece and Italy Ancient History
- History
Day 1
Overnight flight to Greece (Athens)
Day 2
Arrive in Athens
Meet your Tour Director
Your 24-hour Tour Director will meet you at the airport and remain with your group until your final airport departure.
Athens city walk
In Athens, history is never far away. Walk with your Tour Director through the Plaka district, where winding streets reveal balconies filled with flowers and tavernas alive with traditional dancing. Then visit the Temple of Olympian Zeus, begun in the 6th century BC and finished by Hadrian in AD 132, and see Hadrian’s Arch, once marking the divide between ancient and imperial Athens.
Day 3
Athens guided sightseeing tour
Explore Athens with your local guide, where ancient history and modern life meet. Visit the Acropolis, the heart of classical Athens, to see the Parthenon, dedicated to the goddess Athena, and the elegant Temple of Athena Nike. Admire sweeping views of the city before stopping at the 2004 Olympic site, a symbol of Greece’s enduring athletic spirit. Continue to Syntagma Square to watch the ceremonial changing of the guards at the Parliament, then to Omonoia Square, a lively gathering place surrounded by cafés and olive trees.
Greek dinner in Plaka
Nestled beneath the Acropolis, Plaka is Athens' oldest neighbourhood, known for its winding streets, neoclassical architecture, and vibrant atmosphere. Enjoy a traditional Greek dinner while sampling regional specialities and experiencing the hospitality and culinary traditions that are central to Greek culture.
Plaka scavenger hunt
Take interactive learning to the next level with a Tour Director-led scavenger hunt in Plaka, the old quarter of Athens. After dinner, enjoy an adventure filled with activities and clues designed to spark curiosity and maximize on-tour experiential learning.
Day 4
Delphi guided excursion
Explore the impressive ruins at Delphi, which the ancient Greeks considered the centre of the world. Within the Temple of Apollo, a priestess was believed to inhale intoxicating vapours rising from the earth before delivering prophecies attributed to Apollo. Today, visitors can admire spectacular views from Mount Parnassus, which rises more than 2,400 metres above sea level.
Day 5
Travel to Greece (Tolo) via Corinth Canal, Epidaurus & Mycenae
Mycenae and Epidaurus guided excursion
Explore Epidaurus and Mycenae with a licensed guide. Visit Epidaurus, once a sacred healing centre, and see its impressive 4th-century BC amphitheatre. Continue to Mycenae, framed by twin mountains and overlooking fertile plains. Explore the ancient citadel, where treasures including gold cups and bronze armour were unearthed, and discover its connections to Homeric legends.
Day 6
Travel to Greece (Nafpaktos) via Olympia
Ancient Olympia guided visit
Once one of the most important sites in ancient Greece, Olympia was the birthplace of the Olympic Games. Today, the remains of the temple and stadium stand among olive trees and rivers, offering a look at the history of the ancient games and the traditions that began here.
LEAP
LEAP Faster, Higher, Stronger - Inspire!
The Ancient Olympic Games were a major event for the Greeks, showcasing athletic competitions and values of excellence, respect, and friendship. Debate their impact on legacy, politics, diplomacy, and global controversies.
Day 7
Nafpaktos Castle visit
Explore the Castle of Nafpaktos, a historic hilltop fortress overlooking the town and the Gulf of Patras. Built and expanded over centuries, from ancient times through the Venetian and Ottoman periods, its tiered walls reflect the region's rich history and offer a glimpse into Greece's medieval past.
Travel to Greece (Patras)
Dinner
Overnight ferry to Italy (Bari)
Breakfast and dinner are included on the ferry. Overnight ferry availability is limited, and departure and arrival ports may vary.
Day 8
Travel to Italy (Naples)
Naples city walk
Discover Naples on a walking tour through the heart of the city. See landmarks including Piazza Municipio, the Royal Palace (Palazzo Reale), Piazza del Plebiscito, the Fountain of the Giant and Castel dell'Ovo while learning about Naples' rich history, culture and waterfront setting.
Traditional Italian pizza dinner
Enjoy a traditional Italian pizza dinner featuring a thin, freshly baked crust and simple, flavourful ingredients. Try classic varieties such as Margherita, with tomato, mozzarella and basil, or Marinara, traditionally made with tomato, garlic and herbs, while experiencing one of Italy’s most iconic culinary traditions.
Day 9
Pompeii guided excursion
Stop in Pompeii, the city where time stood still. Explore the ancient site with a licensed guide and discover a city once home to 20,000 residents before Mount Vesuvius buried it nearly 2,000 years ago. Excavated over centuries, the ruins reveal daily Roman life through public spaces, political graffiti, taverns, and street signs.
Cameo demonstration
Cameos—oval portraits carved in relief on a contrasting background—have been treasured since ancient Greece and were especially popular in Rome among Augustus’ family. Visit a modern studio to learn how skilled artisans continue the tradition, carving these delicate works of art up close.
National Archaeological Museum of Naples visit
Explore the rich tapestry of Naples' history. Immerse yourself in a journey through centuries of Mediterranean civilisation, all within these captivating museum halls.
Naples Underground guided visit
Beneath the streets of Naples, explore Napoli Sotterranea, also known as the "Parallel City." Descend about 40 metres below the surface to discover a fascinating network of tunnels, caverns, aqueducts and chambers carved from volcanic tuff, revealing thousands of years of the city's hidden history.
Day 10
Travel to Italy (Rome)
Vatican City guided sightseeing tour
Visit St. Peter’s Basilica, renowned for its sweeping colonnades and magnificent Renaissance architecture. Inside, admire Michelangelo’s soaring dome, rising approximately 138 metres above the ground, and his celebrated Pietà sculpture. Continue to the Sistine Chapel, where Michelangelo’s extraordinary frescoes, including the iconic ceiling and "The Last Judgment," stand among the greatest masterpieces of Renaissance art.
Rome city walk
Discover Rome’s iconic landmarks. At the Spanish Steps, see the “sinking ship” fountain, designed that way because low water pressure forced the artist to place it below street level. Marvel at the Trevi Fountain’s Baroque grandeur, the Pantheon’s soaring dome, and Piazza Navona, where Bernini’s Fountain of the Four Rivers anchors the bustling square.
Pantheon visit
Rome’s best-preserved ancient monument, the Pantheon is a masterpiece of engineering, best known for its massive hemispherical dome. Inside are the tombs of Italy’s kings as well as the burial place of the artist Raphael.
Day 11
Ancient Rome guided sightseeing tour
Step inside the Colosseum with a licensed guide, once the stage for gladiators, naval battles, and wild beast hunts, and explore the underground chambers where animals were kept. Continue to the Forum Romanum, the hub of Roman politics, religion, and commerce. Conclude at Piazza Venezia, framed by its grand palaces and the striking Victor Emmanuel Monument.
Gladiator school visit
Experience a day in the life of a gladiator in ancient Rome. Through demonstrations and workshops, you'll see how the gladiators lived, what they did, how they trained, and more.
Day 12
Return home
TourFlex: Your Experience, Your Way
With TourFlex, available for tours departing in October 2027 or later, you get the flexibility to shape an itinerary that's as unique as your group. Dial your trip up or down for more choice, more control, and more meaningful learning moments, all while getting the right experience at the right value. Available options vary by program and destination.
Explore Your Way
- Add experiences like theatre tickets or unique excursions
- Swap activities for ones that better serve your group
- Extend the learning through go-aheads or stay-behinds
Go Your Way
- Select transport options that suit your group's needs
- Choose from a variety of accommodation styles to support your level of comfort
Dine Your Way
- Choose pre-selected meals or encourage exploration by dining on your own
- Enjoy 2 course meals at local restaurants or at your accommodation, with the option to upgrade to 3 courses
Inclusions
Accommodations
WorldStrides Tour Director: A dynamic destination expert who makes learning come to life by leading your group's activities and discussions
Transportation to and from your destination
WorldAssist staff members available 24/7/365 should your group need extra help
Daily meals with options varying by program
Tips for local guides and drivers (excluding multi-day bus drivers)
Entrance fees to attractions as per itinerary
Guided sightseeing tours and city walks as per itinerary
Scenes from Greece & Italy
Health, Safety & Protection
Additional health and safety measures may be available within your respective destination. Refer to your program-specific materials for complete details.
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