Detailed Itinerary...Italy and Greece End of June 2010

Day 1 - Naples
Your trip begins with a regularly scheduled overnight flight to Naples aboard an internationally recognized airline.

Day 2 - Sorrento
Arrive in Naples, where a Go Ahead representative greets you and escorts you to your hotel in Sorrento. Journey along the scenic Amalfi Coast, lined with lemon groves and offering magnificent views of the sea. You’ll pass small towns hugging the coastline, where Europeans and world travelers have vacationed for as long as anyone can remember. Relax before meeting your fellow travelers at tonight’s Welcome Dinner.
Included meals: breakfast (in flight), dinner.

Day 3 - Sorrento
A day trip takes you from Sorrento across the Bay of Naples to the famed Isle of Capri, whose magnificent beaches have been celebrated ever since the days of the early Roman emperors. Weather permitting, you’ll journey by boat around the island to view its many caves and grottos. (Depending on weather, you may visit Anacapri instead.) Return to Sorrento, where you might wish to attend our optional Tarantella Dinner, featuring dinner at the theatre and a lively performance highlighting the tarantella, a mesmerizing Italian folk dance.
Included meals: breakfast.
Included entrances: Island cruise.

$79 USD

Tarantella Dinner   Tarantella dancing is a centuries-old folk tradition in this part of Italy. Tarantella is the Italian word for tarantula, and the frenzied steps of the dance are said to be designed for sweating out the poison if one is bitten by a tarantula.Savor a locally prepared dinner at the Teatro Tasso, then watch a live performance.

Day 4 - Rome
Leave the seaside town of Sorrento for the eternal grandeur of Rome today, stopping along the way to explore the legendary ruins of Pompeii. When Mount Vesuvius erupted nearly 2,000 years ago, it covered this Roman resort town in volcanic ash, perfectly preserving its temples, theaters and homes. Now that nearly the entire site has been excavated, you can join a sightseeing guide for a firsthand look at what life was once like for wealthy citizens of the ancient Roman Empire. Arrive in Rome this evening and join your group for an included dinner.
Included meals: breakfast, dinner.
Included entrances: Pompeii ruins.

Day 5 - Rome
This morning, follow over 2,000 years of history during a sightseeing tour of Imperial Rome. You’ll also view the Forum—the ancient meeting place of the Romans—as well as the Colosseum. You’ll then have a free afternoon to continue your explorations of the city.
Included meals: breakfast.
Included entrances: Colosseum, Roman Forum.

Day 6 - Athens
After breakfast, you might choose to join an optional excursion to Vatican City, including St. Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican Museum and the Sistine Chapel. You’ll also see Michelangelo’s Pietà. Later, transfer to the airport where you will board a flight to Athens, Greece, site of the 2004 Summer Olympic Games.
Included meals: breakfast.

$85 USD

Vatican City This tour takes you into the world’s smallest state, Vatican City. Treasures loom at every turn, from Bernini’s magnificent staircase (ceremonial entrance to the Vatican Palace) to Michelangelo’s Pietà. Next, visit the Sistine Chapel, painted with Michelangelo’s captivating frescoes depicting the history of humankind from Creation to The Last Judgment. Please note: This excursion requires advance reservations and must be booked prior to your final payment deadline.

Day 7 - Athens
Today a local guide introduces you to the highlights of this bustling ancient capital. On your tour of the Acropolis—the original City on a Hill—you can walk amid the ruins of the Parthenon and the Temple of Athena Nike with its graceful statue of the goddess Athena. Notice that she has no wings, a symbolic gesture to keep her from deserting the city. Descending from the Acropolis, view the Presidential Guard in their traditional costumes and the classically inspired Greek Parliament. Then pass through Syntagma Square, where you’ll see the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Tonight, savor classical Greek cuisine at an optional Greek Folklore Evening with dinner, where you’ll enjoy the flavors of the Mediterranean.
Included meals: breakfast.
Included entrances: Acropolis site.

$79 USD

Greek Folklore Evening Savor a meal carefully prepared to evoke the flavors of this Mediterranean country. Dishes you’ll sample might include seafood, spinach, octopus, mussels and squid. You might also sample such classics as spanakopita, stuffed grape leaves and baklava.

Day 8 - Delphi
This morning, transfer to Delphi for a full-day excursion of this legendary site, home of the mystical oracle. On your guided sight-seeing tour of Delphi, visit the Temple of Apollo, where, according to legend, the god communicated with mortals. Greece’s ancient military leaders left gifts here in hopes of good fortune in battle. Enjoy an included lunch with your group and later, travel back to Athens for a free evening in the city.
Included meals: breakfast, lunch.
Included entrances: Delphi Temple.

Day 9 - Athens
Today is yours to explore the many wonders of Athens at your own pace. Or you might join an optional morning excursion to Cape Sounion to view the Temple of Poseidon. This evening, rejoin your group for tonight’s Farewell Dinner.
Included meals: breakfast, dinner.

$55 USD

Cape Sounion At the southern tip of the Attica Peninsula, view one of the most imposing sights in the ancient world. From this lofty cliffside location, you can see five Aegean islands on a clear day.

Day 10 - Athens
If you are not continuing on our tour extension to the Greek Islands, a Go Ahead representative will escort you to the airport for your return flight home.
Included meals: breakfast (In the case of early morning departures, breakfast may not be provided.)

Extend Your Stay

Add 4 nights in The Greek Islands for only $599 USD (Single room: add $250 USD)

The Cyclades Islands—as the Greek Islands are formally known—compose a quintessential, pristine Mediterranean archipelago, with ancient sites, droves of vineyards and olive trees, and stark whitewashed cubist houses, all seemingly crystallized in a backdrop of lapis lazuli. Their allure begins with a magnificent fusion of sunlight, stone, and sparkling azure sea. And once you explore the ancient sites, Byzantine castles and museums, and indulge in the lively nightlife, shops, restaurants, and beaches, you'll agree that you've been waiting for this enchantment your entire life.

Day 10...Leave Athens for Piraeus this morning and explore the village before boarding your ship and setting off on you island cruise.  The first port of call is the island of Mykonos., known for its picturesque windmills and winding streets that once sheltered pirates. Breakfast and dinner included.

Day 11...Dock in Rhodes today, once the domain of the Knights of St. John.  Its irresistible combination  of beautiful beaches and rich history has lured travelers the world over. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner are all included.

Day 12...Your next port of call is Patmos, where you will spend a relaxing morning.  Then cruise to the Turkish seaport of Kusadasi with its bustling harbor lined with inviting cafes.  Nearby find he ruins of Ephesus, one of the best preserved cities from ancient times.  Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner are included.

Day 13...Cruise back to Piraeus this morning where you will disembark and board a motorcoach for your short journey back to Athens.  Enjoy one last night in Greece.  Breakfast.

Day 14...Board your flight home.  Breakfast.

Estimated 10 day price from Baton Rouge $4072.
Add $599 for 4 nights in the Greek Islands. $4671.
Suggested departure date June 23, 2010.

Spaces are limited.  If you are interested in traveling, contact me asap. 
Email:   donnakirkland@gmail.com    or    Phone:   225-803-6013.

For additional details visit my website:   www.donnakirkland.com.

 

Trip costs include:

• Round-trip air transportation and airport transfers
• The services of a bilingual Go Ahead Tour Director
• A licensed local city guide in Capri, Pompeii, Rome, Athens, and Delphi
• 8 nights accommodation in hotels with private bath or shower
• Buffet breakfast daily ; 1 lunch; 3 three-course dinners

Guided sightseeing and entrance fees to select sights

Walking on tour:

        Travelers should be used to walking on some uneven and hilly surfaces while in Southern Italy. Rome, Sorrento and Pompeii are ideal to explore on foot (as are the surrounding towns). Particularly on the island of Capri, travelers should be prepared for some steep inclines and difficult transfers.

        Greece lends itself to the walking. Travelers should be in reasonable health and prepared for uneven, sometimes rocky terrain, although most difficult transfers and long sightseeing tours are conducted by private motorcoach. While in the islands, you may wish to take a break and simply relax, or explore the beaches and sites on foot.