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Day 1
DEPART USA
Overnight flight to Rome.
Day 2
ARRIVE ROME (3 NIGHTS)
Welcome to the Eternal City of Rome! During the reign of the Roman Empire this was the most important political and cultural capital and the influence of this city on our modern day lives is still evident today. After all, it is said that 'all roads lead to Rome'! This city has been the seat of the Papacy and the Roman Catholic religion since the second century. After check-in to your hotel, the remainder of your day is at leisure to relax or explore. Your Local Host will meet you at the hotel this evening for a Welcome Drink to discuss your itinerary and provide suggestions on how to get the most out of your stay.
M: Moderate, D: Deluxe, SF: Superior First Class, F: First Class. For further details please see the notes section below.
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Day 3
ROME SIGHTSEEING
Today's highlight is the magnificent Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica. Enjoy an included visit with an expert Local Guide into the Chapel to admire the ceiling painted by Michelangelo. Later you will see another of his masterpieces in St. Peter's Basilica – the marble sculpture, the Pietà. This afternoon, cross the Tiber to see the remains of ancient Rome with views of the Forum, Colosseum and Circus Maximus. Later time to relax or explore further. Your Local Host can recommend restaurants for dinner.
Day 4
ROME AT LEISURE
After breakfast, enjoy a full day at leisure to explore or relax in this fabulous city! Perhaps go shopping down the Via del Corso and stop for a gelato or visit one of the many museums and attractions on offer. Your Local Host can advise you on the wide range of excursions available.
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Day 5
ROME - ATHENS (3 NIGHTS)
Today you will be transferred to the airport in Rome for your flight to the Greek capital city – Athens. This fascinating city is one of the world's oldest with around 3,400 years of recorded history. It is widely referred to as the cradle of Western civilisation and the birthplace of democracy. Once home to Plato’s Academy and Aristotle’s Lyceum, it is still a centre for the arts, philosophy and education today. After checking into your hotel you will be welcomed by your Local Host who will be able to advise you regarding activities and excursions in Athens. Perhaps consider a dinner in the famous Plaka area this evening?
M: Moderate, D: Deluxe, SF: Superior First Class, F: First Class. For further details please see the notes section below.
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Day 6
ATHENS SIGHTSEEING
This morning you will be met at the hotel after breakfast by your expert Local Guide who will take you on an included sightseeing tour of the city's main sights. You will view the impressive Parthenon on the Acropolis. This is one of the most important buildings of classical Greece and many political and social events have taken place here over the years. Construction began in the year 447 BC before it was finally completed sixteen years later in 431 BC. Dedicated to the Greek goddess Athena, it is known as the protector of the people of Athens. Later, there is time to relax or explore further. Your Local Host will be on hand to advise you on recommended restaurants for dinner.
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Day 7
ATHENS AT LEISURE
After breakfast, enjoy a full day at leisure to do whatever you wish in this fabulous city! Perhaps consider a day cruise from Piraeus to see some of the beautiful Greek Islands including Poros, Hydra and Aegina. Or why not consider taking an excursion to Cape Sounion?
Day 8
ATHENS - ISTANBUL (3 NIGHTS)
Today you will be transferred to the airport in Athens for your flight to Istanbul which is the only metropolis in the world that is situated on two continents – Europe and Asia. Upon arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Istanbul, the commercial capital of Turkey, is a fascinating city which is yours to explore. After checking into your hotel you will be met by your Trafalgar Local Host who will help to arrange any activities or excursions in Istanbul.
M: Moderate, D: Deluxe, SF: Superior First Class, F: First Class. For further details please see the notes section below.
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Day 9
ISTANBUL ORIENTATION AND FREE TIME
After breakfast, enjoy an orientation tour of the city with your Trafalgar Local Host. Then the rest of the day is yours to explore. Maybe begin with the Grand Bazaar with its vast array of antiques, brassware, jewellery, clothes and carpets. Take the time to wander through the aromatic Spice Market with its extraordinary selection of spices and dried fruits. Your Local Host will be on hand if you need suggestions or help to plan your day.
Day 10
ISTANBUL SIGHTSEEING
This morning, with your expert Local Guide, visit the impressive Topkapi Palace, one of the greatest palaces of the Ottoman period, which has a superb position overlooking the Bosphorus. Explore the magnificent St. Sophia’s Basilica, built by Constantine the Great. After lunch, discover the wonders of the Blue Mosque, famous for its six minarets and beautiful blue Iznik tiles. Finally, tour the Byzantine Hippodrome, where chariot racing and other sporting events were held.
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Day 11
ISTANBUL - USA
This morning it is time to bid farewell to this unforgettable city and your newfound friends as you are transferred to the airport for your return flight home.