The Ancient Road Itinerary

Day 1  Depart Australia

Day 2  Arrive in Istanbul 
Welcome to Istanbul. A magnificent city sitting on the cusp of Europe and Asia, it has a great blend of culture and history. On our arrival we will be met by our friendly guide and transferred to our hotel.  The remainder of the day is at leisure for you to relax and unwind. 

Day 3  Istanbul
Our morning tour of Istanbul includes the unique Blue Mosque whose interior walls are covered with 20,000 blue Iznik tiles, the famous Hippodrome and the incredible Basilica of St Sophia. Constructed in 326AD by Constantine the Great, it has been a cathedral, a mosque and is now a museum. We also visit the Rustem Pasha Mosque and the exotic Spice Bazaar. [B]

Day 4  Istanbul - Canakkale
We leave Istanbul for Gallipoli where early last century the Anzac legend was born. Our tour includes Anzac Cove, the Lone Pine Memorial and the Gallipoli Museum. [B,D]

Day 5  Canakkale - Istanbul
We travel back to Istanbul via the ancient city of Troy, famous for the Battle of Troy and the legendary Trojan Horse. [B]

Day 6  Istanbul
This morning we visit the magnificent Topkapi Palace and a local municipality carpet co-op, where there is an opportunity to purchase an authentic Turkish rug. In the afternoon we visit the bustling Grand Covered Bazaar. [B]

Day 7  Depart Istanbul
Today we visit the fascinating Archaeology Museum before boarding our overnight sleeper train to Greece. [B]

Day 8  Arrive Thessaloniki
Upon arrival this morning we enjoy a panoramic tour of Thessaloniki, the second-largest city in Greece. Highlights of the tour include the White Tower, Galerius Arch, the Rotunda of St George and the Citadel. 

Day 9  Thessaloniki - Kalambaka
Today we descend towards the southern part of mainland Greece and the site and museum of Pella, the ancient capital of Macedonia and birthplace of Alexander the Great. We then continue to the town of Kalambaka, stopping to visit the Tombs of Vergina. [B]

Day 10  Meteora -  Delphi
A fascinating day as we tour the incredible clifftop monasteries of Meteora, It’s hard to believe these were built in ancient times - the buildings appear to jut out from the sheer cliff face! We then take a scenic mountain drive to the beautiful town of Delphi. [B]

Day 11  Delphi - Athens
We explore beautiful Delphi, where in ancient times the oracle foretold the fortunes of man. Sightseeing here includes the Delphi Museum, one of the most popular and most important archaeological sites in Greece. In ancient times Delphi was considered the centre of the known world – a place where heaven and earth met. We then drive on to Athens. [B]

Day 12  Athens
This morning we explore Athens, including the Acropolis and a walking tour of the lively Plaka area.  The afternoon is at leisure to further explore the city or relax in one of the many cafes. [B]

Day 13  Athens
A full day at leisure to relax or maybe take in one of Athens’ many fantastic museums, or take a day cruise to the nearby islands. [B]

Day 14  Athens - Tolo
We drive on to the town of Tolo on the Peleponnese Peninsula, stopping along the way at the famous Corinth Canal. [B]

Day 15  Tolo
A full day of touring today as we explore the Argolic Plains. Highlights include the Lion’s Gate at Mycenae and the amazing 2,400-year-old theatre at Epidaurus which has retained its perfect acoustics. [B]

Day 16  Tolo - Olympia
We continue our journey across the Peloponnese towards ancient Olympia, the birthplace of the modern Olympic Games. [B]

Day 17  Depart Olympia
Our morning tour includes the historic birth site of the ancient Olympics. We’ll visit the museum and the ruins of the old stadium where you will have an opportunity to stand on the running track which was once graced by ancient Olympic athletes. We then travel on to Patras where we board our overnight ferry to Italy. [B]

Day 18  Bari - Alberobello - Sorrento
We arrive in the Italian port of Bari this morning. After some free time we start our scenic drive across southern Italy via Alberobello to the resort town of Sorrento. Alberobello is famous for its UNESCO World Heritage-listed trulli (curious, rounded whitewashed houses with grey, stone cone-shaped roofs).  

Day 19  Sorrento
Get your cameras ready as we explore the Amalfi Coast. This stunning part of the world features dramatic cliffs, blue seas and charming little villages. These villages appear to balance precariously on top of high cliffs that plunge dramatically into the clear blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea. [B]

Day 20  Sorrento
A wonderful day as we enjoy a full-day tour to the Isle of Capri, playground of the rich and famous. [B]

Day 21  Sorrento
Enjoy a day at leisure to relax and soak up the laidback Italian lifestyle that is Sorrento. [B]

Day 22  Sorrento - Rome
All roads lead to Rome today as we head north, stopping along the way to explore the famous site of Pompeii. Here we enjoy a locally-guided, in-depth tour to explore the city that lay buried for hundreds of years after the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79AD. [B]

Day 23  Rome
Rome is a place that everyone should visit at least once in their life, as it’s an amazing world of ancient history. Our tour includes the magnificent Colosseum, the Imperial Forums and Piazza Venezia. [B]

Day 24  Depart Rome
Today we bid farewell to Italy as we transfer to the airport to begin our journey home. [B]

Day 25  In transit

Day 26  Arrive in Australia

The Ancient Road

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