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Italy & Greece for Foodies

13 Days / 12 Nights

Rome, Bologna, Heraklion, Athens

from$3,100 per person

Travel and LeisureFodorsUSA TodayNew York TimesNational GeographicWashington PostVogue
Get a crash course in the Mediterranean diet with this two-country, four-destination tour. We've included some of the tastiest experiences in Italy and Greece on our map for your delight and delectation. You could also opt for some sightseeing, to give you something to do while you work up an appetite. Start your odyssey in Rome. The Italian capital can mix it up with the best of them and you'll find cucina povera classics like Cacio e pepe alongside Michelin-starred eateries. On to the beating red heart of Italy, Bologna by high-speed train. The Emilia Romagna region is home to and Ferrari, Lamborghini but also Prosciutto di Parma, Parmigiano-Reggiano, and Aceto di Balsamico.

From Bologna a short intra-European flight takes you to Crete, Greece's largest island. Cretan cuisine is renowned for its unique flavors and ingredients. A rich variety of mountain herbs and greens, fresh fish, unique cheeses await. All accompanied with Crete's famous olive oil. You'll wrap up your travels in the capital of Greece, Athens. A direct internal flight will take you to Greece's hub, a city steeped in history where you'll be able to try the best of everything from the whole of Greece. We've included the most fun food-themed experience for your final night too.

The services we provide as part of our comprehensive packages include accommodations, airport transfers, internal flights, city tours, and day trips. In addition to the tours included we can arrange a number of excursions based on your own interests. All of our tours are custom, and this is just a sample meant to give an idea of what our trips are like, and the opportunities our destinations provide.
One of our team members in the region will be available to you leading up to and during your trip to answer any questions and arrange local services. You will receive access to your Guest Page, with its information on the best these destinations have to offer, including things to see and do, and other inside tips from restaurant recommendations to tipping advice. Upon arrival, we will provide you with a local SIM that you can use to reach your local JayWay contact (who you will meet in person) throughout your trip. In all of our destinations, we offer a variety of memorable 2-5 star accommodation options, including boutique hotels, charming B&Bs, and spacious apartments. With our firsthand experience, we can ensure they are all clean, comfortable, and centrally located, with local ambience.
Route for Rome, Bologna, Heraklion, Athens tour

3 Nights in Rome

3 Nights in Rome

4 days in Rome
4 days in Rome

3 Nights in Rome

The capital of Italy is a vibrant, energetic and stylish city. While thoroughly modern in sensibility, Rome is also home to some of the world’s most important works of classic art and architecture. This city has been an epicenter for culture, politics and religion for more than 2,500 years. From the Spanish Steps to the Vatican, there are more than enough sights to keep even the most active tourists busy and even somewhere as popular as Rome you can find places just off the tourist trail and bustling with locals. But it’s also nice to slow down and enjoy Rome’s famous cafes and restaurants, which can be just as beguiling as the buildings. Lounge with an espresso on the Campo de Fiori and watch the changing light on the fountains and the facades. Visit the Vatican and explore some of the world’s most beautiful churches. Rome really comes alive at night, when restaurants and wine bars bring a renewed vitality to the city. You’ll also have opportunities for day trips to local vineyards, olive groves, and other places producing regional delicacies. No matter what your interests, or what kind of holiday you’re looking for, Rome will be an enjoyable destination.

The capital of Italy is a vibrant, energetic and stylish city. While thoroughly modern in sensibility, Rome is also home to some of the world’s most important works of classic art and architecture. This city has been an epicenter for culture, politics and religion for more than 2,500 years. From the Spanish Steps to the Vatican, there are more than enough sights to keep even the most active tourists busy and even somewhere as popular as Rome you can find places just off the tourist trail and bustling with locals. But it’s also nice to slow down and enjoy Rome’s famous cafes and restaurants, which can be just as beguiling as the buildings. Lounge with an espresso on the Campo de Fiori and watch the changing light on the fountains and the facades. Visit the Vatican and explore some of the world’s most beautiful churches. Rome really comes alive at night, when restaurants and wine bars bring a renewed vitality to the city. You’ll also have opportunities for day trips to local vineyards, olive groves, and other places producing regional delicacies. No matter what your interests, or what kind of holiday you’re looking for, Rome will be an enjoyable destination.

Day 1

Day 1 - Arrival in Rome

After you land at Rome's Fiumicino airport you will be met in the arrivals hall by a driver holding a sign with your name on. The journey to your accommodation in the center of Rome should take around an hour.

Day 2

Day 2 - Your First Full Day in Rome

Welcome to Rome - Group City Stroll with Gelato Tasting

Welcome to Rome - Group City Stroll with Gelato Tasting

Included in your vacation package price.

Join an intimate Rome walking tour designed to acquaint you with the Eternal City at the outset of your journey. Explore the foremost attractions while savoring a delightful gelato tasting experience. Wander through the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, Piazza Navona, and encounter remnants of Ancient Roman history along this leisurely excursion, limited to just 15 fellow travelers.


Activity Level : Light
Duration : 2 hours 30 minutes

Guided Group Wine & Food Pairing Dinner Near the Pantheon

Guided Group Wine & Food Pairing Dinner Near the Pantheon

Please ask your travel advisor for the cost to add this to your package

This 2.5-hour tour and degustation is perfect for foodies. You'll start with an aperitif as you soak up the atmosphere. Then you'll head for dinner, enjoying sumptuous Roman specialties while you get the special treatment from the owners of the restaurant. We can't think of a better way to enjoy a Roman dinner!


Activity Level : Easy
Duration : 2 hours 30 minutes

Day 3

Day 3 - Your Second Full Day in Rome

Small Group Food Tour - Campo de' Fiori, Jewish Ghetto, Trastevere

Small Group Food Tour - Campo de' Fiori, Jewish Ghetto, Trastevere

Included in your vacation package price.

Food lovers, here's your chance to experience Rome’s enchanting squares and neighborhoods while tasting your way through some of the city’s best shops, restaurants, and markets, discovering the secrets of Italian cuisine. Meet your friendly, local expert food connoisseur in the city center, and get ready to stroll through a number of neighborhoods to visit the most famous food markets, groceries, coffee shops, ice cream shops, and restaurants. Taste some of the delicious food and wines the city is famous for, including pizza bianca, mortadella, gelato, and supplì. From fried artichokes or zucchini flowers in the Jewish ghetto to spices and vegetables in Campo de Fiori, you'll ignite your senses and burn some calories while you enjoy walking amongst the beauty around you.


Activity Level : Light
Duration : 3 hours 30 minutes

Cooking Class in the Jewish District Group Tour

Cooking Class in the Jewish District Group Tour

Please ask your travel advisor for the cost to add this to your package

Learn how to make authentic Roman-style pasta, fried seasonal specialties, and Grandma’s dessert from scratch in a cozy restaurant in the Jewish section of Rome's center. You'll meet your host at Piazza Mattei, in the heart of the former Jewish ghetto, then head to the restaurant where the chef awaits you to reveal secrets and recipes. This is a hands-on class, but if you'd prefer to be a spectator, you can relax while watching the chef work, all while enjoying your own glass of wine. You'll learn how to make homemade pasta from scratch, clean and prepare seasonal vegetables for frying, and create a simple and tasty dessert that all Roman grandmas used to cook for local kids. As you do so, you'll also learn about the history and legends of the Jewish quarter and its unique foods. Just please keep in mind that the restaurant can accommodate vegetarian/gluten-free diets but not kosher.


Activity Level : Easy
Duration : 2.5 hours

Day 4

Day 4 - Traveling to Bologna by Train

Today it's time to bid arriverderci to the Eternal City. You're headed to Bologna. The high speed train service gets you there in about two hours. We've included standard class tickets in your package but can upgrade these to business class for an extra fee. We will also arrange for a driver to take you to Roma Termini station in plenty of time for your departing train.

You can upgrade your transfer

Upgrade to Bologna by Private Transfer with a stop in Orvieto

Bologna by Private Transfer with a stop in Orvieto

Upgrade for an additional cost
We also offer the following excursions in Rome

Colosseum and Roman Forum Private Tour
Light3 hours
Crypts, Bones and Catacombs - Rome Group Walking Tour
Light3 to 3 hours 30 minutes
E-bike Along the Appian Way Private Tour
Moderate3 hours
Early Entrance Small Group Colosseum & Roman Forum Tour with Special Arena Access
Light3 hours

3 Nights in Bologna

3 Nights in Bologna

4 days in Bologna
4 days in Bologna

3 Nights in Bologna

Bologna is the capital of Emilia Romagna and makes a fantastic base for exploring the legendary 'food valley'. The city's history stretches back a few hundred years before Christ and it is home to the oldest university in Europe. These facts are responsible for two of the nicknames Bologna owns with pride. La Dotta – 'the learned one' and La Grassa – 'the fat one'. Truly you're never far from a spectacular meal in Bologna, as long as you're not vegan. Emilia Romagna might not be a name that's as well known as neighboring Tuscany but its food specialties are renowned the world over. The king of Italian cheeses: Parmigiano Reggiano, Prosciutto di Parma and traditional Aceto Balsamico are all from around here and a visit to see how they're produced is a must. Petrolheads will also find much to love in Emilia Romagna. Ferrari, Lamborghini, Ducati and Maserati are all produced close by and have museums or factory tours available. If 'slow food' and fast cars aren't your thing then Bologna still doesn't disappoint. A thriving arts scene means you'll easily find a more cultured diversion, from art galleries to operas. And if you want to work up an appetite, the gently leaning Asinelli Tower's almost 500 steps will help you burn some calories. From the top you'll see why Bologna has another nickname 'La Rossa' – the red one, as you gaze out over the red tiled roofs of the old city, which escaped WWII largely undamaged by Allied bombing raids.

Bologna is the capital of Emilia Romagna and makes a fantastic base for exploring the legendary 'food valley'. The city's history stretches back a few hundred years before Christ and it is home to the oldest university in Europe. These facts are responsible for two of the nicknames Bologna owns with pride. La Dotta – 'the learned one' and La Grassa – 'the fat one'. Truly you're never far from a spectacular meal in Bologna, as long as you're not vegan. Emilia Romagna might not be a name that's as well known as neighboring Tuscany but its food specialties are renowned the world over. The king of Italian cheeses: Parmigiano Reggiano, Prosciutto di Parma and traditional Aceto Balsamico are all from around here and a visit to see how they're produced is a must. Petrolheads will also find much to love in Emilia Romagna. Ferrari, Lamborghini, Ducati and Maserati are all produced close by and have museums or factory tours available. If 'slow food' and fast cars aren't your thing then Bologna still doesn't disappoint. A thriving arts scene means you'll easily find a more cultured diversion, from art galleries to operas. And if you want to work up an appetite, the gently leaning Asinelli Tower's almost 500 steps will help you burn some calories. From the top you'll see why Bologna has another nickname 'La Rossa' – the red one, as you gaze out over the red tiled roofs of the old city, which escaped WWII largely undamaged by Allied bombing raids.

Day 4

Day 4 - Arrival in Bologna

Bologna's train station is on the edge of the historic center of the city where your hotel is located. We'll arrange for our driver to pick you up from the platform and take you to your centrally located accommodation.

Day 5

Day 5 - Your First Full Day in Bologna

Bologna Group Walking Food Tour

Bologna Group Walking Food Tour

Included in your vacation package price.

Delve into the gastronomy of Bologna with a walk through the Quadrilatero market, the real beating heart of the local specialties. Enjoy three tastings in the company of a local guide while learning fun facts about typical Bolognese food. At the end of the tour, spoil yourselves with a sweet treat.


Activity Level : Light
Duration : 2 hours

Day 6

Day 6 - Your Second Full Day in Bologna

Emilia Romagna Food Classics: Parmigiano, Balsamico and Prosciutto Private Day Trip

Emilia Romagna Food Classics: Parmigiano, Balsamico and Prosciutto Private Day Trip

Please ask your travel advisor for the cost to add this to your package

This eight-hour excursion is full of delicious tastings. From cheese to prosciutto to balsamic vinegar and wine, you'll tour the countryside with a local guide, stopping in at family-run producers of local delicacies. At each stop you'll learn about the production process then get to taste what they make. At the end of the day you'll be taken back to your accommodation. It's a delicious day-trip. Bring an appetite!


Activity Level : Easy
Duration : 10 hours

Food Valley Private Gourmet Experience

Food Valley Private Gourmet Experience

Please ask your travel advisor for the cost to add this to your package

Your day begins with an early visit to a Parmigiano Reggiano dairy farm, where you'll see the entire cheese-making process and enjoy a tasting. Next, you'll tour a Traditional Balsamic Vinegar producer in Modena, followed by a vinegar-tasting and light lunch. In the afternoon, visit Parma for a tasting of Prosciutto di Parma and learn about its production. Finally, you'll be returned to your accommodations after a full day of Emilia's finest culinary experiences.


Activity Level : Light
Duration : 8 hours

Day 7

Day 7 - Traveling to Heraklion by Airplane

Say arrivederci to Italia, your next stop is Crete, Greece's largest island. We'll arrange for a driver to pick you up at your hotel in Bologna and transfer you to the airport, around a 20-minute journey. The best option is a direct flight to Heraklion with a low-cost airline. We've included tickets with a standard luggage allowance in your package.


Suggested Flight: Departure: Arrival:

Please note that the flight included in your package is non-refundable. In case you would prefer more flexibility, we can check the flexible fares for you and let you know about the price difference. In addition, the price of the flights is subject to change until we receive your deposit.

We also offer the following excursions in Bologna

Bologna Group Walking Tour
Light2 hours
Bologna Private Bike Tour
Light2 hours
Bologna Private Cooking Class
Easy3 hours
Bologna Private Walking Tour
Light2 hours 30 minutes

3 Nights in Heraklion

3 Nights in Heraklion

4 days in Heraklion
4 days in Heraklion

3 Nights in Heraklion

Visitors to Heraklion, Crete's capital, are greeted by the imposing Venetian Koules Fortress, a reminder of the importance of this historic gateway to the rest of the island. A vibrant university town, Heraklion is home to some of the island's most important landmarks, such as the Knossos Palace, with its striking Bronze Age ruins, complete with colorful, stunning frescoes. Heading to the center, the bustling Old Town has many markets and cafes, along with neoclassical buildings and a 10th century church with impressed stained glass. Heraklion is a great base for exploring the island, but before you hit the road, take the time to stroll along its Venetian harbor, lined with traditional fishing boats and offering spectacular views of the Koules Fortress.

Visitors to Heraklion, Crete's capital, are greeted by the imposing Venetian Koules Fortress, a reminder of the importance of this historic gateway to the rest of the island. A vibrant university town, Heraklion is home to some of the island's most important landmarks, such as the Knossos Palace, with its striking Bronze Age ruins, complete with colorful, stunning frescoes. Heading to the center, the bustling Old Town has many markets and cafes, along with neoclassical buildings and a 10th century church with impressed stained glass. Heraklion is a great base for exploring the island, but before you hit the road, take the time to stroll along its Venetian harbor, lined with traditional fishing boats and offering spectacular views of the Koules Fortress.

Day 7

Day 7 - Arrival in Heraklion

Upon arrival to Heraklion airport, our driver will meet you and drive you to your centrally located accommodation.

Enter Via Koules Fortress

Suggestion to explore on your own

Koules is an impressive Venetian fortress dating from the early 16th century. An easy and scenic walk from the shoreline along a breakwater takes you to the main entrance. It's an amazing place to go right after your arrival. Grand wooden doors open into rooms where artifacts from Venice's golden age are on display, while thick stone walls keep everything cool. Don't forget to climb to the roof to take in great views of the sea and across the harbor, the town itself.

Enter Via Koules Fortress

Day 8

Day 8 - Your First Full Day in Heraklion

Heraklion Bites and Sights Group Tour

Heraklion Bites and Sights Group Tour

Included in your vacation package price.

Bypass the concrete and head straight for the heart of Heraklion. Hit the backstreets and hidden pathways, checking out the highlights, sampling local treats, and discovering the forces that combined to make Heraklion the city it is today. This private tour will help you get to know the city not just as it is now, but also as it was centuries ago, uncovering remnants of occupations by the Byzantines, Arabs, Venetians, Turks, and, yes, pirates.


Activity Level : Light
Duration : 4 hours

Day 9

Day 9 - Your Second Full Day in Heraklion

Heraklion by Catamaran Group Sunset Cruise

Heraklion by Catamaran Group Sunset Cruise

Please ask your travel advisor for the cost to add this to your package

Experience a captivating catamaran voyage exclusively tailored for those seeking romance and pleasure. The program spans 5 hours and begins with a warm welcome featuring refreshments. After safety instructions, you will set sail to Dia Island Bay for a delightful stop. This stop will allow you to swim and engage in various activities while enjoying the captivating view of Dia or relish your leisure time sunbathing. As dusk falls, cherish a romantic evening with a special onboard delectable Greek cuisine dinner. Then, you will return to the port, where you will have amazing views of Heraklion lit up in the darkness from the sea.


Activity Level : Easy
Duration : 5 hours

Day 10

Day 10 - Traveling to Athens by Airplane

From Heraklion to Athens the best option will be to take a flight on one of the low cost airlines. On your day of departure, a driver will pick you up at your accommodation and bring you to the airport for your flight. Suggested Flight: Departure: Arrival:


Please note that the flight included in your package is non-refundable. In case you would prefer more flexibility, we can check the flexible fares for you and let you know about the price difference. In addition, the price of the flights is subject to change until we receive your deposit.

Athens by Air
We also offer the following excursions in Heraklion

Archaeological Museum and Knossos Palace Private Tour
Light4 hours
Heraklion Traditional Cretan Cooking Private Class With Transportation
Light4 hours and 30 minutes
Heraklion by Catamaran Group Cruise
Easy5 hours
Horse Riding Group Experience
Light4 hours

3 Nights in Athens

3 Nights in Athens

4 days in Athens
4 days in Athens

3 Nights in Athens

Although it's hard to not keep craning your head to take in the spectacle of the Acropolis at the center of town (especially when it's lit up at night), there's more to Athens than its dense concentration of ancient ruins. Athens is a center for contemporary art, with modern galleries sitting beside museums stuffed with art dating back millennia. This combination of the old and new is especially clear at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, a spectacular open-air theater that has hosted concerts and plays for nearly 2,000 years. The city's culture is also reflected in its diverse food and drink, which combines traditional Greek favorites with influences from across the Mediterranean, and the world, as fitting Athens' deep history as a humming harbor hub. While Athens' variety is enough to keep you busy, from the hidden back alleys of the center, to the city's showy coast, the city works well as a base for day trips, whether down the coast, or to the Peloponnese. Head to oracular Delphi, or hunt for where Lord Byron's carved his name into the monumental Temple of Poseidon at the tip of Cape Sounion.

Although it's hard to not keep craning your head to take in the spectacle of the Acropolis at the center of town (especially when it's lit up at night), there's more to Athens than its dense concentration of ancient ruins. Athens is a center for contemporary art, with modern galleries sitting beside museums stuffed with art dating back millennia. This combination of the old and new is especially clear at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, a spectacular open-air theater that has hosted concerts and plays for nearly 2,000 years. The city's culture is also reflected in its diverse food and drink, which combines traditional Greek favorites with influences from across the Mediterranean, and the world, as fitting Athens' deep history as a humming harbor hub. While Athens' variety is enough to keep you busy, from the hidden back alleys of the center, to the city's showy coast, the city works well as a base for day trips, whether down the coast, or to the Peloponnese. Head to oracular Delphi, or hunt for where Lord Byron's carved his name into the monumental Temple of Poseidon at the tip of Cape Sounion.

Day 10

Day 10 - Arrival in Athens

Upon your arrival in Athens, a driver will meet you and drive you to your centrally located accommodation. The drive takes about 45 minutes, depending on traffic.

Day 11

Day 11 - Your First Full Day in Athens

Athens Markets and Chronicles Group Tour

Athens Markets and Chronicles Small Group Tour

Included in your vacation package price.

On this Old Districts of Athens tour, discover the treasures of Athens with a local by your side, exploring the streets filled with cultural, historic, and culinary icons. Follow the footsteps of the locals with your guide and experience the heart of Athens with its ruins, temples, markets, mosques, retail hot spots, and fresh produce. These are the same places and roads where the ancient Greeks walked more than 2000 years ago!


Activity Level : Light
Duration : 4 hours

Day 12

Day 12 - Your Second Full Day in Athens

Delicious Athens Food Small Group Tour

Delicious Athens Food Small Group Tour

Included in your vacation package price.

Eat your way through Athens! Discover Greek flavors and their history, with a walk through some of the city’s most interesting neighborhoods, rarely visited by tourists. Taste olive oils, Greek cheeses, tsipouro drink, honey, souvlaki, tapenades, baklava, Greek coffee, sweets, and a variety of Greek tapas.


Activity Level : Light
Duration : 3 hours 30 minutes

Day 13

Day 13 - Departure Day

Today a driver will pick you up from your accommodations and take you straight to Athens' airport, which is generally a 45-minute drive, depending on traffic.

We also offer the following excursions in Athens

Acropolis for Families Private Tour
Moderate2 hours
Ancient Corinth Tour & Nemea Wine-Tasting Private Tour
Moderate9 hours
Athens Highlights Mythology Private Tour
Moderate4 hours
Athens Highlights Mythology Small Group Tour
Moderate4 hours

What's Included

Here are all the services provided as part of your complete vacation package. See what every JayWay trip includes.
Please let us know if you'd like to upgrade any transfers or add any additional tours or excursions to your itinerary.

Rome

3 Nights Accommodation
Breakfast (hotels only)
Rome Fiumicino Airport Transfer
Welcome to Rome - Group City Stroll with Gelato Tasting
Small Group Food Tour - Campo de' Fiori, Jewish Ghetto, Trastevere
Rome Train Station Transfer
Rome - Bologna Standard Class Train Tickets

Bologna

3 Nights Accommodation
Breakfast (hotels only)
Bologna Train Station Transfer
Bologna Group Walking Food Tour
Bologna Airport Transfer
Bologna - Heraklion Flight

Heraklion

3 Nights Accommodation
Breakfast (hotels only)
Heraklion Airport Private Transfer
Heraklion Bites and Sights Group Tour
Heraklion Airport Private Transfer
Heraklion - Athens Flight

Athens

3 Nights Accommodation
Breakfast (hotels only)
Athens Airport Transfer
Athens Markets and Chronicles Small Group Tour
Delicious Athens Food Small Group Tour
Athens Airport Transfer

package excludes:


  • Flights to and from Europe.
  • Tips for Tour Guides, Drivers and Local Reps.
  • Meals (other than breakfast if included in room rate and meals listed as included in food tours and excursions, unless explicitly stated otherwise).
  • Parking fees for your Rental Car (if you are booking one with us) unless otherwise indicated. Some hotels provide free parking facilities.
  • Travel Insurance. See the insurance link on our website
Benefits of Traveling with JayWay

A JayWay vacation is more than the sum of its parts. Our team work tirelessly to ensure your experience is memorable for all the right reasons. Your trip is personalized to maximize your enjoyment. You're taken care of every step of the way.

A Travel Advisor who speaks your language

We will make sure that all your requirements and interests are taken into account in preparing your itinerary.

A totally tailored itinerary for your vacation

Your trip is customized for you by  an experienced trip planner and an expert on the region.

A choice of hand-picked hotels and excursions

We've personally inspected and tested all the hotels and local tour providers we work with to ensure quality.

Detailed pre-trip preparation to make the most of every day

Your Europe-based Tour Manager will be in touch by email and phone a month before you arrive to finalize timings.

On-trip Concierge Service to smooth out any bumps in the road

Your tour manager is at your service throughout your journey. We'll provide a local SIM so you can stay connected.

Personalized Guest Page to make sure you're not missing out

Packed with detailed information and recommendations curated by locals on the best things to do, see and eat.
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