Italian and Greek Classics

12 Days / 11 Nights

Venice, Rome, Santorini, Athens

from$3,600 per person

Average Guest Rating 4.9 / 5

We were thinking of naming this itinerary "Italian and Greek Highlights" but really, both countries have so many that would hardly be fair. This abridged 12-day itinerary should be considered merely a taster of what you could uncover on a longer (or second) trip. Without a doubt, you'll be seeing some of the most interesting sights that represent two of the world's oldest civilizations.
You'll start out in Venice, where you'll be met by our team member in charge of the Italian leg of your tour. This floating city is a magical place that will bewitch even the most jaded traveler. From there a high-speed train whisks you all the way to Rome. Even if you've been before there's always something new to see in the Eternal City. A two-hour hop across the Med takes you to Santorini. Greece's most famous island has some of the most spectacular sunsets in the world but there's more to the place than that. Our team in Greece will ensure you see the authentic Santorini, beyond the obvious. Your last stop is Athens., reachable by ferry or plane, depending on your preference. As well as some signature sights of ancient Greece you'll also have the chance to experience aspects of modern Greek culture and cuisine.
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 in the region will be available to you during and leading up to the 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 contact our employee (who you will meet in person) throughout your trip. In all of our destinations, we offer a variety of memorable 3-5 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.

3 Nights in Venice

3 Nights in Venice

Venice is a legendary city with a charm and atmosphere all its own. The city was constructed on more than 100 islands connected by a series of canals, most of which are lined with gorgeous palaces, beautiful churches, and all sorts of impressive architecture. While the city isn’t huge, it is packed with pedestrian-only streets and quaint, winding alleys that will keep you exploring for days. The city is very popular with tourists year-round, so you certainly won’t be the only travelers walking through the streets with camera in hand. This being Italy, the cuisine in Venice is delicious, and we can especially recommend the Cicchetti of Venice tour. Cicchetti are Venetian tapas, and this tour will introduce you to some of the city’s most iconic eateries and its most delicious recipes. If it’s your first time in Venice, we can organize a tour to show you all the most important sites. And since no trip to the city of canals is complete without a boat ride, we offer a number of ways for you to get a new point of view of the city and its magnificent architecture. It’s easy to while away your time in Venice, discovering new secrets around every corner.

Day 1

Day 1 - Arrival in Venice

Start your Venetian experience off in style by arriving in a private water taxi. We'll arrange a transfer by boat from Venice Marco Polo airport to the closest possible point to your hotel in Venice. Please note that porter assistance from the water taxi to the hotel is not included but can be arranged at extra charge.

Our representative will then meet with you to answer any questions you have and to get you settled for the rest of your trip.

Welcome to Venice!

Suggestion to explore on your own

Enjoy Venice from the very start! Depending on your preference, this can be a relaxing or active time. After that, enjoy an aperitif with a view of the Grand Canal at Erbaria (Rialto), where there are many bars with outdoor seating. Finally, dinner in one of the many restaurants in the Rialto area will definitely make your first evening in Venice a perfect one. If you arrive full of energy and ready to explore, head to the Zattere area and enjoy a stroll along the canal up to Punta della Dogana, where you can admire the view of San Marco and the Grand Canal. The walk to Santa Maria della Salute church is pleasant, and you can take the traghetto (a big gondola) to cross the canal.

Day 2

Day 2 - Your First Full Day in Venice

First Time in Venice Private Tour

Included in your vacation package price.

Discover Venice with this unique walking tour, which unfolds through the elegant Piazza San Marco, surrounded by the governmental buildings of the ancient Republic. You'll see the beautiful Saint Mark church, then stroll through the Castello district including the large campo Santa Maria Formosa. The square of San Giovanni e Paolo will be your next stop. Before reaching Rialto you'll pass by the Marco Polo house. From the top of the famous Rialto bridge you'll encounter all the splendours of the Grand Canal.

Activity Level : Light

Duration : 3 hours

Day 3

Day 3 - Your Second Full Day in Venice

Venice Street Food and Rialto Market Group Tour

Venetian Tapas and Wine Tours

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

You're in Italy, so good food isn't too far away if you know where to look. One of our favorite ways to get to know a city is by taking a food tour. We can highly recommend taking part in these small group tours and getting your culinary bearings set with an afternoon sampling cicchetti (Venetian tapas), accompanied by wine at Venice's best Bacari (traditional wine bars).

Activity Level : Light

Duration : 3 hours

Day 4

Day 4 - Traveling to Rome by Train

Today you're headed to the magical Eternal City. The high speed train service gets you there in a little under four hours. We've included standard class tickets in your package but can upgrade these to business class for an extra fee. We will arrange for water taxi to take you to Venice Santa Lucia Train Station in plenty of time for your train. Please note that porter assistance from the hotel to the water taxi is not included but can be arranged at extra charge.

We also offer the following excursions in Venice

Ancient Crafts & Artisans' Workshops Tour

Light3 hours

Authentic Murano Glass Factory Private Tour

Light2 hours

Cortina and Dolomites Private Day Tour

Moderate8 hours

Cortina and the Dolomites Day Small Group Tour

Moderate8 hours

3 Nights 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.

Day 4

Day 4 - Arrival in Rome

Upon arriving to Roma Termini train station, we'll arrange for our driver to pick you up from the terminal and take you to your centrally located accommodation.

Day 5

Day 5 - Your First Full Day in Rome

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

Focus on Ancient Rome with a Group or Private Tour

Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

Rome's origin story unfolds when you visit the Colosseum and the adjacent Roman Forum. Hear about life in ancient Rome and soak in the grandeur of these testaments to a lost civilization. We can arrange for a private guide to explain how the Colosseum was built and what happened to it in the years since. Afterward, the tour proceeds to the Roman Forum, the center of the political life of the city and, ultimately, the Empire, where the different purposes of the buildings, whose columns and porticos still stand today, are found. If you'd prefer the atmosphere of a group tour, we can instead arrange for spaces on a tour by a reputable group tour company.

Premium Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill Group Tour

Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

Explore the captivating tales of lions, gladiators, and emperors on a comprehensive journey through Ancient Rome. Skip the lines and enjoy express entry to the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill. With an expert guide leading a small group of no more than 15 individuals, immerse yourself in an intimate and enjoyable tour of these three iconic sites, delving into the rich history of Ancient Rome.

Activity Level : Moderate

Duration : 3 hours

Colosseum and Roman Forum Private Tour

Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

Explore the Roman Forum, where your guide will bring ancient temples, theaters, and political landmarks to life with fascinating stories. Ascend Palatine Hill to hear captivating tales of luxury and opulence while surrounded by peaceful ruins. Enjoy priority access to the Colosseum and use VR glasses to visualize its gladiatorial battles and ancient grandeur. This private tour offers personalized storytelling and an unforgettable journey through Rome’s iconic past.

Activity Level : Light

Duration : 3 hours

Day 6

Day 6 - Your Second Full Day in Rome

Gourmet Experiences

Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

There's no better way to explore Italian cuisine than by taking gourmet tours, which will give you a deep cultural experience. You can learn how to make gelato and tiramisu, enjoy a luxury gourmet dinner with a wine tasting in a private cellar, or be part of a small group food crawl. Choose any of these experiences, and we guarantee you'll want more.

Guided Group Wine & Food Pairing Dinner Near the Pantheon

Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

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

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

Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

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

Day 7

Day 7 - Traveling to Santorini by Airplane

It's time to say "Arrivederci" to Roma and "Yassou" to Santorini, Greece's most famous island. From Rome to Santorini the best option will be to take a direct flight on the low cost airline Vueling. 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.

We also offer the following excursions in Rome

Cooking Class in the Jewish District Group Tour

Easy2.5 hours

Crypts, Bones and Catacombs - Rome Group Walking Tour

Light3 hours

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 Santorini

3 Nights in Santorini

“Intelligent adults come here and turn into infants,” Craig Walzer, owner of the Atlantis Bookstore. Santorini is every traveler's dream. The whitewashed houses and blue domed churches perched atop of soaring cliffs, the narrow cobblestone streets and unsurpassed views of crystal-clear blue waters -- these all greet you as you step foot on this fairytale land. Intertwining myth and reality, Santorini is every bit as beautiful as the countless postcards, magazine covers, and Instagram photos claim. The village of Oia is world-famous for its sunset, where thousands of spectators line up every evening to witness the magic as the sun bids farewell to the sky and the canvas lights up in fierce hues. Fortunately, the sunset can be enjoyed from much of the rest of this crescent-shaped island. Santorini is also home to Akrotiri, the Greek take on Pompeii. Inhabited since Neolithic times, this city was built up by the Minoans, a seafaring civilization that predated the ancient Greeks, only to be destroyed in the catastrophic eruption that shaped Santorini, which forms part of a massive volcanic caldera. Covered in ashes for millennia, Akrotiri is still being uncovered. We suggest visiting the neighboring center of the caldera, where you can enjoy hot springs, visit the volcanic crater, and enjoy stunning views of Santorini itself. Santorini’s unique ecology, climate and volcanic ash soil paved the way for a flourishing wine industry. Its indigenous varietals will make your stay even more enjoyable.

Day 7

Day 7 - Arrival in Santorini

Upon arrival to Santorini airport, a driver will meet you and take you to your accommodation.

Day 8

Day 8 - Your First Full Day in Santorini

Highlights Small Group Tour

Included in your vacation package price.

From the world-renowned Oia with its caldera-facing cave houses to lesser-known villages lost in time to a tasting of exquisite local wines, this tour of Santorini has it all and is sure to make you fall in love with the most iconic Greek Island.

Activity Level : Light

Duration : 5 hours 30 minutes

Day 9

Day 9 - Your Second Full Day in Santorini

Premium Group Catamaran Cruise

Included in your vacation package price.

Santorini’s volcanic landscape is best explored from the water, so set sail on this top-rated catamaran cruise, which will bring you to the island’s best beaches, viewpoints, and even directly inside the caldera, with a small group of fellow travelers. Along the way, you'll soak in natural hot springs, swim and snorkel off the Red Beach, and take in views of nearby Cyclades islands. An open bar and buffet lunch served right onboard keep you refreshed and energized throughout the voyage.

Activity Level : Easy

Duration : 5 hours

Day 10

Day 10 - Traveling to Athens by Airplane

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

We also offer the following excursions in Santorini

Anydro Group Tour

Moderate5 hours 30 minutes

Best of Santorini Private Tour

Light5 hours

Caldera Private Hike

Strenuous5 hours

Flying Dress Private Photo Shoot

Light1 hour

2 Nights in Athens

2 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.

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.

Love at First Sight

Suggestion to explore on your own

Athens has plenty of rooftop venues to take advantage of the opportunity to see the Acropolis shining at night. They have become popular hubs for nightlife among locals. One of our favorite rooftop bars is POINT A (Acropolis Point), which is the only bar that provides views of both the Acropolis and the modern elegant lines of the Acropolis Museum, lit beautifully at night. POINT A has a relaxed vibe and Greek cuisine with a twist. It’s perfect for couples and even families or groups of friends. If you happen to stay around the Monastiraki district, you should definitely visit A for Athens cocktail bar and restaurant, a popular venue among locals. Hytra and GB Roof Garden are full-on luxury restaurants and bars that can provide perfect romantic evenings. We guarantee that if you spend your first night dining at one of those places, you will quickly fall in love with the mind-blowing views and lively city.

Day 11

Day 11 - Your First Full Day in Athens

Athens Highlights Mythology Small Group Tour

Included in your vacation package price.

Discover the myths behind the greatest landmarks in Athens. Learn about Greek gods and heroes, and discover what really hides behind ancient myths. At the same time visit the best landmarks and sites in Athens, such as the Acropolis (Parthenon, theater of Dionysus, temple of Athena Nike, temple of Erechtheion, and the sanctuary of Asclepius), Olympian Zeus’ temple, the Ancient Agora, and the temple of Hephaestus.

Activity Level : Moderate

Duration : 4 hours

Indulge in Local Cuisine

Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

Savor the essence of Greek cuisine with key ingredients like olive oil, vegetables, fish, and feta, crafting the distinctive flavors that define this culinary tradition. Infused with fresh vegetables, honey, fish, lamb, and cheese, the vibrant tapestry of Greek flavors comes to life. Indulge in iconic dishes such as tzatziki, souvlaki, gyros, dolmathakia, spanakopita, loukoumades, authentic Greek yogurt, and amygdalota at local cafes and restaurants. Elevate your culinary experience by exploring our carefully curated food tours, each offering a delectable journey into the heart of Greece's gastronomic delights.

Athens by Night Food and Wine Tasting Private Tour

Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

Seeking an extraordinary Greek culinary experience to tease your senses? Follow an expert food guide on a quest to discover Athens by night, and experience exquisite Athenian delicacies. Enjoy the best views of Athens after dusk and explore sophisticated eateries to devour the finest of authentic Greek cuisine, including the best souvlaki in town! And to top it all off? A wine tasting focused on indigenous local varieties (plus ouzo!)

Activity Level : Easy

Duration : 4 hours

Delicious Athens Food Group Tour

Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

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

The Great Eats and Streets Private Tour

Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

Athens came together through a mixture of cultures across the centuries, and there’s still a lot of that history around, in the food as well as in the city's neighborhoods. This tour explores the city's complex heritage, and its effects on contemporary Greek culture and cuisine.

Activity Level : Light

Duration : 5 hours

Day 12

Day 12 - 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 Markets and Chronicles Group Tour

Light4 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.

Venice

3 Nights Accommodation

Breakfast (hotels only)

Venice Marco Polo Airport Transfer

First Time in Venice Private Tour

Venice Water Taxi Santa Lucia Train Station Transfer

Venice - Rome Standard Class Train Tickets

Rome

3 Nights Accommodation

Breakfast (hotels only)

Rome Train Station Transfer

Welcome to Rome - Group City Stroll with Gelato Tasting

Rome Fiumicino Airport Transfer

Rome - Santorini One-way Flight (Non-Refundable)

Santorini

3 Nights Accommodation

Breakfast (hotels only)

Santorini Fira Airport Transfer

Highlights Small Group Tour

Premium Group Catamaran Cruise

Santorini Fira Airport Transfer

Santorini - Athens Flight

Athens

2 Nights Accommodation

Breakfast (hotels only)

Athens Airport Transfer

Athens Highlights Mythology 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.

Glowing Reviews from Our Guests

4.9 / 5

Average of our Guest's Ratings of vacation packages including these destinations

John, Tammy & Virginia

Maryland

JayWay rocks! We have used JayWay on two separate and very different trips. They always deliver and having a fantastic local contact makes all the difference!

Year : 2024
Visited : Greece
Itinerary : Athens, Paros, Santorini, Athens
Rating :

5 / 5

Karen & Dennis

Michigan

JayWay is a home-run! The trip was beyond our expectations. With the guidance, help and resources of this company we enjoyed the trip of a lifetime!

Year : 2024
Visited : Italy
Itinerary : Venice, Florence, Rome, Ravello
Rating :

5 / 5

Kevin & Janet

North Carolina

Helped us in every way possible in planning and executing our hoped for trip of a lifetime to Italy for 2 weeks.

Year : 2024
Visited : Italy
Itinerary : Venice, Florence, Rome, Sorrento
Rating :

5 / 5

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