The Ancient Mediterranean

10 or 14 days

Rome, Sorrento Region, Delphi, Athens, with extension to Crete | IAG

Embark on an epic journey through the cradle of Western civilization, where weathered columns and foundations of stone stand defiant against the ravages of time, carrying the echoes of the ancient world. Begin in Rome, where the Roman Forum and countless more iconic sites stand testament to the grandeur of an empire that once spanned continents. Set sail for the enchanting island of Capri, where mighty limestone and sandstone cliffs rise high above the sea, and the fresh scent of lemon groves is carried in the salty breeze. Finally, Athens awaits, crowned by The Acropolis, an ancient citadel comprised of temples, theatres, and other structures, which has stood for 2,500 years. Follow in the footsteps of renowned philosophers, legendary statesmen, and common folk living as best they could as you traverse the warm, paradisiacal landscapes of Italy and Greece, where every cobblestone bears the mark of antiquity.

Image displaying map describing the itinerary of the The Ancient Mediterranean tour

Day 1: Fly overnight to Italy

Day 2: Rome

Meet your Tour Director at your destination

Day 3: Rome

Take a tour of Vatican City

With your expert local guide you will visit:

Sistine Chapel
St. Peter’s Basilica

Add this in-depth excursion:

Roman Catacombs

Explore the mysterious world buried beneath Rome since the 2nd century. Christian burial grounds and priceless relics abound, and the art that lines the walls is world-class. Afterward, journey down the ancient Appian Way to the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls. Note: Sturdy walking shoes are recommended. This optional is not recommended for those who are claustrophobic.

Day 4: Rome

Take a guided tour of Rome

With your expert local guide you will visit:

Roman Forum
Colosseum

Take a self-guided walking tour of Rome

You will see:

Trevi Fountain
Pantheon
Piazza Navona
Spanish Steps

Day 5: Rome • Capri • Sorrento region

Travel to the Sorrento region via Capri

Travel by ferry to Capri

Enjoy a boat cruise

Tour Capri with an expert local guide

Snap a photo of seaside Sorrento

Day 6: Sorrento region • Pompeii • Bari• Night ferry

Travel to Bari via Pompeii

Tour the ruins of Pompeii with an expert local guide

Take an overnight ferry to Greece

(Note: Night ferries have limited space, so it’s possible you will take a flight instead.)

Day 7: Night ferry • Patras • Delphi

Travel to Delphi

Day 8: Delphi • Athens

Visit the Delphi Museum

Take a guided tour of Delphi

With your expert local guide you will see:

Temple of Apollo
Delphi Archaeological Museum

Travel to Athens

Add this in-depth excursion:

Greek Evening

Friends, feta, and fresh Mediterranean flavours—opa! Stuff yourself like an olive during a traditional Greek dinner. Then, link arms for a night of music, dancing, and smashing plates. This time-honoured tradition brings Greece’s theatrical culture to life in all the best ways.

Day 9: Athens

Take a guided tour of Athens

With your expert local guide you will see:

Olympic Stadium
Syntagma Square
Acropolis

Visit the Acropolis:

Parthenon
Temple of Athena Nike

Visit the Acropolis Museum, home to ancient ruins and prehistoric artefacts

Take a walking tour of Athens

With your Tour Director you will see:

Plaka district
Athenian Trilogy

Day 10: Depart for home

Add 4 more days

Day 10: Athens • Crete

Fly to Heraklion, the capital of Crete

Walking Tour of Heraklion

Take a guided tour of Heraklion

With your expert local guide you will visit:

Knossos Palace
Archaeological Museum

Day 11: Heraklion

Add this in-depth excursion:

Spinalonga Boat Activity (Available April 1- October 31)

Take a scenic boat cruise from Heraklion to Spinalonga Island, where you'll spend the day soaking up sunshine and history. Admire Venetian-influenced architecture during a guided tour of the village, and visit the enchanting island's archaeological site. Enjoy free time to explore the island, have lunch, and relax on the beach.

Explore Heraklion in small, supervised groups

Day 12: Heraklion • Rethymno • Chania

Travel to Chania, Crete's second largest city

Take a walking tour of the old port city of Rethymno

See a demonstration on the making of phyllo dough, used in many famous Greek pastries

Take in the sights on a walking tour of Chania

Day 13: Chania • Athens

Enjoy a visit to the local market

Explore Chania in small supervised groups

Fly to Athens

Day 14: Depart for home

See what an EF tour is really like

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Your experience includes

This all-inclusive global experience gives students the chance to explore the world–all at an unbeatable value.

Airfare & transportation

Hotels

Meals

Entrances

Full-time Tour Director

Expert Local Guides

Personalized Learning Support

Continuous Support

24-hour Emergency Service

Worldwide Presence

Pricing that makes travel possible

Includes airfare, hotels, meals, full-time Tour Director, and more.

Payment options

We believe every student should have the opportunity to travel, which is why we let our travellers choose how they want to manage their payments. Enrol in our Automatic Payment Plan with just $199 to start, make fixed and low monthly payments through FlexPay, receive invoices and make your payments in less frequent instalments, or pay upfront in full.

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