Ancient Mediterranean Cultures
Rome to Athens
10 Day Tour to the ruins and relics of the two greatest ancient empires
 
Visit two countries where the blood of the world's mightiest empires still runs red and pure in its citizens. The greatest artists of the world display their works for your eyes to see. Craftsmen dead for 2,000 years come to life again as you marvel at the results of their toil.
-- This is an adventure that students will never forget --

Day 1 We arrange the flight to Rome.

Day 2 Arrive in Rome and transfer to our hotel with time to relax in "The Eternal City".

Day 3 Rome. A guided city tour will familiarize us with some of this city's treasures. See St. Peter's Basilica, the Forum, and the Colosseum, This afternoon we visit the Appian Way, Catacombs, Spanish Steps and the Pantheon as well as one of the many Piazzas to sample Italian Cuisine. Rome has many beguiling charms.

Day 4  Sorrento. We depart Rome and drive South to the Bay of Naples and the city of Sorrento. We sail across the bay to the famous Isle of Capri. Here we visit the Blue Grotto, weather permitting, and Capri Village with time to stroll before crossing once more to Sorrento. Tonight enjoy a lively dance performance of "Tarantella".

Day 5  Adriatic Sea Crossing. This morning we visit the fabled city of Pompeii, whose life was flamed out by Mount Vesuvius 2,000 years ago. The excavations have uncovered a large part of the city allowing us to view day to day life of Romans who lived and perished here eons ago. Visit Patrician homes, baths, a brothel and commercial districts (perhaps Villa dei Misteri). See a roman fast-food restaurant and the strange carvings in the street that pointed the way to certain businesses. Our journey continues to the Italian Adriatic Port of Brindisi. Board our ship in the evening bound for magical Greece.

Day 6  Afternoon arrival and board our motorcoach for a pleasant journey to Olympia. Overnight in Olympia. The following day learn about how the Olympics were very different than today! Olympic uniforms were nothing like they are today!! It is very surprising indeed.

Day 7  Tolon. Arise and Shine. Visit the wonders of the city that gave the world the Olympics. In ancient times women were not only barred from participating in the Olympics but were not allowed to watch the games either! Visit the ruins of the Temple of Zeus before driving through rugged terrain via Tripolis to Tolon.

Day 8  Athens. On to the impressive ruins of Mycenae. Under the famed Lion's Gate we travel into the fortified town. Our tour continues to the theater of Epidaurus, one of the marvels of ancient Greece. It is so acoustically perfect a whisper can be heard from the orchestra by any of the 14,000 seats. Cross the Corinthian Canal to Athens.

Day 9  Our hosts will treat us to the sights and sounds that make Athens an awesome destination. We visit the Parthenon's crowning beauty atop the Acropolis, the Erectheum, Temple of Zeus, Royal Palace and Royal Guards at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Nearby is the Plaka, National Gardens and Syntagma Square. What a day! We step out for a farewell dinner on our last night in Greece.

Day 10  Say goodbye to new friends & depart Athens for our flight. Can't wait to get those pictures developed!

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