North Italy & Greece: Venice, Como, Tuscany, Athens & Santorini

Day 1: Benvenuto in Italia!

Your multi-country Europe vacation begins with luxury in the Floating City of Venice, as we will arrange a speed-boat transfer from Venice Marco Polo Airport to your hotel, allowing you to arrive in style! There will be some time to settle in and you can then enjoy the local attractions with an afternoon tour of the city, featuring St Mark's Basilica and the Doge's Palace - two of the most visited places in Venice. This exclusive tour begins with St Mark's Basilica, where you can admire the magnificent golden façade and learn about the treasures this church holds. For centuries, Venetians called it Basilica d’Oro or the Golden Basilica and today it is a glorious example of Venice's decadent past. After enjoying the delights of the Basilica, you will have the opportunity to explore the Doge's Palace, which was once the seat of the Venetian political power and the residence of the Doge of Venice - the supreme authority of the Republic of Venice. In the splendid rooms of the Palace, you can admire hundreds of works of art and this guided tour will give you the opportunity to relive the days of the supreme authority from yesteryear.

Day 2: Welcome to Como!

After just one night in the Floating City it is time to slip into serenity and enjoy some time on the banks of Lake Como. This pretty resort in the Italian Lake District is known as a favorite vacation spot for celebrities and many famous people have homes on the lake, including George Clooney, who is often seen strolling along the lake banks. It is the perfect place to relax on this multi-country Europe vacation as the lake boasts idyllic scenery, with the pristine waters of the lake backed by dark-green forests and a mountain landscape.

Day 3: Lake Como boat tour

One of the best ways to explore and appreciate the glorious scenery of Lake Como is with a boat tour, and today we will treat you to this luxury experience. On a small-group guided tour, you will discover the highlights of the area around the lake with an itinerary tailored to the season.

Day 4: Welcome to Siena!

The next part of this multi-country Europe vacation contrasts the natural scenery of Lake Como with the Tuscan architecture of Siena. We include first-class train transfers as standard, as well as private transfers so you don't have to worry about a thing. After arrival in Siena and some time to settle in, you’ll be treated to a VIP guided tour of this incredible city, featuring Piazza del Campo, which is a magnificent seashell-shaped plaza where the famous Il Palio horse race is held. There will be plenty of time to ask your expert guide questions as you see the charming attractions and learn more about this hidden gem.

Day 5: Truffle hunting in Tuscany

What a treat we have for you today! This is your opportunity not only to discover the glorious Tuscan countryside, but also enjoy a truffle-hunting experience with an expert guide. As a part of this Tuscany excursion, you will travel deep into the Tuscan woodland and to the hills around San Miniato, accompanied by a knowledgeable guide and trained truffle-hunting dogs. During the walk, you will learn about the history and cultural traditions of prized Tuscan truffles and the secrets to finding the best specimens. After the tour, you can sit down to a decadent platter of Tuscan snacks with local wine.

Day 6: Absorb Florence's art scene

After discovering the charms of the Tuscan countryside, it's time to absorb the vibrant art scene in one of Tuscany's best-known cities: Florence. After some time to settle in following your high-speed train journey from Siena, our private guide will come to meet you and take you on an afternoon tour of the famous Accademia Gallery. Here, with an expert by your side, you’ll see the glorious and imposing sculpture of “David” by Michelangelo. This famous statue is a symbol of the power and invincibility of the Florentine Republic and is an unmissable attraction on your vacation in Italy.

Day 7: Discover the Montalcino and Val d’Orcia wines

Treat your senses to a decadent tour through the Chianti countryside, featuring rolling hills of green, vineyards glowing in the Italian sunshine and a picturesque landscape decorated with ancient castles and quaint farmhouses. On this full day group tour, you’ll stop by charming villages, such as Montepulciano, and also enjoy world-famous red wine at a local estate. There will also be plenty of time to discover the lush greenery that this region is known for and see rare architecture in several Chianti villages. This tour is truly a beautiful opportunity to capture memories to treasure from your dream Italy vacation.

Day 8: Relax in Greece

It’s time to say goodbye to Italy as today you will be travelling to a highlight of the Greek islands: Santorini. This picture-perfect, sun-kissed resort is known for its unbelievable sea views and pretty architecture, defined by its white-washed villas capped by vibrant blue domes. Here, you will have plenty of time to relax in the sunshine and absorb the enchanting island life.

Days 9 & 10: Leisure days

These will be full days for you to explore Santorini at leisure.

Day 11: Journey back in time in Athens

Feeling relaxed and rejuvenated, the last stop on your multi-country Europe vacation will be Athens - a must see on any Greece packaged tour. We include an internal flight from Santorini to Athens as standard, as well as private transfers so you don't need to worry about a thing. After arrival in Athens and some time to settle in at your centrally located hotel, you will enjoy an afternoon walking tour with an expert guide. As a part of this experience, you will explore several thousand years of Greek history over 3 hours, featuring a visit to the Parthenon and the amazing Acropolis. There will also be a chance to wander among the white marble-clad Panatheian Stadium (the site of the first modern Olympics), the colossal Temple of Zeus and much more. To celebrate the finale of your multi-country Europe vacation, we will arrange a special meal for you at a local Greek restaurant, featuring classic dishes and delectable wine.

Day 12: And so your dream Europe vacation reaches its end

The morning sees you leaving Greece on your flight from Athens International Airport back home. We will treat you to one last luxury with a private transfer to the airport, giving you the chance to reflect on all the wonderful things you have seen during your multi-country Europe vacation.