Italy, Greece & Turkey

Stand in the shadow of the Acropolis and marvel at the fusion of modern buildings and crumbling ruins of the Athenian cityscape. Set sail for the Aegean Islands to see thatched windmills, blue-domed churches, white-washed houses, and pristine beaches.

Tour the ancient Grecian ruins in the bustling capital of Athens, explore the city of Istanbul to wander along mosque-lined streets and haggle over silk scarves at open-air markets, then set sail to discover Greece’s idyllic Aegean Islands.

Discover the ancient, modern, and timeless sides of this sun-kissed Mediterranean country. From Athens’ bustling streets discover the Acropolis’ rich and enduring history, then travel to the tranquil Saronic Gulf offering a glimpse into Grecian island life.

Visit the Romanesque Palazzo Vecchio in Florence, gaze up at the balcony said to have inspired Shakespeare’s tragic Romeo and Juliet tale in Verona, hop on a bus to medieval Assisi, and walk through the extravagant architecture in Rome.

Rolling green hills dotted with olive trees, grand domed church-dominated skylines, museums filled with striking statues and masterful paintings, peaceful meandering canals, and of course amazing food: discover the history, architecture, and cuisine of Italy.

Stand in awe at the Vatican and Sistine Chapel. Imagine watching gladiators inside the Colosseum. Marvel at the magnitude of Diocletian’s Palace. And sink your toes into the sand on the tranquil beaches of the Adriatic Sea.

Haggle with merchants in the crowded Florence leather markets, travel to the sparkling resort town of Sorrento perched on rocky cliffs, boat over to the glowing Blue Grotto underwater cave, and explore the temple ruins at Delphi and Olympic ruins in Athens.

See glass-blowing in Venice and learn the secrets of this coveted trade, discover Renaissance art in Florence and imperial history in Rome, explore the resort town of Tolo, visit Epidaurus’s 14th century BC amphitheater and tour the ancient site of Mycenae.

Wander through idyllic villages and medieval towers along Lake Garda, Italy’s largest lake. Re-enact the famous Romeo and Juliet balcony scene during your visit to Verona. Experience an architectural evolution at Villa Valmarana ai Nani, one of Vicenza’s urban villas. And, find intrigue behind the geometrics of La Rotonda, a square structure crowned with a dome.

Discover the architectural jewel of the Renaissance, the Duomo, in Tuscany’s capital city of Florence and visit Accademia, the first art school in Europe. Walk in the footsteps of ancient gladiators as you explore the Roman colosseum, Forum, and Appian Way.

Explore the imperial streets of Rome and descend the famous Spanish Steps to throw a coin in the early Baroque fountain, visit the ruined city of Pompeii where time stands still, and climb the Acropolis where the ancient Parthenon overlooks modern Athens.

Experience the imperial history of the Roman Parthenon, glimpse into ancient life in ruined Pompeii and visit the birthplace of the pizza. Then sail to the island of Sicily to discover the sprawling ruins in Agrigento and the ancient coastal town of Taormina.

Immerse yourself in the imperial, papal, and architectural aspects of Roman life. Explore The Forum, where an ancient government ruled, see St. Peter’s Basilica and the Swiss Guards in Vatican City, and visit the ancient Colosseum.

Visit three of Italy’s most famous cities. Walk in the footsteps of heroic gladiators in Rome, marvel at the architectural masterpieces in Florence, and wander through the Piazza San Marco before taking a gondola ride down tranquil canals in Venice.

Wander around the Piazza Navona in Rome to see the Fountain of Four Rivers, visit Sicily’s Cathedral of Monreale with its golden mosaic-covered walls and ceilings, and see the blending of ancient ruins and modern architecture in sprawling Athens.

Pack in enormous Roman history, Venetian romance and medieval sights of Tuscany’s hill towns. Stand in awe of the Colosseum and under Michelangelo’s masterpiece inside Vatican City. Then, be whisked away to the canals of Venice, birthplace of Vivaldi, and the Renaissance art of Florence. Andiamo-ci!

Stroll through Madrid’s bustling city square, visit Spain’s most popular vacation spot, set sail for imperial Rome, boat to the stunning island of Capri, and get a taste of Ancient Greece with a stop at the archaeological site at Mycenae.

Take a walking tour of Turkey’s capital, Istanbul, through bazaars brimming with spices and silks, towards Istanbul’s grandest cultural sights. From the Topkapi Palace to the Sultan Ahmet Mosque (which visitors nicknamed, the Blue Mosque, because of its beautiful blue Iznik tiles). From there, travel outside the capital to Turkey’s ancient cities of Canakkale, Kusadasi, Pamukkale and Bursa. Stop at the Troy Archaeological site and the Aphrodisias site, which has been sacred since as early as 5,800 B.C. when farmers would come by to worship the goddess Aphrodite.