If you want to get to the heart of civilizations, you must visit Italy and Greece. And if you want to explore them in the most intimate way, join a Hermes small group on our latest adventure! You'll unearth the secrets of the Roman Empire from Rome to Pompeii, even peering into one of the world's spiritual centers, Vatican City. Then ferry across the Adriatic to behold the breathtaking relics of Greece, from Olympia to Delphi to Athens. Reserve soon – space is sure to fill up quickly!

Highlights

• Rome City Tour, including the Colosseum, Palatine Hill, and the Forum
• Vatican City Tour, including St. Peter's Basilica and the Sistine Chapel
• Italian Countryside, including Montecassino Abbey and Pompeii
• Capri Tour, including the main square, Blue Grotto and Faraglioni Rocks
• Accommodations for 8 nights in 3/4-star, centrally located hotels and 1 night in an outside cabin on a ferry to Greece
• Olympia Tour, including Olympic ruins and the Olympia Museum
• Delphi Tour, including the Temple of Apollo and Delphi Museum
• Thebes Tour
• Athens Tour, including Acropolis, Agora Museum, Kerameikos Museum, and Panathenaic Stadium
• Daily breakfast and 4 dinners
• Plenty of free time to explore Athens at your own pace
• Services of a Hermes Tours escort
• Services of an expert, local guide in all cities
• $100 per person savings if you reserve 5 months before departure!

Itinerary

Day 1 - Saturday, June 4, 2011
Arrival to Rome
Arrival to Rome. Relax this afternoon, or seek out an espresso. You'll experience for yourself the ancient city's exciting pace, sputtering scooters, and beautiful Romans. At tonight's Hermes welcome dinner, meet your fellow travelers.
Overnight: Milton Hotel, Rome 4*.
Meal: D

Day 2 - Sunday, June 5, 2011
Tour of Rome
Discover the Eternal City with your small group. First, you'll visit the world's smallest state, the Vatican. No matter what your religious beliefs, it is breathtaking. We tour St. Peter's Basilica and the Sistine Chapel, where Michelangelo's Creation of Adam soars above. Then, marvel at the iconic Colosseum, which has recently opened new chambers and rooms to the public; the Forum, once the hub of ancient Rome; and so much more.
Overnight: Milton Hotel, Rome 4*
Meal: B

Day 3 - Monday, June 6, 2011
Rome - Pompeii - Naples
Today you'll drive into the magical Lazio region toward Naples. En route, you'll admire the restored Montecassino Abbey. Dramatically perched on a hillside, this fortified building played a pivotal role in a World War II battle. Then continue to Pompeii, frozen in time by the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius in 79 A.D. We witness strikingly preserved patrician homes, public baths, and commercial districts. Conclude today in Naples, with free time to explore and have dinner on your own.
Overnight: Una Napoli Hotel, Naples 4*.
Meal: B

Day 4 - Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Naples-Sorrento-Capri-Naples
Journey today to the Amalfi Coast, where you'll board a jet-foil to the lovely, jet-setting Isle of Capri. Here, you'll visit the bustling main square, eerily beautiful Blue Grotto and colossal Faraglioni Rocks. Dinner tonight is at a hillside restaurant overlooking Naples.
Overnight: Una Napoli Hotel, Naples 4*
Meal: B, D

Day 5 - Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Naples-Brindisi - Overnight ferry to Greece
Today we'll traverse dreamy Italian countryside to the port city of Brindisi, stopping in Salerno and Potenza along the way. After a scenic day, you'll embark an overnight ferry bound for Patras, Greece. Tonight, enjoy the comfort of an outside cabin.
Overnight: Overnight Ferry
Meal: B

Day 6 - Thursday, June 9, 2011
Patras - Olympia
Disembark your ferry and head to Olympia today, home to the incredibly preserved Olympic ruins and the fascinating Olympia Museum. Tonight we dine with Greek gods during a special meal of Greek specialties at our Olympia hotel.
Overnight: Neda Hotel, Olympia 3*
Meal: B, D

Day 7 - Friday, June 10, 2011
Olympia - Delphi
You might get a glimpse your future today when you visit Delphi, home to the fabled oracle. Ancient pilgrims journeyed here on foot from miles away to hear its wisdom. You'll also marvel at the Temple of Apollo and the relics of the Delphi Museum. Dinner tonight is on your own.
Overnight: Apollonia Hotel, Delphi 4*
Meal: B

Day 8 - Saturday, June 11, 2011
Delphi - Athens
Begin today with a visit to Thebes, where the stories of Oedipus and Dionysus unfolded. Continue to Athens, where you'll tour its breathtaking monuments to civilization: the Acropolis, Parthenon, Agora, Temple of Zeus, Hadrian's Arch, and much more. Dinner is on your own.
Overnight: Athenian Callirhoe Hotel, Athens 4*.
Meal: B

Day 9 - Sunday, June 12, 2011
Athens
Explore Athens on your own today, perhaps browsing the vibrant Plaka district where cafes offer the perfect perch for people-watching, and the perfect shops for souvenir hunting. Say goodbye to your travel mates during our special Hermes Farewell Dinner tonight.
Overnight: Athenian Callirhoe Hotel, Athens 4*.
Meal: B, D

Day 10 - Monday, June 13, 2011
Athens / Home
Fly home today, oe extend your stay in Greece.
Meal: B

Tour Hotels

Rome:
Milton Hotel
The hotel Milton Roma enjoys a central position in Rome, few metres from the magnificent Basilica of San Giovanni in Laterano, among 19th century buildings, and ancients churches.

The area is full of shops, bars, theatres and restaurants. The nearby Manzoni underground stop will allow you to reach in few minutes the finest monuments of Rome, such as the Colosseum, the Roman archaelogical site of Fori Imperiali, Colle Oppio, Piazza Venezia and the Spanish Steps.

The property is housed in a former convent, which has been completly refurbished, offering a comfortable and elegant atmosphere. A bar and parking facilities are at guests' disposal.

The Milton hotel has 93 rooms offering single, double, twin and triple accommodation. All rooms are soundproof and have a private bathroom with hairdryer. They are furthermore equipped with air conditioning, safe, mini bar, satellite TV, direct dial telephone, heating and Wi-Fi Internet connection.

Naples:
Una Napoli Hotel
The Una Hotel Napoli is housed in a 6-storey historical building situated in a central position in Naples, opposite the train station, and accurately restored to its 19th century grandeur.

The interiors of this charming 4-star hotel, recalling local traditions and decors, with rough stones, Pompeian red, Pulcinella shapes and an impressive architectural design, give life to 89 well-appointed rooms, bar and restaurant on the panoramic roof garden.

A 24-hour reception, laundry service, Wi-Fi Internet connection throughout and an Internet Point complete the services of the charming and welcoming Una Hotel Napoli.

The Una Hotel Napoli offers spacious and uniquely decorated bedrooms, each featuring a private bathroom with hairdryer. All rooms have balcony with view.

All accommodations are soundproof and equipped with direct dial telephone, heating, individually controlled air conditioning, Wi-Fi Internet connection, satellite TV, mini bar, electronic safe, radio and desk.

Olympia:
Neda Hotel
Situated in the center of the modern town of Ancient Olympia, housed in a modern building with four floors, the 3-star hotel Neda is an ideal solution for those who wish to enjoy a peaceful and entertaining stay in the Greek town.

Built by the famous Athenian architect Antonios Kisikis and recently renovated, the hotel welcomes its guests thanks to its warm atmosphere.

The hotel Neda offers a 24-hour reception, a bar in the garden, a restaurantant and a spacious lobby with an Internet Point.

In the first, second and third floors, the hotel Neda features 43 comfortable, well-ventilated and sunny rooms. Each one has its own balcony with an unrivalled view of the forest or the town of Olympia.

In-room amenities include individually controlled air conditioning, heating, Satellite TV, direct dial phone and a hairdryer.

Delphi:
Apollonia Hotel
Apollonia is first class hotel, located city center and it's close to Archeological site and Village. Apollonia Hotel is just 1 km away from Delphi museum Exhibition Center. It's also easy access to Delphi Bus station and Levadia train station. Apollonia Hotel was established in 2004.

Some of the features you'll enjoy are Air Conditioning, Hair Dryer, Internet Access, In Room Safe, Television, Mini Bar. Featuring Bar/Pub, Restaurant, Business Center, this Delphi hotel is sure to make each guest's trip an enjoyable one. This charming property has long been a favorite in Delphi for both business and leisure travelers.

Athens:
Athenian Callirhoe Hotel
In Athens's Syggrou neighborhood, this hotel is close to New Acropolis Museum, Acropolis, and Parthenon. Also nearby are Hadrian's Arch and Temple of Olympian Zeus.

Athenian Callirhoe Hotel has a health club, a sauna, and a fitness facility. Business amenities at this 4-star property include a business center, meeting rooms for small groups, and limo/town car service. This Athens property has a restaurant, a bar/lounge, and a coffee shop/café. For a surcharge, guests have access to an airport shuttle. Event facilities consist of a ballroom, conference rooms, and banquet facilities. The staff can arrange concierge services, business services, secretarial services, and currency exchange. Additional amenities include multilingual staff, laundry facilities, and complimentary newspapers in the lobby.

Balconies are featured in Athenian Callirhoe Hotel guestrooms. Televisions are equipped with satellite channels, video-game consoles, and pay movies. Guestrooms provide in-room safes and direct-dial phones with voice mail. Guestrooms feature coffee/tea makers. Bathrooms offer shower/tub combinations with handheld showerheads, phones, scales, and bathrobes. Additional amenities include climate control, minibars, and air conditioning. In addition, housekeeping is offered and amenities available on request include hypo-allergenic bedding.