Introduction

Greece and Italy are uniquely blessed with natural beauty, epichistory, healthy Mediterranean cuisine and a captivating romantic atmosphere. MyOdyssey magically combines all these elements and offers to Chinese travelers a spectacular voyage; savoring the delicious tastes of the local cuisine based on the world’s most renowned olive oil, while discovering the epic history and unique culture of Greece and Italy. From the Colosseum, the Arc of Titus and the glorious Palatine Hill in Rome to the famous Santorini caldera and the whitewashed churches hanging on the cliff, from Piazza Santa Maria Novella, Porcellino market and Ponte Vecchio in Florence to the spectacular architecture of Hydra and the impressive naval culture of Spetses, from San Marco square, Rialto bridge, the Doge’s palace and the romantic canals of Venice to the Athens Acropolis, a landmark of the western civilization, and its stunning museum; an unforgettable journey that creates new but unexpectedly familiar sensations; it is a trip that My Odyssey promises to make a life time experience.

Day 1

Upon arrival at Rome airport, Welcome at the “Eternal” city! Transfer to Cavalieri Waldorf Astoria Hotel by private luxury van;take your time to settle in; for theafternoon, we propose a walking tour “alla Dolce Vita” and go for shopping in the roman famous streets. Enjoy a unique walk following the scenes of Federico Fellini’s famous movie, from Via Veneto, the renowned Cafè de Paris, the Fontana di Trevi and Via dei Condotti, one of the best known streets in Rome and heart of theexclusive boutiques and shops.

Suggestion: “La Dolce Vita” tour by Vespa classic Italian scooters

For dinner you may select an elegant Italian restaurant,there is no better way to start appreciating this rich cuisine. If you are in the mood, you may have a Rome by night tour.

Day 2

Morning walking tour to discover “Ancient Rome” Enjoy a unique journey dating back 3,100 years! Start from the Colosseum, the Arc of Titus, visit the Roman Forum, the Via Sacra, the Capitoline Hill and the Tarpeian Rock as well as the glorious Palatine Hill.
Lunch in a traditional trattoria located in a famous Italian Pizza.
Afternoon visit of the Vatican City –Visit the magnificent Vatican City, the Basilica of St. Peter, the Castel Sant'Angelo, the Vatican Museums and the famous Sistine Chapel and admire the amazing frescoes of the Raphael Rooms. Suggestion: At your pace, afternoon tour of the most famous squares and fountains in Rome, from Piazza Navona to Bernini’s Barcaccia fountain.
Dinner in the hotel’s Michelin-starred restaurant La Pergola, on the roof garden of the hotel.

Day 3

Departure from Rome to Florence (or Firenze in Italian) by private luxury van. Check in at Hotel Montebello Splendid; light lunch at the hotel’s restaurant – Afternoon acquaintance with the city and walking tour of Florence’s highlights – Florence is one of the most beautiful, art and historical cities of Europe. Admire the remarkablearchitecture and stroll through history accompanied by a Chinese speaking guide from Piazza Santa Maria Novella, Porcellino market and Ponte Vecchio to the famous Uffizi art gallery and the nearby Piazza della Signoria, in a tour full of art, colors and culture!

Suggestion: “Hand Made” Tour In Florence, a unique walk in the area of Oltrarno, exploring the private workshops, having a “behind the scenes” glimpse of the current artisan production of the city.

Dinner in a downtown Italian restaurant of your choice.

Day 4

Discover the genuine Tuscan food! Visit the famous Mercato Centrale, Florence's bustling historic market. Admire the freshness and colors of mediterranean herbs and vegetables; try the famous Florentine salamis, the Pecorino cheese from Pienza or a piece of bread, freshly baked in a wood-fired oven!

Suggestion: A full day to discover three of the most famous symbols of Italy: Ferrari, balsamic vinegar and parmigia no. Thrill to the roar of a Ferrari engine, visit a renowned balsamic vinegar producer close to Maranello, try cheese-tasting at the source, where the world famousParmigiano-Reggiano is produced and accompany it with typical regional dishes, that only the italians know how to offer.

Day 5

Departure from Florence by private van and arrival in Venice at the Luna Hotel Baglioni. Light lunch and afternoon boat tour in the Venetian Lagoon and its picturesque canals; for dinner we suggest the hotel’s elegant Canova restaurant. Welcome to the most charming city of Italy! Explore its superb atmosphere in a comfortable boat sliding through the historical canals and the unique landscape of the lagoon as far as Murano Island, with its typical lighthouse; admire the beautiful palaces and the Cathedral of San Donato.

Day 6

Morning classic walking tour of Venice from San Marco square to the Rialto bridge. . Discover Venice’s rich history through a memorable tour including the beautiful Doge’s palace, the San Marco Basilica, the Clock Tower, the Bell Tower, then follow the hidden alleys and pass through typical venetian campos and squares; Take an afternoon excursion by boat to the famous Venetian islands of Murano, Burano and Torcello; arrive in Murano Island, world famous for its blown glass, its glass museum and the old church of San Donato; disembark at the picturesque Burano, with its small brighty coloured houses and search for its typical “bussolà” biscuits. Last, sail to Torcello, the jewel of the lagoon with its magnificent Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta.

For lunch try the traditional “Trattoria alla Madonna” in Rialto. our suggestion for this evening is the elegant restaurant ‘Osteria di Santa Marina’, famous for its creative Venetian menus.

Day 7

Direct regular flight from Venice to Santorini. Transfer to your luxury hotel on the caldera and check in. Relax and enjoy the ambience and the great panoramas.
We suggest sunset dinner at a recommended restaurant with great caldera views.

Visit the most spectacular caldera of the world! Welcome to Santorini, an island with astonishing landscapes, unique cuisine and a thousand-years old civilization! Enjoy your stay in an exquisite
hotel, taste the famous local wines, try the tasty small tomatoes that grow without water as well as the local fava beans with pure olive oil and find out why Santorini is the number one Greek destination in the world!

Day 8

Santorini exploration: a morning discovery of Akrotiri Archaeological site. Lunch in a traditional Greek near-by tavern at Akrotiri coast. Afternoon visit of Fira capital town by private car. Walking tour of the city and dinner at a unique restaurant, serving highly recommended dishes.

This is a time machine experience! Visit an amazingly well preserved prehistoric settlement and see houses and stores built over 2500 years ago; you will have a glimpse of the everyday life before the eruption of the volcano and will get to know the rich island’s civilization and history as well as the remarkable findings at the archeological museum.

• Suggestion : An afternoon bird’s eye view helicopter flight over the island

Day 9

A morning visit Sigalas winery for wine tasting; drive to Ammoudi for lunch at a recommended tavern in the small fisherman’s village, famous for fresh seafood; in the afternoon arrive in Oia and stroll through the narrow streets and shops of the village; watch the most photographed sunset in the world!

Discover the spectacular Oia village, the colorful houses and the art galleries, enjoy magnificent views, unforgettable sunsets and superb seafood at the fisherman's village’s picturesque port. Visit Sigalas’ winery, it s vine surrounded lovely yard and learn why Santorini is the origin of some of the best wines in the Mediterranean; winery here has a history of 3000 years!

• OPTION : Scuba diving in the caldera, in the spectacular underwater
• OPTION : Canoe kayak at the southern volcanic coasts of the island
• OPTION : Donkey tour in Santorini. Explrore the island the same way the locals do for centuries!

Day 10

After breakfast transfer to Santorini airport by private car. Fly back to Athens by regular flight- Transfer to Piraeus harbor – Journey to Spetses island by regular speedboat - Arrival in Spetses. Check in at Poseidonion Hotel. Enjoy the evening atmosphere of the quiet island. Walk through the streets of Spetses town, the charming neighborhoods and the museums; You may take lunch at the old port‘ s recommended elegant restaurant.
Take an afternoon tour of the city and the nearby beaches on a traditional horse buggy.
There are many dinner possibilities for you and our concierge may assist you according to your appetite, We suggest a modern seafood tavern with terrace overlooking the sea, in Kounoupitsa area, close to the harbor.

Explore Spetses and discover an elegant town with superb views and old ship-owners’ mansions, a historic shipbuilding area by the old harbor, feel the romantic atmosphere and the gardens full of flowers. Discover the island’s magnificent landscape on a traditional horse buggy, a nostalgic memory of old times!

Day 11

After breakfast saill to Hydra island by regular speed boat. Arrival in Hydra. Take a walk in the beautiful port town of Hydra; try an elegant fish restaurant overlooking the beautiful island town; Later maybe try some donkey riding! In the afternoon journey back to Spetses by regular boat. Arrival in Spetses and relax.

Discover Hydra, the unique city abundant with neoclassical manors, exceptional architecture and narrow cobblestone streets where no vehicles are allowed! Visit Koundouriotis Mansion and the Museum; enjoy lunch overlooking this beautiful port of old ship owners and seafarers

• Suggestion :  Take a bicycle tour of Spetses island. You will notice that vehicles are restricted throughout the island! Or if you feel like exploring around the island, you may sail with your yacht, which will be at your disposal on the dock in front of your hotel.

Day 12

Early morning sail from Spetses to Piraeus harbor - Transfer to Grande Bretagne Hotel in the heart of the city. In the afternoon enjoy a private sightseeing tour of Athens city center, the Acropolis and its moderm museum – For dinner, we would suggest G.B. Roof Garden restaurant, with spectacular views of the illuminated city.

Welcome to Athens! If western civilization had a birth certificate, Athens would definitely be its birthplace. Ancient, yet vibrant, luminous and spontaneous, full of legends, myths, yet a modern
metropolis. Athens is seductive, a visitor's heaven surrounded by beaches and beautiful islands. Visit the ancient city of Athens and its unique monuments, from the world known Acropolis to the Panathinaiko marble stadium, where the first Olympic games of modern times took place in 1896.

Day 13

Departure from Athens Hotel to the airport - Flight back home