Along Storied Shores: Rome, Athens & Santorini

Rome

An English-speaking assistant will meet you in the arrivals hall and escort you to your awaiting driver. They will accompany during your transfer to the hotel, ensure you are checked in to your hotel walk-through your Welcome Package documents. They will be on hand to answer any questions you have related to your itinerary and your time in Italy.. Meet your private driver and vehicle for an airport transfer.. A Welcome Package will be provided upon arrival and will include any relevant documents or tickets required for your trip.. Discover the beauty of the Eternal City under the twinkle of the street lights at night as you set out with your driving escort, visiting the places that make Rome one of the most fascinating cities in Europe. Bathed in nocturnal charm, reach Piazza del Popolo and the Spanish Steps, throw your coin into the Trevi fountain and enjoy the lively atmosphere of Piazza Navona and of the Pantheon square, where ancient and modern Rome blend in a unique combination. Continue to Piazza Venezia, dominated by the imposing Vittoriano, where the Memorial to the Unknown Soldier pays homage to the memory of all soldiers who remained unidentified. Be amazed by the stunning view of the city from Gianicolo Hill, one of the most frequented parks of the city and a refreshing place to take in the illuminated vistas of the city before returning to your hotel.

Accommodation: Hotel L`Orologio Roma (B) (Superior Room), Rome

Rome

A city that saw the rise and fall of one the greatest empires in the history of humanity, Rome is a treasure trove of art, architecture, and culture. With museums all over the city, it can be challenging to prioritize where you should spend your time at leisure. Within your final trip documents, you’ll receive a supplemental composition which showcases our suggestions for the best museums in Rome, as selected by Memori Tours Destination Experts.. Step into the Golden Age of Rome on a small group tour of the Colosseum and Roman Forum, exploring two of the city’s most powerful symbols with no more than a handful of fellow travelers. Your driver will collect you and your group from your hotels and bring you to the Colosseum, the largest amphitheater ever built. With your guide, uncover the stories of gladiators and spectacles as you walk through this 2,000-year-old marvel, then ascend to the second tier for sweeping views across the arena, once filled with the roar of 80,000 spectators. Continue to the Roman Forum, the bustling heart of Imperial Rome. Surrounded by triumphal arches, temples, and basilicas, your guide will bring the ancient city to life, weaving tales of politics, triumphs, and daily life.. Find Rome’s local rhythm in Prati and Monti, two neighborhoods that offer an insider track into the city’s aperitivo culture. From Il Sorpasso’s cured meats and local wines to rooftop views and bubbles at Terrazza Les Étoiles and inventive Negronis at Freni e Frizioni, each venue brings its own perspective on the early evening ritual. Speak with your Destination Expert to arrange reservations in advance.

Accommodation: Hotel L`Orologio Roma (B) (Superior Room), Rome

Rome

At the heart of Rome stands the Vatican, a world within a world where art, faith, and power converge. Step beyond its walls and uncover centuries of extraordinary history as you explore one of the most iconic sites on earth. Once the official residence of the Popes, the Vatican Museums are home to masterpieces by Raphael, Pinturicchio, Botticelli, and Michelangelo, whose genius transformed these halls into living works of art. Follow your expert guide through carefully curated galleries leading to the Sistine Chapel, where Michelangelo’s breathtaking ceiling and Last Judgement have left visitors awestruck for centuries. Conclude your journey inside St. Peter’s Basilica, the largest church in the world and the cradle of Christianity. Here, marvel at Michelangelo’s delicate Pietà , now safeguarded behind bullet-proof glass, and Bernini’s towering bronze canopy that embodies the power and grandeur of the Renaissance papacy. Kindly note: This tour is not suitable for mobility-impaired visitors. Original passport or government-issued photo ID is required for entry; photocopies and digital images will not be accepted.

Accommodation: Hotel L`Orologio Roma (B) (Superior Room), Rome

Rome

Escape the bustle of Rome on a private journey into the Alban Hills, where medieval castles, volcanic lakes, and papal retreats create the charm of the Castelli Romani. Travel with your private driver through rolling countryside to Frascati, famed for its crisp white wine and sweeping views over the Eternal City. Stroll its picturesque streets before continuing along the Road of Lakes, where glimmers of Nemi and Albano shimmer in the distance. Arrive at Castel Gandolfo, the jewel of the region and the Pope’s summer residence since the 17th century. Perched on the shores of Lake Albano, this elegant town is framed by lush gardens and breathtaking vistas. Walk lakeside, admire the town’s historic streets, or visit the gardens of a papal villa before your return to Rome.. Consider an evening at Osteria de Memmo, a much-loved Roman favorite known for its warm atmosphere, inviting décor, and thoughtfully prepared cuisine. It’s an ideal choice for a relaxed yet memorable dinner in the city, offering classic flavors in a welcoming setting. Speak with your Destination Expert to assist with reservations and timing.

Accommodation: Hotel L`Orologio Roma (B) (Superior Room), Rome

Rome, Athens

Meet your private driver and vehicle for an airport transfer.. Upon arrival to Athens airport, an English-speaking Meet & Greet Assistant will welcome you and escort you to your waiting driver. They will travel with you to your accommodations to ensure a smooth check-in and be on hand to answer any questions you may have about your itinerary or the destination.. A curated Memori Welcome Package is prepared for your arrival in Greece, including a printed copy of your itinerary and any admissions relevant to your journey.. Meet your private guide and driver for a night out on the town in Athens. Begin with a scenic panoramic drive through the city, where the vibrant city awakens nightly for a festive evening. Archaeological monuments are lit up against the night sky, with the illuminated hilltop Acropolis a stunning beacon standing guard over the city below. Continue to the historic Plaka neighborhood and stroll through narrow cobbled lanes, lively with visitors, before settling in at a taverna where you'll be treated to a 3-course dinner with a backdrop of live folk music and dancers creating a fun and lively ambiance. At the end of the evening, return back to your hotel by private vehicle.

Accommodation: Perianth Hotel (B) (Superior Room with Acropolis View), Rome

Athens

Welcome to Athens, a city where ancient history and modern life intertwine in captivating harmony. Meet your English-speaking guide and set out on a private half-day tour that begins with a comfortable transfer to the legendary Acropolis. Along the way, admire the Temple of Olympian Zeus, Hadrian’s Arch, and the Panathenaic Stadium, home of the first modern Olympic Games. Upon arrival, explore the Acropolis and its architectural masterpieces including the Propylaea, Temple of Athena Nike, Erechtheion, and the iconic Parthenon, each revealing stories from Greece’s Golden Age. Continue to the New Acropolis Museum, a stunning contemporary space showcasing remarkable artifacts from antiquity. End your tour with a leisurely walk through the charming Plaka neighborhood, where the soul of Athens shines through its winding streets and lively atmosphere.. Steps from Syntagma Square, Tzitzikas & Mermigas invites you into Greece’s mezedes culture, where small plates encourage sharing and conversation. Seasonal ingredients and regional recipes shape a menu rooted in everyday tradition, served in a setting that reflects contemporary Athenian life. Your Destination Expert can coordinate the reservation around your plans, with payment handled directly at the restaurant.

Accommodation: Perianth Hotel (B) (Superior Room with Acropolis View), Athens

Athens

Savor Athens on foot with your private guide, tracing the city’s culinary heritage through the everyday rituals of the Mediterranean diet. Follow the scent of warm bread, Greek coffee, and market spices into family-run shops and artisan stops for tastes such as cheese pies, honeyed loukoumades, and seasonal bites. The walk culminates at Varvakios Central Market, where stalls of produce, cheeses, herbs, and meats reveal the rhythm of Athenian food life.. Venture beyond Athens’ historic core on an independent exploration that reveals the city through its lived-in neighborhoods, where working-class roots, neoclassical streets, creative energy, and local dining scenes shape daily life. Areas such as Psyrri, Thissio, Gazi, and Ano Petralona offer a more local view of Athens, from historic streets and hillside paths to relaxed tavernas and evening wine spots. Your Destination Expert provides tailored suggestions on where to pause, dine, and linger, and can advise on the best way to move between areas should transportation be helpful.

Accommodation: Perianth Hotel (B) (Superior Room with Acropolis View), Athens

Athens, Santorini

Meet your driver for a private airport transfer.. Board a flight in Athens with direct service to Santorini. Approximate flight duration is 50 minutes.. To ensure a seamless experience, an English-speaking assistant will meet you at the airport outside of baggage claim to help you coordinate meeting up with your private driver and accompany you to your accommodation. The representative will also assist in your hotel check-in.. Set sail across the glittering Aegean as Santorini glows in the warm light of late afternoon. Begin with a private transfer to the port, then board your small-group catamaran and glide along the island’s dramatic coastline. Swim in the crystalline waters off the Red Beach, where volcanic cliffs rise in vivid shades of crimson, and continue to the secluded White Beach, where black sand meets sheer white rock. Back on deck, savor a freshly grilled barbecue dinner complemented by crisp local wine as the sea shimmers beneath you. As the sun dips below Oia’s cliffs, the sky ignites in hues of amber, rose, and violet, casting a dreamlike glow across the caldera. Conclude your voyage as twilight settles over the island, returning to port by private transfer.

Accommodation: Aqua Luxury Suites (B) (Junior Suite), Athens

Santorini

Few places capture the imagination quite like Santorini, where spellbinding beauty and timeless ambiance create an unforgettable setting. Enjoy time at leisure to explore the island’s capital, Fira, a dazzling blend of whitewashed architecture, narrow lanes, and elegant Orthodox cathedrals. Your final trip documents will include a curated guide prepared by Memori Tours Destination Experts, featuring our suggested route and favorite stops for an inspiring self-guided stroll.. Experience Santorini’s countryside as it glows under the golden light of late afternoon. Meet your private guide and driver and journey through the island’s most picturesque villages. Begin in Mesa Gonia, known for its rolling vineyards and beautiful Byzantine churches. Continue to Pyrgos, a hilltop town of stone alleys and sweeping panoramic views that once served as the island’s capital. End your evening in Oia, perched dramatically on the caldera’s cliffs, where whitewashed homes glow against the setting sun. Join the crowd at the Kastro walls to witness one of the world’s most celebrated sunsets before returning to your hotel by private vehicle.

Accommodation: Aqua Luxury Suites (B) (Junior Suite), Santorini

Santorini

Greece is one of the world’s oldest wine producing regions, tracing its wine production origins to the very start of Greek civilization. Santorini’s rocky, volcanic soil is home to a range of grape varietals not commonly found outside of Greece, and the picturesque vineyards lining the Aegean are a treat for both the palate and the eyes. Meet your private tour escort and driver for a half-day exploration of one of the island's prized wineries. Start with a drive through Pyrgos village and the hill of Profitis Ilias, adorned by a monastery dedicated to the Prophet Elijah, located on the highest point of the island. The yard of the monastery offers breathtaking panoramic views of the entire island of Santorini. Continue to the unique setting of a village winery where you'll enjoy a tasting of 3 locally produced wines, gaining a new perspective of the island's distinctive terroir. After, you'll be treated to a delightful light lunch at a local restaurant followed by a private transfer either to Fira, or back to your hotel.. Bursting with heritage, Selene Restaurant is housed in a former monastery in the heart of Fira town. Created with passion, the menu is a novel celebration of authenticity, inspired by the local culinary heritage of Santorini. Its refined, contemporary spin on traditional recipes excites the senses with flavors and aromas that masterfully draw from the past in intriguing new ways. Please speak to your Destination Expert if you would like to make a reservation.

Accommodation: Aqua Luxury Suites (B) (Junior Suite), Santorini

Santorini

Meet your driver for a private airport transfer.