The Ancient Mediterranean
Our A+ Tour collection features exclusive educational programming and immersive experiences that you can only get through EF–they are rated exceptionally high by educators who travel with us.
Embark on an epic journey through the cradle of Western civilization, where weathered columns and foundations of stone stand defiant against the ravages of time, carrying the echoes of the ancient world. Begin in Rome, where the Roman Forum and countless more iconic sites stand testament to the grandeur of an empire that once spanned continents. Set sail for the enchanting island of Capri, where mighty limestone and sandstone cliffs rise high above the sea, and the fresh scent of lemon groves is carried in the salty breeze. Finally, Athens awaits, crowned by The Acropolis, an ancient citadel comprised of temples, theatres, and other structures, which has stood for 2,500 years. Follow in the footsteps of renowned philosophers, legendary statesmen, and common folk living as best they could as you traverse the warm, paradisiacal landscapes of Italy and Greece, where every cobblestone bears the mark of antiquity.
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Day 1: Fly overnight to Italy
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Day 2: Rome
Meet your Tour Director at your destination -
Day 3: Rome
Take a tour of Vatican City
With your expert local guide you will visit:
- Sistine Chapel
- St. Peter’s Basilica
Add this in-depth excursion:
Roman Catacombs
Explore the mysterious world buried beneath Rome since the 2nd century. Christian burial grounds and priceless relics abound, and the art that lines the walls is world-class. Afterward, journey down the ancient Appian Way to the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls. Note: Sturdy walking shoes are recommended. This optional is not recommended for those who are claustrophobic.
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Day 4: Rome
Take a guided tour of Rome
With your expert local guide you will visit:
- Roman Forum
- Colosseum
Take a self-guided walking tour of Rome
You will see:
- Trevi Fountain
- Pantheon
- Piazza Navona
- Spanish Steps
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Day 5: Rome • Capri • Sorrento region
Travel to the Sorrento region via Capri
Travel by ferry to Capri
Enjoy a boat cruise
Tour Capri with an expert local guide
Snap a photo of seaside Sorrento
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Day 6: Sorrento region • Pompeii • Bari• Night ferry
Travel to Brindisi via Pompeii
Tour the ruins of Pompeii with an expert local guide
Take an overnight ferry to Greece
(Note: Night ferries have limited space, so it’s possible you will take a flight instead.)
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Day 7: Night ferry • Patras • Delphi
Travel to Delphi
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Day 8: Delphi • Athens
Visit the Delphi MuseumTake a guided tour of Delphi
With your expert local guide you will see:
- Temple of Apollo
- Delphi Archaeological Museum
Travel to Athens
Add this in-depth excursion:
Greek Evening
Friends, feta, and fresh Mediterranean flavours—opa! Stuff yourself like an olive during a traditional Greek dinner. Then, link arms for a night of music, dancing, and smashing plates. This time-honoured tradition brings Greece’s theatrical culture to life in all the best ways.
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Day 9: Athens
Take a guided tour of Athens
With your expert local guide you will see:
- Olympic Stadium
- Syntagma Square
- Acropolis
Visit the Acropolis:
- Parthenon
- Temple of Athena Nike
Visit the Acropolis Museum, home to ancient ruins and prehistoric artefacts
Take a walking tour of Athens
With your Tour Director you will see:
- Plaka district
- Athenian Trilogy
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Day 10: Depart for home
Add 4 more days
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Day 10: Athens • Crete
Fly to Heraklion, the capital of Crete
Walking Tour of Heraklion
Take a guided tour of Heraklion
With your expert local guide you will visit:
- Knossos Palace
- Archaeological Museum
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Day 11: Heraklion
Add this in-depth excursion:
Spinalonga Boat Activity (Available April 1- October 31)
Take a scenic boat cruise from Heraklion to Spinalonga Island, where you'll spend the day soaking up sunshine and history. Admire Venetian-influenced architecture during a guided tour of the village, and visit the enchanting island's archaeological site. Enjoy free time to explore the island, have lunch, and relax on the beach.
Explore Heraklion in small, supervised groups
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Day 12: Heraklion • Rethymno • Chania
Travel to Chania, Crete's second largest city
Take a walking tour of the old port city of Rethymno
See a demonstration on the making of phyllo dough, used in many famous Greek pastries
Take in the sights on a walking tour of Chania
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Day 13: Chania • Athens
Enjoy a visit to the local market
Exploration time in Chania
Fly to Athens
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Day 14: Depart for home
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Day 1: Fly overnight to Italy
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Day 2: Rome
Meet your Tour Director at your destination -
Day 3: Rome
Take a tour of Vatican City
With your expert local guide you will visit:
- Sistine Chapel
- St. Peter’s Basilica
Add this in-depth excursion:
Roman Catacombs
Explore the mysterious world buried beneath Rome since the 2nd century. Christian burial grounds and priceless relics abound, and the art that lines the walls is world-class. Afterward, journey down the ancient Appian Way to the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls. Note: Sturdy walking shoes are recommended. This optional is not recommended for those who are claustrophobic.
-
Day 4: Rome
Take a guided tour of Rome
With your expert local guide you will visit:
- Roman Forum
- Colosseum
Take a self-guided walking tour of Rome
You will see:
- Trevi Fountain
- Pantheon
- Piazza Navona
- Spanish Steps
-
Day 5: Rome • Capri • Sorrento region
Travel to the Sorrento region via Capri
Travel by ferry to Capri
Enjoy a boat cruise
Tour Capri with an expert local guide
Snap a photo of seaside Sorrento
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Day 6: Sorrento region • Pompeii • Bari• Night ferry
Travel to Brindisi via Pompeii
Tour the ruins of Pompeii with an expert local guide
Take an overnight ferry to Greece
(Note: Night ferries have limited space, so it’s possible you will take a flight instead.)
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Day 7: Night ferry • Patras • Delphi
Travel to Delphi
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Day 8: Delphi • Athens
Visit the Delphi MuseumTake a guided tour of Delphi
With your expert local guide you will see:
- Temple of Apollo
- Delphi Archaeological Museum
Travel to Athens
Add this in-depth excursion:
Greek Evening
Friends, feta, and fresh Mediterranean flavours—opa! Stuff yourself like an olive during a traditional Greek dinner. Then, link arms for a night of music, dancing, and smashing plates. This time-honoured tradition brings Greece’s theatrical culture to life in all the best ways.
-
Day 9: Athens
Take a guided tour of Athens
With your expert local guide you will see:
- Olympic Stadium
- Syntagma Square
- Acropolis
Visit the Acropolis:
- Parthenon
- Temple of Athena Nike
Visit the Acropolis Museum, home to ancient ruins and prehistoric artefacts
Take a walking tour of Athens
With your Tour Director you will see:
- Plaka district
- Athenian Trilogy
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Day 10: Depart for home
Add 4 more days
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Day 10: Athens • Crete
Fly to Heraklion, the capital of Crete
Walking Tour of Heraklion
Take a guided tour of Heraklion
With your expert local guide you will visit:
- Knossos Palace
- Archaeological Museum
-
Day 11: Heraklion
Add this in-depth excursion:
Spinalonga Boat Activity (Available April 1- October 31)
Take a scenic boat cruise from Heraklion to Spinalonga Island, where you'll spend the day soaking up sunshine and history. Admire Venetian-influenced architecture during a guided tour of the village, and visit the enchanting island's archaeological site. Enjoy free time to explore the island, have lunch, and relax on the beach.
Explore Heraklion in small, supervised groups
-
Day 12: Heraklion • Rethymno • Chania
Travel to Chania, Crete's second largest city
Take a walking tour of the old port city of Rethymno
See a demonstration on the making of phyllo dough, used in many famous Greek pastries
Take in the sights on a walking tour of Chania
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Day 13: Chania • Athens
Enjoy a visit to the local market
Exploration time in Chania
Fly to Athens
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Day 14: Depart for home
Reviews
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Everything you get
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Airfare & transportation
Your flights—covered. Buses, trains, cruise ships, ferries and subways—covered. We take care of getting you around so you can enjoy the ride.
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Hotels
Safe, comfortable hotels with private bathrooms will be waiting for you at your destination.
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Meals
Traditional breakfasts and dinners bring local flavours to life as part of your tour experience. Lunches are left for you to discover new favourite dishes of your own.
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Entrances
Sistine Chapel; St. Peter’s Basilica; Colosseum; Roman Forum; Capri boat cruise; Pompeii Roman Ruins; Delphi site; Delphi museum; Acropolis; Acropolis Museum
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Full-time Tour Director
Your dedicated Tour Director is with your group 24/7, providing deep local insight while handling all on-tour logistics.
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Expert Local Guides
Your expert local guides add cultural insight and global perspective on your sightseeing tours.
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Continuous Support
Your dedicated EF team helps you every step of the way—from recruiting and enrolling travellers to planning and managing your tour.
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24-hour Emergency Service
Travellers and their families can count on EF’s dedicated emergency service team.
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Worldwide Presence
EF has over 500 schools and offices in more than 50 countries worldwide so wherever you go, we’re there too.
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Peace of Mind Program
Feel secure knowing your group can change their destination or travel dates due to unforeseen circumstances.
Pricing that makes travel possible
Payment options
We believe every student should have the opportunity to travel, which is why we let our travellers choose how they want to manage their payments. Enrol in our Automatic Payment Plan with just $199 to start, make fixed and low monthly payments through Uplift, receive invoices and make your payments in less frequent instalments, or pay up front in full.
Program price valid for today. Program price is based on EF’s free place ratio of 8:1 and includes all airline/travel provider surcharges, departure taxes and airport fees. Please call 1-800-387-1460 for more information.
