12 Nights/ 13 Days
Athens, Venice, Verona, Lake Como
Why settle for ordinary when you can cruise in style with a private tour? At Travelive, we’re all about crafting adventures tailored to you even during a cruise! Picture yourself diving into each destination like a local, uncovering historic gems and secret spots along the way. With our private tours, you’re not just sightseeing, you’re living the dream, making every shore excursion a memory to treasure forever!
- 3 Nights Luxury Accommodation in Athens
- 1 Night Luxury Accommodation in Venice
- 4 Nights Luxury Accommodation in Verona
- 4 Nights Luxury Accommodation in Lake Como
- Athens walking discovery tour
- Sunset tour of Cape Sounio and Athens Riviera
- Single-day cruise – Boat tour to Murano and San Francesco del Deserto Islands
- Verona walking tour with Arena visit
- Tour to Villa Avreadi and olive oil tasting
- Day trip to Lake Garda
- Walking tour of Como
- Single-day cruise – Boat tour of Lake Como
- Tour to Lugano
- Transfers
- Breakfast Daily
Itinerary
Day 1 -Welcome to Athens
Welcome to Athens, the cradle of Western civilization. Athens is a vibrant city that’s at once ancient and modern, classic, and constantly evolving. From its rich historical heritage along with the landmark Acropolis to hip and trendy bars to high-end boutiques and multicultural cuisine, Athens has it all. You will be picked up from Athens International Airport by your private driver and transferred to your luxury hotel. Enjoy your afternoon and evening exploring the historic neighborhood of Plaka or enjoying a leisurely stroll along Dionysiou Aeropagitou, a pedestrianized street that is the longest walkway in Athens and is akin to walking along a living open-air museum. Ask your Travelive expert for recommendations of their favorite restaurants, cafes, and entertainment.
Day 2- Athens walking discovery tour
Begin your journey at the renowned Acropolis Museum, showcasing almost 4,000 artifacts that offer a vivid glimpse into Ancient Greece’s daily life. Enjoy a breathtaking Acropolis view from the museum’s terrace. Ascend to the Acropolis hill via the iconic gates of Propylaea, a classical antiquity symbol. Uncover the Parthenon’s magnificence and its influence on contemporary history. Conclude with a leisurely walk through Plaka’s historic streets and a visit to Syntagma Square’s Parliament Building, appreciating Athens’ rich history and architectural wonders.
Day 3 – Sunset tour of Cape Sounio and Athens Riviera
Experience the breathtaking allure of Athens’ magnificent coastline and an exquisite Greek temple that is nothing short of splendid! This adventure revolves around Athens’ profound connection with the sea, guiding you through the illustrious Athens Riviera. Your journey culminates at the mesmerizing Temple of Poseidon, perched on a cliff with sweeping views of the Aegean Sea. As the day transitions into the evening, relish the dramatic sunset over Cape Sounion, a sight to behold. Explore the wonders of Lake Vouliagmeni, a natural spa with perpetually warm waters, and delve into the architectural marvel of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center. Enjoy beachfront bliss along the city’s favored coastline and encounter an ancient temple that weaves tales of history and grandeur.
Day 4- Athens City to Piraeus Port transfer
Today you will meet your driver and enjoy a relaxing drive to Piraeus port to continue your cruise.
Day 5- Venice
Venice is one of the most romantic destinations, not only in Italy but throughout Europe. Gondola rides down the Grand Canal passing through palaces, waterfront palazzos, and churches define the romantic ambiance the city is known for. Complete your top destination in Italy with a visit to an art gallery or a performance at the Opera.
Day 6 -Boat tour to Murano and San Francesco del Deserto Islands
Discover the picturesque islands in the Venice Lagoon during this exciting tour. Board the Bora cruiser to reach the island of Murano passing by the Arsenale or Cannaregio district. Once you arrive in Murano, you will experience the island’s renowned art of glass blowing. The master craftsmen will show you how to create incredible masterpieces made from glass right in front of your eyes. You will then continue to San Francesco del Deserto island. It is recognizable by a line of cypress trees and is located in the middle of the lagoon between Burano and Sant’Erasmo. Since 1227 it has housed a friary founded by San Francesco d’Assisi on his way back from the Holy Land. It is here that the “Miracle of the Birds” took place. The tour starts from the little church and small cloister and finishes with a stroll in the beautiful garden where you can see Burano, a little island world-famous for pillow laces and colored houses.
Day 7 – Venice to Verona transfer and Walking tour with Arena visit
A relaxing scenic drive will take you to the beautiful city of Verona. In the afternoon you will enjoy a walking tour of the city.
Explore Verona beyond Romeo and Juliet on a guided tour revealing its rich history and architectural marvels. From the ancient Arena, a Roman relic hosting operatic performances, to the grand Scaliger Tombs exemplifying Gothic architecture, each landmark captivates you with its history. Wander through Piazza delle Erbe, where a fountain constructed from Roman ruins stands as a testament to the city’s past. Discover the hidden gem of St. Anastasia’s Basilica, a Gothic masterpiece, before concluding your journey at the Grand Arena, a majestic Roman amphitheater echoing centuries of history.
Day 8 – Tour to Villa Avreadi and Olive oil tasting
Nestled amidst Verona’s picturesque vineyards and olive groves lies Villa Arvedi, a stunning example of Venetian architecture that flourished during the Republic of Venice’s reign in the 14th century. Originally built in the 12th century, the villa underwent extensive renovations in the 17th century, transforming it into the elegant residence you see today, adorned with frescoes and graced by a Baroque church in its courtyard. After exploring the villa, enjoy a tasting of local olive oil at a nearby farm.
Villa Arvedi is situated in the surroundings of Verona, in a splendid area of vineyards and olive trees, and is a fine example of Venetian Villa, that is a kind of building that spread in the area controlled by the Republic of Venice from the 14th century. At the time, noble families from Venice, longing for the countryside that their city lacked, started to settle on the mainland and build villas around which flourishing estates and gorgeous gardens developed. The core of Villa Arvedi dates to the 12th century, but huge refurbishments in the 17th made it the exquisite residence that you will visit today, with interiors bedecked with frescoes and the courtyard featuring a Baroque church. Once the visit to the villa is over, you will reach a nearby farm for a tasting of local olive oil.
Day 9 – Day trip to Lake Garda
The quaint town of Sirmione is situated on a little peninsula, renowned for its thermal waters. The area offers a unique tranquility, and an impressive number of interesting things to see. Not even the famous Maria Callas could resist Sirmione. During the fifties, she frequently visited the town and was enchanted by the beauty and quietness of the place as well as the discretion of its inhabitants and she elected Sirmione as her retreat. Follow your experienced guide for a relaxing stroll along the tiny alleys of the center, and then further on, where shops and bustle give way to residential neighborhoods surrounded by parks and gardens. Your walk will take you to the Grotte di Catullo, the remains of a Roman villa the visit of which will give you a good insight into the history of the area and some gorgeous views of the lake. A boat tour along the shore, the island of Garda, and the evocative Romantic Coast will give you the chance to enjoy some gorgeous views. You can also disembark at Punta San Vigilio and have a little stroll in the park or enjoy an aperitif, before meeting there your driver for a ride back to the hotel.
Day 10 – Verona to Lake Como transfer and Walking tour of Como
After breakfast, you will meet your experienced driver and enjoy a scenic drive to Lake Como. Once you arrive, you will meet your experienced guide for a relaxing tour.
Renowned for the spectacular scenery it offers on its namesake lake, Como is also rich in history and vestiges of the past. Your guide will show you Como’s peculiarity: despite being a small city, it hosts buildings belonging to all historical periods: you will see a medieval portico, Renaissance buildings, Baroque churches, examples of Fascist architecture, and a contemporary sculpture dedicated to Alessandro Volta, the inventor of the electric battery, born in Como in the 18th century. You will have some time to stroll around on your own, before meeting your guide again and reaching Brunate. From this quaint village on the hilltop, you will enjoy an amazing view of the lake and the Alps beyond it.
Day 11 – Boat your of Lake Como
Discover Lake Como the best way possible – on board a private boat accompanied by an English-speaking skipper and a professional guide at your disposal. Enjoy a leisurely cruise along the western side of the lake, known as the “noble wing”, because of the presence of many grand Villas of the Italian nobility, most of which have now been bought by wealthy industrialists or movie stars. Arrive in Bellagio for a one-hour stop and return to Como.
Day 12 – Tour to Lugano
Embarking from picturesque Lake Como, a short drive brings you to Ticino, the Italian Canton. Amidst its charming streets, indulge in Swiss delights—world-famous chocolates and duty-free perfumes await. Explore boutiques showcasing high-end watch brands, offering a chance to acquire a timeless treasure. In Ticino, beauty and luxury intertwine, promising a day of sophisticated indulgence amidst scenic splendor.
Day 13- Departure
As your adventure comes to an end, filled with cherished memories and numerous photographs, it’s time to bid farewell. Your driver will pick you up from your hotel and ensure you reach the airport in time for your flight back home.
