2024 Celebrates Roots Tourism ▾
For those of you with Italian heritage, Philítaly will guide you on an emotional journey tracing your origins. Roots Tourism 2024 is an Italian State Department/Foreign Affairs (Ministero degli Affari Esteri) funded initiative promoting the search for one's roots in Italy. It encourages you and members of your party to explore your Italian cultural origins. Philítaly brings you on a customized travel experience bridging you to the past, exploring life traditions and stories, enjoying authentic food and wine, and retracing the footsteps of your ancestors, through a guided and curated cultural journey. Find the already prepared viaggio that's right for you or create one of your own with Philítaly.
_edited.png){kind=logo}
_edited.png){kind=logo}
DISCOVERING GREECE
Early Spring 2026
Starts in Athens and also visit Athens, Sounion, Epidauros, Nauplion, Nemea and Delphi.
Embarking on a journey through Greece is an odyssey through the annals of human history, an exploration of ancient civilizations, and a celebration of timeless beauty. The journey begins in Athens, the cradle of Western civilization, where the echoes of antiquity resonate amidst the bustling streets and iconic landmarks. Athens captivates with its blend of ancient grandeur and modern vitality. As travelers immerse themselves in the city's rich tapestry of mythology, philosophy, and art, they embark on a quest to unravel the mysteries of the past and discover the enduring legacy of Hellenic culture.
The journey continues along the sun-kissed shores of the Attic Coast, where azure waters meet rugged cliffs adorned with whitewashed villages and ancient ruins. The Attic Coast offers a sanctuary of tranquility amidst the splendor of nature.
Continuing the odyssey, the journey takes travelers to the ancient theater of Epidaurus, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its acoustics and architectural brilliance. Epidaurus invites visitors to step back in time and experience the power of ancient drama amidst a setting of unparalleled beauty. From the grandeur of its limestone tiers to the whispered secrets of its sacred precincts, the theater of Epidaurus stands as a testament to the ingenuity and creativity of the ancient Greeks, inspiring awe and wonder in all who behold its splendor.
9 DAYS / 8 NIGHTS
Early Spring 2026
Price for Full Land Package All Inclusive $ TBD Per Person
Purchase your flight on your own to have more control over possible changes. Choose a flight from the closest airport with non-stop flights to the Italian hub city where the group meets. If you are not close to a city with non-stop service to the hub in Italy, we suggest you take a domestic flight to the US city that offers non-stop service to Italy hub or fly to a European city with layover to the hub city in Italy where the group meets.
Consider travel insurance for peace of mind to protect land, air and trip cancellation as well as medical service and evacuation insurance. Click here to view options for comprehensive insurance, not just for flight cost, like most airlines sell.
Discovering Greece 9 Days 8 Nights
Day 0
Travel overnight from the US
Arrive in Greece
Day 1
Arrival in Athens or Thessaloniki
Morning
-
Arrive Athens (ATH) or Thessaloniki (SKG) airport in Greece. Meet your private driver outside baggage claim.
-
Check in to Herodion Hotel near the Acropolis in Athens ▾
-
Check in to Herodion Hotel near the Acropolis in Athens ▴
-
Take a leisurely walk around the neighborhood of the Acropolis ▴
-
Stroll through and view the National Gardens ▴
Day 2
Exploring the Acropolis and Plaka District
Morning
-
Take a leisurely walk around the neighborhood of the Acropolis ▾
and the Plaka district ▾
Afternoon/Evening
-
Stroll through and view the National Gardens ▾
-
Sleep in Athens
-
Tour of the Acropolis ▾
-
Walk around the ancient Kerameikos cemetery, a beautiful landscape filled with ancient tombs and sculpture ▾
Day 3
Ancient Athens Tour and Acropolis Museum Visit
Athens: Tour the famous sites in the ancient city center of Athens.
Morning
-
Tour of the Acropolis ▴
and the new Acropolis museum ▾
Afternoon/Evening
-
Walk around the ancient Kerameikos cemetery, a beautiful landscape filled with ancient tombs and sculpture ▴
-
Free time in Athens
-
Sleep in Athens
Day 4
National Archaeological Museum and Sounion Sunset
-
Visit to the National Archaeological Museum; then visit a small museum dedicated to Byzantine and Christian Greece Athens National Museum ▾
-
Lunch in Athens
-
Take a short bus ride to Sounion on the Attic Coast before sunset
-
Visit to the small Byzantine and Christian Museum en route to Sounion. ▾
-
Visit to the famous temple of Poseidon on the promontory at Cape Sounion. View at sunset ▾
Athens & Attica
Morning
Afternoon/Evening
-
Sleep in Athens
-
Visit to the National Archaeological Museum; then visit a small museum dedicated to Byzantine and Christian Greece Athens National Museum ▴
-
Visit to the small Byzantine and Christian Museum en route to Sounion. ▴
-
Visit to the famous temple of Poseidon on the promontory at Cape Sounion. View at sunset ▴
Day 5
Epidauros, Corinth Canal, and Nafplion
Visit a monastery, a canal, a stunning ancient theater, and a seaside Venetian town
-
Arrival and free time in Nauplion.
-
Sleep in Nauplion
-
Visit to Epidauros, site of famous Greek theater, cult center of the healing god Asklepios, and museum. ▾
-
Visit to the Corinth Canal en route ▾
-
On the ride from Athens, stop at the Daphne Monastery ▾
Morning
Afternoon/Evening
-
Visit to Epidauros, site of famous Greek theater, cult center of the healing god Asklepios, and museum. ▴
-
On the ride from Athens, stop at the Daphne Monastery ▴
-
Visit to the Corinth Canal en route ▴
Day 6
Mycenae and Nemea Excursion
Mycenae and Nemea
Morning
-
Visit the palace of Agamemnon, and the sanctuary of Zeus at Nemea. Tour Mycenae, the site that gave its name to the Mycenaean (ca. 1600-1000 BC) early Greek civilization, home in literature and art to King Agamemnon. The famous lion gate, grave circles, and chamber tombs. ▾
-
Visit the palace of Agamemnon, and the sanctuary of Zeus at Nemea. Tour Mycenae, the site that gave its name to the Mycenaean (ca. 1600-1000 BC) early Greek civilization, home in literature and art to King Agamemnon. The famous lion gate, grave circles, and chamber tombs. ▴
Afternoon/Evening
-
Explore Nemea: Similar to the Olympics, games were celebrated here every two years in antiquity. The foot races have been revived every four years since 1996, and the temple and stadium reconstructed. A small local museum displays the findings from the archaeological campaigns conducted by archaeologists from the University of California at Berkeley. It is a quiet and uncrowded site. We will visit the site and museum. ▾
-
Explore Nemea: Similar to the Olympics, games were celebrated here every two years in antiquity. The foot races have been revived every four years since 1996, and the temple and stadium reconstructed. A small local museum displays the findings from the archaeological campaigns conducted by archaeologists from the University of California at Berkeley. It is a quiet and uncrowded site. We will visit the site and museum. ▴
-
Visit Nemea which is also famous for its vineyards and native Agiorgitiko grape.
-
Lunch and wine tasting. ▾
-
Visit to the ancient stadium at Nemea.
-
Sleep in Nauplion
Day 7
Odontotos Rack Railway and Kalavryta
Morning
-
Ride by motor coach up to the village on the Odontotos Rack Railway Drive from Nauplion along the scenic Bay of Corinth with a side trip up to the village of Kalavryta on the historic Odontotos cog railway. ▾
-
Ride by motor coach up to the village on the Odontotos Rack Railway Drive from Nauplion along the scenic Bay of Corinth with a side trip up to the village of Kalavryta on the historic Odontotos cog railway. ▴
-
Perched on the Vouraikos Gorge, the town has a monument to the villagers that were massacred by the Nazis in 1943. ▾
-
Perched on the Vouraikos Gorge, the town has a monument to the villagers that were massacred by the Nazis in 1943. ▴
Afternoon/Evening
-
Lunch in Kalavryta. Arrival in the evening at Delphi.
-
Sleep in Delphi
Day 8
Delphi Sanctuary and Pythian Games
Morning
-
Explore the sanctuary of Apollo at Delphi, site of the oracle of Apollo and the ancient Pythian Games (second in prestige only to the Olympic Games). Since tour buses from Athens arrive at Delphi around noon, those who spend the night will be able to tour the site in the morning when it is mostly empty and quiet in its stunning mountain setting.
• Visit to site, theater, stadium, and museum ▾
Afternoon/Evening
-
Lunch in Kalavryta. Arrival in the evening at Delphi.
-
Sleep in Delphi
Day 9
Hosios Loukas Monastery En Route to Athens
-
Visit to Hosios Loukas Monastery en route to Athens. ▾
-
Arrival at Athens late afternoon. Tour bus stops at the Athens airport.
Morning
Afternoon/Evening
Choose another Philìtaly Adventure to explore below
THE SPLENDORS OF CENTRAL AND
NORTHERN ITALY
June 25-July 4, 2024
This is a suggested itinerary for one or more people traveling. It can be modified by the travelers and price modified accordingly.
Starts in Rome and also
visit Ravenna, Ferrara, Bologna, Florence, Assisi and Farfa.
Customized experience for a private group.
Learn more about Playing for Pizza ▾
#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER
Playing for Pizza: A Novel by John Grisham Published in 2012
American National Football League third string quarterback for the Cleveland Browns, Rick Dockery becomes a national laughing-stock after what is considered the worst performance in NFL history. No other NFL team wants him after he is cut by the Browns.
Against all odds he lands a job as the starting quarterback for the Parma, Italy Mighty Panthers. The Parma Panthers are happy to have Rick, wanting an NFL player and not being selective about which former American NFL player they choose.
For Rick, not knowing anything about Parma and not speaking a word of Italian, a series of adventures ensue bringing with it a few surprises.
EXPLORE CENTRAL SOUTH ITALY
September 13-21, 2024
Starts in Rome and also
visit Vico Equense, Amalfi, Ravello, Paestum, Battipaglia, Pompei, Campobasso, Oratino and Agnone.
A group of curious travelers interested in places off the beaten path and not known to tourists, where the culture, food, wine and music are regionally preserved.
EXPLORE CENTRAL SOUTH ITALY
November 7-15, 2024
Starts in Rome and also
visit Vico Equense, Amalfi, Ravello, Paestum, Battipaglia, Pompei, Campobasso, Oratino and Agnone.
A group of curious travelers interested in places off the beaten path and not known to tourists, where the culture, food, wine and music are regionally preserved.
EXPLORE CENTRAL SOUTH ITALY
March 20-28, 2025
Starts in Rome and also
visit Vico Equense, Amalfi, Ravello, Paestum, Battipaglia, Pompei, Campobasso, Oratino and Agnone.
A group of curious travelers interested in places off the beaten path and not known to tourists, where the culture, food, wine and music are regionally preserved.
EXPLORE CENTRAL SOUTH ITALY
May 1-9, 2025
Starts in Rome and also
visit Vico Equense, Amalfi, Ravello, Paestum, Battipaglia, Pompei, Campobasso, Oratino and Agnone.
A group of curious travelers interested in places off the beaten path and not known to tourists, where the culture, food, wine and music are regionally preserved.
