Rome to Istanbul

Itinerary

Day 1 Rome

Humming with fast cars and cute Vespas, Rome is full of astonishing sights and sounds. See Michelangelo's handiwork inside the Sistine Chapel, throw a coin into the Trevi Fountain and get acquainted with locals over an espresso in a piazza-side cafe.

Days 2-3 Naples

Resting in the shadow of Mt Vesuvius, the birthplace of pizza is raucous, unruly and, above all, fun. Visit the street markets in the old centre and stroll the shopping strip with hip locals along Via Roma. Spend a day in nearby Pompeii to experience a city suspended in one ghastly moment or head down the Amalfi coast to the seaside playgrounds of the rich and famous.

Day 4 Bari/Overnight Ferry

Catch a train to Bari, on the heel of the 'boot', and take an overnight ferry to Greece.

Days 5-6 Corfu

Cool off in the sparkling waters and feast on the day's freshest catch by the harbour. Hike to Mt Pantokrator for an outlook over Albania and Italy, or get a bird's eye view of the island paragliding from one of the rocky outcrops.

Days 7-8 Athens

Discover the birthplace of Western democracy and experience a collision between ancient and modern culture. See the iconic Acropolis and the original Olympic Stadium or plan a day trip to the Peloponnese peninsula.

Days 9-10 Santorini

Take a ferry to an island paradise. Hike to the top of the impressive caldera or soak up the sun on the black sand beach. Find a good spot to see the sunset and end the day with an ouzo or two at a local tavern.

Day 11 Athens

Return to Athens en route to the third-largest island in Greece.

Days 12-13 Lesvos

Known as the Emerald Island, Lesvos is home to over 11 million olive trees, a scattering of charming coastal resorts and a fascinating fossilised forest. Spend a full day discovering its delights and delighting in its beaches.

Day 14 Ayvalik

Take a ferry to the Turkish town of Ayvalik, settled comfortably on the Aegean coast. Explore the cobbled backstreets and stay overnight in a beautiful traditional pension.

Days 15-16 Istanbul

Experience the colour and chaos of shopping in the Grand Bazaar or discover the secrets of the harem at the Topkapi Palace. Stroll through the dusty backstreets of Sultanahmet, stand in awe of the impressive Blue Mosque and perhaps conclude the adventure with a final Turkish feast.