Ancient Wonders: Rome Athens Cairo | Summer 2026
Ancient Wonders: Rome Athens Cairo | Summer 2026
Ancient Wonders: Rome Athens Cairo | Summer 2026
10 Days Starting in Rome, Italy and ending in Cairo, Egypt
Visiting: Rome, Athens, Cairo
Tour operator:
Tour code:
BBCEA26
Specialist Group:
18-30 Somethings
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Age range:
18-35
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Cultural, History, Religion and Spiritual, Ruins-Archaeology
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the ancient wonders of Rome, Athens, and Cairo in the summer of 2026. This cultural tour takes you on a seamless adventure across three iconic cities, starting in Rome where you'll explore the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Vatican City. Savor authentic Italian cuisine before flying to Athens, where a guided tour of the Acropolis awaits. Enjoy a day trip to the idyllic islands of Aegina, Poros, and Hydra. Finally, arrive in Cairo to marvel at the Great Pyramid and the Sphinx, and explore the Grand Egyptian Museum. With comfortable accommodations and a mix of walking tours, train rides, and flights, this tour offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and relaxation. Enjoy included meals and guided tours, with optional activities like a Nile cruise available for those seeking more adventure.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Rome
Location: Rome
Accommodation Name: Hotel Genova (or similar)
Meals Included: Dinner
Our ancient exploration begins in Rome - once known as the ‘capital of the world’. Meet your fam this evening before we take on the cobblestoned streets to kick off with an Italian feast at a local restaurant. After dinner, ticking off historical sights (and tossing coins) will be on the agenda as we take on Rome with a walking tour.
Day 2: Rome
Location: Rome
Accommodation Name: Hotel Genova (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Get your gladiator face on! Today’s your chance to tour the one and only - Colosseum & the Roman forum with a local guide. Then check out some more monuments and museums in your free time. Just remember to keep some space in your tummy - you wouldn’t wanna miss out on the chance to make & eat pasta in Rome.
Day 3: Rome
Location: Rome
Accommodation Name: Hotel Genova (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Awe-inspiring museums? Art at every corner? World-famous chapels? We must be in Vatican City. After our tour of all-things-Vatican this morning, Rome’s all yours to explore. Want some local recs for dinner? Your Trip Manager will point you in the right direction.
Day 4: Rome To Athens
Location: Athens
Accommodation Name: Dorian Inn (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Nooo, it’s time to leave Rome already?! We’ll see the city pass us by as we catch the train to the airport this morning. And a short flight later, we’ll have arrived in another historical hotspot - known for its mythology, architecture and well, food. Welcome to Athens! The city’s yours to explore this evening before we regroup for fresh tzatziki, gyros and plenty of chats at a local restaurant.
Day 5: Athens
Location: Athens
Accommodation Name: Dorian Inn (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Pose like a Greek god in front of the Acropolis today as a local guide will show us around the most iconic (and historic) spots in the city. Later tonight, you can join us for a tour of Athens’ most famous foodie hotspots.
Day 6: Athens
Location: Athens
Accommodation Name: Dorian Inn (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Our time travel leads us to an island cruise today. You’ll have the chance to explore the idyllic beaches, traditional towns and legendary monuments of Aegina, Poros and Hydra on a day trip. Deep slumbers are due tonight before we cast off to our final ancient wonder of the trip.
Day 7: Athens To Cairo
Location: Cairo
Accommodation Name: A conveniently located hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Goodbye Athens, you’ve been nothing but mesmerising. Now it’s time to check out some mummies.We'll find a city of ornate mosques, sparkling skyscrapers & sprawling avenues of 19th-century faded grandeur awaiting us. Egypt's capital is full of energy, but we'll save the proper exploring for tomorrow. Oh, and dinner’s on us tonight!
Day 8: Cairo
Location: Cairo
Accommodation Name: A conveniently located hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Aaaand now…the moment you have all been waiting for. Time to see the Pyramids of Giza! Get the tissues ready, seeing the iconic Sphinx & pyramids in all their 4,600 year old glory will make for a day that stirs you to the very core.
Day 9: Cairo
Location: Cairo
Accommodation Name: A conveniently located hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today, we’ll dedicate some time to discovering Cairo. After a guided tour of the city, you’ll have the option of exploring the Grand Egyptian Museum (one of the world’s largest museums!) with a local guide. Looking for things to do in the evening? How about a cruise on the Nile with a buffet dinner & show?
Day 10: Cairo
Location: Cairo
Meals Included: Breakfast
Sorry to break it to you, but we have to come back to the present now. Feast on breakfast and hitch a lift to the airport before saying goodbye to your crew. There’s a new found sense of wonder in the air. And there’s always another destination waiting to be discovered.
What's Included
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Meals
The tour includes 3 dinners and 9 breakfasts.
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Guided Tours
Guided tours are included for the Vatican, Acropolis in Athens, and the Pyramids of Giza.
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Local Cuisine
Enjoy local cuisine in Rome, Athens, and Cairo, including an Italian feast, fresh tzatziki, gyros, and a dinner in Cairo.
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Accommodation
Accommodation is provided at Hotel Genova (or similar) in Rome, Dorian Inn (or similar) in Athens, and a conveniently located hotel in Cairo.
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Transportation
Transportation includes a train ride to the airport in Rome and flights to Athens and Cairo.
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City Tours
City tours are included in Rome, Athens, and Cairo.
What's Not Included
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Optional Activities
Optional activities such as exploring the Grand Egyptian Museum and a cruise on the Nile with a buffet dinner and show are not included.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and must be purchased separately.
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Flights to and from the Starting/Ending Locations
Flights to Rome and from Cairo are not included.
Dining Summary
- 3 Dinner (D)
- 9 Breakfast (B)
Included Experience
- Rome: Kick back with your Contiki crew and feast on some yummy Italian cuisine - served at a local restaurant working to train and provide jobs for members of the community with disabilities.
- Rome: Stroll around the Italian capital, ticking off some sights on your bucket list!
- Vatican: See this religious state and home to the Pope, IRL. Take a guided tour around Renaissance masterpieces and see the famous ceiling of the Sistine Chapel.
- Athens: A locally guided tour of Athens, including entry to the legendary Acropolis.
- Cairo: Check out this Cairo landmark and soak up the history. It’s home to more than 120,000 ancient Egyptian antiquities.
- Cairo: Needs no introduction! Marvel at the Great Pyramid and the Sphinx. #bucketlist
- Cairo: You'll see what modern day Cairo looks like on this coach tour of the city.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of transportation is used during the tour?
The tour includes a mix of walking tours, train rides, and flights between Rome, Athens, and Cairo to ensure a smooth journey.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
Yes, the tour includes 3 dinners and 9 breakfasts. You will also have the opportunity to enjoy local cuisine in Rome, Athens, and Cairo.
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What kind of accommodation is provided during the tour?
Accommodation is provided at Hotel Genova in Rome, Dorian Inn in Athens, and a conveniently located hotel in Cairo, ensuring a comfortable stay throughout the journey.
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Are guided tours included in the itinerary?
Yes, guided tours are included for the Vatican, the Acropolis in Athens, and the Pyramids of Giza.
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What optional activities are available during the tour?
Optional activities include exploring the Grand Egyptian Museum and a cruise on the Nile with a buffet dinner and show, which are not included in the tour package.
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Is travel insurance included in the tour package?
No, travel insurance is not included and must be purchased separately.
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Are flights to and from the starting and ending locations included?
No, flights to Rome and from Cairo are not included in the tour package.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
In 1961, a guy called John Anderson founded Contiki in New Zealand. Whilst later bought by The Travel Corporation, the tour company had already been using the name ‘Contiki’ since its inception.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
Contiki trips are designed & operated exclusively for those aged 18-35 years. Your travelling companions will be like-minded adventurers within that age range. The age range is adhered to strictly.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® is our commitment to protect people, wildlife and the incredible planet we all share. Powered by The TreadRight Foundation, a non-profit organisation and Contiki’s guiding hand when it comes to making travel matter.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
All documentation will be sent via email around 21 days prior to your trip departure. You can also access information on your trip by signing up to My Contiki via the top right icon of the homepage.
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Low Deposit
Barrhead Travel requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 98 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of barrhead travel charges.
Up to 98 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 97 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 28 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions
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