Ancient Wonders: Rome Athens Cairo | Summer 2026
Ancient Wonders: Rome Athens Cairo | Summer 2026
$2915
Ancient Wonders: Rome Athens Cairo | Summer 2026
10 Days Starting in Rome and ending in Cairo
Visiting: Rome, Athens, Cairo
Tour Overview
We couldn’t get you a time machine. But this? This is the next best thing. Over 10 days, you’ll uncover three of our planet’s most renowned ancient civilisations. Zipping through the skies from one historical spot to another - you’ll see the ruins of the Roman empire. The mighty buildings of the Greek world. And of course, the magnificent Pyramids of Giza (all with local guides!). Trust us, your bucket list is gonna love this one.
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: Rome, 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: Athens, 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.
Mode of Transport
Travel seamlessly with a mix of walking tours, train rides, and flights between Rome, Athens, and Cairo, making your journey as smooth as possible.
Accommodation
Stay in comfort at Hotel Genova in Rome, Dorian Inn in Athens, and a conveniently located hotel in Cairo, ensuring a restful experience throughout your journey.
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 kind of meals are included in the tour?
The tour includes 9 breakfasts and 3 dinners. The dinners are typically served at local restaurants, including one in Rome that works to train and provide jobs for members of the community with disabilities.
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What activities are planned for the first day in Rome?
On the first day in Rome, you will meet your group in the evening and enjoy an Italian feast at a local restaurant. After dinner, there will be a walking tour to explore historical sights and perhaps toss some coins.
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Will there be a guided tour of the Colosseum in Rome?
Yes, on the second day in Rome, there will be a guided tour of the Colosseum and the Roman Forum with a local guide.
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What can I expect during the visit to Vatican City?
During the visit to Vatican City, you will have a tour of the museums, art, and the world-famous chapels, including the Sistine Chapel.
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What is planned for the day in Athens?
In Athens, you will have a locally guided tour of the Acropolis and other iconic and historic spots in the city. In the evening, there is an option to join a tour of Athens' most famous foodie hotspots.
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Is there an island cruise included in the tour?
Yes, on the sixth day, there is an island cruise where you will explore the beaches, traditional towns, and monuments of Aegina, Poros, and Hydra.
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What will we see in Cairo?
In Cairo, you will visit the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx. There will also be a guided tour of the city, and an optional visit to the Grand Egyptian Museum. In the evening, you can opt for a cruise on the Nile with a buffet dinner and show.
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What happens on the last day of the tour?
On the last day, you will have breakfast and then be transported to the airport for your departure.
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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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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Contiki allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform contiki, 60 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Contiki requires a minimum deposit of 200 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of contiki charges.
Up to 61 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 25% of booking price.
At 21 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 7 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions