Ancient Wonders: Rome Athens Cairo | Summer 2026

Ancient Wonders: Rome Athens Cairo | Summer 2026

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10 Days From

$2999

$2500

Ancient Wonders: Rome Athens Cairo | Summer 2026

10 Days Starting in Rome, Italy and ending in Cairo, Egypt

Visiting: Rome, Athens, Cairo

Tour operator:

Contiki

Tour code:

BBCEA26

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Medium

Age range:

18-35

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians

Tour operated in:

English
From: $2999 $2500 Barrhead discount: -$499 -17%

NB: Prices correct on 19-Sep-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

Embark on an unforgettable journey through the heart of ancient civilizations with the "Ancient Wonders: Rome Athens Cairo | Summer 2026" tour. Begin your adventure in Rome, where you'll explore iconic landmarks like the Colosseum and Vatican City, and indulge in authentic Italian cuisine. Next, fly to Athens for a guided tour of the Acropolis and a day cruise to the picturesque islands of Aegina, Poros, and Hydra. Finally, immerse yourself in the rich history of Cairo, marveling at the Pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx, and the Grand Egyptian Museum. This tour offers a perfect blend of guided experiences and free time, ensuring a memorable and enriching travel experience.

Highlights

  • 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

  • Athens: Explore the idyllic beaches, traditional towns, and legendary monuments of Aegina, Poros, and Hydra on a day trip.

  • Cairo: Discover the Grand Egyptian Museum, one of the world’s largest museums, with a local guide.

Itinerary

Expand All

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

  • Meals

    The tour includes 3 dinners and 9 breakfasts.

  • Guided Tours

    Guided tours are included for the Vatican, Acropolis in Athens, and the Pyramids of Giza.

  • Local Cuisine

    Enjoy local cuisine in Rome, Athens, and Cairo, including an Italian feast, fresh tzatziki, gyros, and a dinner in Cairo.

  • Accommodation

    Accommodation is provided at Hotel Genova (or similar) in Rome, Dorian Inn (or similar) in Athens, and a conveniently located hotel in Cairo.

  • Transportation

    Transportation includes a train ride to the airport in Rome and flights to Athens and Cairo.

  • City Tours

    City tours are included in Rome, Athens, and Cairo.

What's Not Included

  • 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.

  • Personal Expenses

    Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.

  • Travel Insurance

    Travel insurance is not included and must be purchased separately.

  • 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.

Check out our Q&As

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • 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.

  • 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.

Reviews of this operator

Trusted Customer  

Northern Choice plus Kaikoura

16-Jan-2023

The trip ran so smoothly and was well organised! The extra add ons were amazing and all the services were spot on. Food places were reasonable. I'm definitely booking my next contiki trip again soon!

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Sophie  

Exceptional customer service

14-Jan-2023

Contiki were exceptional in providing customer service. They provided me with lots of information and were quick in responding to all my questions. I found that they were super helpful.

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Trusted Customer  

First time traveling with Contiki. Highly recommend! You’ll have a blast

17-Jan-2023

First time traveling internationally since Covid and glad I spent the trip with Contiki. The travel, lodging, meals, activities everything was planned effortlessly. Going to Greece in may with contiki. Highly recommend

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Trusted Customer  

Amazing trip. Made great friends and memories. Can’t wait for my next trip

15-Jan-2023

I had 24 people on my contiki and I think it was the perfect number, we all got to know each other well and got along great. Our tour guide was fun and knowledgeable, the hotels were nice and in great locations.

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Tanner Stokes  

My amazing trip to Africa

13-Jan-2023

Sherif was an excellent tour guide. He was extremely knowledgeable about every single small detail at each site that we visited. In addition to his great service, he has a glowing spirit that made me feel like I had family with me the entire trip. Anything that I was concerned about, he always had an answer and was there to help. I truly enjoyed my experience and will purchase a tour with him in the future

Feefo Trusted Reviews

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May 16, 2026 - May 25, 2026
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Book with Confidence

  • 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.

  • 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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