Ancient History Tour
Travel back in time with Eurail and uncover the wonders of the world! The Ancient History Tour shows you the archaeological highlights of Italy and Greece, from the ruins of Pompeii to the slopes of Mount Olympus.
Itinerary highlights
The Colosseum in Rome, the ruins of Pompeii, the archeological sites of Olympia, Corinth and Mycenae, and the Acropolis and Parthenon in Athens.
1. Rome, Italy
Start your journey in Rome, the Eternal City that was built on seven hills. Make sure to wear comfy shoes!
Take a full day to visit the Colosseum and walk through the ruins of palaces and temples on the Roman Forum.
Take your pick out of hundreds of ancient Roman sites, but don't miss out on the majestic Pantheon.
"I found Rome a city of bricks and left it a city of marble."
-Augustus Caesar
2. Naples, Italy
Take a train to Naples at the foot of Mount Vesuvius. Climb to the top of this active volcano for a great view!
Overlook and visit the ruins of Pompeii, the Roman city that was buried in ash after Vesuvius erupted in 79 AD.
The many stunning mosaics found at Pompeii are safely stored in the Archeological Museum of Naples.
"The universe was plunged into eternal darkness."
-Pliny the Younger
3. Brindisi, Italy
Travel to Brindisi, and get off in Barletta to visit Cannae, where Hannibal defeated the Romans in 216 BC.
A large Roman column marks the end of the Via Appia, the ancient road that connected Brindisi with Rome.
Visit nearby Ostuni, nicknamed 'The White Town', beautifully located on a hill amidst olive plantations.
"The Appian Way, the queen of the long roads."
-Statius
4. Patras, Greece
Take a ferry to Patras on the Peloponessus, where the Greek leg of your Ancient History Tour begins.
Climb up to Patras Castle and visit the Roman Odeon, where concerts are still being held in summer.
Travel by bus to Olympia, the sanctuary where the original Olympian Games were held in honor of Zeus.
"For what thing without Zeus is done among mortals?"
-Aeschylus
5. Corinth, Greece
Travel by train to (New) Corinth, and overlook the ancient city from the top of the Acrocorinth Citadel.
Take a day trip to see the archealogical treasures of Argos, and the historic seaport town of Nafplio.
In the nearby ruins of legendary Mycenae, you'll find the Tomb of Agamemnon and the famous Lion Gate.
"On the road to Argos, you see left the ruins of Mycenae."
-Pausanias
6. Athens, Greece
Travel onwards by train to Athens, cradle of Western civilization and the birthplace of democracy.
You simply can't miss the majestic Parthenon temple, built on top of the Acropolis in the 5th century BC.
Take a few days to discover Athens' monuments and museums, and watch the sunset from Areopagus hill.
"Athens deserves to be admired."
-Pericles
7. Thessaloniki, Greece
Your last stop is Thessaloniki, a popular tourist destination full of Roman and Byzantine monuments.
Visit the White Tower, the symbol of the city that houses an exhibition on its rich history.
Still got those comfy shoes? Go hiking on Mount Olympus, mythical home of the Olympian Gods.
"Is that which is holy loved by the gods because it is holy, or is it holy because it is loved by the gods?"
-Plato
