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Take to the high seas on a cruise through the Adriatic and the Aegean. With port calls in Greece, Italy and Croatia, you’ll discover temples to the ancient gods, sky-spanning sunsets and the ruins of a Roman emperor’s private retreat. When you disembark from your ship, you’ll step right into the timeless beauty of Venice on a local tour.
Your Tour Includes
Round-trip airfare & transfers
7 nights aboard the Splendour of the Seas
1 night in a handpicked hotel
Breakfast daily, 1 three-course dinner with beer or wine; all shipboard meals
Multilingual Tour Director
Private deluxe motor coach
Why You'll Love It
You’ll walk through mythical Greek cities
Ancient Dubrovnik is a European hot-spot
There’s nothing like the sunsets in Santorini
Words can’t capture the romance of Venice
You’ll stand were the first Olympians stood
Athens’s iconic Parthenon and famed ruins
Sail through the skies to the seas of Venice
Your trip begins with a regularly scheduled overnight flight to Venice aboard an internationally recognized airline.
All aboard—discover high luxury on the high seas
Breakfast (in flight), Dinner
After clearing customs, a Go Ahead representative escorts you to the harbor. If you’ve taken our pretour extension to Venice, join the rest of your tour today. Board your cruise ship, the Splendour of the Seas, and settle in to your stateroom. Then begin to discover the spacious decks and the variety of luxurious amenities. The ship houses a casino, art gallery, spa, pools, jacuzzis, an outdoor movie screen and much more.
See why a 1,300-year-old city draws modern-day travelers in droves
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning, cruise along the Adriatic Coast to the Republic of Croatia. After docking in historic Dubrovnik, spend a free afternoon exploring the 1,300-year-old city. Stroll through the pedestrian only plazas of the Lapad section or climb Petka Hill for a beautiful panoramic view of the city and its harbor.
This sought-after Ionian island is the stuff of Greek legends
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Reaching Greece, drop anchor in Corfu. The most popular of the Ionian Islands, Corfu has been acclaimed for its coastal beauty since the beginning of Greek mythology. Known as Kerkyra in ancient Greek, the isle was named for the nymph Korkyra, beloved by the god of the sea, Poseidon. Take time to wander the sunlit, pebbled beaches that have attracted centuries of travelers and elite. Or, admire the striking architecture, from Byzantine churches to Venetian fortresses to stretches of whitewashed homes.
Savor a glass of white in what could be the lost city of Atlantis
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Anchor this morning on Santorini, an island of stunning volcanic landscapes and black-sand beaches thought by some to be the lost city of Atlantis. Santorini’s volcanic soil is ideal for harvesting grapes, so as you admire the Mediterranean sunset, enjoy a glass of white wine for which the island is renowned. You’ll have a full day to explore at your leisure or join an off-shore excursion.
Walk through the oldest city in Europe, a destination rich in ruins
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning, arrive Athens, the city at the pulse of ancient Greek history and mythology. As the oldest city in Europe, Athens is rich in ruins, museums and unforgettable art—all worthy of a full day to explore. Perched above the city on a rocky cliff stands the Acropolis, home to the Parthenon. This symbol of Greece was dedicated to the goddess Athena and remains decorated with incredible, enduring statues. Continue to escape modern bustle in the Plaka District, a pedestrian promenade closed off to traffic. An incredible hub of shops, restaurants, bars, the district offers contemporary amenities amidst some of the world’s oldest monuments.
Imagine thousands cheering here during the first Olympic games
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Bring your competitive spirit to Katakolon, the
port nearest to the town of Olympia. It was here that the first official Olympic Games took place in 776 B.C. to honor the Greek god Zeus. You’ll have a free afternoon to explore the area. If you choose to visit the site, envision the grand stadium and arenas echoed by the remaining ruins, and the galleries once filled by thousands of cheering spectators. Or seek out the nearby beaches, coves and small coastal towns for an afternoon of relaxing.
Leisure is an Italian art—get in some practice on your way to Italy
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
As you make your way to Italy, sit back and take in the scenery. After yesterday’s action-packed day, you’ll want to indulge in some quality rest and relaxation onboard. Lounge by the ship’s indoor/outdoor pool (and even catch a film on the nearby movie-screen). Treat yourself to a little pampering in the exclusive spa. Or, if you’re feeling up to it, take on the rock-climbing wall or challenge fellow travelers to a round of mini golf.
Leave your sea-legs behind for the City of Canals
Breakfast, Dinner
Doge’s Palace
Your cruise ends upon your arrival in Venice. After disembarkation, experience the romance of “La Serenissima” during a guided sightseeing tour. Visit the Doge’s Palace, once the political heart of this powerful maritime empire. End by the Basilica of St. Mark, a rich mosaic of Byzantine, Romanesque and Islamic influences entombing the remains of St. Mark the Evangelist. This afternoon, opt for a Gondola Ride with music to enjoy breathtaking views of “La Serenissima,” the Most Serene Republic. Later, transfer to your hotel for this evening’s included Farewell Dinner.
Optional Excursions
Gondola Ride With Music $65* pp
More than 100 waterways crisscross Venice, and boarding a sleek black gondola to explore them has become a time-honored tradition. On this memorable excursion, join your fellow travelers for a tour through the canals of Venice. A musician serenades you as your gondola cruises through the city. Please note: This excursion runs as weather permits. A private two-person gondola ride is available for an additional $100 per person.
Two oceans and three countries later, your journey drops anchor
Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)
A Go Ahead representative escorts you to the airport for your flight home.
Extend Your Stay
Add Venice $329*
All the picture books in the world won't prepare you for the sight of Venice's gilded palaces rising from the sea. Explore the city's many famous churches and museums, but set aside time to get lost in the maze of canals and streets. Deceptive and mysterious, Venice has a soft spot for wanderers.
Drift away on your overnight flight to the Floating City
Venice is known the world over as the quintessential city of romance. Get a head start on your tour with an overnight flight to the Floating City.
Walk like a Venetian along winding canals and hidden alleyways
Breakfast (in flight), Dinner
After clearing customs a Go Ahead representative greets you and escorts you to your hotel. After check-in, you’ll have time to explore the city on your own. Find a hidden trattoria and enjoy a delicious Venetian lunch. Stroll across the Rialto Bridge or follow alleyways lined with boutiques of handblown glass treasures. Dinner is included tonight.
Quiet lagoons to fishing villages, see another side of life in Venice
Breakfast
Enjoy a second free day in Venice. Alternatively,
join an optional excursion to the islands of Burano and Torcello for a different view of Venetian life.
Optional Excursions
Burano & Torcello $65* pp
Visit the islands of the Venetian lagoon, a favorite day trip for locals and travelers alike. First travel by water taxi to Torcello, where the story of Venice began. It was here that mainlanders sought a safe haven from invading barbarians. Step inside the Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta, whose famous mosaics depict The Last Judgement. The next stop is the tiny fishing village of Burano, where brightly colored homes greet visitors. Wander as you please throughout Burano, and be sure to stop in at the island's bakeries.
Say hello to the high seas and your fellow travelers
Join the main tour (on Day 2 of regular itinerary).
About the Splendour of the Seas
As part of Royal Caribbean’s Vision class of ships, the Splendour of the Seas is equipped with all the amenities to make your experience smooth sailing. Kick back in a private stateroom, sun under the glass-canopied Solarium, enjoy fine dining and a Broadway-style show or even take a swing at the mini golf course.
Passport and Visa Requirements
This itinerary includes the following countries: Greece, Croatia and Italy. In order to enter these countries, U.S. and Canadian citizens need a valid passport. The expiration date must extend at least six months beyond the date of your return home. If you are not a U.S. or Canadian citizen, you must contact each country’s consulate for your specific entry requirements.
Baggage Allowance
Airlines have varying weight restrictions on luggage. Some airlines may impose additional charges
if you choose to check any baggage. Please contact your airline or refer to its website for detailed information regarding your airline’s checked baggage policies.Bear in mind that your luggage will probably weigh more on your return trip due to souvenir shopping. We allow only one suitcase per person. One carry-on bag is also permitted, provided that it does not exceed 45 inches (length + width + height). There may be times when you will have to handle your own bags, and you’ll find that lightweight luggage provides a distinct advantage. Make sure you label your baggage and carry valuables, medication and documents in your carry-on luggage.
Clothing and Packing Tips
Comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that can be layered to accommodate temperature changes is recommended, along with a sun hat, sunglasses, bathing suit and a sturdy pair of walking shoes or sneakers. It’s always a good idea to be prepared for any eventuality—a warm sports jacket and emergency rainwear are advised. You might also wish to bring a pair of binoculars for viewing scenery. This cruise includes two formal nights. Most men opt for a dark suit instead of a tuxedo, and women choose cocktail dresses rather than lavish gowns. The remaining nights are casual, or smart casual with sport shirts and slacks recommended for men, and skirts, khakis or casual dress for women.
Health
There are no major health risks when traveling to Greece, Italy or Croatia. During the summer, take proper care for sun exposure. Also, codeine (found in many headache medicines) is banned in Greece,
and you may face prosecution if you bring it into the country. It is advisable to check with your health-care provider for the latest updates and overseas travel recommendations.
Dining arrangements
Breakfast and lunch are open seating in the ship’s dining room, and dinner is served at two seatings
(6:30 and 8:30). If you do not get the dinner seating you would like, please speak to the dining
room maitre d’ at the earliest opportunity. He will do his best to accommodate you. Dining preference is confirmed upon check-in at the terminal.
Shore Excursions
Be sure to ask cruise representatives about shore excursions, as some are quite walking intensive.
Also, please be advised that passengers who do not choose to partake in shore excursions are
typically the last to disembark in that day’s port.
Electricity
The ship has 110 volts (standard U.S. voltage) and 220 volts current. Staterooms have built-in hairdryers. Travel irons are not permitted.
Time Zones
Italy and Croatia are one hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) and six hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time (EST). Greece is two hours ahead of GMT and seven hours ahead of EST. When it is noon in New York, it’s 6 p.m. in Venice and 7 p.m. in the Greek Islands.
Shipboard Money Matters
On board, you will be issued a card which will enable you to sign for most shipboard expenses,
such as optional shore excursions, bar and wine bills, beauty treatments and photo orders. Your account can be settled with cash, traveler’s checks or a major credit card such as American Express, Visa, MasterCard, Diners Club or Discover Card. Personal checks are not cashed or accepted.
Currency
You’ll use several different currencies on tour. We recommend using ATM/bank cards and credit cards
or small amounts of changeable cash. We suggest that you inform your bank and credit card company of your travel plans, so they don’t confuse your international purchases for fraudulent charges. The currency in Greece and Italy is the euro, and is the Croatian kuna in Croatia. Please note: Visa cards are sometimes not accepted in Croatia.
Tipping
Gratuities aboard your cruise ship are not included in the price of your tour but will be automatically charged to your onboard account. In general, this gratuity amounts to around $20 per person per day, which covers all service charges for ship personnel. A separate 15 percent service charge is automatically added to all bar tabs and spa services. At the conclusion of your tour, it is customary to offer your Tour Director and driver a gratuity. We recommend tipping in your tour country’s currency, the equivalent of $3USD/CAD per person per day for your driver and $6USD/CAD to $9USD/CAD per person per day for your Tour Director. If applicable, we also recommend the equivalent of $2USD/CAD per local guide. Tips can only be paid in cash. Please keep current local currency exchange rates in mind when tipping.
Italy, Croatia and Greek Islands Cruise
What fun this tour was.!! We were in a very small group which made it easy to get to know everyone. Our Tour Director, Oda Lerda Oleberg went above and beyond my expectations!!! 10 stars to her for sure. She is so outgoing and we all got along so very well. I feel my life has been enriched and I feel very fortunate to have gotten to know her and learn from her wealth of knowledge
By Linda | 10/26/2012
Traveled On: 10/12/2012
Number of Past Tours: 3
From: KS
Tour Director: 5 / 5
Tour Value: 5 / 5
venice, greece croatia
The itinerary was great but the cruise ship was only OK. Meals on the ship were just average but the facilities on ship were top. Our cruise director, Kostas,went out of his way to help everyone and was top notch. Would have preferred for the hotel for the optional Venice excursion to be located in Venice.
By Connie | 10/15/2012
Traveled On: 9/21/2012
Number of Past Tours: 3
From: PA
Tour Director: 5 / 5
Tour Value: 3 / 5
Italy,Croatia and the greek islands cruise
We just came back from this trip last week and we were both thrilled with the experience! we did the three day extension in Venice before embarking on the cruise. The hotel go ahead provided was so lovely and comfortable we didn't want to leave it, we were located in Lido a short water taxie ride across from Venice and the area was very safe and loaded with great restaurants and shops.
Our tour director Kostas was one of the very best he got us quickly on the cruise ship and comfortable. He was always around to help with everything including getting us off the ship right away in ports that we had to tender into.We had an English ambassador that was always around as well.There are many Europeans that travel on Costa cruise line and we met many new and friendly people.
Costa Facination is a brand new and beautiful ship. The buffets on deck were Great and the dining room was comfortable and fun since our group were seated together.
The ports we visited were awesome as well.
Kostas booked all our excursions for us and met with us every night at dinner to discuss the next days ports, he also left mail in our ship mailbox every night to leave us information about the ports,
shopping, maps and even recipes.
disembarkation was also a snap when traveling with a tour director.
We spent our last full day in Venice and went back to our Hotel close to the airport.The Marriot in Venice was a very comfortable hotel, with great food and service.
Our farewell dinner was great but very sad, we all hated to leave our group and Kostas.
To us this was one of the best trips we have taken and will be remembered for years to come.
By Trisha | 10/13/2012
Traveled On: 9/21/2012
Number of Past Tours: 4
From: NH
Tour Director: 5 / 5
Tour Value: 4 / 5
Not the vacation we were hoping for
This was the first cruise we'd taken, and it will be the last.
Our boat, the Costa Fascinosa, was enormous (3500 passengers and upwards of 1000 crew). The schools had just let out and Costa apparently lets kids 17 and under ride free, so there were hundreds of children on the boat. That's fine, of course, but if we'd known about that policy (or even the timing of the school year) we would never have booked this cruise.
I'd always imagined a cruise would be relaxing, but the constant crush of people jostling each other to get into the elevators, on and off the boat, and through the breakfast line was exhausting. Oh, and forget the pools. They were tiny, and people packed into them like olives in a jar. The deck chairs were so close to each other that you could rub the sunscreen off one neighbor's arm even as you smoked another neighbor's cigarette. The food in the restaurant was fine, but not great. The self service buffet was an absolute zoo. Half the time we could find nowhere to sit. Of course, once we did find a place, we could always amuse ourselves by watching people try to steal each other's tables.
Rhodes and Dubrovnik were great ports of call, and Katakolon was unexpectedly fun. The village was apparently created especially for tourists, which should make it cheesy. But the shop owners and people are very friendly and curious, and we had some of our most interesting conversations there. Bari was a bust, and the only reason I think we stopped there was to pick up another thousand people. Santorini would have been nice to visit some other way, I think, but having 3500 of us swamp the place at once (the total population is around 14,000, I think) was kind of ridiculous.
Ok, this is very negative I know, so on the plus side, our stateroom was very nice, and very comfortable, and our room steward was fabulous. The ship was very clean, which was another plus. The Go Ahead extension in Venice was nice. Although they canceled the trip to Burano, we ended up with an extra day in Venice proper, which was very interesting, and our hotel in Lido was good. The people on the trip were interesting as well, and we enjoyed spending time with them. Our guide was very good, but most of the tour was on the boat, and there were limits to what she could do there. Still, she was very helpful, and very friendly, and she was able to navigate some quite tricky situations with great grace, so kudos to Go Ahead for hiring such talented people.
Despite the great assets of the Go Ahead staff and guide, the Costa experience cast a cloud over the entire trip for us. Although the ship's staff were fine, the Costa company itself set up an experience that left us feeling frayed, anonymous, and processed. And, to be honest, chewed up and spit out. The overall trip came to many thousands of dollars for each of us--more than we'd ever spent on a vacation before--and much of the time we were just praying for it to end.
Even the experienced cruisers we met said that this one fell short. In a nutshell, we wouldn't recommend it.
By CAMPBELLE | 6/29/2012
Traveled On: 6/17/2012
Number of Past Tours: 1
From: WV
Tour Director: 4 / 5
Tour Value: 2 / 5
Italy, Croatia, and Greek Islands Cruise
It was nice to see another part of the world, but truthfully, this trip did not measure up to the Go Ahead tours I have been on in the past. Our tour director was a lovely person, but she was very unorganized and didn't do a lot for us, but we did just fine on our own. The cruise ship was beautiful and the meals very good, comparable to other cruise ships I have been on. That said, I'm looking forward to my next Go Ahead tour, wherever that may be!!
By SHASKELL12 | 5/25/2012
Traveled On: 4/29/2012
Number of Past Tours: 7
From: NC
Tour Director: 2 / 5
Tour Value: 3 / 5
what a great itinerary
oh, the places we saw! Venice, Bari, Santorini, Rhodes, Olympia, and Dubrovinik ....I am not a veteran cruiser, but the Costa line was very impressive: clean, good staterooms, great shows and fine food...the staff, kids from all over the world, really pampered us and we grew fond of them...I really liked the international ambiance: I speak French and my sister speaks German, and there were many people willing to chat....our guide was energetic and always ready to assist us...this was a five star for me
By VALERIELEGER | 5/22/2012
Traveled On: 4/29/2012
Number of Past Tours: 10
From: CT
Tour Director: 4 / 5
Tour Value: 5 / 5
cruise experience
This trip was my least enjoyed amoung the several other trips I have done with Go Ahead Tours. Why? Our Go AHEAD cruise director was good and easy to be around, but the cruise line prohibited her from being a tour director on land excursions since it competed with their excursions. So basically she traveled with us and wasn't able to officially lead excursions. I prefered the land trip where you get the director's full value as they lead the tour, rather than the cruise ship providing the tour options.
By BLARSEN | 5/18/2012
Traveled On: 9/20/2009
Number of Past Tours: 3
From: OK
Tour Director: 4 / 5
Tour Value: 2 / 5
An Incredible Journey
I have wanted to visit Venice, Italy, for years. This trip gave us three days in the beautiful city. The waterways are just what you've seen in pictures, but being able to travel the Grand Canal, and taking a gondola ride were amazing experiences. I found Dubrovnik, Croatia, to be situated in a beautiful location. The blueness of th Aegean and Adriatic seas was incredible. It seemed such a peaceful place to visit. I even brought a snow globe depicting the setting, but had it confiscated in the Boston airport.! I had never been to Santorini, Cotokolon (sp?), or Rhodes. I enjoyed these, although I must confess Santorini and Rhodes were my favorites. The geographical beauty of the Greek Isles is a real attraction. I would take this cruise again in a heartbeat. The only thing I would change is the food that was served for dinners. Not one meal stands out as being outstanding.
By Anonymous | 11/3/2011
Traveled On: 10/2/2011
Number of Past Tours: 1
From: IL
Tour Director: 5 / 5
Tour Value: 5 / 5
Italy, Croatia & the Greek Islands Cruise
The ports we visited were beautiful with lots to do. They were mostly tourist destinations, so a lot of shopping and most people spoke at least some English. This was our first cruise, and it isn't really my type of vacation because of the rigorous schedule (off the ship at this time, on the ship at this time, eat dinner at this time, etc.). In some ports we only had a couple of hours to explore and then had to get back to the ship. The Costa line is very European from the food to the passengers. We liked that part ourselves, but other Americans were not as enchanted with it. The staff couldn't have been nicer, and I can't see how they could have made embarkation and debarkation any easier (it was very orderly, but took a while). Our Go Ahead tour director was wonderful, but unlike other tours I have taken, there wasn’t much value to the director other than initially getting us on the ship, seating us together for dinner, and getting us to the airport in Venice at the end. We were on our own for the most part and even the optional excursions were booked through the cruise line. All in all a great trip with lots of memories.
By KDUFRENE1 | 10/27/2011
Traveled On: 10/2/2011
Number of Past Tours: 2
From: VA
Tour Director: 4 / 5
Tour Value: 4 / 5
trip
Good trip, ship was too big though, 2800 people made it hectic
By JANGO123 | 10/23/2011
Traveled On: 10/2/2011
Number of Past Tours: 1
From: ME
Tour Director: 4 / 5
Tour Value: 4 / 5
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