Did the Greeks give birth to western civilization—or was it the Romans? On this mythic tour through Italy and Greece’s most fabled cities and landscapes, you’ll discover the answer, but it might not be what you think. Enjoy exploring the history and riches of both lands—two of our most popular destinations!

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 - Naples

Board your overnight flight to Naples.

Day 2 - Sorrento

Arrive in Naples, where a Go Ahead representative greets you and escorts you to your hotel in Sorrento. Journey along the scenic Amalfi Coast, lined with lemon groves and offering magnificent views of the sea. You’ll pass small towns hugging the coastline, where Europeans and world travelers have vacationed for as long as anyone can remember. The Amalfi Coast enjoys an eclectic literary history. Its coastal islands were the famous Siren Isles of Homer, and 20th-century authors such as Tennessee Williams found an artistic muse in the coast’s temperate climate. Relax before meeting your fellow travelers at tonight’s Welcome Dinner. (B in flight, D)

Day 3 - Sorrento

A day trip takes you from Sorrento across the Bay of Naples to the famed Isle of Capri, whose magnificent beaches have been celebrated ever since the days of the early Roman emperors. You’ll visit the villages of Capri and Anacapri. Weather permitting, you’ll journey by boat around the island to view its many caves and grottos. Return to Sorrento, where you might wish to attend our optional Tarantella Dinner, featuring local cuisine and a lively performance highlighting the tarantella, a mesmerizing Italian folk dance. (B)

$79 USD

Tarantella Dinner Savor a locally prepared dinner at a charming Sorrento restaurant, followed by a live Tarantella performance at Teatro Tasso.

Day 4 - Rome

Leave the seaside town of Sorrento for the eternal grandeur of Rome today, stopping along the way to explore the legendary ruins of Pompeii. When Mount Vesuvius erupted nearly 2,000 years ago, it covered this Roman resort town in volcanic ash, perfectly preserving its temples, theaters and homes. Now that nearly the entire site has been excavated, you can join a sightseeing guide for a firsthand look at what life was once like for wealthy citizens of the ancient Roman Empire. Arrive in Rome this evening and join your group for an included dinner. (B, D)

Day 5 - Rome

This morning, follow over 2,000 years of history during a sightseeing tour of Imperial Rome. You’ll also view the Forum—the ancient meeting place of the Romans—as well as the Colosseum. You’ll then have a free afternoon to continue your explorations of the city. Otherwise, you might wish to join an optional excursion to Vatican City, including St. Peter's Basilica, the Vatican Museum and the Sistine Chapel. You'll also see Michelangelo's Pietà. (B)

$85 USD

Vatican City *A Go Ahead Favorite excursion!* This guided tour takes you into the world’s smallest state, Vatican City, and visit St. Peter’s Basilica, the Sistine Chapel and the Vatican Museum.  Please note: This excursion requires advance reservations and must be booked prior to your final payment deadline.

Day 6 - Athens

After breakfast, transfer to the airport where you will board a flight to Athens, Greece, site of the 2004 Summer Olympic Games. The afternoon and evening are free to begin your explorations of this timeless city. Alternatively, savor classical Greek cuisine at an optional Greek Evening with dinner, where you’ll enjoy the flavors of the Mediterranean. (B)

$79 USD

Greek Evening with Dinner Every evening is a feast in Greece, and tonight's festivities won't disappoint. Enjoy an authentic Greek meal, where you can savor Greek delicacies and dance with the music from the bouzouki.

Day 7 - Delphi

After transferring to Delphi, take a guided  tour of this legendary site, home of the mystical oracle. Visit the Temple of Apollo, where, according to legend, the god communicated with mortals. Greece’s ancient military leaders left gifts here in hopes of good fortune in battle. Opt to join an evening excursion to the Convent of Prophet Elias, with dinner. (B)

$79 USD

Convent of Prophet Elias Take a guided tour of the Convent of the Prophet Elias on this evening excursion. Tour the historical convent, then take a stroll along the beach before enjoying an included dinner.

Day 8 - Athens

Return to Athens, where a local guide introduces you to the highlights of this bustling ancient capital. On your tour of the Acropolis—the original City on a Hill—you can walk amid the ruins of the Parthenon and the Temple of Athena Nike with its graceful statue of the goddess Athena. Notice that she has no wings, a symbolic gesture to keep her from deserting the city. Visit the Acropolis Museum, housing five of the original Caryatids, columns sculpted in the form of women. Descending from the Acropolis, view the Presidential Guard in their traditional costumes and the classically inspired Greek Parliament. Then pass through Syntagma Square, where you’ll see the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. (B)

Day 9 - Athens

Today is yours to explore the many wonders of Athens at your own pace. Or you might join an optional morning excursion to Cape Sounion to view the Temple of Poseidon. This evening, rejoin your group for tonight’s Farewell Dinner. (B, D)

$55 USD

Cape Sounion The Temple of Poseidon is one of Greece's most famous landmarks. Set high above the Aegean Sea, on a clear day you can see five Aegean islands.

Day 10 - Athens

If you are not continuing on our tour extension to the Greek Islands, a Go Ahead representative will escort you to the airport for your return flight home. (B)

Protect your investment with affordable travel protection

Basic Trip Cancellation/Interruption Coverage
Protect yourself in the event you need to cancel your trip or leave your tour unexpectedly due to an emergency. Or choose one of the comprehensive packages below, and receive a discounted rate!

TravelSafe Plus — For one low price, you’ll receive:

• Trip cancellation & interruption protection
• Medical & accident protection
• Baggage & property protection

TravelSafe Gold with Flight Cancellation Protection
Take advantage of the best possible deal for your investment dollar. For $60 USD more, you’ll get all of the above plus additional coverage (up to $1,000 USD) if the flight to your tour is cancelled due to reasons beyond your control.

Purchase your travel protection package early and receive an added benefit!
Purchase one of the above TravelSafe packages within 14 days of reserving your tour, and you’ll automatically receive AnyTime Travel Protection at no additional charge. This means you can cancel for any reason up to 72 hours prior to the departure of your initial flight and still protect your investment. You will be provided with a credit voucher towards your next Go Ahead tour.

What’s unique about these protection plans?

• Most primary travel protection companies don’t cover international travel.
• Under the AnyTime Travel Protection Plan, you can cancel for any reason and your investment is protected in the form of a credit voucher.
• Efekta travel protection covers lost or stolen cash while on tour.
• Efekta travel protection covers the cost towards replacement of valuable documents—such as passports, airline tickets and visas while on tour.
• In the event that your roommate cancels for a reason covered under the policy, you will be reimbursed for the single supplement fee, should you still choose to travel.
• The following policies are also available to be purchased separately:
  • Medical & Accident: $70 USD
  • Baggage & Property: $60 USD

Extended Protection Plan
The Extended Protection Plan allows you to purchase extended coverage for any travel you do before or after meeting up with your Go Ahead Tours tour group (with flights arranged by Go Ahead Tours).

For more detailed descriptions of the benefits available under Efekta Insurance International LTD's Travel Protection Plans please call 1-800-597-0350 or download a PDF copy of the Efekta Travel Protection booklet here.

Passport & Visa

In order to enter Italy and Greece, 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. No visa is required for U.S. or Canadian citizens. If you are not a U.S. or Canadian citizen, you must contact the Italian consulate for your specific entry requirements.

Health

There are no major health risks when traveling to Italy or Greece. Travelers should take precautions for sun exposure during the summer months. Also, codeine (the drug commonly found in headache preparations) is banned in Greece, and you may face prosecution if you bring it into the country. It is always advisable to check with your doctor or health-care provider for the latest updates and overseas travel requirements.

Transportation / Walking on tour

Round-trip flights arrive in Naples, Italy and depart from Athens, Greece. When you first arrive in Naples, a Go Ahead representative will meet you at the airport. Please remain in the arrival lounge, as the representative might be escorting one of your fellow travelers to the bus at the time of your arrival.

Also included is the flight from Rome, Italy, to Athens, Greece. All other transport is by private motorcoach. In your free time, you may wish to explore the main cities by public transportation. 

In Athens, despite its famed hustle and bustle, the city’s main attractions are easily accessed on foot. If you do need to use public transportation, however, there’s a brand-new metro system that was conviently completed in time for the 2004 Olympics. It’s now one of Europe’s best.

Clothing & Packing Tips

Light, loose-fitting clothing that provides comfort when exploring the sights is essential for your tour. A sun hat, sunglasses and a sturdy pair of walking shoes or sneakers are recommended for sightseeing. It’s always a good idea to be prepared for any eventuality—a lightweight sports jacket and emergency rainwear are advised. If you plan to visit an especially elegant restaurant or attend the opera or theater, you will probably feel more comfortable with something more formal to wear. Also, remember that bare legs and shoulders are officially not allowed in churches or other religious sites. Entrance may be denied on this basis.

Be sure to visit www.travelsmith.com, official outfitter for Go Ahead Tours. Please enter JY9220 in the field for Catalog Key Code when creating your account!

Currency

The euro is the currency you will be using on your tour. Better rates of exchange are usually available in Italy and Greece, although it is worth ordering some currency from your local bank to use when you first arrive. We strongly advise that you take debit/bank cards and credit cards, which can be exchanged for cash at local banks, as needed. You can use most debit/credit cards at ATMs on the international networks Cirrus and Plus, but make sure to check with your home bank about withdrawal fees. We suggest that you inform your bank and credit card company of your travel plans, so that they won’t confuse your international purchases for fraudulent charges. Please note: With the conversion to the euro, it has been increasingly difficult to exchange traveler’s checks outside of Europe’s major cities—both at banks and shops—and they often attract higher fees.

Tipping

At the conclusion of your tour, it is customary to offer your Go Ahead Tour Director and driver a gratuity. We recommend 2 euro per person per day for your driver and 4 euro to 6 euro per person per day for your tour director. If applicable, we also recommend 1 euro per local guide. Tips may only be paid in cash.