The legends of Greek mythology come alive on this journey back in time to the sites marking the dawn of Western civilization. See ancient Athens, where culture and beauty come together. Along the way, you’ll have plenty of time to bask in the sun as you cruise along the islands of the Aegean while you visit the beautiful white-sand beaches of Delphi and Corfu.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 - Athens

Fly through the night to Greece.

Day 2 - Athens

Touch down in Athens, site of the 2004 Summer Olympic Games. A Go Ahead representative escorts you to your hotel after you clear customs. Enjoy an included dinner with your fellow travelers. (B in flight, D)

Day 3 - Athens

Your local guide introduces you to Athens on this morning’s sightseeing tour. Visit the Acropolis, pass through Omonia and Syntagma Squares and view the Honor Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. This afternoon, join an optional excursion to Cape Sounion and view the Temple of Poseidon. (B)

$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 4 - Delphi

Transfer to Delphi, where a guided tour introduces you to the temple site of the Oracle, whose infinite wisdom foretold fates, both good and bad. Later, join an optional excursion to the Convent of the Prophet Elias. (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 5 - Meteora Region

Travel to the village of Kalambaka, situated at the foot of the Pindus Mountains in the Meteora region. Here you’ll visit two of the fascinating Byzantine monasteries perched atop 1,000-foot-high pinnacle rocks. (B)

Day 6 - Corfu

Journey to the lakeside town of Ioannina. Its mosque and Ottoman fortress are evidence of its Ottoman past. Continue to the port of Igoumenitsa and board your ferry to Corfu where dinner is included this evening. (B, D)

Day 7 - Corfu

Today, enjoy a guided sightseeing introducing you to the island of Corfu. Here you’ll visit the Achillion Museum, once the palatial summer residence of the German kaiser. Later, join an optional excursion to the famous Tripa Tavern to enjoy Greek cuisine and entertainment. (B)

$75 USD

Tripa Tavern Evening *A Go Ahead Favorite excursion!* Savor an authentic experience of Greek specialties and hospitality at this charming, family-run tavern in the picturesque village of Kinopiastes. While you sample hors d’ouevres, hearty entrees and tasty wines, the tavern staff will entertain you with song and dance.

Day 8 - Rio

Return by ferry to Igoumenitsa, then follow the coast through Lefkada Island and the fishing village of Nidri. Then you’ll arrive at the port where you'll join an exclusive cruise through the waters surrounding Scorpios, the private island of the Onassis family. End your day in Rio. (B, L, D)

Day 9 - Rio

Today’s destination is Olympia, where the first Olympic Games were held as early as 776 B.C. Visit the ancient Gymnasium and the Temple of Zeus. (B)

Day 10 - Nauplion

Make your way to Nauplion, capital of independent Greece during the 19th century. Join your tour director for an informal sightseeing tour of Nauplion’s Venetian and neoclassical buildings. (B, D)

Day 11 - Nauplion

Stop in Epidaurus to visit Greece’s best-preserved open-air theater. Continue to Mycenae for a look at the Treasury of Atreus and the magnificent Lion Gate. (B)

Day 12 - Athens

After a stop for panoramic photos from the Corinth Canal, return to Athens and enjoy a free day to visit the city’s excellent museums. Savor classical Greek cuisine at an optional Greek cooking class. (B)

$65 USD

Greek Cooking Class This unique event lets you experience the flavors of Greece—while preparing them yourself. Then, open a bottle of Greek wine and enjoy the meal you’ve helped prepare!

Day 13 - Athens

Continue on our tour extension to the Greek Islands. Otherwise, a Go Ahead representative escorts you to the airport for your 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

A valid passport is needed for all U.S. citizens in Greece. No visa is required.

U.S. citizens need a valid passport to enter Turkey.

A visa is also required. The visa charge for entering Turkey is now $20 (payment in U.S. dollars only; subject to change without notice), and visas can be obtained upon arrival at the airport.

Alternatively, you may apply for your visa in advance through Zierer Visa Service (1-866-188-1100; www.zvs.com), using the application that will be mailed to you with your confirmation letter.

Health

There are no major health risks when traveling to Greece. Especially during the summer months, take proper care for sun exposure. 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. If you are continuing on our extension to Turkey, it is advisable to check with your doctor or health-care provider at least eight weeks prior to departure for the latest updates and overseas travel recommendations.

Transportation / Walking on tour

Round-trip flights arrive in and depart from Athens. A ferry ride to and from Corfu is also included. All other included transportation is by private motorcoach. In your free time, you may wish to explore the cities by public transportation. Despite the famed hustle and bustle of Athens, 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

Due to the temperate climate, 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 it is preferable not to visit churches or other religious sites with bare legs and shoulders (and 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 (in Greece) is the currency you will be using on your tour. We advise that you take a combination of ATM/bank cards, credit cards and traveler’s checks, which can be exchanged for cash at local banks in Greece, as needed. 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. If you take the extension to Turkey, you might like to exchange some money into Turkish lira for the stop in Kusadasi.

Tipping

At the conclusion of your tour it is customary to offer your Go Ahead Tour Director and driver a gratuity.

We recommend €2 per person per day for your driver and €4 to €6 per person for your tour director. If applicable, we also recommend €1 per local guide.

Tips may only be paid in cash.