A Week in Ancient Greece: Athens, Delphi & Olympia
9 days | 12 days with Crete & Athens extension |
Learn about the sites and legends that defined ancient Greece.
Rich history, rugged ruins, remarkable beauty—you can find it all in Greece. And on this tour, you’ll experience the country’s wonders coming alive. Let the echoes of antiquity wash over you as you monument-hop in Athens, Delphi, Olympia, and Nafplio. To dig even further back in time, add the trip’s extension to Crete—Greece’s largest and most populous island—for a study of the Minoan civilization, and discover a culture that predated even Socrates by centuries.
Your tour package includes
- 7 nights in handpicked hotels
- 7 breakfasts, and 3 dinners served with beer or wine
- 5 sightseeing tours, including a walk through time at the Acropolis of Athens
- 1 expert Tour Director, your go-to for everything Greek
- 4 local guides who’ll help you dig deeper into the nation’s ancient icons
- Private deluxe motor coach for smooth travel across timeless terrain
- Entrances to museums, landmarks, and more—so you can skip the lines
Included highlights
- Contrasting the ruins atop the Acropolis of Athens with the modern city below
- Straining your ear in the Temple of Apollo, seeking ancient whispers from the Oracle of Delphi
- Standing in Olympia’s Gymnasium, site of the first Olympic Games
- Grabbing a seat for a peaceful moment in the Ancient Theater of Epidaurus
- Gazing down into the Corinth Canal, its steep limestone walls plunging into the waters below
- Delving into the culture and myths of the Minoans at the palace of Knossos (if you book the extension!)
Itinerary

Overnight Flight1 night
Day 1: Travel day
Board your overnight flight to Athens today.
Athens2 nights
Day 2: Arrival in Athens
Included meal: Welcome dinner
Welcome to Greece! Get to know your Tour Director and fellow travelers at tonight’s welcome dinner, served with beer or wine.
Day 3: Sightseeing tour of Athens
Included meal: Breakfast
Nothing can prepare you for the sheer sense of awe you’ll feel when you come face-to-face with Athens—where ancient architecture and artifacts coexist with modern life. Meet up with your dedicated local guide, who’ll introduce you to the highlights of this bustling capital.
- Pass by the Panathenaic Stadium, built entirely out of marble—the only such stadium in the world.
- Continue to Syntagma Square, home to the Neoclassical Greek Parliament building, and admire the plaza’s imposing marble steps and fountain, lush shade trees, and the elite ceremonial guards known as the Evzones.
- Reflect on the Arch of Hadrian, built to honor the Roman emperor, and imagine how its Pentelic marble stones were carted more than 11 miles from Mount Pentelikon in 131 A.D.
- View the remains of the sixth-century Temple of Zeus and gaze up at its 16 ornate Corinthian columns.
- Walk through Plaka’s narrow streets and charming shops. Situated at the foot of the Acropolis, this district is one of the oldest parts of Athens and is known as the “Neighborhood of the Gods” due to the dozens of monuments strewn throughout.
- Set off on a walking tour around the ancient Acropolis—site of the Parthenon, Temple of Athena Nike, and Erechtheion. You may have seen these enduring icons of antiquity in books and film, but now you’re stepping through the work of craftsmen who quarried and honed these marble blocks thousands of years ago.
Sightseeing tour complete, enjoy free time in the Plaka district or join our optional excursion to Cape Sounion. On a clear day, you might spot five of Greece’s Ionian Islands dotting the sparkling Aegean Sea.
Delphi Region1 night
Day 4: Transfer to the Delphi Region & sightseeing tour
Included meal: Breakfast
Head for the slopes of Mount Parnassus to visit the Archaeological Site of Delphi. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this spiritual focal point was believed by the ancient Greeks to be the omphalos—the navel of the Earth, marked by Zeus with an egg-shaped stone. Today, you’ll experience its mystique yourself as you embark on a guided tour.
- Stop at the Temple of Apollo, where, according to legend, the god Apollo once spoke in prophecy to mortals through the voice of an oracle—the high priestess, or Pythia.
- Take time to explore the ancient treasures of the Delphi Museum. Its greatest prize: the Charioteer of Delphi, a life-sized bronze statue unearthed almost entirely intact.
Spend a free evening relaxing in the Delphi region or add our optional outing to Arachova, a picturesque mountain village blanketed with terraced homes and Byzantine churches.
Olympia Region1 night
Day 5: Transfer to the Olympia Region & sightseeing tour
Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner
This morning, drive to the Olympia region, crossing the Rio-Antirrio bridge onto the Peloponnese peninsula. In Olympia, you’ll meet your local guide and tour the legendary, UNESCO-noted Archaeological Site of Olympia, where the Olympic Games were born.
- View the ruins of the Temple of Zeus, once home to a statue that was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
- See the ancient Gymnasium and the site where the first Olympic Games took place.
- Step inside the Archaeological Museum of Olympia and enjoy free time to explore its world-renowned collections of ancient sculptures, bronze artifacts, and terracotta pieces.
Afterward, take some free time around Olympia to find lunch and explore. This evening, come together with your group for an included dinner, served with beer or wine.
Please note: The sightseeing tour of Olympia may take place on day 6, depending on the season.
Nafplio2 nights
Day 6: Transfer to Nafplio & sightseeing tour
Included meal: Breakfast
Push deeper into the Peloponnese today, cutting across its storied terrain to the romantic seaside town of Nafplio. Once you arrive, stretch your legs and get your bearings during a Tour Director-led sightseeing tour.
- Learn about Nafplio’s history as you walk through the Old Town, including how it became the first capital of independent Greece in 1829.
- Pass through the quaint confines of Syntagma Square and spot the Vouleftiko, a former Ottoman mosque that housed the first Greek parliament for a few months during the mid-1820s.
Day 7: Sightseeing tour of Epidaurus
Included meal: Breakfast
Head into the countryside for a guided tour of the Sanctuary of Asklepios, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the ancient Greek city of Epidaurus.
- Learn about its history as a healing sanctuary dedicated to the Greek god of medicine, where people went in search of physical and spiritual healing.
- Move on to the Ancient Theater of Epidaurus, one of the best-preserved Greek amphitheaters in the world and yet another UNESCO-recognized landmark.
With your free time this afternoon, join us on an optional excursion through Mycenae’s ancient citadel—once home to 30,000 people and immortalized in Homer’s epics—then unwind with a wine tasting in Nemea.
If you choose to stay in Nafplio, roam its bustling, taverna-lined squares before making your way to the Palamidi—an imposing Venetian fortress perched atop a hill over 700 feet above the city.
Athens1 night
Day 8: Athens via the Corinth Canal
Included meals: Breakfast, Farewell dinner
Continue across the Peloponnese, stopping just before the mainland to admire the Corinth Canal—a lockless, four-mile-long cut that links the Aegean and Ionian Seas. While it’s too narrow for many modern vessels, its steep limestone walls provide a scenic contrast to the aquamarine waters below.
Pull into Athens this evening, then celebrate your trip at a farewell dinner, served with beer or wine.
Flight Home1 night
Day 9: Departure
Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)
Transfer to the airport for your flight home. Not ready to leave? Add our extension to escape to Crete for a few more days of turquoise coves and ancient ruins, capped with some bonus time in Athens.
Crete & Athens extension
Even to the Ancient Greeks, the Minoans of Crete were relics of a bygone era. On this trip’s extension, you’ll go back—way back—to when they ruled modern Greece’s largest island. Fly to the Cretan capital of Heraklion and investigate the ruins of Knossos. Then, after a free day to do as you please, return to Athens for a final night in the Greek capital.
Heraklion2 nights
Day 9: Flight to Heraklion & sightseeing tour
Included meal: Breakfast
Fly to Crete, the largest of the Greek islands, this morning. Remnants of the ancient Minoan civilization can be found across the island, and its diverse landscape ranges from lush valleys and dramatic gorges to mountains and beaches.
Board your bus and cruise past the olive tree-covered terrain surrounding Heraklion—an ancient port town that was once the hub of the Minoans—where you’ll set off on a guided tour.
- Visit the ruins of the Bronze Age palace of Knossos. Part administrative center, part place of worship, it held a special place at the heart of Minoan culture (and was where, according to myth, King Minos imprisoned the Minotaur in the heart of a labyrinth).
- Take some free time to explore Heraklion on your own and see what other ancient mysteries you’ll discover.
Day 10: Free day in Heraklion
Included meal: Breakfast
Looking to experience centuries of cultural diversity? Join the excursion to Chania, a coastal city on Crete’s northwestern shore that has passed between Greek, Venetian, and Ottoman hands through the years. Embark on a walking tour of Chania’s Old Town, a historic quarter tinged by Venetian heritage that also happens to boast a thriving Jewish community.
You can also use your free day to enjoy Cretan cuisine—grilled seafood and local cheeses like mizithra—at one of the island’s many seaside tavernas or stroll along the warm sands of a beach or three.
Athens1 night
Day 11: Flight to Athens
Included meal: Breakfast
Fly back to Athens today. Then, gather with your group members and toast to your trip with a farewell drink.
Wrap up your last night in Athens with an optional excursion to a local’s home, where you’ll indulge in traditional dishes and lively conversation—or explore the city solo, chasing sunset views and the perfect gyro.
Flight Home
Day 12: Departure
Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)
Transfer to the airport for your flight home.
Reviews
Hotels
We handpick every hotel to strike the balance of comfort, location, and local charm. Specific accommodations will vary based on your departure date, but these are frequently used hotels for this tour and we're confident you'll be satisfied.

Athens - The Golden Age Hotel of Athens
This modern hotel is located in the Ilisia neighborhood. Guests enjoy a fitness center, restaurant, and lounge. Nearby, you’ll find the Byzantine and Christian Museum, the Athens Concert Hall, and the Athens War Museum.

Delphi Region - Amalia Hotel Delphi
This modern hotel is located at the foot of Mount Parnassus in Delphi. Guests enjoy the outdoor pool, beautiful views, and manicured gardens. Nearby, you’ll find the Temple of Apollo, the Old Temple of Athena, and the Stadium...

Olympia - Amalia Hotel Olympia
This modern hotel is located in the Agios Georgios neighborhood. Guests enjoy a restaurant, bar, and pool. Nearby, you’ll find the Archimedes Museum, the Museum of the History of the Ancient Olympic Games, and the...
Nafplio - Amalia Hotel Nafplio
This modern hotel is located in the town entrance of Nafplion. Guests enjoy free Wi-Fi, balconies, and air conditioning. Nearby, you’ll find Árgos, Tiryns, and the Tomb of Agamemnon.

Crete - Galaxy Hotel Iraklio
This luxe hotel is located in Heraklion on the island of Crete. Guests enjoy restaurants, the outdoor pool, and a spa. Nearby, you’ll find Lions Square, Ammoudara Beach, and various shops and restaurants.
Flights
Round-trip flights are one more thing we handle to make your journey as smooth as possible. Our team of travel experts will find the best flight itinerary for you at a competitive rate, thanks to our partnerships with top airlines.
Add our airfare and you’ll get:
- Round-trip flight for your tour
- Airport transfers at your destination
- A great price locked in today
- 24/7 support from our dedicated service team
- Options for arriving early, staying longer, or requesting an upgrade
- Flexible rebooking options if your tour itinerary changes
FAQ
- In order to enter Greece, U.S. and Canadian citizens need a valid passport with an expiration date extending at least six months beyond the date of reentry.
- We recommend having at least one blank passport page for entry stamps.
- Beginning in 2026, U.S. and Canadian passport holders must register for an ETIAS travel authorization in order to enter many European countries.
- Passport holders from over 60 visa-exempt countries (including the U.S. and Canada) will need to apply for an ETIAS travel authorization in order to visit 30 European countries. That means that even if you’ve previously traveled to any of these European countries without a visa, starting in 2026, you’ll need to get ETIAS authorization to visit them again. If you’re traveling to multiple countries with this requirement, you only need to complete the form once. All Go Ahead travelers are responsible for obtaining their own ETIAS travel authorization before departure. For more details, please visit our Help Center.
- If you are not a U.S. or Canadian citizen, you must contact each country’s consulate for your specific entry requirements.
- You can see the most up-to-date entry requirements for the destination(s) you’ll visit on tour by going to goaheadtours.com/entry-requirements and searching the code GWA.
- Round-trip flights booked through Go Ahead Tours arrive in and depart from Athens.
- Transfers to and from the airport at the beginning and end of the tour are included for travelers who purchased their flights through Go Ahead Tours. Travelers who booked their own flights are responsible for securing their own airport transfers.
- When you arrive in Athens, a Go Ahead representative will be waiting for you in the arrivals hall with a Go Ahead sign or a sign with your name(s). If you don’t see a representative immediately, please be patient and stay in the arrivals area. They may be assisting another traveler who has also just arrived and will be back shortly.
Physical Activity Level
This is a high physical activity-level tour. You can expect to be on the move on a regular basis throughout the course of the tour.
Tour Pacing
This is a brisk-paced tour. The pace of a tour itinerary considers how often you’ll switch hotels, the amount of planned daily activities, and how you’ll get from place to place. You can expect:
- Three 1-night stays
- Most days full of included activities (more if you add excursions)
- All transportation by motor coach
- Daily bus time varies and can be lengthy
Walking, Terrain & Physical Requirements
- Travelers should be prepared to walk 2-3 miles per day—this includes city streets, cobblestones, stairs, and hills.
- Stone and marble walkways may be slippery even when dry.
- Access to the Acropolis requires travelers to navigate a steep hill including uneven stairs with no railing.
- Travelers should be healthy enough to participate in all included walks without assistance.
- Please Note: Adding optional excursions may increase the total amount of walking on tour.
Climate Considerations
- In the summer months (June-September), travelers can expect heatwaves with temperatures consistently above 90F.
Physical Activity & Tour Pace Questions
- Go Ahead Tours and the Tour Director who accompanies your group are unable to provide special mobility or luggage handling assistance to travelers on tour. The responsibility of the Tour Director is to ensure the group enjoys a smooth and informative journey, and they can’t be relied on to provide individualized assistance to any one traveler.
- This tour moves at a reasonable pace to avoid missing scheduled stops. The rest of the group cannot miss any scheduled activities because of the needs of an individual.
- Due to the pace and physical activity level of this tour, mobility aids such as wheelchairs or walkers will be difficult to use and are not recommended. Please notify Go Ahead Tours before your departure if you plan to bring these on tour with you.
- If you have mobility concerns or tour pacing questions, please visit our Help Center or send a message to our Customer Experience Team.
- Most transportation on this tour is by private motor coach. Private motor coaches have steps required to board and often do not provide access to ramps or lifts.
- The tour extension includes a round-trip flight from Athens to Heraklion.
- All other included transportation on this tour is by private motor coach.
- Please note that our travelers are limited to one checked bag and one carry-on bag per person due to storage limitations on motor coaches, flights, and other modes of transportation.
- Contact your airline(s) for the luggage restrictions for your itinerary. Please note that on-tour flights on the tour extension may have tighter size and weight limits than your round-trip airfare to and from tour.
- Some airlines may impose additional charges if you choose to check any bags or exceed their size and weight restrictions. Be advised: You’re responsible for any luggage fees incurred on all flights.
- Make sure you label your baggage and keep valuables, medication, and documents in your carry-on bag.
- Travelers must be able to manage their luggage throughout tour; porters aren’t guaranteed at hotels or airports.
- We recommend packing lightweight, loose-fitting clothing that can be easily layered to accommodate varying temperatures, as well as a light jacket or rainwear.
- A sturdy pair of walking shoes or sneakers is recommended for sightseeing.
- You may want to pack dressier attire if you plan to visit a high-end restaurant or attend a special performance.
- It’s preferable not to visit churches or other religious sites with bare legs or shoulders. Entrance may be denied on this basis.
- We recommend packing a universal adapter, as well as a voltage converter if you plan on using a hairdryer or other device without a built-in converter.
- In case of emergencies, we also recommend packing your medical insurance card in your carry-on.
- Go Ahead handpicks every hotel you’ll stay at, striking a balance between comfort, location, and local charm.
- Specific properties will vary based on your departure date, but are typically three-to-four-star hotels; always include private bathrooms; and usually have in-room safes for valuables. Additionally, your hotels will have Wi-Fi, but access may be limited to common areas. There may also not be elevators.
- Unfortunately, we can’t guarantee that your accommodations will have laundry services or facilities. We recommend checking directly with your hotels once they’ve been confirmed, about 30 days prior to departure.
- Some hotels on this tour are situated on narrow streets; as such, our buses can’t drop you off right out front. In these instances, you’ll have to walk your luggage to the property, no more than a few blocks.
- Please be advised that the strength of the air conditioning in European hotels/buildings is often not as strong or as cool as what you might be used to in the U.S. or Canada.
- Greece operates on the European standard 220-240 volts and use Types C, E, or F plugs with two small, round pins.
- Specific accommodations will vary based on your departure date.
- Excursions are available for purchase prior to departure, and most excursions will be available for purchase while you are on tour directly through your mobile app for an additional $10 USD.
- We recommend purchasing excursions at least 3 days prior to your tour departure. Please note some excursions have advance booking deadlines. Check your tour itinerary for more information to ensure you don’t miss the deadline to add them.
- Optional excursions may be canceled on tour due to reasons like low enrollment, weather or unexpected closures. If an excursion you signed up for is canceled by Go Ahead Tours, you will be refunded the full cost of the excursion. Please note it may take up to 60 days for your refund to be processed.
- Your Tour Director may offer their own optional excursions which can only be purchased on tour via cash (in local currency).
- At least 60 days prior to departure, check with your doctor or healthcare provider for the latest updates and entry requirements, or visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's website at cdc.gov.
- If you have dietary restrictions and/or food allergies, please notify Go Ahead Tours at least 30 days prior to your departure by logging in to your account and updating your traveler info. To update this information closer to your departure date, please contact our Customer Experience Team.
- If you have medication that you take daily, be sure you have enough for each day of the tour as well as any possible delays encountered.
- Most of our itineraries include headsets used during certain sightseeing tours so travelers can hear their guides or Tour Director. If you use an assisted listening device, such as a hearing aid or cochlear implant, please visit our Help Center for more information or contact our customer experience team. Please note that at this time not all our destinations offer headsets due to supplier limitations.
- Please note that codeine (commonly found in headache medications) is banned in Greece, and you may face prosecution if you bring it into the country.
- Take proper care with sun exposure, as the sun can be especially strong in some of the regions on this tour.
- The water is safe to drink throughout your tour unless posted otherwise.
- You can see the most up-to-date entry requirements for the destination(s) you’ll visit on tour by going to goaheadtours.com/entry-requirements and searching the code GWA.
- This tour includes 3 dinners: They may be set menus, buffets, or family-style meals, depending on the location. Dinners also include one glass of beer, wine, or a soft drink, as well as water.
- Breakfast each morning is also included at the hotel and is typically buffet style with hot and cold options.
- Greece’s warm climate ensures a constant supply of fresh, high-quality fruits and vegetables. Salads served with aromatic olive oil, feta cheese, and oregano are plentiful. Simple grilled fish and meat are integral to Greek cuisine, as are squid and octopus. Don’t miss the spinach and cheese pies, called spanakopita.
- At the conclusion of your tour, it is customary to offer your Tour Director and driver a gratuity in local currency. Please keep current exchange rates in mind.
- We recommend tipping the equivalent of $10USD to $12USD per person per day for your Tour Director and the equivalent of $4USD per person per day for your driver.
- If applicable, we also recommend the equivalent of $2USD per local guide.
- Tips can only be paid in cash.
- If you are traveling to multiple countries with different currencies and the same Tour Director, ask them what currency they prefer for their tip.
- The cost of porterage is included in your tour price, and it is not necessary to tip baggage handlers.
- You will use the euro on tour.
- Better rates of exchange are usually available overseas, although it’s worth ordering some currency from your local bank to use when you first arrive.
- We strongly advise that you take debit and credit cards, which can be used to withdraw cash at local banks as needed.
- You can use most cards at ATMs on the international networks Cirrus and Plus, but make sure to check with your home bank about withdrawal fees.
- International banks and businesses primarily accept debit and credit cards that work with the EMV chip system. If you don’t already have at least one card with a chip in it, we strongly recommend requesting one from your bank prior to your tour.
- Plan ahead and bring cash to tip your Tour Director, local guides, and bus drivers. We also recommend keeping coins in the local currency on hand, as some public bathrooms may charge a fee for use.
- To help you feel prepared before traveling on tour, we strongly recommend downloading the EF Go Ahead Tours mobile app. It’s free and provides information about important deadlines and entry requirements, as well as your detailed itinerary, packing tips, and more. You can also connect with fellow travelers through the app’s chat feature.
- Wi-Fi is available in most hotels, though some charges may apply.
- There is no Wi-Fi on any of the motor coaches.
- Please contact your mobile service provider for information on roaming charges.
- Your Tour Director will be leading your group throughout your journey. You will have the same Tour Director throughout your tour.
- The role of the Tour Director is not only to provide information and context on the destinations you visit, but also to confirm services, coordinate inclusions, prepare each days’ activities and support travelers while on tour. As such, they must focus on the success of the group, and cannot provide individualized assistance to any one traveler.
- One of the benefits of traveling with EF Go Ahead Tours is our on tour emergency support team.
- Our extensive network of offices around the world, and our integration of ISO 31000: Risk Management Guidelines, help our dedicated 24/7 Emergency Service teams anticipate and address on-tour challenges in a flexible and iterative way.
- This team supports travelers and Tour Directors using a combination of extensive training, simulations, incident response planning, and decades of experience to help manage emergencies if they arise, ranging from personal health concerns or injuries to major world events.
- As needed, On Tour Support can facilitate additional support for travelers on tour, arrange assistance from outside specialists, and liaise with local and international authorities to help solve on-the-ground issues. In addition, the team is dedicated to supporting and facilitating communication between travelers and families in the event of an emergency while on the road or at home.
- Greece is 2 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) and 7 hours ahead of Eastern Time (ET).
- When it’s noon in New York, it’s 7pm in Greece.
- When you travel with Go Ahead Tours, you’ll make a positive impact on the places you visit and the people and animals you meet along the way. That’s because our three core Responsible Travel commitments—protecting the environment, supporting local communities, and promoting animal welfare—are at the heart of every tour we offer.
- Travel, when done responsibly, can have an enormous socioeconomic impact on communities. To maximize your impact, eat at locally owned restaurants and shop at small businesses. Ask your Tour Director to point out restaurants they recommend.
- Prepare for your trip: Be aware of monetary norms such as tipping and negotiating in a market; learn about the destination’s forms of etiquette; and take some time to learn a few words in the local language.
- When interacting with locals, make sure to ask people for permission before you take their picture, and approach cultural differences with empathy and an open mind.
- Go Ahead Tours encourages travelers to limit their waste while on the road, especially single-use plastics. You can cut back on generating plastic waste by packing your own toiletries, using electronic documents, and bringing a reusable water bottle and shopping bag. If you need to use plastics or paper, please recycle.















































































