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Athens & Ancient Greece

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Athens & Ancient Greece

with Crete & Athens extension

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This tour itinerary varies by year.

Duration: 13 or 16 days
Group size: 15-38
Reviews: 132

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Explore the places that shaped Western civilization as we know it.

Between the Mediterranean beaches bathed in sunlight, ancient ruins teeming with legends, and villas bursting with local charm, falling in love with Greece is a sure thing. Discover the heart of Europe’s oldest city, from the Acropolis to the Plaka. Make your way along the Ionian coast to shorelines steeped in mythology.

Your tour package includes

11 nights in handpicked hotels
11 breakfasts
5 dinners with beer or wine
1 wine tasting
7 guided sightseeing tours

Included highlights

Acropolis
Parthenon
Temple of Apollo
Meteora Monasteries
Corfu’s Old Town

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Day-by-day itinerary

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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! Meet your fellow travelers at a welcome dinner tonight.

Day 3: Sightseeing tour of Athens

Included meal: Breakfast

A local guide introduces you to the highlights of this bustling ancient capital, home to the world’s first democracy.

Pass by the Olympic Stadium, Syntagma Square, and the Arch of Hadrian
View the sixth-century Temple of Zeus
See the classically inspired Old Royal Palace, home of the Hellenic Parliament, and drive through the Plaka district
Set off on a walking tour around the ancient Acropolis, site of the Parthenon, Temple of Athena Nike, and Erechtheion

Enjoy a free afternoon in Athens or add an excursion.

Cape Sounion

Excursion (additional cost)

Delphi Region1 night

Day 4: Sightseeing tour of Delphi

Included meal: Breakfast

Travel to the Delphi region for a guided tour of the legendary home of the mystical oracle. You’ll visit the Temple of Apollo where according to legend, the god once communicated with mortals.

Spend a free evening in Delphi or add an excursion.

Arachova Village & Greek Dinner

Excursion (additional cost)

Meteora Region1 night

Day 5: Sightseeing tour of the Meteora Region

Included meal: Breakfast

Today, travel to the remote village of Kalambaka at the foot of the Pindus Mountains. Discover Meteora’s stunning architecture: Pinnacle Monastery and St. Stephen’s Monastery, two Byzantine structures perched atop 1,000-foot-high pinnacle rocks.

Corfu2 nights

Day 6: Transfer to Corfu

Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Cross the Pindus Mountains and make your way to the lakeside town of Ioannina, whose beautiful mosque and Ottoman fortress are evidence of four centuries of Turkish rule. This afternoon, board a ferry bound for the island of Corfu.

Day 7: Sightseeing tour of Corfu

Included meal: Breakfast

Discover Corfu with a local guide. Once ruled by the Venetians, this island has retained much of its Italian charm.

See the city’s Italian influence on display at the Spianada, arguably the most impressive square in Greece
Visit the regal Achillion Palace, once the palatial summer residence of German Kaiser Wilhelm II
Enter the Church of St. Spyridon, where you’ll uncover the sacred relics of the island’s patron saint

Enjoy a free evening in Corfu or add an excursion.

Corfu Tavern Dinner

Excursion (additional cost)

Rio2 nights

Day 8: Transfer to Rio

Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Board a ferry back to the mainland from Corfu. Then, follow the dramatic Ionian coast, making stops on your way to Rio.

Visit the fishing village of Amfilochia
Stop in historic Missolonghi to visit the Garden of Heroes

Day 9: Sightseeing tour of Olympia

Included meal: Breakfast

This morning, tour the legendary city of Olympia with a local guide.

View the ruins of the Temple of Zeus, known as one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World
See the ancient Gymnasium and site where the first Olympic Games took place
Step inside the Archaeological Museum of Olympia and enjoy free time to explore the exhibits

Nafplio2 nights

Day 10: Wine tasting & guided tour of Nafplio

Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Explore the historic region that has been occupied by the Turks, Venetians, Franks, and Byzantines.

Stop in Nemea to tour a vineyard and taste a selection of red and white wines accompanied by snacks
In Nafplio, your Tour Director leads an orientation walk through the town that was the first capital of independent Greece

Day 11: Epidaurus & Mycenae

Included meal: Breakfast

Explore the landmarks of Epidaurus and Mycenae on guided sightseeing tours.

In Epidaurus, discover Greece’s best-preserved open-air theater
In Mycenae, explore the mysterious beehive-shaped Treasury of Atreus and the magnificent Lion Gate, one of the oldest monumental sculptures in Europe
Visit the burial ground of Agamemnon and his followers in Mycenae, where archaeologists unearthed incredible treasures

Athens1 night

Day 12: Return to Athens

Included meals: Breakfast, Farewell dinner

Travel back to Athens, stopping along the way to admire the Corinth Canal. Later, enjoy a farewell dinner with your fellow travelers.

Flight Home

Day 13: Departure

Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)

Transfer to the airport for your return flight home or continue on to visit Crete and further explore Athens.

Extension to Crete & Athens

Looking for even more ancient history? Luckily, Greece has it in spades. Fly to Crete and stay a little bit longer to put on your archaeologist hat and uncover the past at the ruins of Knossos (they say the Minotaur lived here once). Then, catch a flight back to Athens for one more night in the Greek capital.

Heraklion2 nights

Day 13: Sightseeing tour of Heraklion

Included meal: Breakfast

Fly to Crete, the largest of the Greek islands, this morning. Then, explore the city of Heraklion with a local guide.

Explore the archaeological site of Knossos, home to the ruins of a Minoan palace
Enter the Heraklion Archaeological Museum to view the world’s most complete collection of Minoan artefacts

Day 14: Free day in Heraklion

Included meal: Breakfast

Spend a full free day in Heraklion or add an excursion.

Chania

Excursion (additional cost)

Athens1 night

Day 15: Flight to Athens

Included meal: Breakfast

Fly back to Athens this afternoon and enjoy a farewell drink with your group.

Later, enjoy a free evening in Athens or add an excursion.

Athens Home-Hosted Dinner

Excursion (additional cost)

Flight Home

Day 16: Departure

Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)

Transfer to the airport for your flight home.

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Reviews

4.7 average

Our reviews are authentic and unedited.

Spectacular Experience

12/16/2019 by 3rd time traveler Diana D.

This tour of Ancient Greece & Athens was spectacular! We loved seeing & learning about the ruins & culture of Greece in ancient times. Our tour Director Rob was simply the best. He made every site come alive with his stories & knowledge of Greece & mythology. Our entire group was joyful & enjoyed an...

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12/16/2019 by 4th time traveler Joyce M.

Kosta was an excellent tour guide!

Greece shines in November!

12/16/2019 by 4th time traveler Margaret S.

Despite some occasional rain, the overall experience of exploring ancient Greece was informative and memorable, with daily historical connections to the classics as well as modern-day history. Often members of the tour would google overnight and bring additional pieces to the ongoing appreciation of...

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Our Trip to Greece

12/16/2019 by 10th time traveler Chris C.

This was a terrific trip for us, we saw so much of Greece that we didn't even know about which is why we travel! The only aspect of the trip that was a bit tough for me was the pace, the number of hotels. We knew what the trip was going to be like, fast paced with some places there for only a shor...

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12/16/2019 by 2nd time traveler Martha J.

My tour of ancient Greece was delightful. I finally got to see the historical sites I studied years ago in college. Kostas was the perfect tour guide and all of the day guides were excellent. It was a “bucket list trip”.

Hotels, flights & FAQ

Here's the nitty-gritty—where you’ll stay, how you’ll get there, and what to know about your destination before you go.

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.

Amalia Hotel Delphi

This modern hotel is located at the foot of Mount Parnassus. Guests enjoy free WiFi, balconies, and air-conditioning. Nearby, you'll find the Temple o...

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Amalia Hotel Kalambaka

This classical hotel is located in Kalambaka. Guests enjoy free wifi, balconies, and a restaurant. Nearby, you'll find Tríkala, Megálou Metéorou, and ...

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Airotel Stratos Vassilikos

This stylish hotel is located downtown near the Megaro Mousikis metro station. Guests enjoy an on-site restaurant, fitness center, and free Wi-Fi. Nea...

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Achaia Beach Hotel

This modern hotel is located in Patras. Guests enjoy free WiFi, a mini bar, and trouser press. Nearby, you'll find Rion Bridge, mountains, and beaches...

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Wyndham Hotel

This modern hotel is located in the Karaiskaki Square neighborhood. Guests enjoy a restaurant, a rooftop bar, and an outdoor pool. Nearby, you’ll find...

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Amalia Hotel Nauplia

This modern hotel is located in the town entrance of Nafplion. Guests enjoy free WiFi, balconies, and air-conditioning. Nearby, you'll find Árgos, Tir...

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Corfu Holiday Palace

This seaside hotel is located in Corfu. Guests enjoy an outdoor pool, bowling alley, and spa. Nearby, you'll find the shores of the Ionian Sea, the Vl...

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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 package 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

Find out more about flights

FAQ

Print FAQ

Passport & visa requirements

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.
There is no visa required for U.S. or Canadian citizens.
If you are not a U.S. or Canadian citizen, you must contact your destination country’s consulate for your specific entry requirements.

Tour pace

You will walk for at least 2 hours daily across uneven terrain, including paved roads and unpaved trails, with some hills and stairs.
Travelers should be healthy enough to participate in all included walks without assistance. Adding optional excursions may increase the total amount of walking on your tour.
You should feel comfortable managing your own baggage at times, as well as getting in and out of ferries.
If you have any mobility concerns or physical restrictions, please contact our Customer Experience Team.

Transportation & arrival information

Round-trip flights booked through Go Ahead Tours arrive in and depart from Athens. A representative from Go Ahead Tours will meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel. 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.
Transfers to and from the airport at your destination are included for travelers who have purchased their flights through Go Ahead Tours. Travelers who purchase their own flights may request airport transfers with Go Ahead Tours for an additional cost.
A round-trip ferry ride from Igoumenitsa to Corfu is included in the price of your tour. (The tour extension also includes a round-trip flight from Athens to Crete.)
All other included transportation on this tour is by private motor coach.

Baggage allowance

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 and other transfers, which may include train connections or flights.
Contact your airline(s) for baggage size and weight restrictions for your flights, which may include on-tour flights in addition to your round-trip flights to and from tour. Please note that your included on-tour flights may have more restrictive baggage limits.
Some airlines may impose additional charges if you choose to check any baggage or exceed baggage size and weight restrictions. Be advised that you are responsible for any baggage fees incurred on all flights.
Make sure you label your baggage and keep valuables, medication, and documents in your carry-on bag.

Clothing & packing tips

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.
Shaded areas can be scarce at archaeological sites and the ancient ruins you'll visit on this tour. Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a broad-brimmed hat to protect yourself from the sun.
It is preferable not to visit churches or other religious sites with bare legs and shoulders (and entrance may be denied on this basis).

Health

There are no major health risks associated with traveling to Greece.
At least 60 days prior to departure, check with your doctor or healthcare provider for the latest updates and entry requirements, or visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention website at cdc.gov.
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.
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.
If you have dietary restrictions and/or food allergies please notify Go Ahead Tours at least 30 days prior to departure by logging in to your account and updating your traveler info. To update this information closer to your departure date, please call our Customer Experience Team.

Cuisine

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. Grilled fish and meat are integral to Greek cuisine, as well as squid and octopus. Don't miss the spinach and cheese pies, called spanakopita.

Electricity & air conditioning

Greece operates on the European standard 220-240 volts and use Types C, E, or F plugs with two small, round pins.
We recommend packing a universal adapter, as well as a voltage converter if you plan on using your own hairdryer or other device without a built-in converter.
The strength of the air conditioning in European hotels is often not as strong or as cool as what you might be used to in the U.S. or Canada. When air conditioning is available, it is usually regulated seasonally and controlled centrally by the hotel.
Your hotels may provide hairdryers, irons, and other small appliances. However, these amenities cannot be guaranteed.

Connectivity

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.

Time zones

Greece is two hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) and seven hours ahead of Eastern Time (ET).
When it’s noon in New York, it’s 7pm in Greece.

Currency

You will use the euro on this 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/bank cards and credit cards, which can be used to withdraw 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.
Inform your bank and credit card company of your travel plans so that they won’t confuse your international purchases for fraudulent charges.
International banks and businesses primarily accept debit and credit cards that work with the EMV chip system. If you do not already have at least one debit or credit card with a chip in it, we strongly recommend requesting one from your bank prior to your tour.

Tipping

At the conclusion of your tour, it’s 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 $7USD to $10USD per person per day for your Tour Director and the equivalent of $3USD 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.

Purchasing excursions on tour

Most optional excursions will be available for purchase while you are on tour.
Your Tour Director will only accept cash (in USD only), Visa, or MasterCard as payment for optional excursions.
Please be advised that if you pay for an excursion by credit card while on tour, it may take up to three months for your card to be charged.
Some optional excursions may only be purchased in advance. See page four of your tour itinerary for more information.

Dates & prices

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202020212022

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2020

Athens & Ancient Greece

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