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Athens & Ancient Greece

with Santorini & Athens extension

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This tour itinerary varies by year.

Duration: 13 or 17 days
Group size: 15-38
Reviews: 111

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. Island-hop along the Ionian 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

Overnight Flight1 night

Day 1: Travel day

Board your overnight flight to Athens today.

Athens2 nights

Day 2: Arrival in Athens

Included meal: 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.

Later, sit down to an included dinner with your group.

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

In Rio, sit down to an included dinner with your group.

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

This evening, sit down to an included dinner with your group.

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, 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 your Greek adventure in Santorini.

Extension to Santorini & Athens

Some call Santorini the lost city of Atlantis. Most just call it paradise. Discover a volcanic island of black-sand beaches, sprawling vineyards, and cliff-lined shores famed for its Mediterranean sunsets and world-class white wine. During your stay, you’ll soak up Santorini’s stunning seascapes on a guided tour and uncover its rich history on a visit to the museum of Akrotiri, a Minoan colony buried in volcanic ash 3,600 years ago.

Santorini3 nights

Day 13: Transfer to Santorini

Included meal: Breakfast

This morning, board a ferry to the volcanic island of Santorini.

Day 14: Sightseeing tour of Santorini

Included meal: Breakfast

Follow a local guide for a tour of the island’s best sights.

• Admire panoramic views from the top of Profitis Ilias Mountain

• Visit Akrotiri, a town situated on the southwestern side of the island that’s home to incredible excavations of wall paintings

• Stop in the charming village of Pyrgos

Enjoy a free afternoon in Santorini or add an excursion.

Santorini Caldera Cruise & Dinner

Excursion (additional cost)

Day 15: Free day in Santorini

Included meal: Breakfast

Enjoy a full free day in Santorini or add an excursion.

Greek Wine Tasting & Lunch

Excursion (additional cost)

Athens1 night

Day 16: Return to Athens

Included meal: Breakfast

Fly back to Athens, where you'll enjoy a farewell drink as you celebrate your trip with your fellow group member this evening. Then, enjoy free time in Athens or add an excursion.

Athens Home-Hosted Dinner

Excursion (additional cost)

Flight Home

Day 17: Departure

Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)

Transfer to the airport for your flight home.

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Reviews

111

4.7 average

Athens & Ancient Greece

05/14/2019 by 3rd time traveler Dane R.

This was my second trip with Go Ahead Tours and it was as wonderful as the first. The trip was action packed and full of history. The hotels were very nice. The food was great. My group was like a family. Everyone was friendly and there to have a good time. Our guide was excellent and went out of hi...

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Memorable Trip

05/09/2019 by 6th time traveler Michael E.

My wife and I enjoyed the trip across the Greece mainland and Corfu, seeing the wonderful and timeless architecture such as the Parthenon and Oracle of Delphi, experiencing the Greek way of life at the various restaurants and a wine-tasting, and viewing the beautiful scenic areas in this mountainous...

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greece

12/11/2018 by 5th time traveler Anonymous

This was not a good trip. all my money and passport were stolen along with several members on the trip getting their credit cards stolen. a traveler on the trip had the flu and gave it to half the travelers. The restaurants were very disappointing. Food not very good.

Excellent Time

11/26/2018 by 3rd time traveler Loretta D.

I can only say great things about this tour. I loved Greece and all the itinerary. Our tour guide Rob was great.

great trip and loved everything

11/20/2018 by 7th time traveler Roberta C.

So enjoyed all that Greece had to give us. Hotels were wonderful, each giving you a perfect European experience. Food was great. Fun tour guide. Such an interesting country and the side trips were very interesting.

Our reviews are authentic and unedited.

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.

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 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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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

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 about 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 ferry ride to and from Corfu is included in the price of your tour. (The tour extension also includes a one-way ferry between Athens and Santorini and a flight back to Athens.)
All other included transportation on this tour is by private motor coach.

Baggage allowance

Airlines have varying weight restrictions on baggage. Some airlines may impose additional charges if you choose to check any baggage; be advised that you are responsible for any such costs.
Contact your airline for baggage size and weight restrictions for your flight, but please note that our travelers are restricted to one checked bag per person due to storage limitations on motor coaches and other transfers, which may include train connections or flights.
One carry-on bag of 45 total inches (length + width + height) is also permitted.
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.
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 Athens.

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. International travel is, by its very nature, unpredictable. We must therefore reserve the right to change this itinerary, without advance notice, to meet with local conditions at the time of travel. We appreciate your understanding. Please refer to our website for Terms & Conditions, dates, and prices.