FAQ

Name: Footsteps of Saint Paul in Greece: Thessaloniki to Athens
Brand: Go Ahead Tours
SKU: FPS
Price: 3049 USD
Rating: 4.8 (10 reviews)

Question 1

About the cruise ship

Accepted Answer

* Aboard the Celestyal Olympia on the tour extension, you’ll find ambient lounges across the ship, restaurants featuring authentic cuisine, a fully equipped gym, library, two pools, and so much more. See a detailed summary of the ship’s amenities and available cabins on [their website](https://celestyal.com/us/our-ships/olympia/).
* All cabins on this tour are standard outside cabins with a view of the water and come equipped with air conditioning, a telephone, hair dryer, safety deposit box, and television.

Question 2

Passport, visa, and entry requirements

Accepted Answer

* In order to enter Greece (and Turkey on the tour extension), 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 2025, U.S. and Canadian passport holders must register for an [ETIAS](https://eur01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Ftravel-europe.europa.eu%2Fetias_en&data=05%7C01%7C%7C6d2b38859eae47b0da2a08dba421f137%7Cf0d1c6fddff0486a8e91cfefefc7d98d%7C0%7C0%7C638284238040739788%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=Pxn4%2Fu%2Fkz8GELqvzmgyLsXXTL4sPz%2B2KTz%2B533hfGI0%3D&reserved=0) 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 2025, 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](https://eur01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fsupport.goaheadtours.com%2Fhc%2Fen-us%2Farticles%2F17596554099739-ETIAS-travel-authorization&data=05%7C01%7C%7C6d2b38859eae47b0da2a08dba421f137%7Cf0d1c6fddff0486a8e91cfefefc7d98d%7C0%7C0%7C638284238040739788%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=UrPDlVIIAqXSOYuZCOxyLzIRHuq4ODPsPdNQpo9hZcA%3D&reserved=0).
* If you are not a U.S. or Canadian citizen, you must contact your destination 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](/entry-requirements?tourCode=FPS)** and searching the code FPS.

Question 3

Tour pacing and mobility

Accepted Answer

* 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 on and off ferries and ships.
* If you have any mobility concerns or physical restrictions, please contact our Customer Experience Team.

Question 4

Transportation and arrival information

Accepted Answer

* Round-trip flights booked through Go Ahead Tours arrive in Thessaloniki 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 three-night Greek islands cruise is included in the price of the tour extension.
* All other included transportation on this tour is by private motor coach.

Question 5

Baggage allowance

Accepted Answer

* 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 to label your baggage and keep valuables, medication, and documents in your carry-on bag.

Question 6

Clothing and packing tips

Accepted Answer

* We recommend packing lightweight, loose-fitting clothing that can be easily layered to accommodate varying temperatures, as well as a light jacket or rainwear.
* Consider bringing sunglasses, brimmed hats, sunscreen, and lightweight clothing that covers your arms and neck. Many of the historical and ancient sites on this tour are out in the open with little shade, and temperatures in Greece can get quite hot. 
* 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).

Question 7

Health

Accepted Answer

* 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 website at $$cdc.gov$$ (https://www.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.
* Certain over-the-counter and prescription medications may be banned in Turkey (on the tour extension). Importing these drugs can carry severe consequences, including imprisonment. Please consult your healthcare provider prior to departure to ensure that any drugs you may want to bring with you are legal in Turkey.
* 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.
* 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](/entry-requirements?tourCode=FPS)** and searching the code FPS.

Question 8

Cuisine

Accepted Answer

* 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 are squid and octopus. Don't miss the spinach-and-cheese pies, called spanakopita.
* In Turkey on the tour extension, breakfast typically consists of sourdough bread with sheep’s cheese and olives, as well as jam or honey. A midday meal or dinner often starts with a *meze*, which is a plate of varied appetizers like cheese pastry rolls, pickled vegetables, and potato fritters. On the coast, fish is an excellent choice, especially tuna, turbot, and sardines. Meat eaters should try lamb kebabs, available in a wide variety of types, each with a different sauce or dressing. The national drink is tea, but don't miss out on the strong and rich Turkish coffee.

Question 9

Electricity and air conditioning

Accepted Answer

* Greece (and Turkey on the tour extension) 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.

Question 10

Connectivity

Accepted Answer

*   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.

Question 11

Time zones

Accepted Answer

* Greece (and Turkey on the extension) are 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 (and in Turkey on the tour extension).

Question 12

Currency

Accepted Answer

* You will use the euro in Greece (as well as the Turkish lira in Turkey on the tour extension).
* 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.

Question 13

Tipping

Accepted Answer

* 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 $8USD to $10USD per person per day for your Tour Director and the equivalent of $3USD per person per day for your driver.
* Gratuities aboard the cruise ship are included in price of the tour extension.
* If applicable, we also recommend the equivalent of $2USD per local guide.
* Tips can only be paid in cash.

Question 14

Purchasing excursions on tour

Accepted Answer

* 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.

Footsteps of Saint Paul in Greece: Thessaloniki to Athens

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Follow Apostle Paul’s missionary journey through ancient Greek cities.

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