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Greece’s greatest hits in a single, sweeping trip.
If you’ve long dreamed of going to Greece but never quite knew where to start, consider this has-it-all tour your answer. You’ll take in the excitement of Thessaloniki and Athens, major cities where ancient history and modern living meet. You’ll travel centuries back in time as you explore treasured historic sites, such as Delphi (home to the Temple of Apollo) and Meteora (known for its complex of clifftop monasteries). You’ll savor signature Greek flavors, from briny olives to tart kumquats to crisp, mineral-rich wines. And you’ll lap up the brilliant sunshine, warm hospitality, and iconic architecture of three major island groups. If you still can’t get your fill of Greece, continue on to the Peloponnese peninsula. In this less-trodden corner of the country, an Alpine ski town, a mythological burial ground, and a Bronze Age citadel are just a few wonders that await.
Your tour package includes
14 nights in handpicked hotels
14 breakfasts
5 dinners with beer or wine
1 liqueur tasting
2 food tastings
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Included highlights
Thessaloniki’s Rotunda Galerius
Meteora monasteries
Corfu’s Old Town
Corfu kumquat tasting
Delphi’s Temple of Apollo
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Start planning today
An expert specializing in tours of this region is here to help.
Board your overnight flight to Thessaloniki today.
Thessaloniki2 nights
Day 2: Arrival in Thessaloniki
Included meal: Welcome dinner
Welcome to Greece! Get to know your Tour Director and fellow travelers at tonight’s welcome dinner.
Day 3: Sightseeing tour of Thessaloniki
Included meals: Breakfast, Tasting
Set out on a guided tour of Thessaloniki, the second-largest city of the former Byzantine empire and a modern-day hub of Greek culture.
Pass by the Hagios Demetrios, the storied church built in honor of the patron saint of Thessaloniki on the site where he was martyred in the fourth century AD
Marvel at the Hagia Sophia, one of Thessaloniki’s oldest churches
See the Roman-style city walls that were constructed during the early third century
Enter the Rotunda of Galerius (a.k.a. the Rotunda of St. George), which Roman Emperor Galerius commissioned in the fourth century in a style similar to Rome’s Pantheon
Examine murals and mosaics inside the UNESCO-listed Rotunda, which is one of Thessaloniki’s oldest surviving buildings
Walk along the seaside promenade to view the White Tower of Thessaloniki, one of the city’s central landmarks
Stop to try some local olives, a staple of Greek cuisine
Enjoy free time in the bustling and artsy Ladadika district, where the cobblestone streets are lined with tavernas and cafes
Spend a free afternoon in Thessaloniki or add an excursion.
Thessaloniki Wine Tasting & Dinner
From $75 per person
Meteora Region1 night
Day 4: Transfer to Meteora Region & sightseeing tour
Included meal: Breakfast
Today, travel to the remote village of Kalambaka, at the foot of the Pindus Mountains. Then, take a guided walking tour of the Meteora monasteries, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Perched in isolation atop towering, sandstone cliffs, the six surviving monasteries date back to the 14th century, when they were established by Orthodox Christian hermit monks.
Enter two monasteries, such as the Monastery of Roussanou, the Monastery of Agios Stefanos, or the Monastery of Varlaam
Hike up to the monasteries to admire views from 1,000-foot-high pinnacle rocks
Meet with local nuns for a chat about the traditions and faith of the Eastern Orthodox Church
Learn more about this branch of Christianity, the nuns’ lives, and the work they take part in at the monasteries
Corfu2 nights
Day 5: Transfer to Corfu
Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Cross the Pindus Mountains and make your way to the seaside town of Igoumenitsa. Board a ferry bound for the Ionian Island of Corfu. In stark contrast to the arid, rocky Cyclades Islands in the Aegean Sea, the Ionians are known for their lush, green landscape.
After settling into your hotel, enjoy an included dinner this evening.
Day 6: Sightseeing tour of Corfu
Included meals: Breakfast, Liqueur tasting, Tasting
Start with a guided sightseeing tour of Corfu Town, the island’s capital.
See the city’s Italian influence on display at the Spianada, arguably the most impressive square in Greece
Enter the Church of St. Spyridon, where you’ll uncover the sacred relics of the island’s patron saint
Visit the regal Achillion Palace, once the palatial summer residence of German Kaiser Wilhelm II
Stop for a tasting of marmalade, liqueur, and other products made from kumquats, a bright orange fruit with Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status in Corfu
Enjoy a free evening in Corfu or add an excursion.
Corfu Tavern Dinner
From $85 per person
Delphi Region1 night
Day 7: Transfer to Delphi Region
Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Board a ferry back to the mainland from Corfu. Then, travel to the Delphi region, home of the legendary mystical oracle.
Sit down for an included dinner this evening.
Athens2 nights
Day 8: Sightseeing tour of Delphi & transfer to Athens
Included meal: Breakfast
Journey to the slopes of Mount Parnassus and visit the Archaeological Site of Delphi. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Delphi was believed by ancient Greeks to be the Navel of the Earth and a spiritual focal point for all Greeks.
Embark on a guided tour featuring the Temple of Apollo, where, according to legend, the god Apollo once spoke in prophecy to mortals through the voice of the oracle and high priestess Pythia
Take time to explore the ancient treasures at the Delphi Museum, including the life-size bronze statue named the Charioteer of Delphi
Visit Arachova and soak in the breathtaking mountain landscape as you stroll through the mountain town’s cobblestone streets
Enjoy free time for lunch or to explore the charming village and admire its many Byzantine-era churches
Then, continue on to Athens and enjoy a free evening in the city.
Day 9: Sightseeing tour of Athens
Included meal: Breakfast
Meet up with a local guide for an introduction 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
From $69 per person
Santorini2 nights
Day 10: Ferry to Santorini
Included meal: Breakfast
Take a ferry across the Aegean Sea to Santorini, a popular vacation destination in the Cyclades Islands. Then, enjoy free time to discover the island’s charming culture, rugged, volcanic landscapes, and cliffside villages.
Please note: For an additional cost, you can book a visit to the village of Oia through your Tour Director.
Day 11: Sightseeing tour of Santorini
Included meal: Breakfast
Take in the local sights on a guided tour of Santorini, a volcanic isle known for its black-sand beaches, cliff-lined shores, and stunning whitewashed architecture.
Visit the prehistoric settlements that were unearthed during the archaeological excavations at Akrotiri
Ride to the top of Mount Profitis Ilias for panoramic views of the whole island
Stop in small, picturesque Pyrgos, a well-preserved medieval village that’s situated on the island’s highest point and latticed with steep, cobblestone alleys
Spend a free evening in Santorini or add an excursion.
Santorini Caldera Cruise & Dinner
From $145 per person
Crete3 nights
Day 12: Ferry to Crete
Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Take a ferry to Greece’s largest island, Crete, which is known for its varied landscapes (beaches, mountains, valleys, and gorges) and gastronomy.
Sit down for an included dinner this evening.
Day 13: Sightseeing tour of Heraklion
Included meal: Breakfast
Join a local guide this morning and get to know Heraklion, a bustling port city and the capital of Crete.
Visit the ruins of Knossos Palace, where, according to myth, King Minos imprisoned the Minotaur
Enter the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, widely celebrated for its collection of artworks and artifacts from the Minoans—the Bronze Age civilization of Crete
Enjoy a free afternoon in Crete or add an excursion.
Iraklio Wine Country Tasting Tour
From $89 per person
Day 14: Free day in Crete
Included meal: Breakfast
Spend a free day on Crete or add an excursion.
Venetian Rethymno & Crete Farm Lunch
From $149 per person
Athens1 night
Day 15: Flight to Athens
Included meals: Breakfast, Farewell dinner
Fly back to Athens today. Then, celebrate your trip with your fellow group members at a farewell dinner this evening.
Flight Home
Day 16: Departure
Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)
Transfer to airport for your flight home, or continue on to visit Olympia and the Athens Riviera.
Extension to Olympia & the Athens Riviera
Located in the southwestern region of Greece’s mainland, the Peloponnese peninsula is chock-full of treasured archaeological sites and landmarks made famous by Greek mythology. You’ll also find a few surprises there, such as an Alpine ski town that’s accessible by train and home to a moving museum that sheds light on life under Nazi occupation. The region is also less trodden compared to perennially popular places, like Athens and the Greek Islands. Both are among the reasons you’ll likely fall in love with this corner of the country, where you’ll explore the birthplace of the Olympic Games, a mythological burial site, an early capital of independent Greece, and more.
Olympia2 nights
Day 16: Train ride to Kalavryta & transfer to Olympia
Included meal: Breakfast
Transfer to the town of Diakopto. There, board the famous Odontotos rack railway for a journey that’s widely considered to be the most scenic in Greece. Travel aboard the railway through the Vouraikos gorge and ascend to the Alpine town of Kalavryta, where you’ll find stone houses, small squares, charming alleys, cozy cafes, and lively tavernas.
Enter the Municipal Museum of Kalavritan Holocaust, built to commemorate the 1943 massacre and destruction of the town by occupying Nazi troops
Enjoy free time in the charming ski town
Then, continue on to your hotel in Olympia and enjoy a free evening.
Day 17: Sightseeing tour of Olympia
Included meal: Breakfast
This morning, meet your local guide and tour the legendary 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 site where the first Olympic Games took place
Step inside the Archaeological Museum of Olympia and enjoy free time to explore its world-renowned sculpture, bronze, and terracotta exhibits
Spend a free afternoon in Olympia or add an excursion.
Greek Cooking Class & Folkloric Show Dinner
From $65 per person
Athens Riviera1 night
Day 18: Athens Riviera via Mycenae & Nafplio
Included meal: Breakfast
Get to know more landmarks and history as you discover different parts of the Peloponnese peninsula.
Explore the Bronze Age citadel of Mycenae, including its main entrance, which is known as Lion Gate, and the mysterious beehive-shaped Treasury of Atreus (a.k.a. the Tomb of Agamemnon)
Visit the burial ground of Agamemnon and his followers, where archaeologists unearthed incredible treasures
Join your Tour Director on a walk through Nafplio, a vibrant coastal town known for its romantic, seaside setting, fairytale castle, and bustling squares lined with charming tavernas
Learn about Nafplio’s history, including how it became the first capital of independent Greece
Continue to your hotel in the Athens Riviera, then raise a glass and toast to your trip with a farewell drink this evening.
Flight Home
Day 19: Departure
Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)
Transfer to the Athens airport for your flight home.
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.
City Hotel Thessaloniki
This stylish hotel is located in the city center of Thessaloniki. Guests enjoy free Wi-Fi, a fitness center, and a restaurant. Nearby, you’ll find Tsi...
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Amalia Hotel Kalambaka
This classical hotel is located in Kalambaka. Guests enjoy free Wi-Fi, balconies, and a restaurant. Nearby, you’ll find Tríkala, Megálou Metéorou, and...
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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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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, ...
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Wyndham Grand Athens
This elegant hotel is located in the Metaxourgeio neighborhood of Athens. Guests enjoy panoramic views of the Acropolis, a fitness center, and rooftop...
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Kalisti Hotel & Suites
This beautiful hotel is located in the heart of Fira, the capital of Santorini. Guests enjoy a pool, outdoor bar, and stylish accommodations. Nearby, ...
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Galaxy Hotel Iraklio
This luxe hotel is located in Heraklion. Guests enjoy restaurants, the outdoor pool, and spa. Nearby, you’ll find Lions’ Square, Ammoudara Beach, and ...
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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, ...
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Dolce by Wyndham Athens Attica Riviera
This seaside hotel is located east of Athens in the town of Brauron. Guests enjoy the private beach area, indoor and outdoor pools, and on-site coffee...
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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
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 2024, 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 2024, 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 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 and searching the code GRE.
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.
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.
The price of your tour includes: a round-trip ferry ride from Igoumenitsa to Corfu; ferry rides between Athens and Santorini and Santorini and Heraklion; and a flight from Heraklion to Athens. (The price of the tour extension also includes a train ride from Diakopto to Kalavryta.)
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 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.
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).
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.
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.
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 GRE.
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, which are called spanakopita.
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.
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.
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.
If applicable, we also recommend the equivalent of $2USD per local guide.
