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Lush landscapes and lesser-traveled destinations? This 12-day tour of the Ionian Islands delivers both (and a trip you won’t soon forget).
Visit the Ionian Islands, and you’ll find postcard Greek beaches. But look beyond those sandy shores, and you’ll see so much more: traces of British, French, Italian, and Turkish culture in the Old Town of Corfu; limestone mountains rolling across Kefalonia; and leaf-green scenery you wouldn’t get on the Cyclades. On this trip, you’ll visit three of the Ionians (and up to six if you take our excursions), experiencing life on some of the country’s most underappreciated islands. And be sure to add the extension to Nafplio and the Athenian Riviera. You’ll build a more complete and vibrant picture of Greece—one tinged with cerulean and emerald to complement those white-washed walls.
Your tour package includes
- 10 nights in handpicked hotels
- 10 breakfasts
- 4 dinners with beer or wine
- 1 wine tasting
- 1 liqueur tasting
Included highlights
- Acropolis
- Athens food tasting tour
- Kefalonia’s Melissani Cave Lake
- Olive oil tasting
- Kefalonian olive oil & wine tasting

An expert specializing in tours of this region is here to help.
Day-by-day itinerary
Print itinerary
Board your overnight flight to Athens today.
Welcome to Greece! Land in Athens, Europe’s oldest capital city and “the cradle of Western civilization.” Meet your Tour Director and fellow travelers, transfer to your hotel, and relax for a while. Reconvene at a welcome dinner, served with your choice of beer or wine, and continue getting to know one another.
Today, let a local guide introduce you to the ancient highlights and traditional flavors of this bustling city, home to the world’s first democracy.
- See the Parthenon, Temple of Athena Nike, and Erechtheion on a walking tour of the Acropolis, Athens’ ancient hilltop citadel and a UNESCO-recognized symbol of Greece
- Set off on a guided walking tour of the artsy Psyrri neighborhood, home to artisan shops and live rebetiko (Greece’s answer to the blues)
- Continue on through Monastiraki, a historic neighborhood centered on a famous flea market. Navigate its packed streets, and see if you can spot any of its Greco-Roman ruins
- Stop to taste authentic Greek bites as you amble on, and get a feel for the pace of Athenian life
Enjoy free time in Athens or add an excursion.

Mount Lycabettus Dinner
From $99 per person
Travel across the Peloponnesian peninsula, stopping along the way to admire the Corinth Canal—a lockless, four-mile-long cut that links the Aegean and Ionian Seas. Then, continue on to Patras, Greece’s third-largest city, to board a ferry headed for the largest of the Ionian Islands: Kefalonia.
After settling into your hotel, sit down with your group for an included dinner, served with your choice of beer or wine.
Spend a full day exploring Kefalonia, a mountainous isle dotted with fishing villages. See its natural beauty firsthand; sample delectable cuisine and locally made (and globally beloved) wines; and catch some of the vibes that have inspired writers and artists across millennia.
- Drive across the island and admire dramatic coastal landscapes from a viewpoint above the white sands of Myrtos, a beach frequently touted as one of Greece’s best
- Head to the outskirts of Sami village and stop at Melissani Lake—an underground cave filled with water so clear, boats look like they’re hovering in the air. Board one with your group for a cruise, watching the sunlight that shoots down through an open ceiling dance and dazzle on the lake’s surface
- Stop by an olive oil mill and walk through the production process. See and smell each sensational step, then move on to a tasting of select oils paired with local products
- Sit down with a local guide for an expert-led tasting of typical island wines: varietals like citrusy, acidic robola; sweet, full-bodied mavrodaphne; and sugary, sun-dried muscat
Enjoy free time to explore Kefalonia on your own or add an excursion for a beach day unlike any you’ve taken before.

Zakynthos & Shipwreck Beach
From $105 per person
Board a ferry this morning and travel north to Lefkada, an Ionian island famous for its sheer cliffs, mountain villages and monasteries, and white-sand beaches. Disembark and enjoy a leisurely transfer to your hotel before sitting down for an included dinner in the evening, served with your choice of beer or wine.
Head back onto the mainland to Epirus, a historically isolated region squeezed between the Pindus Mountains and the sea. Once there, take a scenic drive along its pristine coast to the ancient city of Nicopolis. Founded in 29 B.C. by the first Roman emperor, Octavian, the “city of victory” served as capital of the province of Epirus Vetus. Ruins dot the area to this day: Take a guided tour of the archaeological site to learn about the wars, destruction, and earthquakes the city has endured over the ages, and understand why it’s been nominated for UNESCO recognition.
After finishing up in Nicopolis, board an afternoon ferry bound for the island of Corfu.
After spending the night in your hotel, begin your time in Corfu—a popular holiday spot renowned for its scenery and cuisine—with a guided sightseeing tour of its capital, Corfu Town.
- See the city’s Italian influence, courtesy of the old Venetian Empire, on display at Spianada Square, arguably the most impressive plaza in all of Greece
- Enter the Holy Church of Saint Spyridon. Built in the 1580s and adorned with dozens of icons and gold-and-silver censers, this Greek Orthodox church houses the sacred relics of the island’s patron saint. (Fun fact: It also lays claim to the tallest bell tower in the Ionian Islands!)
- Take a short drive to visit the Achilleion Palace, once the palatial summer residence of German Kaiser Wilhelm II and site of his diplomatic activity
- Stop for a tasting of marmalade, liqueur, and other kumquat products. Originally from China, this bright orange fruit is synonymous with the island of Corfu, and goods made from it have Protected Designation of Origin status in Greece
Enjoy a free evening in Corfu (or add an excursion if you want something a little more lively).

Corfu Tavern Dinner
From $89 per person
Enjoy a free day to explore Corfu at your leisure, or add a beachy excursion to check another pair of Ionian islands off your list.

Paxos & Antipaxos Boat Cruise
From $99 per person
Ease into the day with a free morning in Corfu: Relax in your hotel, head to a local cafe for a spot of Greek coffee, or get in some last-minute exploring before flying to Athens this afternoon.
Then, celebrate your trip with your fellow group members over a farewell dinner, served with your choice of beer or wine.
Transfer to the airport for your flight home, or add a little romance to a lovely trip by extending your stay with visits to oceanside Nafplio and the Athens Riviera.
Return to the Peloponnese and travel to Nafplio, a romantic seaside town with roots stretching back to Classical Greece. Pass by the Corinth Canal once again, then continue on to Mycenae, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that was once one of the most important urban centers of Bronze Age Greece.
- Explore Mycenae’s citadel, including its main entrance, the Lion Gate. Erected sometime near 1250 B.C. and distinguished by twin lionesses over its threshold, it’s the largest surviving prehistoric sculpture in the Aegean
- Visit another archaeological site of epic provenance: the Treasury of Atreus. Also known as the Tomb of Agamemnon, this beehive-shaped burial ground (or “tholos” in Greek) dates back over three millennia and is inextricably linked to the mythical Trojan War through the kings for which it’s named
- Visit the royal cemetery known as Grave Circle A, which supposedly holds the remains of Agamemnon and his followers—and where treasures like the golden Mask of Agamemnon were unearthed
Continue on to Nafplio and join your Tour Director on a walk through its charming old town.
- Roam through its bustling, taverna-lined squares and spot the imposing Palamidi, a Venetian fortress perched atop a hill over 700 feet above the city
- Learn about Nafplio’s history, including how it became the first capital of independent Greece in 1829
Spend a free day in Nafplio or add an excursion to the Saronic island of Hydra, a haven for artists and others seeking peaceful retreat.

A Day on Hydra
From $109 per person
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
Continue to your hotel in the Athens Riviera, then raise a glass and toast your trip with a farewell drink this evening.
Transfer to the Athens airport for your flight home.
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Reviews
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.This elegant hotel is located in the Metaxourgeio neighborhood of Athens. Guests enjoy panoramic views of the Acropolis, a fitness center, and a rooft...

This seaside hotel is located on the edge of Agia Efimia on Kefalonia. Guests enjoy the outdoor pool, on-site coffee house, and beautiful views. Nearb...

This contemporary hotel is located in the town of Nidri on Lefkada. Guests enjoy the outdoor pool, bicycle rentals, and private balconies. Nearby you’...
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...
This luxury hotel is located right in the heart of Athens. Guests enjoy a rooftop terrace, fitness center, and free Wi-Fi. Nearby you’ll find the Mona...
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, Ti...
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...
Flights
- 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- In order to enter Greece, U.S. and Canadian citizens need a valid passport with an expiration date 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 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.
- If you’re 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 GIN.
- You will walk for at least two hours daily across uneven terrain, along paved roads and unpaved trails, and up some hills and stairs.
- You 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 occasionally managing your own baggage, as well as getting on and off 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 and depart from Athens. When you first arrive, a representative from Go Ahead Tours will meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel. If you don’t see them, please remain in the arrival lounge: They might be escorting one of your fellow travelers.
- Transfers to and from the airport at your destination are included for travelers who’ve purchased their flights through Go Ahead Tours. Travelers who purchased their own flights may request airport transfers with Go Ahead Tours for an additional cost.
- Ferries from Patros to Kefalonia, Kefalonia to Lefkada, and Igoumenitsa to Corfu—as well as a flight from Corfu to Athens—are included in the price of your tour.
- 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, ferries, flights, and other modes of transportation.
- Contact your airline(s) for the luggage restrictions for your itinerary. Please note that on-tour flights 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.
- Porterage isn’t included on ferry transfer(s). You should be comfortable lifting and carrying your luggage over the boarding ramp and into the storage area.
- Make sure you label your baggage and keep valuables, medication, and documents in your carry-on.
- 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 the archaeological sites and ancient ruins you’ll visit on this tour. Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a broad-brimmed hat to protect yourself from the sun.
- It’s preferable not to visit churches or other religious sites with bare legs or shoulders. (You may be denied entrance on this basis.)
- At least 60 days prior to departure, check with your healthcare provider, or visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website at cdc.gov, for the latest updates and entry requirements.
- 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 you may encounter.
- 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 any dietary restrictions or food allergies, please notify Go Ahead Tours at least 30 days prior to your departure by logging into 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 GIN.
- 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, as are dishes centered on grilled fish, meat, squid, and octopus. One of our favorite plates? Spanakopita—a savory mix of spinach, cheese, and seasonings, wrapped in phyllo dough and baked to crisp perfection.
- Greece operates on the European standard of 220–240 volts and uses Type 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 any device without one built in.
- The strength of the air conditioning in European hotels is often not as strong or cool as what you might be used to in the U.S. or Canada. When air conditioning is available, it’s usually regulated seasonally and controlled centrally by the hotel.
- Your hotels may provide hairdryers, irons, and other small appliances. However, these amenities can’t be guaranteed.
- You’ll use the euro on this tour.
- Better exchange rates are usually available overseas, but 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 also use most 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 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 $8–$10 per person, per day for your Tour Director, and the equivalent of $3 per person, per day for your driver.
- If applicable, we also recommend the equivalent of $2 per local guide.
- Tips can only be paid in cash.
- Most optional excursions will be available for purchase while you’re 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 it to be charged.
- Some optional excursions may only be purchased in advance. See the last page of your tour itinerary for more information.
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