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History gets highlighted by the warm Aegean sun on the beautiful Dodecanese Islands.
Floating in azure waters just a stone’s throw from the Asian mainland, the Dodecanese take the vibes of Greece’s other islands and add impeccably preserved monuments to the mix. Want sterling sands and arresting ruins that rival those of Athens? Kos’ beaches and Rhodes’ walled Medieval City offer both (along with easy connections to the pristine shores of neighboring Kalymnos, Plati, Pserimos, and Symi). Spend some blissful days island-hopping, then head home with a tan and memories of paradise—or right along to Meteora and Delphi on this trip’s extension.
Your tour package includes
9 nights in handpicked hotels
9 breakfasts
1 lunch
3 dinners with beer or wine
1 food tasting
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Included highlights
Acropolis
Acropolis Museum
Kos honey tasting
Kos’ Sanctuary of Asklepios
Plane Tree of Hippocrates
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Start planning today
An expert specializing in tours of this region is here to help.
Welcome to Greece! Transfer to your hotel, where you’ll get to know your Tour Director and fellow travelers over a welcome dinner, served with your choice of beer or wine.
Day 3: Sightseeing tour of the Acropolis & the Acropolis Museum
Included meal: Breakfast
A local guide introduces you to the highlights of this bustling ancient capital, home to the world’s first democracy.
Drive through village-like Plaka—the historic “neighborhood of the gods” built in the shadow of the Acropolis
Set off on a walking tour around the Acropolis of Athens, a millennia-old, UNESCO-listed citadel and the enduring image of Greece. First properly developed by the renowned politician Pericles, it now contains the ruins of the Parthenon, Temple of Athena Nike, Erechtheion, and dozens of other archaeological sites
Step inside the Acropolis Museum, a 150,000-square-foot space dedicated to exhibiting every artifact recovered from the Acropolis and its foothills. First opened in 2009, it chronicles the history of Greece, from the Bronze Age to Byzantine times, through over 4,250 different items
Enjoy a free afternoon in the city, or add an excursion to explore Athens through one of its greatest gifts: food.
Food of Athens Walking Tour
From $95 per person
Kos3 nights
Day 4: Flight to Kos & honey tasting
Included meals: Breakfast, Tasting, Dinner
Board a flight to your first Dodecanese island: Kos, a beautifully bright locale known for its Greek and Roman historical sites, as well as its picturesque beaches. Upon arriving, pay a visit to a family-owned honey business for a tour and tasting, and learn more about one of the island’s most famous exports. Prized by Hippocrates—the “father of modern medicine”—and known for its purity, Koan honey is beloved in Greece and consumed around the world. (Some 50 families produce 200 tons of it each year!)
Arrive at the facility and meet your guide, who’ll walk you through traditional beekeeping methods and honey production processes
Indulge in a tasting of locally produced honeys—including typical variants like thyme and pine—paired expertly with delicious Greek loukoumades (sweet, fried balls of dough, drenched in honey syrup)
Continue on to your hotel and freshen up before sitting down for an included dinner, served with your choice of beer or wine.
Day 5: Sightseeing tour of Kos
Included meal: Breakfast
Join your Tour Director and spend the first part of your day exploring one of Greece’s southernmost islands, a place influenced by over 5,000 years of Ottoman, Roman, and Venetian history.
Begin at the ruins of the Asklepios, an ancient medical center and healing temple built in honor of one of Kos’ most famous sons: Hippocrates himself
Head into town to see Neratzia Castle, built in the 14th century by the Knights of Saint John; the Loggia Mosque, one of two Ottoman-era mosques on the island that still hold prayers; and the Tree of Hippocrates, a plane tree under which Hippocrates taught his students
Enjoy free time for lunch, then see what pieces of ancient history you can find in charming Kos Town
Take the rest of the day to explore Kos on your own, or add an exquisite excursion to another island village. (Yes, wine and dinner will be served!)
Kos Winery, Zia Village & Tavern Dinner
From $139 per person
Day 6: Free day on Kos
Included meal: Breakfast
Enjoy a full day to yourself on this beautiful island, or add an excursion to work three more of the Dodecanese into your itinerary.
Kalymnos, Plati & Pserimos: Island Cruise & Lunch
From $79 per person
Rhodes3 nights
Day 7: Ferry to Rhodes & sightseeing tour
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Head south to Rhodes, the largest of the Dodecanese islands and the former site of an ancient wonder of the world: the Colossus of Rhodes. Sit down for an included lunch at a local restaurant, then set out for a guided tour.
Visit the harbor to view the site of the Colossus of Rhodes. Originally built in 290 B.C., this hulking bronze-and-iron statue of the Greek sun god Helios stood until an earthquake felled it just 54 years after it was first erected. It laid in disrepair, in fulfillment of an oracle, for centuries until invading forces melted it down
See the traditional windmills of the Old Town before walking to the UNESCO-listed Medieval City, where Gothic and Ottoman architecture beautifully coexist. Learn how the walled city was built by order of Saint John of Jerusalem and how various groups, from Italians to Ottomans, have called it home over the centuries
Walk up the cobbled Street of the Knights to the Palace of the Grand Masters: an enormous structure adorned with towers, arched gates, and statues. Hear how it was restored during the 20th century by the Italians, and how it became the holiday home of politicians like King Victor Emmanuel III and Benito Mussolini
Day 8: Free day on Rhodes
Included meal: Breakfast
Enjoy a free day to explore Rhodes on your own, or add an excursion to one of Greece’s most scenic historic sights.
Lindos Acropolis
From $85 per person
Day 9: Free day on Rhodes
Included meal: Breakfast
Spend one last day getting to know Rhodes at your leisure, or add an excursion to the island of Symi—the “jewel of the Dodecanese.”
A Day on Symi Island
From $89 per person
Athens1 night
Day 10: Flight to Athens
Included meals: Breakfast, Farewell dinner
Today, fly to Athens and celebrate your trip with your group over a farewell dinner, served with your choice of beer or wine.
Flight Home
Day 11: Departure
Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)
Transfer to the airport for your flight home or extend your stay to explore the mythic regions of Meteora and Delphi.
Extension to Meteora, Delphi & the Athens Riviera
Throughout epochs and across religions, mainland Greece has been considered a holy land. On this three-night extension, you’ll two of its most influential sites. Begin by transferring to the Meteora—home to one of the most important clusters of Eastern Orthodox monasteries in the country—and entering some of its precipitous hermitages. Then, go to Delphi, the center of the Ancient Greeks’ spiritual world, before winding down on the Athens Riviera.
Meteora Region1 night
Day 11: Transfer to Meteora Region & sightseeing tour
Included meal: Breakfast
Today, travel to the Pindus mountain range—the “spine of Greece”—and arrive in the remote village of Kalambaka. 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 the Meteora to admire views of the Plain of Thessaly from atop 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 do at the monasteries
Delphi Region1 night
Day 12: Transfer to Delphi & sightseeing tour
Included meal: Breakfast
Journey to the slopes of Mount Parnassus and visit the Archaeological Site of Delphi. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this spiritual focal point was believed by Ancient Greeks to be the “Navel of the Earth,” the center of our world.
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”
Spend a free evening in Delphi or add an excursion to the lovely mountain village of Arachova.
Arachova Village & Greek Dinner
From $79 per person
Athens Riviera1 night
Day 13: Athens Riviera via Hosios Loukas
Included meal: Breakfast
Head to the country surrounding the Boeotian town of Distomo for a guided tour of Hosios Loukas, a UNESCO-listed monastery that is treasured as a prime example of Middle Byzantine architecture and art.
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 14: Departure
Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)
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.
Saint George Lycabettus Hotel
This boutique hotel is located in the Kolonaki neighborhood in central Athens. Guests enjoy a screening room, rooftop pool, and spa. Nearby, you’ll fi...
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Kipriotis Hippocrates
This luxury hotel is located in the beach town of Psalidi on the island of Kos. Guests enjoy the outdoor pools, private verandas, and bicycle rentals....
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Mercure Rhodes Alexia Hotel & Spa
This modern hotel is located in Rhodes Town on the island of Rhodes. Guests enjoy the fitness center, private balconies, and close proximity to the be...
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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 a rooft...
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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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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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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 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 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 DRE.
You will walk for at least two hours daily across uneven terrain, including paved roads and cobblestone streets, with steep 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 managing your own baggage at times, as well as getting in and out of ferries.
Go Ahead Tours and the Tour Director who accompanies your group are unable to provide special, individual mobility assistance to travelers on tour. The responsibility of the Tour Director is to ensure the group as a whole enjoys a relaxing and informative journey, and he or she cannot be relied upon to provide ongoing, individualized assistance to any one traveler.
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.
Flights from Athens to Kos and from Rhodes to Athens, as well as a ferry ride from Kos to Rhodes, 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.
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.
Churches, mosques, and other religious sites require visitors to cover bare legs and shoulders; you may be denied entry on this basis. Women should bring a light scarf or a head covering.
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 DRE.
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 as 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 cannot be guaranteed.
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.
