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Overview Itinerary Reviews Hotels, flights & FAQ

Italy & Greece

with Santorini & Athens extension

Duration: 11 or 15 days
Group size: 15-38
Reviews: 125

Take a look inside the cultures that shaped Western civilization.

As you make your way through iconic cities and legendary landscapes on a tour of Greece and Italy, you’ll walk through the backdrops of ancient mythology and in the footsteps of emperors. Sit back and savor the good life in Sorrento and on the Isle of Capri, then watch as history comes to life in Rome and Athens.

Your tour package includes

9 nights in handpicked hotels
9 breakfasts
4 dinners with beer or wine
6 guided sightseeing tours
Expert Tour Director & local guides

Included highlights

Capri
Pompeii ruins
Roman Forum
Colosseum
Epidaurus & Mycenae

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Day-by-day itinerary

Overnight Flight1 night

Day 1: Travel day

Board your overnight flight to Naples today.

Sorrento Peninsula2 nights

Day 2: Arrival in Naples & transfer to Sorrento Peninsula

Included meal: Dinner

Welcome to Italy! Travel to your hotel on the Sorrento peninsula. Then, meet your fellow travelers at tonight’s welcome dinner.

Day 3: Sightseeing tour of Capri

Included meal: Breakfast

Join a local guide and sail across the Bay of Naples to the famed Isle of Capri before returning to Sorrento.

• Boat around the island to view Capri’s caves and grottoes (weather permitting)

• Stroll through the village of Capri

• Take a funicular ride to Capri’s upper town

• Explore the Gardens of Augustus

Enjoy a free evening in Sorrento or add an excursion.

Rustic Italy: Farmhouse Dinner & Wine Tasting

Excursion (additional cost)

Rome3 nights

Day 4: Rome via Pompeii

Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

En route to Rome, stop at Pompeii for a guided walking tour of the city’s ruins.

• Discover how Roman citizens lived 2,000 years ago, before Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79 A.D.

• View the excavated Roman ruins of theaters, villas, temples, and baths

Then, continue on to Rome and sit down for an included dinner.

Day 5: Sightseeing tour of Rome

Included meal: Breakfast

Follow in the footsteps of the ancient Romans on a guided tour of the Eternal City.

• Soak up over 2,000 years of history in Imperial Rome, viewing the Arch of Constantine and the Arch of Titus

• Enter the Colosseum, the largest amphitheater of the Roman Empire

• Stop at the ruins of the Forum, once the setting of parades, elections, and trials

• Pass by Palatine Hill to see Circus Maximus, the stadium where ancient Romans raced chariots, and the Baths of Caracalla

Enjoy free time in Rome or add an excursion.

Dinner with Tenors

Excursion (additional cost)

Day 6: Free day in Rome

Included meal: Breakfast

Spend the day exploring Rome at your leisure or add an excursion.

Iconic Sights: Vatican City

Excursion (additional cost)

Nafplio2 nights

Day 7: Flight to Athens & Nafplio via Corinth Canal

Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Fly to Athens, Greece. Then, stop at the scenic Corinth Canal as you travel to Nafplio.

This evening, sit down for an included dinner.

Day 8: Sightseeing tour of Epidaurus & Mycenae

Included meal: Breakfast

Visit Greece’s best-preserved amphitheater on a guided walking tour of Epidaurus, then enjoy a guided tour of the archaeological site at Mycenae.

Athens2 nights

Day 9: Transfer to Athens & sightseeing tour

Included meal: Breakfast

Travel to Athens this morning and join a local guide who will 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

Day 10: Free day in Athens

Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Spend a free day in Athens or add an excursion.

Later, join your group for a farewell dinner in Athens.

Cape Sounion

Excursion (additional cost)

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 continue exploring Greece.

Extension to Santorini & Athens

Once thought to be the lost city of Atlantis, the volcanic island of Santorini is now known for its black-sand beaches, sprawling vineyards, and cliff-lined shores. The island’s volcanic soil is ideal for harvesting grapes, making it a world-class wine producer. As you soak in the Mediterranean sunset each night, be sure to sample a glass (or two) of Santorini’s labels. During your stay, you’ll also discover the area’s rich history on a local guided tour and a visit to the museum of Akrotiri, a Minoan colony buried in volcanic ash 3,600 years ago.

Santorini3 nights

Day 11: Ferry to Santorini

Included meal: Breakfast

Take the ferry to Santorini, where the rest of the day is free to enjoy at your leisure.

Day 12: 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 unearthed at Akrotiri Excavations

• Ride to the top of Profitis Ilias Mountain for panoramic views of the whole island

• Stop in the small, picturesque village of Pyrgos

Enjoy a free afternoon in Santorini or add an excursion.

Santorini Caldera Cruise & Dinner

Excursion (additional cost)

Day 13: Free day in Santorini

Included meal: Breakfast

Spend the day exploring at your leisure or add an excursion.

Greek Wine Tasting & Lunch

Excursion (additional cost)

Athens1 night

Day 14: Flight to Athens

Included meal: Breakfast

Spend a final morning in Santorini before flying back to Athens.

This evening, enjoy a farewell drink as you celebrate your trip with your fellow group members.

Flight Home

Day 15: Departure

Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)

Transfer to the airport for your flight home.

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Reviews

125

4.6 average

06/18/2019 by 2nd time traveler Briana D.

This was a trip to 2 of 3 of my bucket-list destinations, and I was NOT disappointed! From the moment we touched down in Naples, our tour director Gloria made us feel welcome! She was a gem who gave us expert advice every step of the way (where to eat, where NOT to eat, what to be careful of), and ...

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Walking in a Dream

06/04/2019 by 2nd time traveler Stephanie S.

This trip was a gift from my daughter. I've always dreamed of going to Italy and Greece since I was a teenager, but as you start getting into your sixties and being a widow the dream starts to fade. Then it happens! As I sit here on my couch, I'm glad I took so many pictures, was I really there?...

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04/11/2019 by 2nd time traveler Judy J.

The hotel in Athens smelled like human waste. The eating arrangements at that hotel was horrible. The access to downtown was not a safe walk. The tour director was great. The transportation was great. A couple of local guides seem distracted and one I couldn't understand at all. We will go on anothe...

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Awesome Experience!

04/09/2019 by 2nd time traveler Anonymous

I had a fantastic time on the Italy and Greece tour. I traveled solo and met tons of new people. If you don't like planning trips, this is perfect because your schedule is laid out for you. I never felt as if I was too busy and I thought we spent a good amount of time in each location. There was a b...

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Italy & Greece Oct 2018

11/20/2018 by 2nd time traveler John H.

Did the Italy & Greece tour in Oct 2018. This was my first time out of the U.S. and going through a tour company. The trip was amazing! Our tour director Alfredo was fantastic! He was like a friend showing you around. We had several guides in different areas and each one was unique and extremely kn...

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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 Nauplia

This modern hotel is located in the town entrance of Nafplion. Guests enjoy free WiFi, balconies, and air-conditioning. Nearby, you'll find Árgos, Tir...

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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

This tour visits Italy and Greece. In order to enter these countries, 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 each country’s consulate for your specific entry requirements.

Tour pace

You will walk for about 2 hours daily across moderately 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 boats and 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.

Transportation & arrival information

Round-trip flights booked through Go Ahead Tours arrive in Naples 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 round-trip ferry between Sorrento and Capri and a flight from Rome to Athens are included in the price of your tour. (The tour extension also includes a ferry from Athens to Santorini and a flight from Santorini to Athens.)
All other included transportation on this tour is by private motor coach.

Baggage allowance

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.

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 any of the countries on this tour.
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.
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

The cuisine of Southern Italy is often what diners think of when imagining Italian flavors—pasta with tomato sauces, olives and olive oil, zucchini, veal, and fish are all featured prominently on menus throughout the region.
Roman food is typically freshly prepared and varies depending on the season. Must-try bites include cacio e pepe (a simple dish of pasta, cheese and pepper) and supplí (a fried rice ball similar to Sicily's arancini).
For more authentic meals, try local trattorias, small restaurants set away from the main piazzas. A typical Italian meal includes wines and the occasional beer, followed by a few sips of after-dinner drinks like grappa or limoncello.
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. Simple 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

Italy operates on the European standard 220-240 volts and uses Types C, F, or L plugs with two or three small, round pins.
Greece operates on the European standard 220-240 volts and uses 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

Italy is one hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) and six hours ahead of Eastern Time (ET).
Greece is two hours ahead of GMT and seven hours ahead of ET.
When it’s noon in New York, it’s 6pm in Italy and 7pm in Greece.

Currency

You will use the euro on 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 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.

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45 Departures

Tour prices are per person, before flights from your departure city, and based on two travelers per hotel room. Tour prices include on-tour flights where applicable.