Athens & Ancient Greece

13 Days from $2,689 CAD

The legends of Greek mythology come alive on this journey back in time to the sites marking the dawn of Western civilization. See ancient Athens, where culture and beauty come together. Along the way, you’ll have plenty of time to bask in the sun as you cruise along the islands of the Aegean while you visit the beautiful white-sand beaches of Delphi and Corfu.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 - Athens

Your trip begins with a regularly scheduled overnight flight to Athens aboard an internationally recognized airline.

Day 2 - Athens

Welcome to Athens! A Go Ahead representative greets you at the airport after you clear customs and then escorts you to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to relax or begin acquainting yourself with Athens. At an included dinner this evening, meet your fellow travelers.
Included meals: breakfast (in flight), dinner

Day 3 - Athens

A local guide introduces you to the highlights of this bustling ancient capital. On your tour of the Acropolis—the original City on a Hill—you can walk amid the ruins of the Parthenon and the Temple of Athena Nike with its graceful statue of the goddess Athena. Notice that she has no wings, a symbolic gesture to keep her from deserting the city. Descending from the Acropolis, view the Presidential Guard in their traditional costumes and the classically inspired Greek Parliament. Then pass through Syntagma Square, where you’ll see the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. After your tour, opt for an excursion to Cape Sounion, where you can see the inspiring Temple of Poseidon.
Included meals: breakfast
Included entrances: Acropolis site

Cape Sounion $55 CAD

Cape Sounion

At the southern tip of the Attica Peninsula, view one of the most imposing sights in the ancient world. From this lofty cliffside location, you can see five Aegean islands on a clear day.

Day 4 - Delphi

After transfering to Delphi, you’ll take a guided tour of this legendary site, home of the mystical oracle. Visit the Temple of Apollo, where, according to legend, the god once communicated with mortals. Greece’s ancient military leaders left gifts here in hopes of good fortune in battle. Join an optional evening excursion to the Convent of Prophet Elias, with dinner.
Included meals: breakfast
Included entrances: Delphi temple

Convent of Prophet Elias $79 CAD

Convent of Prophet Elias

Take a guided tour of the Convent of the Prophet Elias on this evening excursion. Tour the historical convent, then take a stroll along the beach before enjoying an included dinner.

Day 5 - Meteora Region

Leave Delphi behind this morning and travel to the remote village of Kalambaka, situated at the foot of the Pindus Mountains, under the shadow of the precipitous rocks of Meteora. Discover Meteora’s stunning monasteries, Byzantine structures perched high atop 1,000-foot-high pinnacle rocks. Spend the night in the Meteora region.
Included meals: breakfast
Included entrances: Pinnacle Monastery

Day 6 - Corfu

Cross the Pindus Mountains and make your way to the lakeside town of Ioannina, whose beautifulmosque and Ottoman fortress are evidence of four  centuries of Turkish rule. This afternoon, continue to the port of Igoumenitsa. Board an afternoon ferry bound for the island of Corfu, where you’ll enjoy dinner tonight.
Included meals: breakfast, dinner

Day 7 - Corfu

Guided sightseeing this morning introduces you to Corfu. Once ruled by the Venetians, this island has retained much of its Italian charm. The best architectural reflection of this influence is found at the Spianada, which still stands today as the most impressive square in Greece. Then visit the regal Achillion Museum, once the palatial summer residence of German Kaiser Wilhelm II. In the richly adorned Church of St. Spiridon, behold the sacred relics of the island’s patron saint. Later today, join an optional Tripa Tavern Evening. You’ll savor an authentic experience of Greek specialties and hospitality at this charming, family-run taverna in the picturesque village of Kinopiastes.
Included meals: breakfast
Included entrances: Achillion Museum

Tripa Tavern Evening $75 CAD

Tripa Tavern Evening

Savor an authentic experience of Greek specialties and hospitality at this charming, family-run tavern in the picturesque village of Kinopiastes. While you sample hors d’ouevres, hearty entrees and tasty wines, the tavern staff will entertain you with song and dance.

Day 8 - Rio

After a ferry crossing back to the mainland, follow the dramatic Ionian coast to Lefkada Island and the fishing village of Nidri. Here, you’ll board a boat for an exclusive excursion around Scorpios, the private island of the Onassis family. After an included lunch, journey to the town of Rio, where you’ll spend the next two nights.
Included meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 9 - Rio

Travel to Olympia for a full-day exploration. Your guided tour highlights the ancient Gymnasium and the ruins of the Temple of Zeus, which was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. In the vast stadium, see where the first Olympic Games took place nearly 3,000 years ago.
Included meals: breakfast
Included entrances: Olympia site

Day 10 - Nauplion

Leaving Rio this morning, you’ll make your way to the charming harbor town of Nauplion. Upon arrival, your tour director leads an informal tour through the town, which was at one time the first capital of independent Greece. Prior to that, Nauplion had been occupied by the Turks, Venetians, Franks and Byzantines. Dinner is included this evening.
Included meals: breakfast, dinner

Day 11 - Nauplion

Today, explore the formidable sites of Epidaurus and Mycenae on guided sightseeing tours. In Epidaurus, discover Greece’s best-preserved open-air
theater (dating from the 4th century B.C.), where the acoustics are as impressive as the structure itself. Highlights of Mycenae include the mysterious beehive-shaped Treasury of Atreus and the magnificent Lion Gate, one of the oldest monumental sculptures in Europe. Visit the Royal Circle, burial ground of Agamemnon and his followers, where archaeologists unearthed amazing treasures.
Included meals: breakfast
Included entrances: Epidaurus amphitheater, Mycenae archaeological site

Day 12 - Athens

During the transfer back to Athens, stop for a photo opportunity at the Corinth canal, linking the Corinthian and Saronic Gulfs. Once you’re back in Athens, you might visit any of the city’s excellent museums or take a walk in the National Gardens. Tonight, opt to join our Greek Folklore Evening.
Included meals: breakfast

Greek Folklore Evening $79 CAD

Greek Folklore Evening

Savor a meal carefully prepared to evoke the flavors of this Mediterranean country. Dishes you’ll sample might include seafood, spinach, octopus, mussels and squid. You might also sample such classics as spanakopita, stuffed grape leaves and baklava.

Day 13 - Athens

If you are not continuing on our tour extension to the Greek Islands, a Go Ahead representative escorts you to the airport for your return flight home.
Included meals: breakfast
(In the case of early morning departures, breakfast may not be provided.)

Extend Your Stay

The Greek Islands
Add 4 nights in The Greek Islands for only $629 CAD (Single room: add $270 CAD)

The Cyclades Islands—as the Greek Islands are formally known—compose a quintessential, pristine Mediterranean archipelago, with ancient sites, droves of vineyards and olive trees, and stark whitewashed cubist houses, all seemingly crystallized in a backdrop of lapis lazuli. Their allure begins with a magnificent fusion of sunlight, stone, and sparkling azure sea. And once you explore the ancient sites, Byzantine castles and museums, and indulge in the lively nightlife, shops, restaurants, and beaches, you'll agree that you've been waiting for this enchantment you entire life.

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