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

$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

$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 beautiful mosque 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

$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

$79 CAD

Greek Folklore Evening Savor a meal carefully prepared to evoke the flavors of this Mediterranean country. Dishes you’ll savor might include spanakopita, mousaka and stuffed grape leaves. Also, you’ll have the opportunity to get on the stage and dance with the music from the bouzouki. Opa!

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.)

Protect your investment with affordable travel protection

Basic Trip Cancellation/Interruption Coverage
Protect yourself in the event you need to cancel your trip or leave your tour unexpectedly due to an emergency. Or choose one of the comprehensive packages below, and receive a discounted rate!

TravelSafe Plus — For one low price, you’ll receive:

• Trip cancellation & interruption protection
• Medical & accident protection
• Baggage & property protection

TravelSafe Gold with Flight Cancellation Protection
Take advantage of the best possible deal for your investment dollar. For $60 CAD more, you’ll get all of the above plus additional coverage (up to $1,000 CAD) if the flight to your tour is cancelled due to reasons beyond your control.

Purchase your travel protection package early and receive an added benefit!
Purchase one of the above TravelSafe packages within 14 days of reserving your tour, and you’ll automatically receive AnyTime Travel Protection at no additional charge. This means you can cancel for any reason up to 72 hours prior to the departure of your initial flight and still protect your investment. You will be provided with a credit voucher towards your next Go Ahead tour.

What’s unique about these protection plans?

• Most primary travel protection companies don’t cover international travel.
• Under the AnyTime Travel Protection Plan, you can cancel for any reason and your investment is protected in the form of a credit voucher.
• Efekta travel protection covers lost or stolen cash while on tour.
• Efekta travel protection covers the cost towards replacement of valuable documents—such as passports, airline tickets and visas while on tour.
• In the event that your roommate cancels for a reason covered under the policy, you will be reimbursed for the single supplement fee, should you still choose to travel.
• The following policies are also available to be purchased separately:
  • Medical & Accident: $70 CAD
  • Baggage & Property: $60 CAD

Extended Protection Plan
The Extended Protection Plan allows you to purchase extended coverage for any travel you do before or after meeting up with your Go Ahead Tours tour group (with flights arranged by Go Ahead Tours).

For more detailed descriptions of the benefits available under Efekta Insurance International LTD's Travel Protection Plans please call 1-800-597-0350 or download a PDF copy of the Efekta Travel Protection booklet here.

Passport & Visa

In order to enter Greece, U.S. and Canadian citizens need a valid passport. The expiration date must extend at least six months beyond the date of your return home. If you are not a U.S. or Canadian citizen, you must contact each country’s consulate for your specific entry requirements.

Health

There are no major health risks when traveling to Greece. Especially during the summer months, take proper care for sun exposure. Also, codeine (the drug commonly found in headache preparations) is banned in Greece, and you may face prosecution if you bring it into the country. If you are continuing on our extension to Turkey, it is advisable to check with your doctor or health-care provider at least eight weeks prior to departure for the latest updates and overseas travel recommendations.

Transportation / Walking on tour

Round-trip flights arrive in and depart from Athens. A ferry ride to and from Corfu is also included. All other included transportation is by private motorcoach. In your free time, you may wish to explore the cities by public transportation. Despite the famed hustle and bustle of Athens, the city’s main attractions are easily accessed on foot. If you do need to use public transportation, however, there’s a brand-new metro system that was conviently completed in time for the 2004 Olympics. It’s now one of Europe’s best.

Clothing & Packing Tips

Due to the temperate climate, light, loose-fitting clothing that provides comfort when exploring the sights is essential for your tour. A sun hat, sunglasses and a sturdy pair of walking shoes or sneakers are recommended for sightseeing. It’s always a good idea to be prepared for any eventuality—a lightweight sports jacket and emergency rainwear are advised. If you plan to visit an especially elegant restaurant or attend the opera or theater, you will probably feel more comfortable with something more formal to wear. Also, remember that it is preferable not to visit churches or other religious sites with bare legs and shoulders (and entrance may be denied on this basis).

Be sure to visit www.travelsmith.com, official outfitter for Go Ahead Tours. Please enter JY9220 in the field for Catalog Key Code when creating your account!

Currency

The euro (in Greece) is the currency you will be using on your tour. We advise that you take a combination of ATM/bank cards, credit cards and traveler’s checks, which can be exchanged for cash at local banks in Greece, as needed. We suggest that you inform your bank and credit card company of your travel plans, so that they won’t confuse your international purchases for fraudulent charges. If you take the extension to Turkey, you might like to exchange some money into Turkish lira for the stop in Kusadasi.

Tipping

For your convenience, the cruise line will automatically bill your account the following gratuities for services rendered per person, per day: $8USD/ CAD. This amount is based on the euro exchange rate and is subject to change. Should you wish to change the amount, contact the Guest Relations Desk on board. Bartenders, servers, deck stewards and other staff may be tipped as service is received. For your convenience, a 10-percent gratuity is automatically added to beverage purchases.

At the conclusion of your tour, it is customary to offer your Go Ahead Tour Director and driver a gratuity.

We recommend tipping in your tour country’s currency, the equivalent of $3USD/CAD per person per day for your driver and $6USD/CAD to $9USD/ CAD per person per day for your Tour Director. If applicable, we also recommend the equivalent of $2USD/CAD per local guide. Tips can only be paid in cash. Please keep current local currency exchange rates in mind when tipping.