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Athens & Ancient...
 

Athens & Ancient Greece

13 days |  16 days with Crete & Athens extension
Group size1538 travelers
Reviews

4.7 star rating

163
Physical activity
temple of apollo surrounded by mountains in delphi greece
old fortress off the coast in corfu greece
basket of lemons on a table outside of greek restaurant
OverviewItineraryDates & pricesReviewsTraveler photosHotels, flights & FAQ
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Explore the places that shaped Western civilization as we know it.

Between the Mediterranean beaches bathed in sunlight, ancient ruins teeming with legends, and villas bursting with local charm, falling in love with Greece is a sure thing. Discover the heart of Europe’s oldest city, from the Acropolis to the Plaka. Make your way along the Ionian coast to shorelines steeped in mythology.

Your tour package includes

  • 11 nights in handpicked hotels
  • 11 breakfasts
  • 5 dinners with beer or wine
  • 1 wine tasting
  • 7 sightseeing tours
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Included highlights

  • Acropolis
  • Parthenon
  • Temple of Apollo
  • Meteora monasteries
  • Corfu’s Old Town
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Start planning today

An expert specializing in tours of this region is here to help.

Talk to a Tour Consultant

Day-by-day itinerary

Print itinerary
Overnight Flight1 night
Day 1: Travel day

Board your overnight flight to Athens today.

Athens2 nights
Day 2: Arrival in Athens
Included meal: Welcome dinner

Welcome to Greece! Meet your Tour Director and fellow travelers at a welcome dinner tonight.

Day 3: Sightseeing tour of Athens
Included meal: Breakfast

A local guide 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

Enjoy a free afternoon in Athens or add an excursion.

Cape Sounion

From $89 per person

Delphi Region1 night
Day 4: Transfer to Delphi Region & sightseeing tour
Included meal: Breakfast

Travel to the Delphi region for a guided tour of the legendary home of the mystical oracle. You’ll visit the Temple of Apollo where, according to legend, the god once communicated with mortals.

Spend a free evening in Delphi or add an excursion.

Arachova Village & Greek Dinner

From $89 per person

Meteora Region1 night
Day 5: Transfer to Meteora Region & sightseeing tour
Included meal: Breakfast

Today, travel to the remote village of Kalambaka at the foot of the Pindus Mountains. Discover Meteora’s stunning architecture: Pinnacle Monastery and St. Stephen’s Monastery, two Byzantine structures perched atop 1,000-foot-high pinnacle rocks.

Corfu2 nights
Day 6: Transfer to Corfu
Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

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, board a ferry bound for the island of Corfu.

Day 7: Sightseeing tour of Corfu
Included meal: Breakfast

Discover Corfu with a local guide. Once ruled by the Venetians, this island has retained much of its Italian charm.

  • See the city’s Italian influence on display at the Spianada, arguably the most impressive square in Greece
  • Visit the regal Mon Repos Palace for a walking tour of the mansion turned museum where HRH Prince Phillip was born
  • Enter the Church of St. Spyridon, where you’ll uncover the sacred relics of the island’s patron saint

Enjoy a free evening in Corfu or add an excursion.

Corfu Tavern Dinner

From $115 per person

Olympia2 nights
Day 8: Transfer to Olympia
Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Board a ferry back to the mainland from Corfu. Cross the Rio–Antirrio bridge, the world’s longest fully suspended cable-stayed bridge, as you make your way to Olympia.

Sit down for an included dinner this evening.

Day 9: Sightseeing tour of Olympia
Included meal: Breakfast

This morning, tour the legendary city of Olympia with a local guide.

  • View the ruins of the Temple of Zeus, known as one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World
  • See the ancient Gymnasium and site where the first Olympic Games took place
  • Step inside the Archaeological Museum of Olympia and enjoy free time to explore the exhibits

Spend a free afternoon in Olympia or add an excursion.

Greek Cooking Class & Folkloric Show Dinner

From $85 per person

Nafplio2 nights
Day 10: Nafplio via Nemea
Included meals: Breakfast, Wine tasting, Dinner

Explore the historic region that has been occupied by the Turks, Venetians, Franks, and Byzantines.

  • Stop in Nemea to tour a vineyard and taste a selection of red and white wines accompanied by snacks
  • Join your Tour Director on a walk through Nafplio, the town that was the first capital of independent Greece

Sit down for an included dinner this evening.

Day 11: Sightseeing tour of Epidaurus & Mycenae
Included meal: Breakfast

Explore the landmarks of Epidaurus and Mycenae on guided sightseeing tours.

  • Discover Greece’s best-preserved open-air theater in Epidaurus
  • Explore the mysterious beehive-shaped Treasury of Atreus and the magnificent Lion Gate, one of the oldest monumental sculptures in Europe, in Mycenae
  • Visit the burial ground of Agamemnon and his followers, where archaeologists unearthed incredible treasures
Athens1 night
Day 12: Transfer to Athens
Included meals: Breakfast, Farewell dinner

Travel back to Athens, stopping along the way to admire the Corinth Canal. Later, celebrate your trip during a farewell dinner with your fellow travelers.

Flight Home
Day 13: Departure
Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)

Transfer to the airport for your return flight home or continue on to visit Crete and further explore Athens.

Extension to Crete & Athens
Looking for even more ancient history? Luckily, Greece has it in spades. Fly to Crete and stay a little bit longer to put on your archaeologist hat and uncover the past at the ruins of Knossos (they say the Minotaur lived here once). Then, catch a flight back to Athens for one more night in the Greek capital.
Heraklion2 nights
Day 13: Flight to Crete & sightseeing tour of Heraklion
Included meal: Breakfast

Fly to Crete, the largest of the Greek islands, this morning. Then, explore the city of Heraklion with a local guide.

  • Explore the archaeological site of Knossos, home to the ruins of a Minoan palace
  • Enter the Heraklion Archaeological Museum to view the world’s most complete collection of Minoan artifacts
Day 14: Free day in Heraklion
Included meal: Breakfast

Spend a free day in Heraklion or add an excursion.

Chania

From $149 per person

Athens1 night
Day 15: Flight to Athens
Included meal: Breakfast

Fly back to Athens this afternoon and enjoy a farewell drink with your group.

Later, enjoy a free evening in Athens or add an excursion.

Athens Home-Hosted Dinner

From $89 per person

Flight Home
Day 16: Departure
Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)

Transfer to the airport for your flight home.

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Reviews

4.7 star rating

Overall rating 4.7 out of 5

Based on 163 authentic traveler reviews
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    5.0 star rating

    Mainland Greece 2023
    5/7/23 by 1st-time traveler Seamus

    Absolutely awesome. Those are the two words I'd use to describe this trip. I took a tour of the Greek mainland, hitting multiple UNESCO sites and quite a few other amazing towns along the way. Greece is so rich with ancient history, and it's mind-blowing when you are actually able to see what they a...

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    5.0 star rating

    Tour to Athens and Ancient Greece
    4/9/23 by 1st-time traveler Marion

    Thanks to a wonderful tour guide and an accomplished bus driver this tour was an exceptional introduction to Ancient Greece. At various sites local guides added to our understanding of particular sites. Among the most fascinating experiences was our visit to mediaeval monasteries as well as ancien...

    Read more +
    EF Go Ahead Tours replied on 5/23/23

    Marion, Thank you for taking the time to share you...

    Read more +

    5.0 star rating

    Grateful for this experience
    3/26/23 by 2nd-time traveler Jane

    So glad my husband talked me into this tour. It was amazing, from Pantheon in Athens to an amazing architectural feat in the monasteries. Delphi, Corfu and Nafplio were wonderful surprises for me. Just too many great things to write about. The hotels were great and our Tour guide,Theo, was the...

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    Traveler photos

    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 Grand Athens
    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 rooftop...

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    Amalia Hotel Delphi
    Amalia Hotel Delphi

    This modern hotel is located at the foot of Mount Parnassus. Guests enjoy free Wi-Fi, balconies, and air conditioning. Nearby, you’ll find the Temple ...

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    Amalia Hotel Kalambaka
    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...

    Read more +
    Corfu Holiday Palace
    Corfu Holiday Palace

    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...

    Read more +
    Amalia Hotel Olympia
    Amalia Hotel Olympia

    This modern hotel is located in the Agios Georgios neighborhood. Guests enjoy a restaurant, bar, and pool. Nearby, you’ll find the Archimedes Museum, ...

    Read more +
    Amalia Hotel Nauplia
    Amalia Hotel Nauplia

    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...

    Read more +
    Galaxy Hotel Iraklio
    Galaxy Hotel Iraklio

    This luxe hotel is located in Heraklion. Guests enjoy restaurants, the outdoor pool, and spa. Nearby, you’ll find Lions’ Square, Ammoudara Beach, and ...

    Read more +

    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

    Print FAQ
    Passport, visa & entry requirements
    • In order to enter Greece, 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 your destination 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 FAN.
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    Tour pacing & mobility
    • You will walk for at least 2 hours daily across 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 ferries.
    • If you have any mobility concerns or physical restrictions, please contact our Customer Experience Team.
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    Transportation & arrival information
    • Round-trip flights booked through Go Ahead Tours arrive in 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 ride from Igoumenitsa to Corfu is included in the price of your tour. (The tour extension also includes a round-trip flight from Athens to Crete.)
    • All other included transportation on this tour is by private motor coach.
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    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.
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    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.
    • Shaded areas can be scarce at archaeological sites and the ancient ruins you'll visit on this tour. Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a broad-brimmed hat to protect yourself from the sun.
    • It is preferable not to visit churches or other religious sites with bare legs and shoulders (and entrance may be denied on this basis).
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    Health
    • 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.
    • 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 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.
    • 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 FAN.
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    Cuisine
    • 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. 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.
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    Electricity & air conditioning
    • Greece operates on the European standard 220-240 volts and use 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.
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    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.
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    Time zones
    • Greece is two hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) and seven hours ahead of Eastern Time (ET).
    • When it’s noon in New York, it’s 7pm in Greece.
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    Currency
    • You will use the euro on this 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.
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    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 $8USD 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.
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    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 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 your card to be charged.
    • Some optional excursions may only be purchased in advance. See page four of your tour itinerary for more information.
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