Overview Itinerary Dates & prices Reviews Hotels, flights & FAQ

Grand Tour of Italy & Greece

with Santorini & Athens extension

Duration: 14 or 18 days
Group size: 15-38
Reviews: 11

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See the highlights of two of Europe’s most sought-after destinations

Italy and Greece often find their way to the top of many travel bucket lists—and for good reason. Both countries shine when it comes to their fresh cuisine, dreamy views, and dynamic cultures. Find inspiration in Italy as you visit Venice, Florence, and Rome. Then, head to Greece to uncover history in Delphi, Olympia, and Athens.

Your tour package includes

12 nights in handpicked hotels
12 breakfasts
5 dinners with beer or wine
Guided sightseeing tours
Expert Tour Director & local guides

Included highlights

St. Mark’s Basilica
Florence Duomo
Ponte Vecchio
Colosseum
Roman Forum

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Day-by-day itinerary

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Overnight Flight1 night

Day 1: Travel day

Board your overnight flight to Venice.

Venice2 nights

Day 2: Arrival in Venice

Included meal: Welcome dinner

Welcome to Italy! Meet your Tour Director and fellow group members at tonight’s welcome dinner.

Day 3: Sightseeing tour of Venice

Included meal: Breakfast

Admire historic churches, winding canals, and picture-perfect piazzas on a guided tour of the city known as the Queen of the Adriatic.

Marvel at the Bridge of Sighs, the link between Doge’s Palace and the New Prison
View the stately Doge’s Palace, built in the Venetian Gothic style in 1340
Step into the iconic St. Mark’s Square and enter St. Mark’s Basilica
See a glassblowing demonstration to learn about the city’s most celebrated art

Enjoy a free afternoon in Venice or add an excursion.

Gondola Ride: Venice Canal Cruise

Excursion (additional cost)

Private Gondola Ride: Canal Cruise for Two

Excursion (additional cost)

Florence2 nights

Day 4: Transfer to Florence & sightseeing tour

Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Cross through the Apennine Mountains as you make your way to Florence. Once you arrive, get to know the city with a local guide.

View the legendary Florence Cathedral, known as the Duomo
Pass Giotto’s Campanile, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture
Walk past Piazza della Repubblica to the medieval Ponte Vecchio
Stroll along the Arno River and through the courtyard of the Uffizi Gallery to Piazza della Signoria, center of Florentine life

Day 5: Free day in Florence

Included meal: Breakfast

Spend a free day in Florence or add an excursion.

San Gimignano: Medieval Sights & Tuscan Flavors

Excursion (additional cost)

Rome3 nights

Day 6: Transfer to Rome & sightseeing tour

Included meal: Breakfast

Depart Florence for Rome, where you’ll explore the ancient city on a guided tour.

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 Palatine Hill, see where ancient Romans raced chariots at Circus Maximus, and view the Baths of Caracalla

Day 7: Free day in Rome

Included meal: Breakfast

Enjoy a free day in Rome or add excursions.

Iconic Sights: Vatican City

Excursion (additional cost)

Rome Cooking Class & Dinner

Excursion (additional cost)

Day 8: Free morning in Rome & dinner with tenors

Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Spend a free morning exploring Rome or add an excursion.

This evening, enjoy an elegant, four-course dinner at a local restaurant. While you dine, you’ll be treated to some of opera’s best-loved arias.

Ancient Rome: St. Paul’s Basilica & the Catacombs

Excursion (additional cost)

Delphi Region1 night

Day 9: Flight to Athens & transfer to Delphi

Included meal: Breakfast

Fly to Athens, Greece this morning. Then, continue on to Delphi.

Olympia Region2 nights

Day 10: Sightseeing tour of Delphi & transfer to the Olympia Region

Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Set off on a guided tour of Delphi, home of the mystical oracle. You’ll visit the Temple of Apollo where, according to legend, the gods once communicated with mortals.

Cross onto the Peloponnese peninsula as you make your way to the Olympia region this afternoon.

Day 11: Sightseeing tour of Olympia

Included meal: Breakfast

Tour the historic 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 the Olympia region or add an excursion.

Greek Cooking Class & Folkloric Show Dinner

Excursion (additional cost)

Athens2 nights

Day 12: Athens via Mycenae & Corinth Canal

Included meal: Breakfast

As you make your way to Athens, stop to visit several historic sites.

Head to the UNESCO-listed Archaeological Sites of Mycenae
Take a guided tour of the ancient Mycenaean city and learn about its connection to Homer’s famous Greek epics the Iliad and the Odyssey
Snap a photo of the Corinth Canal, which separates the Peloponnese peninsula from mainland Greece

Day 13: Sightseeing tour of Athens

Included meals: Breakfast, Farewell dinner

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.

Celebrate your trip with your fellow group members at a farewell dinner this evening.

Cape Sounion

Excursion (additional cost)

Flight Home

Day 14: Departure

Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)

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

Extension to Santorini & Athens

Want another dose of Greece’s ancient history and laid-back lifestyle? Take a ferry to Santorini to see it all alongside a local expert. Then, fly to Athens and let the myth-filled streets call you back.

Santorini3 nights

Day 14: Ferry to Santorini

Included meal: Breakfast

Take a ferry to Santorini, then enjoy free time to discover the island’s charming culture and awe-inspiring landscapes.

Day 15: 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 that were unearthed during the archaeological excavations at Akrotiri
Ride to the top of Mount Profitis Ilias for panoramic views of the whole island
Stop in the small, picturesque village of Pyrgos

Spend a free evening in Santorini or add an excursion.

Santorini Caldera Cruise & Dinner

Excursion (additional cost)

Day 16: Free day in Santorini

Included meal: Breakfast

Enjoy a free day in Santorini or add an excursion.

Please note: For an additional cost, you can book a visit to the village of Oia through your Tour Director. The visit will either take place on the evening of day 14 or 16 depending on the ferry schedule.

Greek Wine Tasting & Lunch

Excursion (additional cost)

Athens1 night

Day 17: Flight to Athens

Included meal: Breakfast

Fly back to Athens today. Then, gather with your group members and raise a toast to your trip with a farewell drink.

Spend a free evening in Athens or add an excursion.

Athens Home-Hosted Dinner

Excursion (additional cost)

Flight Home

Day 18: Departure

Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)

Transfer to the airport for your flight home.

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Reviews

4.1 average

Our reviews are authentic and unedited.

12/16/2019 by 2nd time traveler Anonymous

The Italy experience was outstanding!!! Everything I wanted and expected. Visited so many iconic sites and was able to fully enjoy it all. It was fast paced yet truly enjoyable. Greece was lacking from what was given in Italy. It was rushed and most of what I wanted to see and be present in was se...

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11/13/2019 by 3rd time traveler Marsedina E.

My husband and I had a wonderful experience with The Grand Tour of Italy and Greece. We both enjoyed the company of fellow travelers and our Tour Director. Loved all the beautiful scenery and historical sites that we visited especially the Roman colosseum and the Parthenon in Athens. It was quite a...

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Wonderful

11/06/2019 by 2nd time traveler Ronald R.

Linda and I had the greatest time imaginable. Wonderful food, fun,and and adventure. We meet such a fun group of new friends. Loved our tour director, extremely knowledgeable and fun to be with. Hope we can do another trip next May for my 81st birthday. Thanks to all of the EF personnel that made i...

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10/28/2019 by 2nd time traveler Ardice W.

Excellent tour guide! Leonora passionate knowledgeable Very busy and rushed in areas but all in all a good tour. People need to read what they say about walking and being in condition to do the walking.

Italy Greece Tour

01/16/2020 by 3rd time traveler Robert J.

The Venice hotel was sub par and unacceptable. No air conditioning and you couldn’t fully open bathroom door because it hit the toilet. The safe was not bolted down and could easily be picked up and taken away. We had to walk from water taxi to our hotel, with our luggage!! Breakfast choices were l...

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Go Ahead Tours replied on 01/16/2020

Dear Robert, Thank you for your feedback regarding...

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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.

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, ...

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Amalia Hotel Delphi

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

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Kalisti Hotel & Suites

This beautiful hotel is located in the heart of Fira, the capital of Santorini. Guests enjoy a pool, outdoor bar, and stylish accommodations. Nearby, ...

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Hotel Villa Pannonia

This modern hotel is located on the island of Lido. Guests enjoy a garden, a small library, and an on-site contemporary art exhibition. Nearby you’ll ...

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Hotel Diplomat

This charming hotel is located near the Santa Maria Novella train station in Florence. Guests enjoy free Wi-Fi and a restaurant. Nearby, you’ll find t...

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Hotel Eurostars Saint John

This modern hotel is located in the Esquilino neighborhood. Guests enjoy a bar and lounge. Nearby you’ll find the Colosseum, Piazza Vittorio Emanuele,...

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Hotel Nord Nuova Roma

This traditional hotel is centrally located in the Esquilino neighborhood in central Rome. Guests enjoy a bar and lounge, fitness center, and rooftop ...

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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

Local weather

Athens, Greece

Weather averages

Today
High 61°F Low 49°F

Olympia, Greece

Weather averages

Today
High 59°F Low 46°F

Florence, Italy

Weather averages

Today
High 67°F Low 50°F

Venice, Italy

Weather averages

Today
High 61°F Low 51°F

Rome, Italy

Weather averages

Today
High 64°F Low 48°F

FAQ

Print 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 at least 2.5 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 Venice 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 flight from Rome to Athens is 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

Venice and Northern Italy are known for flavorful meats and pastries.
Tuscany is world-famous for its wine, oil, sauces, and pasta. Menus favor subtle, lighter pastas and desserts made with nuts, fruit, and honey. Try a dish featuring the region’s Chianina beef, perhaps the most prized breed of cattle in all of Italy. For wine, popular Tuscan reds include Chianti, Brunello di Montalcino, and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, which are primarily made from the Sangiovese grape. Well-known white wines are also made around the San Gimignano 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.

Dates & prices

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20202021

Starts

Ends

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Availability

2020

Grand Tour of Italy & Greece

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