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Grand Tour of...
 

Grand Tour of Italy & Greece

14 days |  18 days with Santorini & Athens extension
14 days |  18 days with Santorini & Athens extension
Group size1538 travelers
Reviews

4.6 star rating

169
Physical activity
venetian gondolier riding on gondola through canal in venice italy
scenic panoramic view of the acropolis of athens in greece
close up of margarita pizza
bright pink flowers surrounding royal blue door on white building in greece
OverviewItineraryDates & pricesReviewsTraveler photosHotels, flights & FAQ
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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
  • 7 sightseeing tours
  • Expert Tour Director & local guides
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Included highlights

  • St. Mark’s Basilica
  • Florence Duomo
  • Ponte Vecchio
  • Colosseum
  • Roman Forum
Read more
Start planning today

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

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Day-by-day itinerary

Print itinerary
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

From $125 per person

Private Gondola Ride: Canal Cruise for Two

From $225 per person

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

From $159 per person

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

From $175 per person

Pasta-Making Class & Dinner

From $175 per person

Day 8: Free day in Rome
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 with live musical entertainment.

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

From $125 per person

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

From $95 per person

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 site 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

From $105 per person

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

From $205 per person

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

From $125 per person

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.

Flight Home
Day 18: Departure
Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)

Transfer to the airport for your flight home.

Show full itinerary
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Reviews

4.6 star rating

Overall rating 4.6 out of 5

Based on 169 authentic traveler reviews
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    5.0 star rating

    10/14/23 by 1st-time traveler Alfonso

    5.0 star rating

    The perfect starter tour of Europe
    10/14/23 by 1st-time traveler Latasha

    The Tour Director Paola....there are no words to describe how she was the key to making this trip amazing. She set the vibe, tone, taught us customs. Every place we went to, we arrived at the perfect time beating the crowds. All the restaurants recommended were exquisite. Paola was always cheerful, ...

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    5.0 star rating

    Amazing Tour!
    9/30/23 by 1st-time traveler Tony

    The Tour was amazinng and I would highly recommend it. Francesco was an extremely accommodating tour guide who had great recommendations and was ready to assist in every way possible. The local guides were very knowledgeable, and significantly enhanced the experience. The balance of free time, optio...

    Read more +
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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.
    Hotel Villa Mabapa
    Hotel Villa Mabapa

    This Art Nouveau hotel is located in Lido di Venezia. Guests enjoy a private beach area, restaurant and bar, and library. Nearby, you’ll find Lido Bea...

    Read more +
    Hotel Diplomat
    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...

    Read more +
    Best Western Premier Hotel Royal Santina
    Best Western Premier Hotel Royal Santina

    This modern hotel is located in near Termini station. Guests enjoy free WiFi, a minibar, and laundry center. Nearby, you'll find Museo Nazionale Roman...

    Read more +
    The Golden Age Hotel of Athens
    The Golden Age Hotel of Athens

    This modern hotel is located in the Ilisia neighborhood. Guests enjoy a fitness center, restaurant, and lounge. Nearby you’ll find the Byzantine and C...

    Read more +
    Amalia Hotel Delphi
    Amalia Hotel Delphi

    This modern hotel is located at the foot of Mount Parnassus in Delphi. Guests enjoy the outdoor pool, beautiful views, and manicured gardens. Nearby, ...

    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 +
    Kalisti Hotel & Suites
    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, ...

    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
    • 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.
    • Beginning in 2025, U.S. and Canadian passport holders must register for an ETIAS travel authorization in order to enter many European countries.
    • Passport holders from over 60 visa-exempt countries (including the U.S. and Canada) will need to apply for an ETIAS travel authorization in order to visit 30 European countries. That means that even if you’ve previously traveled to any of these European countries without a visa, starting in 2025, you’ll need to get ETIAS authorization to visit them again. If you’re traveling to multiple countries with this requirement, you only need to complete the form once. All Go Ahead travelers are responsible for obtaining their own ETIAS travel authorization before departure. For more details, please visit our Help Center.
    • If you are not a U.S. or Canadian citizen, you must contact each 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 IGC.
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    Tour pacing & mobility
    • 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.
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    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.
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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.
    • 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.
    • 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 IGC.
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    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.
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    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.
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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
    • 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.
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    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.
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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 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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