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Greek Islands for...
 

Greek Islands for Solo Travelers: Crete & Santorini

9 days |  12 days with Rome extension
Group size1420 travelers
Reviews

4.7 star rating

44
Physical activity
view of coast and windmills in santorini oia greece
woman drinking wine with seascape view behind her in crete greece
bougainvillea flowers in greece
view of parthenon acropolis in athens greece
OverviewItineraryDates & pricesReviewsTraveler photosHotels, flights & FAQ
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Explore the best of the Greek Islands alongside fellow solo travelers.

In Greece, you don’t just visit ancient ruins. You step back into the world of Zeus and Athena. And dinner at a taverna is more than a daily activity. It’s a chance to mix and mingle with friendly locals while practicing your Greek. (Yamas, which means cheers, will get you far!) As you hop from Athens to Crete and over to Santorini, you and your group of like-minded travelers will find that the best sunset is the one enjoyed with a glass of Assyrtiko wine in hand and new friends at the table.

Your tour package includes

  • 7 nights in a private room at handpicked hotels
  • 7 breakfasts
  • 4 dinners with beer or wine
  • 1 wine tasting
  • 3 sightseeing tours
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Included highlights

  • Acropolis
  • Parthenon
  • Ruins of Knossos
  • Heraklion Archaeological Museum
  • Santorini wine tasting
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Start planning today

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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! Settle in to your hotel. Then, gather with your Tour Director and fellow group members at a mixer before enjoying a welcome dinner.

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.

Greek Cooking Class & Dinner

From $169 per person

Crete2 nights
Day 4: Flight to Crete & sightseeing tour
Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Fly to Crete and take a guided tour of Heraklion, the largest city on the island.

  • Visit the ruins of Knossos, where King Minos imprisoned the Minotaur in a labyrinth, according to the myth
  • Step inside the Heraklion Archaeological Museum

Sit down for an included dinner this evening.

Day 5: Free day in Crete
Included meal: Breakfast

Spend a free day in Crete or add an excursion.

Chania

From $149 per person

Santorini2 nights
Day 6: Ferry to Santorini, wine tasting & Oia village visit
Included meals: Breakfast, Wine tasting, Light dinner

Take a ferry to Santorini.

This evening, pay a visit to a local winery.

  • Tour the winery and learn how the grape vines are trained to grow close to the ground to protect themselves from the strong ocean winds
  • Sit down for a light dinner and tasting featuring some signature wines including Assyrtiko and Vin Santo

After dinner, pay a visit to the picturesque village of Oia, perched atop the cliffs of the Santorini Caldera.

Day 7: Sightseeing tour of Santorini
Included meal: Breakfast

Today, take in the local sights on a guided tour of Santorini.

  • 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

Enjoy a free evening in Santorini or add an excursion.

Santorini Caldera Cruise & Dinner

From $189 per person

Athens1 night
Day 8: Ferry to Athens
Included meals: Breakfast, Farewell dinner

Spend a final morning in Santorini before boarding a ferry back to Athens.

This evening, enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant as you celebrate your trip with your fellow group members.

Flight Home
Day 9: Departure
Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)

Transfer to the airport for your flight home or extend your stay to visit Rome.

Extension to Rome
Have your sights on more art, history, and street life? Rome is sure to deliver. Only in the Italian capital can you sip cappuccino in front of the Pantheon and have an audience with the pope all in one morning. After a flight, soak in the sites and admire the highlights during a guided sightseeing tour.
Rome3 nights
Day 9: Flight to Rome
Included meal: Breakfast

Fly to Rome and spend a free evening in the Italian capital or add an excursion.

Food of Rome: Walking Tour of Trastevere

From $169 per person

Day 10: Sightseeing tour of Rome
Included meal: Breakfast

Follow in the footsteps of the ancient Romans on a guided tour of the Eternal City.

  • 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 by Palatine Hill to see Circus Maximus, the stadium where ancient Romans raced chariots, and the Baths of Caracalla

Spend a free afternoon in Rome or add an excursion.

(Please note: On some departures, the Rome sightseeing tour and the Ancient Rome: St. Paul’s Basilica & the Catacombs excursion may take place on day 11 and the Iconic Sights: Vatican City excursion may take place on day 10.)

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

From $105 per person

Day 11: Free day in Rome
Included meals: Breakfast, Farewell dinner

Enjoy a free day in Rome or add an excursion. This evening, enjoy a farewell dinner as you celebrate your trip with your fellow group members.

(Please note: On some departures, the Iconic Sights: Vatican City excursion may take place on day 10 and the Rome sightseeing tour and the Ancient Rome: St. Paul’s Basilica & the Catacombs excursion may take place on day 11.)

Iconic Sights: Vatican City

From $149 per person

Flight Home
Day 12: 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 44 authentic traveler reviews
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    5.0 star rating

    A+ Tour
    5/18/23 by 1st-time traveler Katelyn

    Wow, what an amazing trip! I saw and learned so much. Greece is so beautiful. The food was amazing. Our tour guide, Christina, was the absolute BEST. Her pacing and timing is perfect. She anticipated our needs and gave us little treats throughout the trip. She was able to get us places more quickly ...

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    5.0 star rating

    Wonderful Trip
    5/17/23 by 2nd-time traveler Julie

    4.0 star rating

    5/17/23 by 1st-time traveler Ashley
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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.
    Saint George Lycabettus Hotel
    Saint George Lycabettus Hotel

    This boutique hotel is located in the Kolonaki neighborhood in central Athens. Guests enjoy a screening room, rooftop pool, and spa. Nearby, you’ll fi...

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    Hotel Galaxy Iraklio
    Hotel Galaxy Iraklio

    Respectful of its successful history and privileged position in the pantheon of the country’s most important tourist contributors, the Galaxy Hotel Ir...

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    Aegean Plaza Hotel
    Aegean Plaza Hotel

    Welcome to one of the most prestigious hotels in Kamari, Aegean Plaza Hotel located just 30 meters from the black sandy beach, close to a marvelous co...

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    Hotel Massimo D'Azeglio
    Hotel Massimo D'Azeglio

    This historic hotel is located in central Rome. Guests enjoy a restaurant, bar and lounge, and fitness area. Nearby, you’ll find the train station, Te...

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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

    FAQ

    Print FAQ
    Passport, visa & entry requirements
    • This tour visits Greece (and Italy on the tour extension). 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 two blank passport pages for entry stamps.
    • There is no visa required for U.S. or Canadian citizens traveling to Greece (or Italy on the tour extension).
    • 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 GI6.
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    Tour pacing & mobility
    • You will walk for at least 3 hours daily across uneven terrain, including paved roads and cobblestone streets, with steep 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.
    • 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 and depart from Athens (or Rome on the tour extension). 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 Athens to Crete, as well as ferry rides between Crete and Santorini, and Santorini to Athens, are included in the price of your tour. (The tour extension also includes a flight from Athens to Rome.)
    • 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.
    • 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 too 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 GI6.
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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. 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.
    • On the tour extension, 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 on the tour extension, 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.
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    Electricity & air conditioning
    • Greece operates on the European standard 220-240 volts and uses Types C, E, or F plugs with two small, round pins.
    • Italy (on the tour extension) operates on the European standard 220-240 volts and use Types C, F, or L plugs with two or three 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 hotel 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).
    • Italy (on the tour extension) is one hour ahead of GMT and six hours ahead of ET.
    • When it’s noon in New York, it’s 7pm in Greece (and 6pm in Italy on the tour extension).
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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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