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Greece, the Balkans & Croatia

14 days |  17 days with Korcula Island & Dubrovnik extension
Group size1022 travelers
Reviews

4.6 star rating

9
Physical activity
the kalabaka meteora monasteries in greece
nuns walking in the street in dubrovnik croatia
a stone fountain carving in dubrovnik croatia
tan stone walls of dubrovnik with view of water
OverviewItineraryDates & pricesReviewsTraveler photosHotels, flights & FAQ
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Soak up local traditions amidst stunning mountains and coasts.

Full of rich history, fascinating culture, and stunning landscapes, the Balkan Peninsula is a region waiting to be explored—and that's just what you'll do on this small group Adventure Tour. From the Greek capital and picturesque shores of Lake Ohrid to the timeless traditions of Albania and Croatia’s epic coastal beauty, you’ll discover the diversity of these Adriatic nations and what makes each unique.

Your tour package includes

  • 12 nights in handpicked hotels
  • 12 breakfasts
  • 3 farm-to-table lunches
  • 3 dinners with beer or wine
  • 3 food tastings
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Included highlights

  • Athens market tour
  • Delphi Archaeological Site
  • Meteora monasteries
  • Lake Ohrid
  • Organic apiary visit
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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 fellow travelers at tonight’s welcome dinner.

Day 3: Sightseeing tour of Athens
Included meals: Breakfast, Tasting

A local guide introduces you to the ancient highlights and traditional flavors of this bustling capital, home to the world's first democracy.

  • Set off on a guided walking tour of the Plaka District and the markets in the Monastiraki neighborhood
  • Stop to sample a variety of cheeses and loukoumades, a type of sweet fried dough
  • See the Parthenon, Temple of Athena Nike, and Erechtheion on a walking tour of the Acropolis

Enjoy a free afternoon in Athens or add an excursion.

Greek Cooking Class & Dinner

From $169 per person

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

Travel to the mountainous 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 gods 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 the Meteora Region & sightseeing tour
Included meal: Breakfast

Travel to the remote village of Kalambaka at the foot of the Pindus Mountains. Then, take a guided walking tour of the Meteora monasteries.

  • Enter two monasteries such as Russanu, St. Stephen’s Monastery, or Varlaam
  • Hike up to the monasteries to admire views from 1,000-foot-high pinnacle rocks

This afternoon, meet with local nuns for a chat about the traditions and faith of the Eastern Orthodox Church. You’ll learn more about this branch of Christianity, their lives, and the work they take part in at the monasteries.

Lake Ohrid2 nights
Day 6: Lake Ohrid via Dihovo
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Liquor tasting, Tasting

Pass through the scenic vistas of northern Greece and cross the border into North Macedonia as you make your way to the village of Dihovo.

  • Enjoy an included farm-to-table lunch of local specialities paired with local wine and brandy
  • Tour the on-site organic apiary to learn about beekeeping and sample organic honey and honeycomb

Later, continue on to North Macedonia's UNESCO-recognized Lake Ohrid.

Please note: The apiary visit may be replaced with a similar culinary farm experience.

Day 7: Sightseeing tour of Ohrid, Bay of Bones Museum & Saint Naum Monastery
Included meal: Breakfast

Take in all that the charming lakeside city of Ohrid has to offer on a guided tour.

  • Enter Samuel’s Fortress and walk along its historic 4th-century walls
  • See the Ancient Theatre of Ohrid, built in the Hellenistic style
  • Walk up to the cliff-top Church of Saint John at Kaneo for panoramic views of the lake and surrounding mountains
  • Pass by the Church of Saint Sophia and enter the National Workshop for a paper-making demonstration
  • Board a boat and enjoy a scenic cruise on Lake Ohrid

Then, spend the afternoon exploring the Bay of Bones Museum and the medieval Monastery of Saint Naum.

  • Step inside the Bay of Bones Museum, a prehistoric settlement located on Lake Ohrid
  • Sit down for a expert-led talk on local conservation efforts to protect the biodiversity of Lake Ohrid, Europe’s oldest lake
  • See the resident peacocks that roam the grounds at the Monastery of Saint Naum
  • Enter the monastery to view its intricate frescoes
Tirana2 nights
Day 8: Transfer to Tirana & winery tour
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Wine tasting

Cross the border into Albania as you make your way to Tirana, stopping along the way to tour an Albanian winery.

  • Visit Uka, an organic winery dedicated to maintaining the production of rare Albanian grapes
  • Sit down for a farm-to-table lunch and enjoy a multi-course meal featuring only locally produced, organic ingredients

Then, continue on to Tirana.

Day 9: Sightseeing tour of Tirana
Included meal: Breakfast

Get to know the Albanian capital today on a guided tour.

  • Enter Bunk’Art 1, a museum dedicated to the history of Albanian communism built in the nuclear bunker of former dictator Enver Hoxha
  • Tour the museum with a guide to learn about the daily lives of Albanians during the communist period
  • See Skanderbeg Square, an eponymous tribute to the Albanian national hero, and the Pyramid of Tirana
  • Stroll past the 18th-century Et’hem Bey Mosque
  • Walk to the New Bazaar neighborhood to learn about Tirana’s rebirth post-communism and enjoy free time in the area

Enjoy a free afternoon in Tirana or add an excursion.

Historic Albania: Krujë

From $115 per person

Budva2 nights
Day 10: Budva via Shkodra & Lake Skadar
Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Continue on to Budva, making stops along the way.

  • Stop in Shkodra, a small city situated at the foot of the Albanian Alps, to step inside the hilltop Rozafa Castle
  • Travel through the Lake Skadar region of Montenegro to the town of Virpazar, where you'll embark on a scenic boat ride
  • Continue along the Montenegro coast to Budva, paying a visit to the charming peninsula village of Sveti Stefan en route

Sit down for an included dinner at a local restaurant this evening.

Day 11: Sightseeing tour of Cetinje, Njegusi & Kotor
Included meals: Breakfast, Tasting

Join a local guide on a walking tour of Cetinje, Montenegro’s historic capital.

  • Enter King Nichola’s Palace, the residence of Montenegro’s first and only king
  • View the historic foreign embassies and Alaska Church, which was built in 1450
  • See the fence made from captured enemy rifle barrels that wraps around the church

Continue to the village of Njugsi, located on the slopes of Mount Lovcen, and enter a traditional Montenegrin smokehouse to sample aged-prosciutto, cheese, and other specialities.

Enjoy stunning views of the Bay of Kotor as you drive down the winding Serpentine Road. Then, explore the scenic town of Kotor on a walking tour.

  • Pass through the UNESCO-recognized medieval old town to view the ancient city walls and Cathedral of Saint Tryphon
  • See the old clock tower and Orthodox Church
  • Opt to hike up the section of Kotor's UNESCO-listed fortified walls located on the mountain of St. John to enjoy stunning views of the Bay of Kotor
Dubrovnik2 nights
Day 12: Dubrovnik via Perast & Konavle Valley
Included meals: Breakfast, Liquor tasting, Lunch

Travel along the Bay of Kotor to the Venetian town of Perast. Here, you’ll embark on a boat trip out to the man-made islets of Saint George and Our Lady of the Rocks.

Then, leave Montenegro behind as you make your way to Croatia's Dalmatian coast.

  • Visit an agriturismo in Croatia’s Konavle valley and tour the farm’s vegetable garden

  • Learn about the over 500 years of family farming traditions in the valley

  • Enjoy a tasting of traditional liquor and sit down for a lunch featuring products grown on the farm

    Then, continue on to Dubrovnik.

Please note: Travelers should be prepared to show their passports at the border crossing between Montenegro and Croatia.

Day 13: Sightseeing tour of Dubrovnik
Included meals: Breakfast, Farewell dinner

Set on a peninsula on the Adriatic Sea, Dubrovnik’s massive walls have served as the city’s calling card for centuries. Today, you’ll take a guided tour.

  • Stroll through the UNESCO-protected old town
  • Pay a visit to the 13th-century Franciscan monastery, which boasts the most extensive library in the region
  • View the Rector’s Palace and the city’s ornate cathedral

Spend a free afternoon in Dubrovnik or add an excursion.

Tonight, gather with your fellow travelers at a farewell dinner.

Scenic Dubrovnik Coast Cruise & Lunch

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 extend your stay to continue exploring Croatia.

Extension to Korcula Island & Dubrovnik
The Croatian Coast is all about hidden gems. We’re talking charming Old Town's, seaside vineyards, and some of the world’s prettiest beaches. Extend your adventure on the Balkan Peninsula to see beauties like this on Korcula Island. (As a bonus, stop in Ston for even more adventure.)
Korcula Island 2 nights
Day 14: Ferry to Korcula, sightseeing tour & wine tasting
Included meals: Breakfast, Wine tasting, Dinner

Head to the Peljesac peninsula and board a ferry in the town of Orebic. You’ll travel to Korcula, a stunning island on Croatia’s Dalmatian coastline.

This afternoon, enjoy free time for lunch before setting off on a guided tour of Korcula’s Old Town.

  • Stroll through the walled area, known as little Dubrovnik
  • Visit the city’s 15th-century, Venetian-style cathedral
  • Walk along the town’s fortifications as you learn how the city’s government became the first in the world to ban slavery

Visit a family-run vineyard and learn about the island’s longstanding winemaking history this evening.

  • Try indigenous wines like Grk, a rare grape planted only on Korcula island
  • Sit down for an included dinner
Day 15: Free day on Korcula Island
Included meal: Breakfast

Spend a free day on Korcula island or add an excursion.

Korcula Archipelago Kayaking

From $115 per person

Dubrovnik1 night
Day 16: Dubrovnik via Ston
Included meals: Breakfast, Tasting

Board a ferry in Korcula and travel back to the town of Orebic. Then, continue on to the eastern end of the Peljesac peninsula to visit the city of Ston.

  • View the city walls, which stretch for almost five miles and are some of the longest in Europe
  • Visit a traditional oyster farm to learn how locals have sustainably harvested oysters and mussels in Ston for centuries
  • Enjoy an oyster tasting

Travel to Dubrovnik and raise a glass as you toast to your trip with a farewell drink this evening.

Flight Home
Day 17: Departure
Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)

Transfer to the airport for your flight home.

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Reviews

4.6 star rating

Overall rating 4.6 out of 5

Based on 9 authentic traveler reviews
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    5.0 star rating

    Beauty in Greece and the Balkans
    10/2/22 by 2nd-time traveler Dorothy

    I don’t generally do evaluations but this trip was the best. Our trip coordinators Kostas and Alexandra were the best. The stops were excellent and we had a wide variety of experiences. Monasteries, Catholic and Orthodox Churches and farms and wineries, palaces, lots of history, beautiful scenery ...

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    5.0 star rating

    Highly recommend
    10/2/22 by 1st-time traveler Janet

    A wonderful overview of the Balken/ Adriatic countries. This trip was very educational and I enjoyed the many activities provided: dinners, food sampling, wine tasting, tours (antiquity, bee keeping, oyster & mussel farm, organic farms) and museums, boating with ample free time for exploring and sho...

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    5.0 star rating

    9/14/19 by 4th-time traveler David

    Had a fantastic time on this tour. Great weather (high 70's and 80's everyday), hotels, food and fellow travellers. Best part was the Adriatic Sea Coast in Croatia and Lake Orchid in Montenegro. Dubrovnik and Split were so beautiful. Only suggestion is to spend more time (including a Hotel...

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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.
    Airotel Stratos Vassilikos
    Airotel Stratos Vassilikos

    This stylish hotel is located downtown Athens near the Megaro Mousikis metro station. Guests enjoy an on-site restaurant, fitness center, and hammam s...

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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...

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    Hotel Bellevue
    Hotel Bellevue

    This lakeside resort is located in Ohrid, North Macedonia on the shores of Lake Ohrid. Guests enjoy the aperitif bar, courts for various sports, and p...

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    Rogner Hotel Tirana
    Rogner Hotel Tirana

    This polished hotel is located in the Tirana city center. Guests enjoy a pool, restaurant, and fitness center. Nearby, you'll find Rinia Park, Nationa...

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    Hotel Adria Budva
    Hotel Adria Budva

    This modern hotel is centrally located in Budva, Montenegro. Guests enjoy the rooftop terrace, on-site restaurant, and free Wi-Fi. Nearby you’ll find ...

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    Hotel LERO
    Hotel LERO

    This contemporary hotel is located in Lero, just outside of Dubrovnik’s Old Town. Guests enjoy the Piano Bar, pool, and spa. Nearby you’ll find Bellev...

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    Hotel Liburna
    Hotel Liburna

    This seaside hotel is located on Korčula Island, Croatia. Guests enjoy the terrace with views of Korčula’s Old Town, open-air aperitif bar, and easy a...

    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
    Entry requirements
    • This tour visits Greece, Albania, North Macedonia, Montenegro, and Croatia. 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.
    • 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 BSC.
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    Tour pace
    • You will walk for at least 2 hours daily across moderately uneven terrain, including paved roads and unpaved trails, with some steep hills.
    • 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.
    • 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 Athens and depart from Dubrovnik . 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 between Orebic and Korcula island is included in the price of your tour extension.
    • 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 BSC.
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    Cuisine
    • Cuisine of the Balkans varies greatly by region. 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 spanikopita.
    • Foods in Albania are primarily composed of meat and vegetables. In the Tirana region, the coastal climate allows for fresh fruits, poultry, and fish from the Adriatic Sea such as sole, flounder, and perch.
    • Traditional North Macedonian cuisine includes a combination of Balkan and Mediterranean classics made up of fresh fruits and vegetables, cheeses, and grilled meats.
    • Food in Montenegro offers a variety of flavors. Potatoes, cabbage, ham, and sausage might make you feel at home but you may want to try something new such as bakrdan (a porridge of cornmeal, potato, and cheese) or the tasty ćevapi kebab (a grilled meat patty).
    • In Croatia, you may like to try traditional Balkan dishes, such as duvec (vegetables and meat), moussaka (eggplant and minced meat), sarma (minced meat and rice), and raznjici (grilled veal or pork). Thirsty? Almost every region of the country produces its own varieties of wine, each of which are quite delicious.
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    Electricity & air conditioning
    • All destinations on this tour operate on the European standard 220-240 volts and use Types C or F plus 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.
    • Your hotels may provide hairdryers, irons, and other small appliances. However, these amenities cannot be guaranteed.
    • The majority of the hotels on this tour will have air conditioning.
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    Connectivity
    • Wi-Fi is available in most hotels, though some charges may apply. In more remote locations, internet access may be limited and is not guaranteed.
    • 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).
    • Albania, North Macedonia, Montenegro, and Croatia are 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 Albania, Macedonia, Montenegro, and Croatia.
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    Currency
    • You will use the euro in Greece, Croatia and Montenegro, the Albanian lek in Albania, the Macedonian denar and in North Macedonia.
    • 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 or USD. 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 your 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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