A Week in Greece: Athens, Mykonos & Santorini
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Watch the setting sun from the hilltops of Greece’s most famous islands.
Cobblestone streets, arched, whitewashed facades, cobalt-colored roofs, and rustic windmills are just a few of the picturesque Greek landscapes you can expect to find on this tour. Walk through ancient history and open-air museums in the capital, Athens. Then, revel in the serenity and diversity of the Greek Islands on the isles of Mykonos and Santorini—daydreams come to life in a hundred shades of blue. Extend your trip to Rome and bask in the Eternal City’s glow for three more days of art and history, gelato in hand.
Your tour package includes
- 7 nights in handpicked hotels
- 7 breakfasts
- 3 dinners with beer or wine
- 3 sightseeing tours
- Expert Tour Director & local guides
Included highlights
- Temple of Zeus
- Acropolis
- Parthenon
- Windmills in Mykonos Town
- Black sand beaches on Santorini
An expert specializing in tours of this region is here to help.
Day-by-day itinerary
Print itineraryBoard your overnight flight to Athens today.
Close your eyes and take in the smell of orange blossoms and olive trees—you’re in Greece. Meet your Tour Director and fellow travelers at tonight’s welcome dinner, served with beer or wine.
Nothing can prepare you for the sheer sense of awe you’ll feel when you come face-to-face with Athens, where ancient architecture and artifacts coexist with modern life. Meet up with your dedicated local guide, who will introduce you to the highlights of this bustling capital.
- Pass by the Panathenaic Stadium, built entirely out of marble—the only such stadium in the world.
- Continue to Syntagma Square, home to the neoclassical Greek Parliament building, and admire the plaza’s imposing marble steps, fountain, and lush shade trees.
- Reflect on the Arch of Hadrian, built to honor the Roman emperor, and imagine how its Pentelic marble stones were carted more than 11 miles from Mount Pentelikon in 131 AD.
- View the remains of the sixth-century Temple of Zeus and gaze up at its 16 ornate Corinthian columns.
- Drive through the Plaka district, one of the oldest parts of Athens, known as “the neighborhood of the gods” due to the dozens of monuments strewn throughout the area at the foot of the Acropolis.
- Set off on a walking tour around the ancient Acropolis—site of the Parthenon, Temple of Athena Nike, and Erechtheion. You may have seen these enduring icons of antiquity in books and film, but now you’re traipsing through the work of craftsmen who quarried and honed these marble blocks thousands of years ago.
Enjoy a free afternoon in Plaka, a neighborhood largely unbothered by time and modernity, with distinctive red-tiled rooftops, outdoor cafes, and colorful street vendors. Prefer to taste your way through Athens? Add an excursion and remember to say kali orexi—local speak for “have a good appetite.”
Food of Athens Walking Tour
From $95 per person
We’re off to the islands! Travel by ferry to Mykonos and join your Tour Director on a walk through Mykonos Town’s narrow, labyrinthian streets bursting with cafes, galleries, and shops. Surrender to the soft, salty air on The Island of The Winds.
- See the iconic white windmills in Mykonos Town, built as early as the 16th century and originally used to mill wheat and barley, and watch their thatched roofs dance in the sea breeze.
- Delight in Little Venice—perched right alongside the Aegean Sea shoreline and inspired by its Italian namesake—where the colorful sun-splashed residences seem to melt into the water, their balconies hanging over the sea.
- Pass the Church of Panagia Paraportiani, eminently photographed for its Byzantine-era, whitewashed facade and intriguing curves.
Sit down this evening for an included dinner, served with beer or wine.
Want to add another island to your list? Add an optional excursion to legendary Delos for a guided tour steeped in history and Greek mythology.
Not joining the excursion? Use your free day in Mykonos to hit the cobblestones early and take your time. If visiting the island’s famous beach clubs isn’t your speed, head back to Little Venice for a stroll along the Old Harbor; hike down to Armenistis Lighthouse, one of the oldest in Greece; or get lost in Matogianni Street’s shops and galleries.
Delos Cruise & Temple of Apollo
From $125 per person
You’ve seen the photos—now get ready to star in them yourself. Take a ferry to Santorini and enjoy a free afternoon on the island. You can admire the steep cliffs that plunge into the Aegean and the island’s iconic caldera, dotted with whitewashed buildings. You can eat your way through traditional dishes—like moussaka, a hearty eggplant dish, or tomato fritters—then use your free time to explore unique pebbly beaches and crystal clear waters.
Looking to expand your palate? Add an excursion to a local winery for a tour and a tasting.
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 6 or the morning of day 8, depending on ferry and flight schedules.
Santorini Winery Visit & Tasting
From $69 per person
Your guided tour of Santorini will take you from dramatic black-sand beaches to jagged cliff-lined shores and back—a stark contrast to the island’s beloved whitewashed buildings and sprays of bright fuchsia bougainvillea vines.
- Visit the archaeological excavations at Akrotiri, a settlement buried in volcanic ash, where richly pigmented Bronze Age frescoes and other Minoan artifacts survived a devastating volcano eruption in the 16th Century BCE.
- Ride to the top of Mount Profitis Ilias panoramic views of Santorini, neighboring island chains, and the blue waters kissing the horizon.
- Stop in small, picturesque Pyrgos, where you’ll weave through the steep streets of this slightly off-the-beaten-path village.
Spend a free afternoon poking around authentic shops and sampling the local wine, or join the optional excursion and hop on a catamaran for a steal-your-breath-away cruise starring the village of Oia.
Santorini Caldera Cruise & Dinner
From $149 per person
This afternoon, fly to Athens and celebrate your trip with your group at tonight’s farewell dinner, served with beer or wine. Kali antamosi—or “until we meet again.”
Transfer to the airport for your flight home or extend your stay to the Eternal City—Rome—where you’ll traipse across timeworn paths as the city’s monuments keep enduring watch. And if you have the chance to cap off a week of Greek food with a few days of pasta and gnocchi, seize it!
Fly to the Italian capital today. When you arrive, you can—and may we say, you should—choose to treat yourself to a culinary-themed walking tour of the lively, historic Trastevere neighborhood and its countless trattorias. To unwind on your own, spend your free time this evening following in the footsteps of the ancient Romans to the Colosseum—the monumental amphitheater—and the evocative ruins of the Forum, once the pulsating heart of Roman life. Listen for bygone echoes of parades and gripping trials as you explore the remnants of this age-old marketplace.
Food of Rome: Walking Tour of Trastevere
From $135 per person
Meet a local guide for a morning walk through central Rome, visiting the Eternal City’s bewitching squares and fountains.
- Start at the Spanish Steps to view the Fontana della Barcaccia, a sculptural fountain in the shape of a sunken ship overflowing with water, commemorating the flooding of the Tiber River in 1598.
- Continue to the iconic Trevi Fountain, built in the 18th century to celebrate water and the god Oceanus, dripping with Baroque glamor, statues, and intricate carvings.
- Pause for a gelato break—pistachio? Chocolate? Better get both—and continue to the Pantheon to enter the best preserved ancient Roman temple dating to the second century. Feast your eyes on its perfect symmetry and engineering brilliance.
- Finish at the sumptuous Piazza Navona, site of Bernini’s Fountain of the Four Rivers. We especially love it illuminated after nightfall if you’d like to return.
Later, you won’t want to skip the guided tour of St. Paul’s Basilica—one of Rome’s four major papal basilicas. You can also choose to spend your free afternoon in Rome exploring on your own. Be sure to ask your Tour Guide for recommendations.
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. Entrance to the Pantheon may not be possible on certain days, your tour will explore the Pantheon’s exterior instead.
Ancient Rome: St. Paul’s Basilica & the Catacombs
From $89 per person
It’s your final full day in Rome. Whether you want to take it easy over a morning cappuccino or take in the beauty of the Galleria Borghese, use your free day at your leisure. You can descend into the eerie underground chambers adorned with bones and skeletal remains in a unique display of artistic macabre at the Capuchin Crypt—also known as the Bone Chapel—or, add an excursion to the sacred walls of Vatican City, where the Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Basilica, and countless masterpieces await.
This evening, enjoy a farewell drink 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 $125 per person
Transfer to the airport for your flight home. If you’ve left your heart on Santorini—or on Mykonos or in Athens or Rome—we know the feeling.
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I really loved my trip. I couldn’t have asked for a better experience than traveling with Andreas. He kept us updated and on track with every detail, and made it look seamless! Thank you.
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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.This elegant hotel is located in the Metaxourgeio neighborhood of Athens. Guests enjoy panoramic views of the Acropolis, a fitness center, and a rooft...
This stylish hotel is located in Mykonos’ Platis Yialos area. Guests enjoy the outdoor pool, beautiful views, and their room’s balcony or terrace. Nea...
This beautiful hotel is located in the heart of Fira, the capital of Santorini. Guests enjoy a pool, outdoor bar, and stylish accommodations. Nearby, ...
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...
Flights
- 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- 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 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 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 GIT.
- Round-trip flights booked through Go Ahead Tours arrive in and depart from Athens (or from Rome if you book the tour extension).
- 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 if they are arriving or departing on the standard day.
- When you arrive in Athens, a Go Ahead representative will be waiting for you in the arrivals hall with a Go Ahead sign or a sign with your name(s). If you don’t see a representative immediately, please be patient and stay in the arrivals area. They may be assisting another traveler who has also just arrived and will be back shortly.
Physical Activity Level
This is a high physical activity-level tour. You can expect to be on the move on a regular basis throughout the course of the tour.
Tour Pacing
This is a brisk-paced tour. The pace of a tour itinerary considers how often you’ll switch hotels, the amount of planned daily activities, and how you’ll get from place to place. You can expect:
- One 1-night stay
- Most days full of included activities (more if you add excursions)
- Transportation by motor coach, public ferry and commercial flight
- Daily bus time varies and can be lengthy
Walking, Terrain & Physical Requirements
- Travelers should be prepared to walk 2-3 miles per day- this includes city streets, cobblestones, stairs, and hills.
- Stone and marble walkways may be slippery even when dry.
- Access to the Acropolis requires travelers to navigate a steep hill including uneven stairs with no railing.
- Travelers should be healthy enough to participate in all included walks without assistance.
- Please Note: Adding optional excursions may increase the total amount of walking on tour
Climate Considerations
- In the summer months (June-September), travelers can expect heatwaves with temperatures consistently above 90F.
- In July and August, Greece experiences Meltemi, or strong winds, which can make for rough ferry rides.
Physical Activity & Tour Pace Questions
- Go Ahead Tours and the Tour Director who accompanies your group are unable to provide special mobility or luggage handling assistance to travelers on tour. The responsibility of the Tour Director is to ensure the group enjoys a smooth and informative journey, and they can’t be relied on to provide individualized assistance to any one traveler.
- This tour moves at a reasonable pace to avoid missing scheduled stops. The rest of the group cannot miss any scheduled activities because of the needs of an individual.
- Due to the pace and physical activity level of this tour, mobility aids such as wheelchairs or walkers will be difficult to use and are not recommended. Please notify Go Ahead Tours before your departure if you plan to bring these on tour with you.
- If you have mobility concerns or tour pace questions, please visit our Help Center or send a message to our Customer Experience Team. We’re here to help!
- This tour includes various modes of transportation, including ferries, planes, and motor coaches. Some modes of transportation will have raised platforms or steps and often not provide access to ramps or lifts.
- Ferry rides from Athens to Mykonos and Mykonos to Santorini, as well as a flight from 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.
- The ferries you will be traveling in during your tour are large boats with airline-style seating. Boarding the ferry involves quickly walking up and down steep ramps, navigating crowds with other travelers and vehicles, while managing all of your luggage.
- 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 include ferries and flights.
- Some airlines may impose additional charges if you choose to exceed baggage size and weight restrictions. Be advised that you are responsible for any baggage fees incurred on all flights.
- Contact your airline(s) for baggage size and weight restrictions for your flights. Please note that your included on-tour flights may have more restrictive baggage limits.
- Make sure you label your baggage and keep valuables, medication, and documents in your carry-on bag.
- Travelers must manage their own luggage throughout tour as porters are not guaranteed. This includes at hotels, airports, and boarding ferries.
- Travelers need to be prepared to manage their own luggage during ferry transfers; this includes carrying your luggage up/down the boarding ramp, and managing crowded spaces with other people and motor vehicles.
- 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).
- We recommend packing a reusable water bottle to cut down on single use plastic waste.
- Travelers who experience motion sickness should take the proper precautions for the ferry crosssings.
- 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.
- We recommend packing your Insurance Card (from your primary insurance provider) in your carry on luggage.
Go Ahead handpicks every hotel to strike the balance of comfort, location, and local charm.
Accommodations are typically three and four star hotels.
All accommodations include a private bathroom.
Most rooms will include a safe for valuables.
Your hotels will have Wifi, but it may be limited to common areas.
Elevators in hotels are not guaranteed.
Some hotels on this tour require travelers to walk with their luggage a few blocks as buses cannot drop travelers off right out front.
Please be advised that the strength of the air conditioning in European hotels/buildings is often not as strong or as cool as what you might be used to in the U.S. or Canada.
Greece operates on the European standard 220–240 volts and use 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 cannot guarantee that your hotel accommodations will have laundry services or facilities. We recommend checking directly with the hotel once they are confirmed about 30 days prior to departure.
Specific accommodations will vary based on your departure date.
- Excursions are available for purchase prior to departure, and most excursions will be available for purchase while you are on tour directly through your mobile app for an additional $10 USD.
- We recommend purchasing excursions at least 3 days prior to your tour departure. Please note some excursions have advance booking deadlines. Check your tour itinerary for more information to ensure you don’t miss the deadline to add them.
- Optional excursions may be canceled on tour due to reasons like low enrollment, weather or unexpected closures. If an excursion you signed up for is canceled by Go Ahead Tours, you will be refunded the full cost of the excursion. Please note it may take up to 60 days for your refund to be processed.
- Your Tour Director may offer their own optional excursions which can only be purchased on tour via cash (in local currency).
- At least 60 days prior to departure, check with your doctor or healthcare provider for the latest updates and entry requirements, or visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's website at cdc.gov.
- If you have dietary restrictions and/or food allergies, please notify Go Ahead Tours at least 30 days prior to your departure by logging in to your account and updating your traveler info. To update this information closer to your departure date, please contact our Customer Experience Team.
- 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.
- Most of our itineraries include headsets used during certain sightseeing tours so travelers can hear their guides or Tour Director. If you use an assisted listening device, such as a hearing aid or cochlear implant, please contact our customer experience team as we may be able to provide alternative solutions to best suit your needs. Please note that at this time not all our destinations offer headsets due to supplier limitations.
- 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.
- Take proper care with sun exposure, as the sun can be especially strong in some of the regions on this tour.
- The water is safe to drink throughout your tour unless posted otherwise.
- Travelers prone to seasickness should note that this tour includes boat rides.
- 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 GIT.
- This tour includes 3 dinners. Included meals may be plated set menus, buffet or family style depending on the location. Dinners include one glass of beer, wine, or soft drink and water, coffee and tea.
- Breakfast each morning is also included at the hotel and is typically buffet style with hot and cold options.
- 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 are 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 supplì (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.
- At the conclusion of your tour, it is 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 $10USD to $12USD 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.
- If you are traveling to multiple countries with different currencies and the same Tour Director, ask them what currency they prefer for their tip.
- The cost of porterage is included in your tour price, and it is not necessary to tip baggage handlers.
- 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.
- Plan ahead and bring cash to tip your tour director, local guides, and bus drivers. We also recommend keeping coins in the local currency on hand, as some public bathrooms may charge a fee for use.
- To ensure you feel prepared before traveling on tour, we strongly recommend you download the EF Go Ahead Tours mobile app. The app is free and provides important deadlines, entry requirements, your detailed itinerary, packing tips and more. You can also connect with fellow travelers through the chat feature in the app.
- Wifi is available in most hotels, though some charges may apply.
- There is no Wifi on any of the motor coaches.
- Please contact your mobile service provider for information on roaming charges.
- Your Tour Director will be leading your group throughout your journey. You will have the same Tour Director throughout your tour.
- The role of the Tour Director is not only to provide information and context on the destinations you visit, but also to confirm services, coordinate inclusions, prepare each days’ activities and support travelers while on tour. As such, they must focus on the success of the group, and cannot provide individualized assistance to any one traveler.
- One of the benefits of traveling with EF Go Ahead Tours is our on tour emergency support team.
- Our extensive network of offices around the world, and our integration of ISO 31000: Risk Management Guidelines, help our dedicated 24/7 Emergency Service teams anticipate and address on-tour challenges in a flexible and iterative way.
- This team supports travelers and Tour Directors using a combination of extensive training, simulations, incident response planning, and decades of experience to help manage emergencies if they arise, ranging from personal health concerns or injuries to major world events.
- As needed, On Tour Support can facilitate additional support for travelers on tour, arrange assistance from outside specialists, and liaise with local and international authorities to help solve on-the-ground issues. In addition, the team is dedicated to supporting and facilitating communication between travelers and families in the event of an emergency while on the road or at home.
- When you travel with EF Go Ahead Tours, you’ll make a positive impact on the places you visit, and the people and animals you meet along the way. That’s because our three core Responsible Travel commitments—protecting the environment, supporting local communities, and promoting animal welfare—are at the heart of every tour we offer
- Travel, when done responsibly, can make an enormous socio-economic impact to communities. To maximize your impact, eat at locally owned restaurants and shop at local businesses. Ask your Tour Director to point out restaurants they recommend
- Prepare for your trip: be aware of the monetary norms such as tipping and negotiating in a market, learn about the destination’s forms of etiquette, and take some time to learn a few words in the local language
- When interacting with locals, make sure to ask people for permission before you take their picture, and approach cultural differences with empathy and an open mind
- EF Go Ahead Tours encourages our travelers to limit their waste while on the road, especially single use plastics. You can avoid single use plastics by packing your own toiletries, using electronic documents, and bringing a reusable water bottle and shopping bag. If you need to use plastics or paper, please recycle
- Environment: On this tour, we recommend the use of a reusable water bottle, as the local drinking water is safe for travelers. Your Tour Director can provide additional guidance on local water standards. Make sure to bring a reusable water bottle to cut down on single use plastics.
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