9 top-reviewed tours of Italy and Greece to book this Black Friday
If ocean views, history, and decadent plates of pasta are up your alley, check out some of out travelers’ favorite Italy and Greece tours to book this Black Friday.
Italy and Greece take up a lot of space in our travel imaginations. These destinations don’t skimp on their history, ocean views, or decadent plates of pasta and seafood, and choosing which trip to take can feel like playing favorites. To make picking a trip a little easier, we’ve rounded up a handful of our top-reviewed Italy and Greece tours that our travelers rave about.
Plus, we have an insider Italy and Greece travel tip: Black Friday deals on these top destinations will be kicking off soon, which means now is the best time to start adding tours to your online wish list and planning ahead! Read on to see nine of our top-reviewed tours of Italy and Greece to book this Black Friday.
1. New Year’s Eve in Rome: Italy & Greece
What you’ll love about this Italy & Greece tour
The Mediterranean region may call to mind alfresco lunches and sunny summer days, but don’t miss your chance to see how brightly the off-season shines. In fact, Italy and Greece are two of the best places to visit in the winter, and this New Year’s Eve tour captures the best of the best in just over a week. It’s your ticket to firework-studded skylines and history galore. Plus, setting off on this Special Event Tour means you don’t have to decide between traveling to Italy and traveling to Greece for a taste of holiday wonder. Win-win.
Highlights of this tour
- Ringing in New Year’s Eve in Rome. There’s nothing like welcoming the new year with a multi-course dinner and Champagne toast in the Eternal City. Raise a glass with your fellow travelers, and then use your free time to enjoy Rome’s New Year’s Eve festivities to your heart’s content.
- Strolling around the Parthenon in Athens (which is one of the best places in Greece!). Greek Antiquity springs to life at this UNESCO-listed, hilltop wonder. Stand in awe of the Parthenon, snap the perfect photo of the Temple of Athena Nike, and thank your lucky stars to be starting the new year in a bucket list destination. We’ll toast to that.
Take it from a traveler
“I had been alone on New Years for the last three years after becoming widowed and I told myself that I won’t be alone again this year. Before I booked the New Years tour of Rome I made sure to call Go Ahead Tours first because I wanted to be with a group of people when the clock struck midnight. They assured me that I would be and they were right. But what I experienced was not just a ‘group of people,’ but a fun-loving group of people with joy in their hearts. All together we shared a six-course meal on the top level of an amazing hotel, and watched the exploding fireworks go off all across Italy! We drank, and danced, and adventured out to the Trevi Fountain until the break of dawn! I brought along my late husband’s ashes, and with a few friends in support, I was able to let go his ashes across rolling hills in Greece and Roman waters in Italy. With those memories, we remain friends to this day. This was my quest and Go Ahead Tours delivered with class and dignity. I have to mention our tour guide throughout the trip, Lyn, because it was with her passion and knowledge that this adventure was sealed. Thank you Go Ahead Tours and see you again soon.”
—Review by first-time traveler Leonell, who rated this trip five stars
2. A Week in Ancient Greece: Athens, Delphi & Olympia
What you’ll love about this Greece tour
If you love the idea of traveling to Greece for all the history but don’t love the thought of taking tons of vacation time, then our Week in Ancient Greece tour is calling. This trip proves that big, heart-expanding travel moments can fit snugly in a shorter trip, and you don’t miss out on anything by opting for this nine-day adventure.
Highlights of this tour
- Exploring Greece’s ancient capital. In Athens, every cobblestone has history, and touring the city is like stepping back in time. Go beyond the Acropolis to stroll through the ancient Plaka district, sip a traditional frappé on Ermou Street, and more. Check out our Go Ahead Travel Guide to Athens →
- Pretending to be a 4th-century spectator at the Ancient Theater of Epidaurus. It was built in 340 B.C. and is one of the best-preserved Greek amphitheaters in the world. Sit down and look out at the incredible view while you’re there—the theater fit over 12,000 spectators in ancient times, so you’ll have your pick of seats.
Take it from a traveler
“I was totally in my element as a history teacher on this trip to Greece. I feel that while it was only a week, I got to see just about everything that I have studied about ancient Greece and Greek mythology. Being at the Parthenon is easily one of the highlights of my life so far, the navel of Western Civilization. Just to be in that one spot I could just feel the history of this place. What I love most about Go Ahead Tours is that they take you exactly where you want to go and the tour guides are great about getting you there. Raquel, our guide, really went above and beyond, she even made some suggestions to the group about sites that we can go and visit such as the ancient city of Corinth and a Mycenaean pottery store. These little extra excursions really added more to the trip for me because they were just unexpected gems.”
—Review by four-time traveler Gregory, who rated this trip five stars
3. Food & Wine: A Taste of Greece
What you’ll love about this Greece tour
Okay, we’ll just come out and say it: Our team loves a good culinary moment on tour. You say “feta” or “Assyrtiko wine” and we come running. If you like digging into culture by digging into traditional dishes, too, then we’re happy to report that this Greece Food & Wine Tour will whet your appetite. Greece is known as a renowned foodie destination, after all. One of our best tips for traveling to Greece on this trip? Go back for seconds.
Highlights of this tour
- Sipping wine in Thessaloniki. This port city is considered Greece’s culinary capital—don’t get us started on how good the seafood is!—and it’s also been known to kick out a great wine or two. You and your group will head to Thessaoloniki’s Epanomi wine region to try wines made from regional Malagousia and Assyrtiko grapes at the Ktima Gerovassiliou winery, where the scenery is just as amazing as the sips.
- Whipping up goodies at a cooking class in Crete. You’ll bond with your fellow group members (and learn cooking skills to bring home) as you prepare regional dishes alongside a professional chef. Then you’ll enjoy the meal alongside—you guessed it—more Greek wine. It’s truly one of the highlights of this Greece itinerary.
Take it from a traveler
“This tour of Greece exceeded my expectations, and I'm not even a wine connoisseur! The culture and people of Greece were welcoming, almost every day was sunny, the ancient ruins were amazing (some from 1700 B.C.), the scenery was beautiful, the Tour Director was excellent, and the food was a tasty adventure. I would definitely recommend this tour. The island of Crete was one of my favorite locations, and the extension to Santorini was a pleasant, relaxing end to the tour. One of the more unique features of this tour is it includes going to Thessaloniki in the northern part of Greece, so you get to see more of mainland Greece other than Athens. The extra excursions to the vineyards and olive oil factory were quite interesting.”
—Review by two-time traveler Melissa, who rated this trip five stars
4. Greek Islands for Solo Travelers: Crete & Santorini
What you’ll love about this Solo Tour of Greece
Whether you choose to go with friends and family or solo, traveling to Greece is always a good idea. But, if you’re looking for a Greece itinerary that caters specifically to solo travelers (and includes a free private room!) this Solo Tour of the Greek Islands is the one to book this Black Friday. You’ll see three sides of Greece as you go from bustling Athens, to the ancient island of Crete, to laid-back Santorini—embracing your solo adventure and making new friends alongside our experts every step of the way.
Highlights of this tour
- Learning about Greek culinary traditions at a cooking class. Adding the Greek Cooking Class & Dinner excursion will surely kick your already amazing Greece itinerary up a notch—and it’s the perfect opportunity to bond with your fellow travelers early in the trip.
- Visiting hilltop Oia. This scenic spot on the island of Santorini offers some of the most picturesque views in the entire country and is one of the best places to visit in Greece. There will be blue-domed buildings and ocean views as far as the eye can see, which means the best of Greece will spring to life.
Take it from a traveler
“Greece was the most amazing trip. But I have to say, it was such a fabulous time, by far, because of the people, and because our Tour Director (Christina) was so passionately involved in everyone having a cultural and person-specific experience. She made recommendations and had us try new things in such an effortless way that it almost seemed like we were just fated to have the best time ever. … I’d do this again in a heartbeat. The team that supports this experience is top-notch!”
—Review by first-time traveler Keely, who rated this trip five stars
5. Tuscany Adventure: Lucca, Siena & Maremma
What you’ll love about this Italy tour
One of the best things about traveling to Italy is getting the chance to soak in the slower, more intentional pace of Italian life—but, that doesn’t mean you can’t have a bit of adventure while you’re at it! Whether you’re biking through historic cities or sipping Chianti in an ancient square, this Undiscovered Tuscany: Lucca, Siena & Maremmar strikes the just-right balance between leisure and fun.
Highlights of this tour
- Biking along Lucca’s tree-lined ramparts. As you pedal along the flat, car-free path, you’ll admire views of red-tiled rooftops and the swath of cypress trees below (and it’s just as pretty as it sounds).
- Enjoying a farm-to-table lunch in Maremma. In this region in the Italian countryside, centuries-old culture is still alive. You’ll feel immersed in it all as you meet farmers and herders at a traditional Tuscan farm, and then dig into local specialties.
Take it from a traveler
“I have traveled to Tuscany several times, but never to the Maremma district of Tuscany. It was fabulous. This tour was great. Our guide Giorgio was the best and he was always right there when we needed him. From riding bikes on the wall in Lucca, to making pasta in cooking classes, this was a very active trip. It is very full of walks and hikes and going through vineyards and farms to meet the farmers and winemakers and olive oil makers. The food was great as usual and the weather was perfect. We had a couple rainy days but it didn’t stop us from enjoying the beauty of Tuscany.”
—Review by 27-time traveler (yep, 27!) and Group Coordinator Martha, who rated this trip five stars
6. A Week in Italy: Naples, Sorrento & Rome
What you’ll love about this Italy tour
We can’t think of a better way to spend a week than basking in all the goodness Southern Italy has to offer. On this nine-day Italy itinerary, you’ll see some of the best places in Italy in a short amount of time. Go from Neapolitan pizza parlors to magnificent Roman ruins to coastal cafes in Sorrento, checking off bucket-list experiences every step of the way. Who says you need more than a week for an unforgettable adventure?
Highlights of this tour
- Paying a visit to the Pompeii ruins. There are ancient storefronts, unearthed mosaics, and even deep grooves in the stone streets that show where chariots drove. When it comes to history, Pompeii truly showcases the best of Italy.
- Traveling along the Amalfi Coast. The views are almost too amazing to be real, and you’ll have the chance to stand in awe of the ocean scenery from the Madonnina viewpoint as you head toward the town of Amalfi. While you’re there, take to heart one of our Italy travel tips: Look for roadside vendors selling lemon granita or gelato—these refreshing treats highlight one of the region’s iconic flavors.
Take it from a traveler
“My tour was amazing, all thanks to my amazing group and Tour Director. If you’re thinking about taking this trip, do it! It was the perfect mix of culture, history, food, and city! It was the perfect area to dive deep into, and take so much in. The hotels, local guides, and meals were all just added benefits of this already great tour. Whether you’re traveling solo, new to travel, or have been traveling for years, this would be an amazing tour!”
—Review by first-time traveler Avery, who rated this trip five stars
7. Grand Tour of Italy
What you’ll love about this Italy tour
There are so many unforgettable things to uncover in Italy—and this no-stone-unturned Italy itinerary led by our experts just about covers them all. “Best tour if you are looking for an in-depth view of the country,” said traveler Kelly, who’s been on seven trips and has two more booked for 2023. “Italy is so distinctly different from region to region, and this tour really captures that!”
Highlights of this tour
- Exploring the gardens of Villa Carlotta at Lake Como. You won’t be able to decide what’s prettier: the perfectly manicured gardens dotted with fountains and walking paths, or the glittering lake views in the background. Simply seeing this gem makes traveling to Italy more than worth it.
- Admiring Renaissance masterpieces in Florence. The Tuscan capital is bursting with them. Whether you’re looking up at the awe-inspiring Duomo (honestly, it is a sight that will stun you) or finding your favorite work of art inside the Uffizi (The Birth of Venus by Botticelli is a favorite), you’ll discover that Florence is one of the best places in Italy.
Take it from a traveler
“This tour was excellent, far above my expectations. Our main guide, Misia, was very knowledgeable, organized, dependable, caring, and fun. I’d follow her lead on future trips, if I could. Go Ahead planned this trip well, with many enriching and varied experiences throughout gorgeous terrain from countryside, small villages, and cities. I went on all the excursions, except a cooking class, and was thankful to have included those. The boat ride around the island of Capri seemed magical—I’ll always remember it! Local guides at specific sites of interest filled in more of our understanding and appreciation of the Italy’s history, culture, peoples, and works of art. We stayed in very nice hotels, each different from the other, and we were treated to lots of wonderful food! I am really looking forward to my next Go Ahead trip.”
—Review by four-time traveler Donna Rose, who rated this trip five stars
8. Italy & Greece
What you’ll love about this Italy & Greece tour
Having a hard time choosing between exploring Italy or Greece? This trip will spare you from having to make that next-to-impossible decision. If you want a shorter tour, but a fully packed adventure in the Mediterranean region is up your alley, our 11-day Italy and Greece trip is the one to book this Black Friday. “A perfect combination of history, sightseeing, food, culture, fully packed and leisurely days ending in our stays at beautiful hotels,” said traveler Chris of his July 2022 adventure. “Be sure to include the Santorini extension.”
Highlights of this tour
- Boating around the island of Capri in Italy. This is one of the most memorable things to do when traveling in Italy, and our experts have arranged every detail so that you can kick back and take it all in. In case you’re wondering: Yes, the water surrounding Capri really is that blue. Then there are the famous Faraglioni rocks, the swimming nooks, the villa-dotted hills… it’s a picture-perfect experience to have on any Italy itinerary.
- Strolling through Nafplio’s Old Town in Greece. Charm springs to life in this coastal city, and you’ll soak it all in as you admire narrow, cobblestone alleys, Turkish fountains, and bustling Syntagma Square.
Take it from a traveler
“Now that travel is once again available, this tour is a must. A phenomenal way to witness the history of the ancient city of Pompeii, the Roman Colosseum, Roman ruins, the Acropolis, Athena and Neptune’s Temples, and so much more. Visit the Vatican, dine in a modern farmhouse, and even take an authentic pasta-making lesson. Then immerse yourself in the Italian and Greek cultures, foods, and sites from rural and urban centres. Travel and accommodations are top-notch and worry-free. This is an amazing way to share memories with others and make great friendships to last a lifetime! Priceless...”
—Review by first-time traveler and Group Coordinator Denise, who rated this trip five stars
9. Grand Tour of Italy & Greece
What you’ll love about this Italy & Greece tour
Taking a Grand Tour of two grand places? Yes, please. If you’re planning a trip to Italy and Greece, you might as well see it all—which is why this 14-day tour is the one to put on your bucket list when Black Friday deals come around. It hits all the icons—Venice, Florence, Rome, Delphi, Olympia, Athens—and offers excursion options to help you dive even deeper into each destination.
Highlights of this tour
- Getting in step with Venetians in Venice. The city known as the Queen of the Adriatic is one of the best places in Italy—yep, it is all it’s cracked up to be. Step inside St. Mark’s Basilica, watch a glass-blowing demonstration, and float down winding canals aboard a gondola.
- Stepping into Greek mythology in Olympia. From seeing the ruins of the Temple of Zeus—known as one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World—to seeing where the first Olympic Games took place, UNESCO-listed Olympia will wow you. If stories of Grecian Gods ignite your imagination, this is one of the best places to visit in Greece.
Take it from a traveler
“My dream came true. I still can’t believe that I visited Italy and Greece, went to the places I have dreamed about, and visited museums, archaeological sites, the Vatican, and basilicas!!!! Everything that I have learned in my religion courses, history, and literature came before my very eyes. I was able to connect the dots. I love the way the itinerary of this tour was arranged. It is well worth it and I will want to join this tour again in the future. Our Tour Director is an awesome leader, she is patient and calm, very knowledgeable, and has a good sense of humor. The tour guides were excellent too, and so were the drivers. Thank you very much for these excellent, educational tour!!”
—Review by three-time traveler Ilene, who rated this trip five stars
If Italy and Greece trips are on your travel bucket list, then get ready to lock in your dream trip during our Black Friday Event. Let us know about your travel plans on our Facebook page.
It was Jamie’s homestay in Germany that made her fall in love with travel (and her studies in Florence that really sealed the deal). When she’s not writing and sharing the magic of seeing the world with others, she’s usually on the lookout for her new favorite memoir, testing out recipes at home, or visiting her family on Cape Cod.
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