Watch the setting sun from the hilltops of Greece’s most famous islands.  Cobblestone streets, arched with facades, ocean-blue roofs, and larger-than-life windmills are just a few of the picturesque Greek landscapes you can expect to find on this tour. Experience ancient history and pen-air museums in the capital of Athens.  Then, the quintessential, beautiful Greek islands you have been dreaming of come to life on the isles of Mykonos and Santorini.


Your tour includes:
Expert Tour Director
Local Cuisine
Handpicked Hotels
Sightseeing with local guides and select entrance fees
Private transportation
Breakfast daily

OVERNIGHT STAYS
2 nights * Athens
1 night * Mykonos
2 nights * Santorini
1 night * Athens
2 nights Rome
with extension…
3 nights Sorrento

 

Greece & Italy Summer of 2021

Day 1:  (Date pending) Travel day…Board your overnight flight to Athens today

Day 2:  (Date pending)  Athens  (Athens 2 nights)  Arrival in Athens
After arriving, transfer to the hotel to get settled in.  This evening, enjoy a special welcome dinner. 

Day 3:  (Date pending)   Sightseeing tour of Athens.   Along the way you will see Olympic Stadium and university neighborhood.  Drive along Academy Street along Constitution Square past Zeus Temple, Parliament, and Adrian's Arch.  Drive through Plaka district to enter Acropolis.  Take a walking tour around Acropolis viewing the Parthenon building, Temple of Athena Nike, and Erechtheion.  Then enjoy free time in the Plaka district.  

Day 4:   (Date pending)    MYKONOS (1 night)  Transfer by bus to the ferry terminal in Piraeus.  Board ferry (Morning departures typically between 8-9 am) for 2 hours and 45 minute ferry transfer to Mykonos. 
Visit Mykonos Town (Chora) for TD orientation including a viewing of the Church of Panagia Paraportiani, Little Venice area and the famous windmills with free time for shopping.  Enjoy an included group dinner in Mykonos this evening.

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Day 5: (Date pending)     Transfer by bus to ferry terminal in Mykonos.  Board the ferry mid-morning for a 2 hour 15 minute ferry transfer to Santorini.   Enjoy a free afternoon and evening in Santorini then enjoy caldera cruise and dinner.

Caldera Cruise Board an elegant, fully equipped catamaran and sail in comfort through Santorini's awe-inspiring cadera on this scenic excursion.  You will cruise around the volcanic island of Nes Kamenium for views of the picture perfect cliffside village of Oia (pronounced EE-ah) Situated on the western end of the island, Oia was once a maritime center and stately captains'  houses still sit on its high ridges.  Take in the scenery and the sunset (on clear days) as you enjoy a buffet-style dinner of home-cooked Greek specialities on board the boat.   Please note:  This excursion is dependent upon weather conditions.  A welcome drink glass of wine, and water are included.
 

Day 6:    (Date pending)     Sightseeing tour of SANTORINI.   Enjoy a lunch and wine tasting.  Taste five different varieties, including Vin Santo, a sweet wine made from dried grapes, then enjoy a light lunch overlooking the Aegean Sea.   Then spend the afternoon exploring Santorini on you own.  
 

Day 7:   (Date pending)       Transfer to ATHENS.  Enjoy a free morning in Santorini to explore before returning to Athens for your final evening.  Transfer from Santorini to Athens by plane.  (Although it would seem logical to fly straight to Rome, the flight itineraries usually do not make this practical.  I can explain this if you have questions.)  Enjoy a Greek Dinner and show in Athens this evening.     
         
Day 8: (Date pending)   Transfer to the airport for your flight to ROME.  Sightseeing tour of ROME.  Pass by Trajan's Column and Piazza Venezia, the city's central hub.  Stop at the ruins of the Forum once the setting of parades, elections, and trials.  View the Arch of Constantine, the Arch of Titus, and the Temple of Venus and Rome. 

Day 9:   (Date pending)    Optional Tour of Vatican City followed by a free afternoon or enjoy a free day in Rome.  Dinner

Day 10:  (Date pending)    Return home or transfer to Sorrento via Monte Cassino. (Please take time to do research on this place.  It is beautiful.  I include this stop whenever possible when I am in Italy. Click on the link Monte Cassino to learn more about this site) Transfer 4 hours by bus from Rome to Sorrento.  With your tour director, enjoy a brief walking tour to get oriented with Sorrento.  Take in the sweeping views from the harbor and the beach.  Enjoy a free evening to explore Sorrento on your own.

 

Day 11:   (Date pending)   Free morning in SORRENTO or optional boating day to Capri and Amalfi. 
 

Day 12: (Date pending)    Optional excursion to The Lost City of Pomeii:  Opt to travel to Pompeii for a guided tour of the famous ruins.  Discover how Roman citizens lived 2,000 years ago, before Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79 AD and smothered the town of Pompeii in a flood of volcanic ash.  View the excavated ruins of theaters, villas, temples and baths.  Pompeii is located near the idyllic Bay of Naples, known for its expansive views of the area's islands, capes and nearby Mount Vesuvius.

Or optional Amalfi land tour 
Or free time in Sorrento

End with Rustic Italy: Farmhouse Dinner & Wine Tasting

Rustic Italy:  Farmhouse Dinner & Wine Tasting  Take a short trip outside of Sorrento for a cultural experience at an agriturismo, or farm stay.  ere you will have a chance to explore the lush gardens, cultivated fields and vegetation, typical of man Mediterranean regions.  After touring the farm, savor an aperitif of prosecco, meant to stimulate the appetite.  A four-course dinner will follow, complete with a wine tasting led by an experienced sommelier.  After an evening experiencing hte Italian art of eating, return to Sorrento.

Day 13:  (Date pending)     DEPARTURE Transfer to the airport for your flight home.

THIS IS AN ITINERARY SKETCH.   ALL INCLUSIONS, AS WELL AS THE ORDER OF EVENTS, ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE.  This sketch is intended to give an outline of the possible itinerary.  After meeting with the group and hearing of traveler preferences it is SUBJECT TO CHANGE.   ITINERARY, PRICES, and EVENTS are SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY AND CONFIRMATION.

Reminders:
*Optional excursions are not included in trip fee.
*Optional Insurance fees are not included in the trip fee.
*Trip fees are per person based on double occupancy.  Single Room supplements are in ADDITION to trip fees.
* Go Ahead reserves the right to pass on airline fee adjustments.
*The itinerary is a sketch and is subject to variation due to times and availability.