2016 The Greek Islands + I S TA N B U L E X T E N S I O N 13 D AY S 16 D AY S W I T H E X T E N S I O N Take in the rich culture and history of Greece s storied islands. It s nearly impossible to get a true taste of Greek culture without sampling its flavorful isles. Experience the relaxed lifestyle and vibrant locals that color all the islands, discovering the character and history unique to each locale. Absorb Hellenic heritage in ancient Athens before soaking in Crete s legendary landscapes. Cruise the Aegean to the volcanic shores of Santorini and anchor on the beaches of lively Mykonos.
2016 Overview THE GREEK ISLANDS Let us handle the details Expert Tour Director Local cuisine Handpicked hotels Sightseeing with local guides Private transportation Personalized flight options Your tour includes Your tour highlights 11 nights in handpicked hotels Breakfast daily, 5 three-course dinners with beer or wine Multilingual Tour Director Private deluxe motor coach Guided sightseeing and select entrance fees Ancient Athens world-famous Acropolis Cruising the shimmering waters of the Aegean The ancient ruins and quaint towns of Crete Sunbathing on the Turquoise Coast The black-sand beaches and sunsets of Santorini The warm and welcoming Greeks Where you ll go OVERNIGHT STAYS 3 nights Athens + Istanbul Extension 2 nights Crete 3 nights Santorini GREECE 2 nights Mykonos 1 night Athens Athens TURKEY Mykonos Santorini Crete 35 MA XIMUM GROUP S I ZE FOR TH I S TOUR With our Right Size Advantage, your group will never get in the way of your experience. ABOUT YOUR HOTELS Our 3- and 4-diamond accommodations are handpicked to ensure quality and comfort.
2016 Itinerary THE GREEK ISLANDS Overnight flight 1 night Day 1: Travel day Board your overnight flight to Athens today. Athens 3 nights Day 2: Arrival in Athens Included meals: welcome dinner Welcome to Greece! Meet your fellow travelers at a welcome dinner tonight. Day 3: Sightseeing tour of Athens A local guide introduces you to the highlights of this bustling ancient capital, home to the world s first democracy. Tour the ancient Acropolis, site of the Parthenon and the Temple of Athena Nike Visit the 6th-century Temple of Zeus View the classically inspired Old Royal Palace, home of the Greek Parliament Pass through Syntagma Square to see the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Enjoy a free afternoon in Athens or add an excursion. + Cape Sounion Day 4: Free day in Athens Enjoy a full free day in Athens or add an excursion. + Delphi Crete 2 nights Day 5: Sightseeing tour of Heraklion, dinner This morning fly to Heraklion on the island of Crete, where you ll enjoy a guided tour. Visit the ruins of Knossos, where King Minos imprisoned the Minotaur in a labyrinth, according to the myth Explore the Heraklion Archaeological Museum Day 6: Free day in Crete Enjoy a full free day in Crete or add an excursion. + Chania Santorini 3 nights Day 7: Transfer to Santorini, dinner Take a ferry to Santorini, an island of stunning volcanic landscapes. Day 8: Sightseeing tour of Santorini Take in the local sights on a guided tour of Santorini, a volcanic isle known for its black-sand beaches, cliff-lined shores and stunning whitewashed architecture. Visit the prehistoric settlements unearthed at the Akrotiri excavations Ride to the top of Profitis Ilias Mountain 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 (seasonal, May through October) Mykonos 2 nights Day 10: Transfer to Mykonos, dinner Travel by ferry to Mykonos this morning and spend the rest of the day as you wish. Day 11: Free day in Mykonos Enjoy a full free day in Mykonos or add an excursion. + Delos Athens 1 nights Day 12: Transfer to Athens, farewell dinner Board a ferry for your return trip to Athens. Tonight, say goodbye to your group at a farewell dinner in Athens. Day 13: Departure (excluding early morning departures) Transfer to the airport for your flight home or extend your stay to explore Istanbul. Post-tour extension Istanbul 3 nights Day 13: Transfer to Istanbul Transfer to Athens airport for your flight to Istanbul, the city at the crossroads of East and West. Day 14: Sightseeing tour of Istanbul A local guide leads a tour of the city s fascinating sights. Discover the ancient Hippodrome, which served as the public center of Byzantium for over a thousand years Enter the breathtaking Blue Mosque, built by Sultan Ahmet and decorated with exquisite blue Iznik tiles See the Topkapi Palace, once the residence of the Ottoman sultans Visit Hagia Sophia, the pride of Christendom until the city fell to the Turks in 1453 Enjoy a free evening in Istanbul or add an excursion. + Whirling Dervishes: Sufi Mystics Day 15: Free day in Istanbul Enjoy a full free day in Istanbul or add an excursion. + Bosphorus Straits Cruise Day 16: Departure (excluding early morning departures) Transfer to the airport for your flight home. Extension is available on select departure dates. Space is limited. Minimum of 10 travelers is required. Day 9: Free day in Santorini Enjoy a full free day in Santorini or add an excursion. + Greek Wine Tasting & Lunch
2016 TGI16_0815 Customize your experience THE GREEK ISLANDS Create a more personal journey by adding optional excursions that speak to your interests. Excursions offered on the same day will occur at different times, so there s no need to choose you re free to do as much or as little as you d like. Save $10* when you book your excursion up to 3 days before your tour departs. Please note: Excursions that require advance reservation will only have this discounted price listed. Day 3: Cape Sounion $35/$45* (4.5 hours, departs in the afternoon) Journey to the southern tip of the Attic Peninsula to take in the sights of the Poseidon Coast, including sandy beaches, natural and manmade harbors and, of course, the Aegean Sea itself. High above the sparkling shoreline, the Temple of Poseidon dominates the landscape. Of the original structure, 16 elegant Doric pillars remain. Afterward, decide how you d like to spend your free time. Take a moment to look out from the lofty cliffside vantage point, where you can see five Aegean islands on a clear day. You may also choose to enjoy a coffee, stop in the souvenir shop or stroll through the area. Please note: This excursion involves some walking on uneven terrain. Day 4: Delphi $89/$99* (11 hours, departs in the morning) Journey to the slopes of Mount Parnassus and the town of Delphi, home of the mystical oracle. Embark on a guided tour featuring the Temple of Apollo, where, according to legend, the god Apollo once communicated with mortals. Greece s ancient military leaders customarily left gifts here in hopes of good fortune in battle. After an included lunch, visit the Delphi Museum. Take time to explore the collection on your own, which includes a huge bronze charioteer among its ancient treasures. Please note: This excursion involves some walking on uneven terrain and hills. Day 6: Chania $99/$109* (8 hours, departs in the morning) Travel to historic Chania, where a local guide introduces you to the city s Old Town. You ll visit Chania s cathedral before a walk through the Venetian quarter, where you ll reach Etz Hayyim, the only synagogue on the island of Crete and a symbol of the city s ages-old Jewish community. Spend some time strolling through the indoor market, perhaps sampling local herbs, olive oil and cheeses. Your guided tour ends at the port where you ll visit an ancient Turkish Ottoman mosque. Lunch is included on this excursion, as well as free time to get to know this beautiful city at your own pace. Day 8: Santorini Caldera Cruise & Dinner $95/$105* (4 hours, departs in the afternoon with dinner) Cruise through Santorini s awe-inspiring caldera and around the volcanic island of Nea Kamenim for views of the picture-perfect cliffside village of Oía (pronounced EE-ah ). Situated on the western end of the island, Oía was once a maritime center and stately captains houses still sit on its high ridges. Take in the scenery as you enjoy dinner on board the boat. Please note: This optional excursion is seasonal and runs only from late May to mid October. Day 9: Greek Wine Tasting & Lunch $45/$55* (4 hours, departs in the afternoon) Santorini was once a volcano, and the island s nutrientrich soil nurtures some outstanding vineyards. On this excursion, you ll enjoy a tour through a local winery followed by a wine tasting and an included lunch overlooking the Aegean. Day 11: Delos $79/$89* (5 hours, departs in the morning) Journey by boat to the island of Delos, rich with mythological history and once one of Greece s most sacred spots. Your guided tour of the island s ancient city will transport you to the time when this was an important center for trade in silk, spices and slaves. You can explore the ruins of the Sanctuary of Apollo, the Sacred Cave, the Lion Terrace and the House of Dionysus, where you ll find a breathtaking mosaic of the god of wine. Extension optional excursions Day 14: Whirling Dervishes: Sufi Mystics $49/$59* (2 hours, departs in the evening) The Whirling Dervishes are devoted adherents of Sufism, a mystical interpretation of Islam. For centuries, they ve been known for their sema, the spinning dance that inspired their colorful nickname. The sema is full of symbolism, and you ll gain an appreciation for this distinctive communion with the divine at tonight s performance. Day 15: Bosphorus Straits Cruise $55/$65* (5 hours, departure time varies) Cruise through the Bosphorus Straits, looking out on decadent Ottoman palaces and imposing medieval castles as you journey through the narrow waterway that separates Europe from Asia. On your way, you ll stop to visit the famous Egyptian bazaar, known as the Spice Market. After returning from your cruise, sit down to a lunch of Turkish specialties. Please note: This excursion is weather dependent. In some cases, dinner will be offered instead of lunch. *Optional excursions may be purchased up to 3 days prior to departure or while on tour. Pre-purchased optional excursions cannot be canceled within 3 days prior to departure or while on tour. Select optional excursions require advance booking and cannot be purchased or canceled after the advanced reservation deadline. GAT accepts payment by cash, Visa or MasterCard for optional excursions purchased on tour. Additional fees may apply for optional excursions purchased on tour. Excursions require a minimum number of participants to operate. Details and prices are subject to change. Due to seasonal hours of operation and availability, some excursions may not operate. If this occurs, you will be refunded any payments made for that excursion post-tour.
THE GREEK ISLANDS SAMPLE HOTELS Athens 3 nights Metropolitan Hotel Athens 4-star The Metropolitan hotel with its unique cosmopolitan atmosphere, combines traditional hospitality and luxury in central Athens. With a view to both the Acropolis and the Aegean Sea, the fully renovated Metropolitan hotel is ideally situated in front of the Faleron Olympic Coastal Park for both leisure and business travelers. Our Luxury Hotel in Central Athens is only 10 minutes away from Syntagma square, the centre of Athens and the port of Piraeus. The Faleron Olympic Coastal Park is now hosting exhibitions, conferences and events. Mykonos 2 nights Hotel Petinos 4-star centrally located Hotel Petinos, built and painted in traditional Cycladic architecture and colors, offers its guests a warm, cozy, and hospitable environment. A few steps from the beach, and a short bus ride to Chora, the town of Mykonos, Hotel Petinos will live up to your expectations for relaxation and enjoyment. The Hotel was renovated in January 2006, and offers all modern comforts to meet the needs of the most demanding guests. The hotel also provides a living room for relaxation, a TV room, an internet cafe, a large courtyard garden, bar and restaurant facilities, and a swimming pool nearby. There is also a mini market just across the street from the Hotel. Santorini 3 nights El Greco Resort 4-star EL GRECO resort hotel in Santorini welcomes you in a place that combines simplicity with beauty and make your stay in a resort hotel a truly unforgettable experience. With a renovation (2010) that really changed everything El Greco resort hotel set new standards in the term of luxury accommodation and became one of the most prestigious Santorini resort hotels in Fira and the whole island of Santorini. Find yourself with your friends or your family in a beautiful resort hotel in the heart of the island of Santorini. El Greco resort hotel is located minutes away from the centre of the magnificent capital of Santorini, Fira a vibrant place full of life and excitement.
Aegean Plaza Hotel 4-star centrally located 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 coast line full of restaurants, cafes, bars and all kind of shops. Built between 2001-2002 and totally renovated in 2008 Aegean Hotel is following the unique Cycladic architecture combined with modern facilities and strict specifications even for the most demanding guest. Crete 2 nights Hotel Galaxy Iraklio 4-star centrally located Respectful of its successful history and privileged position in the pantheon of the country s most important tourist contributors, the Galaxy Hotel Iraklio welcomes each and every guest-client with a freshness of hotels with such extensive experience in the field. Fully renovated in 2008, the Galaxy Hotel showcases its distinctiveness in its every facet. Its landscape architecture is deferential of and follows that of the land, while its interior design impresses even the most cosmopolitan of visitors, highlighting the hotel s unmistakable insistence on quality and dedication to the magical combination of aesthetics and functionality. Athens 1 night Metropolitan Hotel Athens 4-star The Metropolitan hotel with its unique cosmopolitan atmosphere, combines traditional hospitality and luxury in central Athens. With a view to both the Acropolis and the Aegean Sea, the fully renovated Metropolitan hotel is ideally situated in front of the Faleron Olympic Coastal Park for both leisure and business travelers. Our Luxury Hotel in Central Athens is only 10 minutes away from Syntagma square, the centre of Athens and the port of Piraeus. The Faleron Olympic Coastal Park is now hosting exhibitions, conferences and events.
2016 TGI16_0815 Pre-departure information for your tour Passport and Visa Requirements In order to enter Greece (as well as Turkey on the tour extension), U.S. and Canadian citizens need a valid passport with an expiration date extending at least six months beyond the date of reentry. A visa is also required for U.S. and Canadian passport holders to enter Turkey on the tour extension. Effective in 2014, U.S. and Canadian passport holders must obtain an electronic visa prior to arrival in Turkey. You can get an e-visa by visiting the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs website (evisa.gov.tr). The cost of a visa for entry into Turkey is $20 USD for U.S. citizens and $60 USD for Canadian citizens (payment is subject to change without notice). If you re not a U.S. or Canadian citizen, you must contact each country s consulate for your specific entry requirements. Airport and Departure Taxes All airport and departure taxes for this tour are included in the total trip cost printed on your invoice. Baggage Allowance Airlines have varying weight restrictions on luggage. Some airlines may impose additional charges if you choose to check any baggage; be advised that you are responsible for any such costs. Contact your airline for detailed information regarding luggage size and weight restrictions for your flight, but please note that Go Ahead travelers are restricted to one checked bag per person due to storage limitations on motor coaches and other internal transfers, which may include train connections or flights. One carry-on bag is also permitted, provided that it does not exceed 45 total inches (length + width + height). Make sure you label your baggage and carry valuables, medication and documents in your carry-on bag. Baggage Handling Please note that porter service cannot be guaranteed on the ferry from Crete to Santorini and Santorini to Mykonos. Please be prepared to handle your own baggage. Clothing and Packing Tips To ensure you re comfortable while out exploring, we recommend packing lightweight, loose-fitting clothing that can be easily layered. For sightseeing, we suggest bringing a sturdy pair of walking shoes or sneakers, as well as a lightweight sports jacket or rainwear. If you re planning a visit to a high-end restaurant or performance, you may also want to bring dressier attire. Also, please remember that it s preferable to avoid showing bare legs or shoulders during visits to churches or other religious sites (entrance may be denied on this basis). Health There are no major health risks associated with traveling to Greece. During the summer months, take proper care for sun exposure. Also, codeine (commonly found in headache medications) is banned in Greece, and you may face prosecution if you bring it into the country. While no vaccinations are required for entry into Turkey (on the tour extension), be sure to check with your doctor or healthcare provider for the latest updates and overseas travel recommendations. Cuisine One of the pleasures of traveling is the variety of local cuisine. Greece s climate ensures a constant supply of high-quality fresh fruits and vegetables. Salads are excellent here, served with olive oil and topped with feta cheese and oregano. Grilled fish and meat are also a staple. Barbecued lamb, squid, octopus, spinach and cheese pies, baked eggplant and zucchini are other delicious dishes. Turkish food is fresh and very carefully prepared. Sourdough bread with sheep s cheese and olives, as well as jam or honey, is typically eaten for breakfast. A midday meal or dinner often starts with a meze, which is a plate of varied appetizers, such as cheese pastry rolls, pickled vegetables and potato fritters. Turkish coffee is extremely strong and thick. Transportation Round-trip flights arrive in and depart from Athens (or Istanbul on the tour extension). A flight from Athens to Heraklion is included. Ferry from Crete to Santorini, a ferry to Mykonos, and a ferry from Mykonos to Athens are also included. All other included transportation is by private motor coach. Despite the famed hustle and bustle of Athens, the city s main attractions are easily accessed on foot. If you do need to use public transportation, however, there s a brand-new metro system that was conveniently completed in time for the 2004 Olympics. It s now one of Europe s best. Electricity Greece operates on the European standard 220 volts. Time Zones Greece and Turkey are two hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) and seven hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time (EST). When it s noon in New York, it s 7 p.m. in Athens. Currency The euro (in Greece) and the Turkish lira are the currencies you will be using on your tour. We advise that you take a combination of ATM/bank cards and credit cards, as needed. For Turkey, we recommend dollar bills in small denominations. Exchange small amounts of Turkish lira at one time in order to compensate for rising inflation. ATMs can also be found in Turkey, most connected to the Cirrus and Plus international networks. We suggest informing your bank and credit card company of your travel plans, so they don t confuse your international purchases for fraudulent charges. Tipping At the conclusion of your tour, it s customary to offer your Tour Director and driver a gratuity. We recommend tipping in your tour country s currency, the equivalent of $3USD/CAD per person per day for your driver and $6USD/CAD to $9USD/CAD per person per day for your Tour Director. If applicable, we also recommend the equivalent of $2USD/CAD per local guide. Tips can only be paid in cash. Please keep current local currency exchange rates in mind when tipping. Shopping on Tour Please note that some excursions may include a stop at a market or specialty store. Go Ahead Tours has no relationship with these vendors and encourages you to research specialty items you re interested in purchasing abroad before you leave to ensure you re receiving the best quality. Purchasing Optional Excursions on Tour At the conclusion of your tour, it s customary to offer your Tour Director and driver a gratuity. We recommend tipping in your tour country s currency, the equivalent of $3USD/CAD per person per day for your driver and $6USD/CAD to $9USD/CAD per person per day for your Tour Director. If applicable, we also recommend the equivalent of $2USD/CAD per local guide. Tips can only be paid in cash. Please keep current local currency exchange rates in mind when tipping. International travel is, by its very nature, unpredictable. We must therefore reserve the right to change this itinerary without advanced notice to meet with local conditions at the time of travel. We appreciate your understanding. Please refer to our website for terms and conditions, dates and prices.