Now Journey 2023 Small Group Tours of Italy & Beyond: Up to 16 Guests | Reservations | 1 (888) 412-4322
AUTHENTIC SMALL GROUP ADVENTURE UP TO 16 GUESTS
TRIP COMMENCES: ATHENS, 2 Days/2 Nights
HISTORY. CULTURE. CUISINE.
The perfect beginning in the heart of the Greek Empire.
MYKONOS, 3 Days/3 Nights
THE FAMOUS ISLE OF MYKONOS.
Home of Little Venice in Old Mykonos Town.
TRIP FINALE: SANTORINI, 3 Days/3 Nights
SAINT IRENE WELCOMES YOU.
Exploring legends and soaking up the sun.
Journey's Hotels on this Journey
Journey's Greece to Italy's Amalfi Coast adventure includes a full, hot daily breakfast (table service or buffet), 4 of the 9 dinners and 4+ to 5 Star hotel properties featuring large, air-conditioned guestrooms with ensuite bathrooms.
SIMPLY AMAZING.
Imagine walking amongst the ruins of the Parthenon atop the citadel Acropolis... Slowly and intently make your way across the terrace to view the Setting Santorini Sun... Explore the streets of Sorrento as the Shadows cast their moving creations against the Stuccoed Walls of this charming coastal town... Discover the Isle of Capri and find out why ancient Roman Emperors vacationed on the Amalfi Coast.
Jump to Itinerary: Day-by-Day Itinerary
FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions about this Journey
Answers to questions we've been asked about this trip and our approach to travel.
2024 Tour Dates
| ||
| Departures | Deluxe | |
| May 13-23 | $6,875 | REQUEST BOOKING |
| Jun 14-24 | $6,975 | REQUEST BOOKING |
| Sep 15-25 | $6,975 | REQUEST BOOKING |
| Oct 3-13 |
$6,875 | REQUEST BOOKING |
Not quite ready to book the trip?
Chat to discuss your trip with a Journey Trip Planner:
Consider extending to Italy's Amalfi Coast!
FIRST THINGS FIRST: Consider our Flight and Early Arrival Options
Your flight to Athens should land on Day 1 of the itinerary — this means you should depart your home airport the day prior — your round-trip travel time on this Journey is 10 Days (9 Days, 8 Nights Land). Many of our travelers arrive a "full day early" to recover from their overnight flight — Inquire with us about a pre-tour overnight hotel room in Athens. Airfare is not included. Inquire about our Business Class and Premium Economy Airfare.
Day 1: Welcome to Athens, Greece: Birthplace of Western Civilization
Upon arrival into Athens Airport, you will meet the Journey Meet & Greet team after clearing customs and then enjoy the included transfer to check in to your hotel in the city's heart. Upon arrival into Athens, check in to your hotel. If you have arrived early, have no fears, you can drop your bags and set off to wander Athen's streets and start to soak up the Greek feel.
Discovery Walk
Join the Journey Tour Captain for a Discovery Walk on your arrival day in Athens. Learn the major landmarks and the lay of the land in relation to our hotel. We'll introduce you to the best ATM machines and other helpful information for your stay in Athens.
Welcome to Athens Dinner
Tonight enjoy a special welcome dinner in Athens with your Journey Tour Captain.
Accommodation in Athens, 2 Nights with breakfast
Deluxe: Hotel Grande Bretagne or Similar
Today's Adventure: Acropolis, Parthenon
Join our Local Guide as we make our way to the ancient citadel that is set atop a high rocky outcropping above the city. The site contains the remains of several ancient buildings of great architectural and historic significance with the most famous being the Parthenon. A view into ancient Greece and its amazing history is what this morning's adventure is all about.
After the adventure, the balance of the afternoon is at your leisure.
Journey is Different: Your Journey Tour Captain will invite you to an optional dinner tonight or you can explore Athens at leisure.
Day 3: To the Isle of Mykonos
Today we make our way to the airport for our quick flight to the island of Mykonos (flights are quoted separately). Upon arrival, we make our way to our hotel to check in, freshen up and enjoy some time before our Discovery Walk of Old Town Mykonos.
Discovery Walk
Enjoy orienting to your amazig hotel on the island of Mykonos.
Welcome to Mykonos Dinner
Your Journey Tour Captain hosts an amazing welcome dinner.
Accommodation on Mykonos, 3 Nights with breakfast
Deluxe: Casa Delfino Hotel & Spa, Myconian Collection, or Similar
Day 4: Mykonos: Exploring the Jewel
Today's Adventure: Mykonos Old Town, Windmills
Enjoy our morning sightseeing tour of Mykonos including Little Venice. Our tour will take in Mykonos Town, the Kato Milli Windmills, the Church of Paraportiani and a few beaches. Return to the hotel mid-day for the balance of your day at leisure.
Ideas for the Afternoon: How about renting a "Quad" (four-wheeler) and exploring Mykonos on your own. So many beaches and sites to see.
Your Journey Tour Captain will invite you to an optional dinner tonight or you can explore Mykonos at leisure.
Day 5: Mykonos: Day at Leisure
Enjoy a completely free day at leisure.
Option for the Day: Mykonos Yacht Cruise to Rhenia and Guided Tour of Delos - $185 per person. Approximately 7 to 8 hours.
Explore the Cyclades islands on this adventure as you sail the Aegean to these uninhabited islands. Time for swimming and snorkeling, optionally add on a visit with admission to the archaeological site at Delos complete with a :90 minute tour. Included light lunch onboard with beverages and roundtrip transfers.Ideas for the Afternoon: How about renting a "Quad" (four-wheeler) and exploring Mykonos on your own. So many beaches and sites to see.
Day 6: To the Isle of Santorini
Today we make our way to the airport for a quick flight connecting through Athens to the island of Santorini (flight times are about 2:15 hours:minutes and prices are quoted separately – some itineraries will feature the fast jet ferry - about 2:00 hours). Upon arrival, we make our way to our hotel to check in, freshen up and enjoy some time before our Discovery Walk.
Discovery Walk
On the Discovery Walk we experience a Now Journey exclusive (it's a surprise!) with your Tour Captain as we explore Thera, the capital of Santorini.
Welcome to Thera Dinner
Your Journey Tour Captain hosts an amazing welcome dinner on Santorini. Get ready for amazing sights and cuisine.
Accommodation on Santorini, 3 Nights with breakfast
Deluxe: Atrina Canava 1984 or Similar
Day 7: Exploring Santorini
Today's Adventure: Sensational Santorini
Join our Local Guide as we enjoy a stop for a wine tasting at a local winery in the village of Pyrgos, which will afford us a magnificent view of the caldera. Our guide will provide interesting commentary about the island and the greater history of the region. Also enjoy essential leisure time in the villages of Oia and Fira.
Late after the adventure, the balance of the afternoon will be at your leisure.
Journey is Different: Your Journey Tour Captain will invite you to an optional dinner tonight or you can explore at leisure.
Day 8: Santorini: Day at Leisure
Plan Your Day
Fill your day with excitement and discovery. Or just find that perfect space to enjoy your good read, or maybe it's time to continue working on your own piece of literature — whichever you prefer, today is the perfect day to enjoy as you desire.
Option for the Day: Cooking Class in Santorini - $185 per person and includes round-trip transportation. Approximately 3 to 4 hours. Discover the Greek cooking secrets as you learn and prepare classic dishes from the Chef. The small group environment provides for a fun atmosphere and then enjoy the fruit of your labor paired with delicious Greek wine.
Later tonight we meet for our farewell event.
Our Special Journey Farewell Aperitif
After returning to our hotel, enjoy some leisure time and then meet on the terrace for our special Aperitif to celebrate our time together. It has been a Journey of Adventure and Discovery, along with making new friends! Until our next Journey we wish you health and happiness
Day 9: Departure Day Or Extend Your Adventure
Your Journey ends this morning after breakfast. May we suggest an extension:
Perhaps extending your stay in Italy is the right next move? Tempting? Please inquire with Reservation about extensions and pricing.
Day 1: Substitute or Extend to the Isle of Crete — inquire for pricing
Enjoy an extension to the Isle of Crete: Today we make our way to the airport for our quick flight to the island of Crete. Upon arrival, we make our way to our hotel to check in, freshen up and enjoy some time before our Discovery Walk.
Discovery Walk
Enjoy the Discovery Walk with your Tour Director as we explore the area around our hotel in Chania.
Welcome to Crete Dinner
Your Journey Tour Director hosts an amazing welcome dinner in Chania.
Preferred Property on Crete
Included in package: Casa Delfino Hotel & Spa or Similar, 2 or 3 Nights with breakfast
Day 2: Chania, Crete
Today's Adventure: Chania
We meet our Local Guide for a walking tour of Chania. Your senses will be delighted today as you enjoy sights, sounds, and tastes. We'll make our way through the old Jewish and Turkish quarters of the city. Then this afternoon, enjoy a Now Journey exclusive as we enjoy a visit to a winery for a tasting and Now Journey experience. Return to the hotel late afternoon for an evening at leisure.
Journey is Different: Your Journey Tour Director will invite you to an optional dinner tonight or you can explore Chania at leisure.
Passport, Visa and Electronic Authorities
A valid Passport is required for citizens from the USA and Canada (other countries: please speak with your consulates). The Passport must be valid for at least six (6) months beyond your return date. We may suggest keeping a photo of your Passport in your email as an unsent draft.
Airfare Purchased through Eddie at Bella Vista Travel
Airfare is not included in the tour price. However, you can book through our recommended air provider: Bella Vista. Any changes to flights booked through Bella Vista must be administered by Bella Vista. Eddie is the name of our colleague at Bella Vista who provides outstanding service and pricing. Bella Vista is not organically affiliated or connected to Now Journey LLC.
Airport and Included Arrival Transfer Details
Upon clearing customs, you will be met by our Journey driver who will whisk you along to the water taxi or hotel, all included.
Luggage On Tour
One (1) 50 pound suitcase is included in your portage throughout the tour. You are also entitled to a carry-on bag, and a purse or satchel. Remember, your airline or the airline on tour if applicable may have more restrictive limits — be advised you are responsible for any fees incurred on all flights.
Walking and Mobility on Tour
Be prepared to be standing and/or walking for up to 3 hours on various terrain including cobblestone streets, stairs and uneven surfaces. We walk a lot on our tours but we are unhurried and you may opt out of most sightseeing tours at just about any time. The Journey Tour Captain is unable to assist with mobility assistance. Please carefully read the Trip Agreement to understand your obligations and responsibilities.
What's the difference between Deluxe and Classic?
Deluxe package includes a full, hot daily breakfast (table service or buffet), 5 of the 9 dinners and 4+ to 5 Star hotel properties featuring large, air-conditioned guestrooms with ensuite bathrooms. Classic package includes a daily breakfast, Day 1Welcome Dinner (guests may upgrade to the total select dinners included package for a supplement), and 3 to 4 Star hotel properties featuring air-conditioned guestrooms with ensuite bathrooms.
COVID 19 Requirements
Please check with the Center for Disease Control website (https://www.cdc.gov) around 60 days prior to departure for the latest entry requirements.
Hotel Guest Rooms: Air Conditioning, Electricity, Bathrooms and WiFi
Each of our guest rooms feature ensuite bathrooms, air conditioning and select amenities in Deluxe category. Daily breakfast is included in each hotel category. many European and Mediterranean countries utilize the 220 Volt system, so you will need a converter for those devices that do not already have one, as well as an adapter for the physical US 2 or 3 prong to the Italian dual prong system. WiFi is included with your Journey vacation wherever available.
Journey Style Dining
Journey’s approach to dining is unique in the travel world (just like the many destinations we travel through). We include Premium Beverages (wine, soda and cocktails) and you choose your dinner from the menu. The chefs and families are proud of their delicious dishes which hail from each of the regions in which Journey travels.
Medicine and Health on Tour
Please do not pack essential medicines in your luggage, rather take them with you in your carry-on (alert: liquid medicines may need additional approval by airline). Should you have any food restrictions or allergies, please ensure you note this on the Traveler Profile.
Currency
The Euro is used in Greece and Italy. We recommend you bring with you around €250 per person. To obtain more cash while on tour, use your Debit Card with your PIN memorized (we may suggest keeping this information in your email as an unsent draft).
Tipping in Greece and Italy
At the finalé of your Journey, you are invited to provide a gratuity to your Journey Tour Captain. We recommend tipping $USD20 per person per day for your Journey Tour Captain. Customary gratuities are included on your Journey for included dinners, drivers and local guides. Generally, in Greece and Italy tipping in the American style is not found. A small amount of 1 to 2 euro is completely acceptable.
No Up-Sell on Tour: Rest Easy
Unlike most tour operators, we do not up-sell to you while you're on tour. Your Journey Tour Captain will assist you with any request while on tour, but will not proactively sell to you — this is not our culture or style of travel. We recommend you select your optional activities at least 90 days prior to your trip departure date.
Weather in Greece and Italy
Greece
March/April and September/October have highs in the 60s, while May and June are in the high 70s to 80s. July and August are the hottest months with highs in the 90s.
Italy
Expect early spring showers possible in March and April with highs in the 60s to 70s. May and June, mostly clear patterns with highs in the 70s to 80s, July and August are the hot summer months, but still fun to explore with highs in the 80s to 90s. September is still considered high season with highs in the 70s, with October more of a shoulder season with high temps ranging from 70s to 80s in the first week to 10 days, and 60s to 70s in mid to late October.
Clothing Recommendations
March through April with October: Layer your clothing with warmer sunshine expected by 10am on most days. Have a rain jacket or umbrella just in case. May through June with September: Summer clothing is recommended with jeans, slacks, dresses, shorts, sneakers and caps/hats completely acceptable. July through August: It's hot, so dress accordingly with sunscreen on-hand. Remember, entrance into certain church buildings require shoulders to be covered and shorts down to the knees, generally.
