Cairo, Athens & Rome: Inspired by Percy Jackson

Egypt, Greece & Italy are calling—book your trip now! We recommend booking as soon as possible, as this not only secures your spot on the trip but also gives you the most time to pay for it. The closer we get to departure, the more challenging it becomes to secure your reservation.

You can see the most up-to-date entry requirements for the destination(s) you'll visit on your trip here. Simply type in the name of the tour and you'll see all of the entry requirements including passport validity, visas, and electronic transit authorizations. 

Note that this information will default to US passport holders. If you hold a passport from outside the US, please make sure to consult your country's immigration and travel site to determine the best documentation needed for your travels.

Passport Validity: 

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months passed the end of your travels. Travelers are responsible for staying up to date with entry requirements and should check for the most current requirements by referencing the U.S. Department of State or Government of Canada website.

Get ready to walk in the footsteps of ancient empires on a journey through Cairo, Athens, and Rome—three cities that defined the ancient world and still inspire awe today. In Cairo, the energy is electric and the history runs deep. From the echoes of pharaohs to the vibrant rhythm of modern life, this city offers a powerful blend of past and present, where every street feels like a story waiting to be told.

Next, Athens welcomes you with sun-drenched hills and a legacy that shaped Western civilization. It’s a city where mythology meets modernity, and the spirit of the gods still lingers in the air. Finally, Rome brings it all home with timeless grandeur—think ancient ruins, cobbled streets, and a culture that celebrates life with every espresso and evening stroll. Expect warm weather, golden light, and a sense of wonder that follows you from one legendary landmark to the next. This trip is made for travelers who want to connect with the past while living fully in the moment.

Groups average around 30 travelers but can range from 20 up to 44. Generally, the average age is 27.  The group size allows for plenty of opportunities to socialize and explore together, making it a great opportunity to meet like-minded people and form lasting connections. Whether you're a solo traveler or coming with friends, you'll find a supportive and energetic group atmosphere. Check out our Rules of the Road and the role all travelers play in creating a fun and inclusive group.

Traveling solo? Have no fear! Over 60% of our travelers join an Ultimate Break tour solo. It doesn't matter if you're an introvert, an extrovert, or anything in between - our tours are designed for you to build connections  that will last a lifetime. With experiences like our included Welcome and Farewell dinners, we'll make sure you have time to get to know your fellow travelers.   First time traveling with us? Check out our resources for first time travelers here

When you book flights with us you’ll get:

• The ability to roll the cost of your airfare into our interest free monthly payment plan.
• One checked bag per traveler included.
• Expert guidance on how to work with the airline when flight delays and cancellations occur.
• Transfers to and from the airport on your tour's arrival and departure dates.
• Flexible rebooking options if your itinerary changes.
• Flexibility around your arrival and departure airports. You’ll have the option to fly in or out of most airports if you want to add any independent travel before or after your tour.
• Assurance that you will only be booked on airlines that meet our rigorous safety standards.

If you have preferences regarding an airline or are traveling with someone and wish to be on the same flight as them, you can read more about flying with your friend here. We're always happy to look into it however we can't guarantee we will always be able to accommodate.

Flight details are released for preview 60 days before departure and your e-ticket and confirmation number will be available 30 days before you depart.

When you book flights on your own, you’re responsible for:

• Transfers to and from the airport on your tour’s arrival and departure dates.
• Rebooking your flight and any associated fees if your flight is cancelled or delayed.
• Rebooking your flight and any associated fees if your itinerary changes or the tour is cancelled.
• Arriving and departing on time; no compensation will be provided for missed tour inclusions.

We recommend you avoid checking a bag, but if that’s not possible, you should ensure that you bring extra clothes and essentials in a carry-on bag as a precaution. You'll need to refer to your airline’s website for weight limits.

For more information on flying with Ultimate Break, check out the Flights section of our Help Center

When traveling to Egypt it's important to prepare for a long travel day. Flying from the US, it is not uncommon to have multiple legs of your journey.

Generally, expect to depart on day one in the early morning/afternoon, arriving to Egypt in the late afternoon/evening the next day. Direct flights to Egypt are incredibly limited, as such you should expect 1-3 layovers. Worried about jetlag, delayed flights, or just want more time to explore, we strongly encourage extending your stay to arrive early or stay late. This way you can settle in without the stress of missing anything.

We recommend budgeting $80-100 per day to cover tipping, food, and shopping. You know your spending habits best, if you want to do it all budget on the higher end.

On this trip you will use both the Egyptian Pound and the Euro. Both USD and Egyptian pounds are accepted pretty ubiquitously in Egypt. If you are bringing USD, we suggest bringing small, crisp bills. We strongly advise that you take debit and credit cards (ideally with a chip), which can be used to withdraw cash at local banks as needed. Make sure to check with your bank or credit card company about withdrawal fees and/or foreign exchange fees. While better rates of exchange are usually available overseas, ordering currency from your local bank may be an option.

Your Tour Director is with you during your entire trip. They're part logistics master, making sure you get to see all that we have planned; part rockstar, sharing with your local hotspots; and part guru, sharing and inviting you into the culture. Our Tour Directors are fully trained and ready to support you in making your journey safe, seamless, and unforgettable!

In some locations you will be met by a local guide who will lead you through our traveler-inspired walking tour. You'll get some local history and culture while also making sure you hit the photo stops. You'll walk away with an insider's perspective and some great pictures.

On Plus trips, you will be in a room with one other traveler unless a single room upgrade is purchased. Roommates are assigned randomly based on gender unless a specific roommate is requested in advance. You can do this at the time of booking or in your online account up to 60 days before departure.

While these destinations are considered safe, there are certain safety protocols that we've put in place that are different than other parts of the world. Like any destination though, it's important to stay aware of your surroundings and follow basic safety guidelines. Pickpocketing can occur, especially in crowded areas or tourist hotspots. Keep your belongings secure and be cautious with strangers offering unsolicited help or deals.

Here are a few additional points:

• Safety: Your group will be accompanied by a local guard who will ensure your group travels safely. As such, there is limited free time included on this tour.
• Health: Talking with your healthcare provider about any vaccinations or medication you may want to consider. Here are some additional tips for traveling with medication and traveling with allergies.

Here are some additional tips for traveling with medication and traveling with allergies.

• International Data Plan: In the event you need to get in touch with your Tour Director or Ultimate Break while abroad, it’s important to invest in an international data plan. Call your cell phone provider to understand their plans or look into purchasing a sim card.

You can learn more about our safety commitment here.

Ultimate Break trips are a welcome environment for all. While we work hard to cultivate an inclusive environment in our groups, we recognize some people may have additional reservations based on their identity that they need to consider while traveling. Check out some resources on our identity and international travel page and reach out if you have any questions.

This is your classic sightseeing tour. Think lots of walking and taking in all the sites. On these tours, be prepared to:

• Walk a minimum of 10k steps per day (more if you add excursions)
• Use public transportation
• Climb on and off a motor coach unassisted
• Manage your own luggage (including carrying luggage upstairs if there is no elevator)
• Climb occasional stairs, hills and navigate various terrains (think cobblestones) to different sites
• Stand for periods of time during guided commentary and photo stops

Excursions are available for purchase at a discounted rate prior to departure. Some excursions may be available for purchase while you are on tour directly through your mobile app but are subject to availability and will be more expensive.  

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.

When you travel with Ultimate Break, 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.

Learn more about EF's Impact approach here.