Italy & the Greek Islands: Plus

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

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.

Get ready for a Mediterranean dream that blends ancient wonders, coastal beauty, and vibrant local culture—this Italy and Greece adventure is the ultimate mix of history, sunshine, and unforgettable vibes. From the art-filled streets of Florence and the timeless energy of Rome to the sun-drenched islands of Paros and Santorini, and the mythic charm of Athens, every stop brings a new layer of awe. You’ll experience everything from hilltop sunsets and seaside strolls to centuries-old ruins and bustling local markets.

Expect warm, sunny weather in spring and summer—perfect for beach days, al fresco dinners, and golden hour photo ops. Italian and Greek cultures both embrace a slower pace, so be ready to linger over meals, enjoy late-night conversations, and soak in the scenery. Hospitality runs deep, and food is a love language—think fresh pasta, flaky spanakopita, and gelato or baklava for dessert. Whether you're exploring ancient temples, sailing between islands, or just living your best life under the Mediterranean sun, this trip is made for travelers who want to connect with the past while fully embracing the present.

Note: 2025 is a Jubilee year in Rome as the Roman Catholic Church celebrates their 25 year celebration at the Vatican. While this is an exciting time, there will be many visitors in the Vatican. Read here for more information on what to expect while visiting during the Jubilee.

If you are interested in visiting any of Florence’s many museums during your free time, we recommend that you make reservations in advance. See uffizi.org for the Uffizi Gallery or accademia.org for the Accademia Gallery. Please note that the museums are closed on Mondays.

Florence's Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore (the Duomo) requires some planning as it is a very busy attraction. The cathedral is free but visiting the other points of interest require purchasing a pass from the ticket office or reserving online in Advance. Check with your Tour Director about timings and how to plan to your ideal visit.

Take note if your tour itinerary includes an entrance to the Colosseum.  If included, you will also have a 24 hour ticket for visiting the nearby Roman Forum independently.  If the Colosseum entrance is not included in your itinerary,  booking it yourself is easy and your Tour Director will advise you as to the best time to plan your visit.

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

Generally, expect to depart your home gateway in the afternoon or evening on Day 1. All overnight flights from the US to Europe will arrive mid-morning to early afternoon on Day 2.

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.

When you arrive in Italy, you'll head through baggage claim and customs before being greeted by your Tour Director. They'll set a designated place for you to meet as the trip gets closer. For travelers who booked flights through Ultimate Break, you'll then be transported to your first accommodation to freshen up before the Welcome Dinner. 

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. 

The local currency will be the Euro. 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.

Greece and Italy are considered safe for travelers, but like any destination, 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:

• Health and Safety: 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.
• 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.
• Transportation Safety: When getting a taxi, make sure to agree on a price before getting in. At the end of a night out, use trusted transportation like a licensed taxi, Uber of Uber like service, and always have cash on hand.
• Nightlife: As with anywhere in the world, watch your drink, and avoid excessive alcohol consumption.

 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.

Optional Visit to the Vatican in 2025: The main Holy Door is located inside St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City, where many spiritual events will take place during the Jubilee. As a result, tour groups won’t be permitted at certain times, and tickets are expected to sell out quickly with reduced capacity. Because of this, we’ll need to cancel or move the Optional Visit to the Vatican on select departures in 2025. If your departure is affected by the cancellation of the Optional Visit to the Vatican in 2025, you may have the option to participate in the Optional Civita & Bolsena Lake day trip instead.

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.

If you're itching to travel a tad longer and want to experience another destination (or even country) during your tour, consider adding your tour's extension. Some tours offer a tour extension giving you a few more days to explore with your Tour Director and other tour members. 

We suggest adding the tour extension when booking your tour. If you've already made your reservation and would like to add the extension, we'll do our best to make it happen. The sooner you let us know, the better, so we can adjust your flight dates and airport gateways as needed.