FAQ

Question 1

About the cruise ship

Accepted Answer

* Aboard the *M/V Gemini*, you’ll enjoy multiple dining and entertainment options, a swimming pool, gym, and library. See a detailed summary of the ship’s deck plan on [their website](https://miray.cruises/gemini.html).
* All cabins on this tour are standard cabins with a view of the water and come equipped with air conditioning, a telephone, hair dryer, safe, and television.

Question 2

Passport, visa & entry requirements

Accepted Answer

- In order to enter Greece and Turkey, U.S. and Canadian citizens need a valid passport with an expiration date at least six months beyond the date of reentry.
- We recommend having at least one blank passport page for entry stamps.
- Beginning in 2025, U.S. and Canadian passport holders must register for an [ETIAS](https://eur01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Ftravel-europe.europa.eu%2Fetias_en&data=05%7C01%7C%7C6d2b38859eae47b0da2a08dba421f137%7Cf0d1c6fddff0486a8e91cfefefc7d98d%7C0%7C0%7C638284238040739788%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=Pxn4%2Fu%2Fkz8GELqvzmgyLsXXTL4sPz%2B2KTz%2B533hfGI0%3D&reserved=0) travel authorization in order to enter many European countries.
- Passport holders from over 60 visa-exempt countries (including the U.S. and Canada) will need to apply for an ETIAS travel authorization in order to visit 30 European countries. That means that even if you’ve previously traveled to any of these European countries without a visa, starting in 2025, you’ll need to get ETIAS authorization to visit them again. If you’re traveling to multiple countries with this requirement, you only need to complete the form once. All Go Ahead travelers are responsible for obtaining their own ETIAS travel authorization before departure. For more details, please visit our [Help Center](https://eur01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fsupport.goaheadtours.com%2Fhc%2Fen-us%2Farticles%2F17596554099739-ETIAS-travel-authorization&data=05%7C01%7C%7C6d2b38859eae47b0da2a08dba421f137%7Cf0d1c6fddff0486a8e91cfefefc7d98d%7C0%7C0%7C638284238040739788%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=UrPDlVIIAqXSOYuZCOxyLzIRHuq4ODPsPdNQpo9hZcA%3D&reserved=0).
- There is no visa required to enter Turkey for U.S. or Canadian citizens.
- If you are not a U.S. or Canadian citizen, you must contact each country’s consulate for your specific entry requirements.
- You can see the most up-to-date entry requirements for the destination(s) you’ll visit on tour by going to [**goaheadtours.com/entry-requirements**](/entry-requirements?tourCode=GTR) and searching the code GTR.

Question 3

Tour pacing & mobility

Accepted Answer

- You will walk for about two hours daily across moderately uneven terrain, including cobblestone streets, dirt paths, wooden platforms, and some hills and steps.
- You should be healthy enough to participate in all included walks without assistance. Adding optional excursions may increase the total amount of walking on your tour.
- You should feel comfortable managing your own baggage at times, as well as getting in and out of ferries.
- Go Ahead Tours and the Tour Director who accompanies your group are unable to provide special, individual mobility assistance to travelers on tour. The responsibility of the Tour Director is to ensure the group as a whole enjoys a relaxing and informative journey, and they can’t be relied on to provide ongoing assistance to any one traveler.
- If you have any mobility concerns or physical restrictions, please contact our Customer Experience Team.

Question 4

Tour Director

Accepted Answer

* You will have two separate Tour Directors on this tour: one for Greece and one for Turkey.

Question 5

Transportation & arrival information

Accepted Answer

- Round-trip flights booked through Go Ahead Tours arrive in Athens and depart from Istanbul. When you first arrive, a representative from Go Ahead Tours will meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel. If you don’t see them, please remain in the arrival lounge: They might be escorting one of your fellow travelers.
- Transfers to and from the airport at your destination are included for travelers who’ve purchased their flights through Go Ahead Tours. Travelers who purchased their own flights may request airport transfers with Go Ahead Tours for an additional cost.
- A three-night Greek Islands cruise is included in the price of your tour.
- A round-trip flight between Istanbul and either Kayseri or Nevşehir is included in the price of the tour extension.
- All other included transportation on this tour is by private motor coach.

Question 6

Baggage allowance

Accepted Answer

- Please note that our travelers are limited to one checked bag and one carry-on bag per person due to storage limitations on motor coaches, ferries, flights, and other modes of transportation.
- Contact your airline(s) for the luggage restrictions for your itinerary. Please note that on-tour flights may have tighter size and weight limits than your round-trip airfare to and from tour.
- Some airlines may impose additional charges if you choose to check any bags or exceed their size and weight restrictions. Be advised: You’re responsible for any luggage fees incurred on all flights.
- Make sure you label your baggage and keep valuables, medication, and documents in your carry-on bag.

Question 7

Clothing & packing tips

Accepted Answer

- We recommend packing lightweight, loose-fitting clothing that can be easily layered to accommodate varying temperatures, as well as a light jacket or rainwear.
- A sturdy pair of walking shoes or sneakers is recommended for sightseeing.
- You may want to pack dressier attire if you plan to visit a high-end restaurant or attend a special performance.
- Churches, mosques, and other religious sites require visitors to cover bare legs and shoulders; you may be denied entry on this basis. Women should bring a light scarf or a head covering.

Question 8

Health

Accepted Answer

- At least 60 days prior to departure, check with your healthcare provider, or visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website at [**cdc.gov**](https://www.cdc.gov/), for the latest updates and entry requirements.
- If you have medication that you take daily, be sure you have enough for each day of the tour, as well as any possible delays you may encounter.
- Please note that codeine (commonly found in headache medications) is banned in Greece, and you may face prosecution if you bring it into the country.
- Certain over-the-counter and prescription medications may be banned in Turkey. Importing these drugs can carry severe consequences, including imprisonment. Please consult your healthcare provider prior to departure to ensure that any drugs you may want to bring with you are legal in Turkey.
- If you have any dietary restrictions or food allergies, please notify Go Ahead Tours at least 30 days prior to your departure by logging into your account and updating your traveler info. To update this information closer to your departure date, please call our Customer Experience Team.
- You can see the most up-to-date entry requirements for the destination(s) you’ll visit on tour by going to [**goaheadtours.com/entry-requirements**](/entry-requirements?tourCode=GTR) and searching the code GTR.

Question 9

Cuisine

Accepted Answer

- Greece’s warm climate ensures a constant supply of fresh, high-quality fruits and vegetables. Salads served with aromatic olive oil, feta cheese, and oregano are plentiful, as are dishes centered on grilled fish, meat, squid, and octopus. One of our favorite plates? Spanakopita—a savory mix of spinach, cheese, and seasonings, wrapped in phyllo dough and baked to crisp perfection.
- In Turkey, breakfast typically consists of sourdough bread with sheep’s cheese and olives, as well as jam or honey. A midday meal or dinner often starts with a meze: a plate of varied appetizers like cheesy pastry rolls, pickled vegetables, and potato fritters. On the coast, fish is an excellent choice, especially tuna, turbot, and sardines. Carnivores should try the lamb kebab: Prepared in a variety of ways and served with different sauces and dressings, it’s sure to satisfy. And while tea is the national drink, be sure to try Turkish coffee. This strong brew is prepared with ultra-fine coffee grounds and spices like cardamom, resulting in a rich, aromatic drink. (Sip slowly, though: It’s served unfiltered!)

Question 10

Electricity & air conditioning

Accepted Answer

- Greece and Turkey operate on the European standard of 220–240 volts and use Type C, E, or F plugs with two small, round pins.
- We recommend packing a universal adapter, as well as a voltage converter if you plan on using your own hairdryer or any device without one built in.
- The strength of the air conditioning in European hotels is often not as strong or as cool as what you might be used to in the U.S. or Canada. When air conditioning is available, it’s usually regulated seasonally and controlled centrally by the hotel.
- Your hotels may provide hairdryers, irons, and other small appliances. However, these amenities cannot be guaranteed.

Question 11

Connectivity

Accepted Answer

*   Wi-Fi is available in most hotels, though some charges may apply.
*   There is no Wi-Fi on any of the motor coaches.
*   Please contact your mobile service provider for information on roaming charges.

Question 12

Time zones

Accepted Answer

- Greece and Turkey are two hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) and seven hours ahead of Eastern Time (ET). Please note that Turkey does not observe daylight saving time.
- When it’s noon in New York, it’s 7pm on tour.

Question 13

Currency

Accepted Answer

- You’ll use the euro in Greece and the Turkish lira in Turkey.
- Better exchange rates are usually available overseas, but it’s worth ordering some currency from your local bank to use when you first arrive.
- We strongly advise that you take debit and credit cards, which can be used to withdraw cash at local banks as needed. You can also use most cards at ATMs on the international networks Cirrus and Plus, but make sure to check with your home bank about withdrawal fees.
- Inform your bank and credit card company of your travel plans so that they won’t confuse your international purchases for fraudulent charges.
- International banks and businesses primarily accept debit and credit cards that work with the EMV chip system. If you do not already have at least one card with a chip in it, we strongly recommend requesting one from your bank prior to your tour.

Question 14

Tipping

Accepted Answer

- At the conclusion of your tour, it’s customary to offer your Tour Director and driver a gratuity in local currency. Please keep current exchange rates in mind.
- We recommend tipping the equivalent of $10–$12USD per person, per day for your Tour Director, and the equivalent of $3USD per person, per day for your driver.
- If applicable, we also recommend the equivalent of $2USD per local guide.
- Tips can only be paid in cash.

Question 15

Purchasing excursions on tour

Accepted Answer

- Most optional excursions will be available for purchase while you’re on tour.
- Your Tour Director will only accept cash (in USD only), Visa, or MasterCard as payment for optional excursions.
- Please be advised that if you pay for an excursion by credit card while on tour, it may take up to three months for it to be charged.
- Some optional excursions may only be purchased in advance. See the last page of your tour itinerary for more information.

Greece & Turkey: Athens, Greek Islands Cruise & Istanbul with Helen Bertram

Get a taste of East and West by way of two cultural powerhouses.

Your tour package includes

Included highlights

Itinerary

Overnight Flight

Day 1: Travel day

Athens

Day 2: Arrival in Athens

Hotels

Athens - Wyndham Grand Athens

MV Gemini

Ephesus Region - Ramada Hotel & Suites by Wyndham

Bursa - Çelik Palas Hotel Convention Center & Thermal Spa

Istanbul - Grand Hotel Gülsoy

Cappadocia - Dinler Hotels - Ürgüp

Flights

Add our airfare and you’ll get:

Weather

Mykonos, Greece

Athens, Greece

Alaçatı, Turkey

Urla, Turkey

Istanbul, Turkey

Bursa, Turkey

Kusadasi, Turkey

Pergamon, Turkey

FAQ

This tour has departed

This tour has departed

Greece & Turkey: Athens, Greek Islands Cruise & Istanbul with Helen Bertram

Get a taste of East and West by way of two cultural powerhouses.

Your tour package includes

Included highlights

Itinerary

Overnight Flight1 night

Day 1: Travel day

Athens3 nights

Day 2: Arrival in Athens

Hotels

Athens - Wyndham Grand Athens

MV Gemini

Ephesus Region - Ramada Hotel & Suites by Wyndham

Bursa - Çelik Palas Hotel Convention Center & Thermal Spa

Istanbul - Grand Hotel Gülsoy

Cappadocia - Dinler Hotels - Ürgüp

Flights

Add our airfare and you’ll get:

Weather

Mykonos, Greece

Athens, Greece

Alaçatı, Turkey

Urla, Turkey

Istanbul, Turkey

Bursa, Turkey

Kusadasi, Turkey

Pergamon, Turkey

FAQ

This tour has departed

This tour has departed

Overnight Flight

Athens