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vacations/Concierge tours

2025 FALL

footsteps of st paul in greece: thessaloniki to athens - August 19-september 2, 2025

In the first century A.D., Paul the Apostle journeyed through modern-day Greece on a mission to bring Christianity to the country’s people. On this sweeping tour through the Mediterranean country, you’ll retrace his historic route. Highlights include Thessaloniki’s Vlatadon Monastery, where he preached the divine word, and the Areopagus in Athens, where he delivered one of his most famous sermons.


Itinerary:


August 19: Travel Day: Board the overnight flight to Thessaloniki


August 20: Arrival in Thessaloniki. Welcome to Greece! Get to know your Tour Director and fellow group members at tonight’s welcome dinner.


August 21: Sightseeing Tour of Thessaloniki. Visit the places Paul the Apostle lived and preached, along with other historic sites in the city, on a guided tour of Thessaloniki.

  • View the Arch of Galerius, a monument commissioned by Roman Emperor Galerius in the fourth century as part of an imperial complex
  • Marvel at protective walls constructed around the city during the early third century
  • Follow the seaside promenade to the White Tower of Thessaloniki, a symbol of the city that has served as a defensive fort, a prison, and a WWI communication center and now houses a museum
  • Enter the Vlatadon Monastery, where Paul the Apostle preached the divine word to the Thessalonians
  • Head to the Brotherhood of Men of Thessaloniki Park, a pilgrimage site where Paul the Apostle is said to have stopped for a drink from a spring that’s now known as Apostle Paul’s Holy water

Spend a free afternoon in the city or add an excursion (Thessaloniki Wine Tasting & Lunch).


August 22: Free Day in Thessaloniki. Enjoy a free day in Thessaloniki or add an excursion: A Day in Kavala & Philippi


August 23: Meteora REgion va Veria & Vergina. Transfer o the ancient cities of Veria and Vergina this morning.

  • Start in Veria, where you’ll pay a visit to Saint Paul’s Tribune, where he preached Christianity at least twice during his lifetime
  • See its impressive murals up close, and learn why it’s considered a universal monument of religious and cultural heritage
  • View the remnants of the Jewish Quarter on the terraced foothills of Mount Vernon
  • Visit the Museum of the Royal Tombs of Aigai and explore the remains of the royal palace at the archaeological museum of Vergina

Continue to the Meteora region and sit down for an included dinner.


August 24: Sightseeing tour of the Meteora Region & transfer to Delphi. Today, take a guided walking tour of the Meteora monasteries.

  • Enter two monasteries, such as the Monastery of Roussanou, the Monastery of Agios Stefanos, or the Monastery of Varlaam
  • Hike up to the monasteries to admire views from 1,000-foot-high pinnacle rocks
  • Meet with local nuns for a chat about the traditions and faith of the Eastern Orthodox Church
  • Learn more about this branch of Christianity, the nuns’ lives, and the work they take part in at the monasteries

This afternoon, transfer through scenic mountain terrain to Delphi. Enjoy a free evening or add an excursion: Arachova Village & Greek Dinner.


August 25: Sightseeing tour of Delphi & transfer to Nafplio. Journey to the slopes of Mount Parnassus and visit the Archaeological Site of Delphi. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Delphi was believed by ancient Greeks to be the Navel of the Earth and a spiritual focal point for all Greeks. 

  • Embark on a guided tour featuring the Temple of Apollo, where, according to legend, the god Apollo once spoke in prophecy to mortals through the voice of the oracle and high priestess Pythia
  • Take time to explore the ancient treasures at the Delphi Museum, including the life-size bronze statue named the Charioteer of Delphi

Please note: This excursion involves some walking on uneven terrain and hills.

Make your way to the seaside town of Nafplio and explore the charming locale with your Tour Director.

  • Stroll through Syntagma Square
  • Soak in the beautiful views of the port and the hilltop Palamidi Fortress

This evening, sit down to an included dinner with your group.


August 26: Free day in Nafplio. Spend a free day in Nafplio or add an excursion: Ancient Ruins of Epidaurus & Mycenae.


August 27: Athens via Ancient Corinth. Travel to the Greek capital, Athens, making a stop to explore Ancient Corinth on a guided tour.

  • See the Agora, where Paul’s trial by Gallio took place, and the Bema, where Paul was brought before the tribunal, as recorded in the Acts of the Apostles
  • Snap a photo of the impressive Corinth Canal, which separates the Peloponnese peninsula from mainland Greece

Then, continue to Athens.


August 28: Sightseeing tour of Athens. Set out with your local guide to discover highlights of this bustling, ancient capital, home to the world’s first democracy.

  • Make stops at the Olympic Stadium, Syntagma Square, and the Arch of Hadrian
  • View the sixth-century Temple of Zeus
  • See the classically inspired Old Royal Palace, home of the Hellenic Parliament, and drive through the Plaka district
  • Set off on a walking tour around the ancient Acropolis, site of the Parthenon, Temple of Athena Nike, and Erechtheion
  • Drive to Areopagus Hill just northwest of the Acropolis
  • Choose to climb to the top of the hill where Paul the Apostle gave his sermon in 51 A.D. and take in sweeping views of the city

Later, celebrate your trip during a farewell dinner with your fellow travelers.


August 29: Cruise embarkation & Mykonos. Board your ship, get settled in your stateroom, and enjoy an included lunch as you sail to Mykonos for a day on the iconic island.

  • Disembark on Mykonos and join your Tour Director for a walk through the island’s charming Old Town
  • See the island’s iconic windmills, Little Venice neighborhood, and Church of Panagia Paraportiani
  • Enjoy free time to explore the labyrinthine alleys
  • Return to the ship this evening and sit down for an included dinner


August 30: Kusadasi & Patmos. Spend the day visiting Kusadasi, Turkey, and Patmos, Greece.

  • Disembark in Kusadasi and set off on a guided sightseeing tour of Ephesus, one of the Mediterranean’s best-preserved ancient cities
  • Learn about Ephesus’ first Christian congregation, which was established by Saint John and expanded by Saint Paul
  • Discover many of the city’s UNESCO-listed sites, such as the Library of Celsus, the Odeon Theater, and the House of the Virgin Mary
  • Return to the ship and enjoy an included lunch as you sail on to Patmos, Greece
  • Spend free time on the island, where it’s said St. John penned the Book of Revelations of the New Testament while in exile
  • Visit the Monastery of Saint John the Theologian and enter the Cave of the Apocalypse, where Saint John had visions later documented in the Book of Revelations 
  • Return to the ship this evening and sit down for an included dinner


August 31: Heraklion & Santorini. Continue sailing along the Aegean Sea and visit two ports of call today.

  • Disembark on Crete for free time or book an excursion to visit the ruins of Knossos, where, according to myth, King Minos imprisoned the Minotaur in a labyrinth
  • Head back to the ship and enjoy an included lunch before continuing on to Santorini
  • Enjoy free time to visit the iconic hilltop villages of Thira and Oia
  • Return to the ship and sit down for an included dinner this evening


September 1: Disembarkation in Athens. Disembark your cruise in Athens. Then, spend a free afternoon in the city or add an excursion: Greek Tavern Evening.


September 2: Depart for home.


*** 11 spots left on this tour ***


For more information on this tour, go to https://groups.goaheadtours.com/tours/fps-olive

2026 Spring

Cherry Blossoms in Japan: Tokyo to Kyoto - March 22-April 3, 2026

Cherry Blossoms in Japan: Tokyo to Kyoto - March 22-April 3, 2026

Cherry Blossoms in Japan: Tokyo to Kyoto - March 22-April 3, 2026

Japan seamlessly merges centuries-old history with a modern way of life. On this tour, hues of pink and aromatic scents fill city streets and lush parks as cherry blossoms bring new life to an already vibrant country. See ancient temples alongside modern architecture while experiencing the beauty celebrated each year during the Japanese cherry blossom season.


Itinerary:


Mar 22: Travel Day: Board the overnight flight to Tokyo


Mar 23: Arrival in Tokyo (D). Welcome to Japan! Get settled in to your hotel before meeting your Tour Director and fellow travelers at tonight’s welcome dinner.


Mar 24: Sightseeing tour of Tokyo (B). Join a local guide and embark on your first tour of Japan’s bustling capital.

  • Make a photo stop and view the iconic Shibuya crossing from overhead as you drive through the central part of the city
  • Set off on a short walk from Yoyogi Park to the Meiji Shrine, final resting place of Emperor Meiji
  • Stroll through the colorful Harajuku neighborhood, where Tokyo’s history and present-day pop culture intertwine
  • See the beautiful cherry blossoms at Ueno Park
  • Explore Tokyo’s old town, including the ancient Asakusa Kannon Temple, the city’s oldest and most sacred temple
  • Peruse a vibrant variety of handmade crafts and local fare at the centuries-old Nakamise Shopping Arcade

Spend a free afternoon enjoying the views of the cherry blossoms throughout Tokyo or add an excursion: Japanese Cooking Class & Dinner ($125 pp)


Mar 25: Free day in Tokyo (B). Enjoy a free day in Tokyo or add an excursion: travel to Kamakura ($135 pp)


Mar 26: Sightseeing tour of Tokyo & transfer to Mount Fuji Region (B,D). Today, follow your Tour Director on another guided sightseeing tour of vibrant Tokyo before continuing on to the Mount Fuji Region.

  • View the Imperial Palace and its impressive grounds
  • Head to the top of the Metropolitan Government Building to get a bird’s-eye view of the city
  • Walk along the banks of the Meguro River to view the cherry blossoms

Later, make your way to Hakone, a resort town in the Ōwakudani Valley.

  • Make a photo stop at Mount Fuji, which stands an imposing 12,388 feet high
  • Take in panoramic views of nearby lakes and villages from the midway-point observatory

Sit down for an included dinner this evening followed by free time to relax in the hotel’s hot springs.


Mar 27: Mount Komagatake, Lake Ashi & train to Kyoto (B). This morning, take a guided tour of Mount Komagatake and Lake Ashi.

  • Enjoy a ropeway ride up to the top of Mount Komagatake, admiring spectacular views from the cable car as you go
  • Embark on a cruise on Lake Ashi, formed after Mount Hakone erupted 3,000 years ago
  • Take in surreal views of Mount Fuji looming in the background
  • Pay a visit to the Hakone Open-Air Museum, with endless sculptures over its 17 acres and a gallery with more than 700 works by Picasso
  • Soak in the annual beauty that the cherry blossoms bring to the city

This afternoon, board a high-speed bullet train to Kyoto.


Mar 28: Sightseeing tour of Kyoto & Zen meditation class (B). Join a local guide on a tour of Kyoto, the city that served as the capital of Japan for more than 1,000 years—and is still considered its spiritual capital.

  • Tour the 17th-century Nijo Castle, which boasts intricate architecture and a unique alarm system: floors that sound like a nightingale when walked on
  • Take a stroll on the Philosopher's Walk, a pedestrian pathway along a canal that’s dotted with cherry blossoms
  • See one of Japan’s most famous temples, the glittering Golden Pavilion
  • Tap in to your unconscious mind during a guided Zen meditation session
  • Sit down to sip Matcha green tea alongside a traditional Japanese sweet

Please note: Today’s guided Zen meditation session may take place in the morning depending on the schedule.


Mar 29:  Sightseeing tour of Nara (B,L). Journey to the former capital city of Nara for a guided tour led by a local guide today.

  • Tour UNESCO-listed Buddhist Todaiji Temple, site of the world’s largest bronze Buddha statue
  • Enter Kasuga-taisha to see the many bronze and stone lanterns in and around the Shinto shrine
  • Stroll through Nara Park, home to more than 1,200 wild deer considered sacred by locals
  • Enjoy an included lunch

Spend a free evening in Kyoto or add an excursion: Japanese Tea Ceremony ($59 pp)


Mar 30: Free Day in Kyoto (B, tasting, D). Enjoy a free day in Kyoto or add an excursion: Arashiyama District & Kochi Sanso Garden ($119 pp).

Tonight, join your fellow travelers at a farewell dinner in Kyoto, where you’ll enjoy a sake tasting and enjoy traditional shabu-shabu (hot pot).


Mar 31: Departure (B). This morning, transfer to the Osaka airport to board your flight home or choose to continue your adventure with a visit to Hiroshima and Osaka.


Mar 31 (extension): Train to Hiroshima & sightseeing tour (B). Board a high-speed bullet train to Hiroshima and get to know this world-renowned “City of Peace” on today’s guided sightseeing tour.

  • Visit Peace Memorial Park to see the Peace Memorial Museum and the Atomic Bomb Dome, which was the only structure to withstand the infamous atomic bombing of the city during World War II
  • Take a short ferry ride to Miyajima Island to view the 12th-century, UNESCO-listed Itsukushima Shrine


Apr 1 (extension): Osaka via Himeji (B). Travel to Osaka, stopping in the city of Himeji along the way.

  • Step inside the UNESCO-listed Himeji Castle, the largest castle in Japan
  • Walk through Otemon Gate and view the castle’s striking white architecture
  • Climb a series of narrow staircases to the top floor, which offers stunning views of the beautiful roofs, defensive walls, and the city below
  • Enjoy free time to explore Kōko-en, a stunning garden that’s designed to be aesthetically pleasing through all four seasons

Continue on to Osaka and spend a free evening in the city.


Apr 2 (extension): Sightseeing tour of Osaka (B, tasting). Join a local guide and set out to explore Osaka, the birthplace of many of Japan’s well-known arts, such as Kabuki theater and the tea ceremony.

  • Visit the massive Osaka Castle, which houses a museum dedicated to Toyotomi Hideyoshi, the legendary leader who built it
  • Stroll through Kuromon Ichiba Market, famous for its selection of fresh fish, vegetables, fruit, and other Japanese specialties
  • Learn about the country’s culinary traditions and try takoyaki, a fried octopus ball
  • Walk to Dōtonbori, one of the most colorful areas in the city and a haven for food culture

Spend a free evening exploring Osaka on your own, or add an excursion: Osaka Dinner & Karaoke ($89 pp)


Apr 3 (extension): Free ironing in Osaka & departure (B). Enjoy a free morning in Osaka. Then, transfer to the airport to board your flight home. 


*** 6 spots left on this tour ***


For more information on this tour, go to https://groups.goaheadtours.com/tours/jpc-olive

OFF THE BEATEN PATH ITALY - WILL BE MOVED TO SPRING 2027

Cherry Blossoms in Japan: Tokyo to Kyoto - March 22-April 3, 2026

Cherry Blossoms in Japan: Tokyo to Kyoto - March 22-April 3, 2026

This trip will be moved to the Spring of 2027... dates will be published by the Fall of 2026.



Let's explore the off-the-beaten path areas of Tuscany on this private tour of Italy! We will go round trip from Milan and see some of the most beautiful areas and villages in the Tuscan countryside. 


Itinerary:


April 29: Travel Day: Board the overnight flight to Italy


April 30: Arrival in Milan (L); transfer to Alba


Walking tour of Alba

Overnight in Alba


May 1: Cuneo and La Risorseria (B, L)

 

Tour Cuneo in the morning

Lunch at La Bottera

Aperitivo with wine tasting at La Risorseria on the way back to the hotel

Free time in Alba

Overnight in Alba


May 2: Turin (B, D)


Full day tour in Turin 

Dinner at Eataly

Overnight in Alba


May 3: Lerici via Recco (B, L)


Transfer to Lerici via Recco

Focaccia Lunch at U Giancu

Cooking Class

Overnight in Lerici


May 4: Cinque Terre (B)


Full day tour of Cinque Terre by boat

Overnight in Lerici


May 5: Lucca (B)


Full day tour of Lucca

Overnight in Lerici


May 6: San Miniato (B, L)


Full day excursion to San Miniato

Lunch in San Miniato

Transfer to Bologna

Overnight Bologna


May 7: Bologna (B, L)

Full day guided tour of Bologna

Lunch in Bologna

Overnight Bologna


May 8: Bologna to Milan (B, L)


Visit an "acetaia" (balsamic vinegar production

Lunch

Visit Parmigiana Reggiano production

Transfer to Milan

Overnight Milan


May 9: Milan (B)


Visit DaVinci's "The Last Supper"

Free time in Milan


May 10: Depart for home


*** 15 spots left on this tour ***


For more information on this tour, contact Cheryl at cheryl@t2gt.com


Pricing is $4,295 per person double occupancy, or $5,295 for single occupancy; flights not included

2026 FALL

Grand Tour of Great Britain: Scotland, England & Wales, September 6-20, 2026

Grand Tour of Great Britain: Scotland, England & Wales, September 6-20, 2026

Grand Tour of Great Britain: Scotland, England & Wales, September 6-20, 2026

Discover what makes Great Britain truly great as you explore this delightful island from top to bottom. Start in Edinburgh, the Georgian Scottish capital, before heading south to Wales, passing through lovely English countryside and historic cities like York and Liverpool along the way. Then it’s off to the Roman town of Bath and royal London—the perfect finishing touch on this quintessentially British experience.


Itinerary:


September 6: Travel Day: Board the overnight flight to Edinburgh


September 7: Arrival in Edinburgh (D)

Welcome to Scotland! Meet your Tour Director and fellow travelers at tonight’s welcome dinner.


September 8: Sightseeing Tour of Edinburgh (B)

Get to know Edinburgh in all its medieval beauty on a tour led by a local expert.

  • View the elegant Georgian-style New Town and the Royal Mile, two UNESCO World Heritage sites
  • See the King George statue and Bute House, the official residence of the Scottish Prime Minister
  • Pass the Sir Walter Scott monument
  • Enter Edinburgh Castle to view the Scottish crown jewels and Stone of Scone

Spend the rest of the day enjoying free time in Edinburgh or add an excursion: Scottish Ceilidh ($129 per person): Enjoy a special evening of Scottish tradition as you witness an authentic ceilidh, an age-old Scottish celebration. Sit down to an included dinner and be serenaded by a band playing Scottish folk tunes while you dine. As the evening winds down, dancers take to the stage to perform a series of traditional dances. Then, cap it all off by joining the company on stage to try the steps for yourself.


September 9: Free day in Edinburgh (B)

Spend a free day in Edinburgh or add an excursion: Stirling Castle & Loch Lomond ($115 per person): Travel through the Scottish countryside to Stirling Castle, dramatically perched high above the surrounding area on the steep cliff Castle Hill. This fortress has played an important role in Scottish history, first to protect the crossing of the nearby River Forth and later as a coronation site for royalty, including Mary, Queen of Scots. Enjoy a guided tour of the castle and grounds, view the iconic Robert the Bruce statue, and enjoy free time for lunch in the town of Stirling. Then, take a scenic drive along the placid lake that is the centerpiece of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, the country’s first national park. Stop along the way to soak up views of the lake and mountains of the Scottish Highlands. Please note: Guided tours of Stirling Castle depart every 30 minutes.


September 10: Newcastle Region via Alnwick (B,D)

En route to Alnwick, stop for photos in Berwick-upon-Tweed, the northernmost town in England. Then, continue along a scenic coastal route to Alnwick for a guided tour of the historic castle and gardens before making your way to the Newcastle region.

Sit down for an included dinner this evening.


September 11: York via Durham (B)

Head to the famed college town of Durham for a sightseeing tour.

  • Stroll through the old city along the banks of the River Wear
  • Enter the UNESCO-recognized Durham Cathedral, known for its Romanesque style and beautiful Norman architecture

Later, drive through the charming English countryside as you continue on to York.


September 12: Sightseeing tour of York (B)

Embark on a walking tour of this historic walled city with a local guide.

  • Enter York Minster, home to largest expanse of medieval stained glass in the world
  • See the York Museum Gardens, which occupy ten acres in the city center
  • View the Roman wall, the oldest section of the city’s historic fortifications
  • Visit the ruins of St. Mary’s Abbey and the King’s Manor

Enjoy a free afternoon in York or add an excursion: Whitby ($125 per person): Transfer across the North York Moors on your way to the charming fishing port of Whitby. Whitby was made famous by its associations with Captain Cook (who served his apprenticeship here) and Bram Stoker’s Dracula (Whitby is where the Transylvanian count first sets foot in the British Isles). You’ll visit Whitby Abbey—the backdrop to Dracula’s killings in the graveyard of St. Mary’s Church—and the 199 steps leading to the port and its small sandy beach. Spend some free time wandering around the port before heading to a restaurant for a fish-and-chips dinner.


September 13: Liverpool via Chester (B, D)

Bid farewell to York this morning as you set out for Liverpool, making a stop in Chester to explore and enjoy free time.

Tonight, sit down for an included dinner with your group.


September 14: Sightseeing tour of Liverpool (B)

Explore the UNESCO-recognized port city of Liverpool this morning with a local as your guide.

  • Enter the neo-Gothic Liverpool Cathedral and see the modern Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral
  • Pass by the Liverpool Central Library and St George's Hall
  • Head to the UNESCO-listed waterfront to see the Royal Liver Building, Cunard Building, and Port of Liverpool Building, known as the Three Graces

Spend a free afternoon in Liverpool or add an excursion: The Beatles: History & Story Museum ($105 per person): Curious about how the Fab Four came to be? This excursion is your opportunity to discover the humble beginnings of the band that achieved global stardom. View special exhibitions, memorabilia, and photographs at the immersive Beatles Story Museum. Then, join a local expert for a guided tour of Liverpool, with special visits to Beatles-specific landmarks such as Penny Lane and Strawberry Fields.


September 15: Cardiff via Stratford-upon-Avon (B)

Drive southeast through the countryside to Stratford-upon-Avon, the town of Shakespeare’s birth. Here, you’ll step inside the Shakespeare family home with your Tour Director.

Continue on to Cardiff, the capital of Wales, and enjoy a free evening.


September 16: Sightseeing tour of Cardiff & transfer to Bath (B, D)

Head out for a sightseeing tour of the largest city in Wales led by your Tour Director.

  • View the medieval Cardiff Castle, located in the city center
  • Take in views of the beautiful Cardiff Bay

Then, take a scenic drive along the Severn River to the town of Bath. Sit down for an included dinner this evening.


September 17: Sightseeing tour of Bath (B)

On a guided sightseeing tour, get to know the charming city of Bath, named a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1987.

  • See the city’s most famous architectural sites, including the Roman Baths, the Royal Crescent, and the Circus
  • Enjoy free time for lunch, shopping, or visit the Bath Abbey on your own

Enjoy a free afternoon in Bath or add an excursion: Literary Bath & Afternoon Tea ($129 per person): World-famous for novels that defied gender norms and detailed iconic characters, author Jane Austen was Bath’s most famous resident. Make your way to the Jane Austen Centre, where you’ll enjoy a presentation delivered by a costumed guide. Then, explore this beautifully decorated Georgian townhouse on your own, learning more about the Regency era and how it informed Austen’s work. Once finished, you’ll sit down for a cuppa in the Regency Tea Room, paired with a light lunch. Turn the page on your visit by heading to Persephone Books, an independent publisher that reprints neglected authors—most of whom are women from the mid-20th century. Peruse its collection of novels, short stories, and more (and maybe grab a book for your return flight) before going back to your hotel.


September 18: London via Stonehenge & Salisbury (B)

Travel to London today, stopping on the way to gaze upon the vast monoliths of the UNESCO-protected Stonehenge and visit its new visitor center before heading to the medieval city of Salisbury.

  • View the soaring spire of Salisbury Cathedral, then go inside to view one of the original copies of the Magna Carta
  • Marvel at Salisbury’s historic architecture and wander through its charming shopping streets 


September 19: Sightseeing tour of London (B, D)

With a local expert leading the way, take a guided tour of the regal landmarks and UNESCO World Heritage sites of the English capital.

  • Pass the grand Trafalgar Square and Baroque-style St. Paul’s Cathedral, perched atop Ludgate Hill
  • See Westminster Abbey, the setting for royal coronations and weddings
  • View icons like Big Ben, the London Eye and the Tower of London
  • Stop by Buckingham Palace, where you may catch the Changing of the Guard

Enjoy a free afternoon in London or add an excursion. Then, celebrate your trip at a farewell dinner this evening. Excursion is to Windsor Castle ($125 per person): Led by a Blue Badge Guide, you’ll travel to Windsor for a guided tour of the world’s largest and longest-inhabited castle. Founded by William the Conqueror in 1070, Windsor has been the British Royal Family’s preferred retreat for the past 900 years. Step inside the State Apartments and St. George’s Chapel, where knighting ceremonies of the Most Noble Order of the Garter take place. View the exhibit of royal treasures within the castle. You’ll then have time to stroll through the town of Windsor and have a look at Eton College, a prestigious prep school attended by Princes William and Harry. Please note: When the Windsor Castle excursion falls on a Wednesday, entrance will be replaced by an excursion to Hampton Court. For any departures where the Windsor Castle excursion falls on a Tuesday, the excursion will be moved to another day on tour or cancelled. Additionally, St. George’s Chapel is closed to the public on Sundays.


September 20: Departure

Transfer to the airport for your flight home or extend your stay to continue exploring London.


OR, on the Extension:


September 20: Free Day in London (B)

Enjoy a free day in London or add excursions: Tower of London ($109 per person): nter the Tower of London, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its dark history of treason, imprisonment, and beheadings. With a local Blue Badge Guide leading the way, you’ll explore the nooks and crannies of this royal castle, seeing ancient coin collections, suits of armor, and the glittering Crown Jewels as you go. Explore exhibitions about the Royal Mint and old armaments before watching a live historical reenactment and visiting the White Tower.

and

London Eye & Pub Dinner ($165 per person): Glide through London’s skyline, 450 feet above the River Thames, on the London Eye—the world’s fourth-tallest observation wheel. Settle into an enclosed gondola for a 30-minute ride and take in the view of the city below. (In clear weather, the panorama stretches for 25 miles.) Afterward, take a brief tour of London’s West End before ending your outing with dinner at a local pub.


September 21: Free day in London (B)

Spend a free day in London or add an excursion: A Day in Cambridge ($155 per person): Spend the day getting to know Cambridge, a city famous for its rich culture, intricate Gothic architecture, and prestigious academic legacy. You’ll explore the historic heart of the city with a local guide leading the way. Discover sites such as St Bene’t’s Church, The Eagle pub, the Old Cavendish Laboratory, and the Church of St Mary the Great. You’ll also see many of the local colleges including Corpus Christi College, St Catharine's College, and Gonville and Caius College. Then, head to the world-renowned King's College Chapel, located on the University of Cambridge campus. The rest of the day is yours to shop, eat lunch, and explore more of the local sites such as the Fitzwilliam Museum.


This evening, enjoy a farewell drink as you celebrate your trip with your fellow group members.


September 22: Departure

Transfer to the airport for your flight home today.



*** 21 spots left on this tour ***


For more information on this tour, go to https://groups.goaheadtours.com/tours/gtbg-olive

kenya culture & wildlife safari: samburu to maasai mara, october 1-14

Grand Tour of Great Britain: Scotland, England & Wales, September 6-20, 2026

Grand Tour of Great Britain: Scotland, England & Wales, September 6-20, 2026

Kenya is one of the premier places in the world for wildlife spotting. When you join us there on this tour, you’ll realize why. Not only will you enjoy game drives around the legendary Maasai Mara, but you’ll spend time exploring lesser-known locales, too. Among them: Samburu National Reserve, whose rare mix of animals many wildlife enthusiasts only dream of seeing. Kenya has much to offer beyond the animal kingdom, too, which you’ll discover when you stop for lunch at a lush tea farm and visit organizations working to improve the lives of locals. If you can’t resist the call of the wild, extend your stay and explore southern Kenya’s Tsavo National Park.


Itinerary:


October 1: Travel Day: Board the overnight flight to Nairobi


October 2: Arrival in Thessaloniki. Welcome to Kenya! Arrive in Nairobi and transfer to your hotel.


October 3: Kiambethu Tea Farm visit & Sandstorm Kenya. Climb into four-wheel-drive vehicles and set out to discover notable landmarks and local culture in and around Nairobi, Kenya’s bustling capital city.

  • Travel to the town of Limuru and visit the tranquil, family-run Kiambethu Farm, which is set within beautiful gardens surrounded by acres of tea plants and an indigenous forest.
  • Enjoy a tasting of tea while you hear how it became one of the country’s largest exports.
  • Set off on a walk through the surrounding indigenous forest alongside your guide—and keep an eye out for Colobus monkeys, with their distinctive black-and-white coloring and bearded faces.
  • Sit down for an included lunch on the farm’s veranda and admire the impressive views of the tea fields and Ngong Hills.
  • Visit Sandstorm Kenya, a company that began as a maker of safari tents and now employs 40 Maasai craftspeople who hand-make totes, backpacks, and other styles of bags from locally sourced canvas and leather.
  • Tour Sandstorm’s facilities to learn how its bags are made, from the sourcing of materials to the finished product.

Tonight, get to know your Tour Director and fellow travelers at a welcome dinner served with beer or wine.


October 4: Transfer to Samburu & game drive. Journey north to Samburu National Reserve, one of Kenya’s most unique and rewarding safari destinations. This special wildlife conservation haven is known for its abundance of rare animal species, including the Samburu Special Five—the Grevy’s zebra, Somali ostrich, reticulated Giraffe, gerenuk antelope, and beisa oryx. The reserve is also home to elephants, lions, leopards, cheetahs, and wild dogs.

Enjoy an included lunch, then depart for a game drive through the park and along the Ewaso Nyiro River. As you cruise around the reserve, try to spot the Samburu Special Five.

This evening, sit down for an included dinner served with beer or wine.


October 5: Samburu game drives & village visit. Head back out for a full day of game drives through Samburu National Reserve for another chance to spot the Samburu Special Five and other animals.

After an included lunch and afternoon game drive, visit the Samburu Village located inside the park. Meet with the villagers and gain insight into their culture and way of life.

  • Take a walk through the village alongside one of its elders and learn about the villagers’ semi-nomadic lifestyle.
  • Enjoy a traditional Samburu dance performance, a type of social ritual dating back hundreds of years for villagers to let off steam, celebrate, and tell of their history and triumphant victories.

Later this evening, sit down with your group for an included dinner served with beer or wine.


October 6: Great Rift Valley via Solid Game Reserve. Make your way to the Great Rift Valley, an enormous area featuring beautiful lakes, expansive plains, and soaring mountains. Along the way, enjoy a game drive through the Solio Game Reserve, a privately owned sanctuary dedicated to rhino conservation. Keep an eye out for some of the ranch’s 200-plus rhinos, as well as other animals that make up the Big Five, and hear about the ranch’s successful black rhino breeding and protection initiatives.

Afterwards, head toward Aberdare for an included lunch. Then, continue on to your lodge.

This evening, sit down for an included dinner served with beer or wine.


October 7: Lake Naivasha Boat Safari. Spend the morning at the vast and ancient Lake Naivasha, which lies at nearly 6,200 feet above sea level and is the highest of the Great Rift Valley’s three best-known lakes. Upon arrival, set out on a boat tour of Lake Naivasha, which is known for its substantial population of hippos and bird species.

Enjoy an included lunch at a local restaurant at Lake Naivasha. Then, head back to your safari lodge, where you’ll relax for the remainder of the day.

Sit down for an included dinner this evening, served with beer or wine.


October 8: Transfer to Maasai Mara & game drive. Continue through the Great Rift Valley as you travel to the Maasai Mara, a nearly 600-square-mile national reserve in southwestern Kenya known for its vast plains and abundant wildlife. The region is also home to the Maasai people, an indigenous tribe of semi-nomadic pastoralists whose livelihood revolves around cattle. The Maasai tribe’s signature—and symbolic—red-and-blue clothing and colorful, beaded jewelry are among many traditions its people have maintained, while other tribes have adopted more modern styles of living.

  • Enjoy an included lunch at your tented safari camp.
  • Set out on an afternoon game drive, keeping your eyes peeled for leopards, rhinos, Cape buffalo, lions, and elephants—known collectively as the Big Five.
  • Admire the Maasai Mara’s rolling hills, swaying savanna grasses, and iconic acacia trees.

Sit down for an included dinner this evening, served with beer or wine.


October 9: Game drives & Maasai Mara Village Visit. Spend the morning relaxing and catching up on sleep, or add an excursion.

Today, get to know the awe-inspiring animals and people of the Maasai Mara.

  • Rise before the sun for an early morning game drive—an exhilarating opportunity to spot lions, elephants, and other animals starting their day in search of food.
  • Head back to your tented safari camp for an included lunch.
  • After lunch, climb aboard a safari vehicle for an afternoon game drive, keeping watch for prides of lions snoozing in the shade, giraffes ambling among leafy trees, and sturdy warthogs trotting through tall grass.

Later, immerse yourself in the Maasai way of life during a visit to a local boma, or Maasai homestead.

  • Join male members of the Maasai tribe in their signature adamu, or jumping dance.
  • Tour a functioning Maasai boma and discover the tribe’s history and heritage.
  • Visit a market where Maasai people sell handiworks and crafts, and learn how money from visitors’ purchases helps sustain the tribe.
  • Receive your own Maasai name and learn the meaning behind it.

This evening, sit down for an included dinner served with beer or wine.


October 10: Ubuntu Made Studio, transfer to Nairobi. En route back to Nairobi, stop in the bustling town of Maai Mahiu for a visit to the Ubuntu Life Foundation’s craft workshop for a chance to meet with the talented Maker Mums.

  • Hear about the Ubuntu Life Foundation’s mission to provide health and education services and to promote inclusivity of children with special needs across the country.
  • Enter the Ubuntu Made Studio to meet the Maker Mums, who craft beautiful items, such as bags and shoes, by hand.
  • Learn how the Maai Mahiu community has been empowered by Ubuntu to gain skills and self esteem to start their own businesses for a better future.

Continue to Nairobi and relax in a dayroom before boarding your flight home tonight or early tomorrow morning, or extend your stay to explore southern Kenya.


Extension: Southern Kenya - Situated in southern Kenya, Tsavo is the country’s largest national park. When it comes to spotting animals of all spots and stripes, the vast, unspoiled area delivers in a big way, too. So, ready your binoculars, power on your camera, and prepare to observe elephants, black rhinos, buffalo, Maasai lions, and other majestic creatures in the wild. Along the way, visit a rhino sanctuary to learn how local officials are protecting the magnificent animals from poaching.


October 11: Transfer to Tsavo National Park & Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary. Travel south this morning to Tsavo National Park, Kenya’s largest park. Its impressive expanse is home to large herds of elephants, black rhinos, buffalo, Maasai lions, and many more animals.

  • Upon arrival in the park, enjoy an included lunch.
  • Following lunch, meet with a naturalist guide to visit the Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary.
  • Learn about the sanctuary’s conservation projects and initiatives aimed at stopping the poaching of rhinos and other animals.
  • Set out on a game drive to view some of the park’s 200-plus rhinos, as well as elephants, leopards, and many different species of birds.

Sit down this evening for an included dinner served with beer or wine.


October 12: Tsavo West National Park Game Drives. Travel through the vast expanse of savannah in the west side of Tsavo National Park, where you’ll encounter open grasslands, scrublands, woodlands, and the rolling Chyulu Hills. As you make your way through the diverse scenery, keep an eye out for the Big Five and other animals, like the hartebeest and Maasai giraffe.

Enjoy an included lunch before making your way to Mzima Springs, a hangout for hippos and crocs. The springs’ crystal-clear waters flow through the surrounding volcanic rocks.

After freshening up back at the lodge, sit down for an included dinner this evening served with beer or wine.


October 14: Departure. Return to Nairobi today, where you’ll relax in a dayroom before boarding your flight home tonight or early tomorrow morning.


October 14: Travel Day... arrive home today.



*** 10 spots left on this tour ***


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