Best of Greece - 15 Days

Frequently asked questions

• What is the overall style of this tour?

  This is a Classic travel style tour, compiling top moments from best-selling trips in the region. It's a comprehensive tour through the cradle of Western Civilization, bringing the distant past and vibrant present into sharp focus.

• What are the main highlights of this trip?

  Highlights include discovering Greek history and culture, marveling at classic architecture both ancient and modern, exploring old cities and quaint villages, witnessing a Mediterranean sunset while eating fresh seafood, and soaking in Cretan culture.

• What type of accommodation is provided?

  Accommodation is in hotels for 14 nights. Expect small, family-run hotels or pensions, which vary slightly in standard but are clean, safe, simple, and in excellent central locations. Note that most European accommodation does not have air conditioning, but fans can be requested.

• What meals are included?

  14 breakfasts and 1 dinner are included in this trip.

• What is the physical rating for this tour?

  The physical rating for this tour is 3 out of 5, indicating a moderate level of activity.

• What is the maximum group size?

  The maximum group size for this tour is 16 travelers, with an average group size of 12.

• What is the minimum age to join this trip?

  You must be 18 to travel unaccompanied on this tour. For minors traveling with a guardian over 21 years old, the minimum age is 12.

• What modes of transportation are used on this trip?

  Transportation on this trip will be a mix of private vehicles, local buses, trains, and ferries. There is also a flight from Athens to Chania.

• Are international flights included in the tour price?

  No, international flights are generally not included in the price of your tour.

• Are local flights included in the tour price?

  Yes, all local flights are included in the cost of your tour unless otherwise noted. For the internal flight from Athens to Chania, luggage limits are 1 carry-on bag of 8kg and 1 checked baggage of 23kg.

• Is there an extra cost for solo travelers?

  Our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travelers are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex. A 'My Own Room' option is available at an extra charge, though single rooms in European hotels can be smaller.

• Is travel insurance required?

  Yes, travel insurance is compulsory. You need a minimum coverage of USD200,000 for medical expenses, including emergency evacuation and repatriation. Personal liability, cancellation, curtailment, and loss of luggage are strongly recommended.

• What is the policy on tipping?

  Tipping is customary in Europe. A general rule is 10% of the bill for wait staff and €1 or €2 for other service providers. For local guides, recommendations range from €3-5 per day. For the CEO, a guideline of €30-€40 per person per week is suggested.

• What activities are optional on this trip?

  Optional activities (with approximate costs in EUR) include: Athens Bike Tour (35), visits to the Acropolis Museum, Ancient Agora, or National Archaeological Museum; Meteora Sunset Tour (30), Guided Meteora Monasteries Hiking Tour, or Natural History Museum of Meteora (7); Nafplio castles (Bourtzi 7, Palamidi 20) or museums (Archaeology 10, War 3); Epidavros (20) and Mycenae (20) site visits; Chania museums or Koum Kapi Beach/Old Venetian Harbour; swimming/kayaking in Agia Roumeli/Loutro; Santorini volcano tour, sunset cruise, Akrotiri Ancient Ruins (20), or Museum of Prehistoric Thera (10).

• What if there are itinerary variations due to weather or season?

  For departures in April and October, there may be variations depending on season and weather conditions. Ferry schedules may be affected and access to Samariá Gorge may be limited or blocked. Expert CEOs will prioritize your safety and offer alternatives where possible.

• What currency should I bring and how can I handle money?

  Euros are used in Greece. Credit and debit cards (Visa widely accepted) are useful for cash advances, though ATM functionality cannot be guaranteed. It's best to bring a combination of Euros, traveler’s cheques, and cards. Check www.xe.com for daily exchange rates.

• How much emergency money should I have access to?

  You should have access to at least an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an 'emergency' fund, to be used if circumstances outside of our control require a route change.

• Are there laundry facilities available?

  Laundry facilities are offered by some hotels for a charge, or your CEO can direct you to a local laundromat. Bringing non-polluting/biodegradable soap is suggested for personal laundry.

• What should I do if I experience problems upon arrival or during the trip?

  If you are unable to commence your trip as scheduled, contact your starting point hotel and ask to speak to or leave a message for your CEO. For dire needs, contact the tour operator's local office (+441858378000) or global sales team (numbers provided in your dossier).

• Who will be leading the group?

  A CEO (Chief Experience Officer) will lead the group throughout the trip, supported by local guides for specific tours and activities.

• What rules should I know before joining this trip?

  Illegal drugs are not tolerated and contravene local laws and put the group at risk. Using services of paid sex workers is also not acceptable. CEOs have the right to expel any group member found in violation of these rules without refund.

• What are the general safety and security considerations?

  Check your government's travel advice. Use a neck wallet or money belt for valuables. Leave valuable jewelry at home. Many hotels have safety deposit boxes. A lock is recommended for luggage. Your group leader can amend the itinerary for safety. Exercise good judgment during free time, especially at night in cities (travel in groups, use taxis). Participate in water activities only with a guide; swimming/snorkeling is at your own risk.

• Are there any specific safety considerations for this trip?

  Like anywhere in the world, major cities have areas safer than others; use common sense, be aware of your surroundings, and mind your personal belongings.

• Are there any health considerations I should know before traveling?

  Consult with your travel doctor for up-to-date medical travel information and required inoculations well before departure. Carry a first aid kit, hand sanitizers, and any personal medical requirements. Leaders are prohibited from administering drugs. Assess your ability to cope with the travel style based on physical and culture shock ratings.

• What should LGBTQ+ travelers know about safety and travel considerations?

  The tour operator prioritizes the safety and well-being of all travelers, including those who identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community. They encourage visiting their LGBTQ+ page for useful resources, including the Equaldex tool, to ensure comfort throughout the trip.

• Can I subscribe to a newsletter for updates?

  Yes, you can subscribe to the adventure travel e-newsletter for travel news, trip information, stories, and contests at www.gadventures.com/newsletters/. You can also sign up for Planeterra's monthly news to learn about community investments.

• Do I need to pay a departure tax?

  Departure tax is usually included in your international air ticket.

• What is Planeterra?

  Planeterra International Foundation is a non-profit organization that helps local communities earn an income from tourism by developing and supporting small community-owned businesses. These businesses support Indigenous people, empower women, provide youth employment, and protect the environment, with G Adventures being their largest corporate donor.

• How large will the group be?

  The maximum group size will be 16 travelers, with an average of 12.

• What kind of accommodation can I expect on this trip?

  You can expect to stay in small, family-run hotels or pensions for 14 nights. These accommodations are typically clean, safe, simple, and in convenient locations. Please note that single room accommodations in European hotels are often smaller and may not have air conditioning, though most will provide a fan upon request.

• Will I get my own room if I'm a solo traveler?

  Our group trips are designed for shared accommodation without a single supplement; single travelers are typically paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex. If you book the 'My Own Room' option, you will receive your own single room for all night stops.

• What meals are included in this trip?

  The tour includes 14 breakfasts and 1 dinner.

• Are local flights included in the cost of the trip?

  Yes, all local flights, such as the flight from Athens to Chania, are included in the cost of your tour unless otherwise noted. Please provide your passport information at the time of booking to process these tickets. There are luggage limits for the Athens to Chania flight: 1 carry-on bag of 8kg and 1 checked bag of 23kg.

• Are international flights included in this trip?

  No, international flights are generally not included in the price of your tour. You should contact your airline for baggage allowances and check-in information.

• What modes of transportation will be used during the trip?

  Transportation on this trip will include a mix of ferries, local buses, private vans, trains, and planes. You will be required to carry your own luggage short distances (up to 15 minutes walk) between transport and hotels, so packing light is recommended.

• What is the physical rating for this tour?

  This tour has a physical rating of 3 out of 5, indicating a moderate level of activity.

• Are there any health considerations I should know before traveling?

  Inoculations may be required for Greece, and it is your responsibility to consult with your travel doctor for up-to-date medical travel information before departure. We recommend carrying a first aid kit, hand sanitizers/antibacterial wipes, and personal medical requirements, as medical facilities may be remote. Tour leaders are not permitted to administer drugs.

• What do I need to know about safety and security on my trip?

  Always use common sense and be aware of your surroundings in major cities. We strongly recommend using a neck wallet or money belt for valuables and leaving expensive jewelry at home. Many hotels offer safety deposit boxes. When you have free time, exercise good judgment when choosing optional activities. At night, it's recommended to stay in small groups and take taxis. Swimming and water-based activities are at your own risk unless accompanied by a guide.

• Is travel insurance required for my trip?

  Yes, travel insurance is compulsory. You must be covered for medical expenses, including emergency evacuation and repatriation, with a minimum coverage of USD200,000. Coverage for personal liability, cancellation, curtailment, and loss of luggage is also strongly recommended.

• Should I be tipping on my trip?

  Tipping is customary in Europe. A general rule is 10% for wait staff and €1-€2 for other service providers. For local guides, €3-€5 per day is recommended. At the end of the trip, a tip of €30-€40 per person per week for your CEO is expected and appreciated.

• What optional activities are available on this trip?

  There is a wide range of optional activities, including the Athens Bike Tour (35EUR), various museum visits in Athens and other cities, Meteora Sunset Tour (30EUR) or hiking tours, Bourtzi Castle visit (7EUR) in Náfplio, exploring ancient sites like Epidavros (20EUR) and Mycenae (20EUR), kayaking (10EUR) in Loutro, and a half-day volcano tour or sunset Oia cruise in Santorini.

• What should I know about currency, credit cards, and exchanging money while on this tour?

  Euros are the local currency. Credit and debit cards (Visa widely accepted) are useful for cash advances, and ATMs are generally available, but their functionality is not guaranteed. It's advisable to carry a combination of Euros, traveler’s cheques (if applicable), and cards, and not to rely solely on cards. An emergency fund of at least USD $200 (or equivalent) is recommended for unforeseen circumstances.

• Are there any itinerary notes or potential variations?

  For departures during April and October, there may be variations in the itinerary due to seasonal weather conditions, which can affect ferry schedules and access to Samaria Gorge. Our CEOs prioritize safety and may alter activities, offering alternatives where possible.

• Who will be leading the group?

  A CEO (Chief Experience Officer) will lead the group throughout the tour, assisted by local guides at various sites.

• Are laundry facilities available on this trip?

  Some hotels offer laundry facilities for a charge. Alternatively, your CEO can direct you to the nearest laundromat. It is advisable to bring non-polluting/biodegradable soap if you plan to do your own laundry.