Classic Greece to Turkey Adventure - 20 Days

Frequently asked questions

• What are the main highlights of the "Classic Greece to Turkey Adventure" tour?

  The main highlights include exploring ancient sites like the Acropolis, Parthenon, Ephesus, and Troy, enjoying local cuisine with a cooking class in Athens and meze tasting in Volos, experiencing the unique landscapes of Cappadocia with its fairy chimneys and underground cities, and hiking near Mount Olympus.

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

  You will primarily stay in small, locally-run hotels or pensions for 19 nights. These accommodations are typically clean, safe, and centrally located, though they may vary in standard and might not always have elevators or air-conditioning. One night (Night 16) will be spent on an overnight train.

• What is the typical group size for this tour?

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

• Who will be leading the tour?

  The tour is led by a Chief Experience Officer (CEO) throughout the trip, along with local guides at specific sites. Please note there will be a change in CEOs when transitioning from Greece to Turkey.

• Are meals included in the tour price?

  The tour includes 19 breakfasts, 1 lunch, and 2 dinners. Other meals are not typically included to allow for flexibility in dining choices, but your CEO can recommend local restaurants.

• What types of transportation are used during the tour?

  Transportation includes a mix of private vehicles, trains (including one overnight train), ferries, and an internal flight. There will also be walking involved, and you'll need to carry your luggage for short distances between transport and hotels.

• What is the minimum age to participate in this tour?

  The minimum age to join this tour is 12 for minors traveling with a guardian over 21 years old. To travel unaccompanied, you must be 18 years old.

• What is the policy for solo travelers?

  Solo travelers on group trips are paired in shared accommodation with someone of the same sex without a single supplement. If you prefer a private room, the "My Own Room" option is available, but be aware that single rooms in European hotels can sometimes be smaller.

• What currency should I bring, and how should I manage money during the trip?

  Euros are used in Greece, and Turkish Lira in Turkey. Credit and debit cards (especially Visa) are useful for cash advances, but it's recommended to carry a combination of cash, cards, and potentially traveler's cheques as cards may not always work. Always check with your bank regarding international usage and fees. An emergency fund of at least USD $200 (or equivalent) is also recommended.

• Is tipping customary on this tour?

  Tipping is customary in Europe. A general guideline is 10% for wait staff and €1-€2 for other service providers. For local guides, €3-€5 per day is recommended. For your CEO, an appreciated guideline is €30-€40 per person per week.

• Is travel insurance required for this trip?

  Yes, travel insurance is compulsory for all participants and evidence must be shown to your leader. It must cover medical expenses, emergency evacuation, and repatriation with a minimum coverage of USD200,000. Coverage for personal liability, cancellation, curtailment, and lost luggage is also highly recommended.

• Are there any specific health considerations for this trip?

  It is essential to consult your travel doctor for up-to-date medical information and required inoculations well before departure. We recommend carrying a personal first-aid kit. Our leaders are not permitted to administer medication. You should also assess your physical ability to participate in the tour's activities.

• What rules should I be aware of during the trip?

  Illegal drugs are strictly prohibited on all trips, as is the use of paid sex workers, in accordance with the tour operator's philosophy of respect for local communities and safety. Violation of these rules may result in expulsion from the group without refund.

• What kind of optional activities are available?

  A wide range of optional activities are available, including visiting museums (Acropolis Museum, National Archaeological Museum), historical sites (Ancient Agora, Bourtzi Castle, Palamidi Fortress, Epidavros, Mycenae, Roman Forum), specialized tours (Meteora Sunset Tour, Guided Meteora Monasteries Hiking Tour, Athens Bike Tour, Thessaloniki food tour), cultural experiences (Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon Ride, Turkish Bath, Carpet Demonstration), and landmark visits (Galata Tower, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Basilica Cistern, Dolmabahçe Palace). Prices vary per activity.

• What is the Planeterra program?

  Planeterra is a non-profit foundation dedicated to helping local communities benefit from tourism. It supports community-owned businesses, empowers women and youth, and protects the environment. As a traveler, you can contribute to Planeterra projects through a "Dollar-a-day Program" where 100% of donations go directly to their initiatives.

• Will there be laundry facilities available?

  Some hotels offer laundry facilities for a charge, or your CEO can direct you to the nearest laundromat. It's advisable to bring non-polluting/biodegradable soap if you anticipate doing laundry yourself.

• What type of accommodation can I expect on this tour?

  You will stay in small, family-run hotels or pensions for 19 nights. These accommodations are clean, safe, and centrally located, though some may not have elevators, air-conditioning, or English-speaking staff. Larger city hotels are typically used at the start and finish points.

• What meals are included in the tour price?

  The tour includes 19 breakfasts, 1 lunch, and 2 dinners. Meals are generally not included when there is a choice of eating options, providing you with maximum flexibility. Your CEO can recommend local restaurants.

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

  Transportation on this trip will involve a mix of private vehicles, an overnight train, taxi, ferry, plane, and walking. You will be required to carry your own luggage for short distances (up to 15 minutes walk) between transport and hotels, so packing light is advised.

• How large are the tour groups, and who will be leading the trip?

  The maximum group size is 16, with an average of 12 travelers. The trip is accompanied by a Chief Experience Officer (CEO) throughout, along with local guides. Please note that there will be a CEO change between Greece and Turkey.

• Are there any age restrictions for joining this tour?

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

• What is the physical rating of this tour?

  This tour has a physical rating of 2, which suggests a moderate activity level. It includes activities like hiking through Cappadocia's 'fairy chimneys' and walking explorations of historical sites.

• What are the options for solo travelers regarding accommodation?

  Solo travelers are typically paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex at no extra cost. If you book the 'My Own Room' option, you will receive your own single room for all hotel nights, although single rooms in European hotels can sometimes be smaller. Night 16, an overnight train, is an exception where a private room is not applicable.

• What are the guidelines for tipping on this tour?

  Tipping is customary in Europe. A general guideline is 10% for wait staff and €1-€2 for other service providers. For local guides, €3-5 per day is recommended. For your CEO, if you feel they did an outstanding job, €30-€40 per person per week is a personal preference.

• What health and safety considerations should I be aware of for this trip?

  You should consult your travel doctor for up-to-date medical travel information and inoculation requirements. It is recommended to carry a First Aid kit and hand sanitizers. Your CEO has the authority to amend the itinerary for safety reasons. During free time, use common sense, be aware of your surroundings, and in major cities at night, it's recommended to stay in small groups and use taxis.

• Is travel insurance required for this trip, and should I bring emergency funds?

  Yes, travel insurance is compulsory, with a minimum coverage of USD200,000 for medical expenses including emergency evacuation and repatriation. It is also recommended to have access to at least an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an emergency fund for unforeseen circumstances.

• What are the visa and entry requirements for Greece and Turkey?

  All countries require a valid passport with a minimum of 6 months validity. Visa requirements vary by nationality, so it is your responsibility to check with your local embassy or consulate. Please be aware that from 2025, ETIAS travel authorization will be an entry requirement for visa-exempt nationals traveling to various European countries.

• What should I know about currency and money exchange while on this tour?

  In Greece, the currency is the Euro (EUR). In Turkey, the currency is the Turkish Lira (TRY). Credit and debit cards (especially Visa) are useful for cash advances, and ATMs are generally available. It is best to carry a combination of cash and cards, and be aware that a fee usually applies when purchasing with a credit card.

• Will laundry facilities be available during the tour?

  Laundry facilities are offered by some hotels for a charge, or your CEO can direct you to the closest laundromat. If you plan to do your own laundry, we suggest bringing non-polluting/biodegradable soap.

• What are the 'G for Good Moments' on this tour?

  This tour includes a 'G for Good Moment' at Shedia Home, a local non-profit cafe in Athens, and a visit to the G-supported Çöp(m)adam handicraft coop in Ayvalık, which supports local women. These experiences are part of our commitment to turning travel into positive community impact through the Planeterra Foundation.

• What are the main highlights of this trip?

  The trip highlights include journeying through the rich history of Greece and Turkey, from the iconic Acropolis and Parthenon to the ancient cities of Ephesus and Troy. You'll savor Mediterranean and Turkish cuisine with a cooking class in Athens and a meze tasting in Volos, and explore the surreal landscapes of Cappadocia with its 'fairy chimneys' and the subterranean Kaymakli underground city.