Greece Family Journey: Stories of the Past - 9 Days

Frequently asked questions

• What kind of experience can families expect on this journey?

  This journey is designed for families to go back in time, exploring thousands of years of Greek history through interactive visits to sites like the Acropolis Museum and the Agora of Athens. It includes ancient games, treasure hunts, and culinary immersion with a Parian cooking class. There are also opportunities for swimming, snorkeling, and exploring iconic villages, all with a focus on fun for the whole family.

• What is the minimum age requirement for participants on this tour?

  The minimum age to join this trip is 7 years old. Family Journeys are specifically designed for groups traveling with children between the ages of 7 and 17, and a child must be included in your booking. Anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

• What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?

  Guests will stay in hotels for 8 nights. Accommodation is based on double occupancy, but triples/quads may be available upon request. You can expect small, family-run hotels or pensions in convenient, central locations, which are clean, safe, and simple. Please note that most accommodation in Europe does not have air conditioning, but standing or desk fans can be provided.

• What meals are included in the tour price?

  The tour includes 8 breakfasts, 2 lunches, and 5 dinners.

• What is the maximum number of travelers in a group?

  The maximum group size for this tour is 20 travelers.

• Who will be leading the tour group?

  The group will be led by two National Geographic Expedition Leaders throughout the journey, complemented by local guides at various sites.

• What modes of transportation are used during the tour?

  Transportation between destinations and to included activities primarily involves ferries for island transfers, private vehicles, and walking.

• Are there any optional activities available for an additional cost?

  Yes, optional activities include a visit to the National Archaeological Museum in Athens (12 EUR per person) and a full-day Land Rover Safari in Crete.

• What is the tipping policy for this trip?

  Local tipping for guides, drivers, and gratuity for included meals is covered. For your two National Geographic Expedition Leaders, tipping is expected and appreciated, with a guideline of €8-10 per person per day. For non-included meals in restaurants, a guideline of 5-10% of the bill is customary.

• What currency is used in Greece and what should I know about managing money?

  The local currency is Euros. Credit cards (Visa is most widely accepted) and debit cards (Cirrus and Plus systems) are useful for cash advances at ATMs, but it's important to remember your PIN (many ATMs only accept 4-digit PINs). It is recommended to carry a combination of Euros and cards, and to have access to at least an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an emergency fund.

• Is travel insurance required for this trip?

  Yes, travel insurance is compulsory to participate in any of our trips. It must include a minimum coverage of USD 200,000 for repatriation and emergency rescue. We also strongly recommend coverage for personal liability, cancellation, curtailment, and loss of luggage/personal effects.

• What are some general safety and security tips for the trip?

  We recommend checking your government's travel advice before departure. It is strongly advised to use a neck wallet or money belt for valuables like passports and cash. Leave valuable jewelry at home, and utilize hotel safety deposit boxes. When exploring during free time, especially at night, it is recommended to stay in small groups and use taxis. Swimming and other water-based activities are at your own risk, but our leaders will ensure arrangements for activities with guides prioritize safety.

• What are the health considerations for travelers on this trip?

  It is your responsibility to consult with your travel doctor for up-to-date medical travel information and required inoculations well before departure. We recommend carrying a first-aid kit and personal medical requirements. Please note that Expedition Leaders are prohibited from administering any type of drug. Travelers should assess their physical ability to cope with the tour's style of travel.

• Are laundry facilities available during the tour?

  Some hotels offer laundry facilities for a charge. Your Expedition Leader can also advise on the closest laundromats. If you plan to do your own laundry, we suggest bringing non-polluting/biodegradable soap.

• How does this tour contribute to local communities through Planeterra?

  Planeterra International Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to creating economic opportunities for local communities through tourism. This tour includes a 'G for Good Moment' with an immersive walking tour and scavenger hunt in Heraklion, Crete, organized by the Mobile Children Museum, which is a Planeterra-supported project.

• Are there specific rules regarding conduct on the trip?

  Yes, illegal drugs are not tolerated and possessing or using them puts the group at risk and contravenes local laws. Additionally, the exploitation of people in the sex trade is completely contrary to our philosophy. Expedition Leaders have the right to expel any group member found violating these rules.

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

  The safety and well-being of all travelers, including those who identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community, is a priority. We encourage you to visit our LGBTQ+ page for useful resources, including the Equaldex tool, to ensure you feel safe and comfortable throughout your trip.

• What is the primary focus of the Greece Family Journey: Stories of the Past tour?

  This 9-day tour is designed to immerse families in thousands of years of Greek history and culture. It includes interactive visits to ancient sites, opportunities to learn traditional Parian dishes, ancient games, treasure hunts, as well as swimming and snorkeling.

• What age range is this family journey designed for?

  National Geographic Family Journeys are designed for groups traveling with children between the ages of 7 and 17. Anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

• What kind of activities are included in the tour?

  The tour includes interactive visits to the Acropolis Museum (featuring a LEGO model of the Acropolis), a guided tour of the Agora of Athens, a democracy experiential workshop on Pnyx Hill, a Parian cooking class, and a history-packed scavenger hunt in Heraklion. You'll also have opportunities for swimming, snorkeling, and exploring authentic villages.

• How many meals are included during the trip?

  The tour includes 8 breakfasts, 2 lunches, and 5 dinners.

• What type of accommodation can we expect on this trip?

  You will stay in hotels for 8 nights. Accommodation is generally in small, family-run hotels or pensions, which may vary in standard and facilities. Rooms are typically based on double occupancy, with triples/quads available upon request. Please note that some accommodation in Europe may not have air conditioning units in rooms, though a fan can usually be provided.

• What is the maximum group size for this tour?

  The maximum group size for this tour is 20 travelers.

• Is travel insurance required for this trip?

  Yes, travel insurance is compulsory. It must include medical coverage with a minimum of USD 200,000 for repatriation and emergency rescue. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment, and loss of luggage and personal effects.

• Are international flights included in the tour price?

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

• What transportation methods are used during the tour?

  The tour primarily uses ferries for island transfers, private vehicles for land travel, and walking for exploring sites.

• What is the tipping policy for this family trip?

  Local tipping for local guides, drivers, and gratuity for included meals is covered. For your two National Geographic Expedition Leaders, a tip of €8-10 per person, per day is expected and appreciated if you felt they did an outstanding job. For non-included meals in restaurants, a guideline of 5-10% of the bill is suggested.

• What are some optional activities available on this trip?

  Optional activities available at an additional cost include a visit to the National Archaeological Museum in Athens (12EUR per person) and a Land Rover Safari in Crete.

• How much emergency money should I plan to bring?

  It is recommended to have access to at least an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an 'emergency' fund, to be used for unforeseen circumstances.

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

  Euros are the local currency. Credit cards and debit cards are useful for cash advances, but remember your PIN (many ATMs only accept 4-digit PINs). Visa and Cirrus/Plus cards are widely accepted. Do not rely solely on cards; a combination of Euros and cards is best. Be aware that a fee usually applies when purchasing with a credit card.

• Who will be leading our group?

  Your group will be led by two National Geographic Expedition Leaders throughout the journey, and you will also have local guides for specific activities and sites.

• Are there opportunities to do laundry during the trip?

  Laundry facilities are offered by some hotels for a charge, or your Expedition Leader can direct you to the closest laundromat. It is suggested to bring non-polluting/biodegradable soap if you plan to do your own laundry.