Total Europe: Austria, the Mediterranean & Ancient Athens - 25 Days

Frequently asked questions

• Are international flights included in this trip?

  No, international flights are generally not included in the price of your tour. However, on some combo tours travelling between two different countries, international flights are included as part of the itinerary and price of the tour. Please speak to your GCO or booking agent for further details. In addition, check-in times and baggage allowances/restrictions vary by airline and can change at any time. For the most up-to-date information for your flight, please contact your airline. We recommend checking in online in advance to avoid potential delays at the airport.

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

  Please note inoculations may be required for the country visited. It is your responsibility to consult with your travel doctor for up to date medical travel information well before departure. You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information well before departure. We recommend that you carry a First Aid kit and hand sanitizers / antibacterial wipes as well as any personal medical requirements. Please be aware that quite often we are in remote areas and away from medical facilities, and for legal reasons our leaders are prohibited from administering any type of drug including headache tablets, antibiotics, etc. When selecting your trip please carefully read the brochure and itinerary and assess your ability to cope with our style of travel. Please refer to the Physical and Culture Shock ratings for trip specific information. the tour operator reserves the right to exclude any traveller from all or part of a trip without refund if in the reasonable opinion of our CEO they are unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group.

• Does the tour operator have an email newsletter I can subscribe to?

  Our adventure travel e-newsletter is full of travel news, trip information, interesting stories and contests. To avoid missing out on special offers and updates from the tour operator, subscribe at www.gadventures.com/newsletters/ Stay current on how our company invests in our global community through our foundation – Planeterra. Sign up for Planeterra's monthly news to learn more about how to give back and support the people we love to visit.

• Who will be leading the group on this trip?

  This the tour operator group trip is accompanied by one of our CEOs (Chief Experience Officer). The aim of the CEO is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects.

• How large will the group be?

  Max 24, Avg 16.

• How much spending money and emergency funds should I bring on this trip?

  Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip. Please also make sure you have access to at least an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an 'emergency' fund, to be used when circumstances outside our control (ex. a natural disaster) require a change to our planned route. This is a rare occurrence!

• How old must I be to join this trip?

  Minimum age of 18 years for this trip.

• Is there an extra cost for travelling solo?

  We believe single travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and single travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.

• Is travel insurance required for my trip?

  Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your CEO, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy please bear in mind that all clients must have medical coverage and that we require a minimum coverage 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. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.

• Should I be tipping on my trip?

  While conventions can vary from country to country, tipping is customary in Europe. A general rule is 10% of the bill for wait staff, and a smaller amount (€1 or €2) for other service providers. Tipping is an expected - though not compulsory - component of your tour program, and an expression of satisfaction with the persons who have assisted you on your tour. Although it may not be customary to you, it is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels. There are several times during the trip where there is opportunity to tip the local guides. You may do this individually, or your CEO will offer to collect the money and tip as a group. Recommendations for tipping local guides would range from €3-5 per day, depending on the quality and length of the service; ask your CEO for specific recommendations based on the circumstances and culture. At the end of each trip, if you felt your the tour operator CEO did an outstanding job, tipping is expected and appreciated. The precise amount is a personal preference, however €30-€40 per person, per week can be used as a guideline.

• What activities are optional on this trip?

  Venice - Campanile San Marco Lookout (8EUR per person), Doge's Palace (Palazzo Ducale) Visit (17EUR per person), Gallerie dell'Accademia (12EUR per person). Florence - Ponte Vecchio Visit, Medici Chapels Visit (9-32EUR per person), Piazza della Repubblica Visit, National Museum of Bargello (15.75EUR per person), Mercato Centrale (Mercato di San Lorenzo) Visit, Il Duomo di Firenze Visit (Free-30EUR per person), Uffizi Gallery Visit (25EUR per person). Rome - Trevi Fountain (Free), Spanish Steps (Free), St. Peter's Square Walk (3-5EUR per person), Pantheon Visit (2-5EUR per person), Colosseum Visit (24EUR per person). Split - Mestrovic Gallery (30HRK per person), Bacvice Beach Visit (Free), Marjan's Peak Visit (30EUR per person), St Duje Cathedral Visit (15-40HRK per person). Dubrovnik - Rector's Palace (115HRK per person), Museum of Croatian War of Independence (5EUR per person), Cable Car Ride (30EUR per person), Dubrovnik City Wall Walk (40EUR per person). Kotor - Donji Stoliv Hike, The Ladder of Kotor Hike, Kotor Maritime Museum (5EUR per person), Sea Kayaking (20EUR per person), Kotor - Tivat Inland Tour (40EUR per person). Saranda - Lekuresi Castle (Free), Mirror Beach Visit, Bay Visit (Free). Corfu - Achilleion Palace, Museum and Gardens (10EUR per person), Archaeological Museum Corfu (3EUR per person), Mon Repos Beach (1.50EUR per person), Palaio Frourio, Temple of Artemis (Free), Hiking Corfu.

• What are the joining instructions upon arrival?

  For details of your joining hotel please refer to your tour voucher, G Account, the the tour operator App or contact your travel agent. From Munich airport (MUC), you can reach the city centre in two ways: by train (S-Bahn) or by bus (Lufthansa Express Bus). Simply follow the signs to the train station underground or head to the bus stop outside Terminal 1. Purchase your ticket from the machines before boarding. If you choose the S-Bahn, look for trains heading to Munich Hauptbahnhof (central station) or Marienplatz. If you prefer the bus, it will take you directly to Munich Hauptbahnhof. To arrange an arrival or departure transfer, we recommend you book through our preferred transfer provider - Welcome Pickups. We advise that you book both your arrival and departure transfers in advance. Please make sure you have the following details before booking: - Flight number - Flight Arrival Time and Date - Flight Departure Time and Date - Passenger's Name - Number of Passengers - Email - Valid Mobile Telephone Number - Drop off and/or Pick Up Address Please note that day 1 is an arrival day and no activities have been planned on this day. Upon arrival to your Joining Hotel (note that check-in time will be in the afternoon), look for a note or bulletin board in the reception with a note from your CEO. This note will give the details of your Welcome Meeting on day 1 (usually between 5pm and 7pm), where you will get a chance to meet your CEO and other travellers, as well as learn more about how the tour will run. If you don’t see a note, please ask reception for details! If you are arriving later and will miss the Welcome Meeting, your CEO will leave a note at reception for you with any information you may need, and with morning instructions for the next day.

• What are the main highlights of this trip?

  Hike in the Italian alps, Sample delicious local food in Rome, Venice, and Florence, Take a boat to the island of Korčula, Take a scenic drive along Kotor Bay, Walk to Kotor fortress at sunrise, Visit the magnificent Monasteries in Meteora, Lay your eyes on famous landmarks like The Parthenon and the Acropolis, Grab a drink at Shedia, a the tour operator—supported café, Enjoy orientation walks and free time for optional activities in the major cities.

• What modes of transportation are used on this trip?

  Most transport on this trip will be by private vehicle, train, boat, and walking. The group will take the train from Venice to Florence and Florence to Rome, and an overnight ferry between Ancona and Split. A hydrofoil will be used to Korcula and a ferry between Saranda and Corfu. Local buses will be used between Corfu and Delphi, ending with a private transfer from Delphi to Athens. This tour includes some long travel days, but we believe those hours of travel are more than worth it for the reward of seeing so much of this breathtaking region in a short space of time, so unfold your map and get ready to enjoy some beautiful landscapes between Munich and Athens. Between transport and hotels you may be required to carry your luggage short distances (up to 20 mins walk).

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

  Many national governments provide a regularly updated advice service on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure. We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe keeping of your passport, air tickets, travellers' cheques, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewellery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of the hotels we use have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. When travelling on a group trip, please note that your CEO has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it is deemed necessary due to safety concerns. Your CEO will accompany you on all included activities. During your trip you will have some free time to pursue your own interests, relax and take it easy or explore at your leisure. While your CEO will assist you with options available in a given location please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your itinerary, and we offer no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgment when selecting an activity in your free time. Although the cities visited on tour are generally safe during the day, there can be risks to wandering throughout any major city at night. It is our recommendation to stay in small groups and to take taxis to and from restaurants, or during night time excursions. Protests and Demonstrations- Protests and demonstrations, even those that are well intended, have the potential to turn violent with no warning. Counter protests can also turn violent. Action by security forces to disperse demonstrators and protesters may occur at any time. If you are in an area where demonstrators or protesters are gathering, avoid the temptation of staying for a good photo opportunity and leave the area immediately. Water based activities have an element of danger and excitement built into them. We recommend only participating in water based activities when accompanied by a guide(s). We make every reasonable effort to ensure the fun and adventurous element of any water based activities (in countries with varying degrees of operating standards) have a balanced approach to safety. It is our policy not to allow our CEOs to make arrangements on your behalf for water based activities that are not accompanied by guide(s). Swimming, including snorkeling, is always at your own risk. We take all prudent measures in relation to your safety. For ways to further enhance your personal safety while traveling, please visit: www.gadventures.com/travel-resources/safety/

• What happens if I experience problems when arriving or need emergency contact?

  We don't expect any problems, and nor should you, but if for any reason you are unable to commence your trip as scheduled, as soon as possible please contact your starting point hotel, requesting that you speak to or leave a message for your CEO. If you are unable to get in touch with your leader, please refer to our emergency contact details. EMERGENCY CONTACT NUMBER: the tour operator Berlin office: +44 7817 262559. If you are unable for any reason to contact our local office, please call the numbers listed below which will connect you directly with our Sales team who will happily assist you. Toll-free, from calls within North America only: 1 888 800 4100. Calls from within UK: 0344 272 0000. Calls from within Germany: 0800 365 1000. Calls from within Australia: 1 300 796 618. Calls from within New Zealand: 0800 333 307. Outside North America, Australia, New Zealand, Germany and the UK: +1 416 260 0999.

• What is Planeterra and how does the tour operator support local communities?

  Planeterra International Foundation is a non-profit organization committed to turning travel into impact by helping local communities earn an income from tourism. Planeterra connects underserved local communities to the benefits of tourism by developing and supporting small community-owned businesses. These businesses support Indigenous people, empower women, grant youth access to employment opportunities, and protect the environment. Planeterra also works to ensure these businesses have a thriving customer base by integrating their projects into the tour operator’ itineraries globally. the tour operator is Planeterra’s largest corporate donor, covering all operating costs, so 100% of your donation will bring opportunity to people in need. The tour operator Dollar-a-day Program - Make Every Day Count - Turn your travel into impact with Planeterra Foundation. Did you know? Most communities around the world do not benefit from tourism. Give back to the places you visit on your travels by creating opportunities for local people to earn an income, and protect the environment. Make every day count by donating $1/day for the length of your trip, and join us in empowering the communities you will visit when you travel. 100% of your donation goes directly to Planeterra projects.

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

  On this trip you can expect to stay in hip and lively hostels in excellent central locations to give you maximum time for exploring the sights. You can expect to find clean, safe, simple accommodation in convenient locations. The group will also spend the night on a ferry when travelling between Ancona and Split. Note that most accommodation in Europe does not have air conditioning units in rooms. Air conditioning is not routinely installed in European homes and workplaces. Accommodation will be primarily in multi-share hostels (typically 6-8, but up to 10-12 people per room), with a choice of mixed gender and female-only dorms. Some rooming exceptions may apply due to the unique nature of the itineraries and of the hostels themselves, which have been specifically chosen to give local flavour to your trip. Please see the full itinerary description and the Rooming Exception section below for specific exceptions to the rooming that may apply to this tour.

• What meals are included in this trip?

  23 breakfasts are included. Generally, other meals are not included to give you maximum flexibility in deciding where, what, and with whom to eat. Your CEO will be able to suggest favourite restaurants.

• What rules should I know before joining this trip?

  Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on any trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is a part of local culture in some parts of the world but is not acceptable for our travellers. Our philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter and in particular the local people who make the world the special place it is. The exploitation of people in the sex trade is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our CEOs have the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or if they utilize the services of paid sex workers, in any capacity.

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

  Credit cards and debit cards are very useful for cash advances but you must remember to bring your PIN number (be aware that many ATM machines only accept 4-digit PINs). Both Cirrus and Plus system cards are the most widely accepted debit cards. Visa cards are the most widely accepted credit cards. While ATMs are commonly available, there are no guarantees that your credit or debit cards will actually work - Check with your bank. You should be aware when purchasing products or services on a credit card, that a fee usually applies. Do not rely on credit or debit cards as your only source of money. A combination of Euros, and cards is best. Always take more rather than less, as you don't want to spoil the trip by constantly feeling short of funds.

• What are the visa and entry requirements for my trip?

  All countries require a valid passport (with a minimum 6 months validity). Contact your local embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date visa requirements, or see your travel agent. It is your own responsibility to have the correct travel documentation. Visa requirements for your trip will vary depending on where you are from and where you are going. We keep the following information up to date as far as possible, but rules do change and sometimes without warning. While we provide the following information in good faith, it is vital that you check the information yourself and understand that you are fully responsible for your own visa requirements. Visa information specific to your destination and nationality can be found in our Important Pre-Departure Information page here. For other nationalities, travelling in Europe has been simplified with the introduction of the Schengen visa. As a visitor to the Schengen area (Austria, Germany, Netherlands, Belgium, Greece, Norway, Denmark, Iceland, Portugal, Finland, Italy, Spain, France, Luxembourg, Sweden, Czech Republic, Hungary, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia and Switzerland) you will enjoy the many advantages of this unified visa system. Generally speaking with a Schengen visa, you may enter one Schengen country and travel freely throughout the Schengen region during the validity of your visa. There are limited border controls at Schengen borders, if any at all. Please note that the UK and Ireland are NOT part of the Schengen agreement. A Schengen visa is applied for at the Embassy or Consulate of the Schengen country in which you will be spending the most nights on your trip to the Schengen space. If you are only visiting one country on your trip then you apply for your visa at the Consulate of this Schengen country. VENICE ACCESS FEE: On April 25th 2024, Venice introduced a new tourist entry requirement. Travellers who are only visiting Venice for the day are charged a tourist fee imposed by the city. We kindly request that you visit the Venice Access Fee Homepage to complete the form prior to travel. Completing this form stating you are staying overnight will exempt you from this fee. Please check the specific dates on the link above - if your departure is affected, please follow the steps below: - If your tour STARTS in Venice (this includes arriving into Venice prior to tour start date) you will need to complete this form prior to arrival. - If your tour TRAVELS THROUGH Venice, your CEO will assist with this requirement on tour. - If your tour FINISHES in Venice (this includes staying in Venice after the tour finish date), your CEO will assist with this requirement on tour. - Once you have clicked on the above link, you will find a specified announcement with the concerned dates. Double-check if your stay in Venice happens to fall into one of these dates. - Click on Exemptions. - Choose 'I am a guest of an accommodation facility located in the municipality of Venice'. - Continue to Request Exemption. - Put the start and end date of your Venice stay. - Fill all the requested information of the 'Main Holder' - (which is you!). Read the privacy policy before going to the next step. - Fill the Main Holders personal data (Name - Surname - Place of Birth - Date of Birth) as per passport. - Enter your contact number. - Double-check the data summary before confirming it and going into the next step. - You will now have to make a toll-free call to the number displayed on the screen, using the same phone number you filled beforehand. The call does not require a response. - Once you have successfully verified the telephone number, you can now download your voucher containing a specific QR code. As of 2025, various European countries are introducing ETIAS travel authorisation as an entry requirement for visa-exempt nationals. We highly recommend you checking in advance how your nationality and country/s you are visiting may be affected. Further details can be found here. Last updated: January 27th 2025.

• What is included in the tour?

  Your G for Good Moment: Visit to Shedia Home, Athens. Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group. Your Foodie Moment: Street Food Tour, Venice. Your Foodie Moment: Florence Market and Food Tour, Florence. Hike along Lake Misurina. Sample delicious local food in Rome, Florence, and Venice. Take a boat to the island of Korčula along the Dalmation Coast. Walk along the wall from Ston to Mali en route to Dubrovnik. Walk to Kotor fortress at sunrise. See Skadar Lake. Visit the magnificent Monasteries in Meteora. Experience the Delphi Ancient Ruins with your CEO. Embark on a highlights walk of Athens. Grab a drink at Shedia, a the tour operator—supported café. Enjoy orientation walks and free time for optional activities in the major cities. All transportation between destinations. 24 hour metro passes in some key cities.

• When can I do my laundry on this trip?

  Laundry facilities are offered by some of our hotels for a charge. There will be times when you may want to or have to do your own laundry so we suggest you bring non-polluting/biodegradable soap.

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

  The safety and well-being of all of our travelers is a priority at the tour operator and that includes our travelers who identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community. We recognize that there are specific concerns and questions you may have about your adventure in terms of safety and security. We encourage you to visit our LGBTQ+ page for useful resources to ensure you feel safe and comfortable throughout the duration of your trip. The Equaldex tool linked on this page can be of particular help when deciding where you may want to visit next.

• Are there any important notes about this tour?

  1. CLIMATE Weather in all countries visited is similar in May – October period. Summer is warm but rainy with 8 – 9 hours of sunshine. 2. YOUR CEO It is important to note that in Europe, all guiding is based around local guides all of whom are licensed to work only in a particular city. As such, our leaders are able to provide orientation walks which will show you the layout of each town and city as well as the location of local services such as post offices and laundromats, but are unable to legally share historical facts and figures in public places. Your CEO will be able to help you find a local guided tour in each location if you would like one. 3. LUGGAGE In Europe it is very rare to find elevators in train stations, hotels or other public places. We use public transport on this trip, which means you will need to carry your luggage from platform to platform, in and out of trains and buses etc. and also possibly up several flights of stairs. You will also need to be able to stow your luggage safely on trains and buses. It is therefore essential that you pack light and bring luggage which is compact and lightweight, and which you can easily transport. The carrying of your luggage remains your responsibility at all times. 4. COMBO TRIP Please note that this tour combines with other the tour operator tours. As such, the staff and some travel companions on your tour may have previously been traveling together with the tour operator, prior to Day 1 of your tour. Likewise, some staff and travel companions may be continuing together on another the tour operator tour, after your trip concludes. 5. OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES NOTE: During high season in Europe (May-October) we highly recommend booking reservations for any popular optional activities/museum tickets etc. in advance to avoid encountering sold-out activities on the ground while on tour.