Athens to Paros & Santorini

TRIP NOTES

Athens to Paros & Santorini 8 Days | Athens to Santorini

SEMI-INDEPENDENT TOUR: • Entrance fees for all included sites Day 1 : Athens Discover the fascinating ancient • Services of an English-speaking tour wonders of Athens before heading guide for Athens city tour to the beautiful Greek islands of • All transfers and transportation in modern Paros and Santorini. The perfect air conditioned vehicles combination of city break and • Note: This is a semi-independent tour island relaxation. which includes one day of group touring. For the Athens City Tour you will join travellers who have booked through other HIGHLIGHTS AND INCLUSIONS operators and group size can vary from Trip Highlights 20 - 45 persons. Guiding may be in an Arrival at the Athens airport, welcome additional language to English assistance and transfer to the hotel. Rest of • Athens - Discover one of the world's the day at leisure. Overnight - Athens oldest cities, from the ancient Acropolis to What's Not Included the modern Panathenaic Stadium • International flights and visas Day 2 : Athens City Tour • Paros - Quaint island in the Aegean with • Tipping - an entirely personal gesture traditional villages and secluded beaches • A hotel tax of €3.00 per room per night • Santorini - Relax on one of Greece's most to be paid directly to the hotel at time beautiful islands, where whitewashed of check in. Please budget Euro 21, for villages perch on volcanic cliffs and the duration of the tour. See Trip Notes breathtaking sunsets can be witnessed at additional info for details Oia What's Included COVID SAFE GUIDE • 7 nights 3-4 star hotels DETAILED ITINERARY The day is dedicated to exploring the city • 7 breakfasts of Athens. We begin with a panoramic • One arrival transfer on Day 1 (Athens) tour to the most important monuments and one departure transfer on Day 8 and landmarks of the city including the (Santorini) included per booking Panathinaikon stadium, the Zappeion, the • Two local ferry journeys between Athens temple of Olympian Zeus, Hadrian's Arch, and Paros and Paros and Santorini Syntagma square, the Parliament, the tomb of • Half day guided tour of Athens, including the unknown soldier, Schliemann's house, the the Acropolis and Acropolis Museum

Athens to Paros & Santorini - 8 Days updated on 26-09-2021 09:30:01 www.onthegotours.com This information has been compiled with care and good faith. They give an accurate illustration of the proposed arrangements for this holiday. Circumstances beyond our control such as changes in local conditions, inclement weather or other reasons could force us to make changes to UK 020 7371 1113 [email protected] this itinerary. Any costs shown are subject to change, though are an accurate reflection of costs at time of writing. Please also note that visa AUS 1300 855 684 [email protected] requirements are subject to change and are the responsibility of the traveller and not that of On The Go Tours. NZ 0800 44 77 69 CAN 1 866 890 7038 - 1 - USA 1 866 606 2960 SA 0800 990 311 TRIP NOTES

Athens to Paros & Santorini

Academy, the University, the National Library, Day 5 : Santorini Highlighted below are some of the hotels and the old Parliament. Next we head for which we frequently use on this tour, though our guided visit to the Acropolis, including we reserve the right to substitute these the Propylae, the temple of Athena Nike, the hotels to ones of a similar standard. Parthenon, the Erechtheion. Please refer to your Tour Voucher for your confirmed arrival hotel and further arrival Later, we continue with a guided visit to the information. Acropolis museum voted one of the best museums in the world. Afternoon at leisure to Polis Grand explore Plaka, the picturesque old part of the In the heart of Athens, the Polis Grand is a city, and why not, some shopping at Ermou contemporary hotel with excellent facilities. street. Paros - Santorini. Leaving Paros this morning, Guest rooms are well appointed with elegant Overnight - Athens (B) we head to the port for a local ferry to the furniture and all modern conveniences. magical island of Santorini. The journey takes Day 3 : Paros Some rooms are equipped with a balcony about 3 1/2 hours and once we have docked with fantastic views over to the Acropolis. we are transferred to our hotel where the rest The hotel benefits from a number of eateries of the day free to relax or explore. Overnight which serve up an array of Greek and - Santorini (B) international cuisine as well as tasty coffee and delicious pies. Definitely head for a Days 6-7 : Explore Santorini cocktail in the evening at the roof garden bar for amazing views across the city.

Athens - Paros. Today we leave the mainland and head to the beautiful island of Paros. We take a local ferry from the Athens port Piraeus early this morning. Arriving on the island about 4 hours later, we're transferred to our hotel Titania Hotel and the remainder of the day is at leisure. At leisure to explore the magical island Nestled in the historic centre of Athens, Overnight - Paros (B) of Santorini. Discover Fira & Oia with the the Titiana offers beautiful accommodation breathtaking views to the volcano, and enjoy all classically designed. The ensuite guest Day 4 : Free time on Paros one of the best sunsets in the Aegean. Explore rooms are furnished to a high standard with the unique black-sanded beaches or take neutral tones and wooden flooring. Breakfast a boat tour to the islands of the caldera. is served in the impressive rooftop Olive Overnight - Santorini (B:2) Garden restaurant which affords amazing Day 8 : Santorini views across the city including the Acropolis. The hotel also benefits from complimentary Wi-Fi and a fitness centre.

At leisure to explore this beautiful island of the Cyclades. Discover picturesque and bustling Naoussa, explore the neighboring Antiparos, enjoy the sandy beaches, and wander in picturesque Parikia. Overnight - Paros (B) Hotel Narges Morning at leisure until the time to transfer to This classically Greek Narges Hotel is the airport for your flight home.(B) designed in the typical Cycladic style with white washed decor and splashes of HOTELS vibrant colour. The en suite guest rooms are

Athens to Paros & Santorini spacious and open out onto balconies with have private balconies looking out to the sea COVID-19 digital certificates, NHS Covid garden views. The hotel also benefits from or the garden and are equipped with lots of Pass or Vaccination Record Cards e- a large swimming pool and stylish poolside modern conveniences. The hotel also has mailed to [email protected] or you bar serving refreshing cocktails and other a couple of restaurants serving local and can upload your vaccination history beverages. international cuisine. Plus there is a lovely yourself via our traveller login. https:// outdoor pool to cool down in and lots of www.onthegotours.com/Login sunbeds. The information you will need to upload includes: Administering national authority or government, document No, name of Vaccine, date/s of vaccination.

Greece Country Guide Parosland Hotel Set amongst well manicured gardens, Greece Visas Parosland hotel is designed in a classic UK, AUS, NZ, USA and CAN passport holders Cycladic. All guestrooms are tastefully KNOW BEFORE YOU GO do not require a visa at present to enter decorated with earthy tones and private Greece for touristic purposes, for a stay of up balconies. The hotel benefits from a lovely COVID-19 Vaccination to 90 days in any 180-day period. outdoor pool and well tended bar. There Requirements is a fitness centre and massages can be As of 01 November 2021 it is a condition of For passport holders of other arranged upon request. travel, as detailed in our Terms & Conditions nationalities not included here, please that all travellers over 18 years provide proof check the http://www.projectvisa.com/ of COVID-19 vaccination. visainformation/Greece website for more information. We recognise any vaccine that has been authorised for use in the country where South African Residents the vaccine was administered. This includes Greece is part of the borderless region known vaccines such as AstraZeneca, Covaxin, as the Schengen Area and South African Johnson & Johnson, Moderna, Pfizer- passport holders require a Schengen visa in El Greco Resort & Spa BioNtech, Sinopharm, Sinovac and Sputnik. order to enter Greece. A passport valid for Conveniently located just minutes from the at least three months from your departure is In all instances, you must be fully immunised. centre of Fira, El Greco is a beautiful white required and a visa will only be issued if blank This means you must receive the full dosage washed complex in the classic Santorini pages are available. of the COVID-19 vaccine and allow a minimum style. All guest rooms are air conditioned and of 14 days before travelling in order for Requirements for the procurement of reflect the Cycladic style whilst including all immunity to take effect. Each COVID-19 a visa are subject to change but mod-cons and exception ensuite facilities. vaccine has different dosages and timeframes application requirements include round-trip The resort benefits from an outdoor pool, on for immunisation, so please check the related travel itinerary specifying entry and exit dates site restaurant and adult-only Spa Centre for medical advice associated with your vaccine. from the Schengen state and proof of funds guests. Children under 18 years are not required to to support yourself during your stay, ask your provide evidence of vaccination to travel at bank for this, it should include your name too. this time. R600 per person per day is required with a minimum of R3600 If you are unable to be vaccinated due to medical reasons, you may apply for an You’ll need to contact the consulate general exemption. Exemptions will be assessed on in Johannesburg directly for inquiries and a case-by-case basis. To apply, you must questions regarding visa regulations and Orizontes Hotel & Villas provide supporting documentation from a passport requirement at http://www.mfa.gr/ Santorini medical professional. johannesburg. Located in the village of Pyrgos, the Proof of COVID-19 immunisation must Greece Hotel Tax Orizontes Hotel was recently renovated and be provided to us no less than From January 2018, a new “overnight stay” tax is surrounded by vineyards. Guest rooms 4 weeks prior to travel. We accept has been imposed by the Greek government.

Athens to Paros & Santorini

This tax amounts to €1.50 per room per night travellers visit the Greek islands between Although Greece has become a hugely for 3 star hotels, €3.00 per room per night for November and February so crowds are thin. popular tourist destination in recent years, it 4 star hotels and €4.00 per room per night for remains relatively affordable. We recommend 5 star. This tax cannot be included in our tour Time & Voltage if you are on a budget that you avoid the price and you will need to pay this upon check Greece lies in the Eastern European Time often overpriced restaurants and cafes that in at each hotel so please budget accordingly. Zone, which is 2 hours ahead of Greenwich line the main squares and chose places to eat Mean Time (GMT +2). a few streets back. A meal in an inexpensive Airport Transfers restaurant with drinks will cost around USD During summer, daylight-saving is observed An arrival transfer is included on day 1 and $12, and a pint of domestic beer costs about in Greece, where the time is shifted forward a departure transfer on the final day of your USD $4.10, while a one way ticket on public by 1 hour so it becomes 3 hours ahead tour. Please note that only one complimentary transport will only set you back about USD of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT +3). After transfer is offered per booking so if you are on $1.65. different flights to your travelling companions summer the time in Greece is shifted back a supplement will apply. by 1 hour to Eastern European Time. In 2017, Shopping daylight savings takes place between 26th Greece is a cultural haven, and you will find Climate March and 29th October. a wide range of arts and crafts wherever you Summer in Greece Standard voltage is 220-240 volts. Primary go. Locally hand-crafted ceramics, textiles, The climate in Greece is typical of the sockets generally require European plugs of wood carvings, and jewellery make for Mediterranean climate with two seasons - the two round-pin variety. We recommend wonderful souvenirs, especially from the a warm and dry summer, and a mild and that you pack a universal travel adaptor. Greek islands. Many destinations pride wet winter. Summer is a long season with You will need a voltage converter and plug themselves on specific products – for temperatures climbing to a pleasant degree adaptor in order to use U.S. appliances. instance, the monasteries at Meteora are as early as late February. March and even famed for hand-painted religious icons. If you April can be somewhat unpredictable months Health Requirements are shopping for antiques, do beware of fakes with the occasional rain shower and windy You should seek medical advice from your and stick to reputable traders. conditions though at this time of year the local health practitioner before travelling to In Athens, the ancient tradition of the landscapes are decorated with beautiful wild Greece and ensure that you receive all agora (public forum) continues today in flowers. of the appropriate vaccinations. Just make spaces such as the Monastiraki market, sure you’re up to date for recommended The shoulder months between May and where you will find souvenirs for all tastes, vaccinations for your home country, including June still offer lovely weather conditions but ranging from tailor-made leather sandals to measles, mumps and polio. Other vaccines without the crowds. It's warm on the islands mass-produced Parthenon replicas. Another to consider are Tetanus and Tick-borne and the waters are nice enough for a swim. popular shopping option nearby is Ermou Encephalitis. Visit the NHS Fit to Travel page Peak tourist season doesn't start until mid- Street, which offers a wide selection of or the CDC Traveler’s Health Page for more June and lasts until early September. During local and international brands. The island of information. this time the islands are buzzing with people, Thessaloniki also caters to shoppers with its both travellers and locals alike. If you're Currency & Holiday Money boutique–filled main square and a variety of visiting during this time it's best to book hotels, malls near the city centre. The official currency in Greece is the Euro. flights and local ferries as far as in advance as Check OANDA for latest exchange rates. possible to avoid disappointment and secure If you are looking to bring a taste of Greece home with you, olive oil from the better prices. British Pounds, US Dollars and other major Peloponnese, honey from Attica, and wines currencies can be easily exchanged locally in Between September and mid-October the from Santorini are excellent products to look banks or bureau de change prior to departure. soft light and delicate colours are particularly out for. Credit cards such as Visa and Mastercard suited to photography. The sea water retains are widely accepted in most major hotels, the heat of the mid-summer months so Is bargaining acceptable in Greece? restaurants and shops, but keep some cash swimming is definitely still on the cards. Bargaining is generally not accepted in on hand, especially on the islands and in Greece - in most shops there will be a fixed Winter in Greece smaller towns. Use of American Express is not price for goods on sale. In the flea markets By late-October many parts of Greece begin as common. and with street vendors, a bit of bargaining to experience stormy conditions with more may be more appropriate. Traveller's Cheques are not recommended as frequent cloud cover and rain showers. The they're often difficult to exchange and incur tourist season comes to an end and prices high fees drop off considerably. Few international

Athens to Paros & Santorini

Greek Cuisine one Euro per person). Taxi drivers usually Greek food has a venerable history dating expect tips and it is also standard to tip hotel back to antiquity. Although the country’s rocky porters and local tour guides. If the concierge terrain limits its agricultural output, cooking is particularly helpful, people often tip 1 to 2 and cuisine are essential to its culture. Olives, Euros. cheese, and wheat are integral parts of the local diet, appearing in salads, stews, and breads. Seafood at restaurants – often squid, octopus, mussels, and fish - is likely to come fresh from the Mediterranean, especially on the Greek islands.

Greek cuisine is simple but incredibly varied. In terms of popular dishes, you will find moussaka (aubergine & lamb casserole), souvlaki (spit-roasted meat), and dolmades (vine leaves stuffed with meat & herbs) in many tavernas and restaurants, sometimes with regional variations. Meat-free options include briam (roasted vegetables in tomato sauce), and of course, Greek salad with olives & feta cheese. For indulging your sweet tooth, pastry shops serve delicacies such as Turkish-inspired baklava (filo pastry layered with honey and chopped nuts). Ice cream and honey with yogurt are also common sweet snacks.

Drinks are a major part of the traditional dining experience. Ouzo, an anise-flavoured spirit distilled from pressed grapes, is Greece’s most popular alcohol, usually served as an aperitif with iced water and some small appetizers. Be careful not to drain your glass too quickly – it is a strong drink, meant to be enjoyed over a period of time. Drinking Water In the major cities, it’s generally safe to drink water from taps and also from drinking fountains. However, it is strongly recommended to stick to bottled water on most islands and in rural areas. Tipping Tipping customs in Greece vary widely. Service charge may be included in the bill, but tipping remains a common practice, especially in popular tourist destinations. Your tip should reflect the service so if it was excellent, 10% is an added bonus. At some restaurants, a small mandatory ‘cover charge’ for bread & water is also included in the bill (usually about