Athens City Stay 4 Days | Starts/Ends: Athens

TRIP NOTES

TAILOR-MADE CITY STAY: Enjoy • Services of an English-speaking tour Arrival at Athens airport, welcome assistance a historic getaway with this 4 day guide for and transfer to the hotel. Rest of the day stay in Greece's capital city. Take scheduled sightseeing at leisure. Overnight in Athens. Overnight - • Note: Touring is operated in conjunction Athens an extensive tour through the with other tourist groups, not solely On history of Athens, culminating with The Go and the group size ranges from Day 2 : Athens City Tour a visit to the Acropolis, before free 20 - 45 people. Guiding may be in an time to explore on your own. additional language to English What's Not Included HIGHLIGHTS AND INCLUSIONS • International flights and visas Trip Highlights • Tipping - an entirely personal gesture • A hotel tax of €3.00 per room per night • Athens - Discover one of the world's to be paid directly to the hotel at time oldest cities through sites such as of check in. Please budget Euro 9, for the Panathenaic Stadium, Hadrian's the duration of the tour. See Trip Notes Arch, Greek Parliament, and Temple of The day is dedicated to exploring the city additional info for details Olympian Zeus of Athens. We begin with a panoramic • Acropolis - Admire the architectural tour to the most important monuments COVID SAFE GUIDE highlights of Athens' hilltop sanctuary and and landmarks of the city including the its accompanying Museum Panathinaikon stadium, the Zappeion, the • Full day at leisure - Continue exploring DETAILED ITINERARY temple of Olympian Zeus, Hadrian's Arch, Athens, or join an optional excursion Syntagma square, the Parliament, the tomb of Day 1 : Athens the unknown soldier, Schliemann's house, the What's Included Academy, the University, the National Library, and the old Parliament. • 3 nights 4 star hotel • 3 breakfasts Next we head for our guided visit to • One arrival transfer on Day 1 and one the Acropolis, including the Propylae, the departure transfer on Day 4 included per temple of Athena Nike, the Parthenon, the booking Erechtheion. Later, we continue with a guided • Half day guided coach tour of Athens, visit to the Acropolis museum voted one of including the Acropolis and Acropolis the best museums in the world. Afternoon at Museum leisure to explore Plaka, the picturesque old • Entrance fees for all included sites

Athens City Stay - 4 Days updated on 23-09-2021 07:44:27 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 City Stay part of the city, and why not, some shopping of the COVID-19 vaccine and allow a minimum at Ermou street. Overnight - Athens (B) of 14 days before travelling in order for immunity to take effect. Each COVID-19 Day 3 : Athens at Leisure vaccine has different dosages and timeframes for immunisation, so please check the related medical advice associated with your vaccine. Children under 18 years are not required to Titania Hotel provide evidence of vaccination to travel at Nestled in the historic centre of Athens, this time. the Titiana offers beautiful accommodation If you are unable to be vaccinated due all classically designed. The ensuite guest to medical reasons, you may apply for an rooms are furnished to a high standard with exemption. Exemptions will be assessed on neutral tones and wooden flooring. Breakfast a case-by-case basis. To apply, you must is served in the impressive rooftop Olive Breakfast and day at leisure to explore more provide supporting documentation from a Garden restaurant which affords amazing of the city on your own. A walk along Ermou medical professional. views across the city including the Acropolis. street for a spot of shopping, or exploring The hotel also benefits from complimentary Plaka, Monastiraki and Thision are some of Proof of COVID-19 immunisation must Wi-Fi and a fitness centre. your options for the day. Overnight - Athens be provided to us no less than (B) 4 weeks prior to travel. We accept COVID-19 digital certificates, NHS Covid Day 4 : Athens Pass or Vaccination Record Cards e- Today marks the end of our Athens city break. mailed to [email protected] or you A transfer to the airport for your departure can upload your vaccination history flight is included after breakfast.(B) yourself via our traveller login. https:// www.onthegotours.com/Login HOTELS Our Partners Hetco Tours The information you will need to upload Highlighted below are some of the hotels Please note that this city stay is operated includes: Administering national authority or which we frequently use on this tour, though by our trusted partner, and you will join government, document No, name of Vaccine, we reserve the right to substitute these travellers who have booked through several date/s of vaccination. hotels to ones of a similar standard. other operators for guided sightseeing, not Please refer to your Tour Voucher for your solely On The Go Tours. Dependent upon the Greece Country Guide confirmed arrival hotel and further arrival group demographic, the guiding sightseeing information. may be in another language as well as English. Greece Visas UK, AUS, NZ, USA and CAN passport holders Polis Grand KNOW BEFORE YOU GO do not require a visa at present to enter Greece for touristic purposes, for a stay of up In the heart of Athens, the Polis Grand is a COVID-19 Vaccination to 90 days in any 180-day period. contemporary hotel with excellent facilities. Requirements Guest rooms are well appointed with elegant For passport holders of other As of 01 November 2021 it is a condition of furniture and all modern conveniences. nationalities not included here, please travel, as detailed in our Terms & Conditions Some rooms are equipped with a balcony check the http://www.projectvisa.com/ that all travellers over 18 years provide proof with fantastic views over to the Acropolis. visainformation/Greece website for more of COVID-19 vaccination. The hotel benefits from a number of eateries information. which serve up an array of Greek and We recognise any vaccine that has been international cuisine as well as tasty coffee South African Residents authorised for use in the country where and delicious pies. Definitely head for a Greece is part of the borderless region known the vaccine was administered. This includes cocktail in the evening at the roof garden bar as the Schengen Area and South African vaccines such as AstraZeneca, Covaxin, for amazing views across the city. passport holders require a Schengen visa in Johnson & Johnson, Moderna, Pfizer- order to enter Greece. A passport valid for BioNtech, Sinopharm, Sinovac and Sputnik. at least three months from your departure is In all instances, you must be fully immunised. required and a visa will only be issued if blank This means you must receive the full dosage pages are available.

Athens City Stay

Requirements for the procurement of this time the islands are buzzing with people, or the CDC Traveler’s Health Page for more a visa are subject to change but both travellers and locals alike. If you're information. application requirements include round-trip visiting during this time it's best to book hotels, travel itinerary specifying entry and exit dates flights and local ferries as far as in advance as Currency & Holiday Money from the Schengen state and proof of funds possible to avoid disappointment and secure The official currency in Greece is the Euro. to support yourself during your stay, ask your better prices. Check OANDA for latest exchange rates. bank for this, it should include your name too. British Pounds, US Dollars and other major R600 per person per day is required with a Between September and mid-October the currencies can be easily exchanged locally in minimum of R3600 soft light and delicate colours are particularly suited to photography. The sea water retains banks or bureau de change prior to departure. You’ll need to contact the consulate general the heat of the mid-summer months so Credit cards such as Visa and Mastercard in Johannesburg directly for inquiries and swimming is definitely still on the cards. are widely accepted in most major hotels, questions regarding visa regulations and restaurants and shops, but keep some cash passport requirement at http://www.mfa.gr/ Winter in Greece on hand, especially on the islands and in johannesburg. By late-October many parts of Greece begin smaller towns. Use of American Express is not to experience stormy conditions with more as common. Greece Hotel Tax frequent cloud cover and rain showers. The From January 2018, a new “overnight stay” tax tourist season comes to an end and prices Traveller's Cheques are not recommended as has been imposed by the Greek government. drop off considerably. Few international they're often difficult to exchange and incur This tax amounts to €1.50 per room per night travellers visit the Greek islands between high fees November and February so crowds are thin. for 3 star hotels, €3.00 per room per night for Although Greece has become a hugely 4 star hotels and €4.00 per room per night for popular tourist destination in recent years, it 5 star. This tax cannot be included in our tour Time & Voltage Greece lies in the Eastern European Time remains relatively affordable. We recommend price and you will need to pay this upon check if you are on a budget that you avoid the in at each hotel so please budget accordingly. Zone, which is 2 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT +2). often overpriced restaurants and cafes that Airport Transfers line the main squares and chose places to eat During summer, daylight-saving is observed a few streets back. A meal in an inexpensive An arrival transfer is included on day 1 and in Greece, where the time is shifted forward restaurant with drinks will cost around USD a departure transfer on the final day of your by 1 hour so it becomes 3 hours ahead $12, and a pint of domestic beer costs about tour. Please note that only one complimentary of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT +3). After USD $4.10, while a one way ticket on public transfer is offered per booking so if you are on summer the time in Greece is shifted back transport will only set you back about USD different flights to your travelling companions by 1 hour to Eastern European Time. In 2017, $1.65. a supplement will apply. daylight savings takes place between 26th Shopping Climate March and 29th October. Greece is a cultural haven, and you will find Summer in Greece Standard voltage is 220-240 volts. Primary a wide range of arts and crafts wherever you The climate in Greece is typical of the sockets generally require European plugs of go. Locally hand-crafted ceramics, textiles, Mediterranean climate with two seasons - the two round-pin variety. We recommend wood carvings, and jewellery make for a warm and dry summer, and a mild and that you pack a universal travel adaptor. wonderful souvenirs, especially from the wet winter. Summer is a long season with You will need a voltage converter and plug Greek islands. Many destinations pride temperatures climbing to a pleasant degree adaptor in order to use U.S. appliances. themselves on specific products – for as early as late February. March and even instance, the monasteries at Meteora are April can be somewhat unpredictable months Health Requirements famed for hand-painted religious icons. If you with the occasional rain shower and windy You should seek medical advice from your are shopping for antiques, do beware of fakes conditions though at this time of year the local health practitioner before travelling to and stick to reputable traders. landscapes are decorated with beautiful wild Greece and ensure that you receive all flowers. of the appropriate vaccinations. Just make In Athens, the ancient tradition of the sure you’re up to date for recommended agora (public forum) continues today in The shoulder months between May and vaccinations for your home country, including spaces such as the Monastiraki market, June still offer lovely weather conditions but measles, mumps and polio. Other vaccines where you will find souvenirs for all tastes, without the crowds. It's warm on the islands to consider are Tetanus and Tick-borne ranging from tailor-made leather sandals to and the waters are nice enough for a swim. Encephalitis. Visit the NHS Fit to Travel page mass-produced Parthenon replicas. Another Peak tourist season doesn't start until mid- popular shopping option nearby is Ermou June and lasts until early September. During

Athens City Stay

Street, which offers a wide selection of too quickly – it is a strong drink, meant to be local and international brands. The island of enjoyed over a period of time. Thessaloniki also caters to shoppers with its boutique–filled main square and a variety of Drinking Water malls near the city centre. In the major cities, it’s generally safe to drink water from taps and also from If you are looking to bring a taste of drinking fountains. However, it is strongly Greece home with you, olive oil from the recommended to stick to bottled water on Peloponnese, honey from Attica, and wines most islands and in rural areas. from Santorini are excellent products to look out for. Tipping Tipping customs in Greece vary widely. Is bargaining acceptable in Greece? Service charge may be included in the bill, but Bargaining is generally not accepted in tipping remains a common practice, especially Greece - in most shops there will be a fixed in popular tourist destinations. Your tip should price for goods on sale. In the flea markets reflect the service so if it was excellent, 10% and with street vendors, a bit of bargaining is an added bonus. At some restaurants, a may be more appropriate. small mandatory ‘cover charge’ for bread & Greek Cuisine water is also included in the bill (usually about 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