Classical Greece & Idyllic Islands

TRIP NOTES

Classical Greece & Idyllic Islands 12 Days | Athens to Santorini

SEMI-INDEPENDENT TOUR: • Meteora - Admire the stunning, UNESCO- 20 - 45 persons. Guiding may be in an Discover Greece’s extreme beauty listed rock formations and clifftop additional language to English • on this 12-day tour travelling monasteries Guided sightseeing in Athens, Olympia, • Thermopylae - Relive the Spartans' Zakynthos, Delphi, and Meteora from ancient Athens uncovering famous last stand against the Persians on • Two ferry tickets - Kyllini - Zakynthos and centuries of civilization at the this narrow pass Praeus - Santorini astounding archaeological sites • Zakynthos - Explore the famous Navagio Acropolis, Olympia and Meteora; shipwreck beach and swim in the azure What's Not Included soaking up the gorgeous beaches blue waters at the Blue Caves • International flights and visas • of Zakynthos and the outstanding Santorini - Relax on one of Greece's most • Tipping - an entirely personal gesture beautiful islands, where whitewashed • A hotel tax of €3.00 per room per night scenery of the Peloponnese before villages perch on volcanic cliffs to be paid directly to the hotel at time discovering the magical island of • Nafplion - Stroll through the labyrinthine of check in. Please budget Euro 18, for Santorini. streets and discover the Venetian and the duration of the tour. See Trip Notes Turkish architecture additional info for details HIGHLIGHTS AND INCLUSIONS What's Included COVID SAFE GUIDE Trip Highlights • 11 nights 3-4 star hotels • 11 breakfasts and 3 dinners • Athens - Discover one of the world's DETAILED ITINERARY • One arrival transfer on Day 1 (Athens) oldest cities, from the ancient Acropolis and one departure transfer on Day 12 and temple of Zeus to the modern Day 1 : Athens (Santorini) included per booking Panathenaic Stadium • Entrance fees for all included sites • Peloponnese - Cross the rocky peninsula • Services of an English-speaking tour at the heart of Greek history, home to guide for all Epidaurus, Mycenae, and the Corinth scheduled sightseeing Canal • Note: Touring is operated in conjunction • Olympia - Learn about the site of the with other tourist groups, not solely original Olympics, where the Statue of On The Go. You will join travellers who Zeus - an ancient Wonder of the World - booked through other operators for once stood sightseeing each day, some staying in • Delphi - Follow the Sacred Way in the different hotels, and spend your evenings Welcome to Athens! On arrival you will be footsteps of pilgrims who sought the at leisure. The group can vary in size from met at the airport and transferred to the hotel, oracle's advice at this holy sanctuary

Classical Greece & Idyllic Islands - 12 Days updated on 29-09-2021 07:01:15 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

Classical Greece & Idyllic Islands where you have the rest of the day at leisure. travelling on to Epidaurus, a hub of ancient Day 5 : Zakynthos island tour Overnight - Athens healing famous for its giant theatre. Day 2 : Athens & the This afternoon there's a brief stop in Nafplion, Acropolis a beautiful town filled with numerous Venetian and Turkish buildings nestled in a labyrinth of narrow streets. Then continue to Mycenae, one of the most famous archaeological sites in the country. The site includes the towering Cyclopean walls, the beehive tomb of Agamemnon and the famous Lion's Gate. This morning embark on a coach tour to the In the afternoon, cross the Peloponnese north-east part of Zakynthos and learn about Mountains to Olympia, where there's time to the history and mythology of the island en- freshen up or relax before dinner at the hotel. route. There's a brief stop at Alykes Hills Overnight - Olympia (B, D) Today explore the most important landmarks for the perfect photo opportunity with great and monuments of the historical city of Athens Day 4 : Ancient Olympia scenery overlooking the whole of the island, on a coach tour. You'll see the Panathenaic mainland Greece and the neighbouring island Stadium, home of the first modern Olympic of Kefalonia. Then arrive at a small fishing Games and other iconic landmarks including village and board a boat to travel around the the Zappeion, the temple of Olympian Zeus, north shores of the island, arriving at Navagio and Hadrian’s wall. Then enjoy a guided beach, the most photographed beach in the tour of the fascinating Acropolis Museum, world, before the crowds. The boat then recently voted one of the best museums in continues to the famous “Blue Caves” (subject the world, and visit the iconic Acropolis itself to weather conditions), one of the islands where you'll see the temple of Athena Nike most famous natural attractions. Take a dip and the spectacular Parthenon. Spend the in the caves rich waters which appear to turn afternoon at leisure, you have the option Olympia - Zakynthos. This morning enjoy a everything below the water blue. On your to return to the hotel by coach after the guided tour of the archaeological site of way back to the port look out for dolphins tour or independently explore the area and ancient Olympia, home of the original Olympic and sea-turtles before stopping at the sea- make your own way back to the hotel. Games. Highlights include the Temple of spa of Xingia, a small sandy beach with From the Acropolis you can stroll down to Zeus, the Palestra and Phidias’s Workshop. turquoise waters containing traces of Sulphur the charming old neighbourhood of Plaka Then continue to one of the richest museums and collagen. Enjoy a swim that will leave you and shop for souvenirs on Ermou Street. in Greece, home to the impressive Hermes of feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. Return to Overnight - Athens (B) Praxitelis statue. your hotel for an afternoon at leisure. In the afternoon say farewell to the group Please note: this excursion is subject to Day 3 : Epidaurus & Mycenae and transfer to the port of Kyllini to travel weather conditions. Should this tour not by ferry to the island of Zakynthos, one of operate clients should request a refund for the most popular islands on the Ionian Sea. this day with On The Go once the tour has After checking into our hotel the rest of the finished. Overnight - Zakynthos (B) afternoon is free for you to explore.

Please note: you will not be escorted by a Day 6 : Zakynthos guide to the island of Zakynthos. Overnight - Zakynthos (B)

Athens - Epidaurus - Mycenae - Olympia. This morning bid farewell to Athens and travel to the Peloponnese, home to many of Greece’s greatest archaeological sites. First stop is the impressive Corinth Canal which separates the Greek mainland from the Peloponnese before

Classical Greece & Idyllic Islands

Zakynthos - Delphi. This morning there's free Kalambaka - Meteora - Athens. After breakfast Day 12 : Santorini time to enjoy the town of Zakynthos before visit the extraordinary Meteora World Your tour of Greece ends today. Spend the your transfer to Kyllini port where you will Heritage Site, where Byzantine monasteries morning at leisure before an included transfer board the ferry back to the mainland. From are perched on top of towering rock to Santorini airport for your onward flight.(B) here continue your tour of mainland Greece. formations. Marvel at the surreal landscape It's a scenic drive around Oatras and over the and explore two of the Orthodox monasteries, HOTELS Rio-Antirio bridge to the picturesque town of which provided a sacred retreat for monks Delphi in time for dinner at the hotel. Watch over centuries. From Meteora it's a long drive Highlighted below are some of the hotels the sunset over the Gulf of Corinth and soak back to Athens with a stop en route at which we frequently use on this tour, though up the incredible views of Delphi's dramatic Thermopylae, where King Leonidas and 300 we reserve the right to substitute these landscape. Overnight - Delphi (B, D) Spartans made a famous last stand against hotels to ones of a similar standard. the Persians in 480 BC. Upon arrival bid Please refer to your Tour Voucher for your Day 7 : Delphi & the Temple farewell to your fellow travellers and spend confirmed arrival hotel and further arrival of Apollo the evening at leisure. Overnight - Athens (B) information. Day 9 : Athens to Santorini Polis Grand Athens – Santorini. After breakfast, you will be In the heart of Athens, the Polis Grand is a transferred to the port of Piraeus to catch the contemporary hotel with excellent facilities. local ferry to the magical island of Santorini. Guest rooms are well appointed with elegant The journey takes roughly 8 hours and on furniture and all modern conveniences. arrival you'll be met and transferred to your Some rooms are equipped with a balcony hotel. with fantastic views over to the Acropolis. The hotel benefits from a number of eateries Please note: You will not be accompanied which serve up an array of Greek and Delphi - Kalambaka. Delphi, one the most by a guide or a group to the island international cuisine as well as tasty coffee sacred pilgrimage centres in the world, of Santorini. Spend your final 4 days at and delicious pies. Definitely head for a is yours to explore on a guided tour leisure, independently exploring. Overnight - cocktail in the evening at the roof garden bar today. Admire the Sanctuary of Apollo and Santorini (B) for amazing views across the city. walk up the Sacred Way to reach the incredible Temple of Apollo. After exploring Days 10-11 : Santorini R&R this spectacular archaeological site, see the bronze Charioteer statue and the mythical omphalos stone at the fascinating Delphi Museum. This afternoon cross the mountains of central Greece on your journey to Kalambaka, the gateway to Meteroa. After dinner at the hotel, the evening is free to Titania Hotel explore the town. Overnight - Kalambaka (B, Nestled in the historic centre of Athens, D) the Titiana offers beautiful accommodation all classically designed. The ensuite guest Day 8 : Monasteries of The next two days are free for you to relax and explore the beautiful volcanic island of rooms are furnished to a high standard with Meteora Santorini. No trip to the island would be neutral tones and wooden flooring. Breakfast complete without exploring the whitewashed is served in the impressive rooftop Olive towns of Fira and Oia which boast amazing Garden restaurant which affords amazing views of the volcano that birthed the island. views across the city including the Acropolis. Sit on the black-sanded beaches for one of The hotel also benefits from complimentary the best sunsets in the Aegean or cruise Wi-Fi and a fitness centre. around the caldera on a boat tour. Overnight - Santorini (B:2)

Classical Greece & Idyllic Islands

Located at the foot of Mount Parnassus, cosy lounge bar and listen to piano music as Hotel Amalia overlooks a picturesque green you sip a cocktail. valley and the Ionian Sea. Guestrooms are spread over four levels, offering plenty of natural light and all the essential amenities. Relax in the main lounge where you can enjoy the magnificent vistas by a rustic Hotel Arty Grand fireplace. Next to the beautiful gardens you Located on top of a hill overlooking Olympia, will find the main restaurant, serving up a the Arty Grand Hotel is all about the guest rich American breakfast buffet and a la carte Hotel Divani Meteora experience. From the welcoming reception lunch and dinner featuring Greek cuisine. Offering the chance to enjoy traditional hall, up to the spacious rooms and beautiful You can also enjoy coffee, fresh juice and Greek hospitality within a contemporary verandas, the Arty Grand provides world- cocktails as you unwind at the poolside bar. setting is the Hotel Divani Meteora. class treatment. Arranged over three Surrounded by natural beauty, the hotel floors, there is an outdoor swimming pool is set in front of the World Heritage-listed and spa centre, where you can relax with Meteora sandstone monasteries. The fully a rejuvenating massage after a day of renovated hotel has a welcoming decor, exploring. The hotel serves a daily breakfast with warm shades and a luxury wooden buffet and you can order from the lunch and floor. A tranquil restaurant offers delicious dinner menu. Then take your pick between Mediterranean cuisine and there is an the hotel or poolside bar to enjoy an evening Hotel Apollonia outdoor and indoor pool. You can also drink. Situated in an ideal location within the unwind after a day of exploring in the sauna modern town, Hotel Apollonia provides the steam bath or bubbling Jacuzzi. perfect base for exploring ancient Delphi. Offering a majestic view of the Corinthian Gulf, the hotel combines wood and stone in a traditional-style build. The spacious guestrooms and modern facilities offer a very comfortable stay, with a delicious breakfast Hotel Europa and dinner served in the hotel restaurant. Set at the top of Drouvas Hill, Hotel Europa You can also relax by a cosy fire with a drink Orizontes Hotel & Villas offers views of the Arcadian Mountains and or two from the bar. Santorini Alfios Valley from your own private balcony. The spacious guestrooms also feature Located in the village of Pyrgos, the marble floors and modern amenities, with Orizontes Hotel was recently renovated and free WiFi and breakfast included. Relax on is surrounded by vineyards. Guest rooms the comfortable sunbeds by the outdoor have private balconies looking out to the sea pool that is surrounded by luscious greenery. or the garden and are equipped with lots of Within the garden there is a Greek tavern modern conveniences. The hotel also has where you can enjoy a delicious feast of Hotel Amalia a couple of restaurants serving local and Mediterranean cuisine prepared with natural international cuisine. Plus there is a lovely Hotel Amalia is embedded on 14 acres of and organic ingredients. outdoor pool to cool down in and lots of beautiful greenery. Built from traditional sunbeds. materials to match its surrounds, the hotel features extensive gardens, a large swimming pool and distant views of the Meteora Rocks. Guestrooms are spacious and fully equipped with the latest facilities. In the dining area, a rich American buffet breakfast is served with both local and Hotel Amalia international cuisine available for lunch and El Greco Resort & Spa dinner. Relax by the fireplace in the hotel’s

Classical Greece & Idyllic Islands

Conveniently located just minutes from the COVID-19 Vaccination Greece for touristic purposes, for a stay of up centre of Fira, El Greco is a beautiful white Requirements to 90 days in any 180-day period. washed complex in the classic Santorini As of 01 November 2021 it is a condition of style. All guest rooms are air conditioned and For passport holders of other travel, as detailed in our Terms & Conditions reflect the Cycladic style whilst including all nationalities not included here, please that all travellers over 18 years provide proof mod-cons and exception ensuite facilities. check the http://www.projectvisa.com/ of COVID-19 vaccination. The resort benefits from an outdoor pool, on visainformation/Greece website for more information. site restaurant and adult-only Spa Centre for We recognise any vaccine that has been guests. 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 BioNtech, Sinopharm, Sinovac and Sputnik. order to enter Greece. A passport valid for 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. of the COVID-19 vaccine and allow a minimum Our partners of 14 days before travelling in order for Requirements for the procurement of This tour is operated in conjunction with our immunity to take effect. Each COVID-19 a visa are subject to change but trusted partner and you will join travellers vaccine has different dosages and timeframes application requirements include round-trip who booked through different operators, for immunisation, so please check the related travel itinerary specifying entry and exit dates not solely On The Go. medical advice associated with your vaccine. from the Schengen state and proof of funds Children under 18 years are not required to to support yourself during your stay, ask your Style of Tour provide evidence of vaccination to travel at bank for this, it should include your name too. This is an semi independent tour, which this time. R600 per person per day is required with a combines escorting touring in mainland minimum of R3600 If you are unable to be vaccinated due Greece with free time in Santorini, where you to medical reasons, you may apply for an will not be accompanied by a guide or travel You’ll need to contact the consulate general exemption. Exemptions will be assessed on as part of a group. in Johannesburg directly for inquiries and a case-by-case basis. To apply, you must questions regarding visa regulations and Our tours of mainland Greece are modular, provide supporting documentation from a passport requirement at http://www.mfa.gr/ meaning that you may join people who are medical professional. johannesburg. on a longer tour and the people you are with Proof of COVID-19 immunisation must on your Athens city tour will not be the same Greece Hotel Tax be provided to us no less than people that you will travel with to Zakynthos, From January 2018, a new “overnight stay” tax 4 weeks prior to travel. We accept or the same people you travel to Delphi and has been imposed by the Greek government. COVID-19 digital certificates, NHS Covid Meteora with. This also means that the group This tax amounts to €1.50 per room per night Pass or Vaccination Record Cards e- size can vary during your tour from 15 to for 3 star hotels, €3.00 per room per night for mailed to [email protected] or you 45 people. You will enjoy guided sightseeing 4 star hotels and €4.00 per room per night for can upload your vaccination history during the daytime and spend your evenings 5 star. This tax cannot be included in our tour yourself via our traveller login. https:// at leisure, staying in 4 star (First Class) hotels. price and you will need to pay this upon check www.onthegotours.com/Login There will some people on your tour who in at each hotel so please budget accordingly. booked through different operators and will The information you will need to upload be staying in a lower standard of (Tourist includes: Administering national authority or Airport Transfers Class) hotels. Please note that dependent government, document No, name of Vaccine, An arrival transfer is included on day 1 and upon the group demographic, the guiding date/s of vaccination. a departure transfer on the final day of your sightseeing may be in French as well as tour. Please note that only one complimentary English. Greece Country Guide transfer is offered per booking so if you are on different flights to your travelling companions KNOW BEFORE YOU GO Greece Visas a supplement will apply. UK, AUS, NZ, USA and CAN passport holders do not require a visa at present to enter Climate Summer in Greece

Classical Greece & Idyllic Islands

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

Classical Greece & Idyllic Islands 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 one Euro per person). Taxi drivers usually expect tips and it is also standard to tip hotel porters and local tour guides. If the concierge is particularly helpful, people often tip 1 to 2 Euros.