Greece - the birthplace of western civilisation- is perhaps best known for the idyllic beaches and crystal clear waters all along its Mediterranean coastline and for the thousands of stunningly beautiful island locations, dotted throughout the Aegean and Ionian seas. The city of Athens is still dominated by ancient and magnificent landmarks such as the Acropolis, Mount Lycabettus and the Roman Agora.
Located as it is on the crossroads of Europe, Asia and Africa, Greek culture has influenced and been influenced by cultures across the world- everyone should visit at least once in a lifetime. Greece’s natural beauty and diversity, modern culture and great cuisine make this an ideal holiday location.
**Requirements due to COVID-19 are constantly changing. Please check your own country's international travel advice as well as the airline requirements before travel.**
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
UK guests please see the UK Government Foreign Office Travel website for latest entry and exit advice; https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/greece/entry-requirements
US guests please see Travel State website; https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Greece.html
Passports
Your passport should be valid for at least six months beyond the period of stay. Please be sure to fill out the "Emergency Next of Kin" section in your passport.
Visas
Greece is party to the Schengen Agreement. This means that U.S., Canadian, Australian and UK citizens may enter Greece for up to 90 days for tourist or business purposes without a visa. All other nationalities must check the visa entry requirements before departure. Very rarely you may be asked to show that you have sufficient funds to cover your stay and a means of return travel.
Consular Information
There are several major international embassies located in Athens, including those for the US, Canada, UK, Australia and New Zealand. Please check with your government for relevant contact details.
**Please note, visa and entry requirements, regulations and restrictions may vary. Please ensure you check in good time before travel the current requirements applicable to you.
HEALTH, INSURANCE AND SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
Travel Insurance
All passengers must have valid travel insurance before traveling, including health and cancellation insurance. Ensure all pre-existing medical conditions are declared to the insurer. Provide the details of your insurance to The Big Journey Company at least 6 weeks before your departure date by emailing info@thebigjourneycompany.com. Take note of important information such as the insurer’s 24-hour emergency number and your policy number.
General Health
Please visit your doctor or a travel health clinic at least eight weeks before your trip for personalized health advice. To stay healthy on tour, use sunscreen, drink plenty of water, and wash your hands before meals. Bring a basic first-aid kit with essentials for minor issues. If you need medical help during the tour, contact your Big Journey Company tour escort.
Passengers with Disabilities or Reduced Mobility
The Greece tours are Activity Level 2 and require moderate physical activity and include various forms of transport. For further information, check our Activity Levels description on the website to ensure this tour is suitable for you. Contact us if you require further information.
If you or any member of your party has any medical problem or disability which may affect your holiday, please provide us with full details before we confirm your booking, or as soon as possible at the time they occur, so that we can try to advise on the suitability of your chosen arrangements. Please note, we may require you to produce a doctor’s certificate certifying that you are fit to participate in the tour.
Medical Conditions and Personal Medication
Please advise us before travel if you have any medical conditions requiring special attention during your trip. If you have a specific medical condition, it is wise to carry medication with you where possible to ensure it is not lost.
Important:
- Pack a sufficient supply of any medications you are taking, copies of the prescriptions and the telephone/fax numbers of your doctor.
- Please note, some countries require that prescription drugs be carried in their original container, with the label visible. In the event of you losing your medication, a qualified pharmacist should be able to source a replacement.
- Vaccinations
Travelling with CPAP or other Medical Machines
Please inform The Big Journey Company that you are travelling with such a device as early as possible, and well before you travel. This is especially important in places where there may be issues with power supply, such as on safari or smaller cruise ships. Also,
- Check that you have the correct electrical and voltage adapters for the country and accommodation you are visiting;
- Check with your airline that they allow your device to be carried as additional hand luggage and ensure that your device is easily accessible and properly labelled as medical machinery;
- Always carry a letter from your medical practitioner prescribing its use for you;
- Ensure you have details of your machine separately in case of the need to secure repairs/replacements whilst you are travelling;
- Check with your medical practitioner about the use of tap or bottled water if distilled water cannot be sourced in the country you are travelling to.
Please note, if you require distilled or ionised water, you must inform The Big Journey Company of this at least two weeks ahead of travel, so we can make preparations with our ground agents. There will be an additional charge for this.
Special Dietary Requirements
Please let us know in good time before travel if you have any special dietary requirements (e.g., vegetarian, vegan, diabetic, gluten-free, etc.). We will make every effort to accommodate your request with the resources available to us.
LUGGAGE
What to Pack and Wear
We would recommend comfortable clothes and shoes for this tour. A light, long-sleeved tops and long skirts or trousers will protect from the very hot mid-day sun. Feel free to include a smart-casual outfit for dinner if you wish. There is no formal dress code.
The weather should largely be warm and sunny throughout the journey. It is always sensible to come prepared for every eventuality- pack a light jacket in case of rain and something to cover your shoulders as it may feel cooler in the evenings.
Insect repellent, sun hat and sun cream are essential items. Don't forget your camera, with charger/spare batteries and memory cards.
Luggage Allowances
International airlines have strict policies governing the size and weight of all luggage. Before your departure, please contact your airline or visit their website for specific luggage requirements, as size and weight limitations may vary according to the airline and destination.
Where your tour with the Big Journey Company includes flights, trains, cruises etc, please check your tour itinerary and ticket details for further information about luggage allowances.
Porterage
Luggage handling is not included as part of this tour. Check your tour itinerary for further details. Porterage may be available at the hotel for a local charge.
Laundry
Laundry services may available on the tour. Additional charges will apply.
LANGUAGE
The main language of Greece is Greek. English is often spoken in tourist centres.
TIME ZONE
The time zone in Greece is GMT+2, 2 hours ahead of London GMT.
WEATHER
Greece is a great destination to visit all year round. Weather forecasts for spring/autumn are usually very mild with warm and sunny days. In summer, temperatures can rise quite high with most days sunny and temperatures dropping only slightly in the evenings. Please make sure to check the weather forecast for Italy before you depart as this will give you a better idea of what clothing to pack and what weather to expect whilst on tour.
ELECTRICITY
In Greece, the standard voltage is 230V and the frequency is 50Hz. You will need a European plug adapter, and/or converter depending on which electrical appliances you bring with you.
MOBILES & INTERNET COMMUNICATION
Greece has a fairly well-developed communications infrastructure. If you wish to use your mobile/cell phone while in Greece and you are not from an EU country, you need to either pick up a local SIM card or activate global roaming before you leave home. Internet is accessible in most urban areas but may be slower than you are used to in your home country. Most hotels provide free WIFI.
Please check data roaming charges with your service provider before leaving home as these can quickly become very expensive. UK phone contracts do not usually include EU data and calls after December 2021.
MONEY
Currency
The currency of Greece is the Euro (€). Credit cards are widely accepted in most cities, especially at hotels, restaurants, and shops, but it’s advisable to carry cash for smaller purchases or in more remote areas. Some smaller establishments may not accept cards, particularly foreign ones. ATMs are widely available in cities, though less common in rural areas.
Visa and Mastercard are the most widely accepted credit cards, while Diners Club and American Express may not be accepted everywhere. Contact your bank before traveling to avoid any issues with your cards.
Important: Greece uses chip-and-pin cards, so cards with magnetic strips may not work at certain machines. Carry some extra cash in case and be ready to show ID if you cannot use chip-and-pin.
Budget
Prices in Greece are comparable to prices in other European countries, especially in tourist centres and popular locations. Greek cuisine in restaurants is usually straightforward and affordable, with local wine and beers being reasonably priced. Expect to pay more for things in busier tourist centres.
Bank Opening
Banks are usually open Monday to Friday 8 am – 2 pm.
Tipping
After feedback from previous guests, we offer a group tipping package for this tour. Look out for more information in your pre-tour emails.
FOOD
Greek cuisine is very popular - bread, olives, red wine are the stables that accompany every dish. A healthy Mediterranean mix of meat, fresh vegetables, seafood and iconic dishes such as moussaka and taramasalata are the mainstay.
Some meals are included as part of your tour – please check your departure for the relevant meal inclusions.
WATER
The tap water in Athens is generally of good quality and safe to drink. Unless otherwise advised, it is better to drink filtered or bottled water, which is readily available to buy.
SHOPPING
Food and wine will inevitably be on the list of things to bring home; olive oil, herbs and spices, ouzo. Basketmaking and glasswork are traditional crafts that often catch the eye of the traveller- just remember to make sure you have enough room to carry it all home!
Opening Hours
In the cities and towns, shops generally open 9 am-2 pm and from 5.30 pm to 9 pm most evenings. Most things are closed on Sundays. Major shops in Athens or shops catering directly to tourists are often open throughout the day.
VAT/Tax Refund:
Occasionally shops in Greece offer a VAT refund when leaving the country if making a high-end purchase. Please ask the salesperson whether tax-free shopping applies to the shop in question.
SAFETY & SECURITY
Though main crime levels in Greece are low, there’s a risk of petty theft, especially at airports in popular tourist attractions and on public transport. Please take sensible precautions to protect your belongings, particularly your passport, money and credit cards. Keep valuables locked away and don’t wear expensive watches or jewellery, nor flash expensive cameras. It is advisable not to walk in deserted areas or alone at night.
Forest fires often occur during the summer months across Greece due to the dry and hot weather. Please do not drop litter, lighted cigarettes etc. Greek police have zero tolerance for rowdy or drunken behaviour in public and Greek courts impose heavy fines or prison sentences on people who behave indecently.
SMOKING
Smoking is banned in indoor public places, but there are usually designated outdoor areas where people can smoke. Smoking is prohibited on all means of public transport.
RELIGION
Greece is officially a secular state. However, its religious and social landscape is deeply influenced by the Greek Orthodox Church. It is estimated that 98% of the population identifies with the Greek Orthodox Christian faith.
PHOTOGRAPHY
Greece offers photo opportunities one after another. You will return with many photos that can never be repeated. Remember to pack your camera, along with the charger, spare batteries and a spare memory card!
ARRIVAL IN GREECE
Please note, standard hotel check-in is 3 pm. If you arrive earlier than this, your room may not be available upon arrival. If you inform The Big Journey Company of your arrival time, we will do everything we can to work with the hotel to get you an earlier check-in subject to availability.
If airport transfers are included with your tour, after collecting your luggage, proceed through to the arrivals hall. There will be a Big Journey Company representative to meet you and transfer you to your hotel.
Please advise your flight details no later than six weeks before travel.
TOUR HOTEL INFORMATION
Please check your tour paperwork for hotel information attaining to your tour departure.
If you have any other questions that we have not covered here; then please send us an e-mail to: info@thebigjourneycompany.com
Disclaimer: The above information is provided as a guideline only. The Big Journey Company assumes no liability for any errors or omissions in this document.
Updated November 2024