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Wonders of Greece
Tauck Partners' Savings – Deduct $260 per person April – June and $190 per person September – October. Certain restrictions apply; ask at booking for details. Indulge yourself on a Greece tour that captures the heart and soul of this ancient land on an extraordinary journey through time. Delve into the world of the Byzantine Empire in fascinating Thessaloniki and visit the ancient Royal Macedonian Tombs in Vergina, where you'll view treasures of the family of Alexander the Great. Marvel at the geological phenomenon of Méteora and visit inside two of the inspiring, centuries-old monasteries sitting high atop soaring towers of stone. See the legendary home of the god Apollo and the site of the oracle at Delphi. Explore the pleasures of the beautiful Peloponnese, where you'll attend a tasting at Greece's oldest winery, and spend two nights at a resort on the shores of the Ionian Sea. Walk through the playing fields and temple ruins of Olympia, birthplace of the ancient Olympic Games, and travel along the scenic Straits of Corinth. You'll be awestruck by the glories of ancient Athens at its archaeological sites and museums – as well as by the Athens of today – during a two-night stay at a five-star luxury hotel where you can dine with views of the Acropolis... on a Greece tour that engages the mind, the senses, and the imagination!
Day-by-Day Itinerary
2009 Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome to the ultimate Greece tour
Tauck’s Greece tour begins at 6:00 PM at the Electra Palace Hotel. A transfer is included from Thessaloniki International Airport to the Electra Palace Hotel, situated in Aristotle Square in the heart of the city. Please join us for a welcome cocktail reception and dinner overlooking the square and the Thermaic Gulf.
Meals: Dinner
Lodging: Electra Palace Hotel, Thessaloniki, Greece
Day 2: The Nymph of the Thermaic Gulf
Called “the Nymph of the Thermaic Gulf” by some, Thessaloniki was founded around 315 BC and named for the sister of Alexander the Great. Begin the first full day of your Greece tour in this capital city of Macedonia with a walk through the nearby market. See the influence of many cultures at some of the city’s most famous monuments and sights, such as the Romans' Triumphal Arch of Galerius, the 15th-century White Tower built by the Turks, and the 7th-century Agia Sophia, one of Europe's most significant Byzantine structures. Discover many facets of the Byzantine period in the art and culture showcased at the impressive Museum of Byzantine Culture, which received the prestigious Council of European Museums Prize in 2005. The afternoon is yours to explore more of Greece's "second city" on your own; tonight, sample regional Greek cuisine during dinner at a popular local restaurant. Note: On Saturday departures of this Greece tour, day 2 and day 3 sightseeing is reversed.
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Lodging: Electra Palace Hotel, Thessaloniki, Greece
Day 3: Traces of a saint and a king
There are over 45 barn-like Byzantine-era churches, many of which feature extensive frescoes, in the small city of Veria, where you'll see the historic Steps of St. Paul, at a spot where tradition has it that the saint once preached. Then, continue on to Vergina, the ancient first capital of the Kingdom of Macedonia. Formerly known as Aigai, it was the seat of King Philip II, father of Alexander the Great, who was assassinated in 336 BC. Your Greece tour is enhanced by a visit to the Royal Macedonian Tombs – a UNESCO World Heritage Site preserving the tombs of the king and other members of his family, and displying antiquities found at the site, considered to be among the greatest treasures in Greece. After lunch, take in the beauty of the Greek countryside on a journey to Kalambaka, for an overnight stay close to the rock-top monasteries of Meteora.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Divani Meteora Hotel, Kalambaka, Greece
Day 4: Monastic marvels of Meteora
Travel to the amazing geological phenomenon of Meteora, whose name literally means “hovering in the air,” today. As incredible as it may seem, these soaring stone towers have been the homes of monks since 985 AD. The earliest monks lived in caves in the rock and eventually 24 monasteries were built atop the towers, accessible only by ladders and baskets raised and lowered by ropes until the 1920s. Legend has it that a traveler about to be hauled aloft in a basket asked a monk if the ropes were ever replaced. “Of course,” replied the monk, “every time one breaks.” Today, six of these miraculous monasteries – now reached by steep steps instead of baskets – remain in active use; a visit to two of them reveals what monastic life is like there today. Viewing the religious treasures and artifacts they contain, as well as the stunning views seen from their lofty perches, is indeed an inspirational experience during your Greece tour, which continues on across the heart of the country en route to a two-night stay in the village of Arachova on the slopes of Mount Parnassus, near the archaeological site of Delphi.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Santa Marina Arachova, Greece
Day 5: And, the Oracle says…
Visiting Delphi with an open mind can be an intriguing experience on any Greece tour. Considered the center of the known world by the ancient Greeks, mystical Delphi is perhaps best known as the home of the oracle of Delphi and its guiding spirit, the god Apollo. In the ancient world, supplicants sought advice from the spirit of Apollo via the oracle… just as some people still do today. "Walk with the gods" as you explore the Sanctuary of Apollo, the home of the priestess who “channeled” the oracle, the Gymnasium and the Castalian Spring, where pilgrims tidied up before consulting the oracle. A visit to the Delphi Museum provides further insights into this fascinating place. The afternoon is free for you to sample the recreational facilities available at your hotel, or enjoy the mountain village of Arachova.
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Lodging: Santa Marina Arachova, Greece
Day 6: Pleasures of the Peloponnese
As your Greece tour continues, a drive along the coast of the Gulf of Corinth reveals olive groves and delightful resort villages en route to the Straits of Corinth and the modern engineering marvel of the new Rio-Antirio Bridge. The renowned Achaia Clauss Winery, where the Imperial cellars hold casqued wine dating from the 1880s – the second-oldest in the world – awaits with a tasting which features Mavrodaphne, a fortified dessert wine used for communion in Greece’s Orthodox churches. Wind your way along the Peloponnese to your beach resort and spa, inspired by Kyllini's thermal springs, for a two-night stay on the shores of the Ionian Sea.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Olympia Riviera Resort, Kyllini, Greece
Day 7: And the games began...
While, in antiquity, it was considered to be a sacred site and known as the Sanctuary of Zeus, ancient Olympia is better known today as the birthplace of the Olympic Games. A visit to Olympia's treasure-filled Archaeological Museum begins this remarkable day on your Greece tour. Then experience the wonders of this archeological site with a local guide on a "walk through time," viewing the Palestra (the training facility for ancient athletes), and the remains of Doric temples, council houses, treasuries, workshops, and playing fields. Although women were not allowed in ancient Olympia at all during the ancient games (which began around 776 BC), the site was the venue for the women’s shot put competition during the Athens Olympic Games in 2004. Complete your exploration by discovering the history of the Games at the Museum of the Olympics, before returning for this evening's memorable cooking demonstration by one of the resort's fine chefs, followed by dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Lodging: Olympia Riviera Resort, Kyllini, Greece
Day 8: Corinthian capers en route to Athens
Drink in lovely views as your Greece tour continues with a drive along the gorgeous coastal route through the northern Peloponnese – past mountainous landscapes dominated by rugged peaks and azure seas – to the beautiful Straits of Corinth, en route to Athens. View the impressive Corinth Canal, built between 1881 and 1893, that cuts through the Isthmus of Corinth connecting the Gulf of Corinth and the Saronic Gulf in the Aegean Sea. Upon arriving in the Greek capital, Athens, this afternoon, visit the city's new Acropolis Museum. Your home for the next two nights is a true Athens landmark, a five-star luxury hotel in the heart of the city, not far from the Acropolis and other places you read about in school!
Meals: Breakfast
Lodging: Hotel Grande Bretagne, Athens, Greece
Day 9: Amazing Athens
The Athens of antiquity and the Athens of today are an intriguing contrast on your Greece tour today, beginning with a guided walking tour up to the center of one of the greatest civilizations on earth, whose treasures have survived for more than 2,000 years – the Acropolis, home to the Parthenon! Centuries intermingle on a city sightseeing tour including Constitution (Syntagma) Square, the House of Parliament, and the Presidential Palace. Take a look inside the Panathenaic Stadium; originally built in 330 BC and remade in marble in 140 AD, it was refurbished for the first Olympic Games of the modern age in 1876 and served as the venue for the archery competition at the 2004 Athens Games. Then, view some of the many treasures exhibited at the National Archaeological Museum of Athens, and have lunch on your own in the famous Pláka before exploring more of the city as you please. Celebrate the conclusion of your memorable Greece tour when you join us tonight for a gala farewell cocktail party and dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Lodging: Hotel Grande Bretagne, Athens, Greece
Day 10: Homeward Bound
Your Greece tour ends in Athens. Fly home anytime. A transfer is included from the Hotel Grande Bretagne to Athens’ Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport. Please allow at least 2 1/2 hours for check-in formalities. We wish you a safe and pleasant journey home!
Meals: Breakfast
Experience the wonders of this ancient land on Tauck's truly extraordinary Greece tour in 2009!
Need to Know
Airfare to the tour departure point and from the tour ending point is not included. Airfare may be purchased from Tauck for travel originating in the United States. Air Conditioning – All the hotels and motor coaches used on this tour are air-conditioned for your comfort. European air conditioning in hotels should be considered as a climate-control system; most have three settings for the fan, plus a "cool" setting. Very few of the European systems actually have a temperature setting. In general, the amount of cool air that is produced from a European air-conditioning system may be less than what you may have in your own home. In Greece, all of the hotels are not serviced by air conditioning in April. In Arachova, there is no air conditioning until the middle to the end of May.
Inclusive Prices
Hotel Accommodations – The tour price includes all hotel accommodations with private baths. The Tauck standard is to provide the best available hotels without sacrificing value. Although the quality may differ slightly from place to place, our commitment to your comfort is unwavering. Two-bedded rooms are reserved in most hotels. Triples are two-bedded rooms with a rollaway cot or a sofa bed, when available, and are not recommended for comfort. . Adjacent, adjoining and connecting rooms are available by request only and cannot be guaranteed.
Meals – Most meals are included as specified in the itinerary.
Gratuities Included – All gratuities for restaurant and hotel staff and local guides are included.
No Options Sold – Your Tauck Director will assist you with information on free-time activities based on honest opinion and guidance but will not sell you anything. This means better value and a more relaxed and pleasant experience for you.Not Included
Hotel Rooms Before and After Tours – To avoid jet lag and possible flight delays, you may wish to make hotel arrangements for the nights preceding or following your tour. As a service, Tauck will book additional nights for you on a space-available basis using special rates only available through Tauck. Hotel room charges will be added to the tour cost. If you wish to spend additional nights, please consult the Extend This Journey section on this website and discuss it with the reservations agent when you book your tour.
Luggage Responsibility – Although every effort is made to handle your luggage carefully, we cannot be responsible, assume liability or accept claims for loss or damage to luggage and personal effects due to breakage, theft, or fair wear and tear through hotel, airline and group carrier handling. It is important for your own self-interest and protection that you make certain you have adequate insurance to cover these eventualities. Please refer to the Tauck Protection Plan for more information.
Personal Expenses - Phone calls, room service, alcoholic and bar beverages, mineral waters and soft drinks, laundry, airline excess luggage charges, vaccinations, visa fees and services, individual airport transfers (if applicable), and other optional or incidental extras are not included and may be significant.
Tauck Director and Driver Gratuities - The customary gratuities to the Tauck Director and driver are not included. Gratuities should be extended on a voluntary, individual basis and not as a group.Additional Information
If you are traveling from an airport outside the jurisdiction of the U.S, you will need to determine what travel documentation and identification is required for that particular airport.
Due to heightened security regulations, certain items such as metal nail files, pocketknives, or tweezers, are not permitted in your carry-on luggage. Please call your airline prior to departure to obtain current information on non-permissible carry-on items and recommended airport check-in times.
Air Services – Airfare may be purchased through Tauck for travel originating in the . By using Tauck's air services, you agree that Tauck, in purchasing, selling or otherwise arranging air transportation, is acting only as your agent and is not liable or responsible for any accident, death, personal injury, illness, property damage, delay or other loss or expense of any nature whatsoever arising directly or indirectly out of any act of God, or any actions or omissions (including any failure to provide services) or default of, any carrier.
All carriers are independent contractors and are not owned, managed, controlled or operated by Tauck. Your airline ticket constitutes a contract between yourself and the airline (and not Tauck), even if purchased through Tauck. Tauck is not liable for, and does not assume responsibility or accept claims with regard to, seat assignments, schedule changes, flight changes, cancellations, claims for a refund or reimbursement of airline ticket fees, or any other loss incurred by you for any reason whatsoever (including, without limitation to, bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or similar relief from creditors). Tauck must handle ticketing for Tauck's special fares, which are subject to availability and cannot be guaranteed until reserved. Special fares cannot be combined with any other promotional offer. Tauck's air services can only be purchased in conjunction with a Tauck tour. Tickets or e-ticket numbers will be mailed with final documents. If you cancel or change your air before or after departure, all airline cancellation and change fees will apply.
Holiday and Museum Closures – Museum visits and personal shopping time may be disrupted due to unforeseen circumstances or the many religious, state and local holidays locally observed.
Itinerary Changes and Price Flexibility – Tauck pledges to make every effort to operate your tour as advertised. We reserve the right to alter or curtail the itinerary, or substitute sightseeing, hotels, and/or conveyances as deemed necessary. Any savings realized by these changes will be refunded to you. Any resultant added expense will be covered by Tauck. Although not expected, prices on this website may be modified due to unexpected significant external factors not forecast at the time of publication.
Journey Start and End Times are provided at the time of booking. The tour begins at 6:00 PM at the Electra Palace Hotel in Thessaloniki on the first day of the tour. You or your booking agent will be advised of any change to this schedule. Please allow sufficient time to claim your luggage and clear customs in order to join the tour on time. The tour ends upon your arrival at Athens International Airport, "Elefthérios Venizélos", on the last day of the tour. We suggest you allow at least 3 hours for flight check-in.
Membership will be granted to all persons. Tauck reserves the right to terminate the tour of any person who is abusive of others or whose behavior disrupts the tour.
Photography on Tour – Occasionally, we will use photographs taken by fellow guests or your Tauck Director on your tour for promotional purposes. If you prefer that your photo not be used in any marketing activities, please notify your Tauck Director at the start of your tour.Preparing To Go
ATM and Credit Cards - We recommend that you contact your bank in advance of departing for this tour to determine whether you will be able to use your ATM and credit cards while traveling. When contacting your bank, notify them of your travel dates so that they will anticipate charges being made outside of your hometown and do not suspend your cards for what may appear to them to be ‘suspicious’ charges. We also recommend that you make a photocopy of the front and back sides of your ATM and credit cards to leave behind with someone at home who will assist you in the event your cards are misplaced, lost or stolen.
Clothing and Packing – The weather in has mild and rainy winters, relatively warm and dry summers and, generally, extended periods of sunshine throughout most of the year. We suggest that you dress for comfort and convenience with a wardrobe that is flexible and allows for layering. Casual, cotton clothing is recommended. A light sweater or jacket will provide warmth on a chilly early morning walk or a late night stroll; however, generally you will only need to dress for warm and delightful weather – and the occasional shower.
In Europe, especially in finer restaurants, it is generally customary to dress somewhat formally. Slacks or a dress for women and a jacket for men are acceptable dining attire. We advise against wearing jeans, sneakers or shorts for dinner. You may also wish to dress up a bit for the welcome reception and the farewell dinner, but certainly be comfortable.
On day 4, when visiting the monasteries of Meteora, strict dress codes apply. Men are not allowed to enter the monasteries if they are wearing shorts or sleeveless shirts (the rules say they must wear long-sleeved shirts, but they generally do admit men wearing short-sleeved shirts, but never sleeveless shirts.) Women are not allowed to enter the monasteries if their shoulders are not covered and they must be wearing a dress or a skirt (knees must be covered). Pants and shorts are not allowed. The monasteries do provide a wrap skirt for the ladies should they require one. Note: Women do not have to cover their heads as in some countries.
You will find a hair dryer located in your hotel guest room. Valet laundry service is available at the Electra Palace Hotel, the Olympia Riviera Resort and the King George Palace Hotel.
We recommend that you pack an adequate supply of your prescription medication in its original container to last through your entire journey, together with a copy of your doctor’s prescription (or a letter from your health-care provider on office stationery explaining that the medication has been prescribed for you), a list of the generic names of your medication, your travel documents and a change of clothing in your carry-on bag to avoid any inconvenience in the event that your flight or luggage is delayed.
Following is a list of recommended items to pack for your trip to Greece:
Health – This journey is paced to accommodate all our guests. It is, nonetheless, an active and extensive tour. You should be in good health and able to walk reasonable distances over uneven terrain, as some of the most memorable sightseeing can only be accomplished on foot. is home to innumerable historic buildings and sites, many dating from antiquity. Therefore, roads, walkways and architecture will present difficulties for some guests with physical limitations. You will encounter cobblestone streets, narrow passageways, and some gradual but steep steps. In addition, there are many stairs at the monasteries of Meteora, in Delphi, and at the Acropolis. For the most part, however, the amount of walking you do at the various sites and towns is at your discretion.
Most sites are not wheelchair accessible and the motor coaches do not have wheelchair lifts. Many sites require walking up and down hills. We regret that we cannot provide you with individual assistance for walking, dining or other personal needs. If you need such assistance, you must be accompanied by an able companion who will help you.
Please check with your health insurance provider to determine whether you are covered while traveling. If you will not be covered under your current policy, we strongly suggest that you arrange for adequate coverage while on tour.
If you have a medical condition that might limit your participation in activities, please consult your physician for pre-departure health advice and notify Tauck as soon as possible, if you have not already done so. We will advise your Tauck Director accordingly.
If you are a citizen, no vaccinations are currently required for travel to . For complete vaccination and inoculation information, contact your physician, the public health service in your area, or the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Atlanta, , The Travelers' Health Section of the CDC operates a 24-hour, prerecorded "Travelers' Health Hotline" at 877-394-8747 (toll-free in the ). You may also log on to the CDC Internet website at www.cdc.gov.
If you are a citizen of another country, please contact an embassy or consulate of to determine what vaccinations may be required for your travel.
Luggage Restrictions-
Checked Luggage – General
While it is common that airlines allow passengers to check more than one piece of luggage per person, space constraints during your Tauck journey make it difficult to accommodate extra luggage. We ask that you limit your checked luggage to one average size suitcase per person.
In addition, airlines have adopted more strict policies in enforcing size and weight limits. Luggage exceeding maximum restrictions may require expensive overage fees, frustrating and hurried re-packing at the ticket counter, or even risk being left behind.
Many carriers require checked luggage not exceed a weight of 50 lbs (22.7 kg) per piece. Airlines revise luggage policies frequently and often without notice; therefore, Tauck cannot be held liable to the weight limit listed above. We urge you to check with your airline before traveling to determine current weight and size restrictions. It is also important to note that restrictions for luggage size and weight may vary with the same airline based on the class of service you select. First and Business Class ticket holders may have different restrictions than Coach Class travelers.
Tauck World Discovery cannot be held liable for additional fees or inconveniences imposed by the airline due to luggage size, piece or weight policies.
Please be sure to attach your Tauck luggage tag to your suitcase before leaving home.
Carry-on Luggage – General
For your day-to-day travel while on tour, we recommend that you limit your hand luggage to a small, soft-sided carry-on piece, and only those items you need handy during the day such as purses, make-up, medications, cameras, film, etc. Items too large to fit under the motor coach seat or in the overhead rack must be stored in the luggage bays beneath the motor coach, and may not be accessible during daytime travel.
Travel Document Requirements – If you are a citizen of the United States, you will need a valid passport to enter Greece; however, you do not need a visa for the short duration of this tour. Please note that longer stays abroad for any purpose may require additional travel documentation.
If you are a citizen of another country, you should contact an embassy or consulate of to determine what travel documentation is required.
We strongly recommend that your passport be valid for six months beyond the completion of your tour. We also recommend that you make at least two photocopies of all the travel documents that you bring with you. Include copies of the photo page of your passport that contains the date of issuance, the date of expiration and your citizenship, as well as both sides of your driver’s license. Secure one set of copies in the safe in your room while traveling and leave one set behind with someone at home who will assist you in the event your documents are misplaced, lost or stolen.
Travel with Children
Age Recommendations – Children 5 years of age or older at the time of travel are welcome on this Tauck journey. Based upon our experience with family travelers, for each itinerary we have a minimum recommended age to encourage comfort and enjoyment for all of our guests. For the optional visit to the Catacombs of St. Peter’s Basilica, only those who are 15 years of age or older are permitted entry. All children must be accompanied on activities by a parent or guardian. At least one guest in the traveling party must be 21 years of age or older in order to make a reservation.
Babysitting – Tauck journeys are designed for adults and children to share the wonder of discovery together. However, our guests have occasionally inquired about babysitting services. If you are interested, your Tauck Director will put you in contact with the appropriate hotel staff with whom you may make babysitting arrangements, to ensure your precise needs are met. There is usually an additional fee for these services. Many hotels do offer babysitting services that may be arranged on site; however, babysitting services are not guaranteed at all of our hotels. Please note that our Tauck Directors are not responsible for providing babysitting services.
Safety and Welfare Responsibility – We welcome the participation of child travelers on our exciting excursions. If you are traveling with a child on a Tauck journey, you have the sole responsibility for ensuring that that the child with whom you are traveling follows all rules of safety throughout the tour. By traveling with Tauck, you release Tauck, Inc. and our partners of all liability for any risks and/or injuries to the child with whom you are traveling.
Special Travel Documentation for Children
If you travel into or out of the U.S. with children under the age of 18, you should be aware of the following: because of increasing incidents of child abductions in disputed custody cases and because children are at risk as possible victims of child pornography, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) strongly recommends that unless the child is accompanied by both parents, you should have a note from the child's other parent (or, in the case of a child traveling with grandparents, uncles or aunts, sisters or brothers, or friends, a note signed by both parents) stating that the parent(s) not traveling acknowledge that the parent(s), family members, etc. who are traveling into or out of the U.S. with the child have permission to do so.
CBP also suggests that this note be notarized. While CBP may not ask to see this documentation, if they do ask, and you do not have it, you may be detained until the circumstances of the child traveling without both parents can be fully assessed.
If there is no second parent with legal claims to the child (deceased, sole custody, etc.) any other relevant paperwork, such as a court decision, birth certificate naming only one parent, death certificate, etc., would be useful.
All children who are citizens should also have a certified copy of their birth certificate or baptism record for ID. Children over the age of 14 are also required to have a photo ID.
Many other countries also share this concern for children who travel without both parents. To ensure smooth travel, Tauck requires all guests to comply with the travel regulations of each country visited. This information is available from each country’s consulate.
Authorization for Emergency Medical Treatment
In the unlikely event of a medical emergency, a medical facility will require permission from the child’s parents to provide treatment. Therefore, we strongly suggest that you bring along a letter from both parents authorizing emergency medical treatment for their child.
Tauck is not responsible for the disruption of travel caused by improper documentation for any travelers, including children traveling without both parents. While there is no definitive format or standard for these letters, click here to view a sample letter for guardians or one parent traveling with a child.
Destination Information
Please contact your cell phone carrier to determine whether your service extends to Greece.
Currency and Exchange Rates - The official currency in Greece is the Euro.
While it is not necessary to exchange currency prior to joining your tour, we do suggest having a small amount of local currency when traveling in foreign countries. Currency exchange is generally available at most major airports. Many hotels can also exchange small amounts as you travel and your Tauck Director can suggest convenient exchange points. Many foreign banks are able to provide local currency using a credit card or traveler’s checks. For the best exchange rate, we suggest using major credit cards. ATM machines are also readily available
Note that in Greece, the banking hours are generally from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM and, at most banks, when you are exchanging currency, you will need your passport. If you do not have this with you, then the bank may refuse to exchange your currency.
To obtain up-to-date currency exchange rates, you may want to check your local newspaper or log on to the Internet website www.oanda.com.
Customs and Tax-Free Shopping – You should familiarize yourself with Greece’s specific required customs declarations before you travel. In general, you are not permitted to bring live plants, fresh fruits and other produce items into most countries.
If you are a resident of another country, please refer to your own country’s rules and regulations regarding customs and duty-free shopping to ensure compliance.
Currently, Greece levies a 19% Value Added Tax (VAT) on most consumer goods and services. (The tax may be higher on luxury items and lower on basic goods.) As a rule, if you are not a resident of the country in which the purchase is made (or of the country’s intergovernmental economic community, e.g., the European Union), you may be entitled to a VAT refund and should inquire about the refund policy where you shop.
Dining - Restaurant and ‘taverna’ food tends to be very simple, rarely involving sauces but with full use of local olive oil and charcoal grills. All restaurants have a standard menu, which includes the availability and price of each dish. A good proportion of the restaurants will serve international dishes.
National specialties include:
Internet Access is available as indicated below:
Electra Palace Hotel – Guests must purchase a prepaid internet card and access is available in rooms and public areas
Divani Meteora Hotel – Access in rooms and one computer in the lobby for a fee
Santa Marina Hotel & Spa – Free WiFi internet access with personal laptop only
Olympia Riviera Resort- WiFi internet access is available in most rooms and lobby for a fee. Two computers are available for guest use in the lobby for a fee.
Hotel Grand Bretagne – High-speed internet access
Time Zones – is 2 hours ahead of Coordinated Universal Time (or Greenwich Mean Time). From late March through October, switches to Daylight Savings Time and is 3 hours ahead. To determine current time in major cities around the world, we suggest you log on to the Internet website www.timeanddate.com.
Weather - The weather in varies from the dry climate of Attiki (Athens’ greater area) and East Greece in general, to the wet climate of Northern and Western Greece. The cold and rainy period lasting from mid-October until the end of March, and the warm and dry season lasts from April until September. The coldest months are January and February, with a mean minimum temperature ranging, on average, between 41-50 °F (5-10 °C) near the coasts and 32-41 °F (0–5 °C) over the mainland, with lower values (generally below freezing) over the northern part of the country. Long stretches of consecutive rainy days are infrequent in , even during the winter, and the sky does not remain cloudy for more than a few days in a row. The warmest period occurs during the last ten days of July and the first ten days of August, when the mean maximum temperature lies between 84-95 °F (29-35 °C). During the warm period, the high temperatures are tempered by fresh sea breezes in the coastal areas of the country and from the north winds, known as ‘Etesian’, blowing mainly in the Aegean.
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|
Rainfall
|
|||
|
|
Athens,
|
Thessaloniki,
|
||
|
Month
|
Inches
|
Millimeters
|
Inches
|
Millimeters
|
|
January
|
1.3
|
34
|
1.1
|
27
|
|
February
|
1.1
|
28
|
0.8
|
21
|
|
March
|
1.3
|
34
|
1.1
|
27
|
|
April
|
0.9
|
22
|
1.1
|
27
|
|
May
|
0.4
|
9
|
1.3
|
34
|
|
June
|
0.1
|
3
|
0.8
|
20
|
|
July
|
0.3
|
7
|
0.8
|
20
|
|
August
|
0.1
|
3
|
0.5
|
14
|
|
September
|
0.3
|
7
|
0.8
|
20
|
|
October
|
0.9
|
22
|
1.2
|
31
|
|
November
|
2.4
|
62
|
1.5
|
39
|
|
December
|
2.0
|
51
|
1.6
|
40
|
|
|
|
|||
|
|
Trikala (Meteora),
|
Arachova (Lamia),
|
||
|
Month
|
Inches
|
Millimeters
|
Inches
|
Millimeters
|
|
January
|
1.0
|
27
|
1.8
|
46
|
|
February
|
0.8
|
20
|
1.3
|
34
|
|
March
|
1.1
|
27
|
1.7
|
43
|
|
April
|
1.1
|
28
|
1.3
|
32
|
|
May
|
1.2
|
31
|
2.0
|
50
|
|
June
|
0.6
|
14
|
0.4
|
10
|
|
July
|
0.6
|
15
|
0.6
|
15
|
|
August
|
0.5
|
13
|
0.5
|
13
|
|
September
|
0.8
|
21
|
0.4
|
11
|
|
October
|
1.2
|
29
|
1.6
|
40
|
|
November
|
1.6
|
41
|
2.1
|
54
|
|
December
|
1.5
|
38
|
2.1
|
54
|
If You Have to Cancel
Cancellation Fees – Regardless of reason, cancellations of confirmed bookings result in Tauck incurring costly penalties and cancellation fees from our travel and hotel providers. Therefore, if you have to cancel a confirmed booking, Tauck will charge you a cancellation fee according to when your cancellation notice is received in its Norwalk, CT office. To help limit your liability, Tauck offers the Tauck Protection Plan.
If you choose to purchase Tauck’s Guest Protection or Cancellation Fee Waiver, you will have your cancellation penalties waived. Please click here for more details.
If you choose not to purchase the Tauck Protection Plan, you will incur cancellation penalties per person as follows:
$600 per person (the amount of the deposit)
59-8 days before departure
$900 per person
7-1 days before departure
$1,500 per person