**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 6 months beyond the period of stay. It is advised to have 1 blank page in your passport. 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.
**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.
Travel Insurance
All passengers must have valid travel insurance before traveling, including health and cancellation insurance. Please ensure you have a copy of your insurer’s 24-hour emergency telephone number and your policy number.
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. Please note, if you require distilled or ionised water, you must inform The Big Journey Company of this at the time of booking, so we are able to make preparations with our ground agents. There may be an additional charge for this.
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.
LANGUAGE
The main language of Greece is Greek. English is often spoken in tourist centres.
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
Moblie coverage is widely avaliable across Europe, be sure to check with your mobile provider for coverage and rates, as data roaming can be extremely expensive.
MONEY
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.
- GratuitiesAfter feedback from previous guests, we offer a group tipping package for this tour, more information on this will be shared in the 'Pre-Tour Emails'.
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.
SAFETY & SECURITY
As visitors, tourists may be more vulnerable to petty crimes like pickpocketing and scams, so we recommend staying aware and taking simple precautions.
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.
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