Greece
Ancient Greece developed many of the Western world's cultural building blocks, as the Olympic Games, democracy, mathematics and philosophy all began there. Today the country is known as a great holiday destination rather than a centre of culture and learning, and attracts visitors by the thousands. Most of them come for the simple pleasures of its delicious food, wine, beautiful beaches, sunshine and quaint villages, with beach lovers in particular relishing the seemingly endless lacework of coastline and small islands stocked with ancient sites and scenic surprises.
Greece exudes traditional charm, especially on its ever-popular islands, which cling to their traditional ways despite the influx of tourists. Black-clad women still deliver vegetables to island tavernas on panniered donkeys, while bronzed, weather-beaten fishermen sit in the sun, drink thick coffee and play dominoes or backgammon. The tourist infrastructure has intruded in many respects, but the timeless aspect of whitewashed buildings clustered on hillsides has been retained. The myriad islands in the Aegean Sea are easily accessible from Piraeus, Athens' historic harbour, and many of the larger ones have airports with connections to Athens or major European cities.
On the mainland, the capital Athens is sprawling, polluted and overcrowded, but nevertheless enthralls visitors. It's dominated by its major landmark, the Parthenon, though the remains of other Classical Greek wonders are found mainly on the Peloponnese Peninsula. Thessaloniki lies in the north and is modern and vibrant with a Byzantine flavour.
Visitors are sure to love this ancient and sun-filled country.
Athens
Athens exudes a unique charm through its mix of street markets, vine-covered tavernas, souvenir stalls, ancient monuments and high-rise buildings. For tourists, a plus is that most of the capital's attractions are accessible by foot.
Athens was named after Athena, the Greek goddess of wisdom. According to mythology, she won the city after duelling against Poseidon, god of the sea. Indeed, Athens can chart its history back thousands of years and is regarded as the cradle of Western civilisation. More specifically, it's democracy's birthplace, and where philosophy, art and architecture were refined.
The city declined after the Classical Age, dwindling to nothing but a town in the colourful area now known as the Plaka. It emerged as independent Greece's capital in 1834.
Today, the city is bustling. And though the pollution, frantic gridlock and dingy buildings are a striking contrast to the open beauty of Greece's coast and islands, Athens is truly the country's beating heart. Ancient wonders like the Acropolis, the Parthenon, and the Temples of Zeus and Hephaestus ensure that the city will always lure travelers
Santorini
Besides being one of the most beautiful islands in the world, Santorini is also one of the most geologically and archaeologically dramatic. Often called Thira, the island is shaped like an enormous pair of jaws encircling a lake filled with pure blue water. This is the core of an ancient volcano, which according to legend, destroyed the lost continent of Atlantis.
Santorini's capital, Fira, perches on a cliff top. Ferries arrive and depart in the harbour below, while visitors walk or ride donkeys up the steep winding path to the town. Fira has hotels, good restaurants, bars and plenty of nightlife to keep tourists happy.
History buffs should visit Ancient Thira's archaeological remains. They date back to the 9th century BC, and they're on the island's east side. Other attractions include the excavations at a Minoan Bronze Age settlement called Akrotiri, an archaeological museum, and an 18th-century monastery. Santorini has two swimming beaches, Perissa and Kamari, both characterised by their volcanic black sand.
Upon arrival at Athens Airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Enjoy dinner in the sky including transfers.
Accommodation: Athenaeum Grand Hotel, mix of junior suites Acropolis View and deluxe rooms Acropolis view or similar – 1 night
Transfer to the Ferry and take the high speed ferry to Santorini (economy class). You will be met and transferred to you’re your choice of hotels.
Accommodation: Splendour Hotel, junior pool suites or similar – 4 night
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel, then meet your guide and depart for a day on the Santorini Wine Roads. Take this half-day wine tour of the Santorini countryside and visit the most distinctive wineries on the island. Taste a selection of 12 different wine styles from Santorini and Greece.
Winemaking on Santorini dates back more than 4,000 years and the tour covers the most traditional wineries of the island, starting at a vineyard on the volcanic soils. Stroll through the unique basket vines, learning about the unique viticulture that makes vine-growing in Santorini respected worldwide for its distinctive means of production.
Learn the island's history through its wine-making from your wine-expert guide as you move between the most legendary wineries, all acclaimed by international experts. Taste the major wine styles of Santorini such as Assyrtiko, Nykteri, Vinsanto accompanied by local delicacies, such as cheese and local snacks.
Return to your hotel for overnight.
Catamaran Sunset Cruise (shared)
Including: roundtrip transportation and BBQ meal on board (including white wine, soft drinks and water).
Discover Santorini’s beautiful coastline with this delightful cruise, which includes BBQ meal with drinks. Enjoy a refreshing swim in the clear blue waters at the red beach, and sail past the big lighthouse south of the caldera. Explore secluded volcanic beaches, experience the volcanic hot springs or simply relax on deck.
Visits: Red beach, White Beach, hot springs
Transfer to the ferry terminal and take the high speed ferry to Athens. Transfer to your hotel for overnight.
Accommodation: Athenaeum Grand Hotel, mix of junior suites Acropolis View and deluxe rooms Acropolis view or similar – 1 night
Cancellations received prior to final payment due date will incur a loss of the non-refundable deposit, plus any fees subject to the specific items booked. Please note that airfares are assessed separately and are subject to airline fare rules, and may be non-refundable.
We recommend Travel Insurance for all travel. Travel Insurance offers protection for unforeseen trip cancellation. Accidents and illness prior to or during travel can affect not only your trip, but may result in high medical expenses and extra costs, as can weather and flight delays. Any such expenses and costs are the traveller’s responsibility, and they shall not be entitled to any refund from JEK Travels, of monies paid, for any unused or lost travel arrangements. Travel Insurance protects against such costs, subject to the insurer’s policy conditions. Some countries now require proof of adequate travel medical insurance before allowing entry. JEK Travels and its subsidiaries will not be responsible for any loss or costs incurred for events that are beyond our control, and will apply any fees and charges in accordance with our Booking Conditions. We recommend Travel Insurance always!
We shall not be liable for any claims, losses, damages, costs, expenses, delays or loss of enjoyment, of any nature or kind whatsoever, resulting from events beyond our or a supplier’s reasonable control, including but not limited to acts of God, strikes, lockouts or other labour disputes or disruptions, wars, blockades, insurrections, riots, earthquakes, weather conditions, floods or acts or restraints imposed by government authorities.
Travel documents and tickets, joining and departure details, supplier addresses and phone contacts will be sent after receipt of final payment.
Note: Entry to another country may be refused even if the required Information and Travel Documents are valid and complete.
A passport valid for six months beyond date of travel is required for entry into all countries. Visas may be required for certain countries; please inquire for details. Please check with your agent at time of booking if visas are still required for these or other countries. If you are not travelling on an American or Canadian passport, it is imperative that you also check visa requirements for all of the destinations you will be travelling to or transiting through. Ultimately, it is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct documentation.
These may differ from those found in your country of Origin. The standards and conditions in other countries with respect to the provision of utilities, services and accommodation may also differ from those found in your country of origin
Because of the volatility of exchange rates for many of the destinations JEK Travels offers, all prices are subject to change or surcharge. Once we have received your deposit you will be given the opportunity to pay in full to avoid any price increase (in the rare case it occurs). If the total price of the travel services increases and the cumulative increase, except any change in government taxes and fees, is more than 7%, the customer has the right to cancel and obtain a full refund. No price increases will apply after balance is paid in full, except for government charges, such as National Park fees, taxes, and any fees paid locally in destination, that may increase at any time. These are outside of the control of JEK Travels or its suppliers, so must be paid by the customer, even if the booking has been paid in full.
Once a booking has been made, any change is subject to a communications fee of $50 per change. Once documents have been issued, any change will be subject to a minimum administration fee of $150 in addition to communications charges. Suppliers may also charge fees to change certain travel arrangements, and in some cases a change to a booking may see some items assessed for cancellation fees if a change of service or supplier occurs. Please discuss with your travel agent before making the decision to change or cancel any booking item, as it may be considered as a partial booking cancellation depending on the timing and nature of the change.
JEK Travels. and/or its agents, act only as agents for the client in all matters pertaining to travel. They assume no responsibility nor liability in connection with the service of any train, vessel, carriage, aircraft, motor or other conveyances which may be used, either wholly or in part, in the performance of its duty to the passenger; neither will it be responsible for any act, error, or omission, or any injury, loss, accident, delay or irregularity which may be occasioned by reason of any defect in any vehicle or through the neglect or default of any company or person engaged in conveying the passenger; or for any hotel proprietor, or hotel service, or for any other person engaged in carrying out the purpose for which tickets or coupons are issued. In the event that it becomes necessary or advisable for the comfort or wellbeing of the passengers, or for any reason whatsoever, to alter the itinerary or arrangements, such alterations may be made without penalty to the operators. Additional expenses, if any, shall be borne by the passengers, conversely refund will be made to the passengers if any saving is effected thereby. The Airlines concerned are not to be held responsible for any act, omission, or event, during the time passengers are not on board their planes or conveyance. The passage contract in use by the Airlines concerned, when issued, shall constitute the sole contract between the Airlines and the purchaser of these tours and/or passenger. The right is reserved to withdraw any or all tours should conditions warrant, also to decline to accept or retain any passengers as members of the tours. JEK Travels or agent can assume no responsibility for lost tickets or coupons.
Inclusions in above prices:
Exclusions in above prices:
IMPORTANT:
Due to record number of travellers to Europe many attractions have restricted access, restrictions of volume of visitors, and the late release of tickets. Some entrance tickets cannot be guaranteed until the group is finalized and are subject to availability at late release dates.
Tour Luggage Allowance - Land Arrangements:
One piece of standard size luggage per person is included on tour coaches. If your group is travelling with more than one piece each, then you must advise us prior to final payment of the group. Additional arrangements may be required (cost not included). Failure to do so could impact the smooth running of your tour and incur costs locally.