Introduction
A yacht adventure is the ideal way to experience what many consider the world's most beautiful islands: the Greek Islands. Sail for up to 8 days aboard our 50-foot yachts, with time for hiking, snorkelling, and relaxing. Explore ancient archaeological sites and taverna-lined harbours, dine on fresh seafood and don't forget to try the Ouzo!
What's Included
Fully licensed skipper, Snorkelling equipment, 7 nights aboard our yacht
The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and us. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary.
Trip style
Classic: Designed to ensure an authentic and unforgettable travel experience, our Classic trip styles have broad appeal. That’s because they are all about the exploration of unique landscapes, awe-inspiring wildlife and foreign cultures.
Comfort level
Standard: Our Standard service level features more comfortable tourist class hotels and guesthouses that reflect your destination’s character. Of course, you’ll retain local colour with some travel by public transportation but sometimes you’ll enjoy the convenience of private vehicles. Ideal for travellers looking for an authentic experience and a little more comfort.
Physical grading
Light walking and hiking that is suitable for most fitness levels.
Itinerary
Dodecanese Islands - Kos to Santorini
Possible stops include: Kinaros & Levitha, Leros, Kalimnos, Sirna, Astypalea, Tilos, Halki, Nisyros, Amorgos, Santorini.
DODECANESE ISLANDS
The Dodecanese (Twelve Islands or Dodekanes) is the most southerly group of islands in the Southern Sporades, lying off the southwest coast of Asia Minor. It includes 14 larger islands together with some 40 smaller islets and rocks. With the exception of Rhodes, which belongs culturally to Greece but geologically to the mainland of Anatolia, the islands are arid and largely barren. Their inhabitants live by farming, sponge fishing (the Dodecanese forms the base of the Greek sponge-fishing fleet), and increasingly, tourism. Windsurfing, water-skiing, snorkelling, diving and swimming are popular activities in the Dodecanese.
KOS
Home to the Greek father of medicine Hypocrites, Kos is an island full of contrasts, with a mix of both Greek and Turkish architecture and culture. Rich in history, Kos is home to many ancient ruins, including Asklipion, a healing centre and medical school that followed the teachings of Hypocrites. Away from the lively main town you will find many secluded beaches and quaint villages. Kos is a part of the Dodecanese island group and an ideal gateway for excursions to other islands or Turkey. An exciting possible excursion is the 4-hour hydrofoil to Rhodes.
According to ancient mythology, the sun god Helios chose Rhodes as his bride and bestowed light, warmth and vegetation on her. The blessing seems to have paid off and Rhodes is one of the most pleasant islands to visit. The old town with its massive walls is one of the finest surviving examples of medieval fortification. Don't miss the Acropolis of Lindos, Rhodes’ most important ancient city.
KALIMNOS
In Kalimos, we harbor at the small fishing village of Ormos Vathi. Vathi means deep in Greek, and is a fjord with dramatic deep sides and caves. A little snorkelling here is well worth the trouble. Past the tavernas, the valley is stunning - filled with citrus trees, gardens. Keep an eye out on entry and exit for the crazy goats again. Enough said, Vathi is a must see on every trip in this area.
KINAROS AND LEVITHA
Extremely sparsely populated and authentic. A must visit to the local family taverna; it's a 300 metre walk through barley fields - take a torch and close the gates behind you to control the goats!
PATMOS
The main town does have charm, and the fortified monastery on the hill is still active, giving the town an authoritarian feel. A great island for a scooter ride.
LEROS
On the west coast Lakki harbour is a natural fortress offering excellent shelter in a long narrow harbour. This is probably why Mussolini used this town to show his example of a fascist model village while the Italians occupied the Dodacanese through the 1920’s and 1930’s. The mixture of decaying and renovated ‘art-deco’ buildings gives this place a great atmosphere. Nearby Platanos boasts the fine Castle of Pandeli, offering stunning views in all directions.
AMORGOS
This pleasant little part of Greece remains authentic, with little mainstream tourist influence and some great hospitality. A try of the local Raki is almost compulsory as it is served to you as you pay at the supermarket. This honey and sugar based alcohol has some kick, but nothing like that of hard liquor. The coast of this island can be steep and dramatic - the south side boasts an extraordinary 11th-century monastery embedded in the cliffside.
SANTORINI (THIRA)
Still shaky Santorini needs no introduction, being a 1 million year old volcano that remains in active/dormant state until today. Its breathtaking beauty both historically and geologically are awe inspiring making it one of life’s true highlights. The island was home to a Minoan settlement that was obliterated by an eruption around 1650BC which sent tsunamis through the eastern Medeteranean. The colossal eruption displaced 30 cubic kilometres of earth jetting a cloud of ash 36 km into the sky creating the foundation of what we see today. Centrally located in the 300 metre deep 5 -mile wide crescent moon shaped caldera harbour are two new cones, Neas Palaias & Kammenis. Eruptions and earthquakes have wreaked havoc on Thira as recently as the 1970’s, with the notable 7.8 earthquake of 1956. The shape of the crater ring has constantly changed over the last 3000 years with several parts of the crater wall collapsing into the sea. Remarkably, the island has always been resettled due to the rich volcanic soil's fertile properties. The wines, tomatoes and cucumbers from this island are super tasty due to the soil composition and low rainfall. Visitors can make their way from sea level to the crater rim either by bus, gondola or even a donkey ride. Fira, the main town, sits perched on the edge of the caldera with breathtaking views of multi-coloured cliffs, sugar-cube architecture and great shopping.
Please note: While it is our intention to adhere to the route described above, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. On Day 1 of your tour you will be advised of any amendments.
StartFinish
Kos to Santorini
What's Included
Fully licensed skipper, Snorkelling equipment, 7 nights aboard our yacht
Dossier Disclaimer
The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary.
Itinerary Disclaimer
While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission. Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.
Important Notes
1. Please note that while it is our intention to adhere to the route described in the itinerary, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the program and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. On Day 1 of your tour you will be advised of any amendments. This itinerary may need to change due to inclement weather conditions and this decision will be made solely at your skipper's discretion, based on the safety of the group and yacht.
2. A NOTE REGARDING SMALL SPACES ON SAILBOATS: Please note that the rooming for these boats is done on a first-come, first-serve basis and no particular cabins nor berths can be guaranteed. Our skippers will pair up travel partners or if you are travelling single with someone of the same sex individuals. Please be aware that as this is a real sailboat and not a cruise vessel that the space on board is tight. You will be sharing a small room with one of your fellow passengers or travel partner and sharing the three bathrooms onboard. The sleeping quarters on sailboats are generally kept to a minimum size in order to maximize public space and performance. Some people are not comfortable with the type of close quarter arrangements typically found on sailboats, however if a real sailing experience on a real sailboat is what you are after, then this experience should more than make up for cramped quarters. Please note that the skipper will also be sharing the ship's quarters and amenities with you.
3. Please note that this tour is a combination of several tours. As such, your group tour leader, fellow passengers, or vehicle may change between the individual tour sections.
4. Please note that this tour combines with other tours. As such, the staff and some travel companions on your tour may have previously been traveling together with us, prior to Day 1 of your tour. Likewise, some staff and travel companions may be continuing together on another tour, after your trip concludes.
Group Leader Description
A skipper will be with the group throughout your journey. The aim of the skipper is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible, as well as taking complete charge of the sailing, your safety on board and the safety of the vessel. As this is a real sailing adventure, our skipper might also request your help on board and will be more than happy to impart some of their vast sailing knowledge during the course of the journey. Our skippers are all fully licensed with many years of experience sailing in the area. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and you can expect your skipper to have a broad general knowledge of the Greek Islands you will visit.
Group Size Notes
Max 8
Your Fellow Travellers
As you travel on a group trip you will be exposed to all the pleasures and maybe some of the frustrations of travelling in a group. Your fellow travellers will probably come from all corners of the world and are likely to be of a variety of ages too. We ask you to be understanding of the various needs and preferences of your group - patience with your fellow travellers is sometimes required for the benefit of everyone's travel experience. Remember too that you have responsibilities to the group. If you are requested to be at a place at a certain time, ensure that you don't keep the rest of the group waiting. We have found time and time again that the very best trips we operate are those where the dynamics within the group work well - this takes just a little effort on your part.
Meals Included
No meals are included but basic items on the boat will be covered by a food kitty.
Meals
Eating is a big part of traveling. Travelling with us you experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available out in the world. Generally meals are not included in the trip price when there is a choice of eating options, to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. It also gives you more budgeting flexibility, though generally food is cheap. Our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. There is no obligation to do this though. Your group leader will be able to suggest favourite restaurants during your trip. The above information applies to group trips. For Independent trips please check the itinerary for details of meals included. For all trips please refer to the meals included and budget information for included meals and meal budgets. On our Greek sailing trips, your skipper will offer to make a food kitty for small items, such as ice, water, coffee, tea, milk, snacks, drinks, and so on. The average amount suggested for the kitty is around EUR 30 per person, per week.
Transport
50 ft sailing yacht.
Accommodation
Our yachts are equipped with 5 twin-share cabins, 3 shared bathrooms and 2 showers (see Trip Details Important Notes).
About Accommodation
A NOTE REGARDING SMALL SPACES ON SAILBOATS: Please note that the rooming for these boats is assigned upon arrival and neither particular cabins nor berths can be guaranteed. You will be sharing a bunk with your travel partner or one of your fellow passengers of the same sex and sharing the bathrooms onboard. Please be aware that as this is a real sailboat and not a cruise vessel and the space on board is tight. The sleeping quarters on sailboats are generally kept to a minimum size in order to maximize public space and performance. Some people are not comfortable with the type of close quarter arrangements typically found on sailboats, however if a real sailing experience on a real sailboat is what you are after, then this experience should more than make up for cramped quarters. Opportunities to sleep in open air on main deck are often available. Please note that the skipper may also be sharing the ship's quarters and amenities with you.
My Own Room
Not available on our Greek Sailing Adventures.
Joining Instructions
ARRIVING IN KOS: The boat is located at the Kos Marina – G. Papandreou Street.
Arriving by Boat: You are arriving at the main harbour. Walk to the Kos Marina
Arriving by plane: Take a taxi to Kos Marina (26 km) or take a bus to the main town and walk to the marina. The marina is located directly in the main town.
The actual meeting point is "Marina Bistro” The bistro is located in the Kos Marina. There will be a reserved table with a sign. Your skipper will meet you there at 17:00
PLEASE NOTE THAT YOU ARE REQUIRED TO BE AT THE RELEVANT JOINING POINT AT 17:00 ON DAY 1.
Your Skipper will organize a short meeting soon after arrival, during which you will meet other tour participants and receive information about general and specific aspects of the trip.
Arrival Complications
We don't expect any problems, and nor should you, but if for any reason you are unable to commence your trip as scheduled, as soon as possible please contact your starting point hotel, requesting that you speak to or leave a message for your trip leader (if you are not on a group tour please refer to the emergency contact details provided in this dossier). If you are unable to get in touch with your leader, please refer to our emergency contact details. If you have pre-booked an airport transfer and have not made contact with our representative within 30 minutes of clearing customs and immigration, we recommend that you make your own way to the Starting Point hotel, following the Joining Instructions. Please apply to your travel agent on your return for a refund of the transfer cost if this occurs.
Finishing Point Instructions
In regard to booking onward travel for the last day of your Greek Islands Sailing Adventure, a flight time of 2pm or later is ideal as this will add further flexibility to your itinerary, however earlier flight times can be accommodated if necessary. If you have a very early flight time on the last day, please advise your skipper at the welcome meeting on Day 1.
What to Take
There is limited space on the yachts. We recommend the use of a duffel bag or backpack. A good size daypack is also essential.
PLEASE NOTE: No hard suitcases are permitted.
Checklist
Suggested Items:
•Light fleece top
•Light windproof/waterproof jacket
•Small towel and swimwear
•Towel for personal use (only one towel will be provided for the whole trip)
•Sun hat
•Personal clothing for mild to hot weather (See also "What to Take" and "Local Dress" sections of this dossier)
•Sturdy walking shoes (for shore excursions)
•Sport shoes with light colored soles/sport sandals (while on board)
•Flashlight
•Sport sandals
•Sunblock
•Sunglasses
•Toiletries (biodegradable)
•Watch or alarm clock
•Water bottle
•Pocketknife
•Money belt
•First-aid kit (should contain lip salve, Aspirin, bandaids, anti-histamine, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, insect repellent, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)
Optional Items:
•Camera and film
•Reading/writing material
•Binoculars
•Cover for backpacks
•Biking gloves (if you wish to participate in sailing)
Documents:
•Passport (with photocopies)
•Travel insurance (with photocopies)
•Airline tickets (with photocopies)
•EUR cash
•Credit or debit card (see personal spending money)
•Vouchers, pre-departure information and dossier
•Any entry visas or vaccination certificates required
Laundry
Laundry facilities can be found in some harbors, ask your skipper for the best places.
Visas
Contact your local embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date visa requirements, or see your travel agent. It is your responsibility to have the correct travel documentation. While we provide the following information in good faith, it is vital that you check yourself and understand that you are fully responsible for your own visa requirements.
All visitors to the EU (European Union) and EEC (European Economic Community) countries require a valid passport (with a minimum 6 months validity). USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand passport holders do not need a visa to visit the Schengen area (see below), however they may not stay longer than three months in any 6-month period.
For other nationalities, travelling in Europe has been simplified with the introduction of the Schengen visa. As a visitor to the Schengen area (Austria, Germany, Netherlands, Belgium, Greece, Norway, Denmark, Iceland, Portugal, Finland, Italy, Spain, France, Luxembourg, Sweden, Czech Republic, Hungary, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia and Switzerland) you will enjoy the many advantages of this unified visa system. Generally speaking with a Schengen visa, you may enter one Schengen country and travel freely throughout the Schengen region during the validity of your visa. There are limited border controls at Schengen borders, if any at all.
Please note that the UK and Ireland are NOT part of the Schengen agreement.
A Schengen visa is applied for at the Embassy or Consulate of the Schengen country in which you will be spending the most nights on your trip to the Schengen space. If you are only visiting one country on your trip then you apply for your visa at the Consulate of this Schengen country.
Detailed Trip Notes
Welcome on board!! We are happy that you decided to be a guest on board our sailing yachts for your holidays. To make sure it's a real one of a kind experience, your skipper wants to give you some information about the things you’ll meet on the yacht and on the trip.
No worries, we won’t make you spend your precious time on too much information, simply take it as a possibility to start your adventure at home.
Brief History of Yachting- Known since the old Egyptian Empires yachts were dedicated only to the pleasure of it’s passengers in the exclusivity of independence. Long time before tourism discovered the pleasure of big steamboat cruises around 100 years ago, the wealthy parts of societies enjoyed yachting in different ways: cruising the Nile, sailing the Greek Islands or enjoying huge parties on board of Caligula's yachts in a lake south of Rome.
Fortunately technology developed allowing us the opportunity to sail the oceans in smaller yachts. Yachts of today are constructed under the rules of hydrodynamics, defining the shape of the hull, the needs of stability and comfort.
When only twenty years ago, running water and a stove were a pure luxury on board a yacht, you’ll find almost everything you need on your yachts today: electricity -though it’s only 12V offshore and only sometimes 220V when we’re moored, refrigerators, showers, hot water, music and much more.
But never forget: a yacht always is ‘on the budget’…budgeting room and weight for mobility and stocks for ongoing comfort.
Each yacht comes with the safety gear and instrumentation required by law to assure you a safe and successful holiday.
Here are some technical terms for you to learn to help you orient yourself:
Boat Hull: the ‘body’ of the boat
Keel: stabilising part of the hull under the waterline to prevent capsizing
Deck: upper level of the boat
Cockpit: area in the back where we are operating the boat
Bow: Forward area of the boat
Stern Backward area of the boat
Helm: steering facility
Helmsman: Person at the helm, not necessarily the skipper
Starboard: right side of the boat looking forward from aft
Port (side): left side of the boat looking forward from aft
Rigg: all fixed equipment standing up above the deck
Mast: vertical massive pole to fix the sails
Boom: horizontal massive pole going backward from the mast
Mainsail: sail at the rear of the mast
Foresail/Genua/ Headsail: sail in front of the mast
Fender: sort of ‘bumper’ to avoid damage of the hull when moored
Winch: sort of drum to operate loaded lines or anchor chain
Beaufort: intl. scale for strength of winds, starting with 0 up to 12
Operations
Manoeuvre: changing the course of the boat or doing several operations
Tacking: turning the bow through the wind
Gibing: turning the stern through the wind
Round up: turning the boat exactly into the wind to stop moving
Fetch sth.: pulling tight a line
Ease sth.: detaching a line
Lines
There are only LINES on a boat, no ropes etc.
Most important ones:
Furling lines: to set and take away the sails
Sheets: to adjust the sails during sailing
Mooring lines: connecting the yacht to the peer
Ground lines: fixing the bow when moored ‘stern too’ (the peer)
Knots
Figure-eight knot: belongs to the end of certain lines to avoid going by the run
Half hitch: easiest knot to fix a line somewhere, not very strong one
Clove hitch: famous knot to fix various lines like mooring-, fender- etc.
Reef knot: used to connect two lines of same size to each other
More ambitious but often used:
Bowline: creating a strong and everlasting loop to a line
Spending Money
Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.
Money Exchange
In Greece you can exchange your foreign currency and /or traveler checks in banks and money exchange "kiosko" in all cities, remember that the banks are open from 8:00am until 2pm and won´t reopen later, also be aware of national holidays. The only currency accepted in Greece is the EURO. As currency exchange rates can fluctuate often we ask that you refer to the following website for daily exchange rates: www.xe.com
Emergency Fund
Please also make sure you have access to at least an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an 'emergency' fund, to be used when circumstances outside our control (ex. a natural disaster) require a change to our planned route. This is a rare occurrence!
Departure Tax
Usually included in international air ticket
Tipping
It is customary in Europe to leave a small tip for service providers, such as waiters, if you are pleased with the service (€1-2). Tipping is an expected - though not compulsory - component of your tour program and an expression of satisfaction with the persons who have assisted you on your tour. Although it may not be customary to you, it is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels. There are several times during the trip where there is opportunity to tip the local guides. You may do this individually, or your Tour Leader will offer to collect the money and tip as a group. Recommendations for tipping local guides would range from €3-5 per day depending on the quality and length of the service; ask your tour leader for specific recommendations based on the circumstances and culture. Also at the end of each trip if you felt your Tour Leader or skipper did an outstanding job, tipping is appreciated. The amount is entirely a personal preference, however as a guideline €20-25 per person, per week can be used.
Optional Activities
All prices are per person in Euro amounts(unless stated otherwise), and are subject to change as services are provided by third party operators. Islands (general): Scooters daily rate - from €10 Bicycles daily rate -from €3-5 Cars daily rate - from €25 Ruins - entrance fees from €4 Wine-tasting - from €12
Health
Please note inoculations may be required for the country visited. It is your responsibility to consult with your travel doctor for up to date medical travel information well before departure. No particular health issues in Greece, just that in some more remote islands bottled water is more recommended to drink. Just keep in mind that some heat waves are possible from June to October all over the country. People who are sensitive to seasickness should come prepared. You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information well before departure. We recommend that you carry a First Aid kit, hand sanitizers / antibacterial wipes as well as any personal medical requirements.
Safety and Security
Many national governments provide a regularly updated advice service on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure. We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe keeping of your passport, air tickets, travellers' cheques, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewellery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of the hotels we use have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. When travelling on a group trip, please note that your tour leader has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it is deemed necessary due to safety concerns. Your tour leader will accompany you on all included activities. During your trip you will have some free time to pursue your own interests, relax and take it easy or explore at your leisure. While your tour leader will assist you with options available in a given location please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your itinerary, and we offer no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgment when selecting an activity in your free time. Although the cities visited on tour are generally safe during the day, there can be risks to wandering throughout any major city at night. It is our recommendation to stay in small groups and to take taxis to and from restaurants, or during night time excursions.
Protests and Demonstrations- Protests and demonstrations, even those that are well intended, have the potential to turn violent with no warning. Counter protests can also turn violent. Action by security forces to disperse demonstrators and protesters may occur at any time. If you are in an area where demonstrators or protesters are gathering, avoid the temptation of staying for a good photo opportunity and leave the area immediately.
Water based activities have an element of danger and excitement built into them. We recommend only participating in water based activities when accompanied by a guide(s). We make every reasonable effort to ensure the fun and adventurous element of any water based activities (in countries with varying degrees of operating standards) have a balanced approach to safety. It is our policy not to allow our tour leaders to make arrangements on your behalf for water based activities that are not accompanied by guide(s).
Swimming, including snorkeling, is always at your own risk.
Trip Specific Safety
Greece is a relatively safe country if you take the same precaution you would back home in any major and/or touristy cities, use comon sense and do not hesitate to ask your skipper about specific areas to avoid. Also it is recommended to carry with you only the money and documentation you need for the day. Always keep an eye on your belongings, while having a drink, at the internet cafe, waiting at the bus station...
Medical Form
Our small group adventures bring together people of all ages. It is very important you are aware that, as a minimum, an average level of fitness and mobility' is required to undertake our easiest programs. Travellers must be able to walk without the aid of another person, climb 3-4 flights of stairs, step on and off small boats, and carry their own luggage at a minimum. Travellers with a pre-existing medical condition are required to complete a short medical questionnaire, which must be signed by their physician. This is to ensure that travellers have the necessary fitness and mobility to comfortably complete their chosen trip. While our tour leaders work hard to ensure that all our travellers are catered for equally, it is not their responsibility to help individuals who cannot complete the day's activities unaided. Please refer to the physical ratings in this Trip Details document for more information. Please note that all passengers traveling to Antarctica are required to fill out this questionnaire.
A Couple of Rules
Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on any trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is a part of local culture in some parts of the world but is not acceptable for our travellers. Our philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter, and in particular the local people who make the world the special place it is. The exploitation of prostitutes is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our tour leaders have the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or if they use prostitutes.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your tour leader, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy we require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.
Responsible Travel
Being a responsible tour operator is at the heart of what our partner is all about. From the start, our partner has been committed to offering low-impact tours that benefit traveler and host alike. While our sustainable tourism policies are constantly evolving, our commitment to socially conscious, grassroots style travel has never changed. We work with local communities, businesses and individuals to develop sustainable tourism opportunities that help local economies while minimizing negative environmental and cultural impacts.
We would like to give you a couple of tips to start you thinking about traveling sustainably. -Please bring rechargeable batteries, a battery charger (and plug adapter if necessary). Batteries are incredibly toxic and many places that we travel do not have proper disposal facilities. Rechargeables are best but if this is not possible we recommend that you bring any used batteries back home with you for proper disposal. -Please ask before taking pictures. Just as you would not like to have a stranger come up to you and take a picture of you while sitting on your front porch either do the locals of the places that we visit. As you can imagine pictures of their children are also not appreciated.
Planeterra
Through their commitment to responsible tourism our partner has developed the Planeterra Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of people and communities around the world through support of international charities, local organizations and community projects in the places that we visit on our tours. Our partner matches all individual donations and pays all administration costs, which means that 100% of each donation is doubled and goes directly to support our projects. For more information about Planeterra and the projects we support, or to make a donation, please visit www.planeterra.org
Planeterra Dollar-A-Day Program
The Dollar-A-Day Program provides travellers with the opportunity to help us give back to the people and places visited on our tours by donating one dollar per day for the duration of their tour. 100% of these proceeds will go directly to support our Planeterra projects. To participate in this program please indicate at the time of booking that you would like to participate in the Dollar-A-Day program by advising your specialist or travel agent. (Note: Donation will be charged in the currency of your booking)
Keeping in Touch
If you need to be contacted while travelling we recommend that you set up an email address that can be accessed on the road, rather than relying on postal mail. Email cafes are becoming increasingly commonplace and cheap throughout the regions we visit, and have quickly become the preferred way for our tour leaders and travellers to stay in touch. If someone wishes to contact you in an emergency while you are on one of our trips we recommend that they contact your local booking agent, or refer to our Emergency Contact. We recommend that family and friends don't try to contact you through phoning hotels en route, as our hotels are subject to change, and our hotel receptions often don't have English speaking staff.
Highlights
Aegean Sea, Kos, Dodecanese Islands, Santorini.