Highlights | Escorted Tour Includes: - Round Trip Flights - JFK-Malta-Athens-Rhodes-Athens-JFK
- Airline fuel surcharges of $420. subject to change until airline tickets
are issued.
- 8 nights accommodations at the following hotels or similar
- 3 nights San Antonio Hotel & Spa,
- 3 nights Semiramis Hotel, Rhodes, Greece
- 2 nights Royal Olympic Hotel, Athens, Greece
- 8 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 4 Dinner
- Sightseeing per itinerary in modern air-conditioned motor coach
- Services of English-speaking escort in each destination.
- Local guides as required
- Entrance fees per itinerary
- Porterage of one piece per person on arrival and departure at each hotel
Special Features: - On-line Reservation: $25 per person reduction will
apply for on-line reservations, use ONLINE25 as the promotion code
(available only for groups that requested an online web page).
- Cash Discount:If you should choose to pay by cash/check
your final invoice will reflect a 5% discount.
Also Available
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Itinerary | Tuesday, May 08, 2012
Depart JFK
Airport, New York, NY for your flight to Valletta, Malta
Wednesday, May 09, 2012
Arrival Malta and
transfer to your hotel
Overnight:
MALTA
Meals: Welcome Dinner
Thursday, May 10, 2012
Depart hotel with a
guide and drive to Valletta - the capital city, a living, working city.
The grid of narrow streets houses some of Europe's finest art works,
churches and palaces. Visit to St. John's Co-cathedral and
Caravaggio: It was commissioned in 1572 by Grand Master Jean de la
Cassière as the conventual church of the Order of the Knights Hospitaller
of St. John. Visit of the Upper Barracca Gardens: From these gardens
guests can enjoy unrivalled views across one of the world's largest and
deepest natural harbors, Grand Harbour, and over to the three
cities. Visit the Palace Armoury: Dominating Palace Square, the
Grand Master's Palace has always been the house of government in Malta,
first by the knights, then the British, and now hosts the President's
office. The Palace Armory is one of the most visible and tangible symbols
of the past glories of the Sovereign Hospitaller Military Order of Malta
(The Knights of St. John). Lunch in Valletta. After lunch,
guests will walk to the Mediterranean Conference Centre: This venue is the
former “Sacra Imfermeria” of the Order of St. John of Jerusalem, located
adjacent to Fort St. Elmo and overlooking the Grand Harbor. It was built
by the Knights of St. John in 1574 to serve as a hospital capable of
treating 1000 patients.
Finally walk to the Malta Experience for a 45
minute multimedia spectacular about Maltese history.
Transfer of group
back to hotel. Timings 9AM to 5PM
Overnight: MALTA
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch
Friday, May 11,
2012
Group departs hotel accompanied by English speaking guide
and drives to the three cities of Vittoriosa, Senglea, and and Cospicua,
known as Cottonera. This is where the Knights of St. John settled before
Valletta was built, leaving a number of treasures in the form of art and
architecture. Its waterfront was the main base for the order's galleys and
boasts some of the finest harbor architecture found in Mediterranean
ports. All three cities carry a second name, an honor which the knights
felt should remind mankind of their valor during the 1565 siege.
Enjoy a short walk in Senglea, before stopping in Vittoriosa. See
Fort St. Angelo from the outside, which was built around 12th century AD
and was the headquarters of the Knights until Valletta was built. In
Vittoriosa (better known as Birgu), you will find the residences of many
well known Knights. Visit of the Inquisitor's Palace. It was erected
in the 1530s as the civil law courts of the Order of St. John soon after
the Knights arrived in Malta. It continued to serve as law courts until
1571 when the order transferred its headquarters to Valletta after the
siege of 1565. Timings 9AM to 1PM
Overnight: MALTA
Meals:
Breakfast, Dinner
Saturday, May 12,
2012
An afternoon transfer is scheduled for your departure
flight from Malta, an early morning arrival on May 13, 2012 in
Athens, transfer to your hotel.
Overnight: Athens,
Greece
Meals: Breakfast
Sunday, May
13, 2012
Morning free to explore Athens on your own
Early
afternon transfer to the airport in Athens
Flight from Athens to Rhodes
via Olympic Air
Check into your hotel
Welcome dinner in
Rhodes
Overnight: Rhodes, Greece
Meals: Breakfast,
Dinner
Monday, May 14, 2012
Lindos
half day: On your arrival in Lindos, you will be captivated by the
magnificent view of Lindos Bay, with its traditional houses of a sparkling
white surrounded by bright blue and crystalline waters. The stunning
beauty of the castle, the Acropolis of Athena Lindia on the top of the
hill with its wonderful view, St. Paul's Bay (the apostle arrived in 58
BC), and the pebbled streets of the village fascinate visitors. Visit the
acropolis on foot or by a special kind of cab “Taxi Lindos” driven by
monkeys (supplementary cost.)
Entrance fees for Acropolis of Lindos is
included.
Overnight: Rhodes, Greece
Meals:
Breakfast
Tuesday, May 15,
2012
Depart by coach with official guide, Rhodes full-day
tour.
Don't miss the three windmills near St. Nicolas Fort, the New
Market, the buildings of the Public Administration, the entrance of
Mandraki's Harbor, the sub-marine aquarium, and the two deer, where the
Colossus of Rhodes is supposed to have stood. Moving forward to
Mount Smith, enjoy several picturesque views of the city and the coast.
You have the opportunity to visit the ruins of Appolon's Temple, the
open-air antic stadium, as well as the amphitheatre. The visit ends
at one of the doors of the famous Medieval Town of Rhodes, better known as
the Old Town, classified as historical monument by UNICCO. Wander
freely through the street of St. John's Knights in front of the
archaeological museum and the Palace of the Grand Master. You will be
surprised by the number of small shops selling everything, including
handmade jewelry, leather, ceramics and rugs, wooden objects, and
clothing.
Entrance fees for Castello, the Archeological Museum, and the
Palace of the Grand Master is included.
Overnight:
Rhodes, Greece
Meals: Breakfast
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Morning transfer to
the airport for your flight to Athens. Upon arrival a half-day tour
of Athens: The tour begins with a panoramic drive through the city center
of Athens. View Panathenian Stadium, the Presidential Residence, the ruins
of the Temple of Zeus and Hadrian's Arch. Visit the Acropolis, the ancient
architectural masterpiece built during the Golden Age of Athens. Finally,
visit the new Acropolis Museum, built at the base of the monument where
many of the original statues from the Acropolis are now
displayed.
Farewell Dinner in Athens at a local
restaurant.
Overnight: Athens, Greece
Meals:
Breakfast, Dinner
Thursday, May 17,
2012
Depart Athens for your return flight to JFK Airport, New
York, NY
Meals: Breakfast
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| | Gate 1 itineraries may contain suggestions for activities for your leisure time; these suggestions do not constitute a recommendation nor an endorsement of any specific service provider and the decision to participate in any such activities should be made independently. |
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Optionals | Book your Optional Tours before you travel and see more, save time, save money, and protect your investment. Tours purchased while traveling may cost an extra 10% or even more! Tours often sell out - avoid disappointment! Save your cash - many countries do not accept credit cards. Travel insurance only covers services purchased prior to departure. Book your Optional Tours before you travel and see more, save time, save money, and protect your investment. Tours purchased while traveling may cost an extra 10% or even more! Tours often sell out - avoid disappointment! Save your cash - many countries do not accept credit cards. Travel insurance only covers services purchased prior to departure. |
Rates & Hotels | Step 1: Select Your Featured Hotels Step 2: Click a Date to Book Online
OR: Click here to create your own flexible vacation |
| Dates & Prices | Land Only | Air & Land | | Dates & Prices | Land Only | | Dates & Prices | Air & Land | | This package is currently unavailable. Please check back later or call Gate 1 Travel for more information. | | Create Your Own Flexible Vacation |
Airline Flights:
Please
check in at least three hours prior to the scheduled departure time to allow for
security steps
Entry Requirements:
Passengers traveling abroad require a passport valid for six months beyond their travel dates. All travelers are responsible to check if a visa is required for all countries on their itinerary. For visa information,
check our Visas page.
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| Although most of the planning and preparation is taken care of for you, there are still a few things you should know and some details you should take care of to ensure your comfort, safety and peace of mind. Please review the following information before your departure to ensure that any surprises along the way will only be pleasant ones. | | Passports and Visas | It is each traveler's responsibility to have a passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of departure and a visa if required. Please check the information at www.gate1travel.com/visas.aspx for the specific country/region you are visiting for more details. Passengers who are not U.S. citizens must check with the respective consulate or a visa agency to determine what personal identification is required. Passengers who enter, leave and then re-enter the same country on their itinerary should check if they require a double-entry visa. Passport applications are available at most U.S. Post Offices, as well as at regional Passport Agencies.
It is strongly recommended that passengers apply for visas before traveling, even where it may be possible to apply locally. Applying for a visa locally can be a lengthy process.
| | Trip Preparation | A little pre-planning can make your trip go a lot smoother. Several weeks before your trip, make a list of what you will need to take with you. Make sure your personal documents (passports, visas) are in order and that you have enough prescription medications to last through the trip. We suggest that you make photocopies of passports, visas, and any other important travel documents and pack them separately from the originals. Pack a list of medications including dosage and generic names. If you lose the originals while traveling, you'll have copies for easier reporting and replacement. We recommend that you pack a portable alarm clock.
| | Making Telephone Calls from One Country to Another | When dialing a number from one country to another, you should proceed as follows: dial your country's Exit Code + destination Country Code + Phone Number.
For most countries, the exit code is 00. Exceptions include the USA and Canada (011), Hong Kong and Cambodia (001), Australia (0011), and Russia (8 Pause 10*). For Brazil, please consult with the local telephone company. If the international number you wish to call starts with a 0 (zero), you must drop this starting digit when dialing the number.
| | Health Information | Check with your personal physician for the latest overseas travel health information, or contact the Center for Disease Control’s travelers’ hotline at 800-232-4636, web site www.cdc.gov.
| | Climate & Clothing | Greece - Spring: 60°F-80°F; Summer: 85°F-95°F; Autumn: 60°F-80°F; Winter: 40°F-50°F Bring comfortable walking shoes, a sweater, clothes you can layer, and an all-weather coat. On cruises, informal dress is the general rule though on formal nights, a cocktail dress for women and a suit or coat and tie for men is required. Some religious sites may require modest dress to enter (no shorts, short skirts, or sleeveless tops).
Greece Average Temperatures: http://www.gate1travel.com/weather/mediterranean/default.aspx#greece-weather
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| E-Tickets & Check-In Procedures |
Please review the flight itinerary included in these documents. Print and carry a copy of the air itinerary which contains the record locator (airline reservation number) and e-ticket number(s). At check-in, be prepared to provide your government issued identification (valid passport) and your e-ticket itinerary/ ticket numbers to the agent in order to receive your boarding pass.
An e-ticket (electronic ticket) represents the purchase of an airline seat. This form of ticket has replaced almost all formerly provided paper tickets. The e-ticket exists only as a digital record in the airlines computers. In most cases your reservation will be confirmed solely on the basis of your government-issued identification. However it may still be necessary to present the e-ticket itinerary which contains your specific reservation code and ticket number(s). Once confirmed, your luggage will be checked-in and a boarding pass provided.
Advance online check-in is available on some airlines. If available, you may enter your airline confirmation number or Flight Ticket Number at the airline's website, and print the boarding pass on your home printer within twenty-four hours of departure. Airlines without advance online check-in require you to present your identification and e-ticket numbers at the airport self-service kiosk or check-in counter.
When e-tickets cannot be issued, you will receive paper tickets.
If your tour program includes foreign domestic flights, and those tickets are not included together with the e-ticket itinerary in these documents, a separate voucher(s) confirming those services will be included. You will receive those tickets at your destination from a Gate 1 representative.
| | Airline Flights | Please check in at least three hours prior to the scheduled departure time to allow for security steps. Passengers connecting from another point within the USA may check their luggage through to their final destination, and although problems with lost luggage have been minimal, it is a possibility. Certain carriers do not allow baggage “interlining,” and luggage must be checked separately for each flight. If you are connecting from a domestic flight which is delayed for any reason, causing you to miss your international flight, you must ask the airline for assistance in getting you to your destination. Since all airline tickets are issued on special fares which carry restrictions and penalties if changed, you must have the airlines responsible make alternate arrangements on your behalf as Gate 1 has no authority or control over airline activities and policies. Do not leave the airline check-in desk until an alternative itinerary has been confirmed for you.
Passengers are responsible to reconfirm their flights 72 hours prior to departure. Passengers are also recommended to reconfirm their flight schedule, seat assignments, special meal requests and frequent flier numbers, as applicable. In the event of an airline schedule change, Gate 1 will make every effort to inform passengers of the schedule change and new flight schedule prior to departure. Gate 1 is not responsible for schedule changes including, when applicable, changes in routing and/or the number of stops in the itinerary. Gate 1 is unable to provide compensation for schedule changes or cancellations implemented by an airline. In the event of any change in flight itinerary made directly between passengers and their airline, it is the passengers' responsibility to advise Gate 1 of amended flight details in writing to service@gate1travel.com. Gate 1 cannot be held responsible for land services, including arrival and/or departure transfers, if flights are changed without its knowledge.
| | Airline Luggage Restrictions | Most international airlines are consistent with regard to the number and weight of the pieces you may check and bring onboard. Domestic carriers, both inside and outside of the USA, typically on small aircraft, may differ. Therefore, we suggest that you check in advance if you are concerned about size or weight restrictions of hand and/or checked luggage. Most airlines apply charges for checked bags. For detailed information regarding your airline's checked baggage policies please visit http://www.gate1travel.com/baggagefees.aspx. Airline policies vary and may change at any time. Gate 1 Travel is not responsible for any excess luggage/ weight charges levied by an airline.
| | Airline Seats | Airline seats are confirmed whenever possible. Some airlines and/or fare types do not allow for pre-seating and require this be done at airport check-in only. Even when seats are pre-assigned however, we recommend that you contact the carrier one to two weeks prior to departure to reconfirm your seats. In many cases there are equipment changes after your initial booking which can cause airplane seating reconfiguration.
| | Frequent Flier Programs | Passengers are responsible to contact their airline directly regarding mileage eligibility and accrual. Airline frequent flier programs determine whether to award miles in part or total based on their own rules which are updated frequently. Some discounted or promotional airfares are not eligible for mileage accrual. Gate 1 Travel will record frequent flier numbers when provided by the passenger prior to travel documents being issued. However, the addition of frequent flier numbers to airline records does not guarantee mileage eligibility which is at the sole discretion of each airline.
| | Airline Tickets | Most airline tickets are issued using special fares which cannot be changed or canceled without incurring additional cost. Should you lose or misplace your tickets while traveling, you should immediately notify the airline. In most cases they will have you complete a Lost Ticket Indemnity Form, and for a fee, issue replacement tickets.
| | Code-share Flights | Many airlines participate in alliances and special agreements with other airlines which permit passengers to travel from one point to another using more than one carrier. While your ticket may indicate that you are flying with one carrier (eg: Delta), you may find that you are actually seated in a plane belonging to another carrier (eg: Alitalia). Please review your airline itinerary carefully to determine which airline you should go to for check-in; if your flight is operated by a carrier other than the primary airline indicated on the itinerary, your itinerary will state "Flight Operated by (Airline)." If you have any concerns regarding which airline to check-in with, you may contact the airline directly or Gate 1 Travel for clarification.
| | Luggage | All Gate 1 land tour packages allow one piece of luggage per person, plus carry-on bag. Please refer to “Airline Luggage Restrictions” for guidance regarding airline policies and charges for checked bags. As Gate 1 will not be responsible for loss or damage to luggage and personal belongings, you MUST report any loss or damage immediately at the time of the incident and obtain a written report from the local authority for submission to your insurance provider. If your luggage is lost or damaged by the airlines, a baggage claim form MUST be filed with the carrier before leaving the airport. See www.gate1travel.com/luggage.aspx for Important Baggage Information for U.S. Travelers.
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| Arrival Procedures | Upon arrival, please complete immigration formalities and claim your luggage. If your program includes airport arrival transfers, check your voucher for specific instructions, as they vary with every destination. In most cases, you will be met after passing through Customs by the local representative who will be holding a Gate 1 Travel sign and/or a sign with your name on it. In some instances you will be instructed to walk a short distance to a transportation counter. The company's name and location will be printed on your voucher. If for any reason you do not connect with the Gate 1 transfer personnel, go to the Tourist Information Desk and ask them to page the Gate 1 Travel representative or phone the number on your voucher.
| | What To Do When Your Flight Is Delayed | Airlines do not share flight manifest information. Therefore, the only way we may learn of a delay or schedule change while you are traveling is from you, the traveler. The sooner you are able to contact one of our offices, overseas or in the USA, the better we can respond. Gate 1 Travel is only able to guarantee pre-reserved arrival transfers for up to one hour from the scheduled time, no matter the cause. In case you are delayed for any reason, and are unable to follow the instructions on your voucher, please make independent transfer arrangements and retain your receipts. Unused tour services, including transfers and hotel nights are not refundable. Upon your return home you will need to contact your airline and/or insurance carrier to investigate the possibility of reimbursement for any unused tour services.
| | Departure Procedures | If your program includes departure transfers, instructions will be stated on your voucher or provided locally.
| | Transfers | Due to local traffic and other extenuating circumstances, we ask that you allow 30 minutes from your scheduled transfer time for our representative to arrive. This includes hotel, airport and cruise transfers. Such possible delays are taken into consideration in scheduling transfers and you should therefore have no concerns about arriving late for your tour, flight or cruise. For transfers from a hotel, let the hotel reception desk or concierge know that you are waiting for a transfer. In the case of a missed transfer, reimbursement for your out-of-pocket expenses will be considered provided you obtain a written statement from the hotel's front desk verifying the length of time you waited, and the time you left the hotel, and a receipt for your transportation with time and date.
Escorted tour programs include transfers, providing you have purchased airfare from Gate 1 to arrive and depart on the scheduled tour dates. If you are traveling independently, you may purchase the transfers from Gate 1 or contract your own method of transportation to the hotel or cruise ship.
The cost of a transfer is more expensive than hiring a taxi, as a Gate 1 transfer necessarily includes round trip service, or 'dead-leg'. Gate 1 requires that our transfer drivers speak English and that their vehicles are in good condition. Often the places of call (airports, seaports, hotels) demand entrance and parking fees, where drivers may have to wait for up to an hour. Passengers comfortable hiring a taxi on their own and do not require assistance will save money
| Airport to City Center Public Transportation Options in Athens
Metro service between the Athens Airport via PALLINI, PEANIA - KANTZA and KOROPI Stations are scheduled every 30 minutes, seven days a week. Journey time to the center of Athens is approximately 40 minutes. The cost is 6 Euro per person one way.
The Suburban Rail Line train runs every 30 minutes between the airport and Larissa Train Station (closest stop to the Oscar Hotel). Journey time is 45 minutes. The cost is 8 Euro per person one way.
A taxi from the airport to Athens city center costs approximately 30 Euro per taxi during the day. Between midnight and 6 a.m., this cost is approximately 45 Euro.
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| Hotels | Gate 1 Travel has carefully selected each hotel based on overall quality, location, price, food, service, and cleanliness. All rooms are standard rooms with two single beds and private facilities, unless you have specifically requested and paid for an upgrade. Room selection is strictly at the discretion of the hotel management. We reserve the right to make hotel substitutions with those of equal standard.
| | Hotel Check-in/ Check-out | Check-in time is usually 4pm or later. Check-out time is 12 noon. If you will be arriving early in the day or departing in the evening, hotels will usually allow you to store your luggage in their luggage room. Ask at the front desk if the hotel can check you in earlier, or let you stay later.
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| Eco & Sustainable Tourism | We support global efforts to create a more eco-friendly world, intolerant of any forms of cruelty, abuse and intentional environmental destruction. To that end we ask that our clients maintain a watchful eye as they travel, and report any abuses they may encounter. One of the many benefits of tourism is the shared cultural knowledge and ultimate elimination of negative behavior through education. We rely on your good feedback to enable this element of symbiosis. As you travel to and learn about foreign cultures, we ask first and foremost that you practice tolerance and respect for local customs.
| | Land Only Passengers (Escorted Tours) | Your tour manager will contact you after your arrival at your hotel. Passengers who have not purchased arrival transfers from Gate 1 Travel should proceed directly to the hotel for checkin. The details of the hotel can be found in your documents.
| | Shopping | Shopping in a foreign country can be a wonderful experience. We do include a few stops at recommended popular shops on every escorted tour, intended to enhance your cultural experience. As you explore the country independently, you may find fantastic, one-of-a-kind merchandise. You may get terrific bargains. However, we advise you to exercise care and common sense when making any purchase. Always get a formal receipt. And remember that, just like in this country, if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is!
| Greece - Greece offers an array of boutique shopping. Along with traditional handicrafts, honey, and olive oil, Greece is famous for its production of high-end, designer footwear and other fashion accessories. Shops generally have different business hours than in the United States, opening at 9:00, closing in the mid afternoon, and sometimes reopening for a few hours in the evening, from about 5:30 to 8:30. Most major department stores and boutiques are closed on Sunday.
| | Currency | We suggest getting a small amount of currency for the first country you're visiting before you leave the U.S. It is a good idea to carry a chart with you to help you convert U.S. dollars to the local currency. It's also a good idea not to carry too much money. Many countries have ATM machines that accept most U.S. ATM cards, but be sure you know your ATM password in numbers-the keypads on foreign ATMs don't always have letters. ATM machines will only dispense cash in local currency. Check with respective consulates to learn current currency allowances and requirements. Use your credit card whenever possible. Should you decide to carry cash or travelers checks, exchange them at banks where the rate is more favorable than at hotels or exchange bureaus. Please note that many banks and most vendors will not accept or exchange $100 bills. We suggest to carry $20 bills or smaller.
| Greece - The Euro is the currency of Greece.
| | Purchasing Tours Locally | On escorted tours, the guides will generally sell optional tours to passengers who have not pre-purchased them. Payment can be made by cash or credit card, unless otherwise noted below. This does not apply to Independent packages. Please see Gate 1 Terms & Conditions for more information. http://www.gate1travel.com/terms.aspx#optional
| | Credit Cards | While credit cards are accepted in most destinations, it is advisable to carry local currency. Inform your credit card company that you are traveling to avoid your card being blocked for security reasons.
| Greece - Credit cards are not widely accepted in restaurants, small shops, museums and archeological sites.
| | Gratuities | This is a matter of personal discretion. You may use the following as a guideline:
General Suggested Tipping
- Tour escort (Coordinator; may or may not act as a guide): $6 or $7 per person per day
- Tour escort helper (in some countries): $1 per day
- Driver (Provides chauffeur services and limited assistance with luggage) : $3 per person per day, $2 per half day
- Local Guide (Offers in-depth information at specific locations. There may be one or many guides along a tour program): $2 per person per half day of sightseeing, $3 per full day
Suggested Tipping: Hotels
- Porter: $2.00 per bag per person
- Wait staff: 5-10% of the bill (lunch or dinner)
- Chamber maid: $1.00 per person per day
Suggested Tipping: Sea Cruises
- Royal Caribbean: Standard gratuities (subject to change) are $9.75 per person per day including Stateroom attendant, Dining Room Waiter, Assistant Waiter, & Headwaiter ($12 per person per day for Suite guests)
- Louis Hellenic: approx $11 per person per day added automatically to the shipboard account
- Galapagos Islands: $8-9 per person per day
Suggested Tipping: River Cruises
- Europe: Crew: $10 per person per day, Gate 1 Cruise Director: $6 to $7 per person per day
- Russia & Ukraine: Crew: $8 to $10 per person per day
- Egypt: Crew: $5 per person per day
- China: Crew: $8 to $10 per person per day
- Ecuador: Crew: $12 per person per day; Ship's naturalist: $6 per person per day
- Peru: Crew: $15 per person per day
Tipping is considered by many locals to be a part of their normal remuneration and some may approach you for additional "compensation." There is no need to be intimidated by the request, nor should you feel pressured to pay more than recommended. If you become uncomfortable by any behavior you encounter, please advise your tour escort or phone our local office. Numbers have been provided in your documents for your convenience.
| Greece - Service charges are generally included in restaurant bills. If you feel like you received particularly good service, you may leave an additional gratuity. Also, it is customary to leave coins totaling around one Euro for the busboy.
| | Your Safety is Very Important |
Every effort has been taken by Gate 1 Travel to ensure your safety. However, it is important that you do not allow your common sense to take a vacation while on your trip. Here are several tips which, if followed, will save much potential hardship:
- Be aware of potentially dangerous places and situations as you would be at home. Avoid wearing expensive jewelry and carry your valuables concealed in inside pockets or hidden pouches. Your objective is to avoid drawing attention and to blend in with the crowd
- Don't put all your valuables (money, credit cards, passports, etc.) in the same place (in case one wallet is stolen, you should have other valuables and identification in another safe place)
- Do not leave valuables laying loose in your room. Use the hotel safe. Keep copies of your passports, credit card numbers and travelers checks numbers in the hotel safe
- Credit cards are generally accepted everywhere and are safer than traveling with large amounts of cash
- Do not pack valuables (cameras, computers, jewelry, etc.) in your checked luggage. Keep hard-to-replace valuables with you in your carry-on bag
- Keep wallets safely tucked into front trouser pockets and/or wear a money pouch inside your clothing
- Carry handbags close to your body, shoulder bags the cross-body method with the bag in front of your body.
If you've purchased an escorted tour program, your travel documents will include telephone numbers of local Gate 1 Travel representatives who will do their utmost to assist you in the event of an emergency. The numbers are printed on your Gate 1 Travel vouchers. Please copy the numbers. Once you relinquish the voucher, you will not have this information. Passengers traveling independently should employ the services of hotel concierges and local authorities.
| Independent Activities - Gate 1 itineraries may contain suggestions for activities for your leisure time; these suggestions do not constitute a recommendation nor an endorsement of any specific service provider and the decision to participate in any such activities should be made independently and with due consideration. Gate 1 is not responsible for any activities not expressly included in its programs. Caution should be exercised when selecting certain activities that may require physical strength, coordination or exertion. Particular care should be taken when considering animal rides, such as on camels, mules or horses
| Greece - The incidence of pick-pocketing in Athens has rapidly increased over the past few years, and is increasingly professional in nature. These crimes are rarely aggressive, however, this warning should not be underestimated. Pick-pocketing typically takes place in crowed shopping areas, tourist attractions and while riding public transportation.
| | Local Emergency Phone Numbers | Greece- General Emergency: 112
- Ambulance/Medical: 166
- Fire: 199
- Police: 100
| | Languages | Greece - Greek is the local language. Limited English is generally spoken in tourist areas.
| | Electricity | Please note: The U.S. uses 120 volts and you can purchase a converter and transformer at most hardware stores for your 120V appliances.
| Greece - The voltage used is 220 volts.
| | Code of Conduct | Greece - The Greeks are known for their relatively relaxed approach to life with an emphasis on hospitality, similar to other Mediterranean European countries. The Greek Orthodox Church retains a fairly strong cultural influence. In Greece, politics is considered an acceptable topic of discussion in almost any social situation. As a result, people may attempt to draw you into political discussions, which can include the subject of American politics. Keep in mind that regardless of their political views, most Greeks like Americans themselves very much.
Smoking is mostly prohibited in public places except in designated areas. Violations can incur fines. Restaurants have smoking and non-smoking sections, while traditional coffee houses and nightclubs usually allow unrestricted smoking. Casual dress is generally acceptable, though some religious sites require that legs and shoulders be covered.
| | Holidays - Greece | | Holidays 2011 | | Jan 1 | New Years | Jan 6 | Feast of the Epiphany | Mar 7 | Orthodox Shrove Monday | Mar 25 | Independence Day | Apr 22 | Orthodox Good Friday | Apr 24 | Orthodox Easter | | Apr 25 | Orthodox Easter Monday | May 1 | Labour Day | | Jun 13 | Day of the Holy Spirit | Aug 15 | Feast of the Assumption | Oct 28 | Ochi Day | Dec 25 | Christmas Day | Dec 26 | Boxing Day |
| | Holidays 2012 | | Jan 1 | New Years | Jan 6 | Feast of the Epiphany | Feb 27 | Ash Monday | Mar 25 | Independence Day | Apr 13 | Orthodox Good Friday | Apr 15 | Orthodox Easter | | Apr 16 | Orthodox Easter Monday | May 1 | Labour Day | | Jun 4 | Day of the Holy Spirit | Aug 15 | Feast of the Assumption | Oct 28 | Ochi Day | Dec 25 | Christmas Day | Dec 26 | Boxing Day |
| All offices, stores and some sites or museums are closed on these days. The Plaka area is open year round, except for the morning of New Year.
| | Food and Meals | As specified in each itinerary. Meals are based on the hotel's or restaurant's buffet or set menu. In general, beverages are not included, unless specifically stated. Although Gate 1 cannot make guarantees, every effort will be made to honor special dietary requests submitted in writing at least 72 hours prior to departure to info@gate1travel.com.
| | About Your Sightseeing | When travel dates coincide with religious holidays and national celebrations, some monuments and sites may be closed, sometimes without prior notice. On these occasions, escorted touring itineraries may be amended to reflect these closures. Occasionally, during holidays and certain periods, and/or due to other unforeseen circumstances including weather conditions, there may be last-minute changes, sometimes after arrival, which may affect the sequence of the tour and locations visited. National monuments and tourist sites regularly undergo renovations, which can obscure the monument's view. No tour will be canceled due to renovations, however Gate 1 will decide based on the conditions whether to amend an itinerary.
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