16 Day Tastes of the Island of Crete with 7 Day Idyllic Aegean Cruise
From
$4099
Land Only
$5279*
Air & Land
Hotels/Plans Available for Departure Dates
| Cat. IA Inside | ||
|---|---|---|
| Capsis Astoria Heraklion | Crete | |
| Celestyal Journey | ||
| Cat. IB Inside | ||
|---|---|---|
| Capsis Astoria Heraklion | Crete | |
| Celestyal Journey | ||
| Cat. IC Inside | ||
|---|---|---|
| Capsis Astoria Heraklion | Crete | |
| Celestyal Journey | ||
| Cat. XA Outside | ||
|---|---|---|
| Capsis Astoria Heraklion | Crete | |
| Celestyal Journey | ||
| Cat. XB Outside | ||
|---|---|---|
| Capsis Astoria Heraklion | Crete | |
| Celestyal Journey | ||
| Cat. XC Outside | ||
|---|---|---|
| Capsis Astoria Heraklion | Crete | |
| Celestyal Journey | ||
| Cat. XD Outside | ||
|---|---|---|
| Capsis Astoria Heraklion | Crete | |
| Celestyal Journey | ||
Select a Date to Book
Select a Date to Book
| 2026 Dates & Prices Single Supplement: $1300 | ||||||
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| Hotel | Dates | Embark | Tour Starts | Ship | Land Only | Air & Land |
| $4499 | $5289* | |||||
| $4549 | $5409* | |||||
| $4349 | $5519* | |||||
| $4099 | $5279* | |||||
| $4099 | $5419* | |||||
| $4699 | $5429* | |||||
| $4749 | $5679* | |||||
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$4899 | $5759* | ||||
| $4849 | $5729* | |||||
| 2026 Dates & Prices Single Supplement: $1350 | ||||||
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| Hotel | Dates | Embark | Tour Starts | Ship | Land Only | Air & Land |
| $4599 | $5389* | |||||
| $4649 | $5509* | |||||
| $4449 | $5619* | |||||
| $4249 | $5429* | |||||
| $4249 | $5569* | |||||
| $4849 | $5579* | |||||
| $4799 | $5729* | |||||
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$4999 | $5859* | ||||
| $4949 | $5829* | |||||
| 2026 Dates & Prices Single Supplement: $1400 | ||||||
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| Hotel | Dates | Embark | Tour Starts | Ship | Land Only | Air & Land |
| $4699 | $5489* | |||||
| $4749 | $5609* | |||||
| $4549 | $5719* | |||||
| $4299 | $5479* | |||||
| $4299 | $5619* | |||||
| $4899 | $5629* | |||||
| $4899 | $5829* | |||||
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$5049 | $5909* | ||||
| $5049 | $5929* | |||||
| 2026 Dates & Prices Single Supplement: $1400 | ||||||
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| Hotel | Dates | Embark | Tour Starts | Ship | Land Only | Air & Land |
| $4749 | $5539* | |||||
| $4849 | $5709* | |||||
| $4649 | $5819* | |||||
| $4399 | $5579* | |||||
| $4399 | $5719* | |||||
| $4999 | $5729* | |||||
| $4999 | $5729* | |||||
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$5149 | $6009* | ||||
| $5149 | $6029* | |||||
| 2026 Dates & Prices Single Supplement: $1450 | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hotel | Dates | Embark | Tour Starts | Ship | Land Only | Air & Land |
| $4949 | $5739* | |||||
| $4999 | $5859* | |||||
| $4799 | $5969* | |||||
| $4549 | $5729* | |||||
| $4549 | $5869* | |||||
| $5199 | $5929* | |||||
| $5099 | $6029* | |||||
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$5349 | $6209* | ||||
| $5349 | $6229* | |||||
| 2026 Dates & Prices Single Supplement: $1500 | ||||||
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| Hotel | Dates | Embark | Tour Starts | Ship | Land Only | Air & Land |
| $4999 | $5789* | |||||
| $5049 | $5909* | |||||
| $4849 | $6019* | |||||
| $4599 | $5779* | |||||
| $4599 | $5919* | |||||
| $5299 | $6029* | |||||
| $5299 | $6229* | |||||
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$5449 | $6309* | ||||
| $5449 | $6329* | |||||
| 2026 Dates & Prices Single Supplement: $1550 | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hotel | Dates | Embark | Tour Starts | Ship | Land Only | Air & Land |
| $5099 | $5889* | |||||
| $5149 | $6009* | |||||
| $4949 | $6119* | |||||
| $4699 | $5879* | |||||
| $4699 | $6019* | |||||
| $5399 | $6129* | |||||
| $5399 | $6329* | |||||
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$5549 | $6409* | ||||
| $5549 | $6429* | |||||
Not Included:
Optional tours, optional shore excursions and gratuities (unless otherwise specified).
Additional Information:
Land only price does not include arrival/departure transfers. As taxis are difficult to find upon disembarkation, we suggest that the departure transfer is pre-booked.
Passengers arriving to Athens on day 2 should select flights that arrive no later than 4:30 PM. Passengers returning from Athens on day 16 should select flights that depart no earlier than 12 PM.
Your cruise package includes the following excursions: Athens Monuments and the Acropolis (PIR-01) and Ancient Ephesus Through the Ages (KUS - 02). Please note that shore excursions can only be purchased locally.
While sailing with Celestyal Cruises, passengers are subject to the cruise line’s Terms & Conditions which can be viewed at: Celestyal Cruise’s Conditions of Carriage of Passengers and Their Luggage.
Visas are not required for shore excursions to Kusadasi.
Passport information for all passengers traveling on Celestyal Cruises must be submitted 60 days prior to departure.
Accommodation Details:
Triple rooms/cabins are not available.
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.
Is This Trip Right for You?
Stay & Explore Package Includes
Stay & Explore travel style combines the benefits of an escorted tour with the comfort of staying in a central location, without the hassle of packing and unpacking. Delve deep into the culture, history, and attractions of each location. From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, you will have easy access to the best sites of the region. Create a customized experience as leisurely or enriching as you prefer, with a balance of included and optional tours.
- Round trip flights New York-Athens, Athens-New York
Other departure cities available. Click on date of departure for selection and prices - 14 nights accommodations
- 7 nights Heraklion
- 7 nights Celestyal Journey
- Hotel taxes, fees & service charges
- Port charges of $339 per person
- Celestyal Cruise crew gratuities & porterage
- All transfers
- 28 meals: 14 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 7 dinners
- Sightseeing per itinerary in modern air-conditioned motor coach
- Services of English-speaking tour manager (Days 2-7)
- English speaking cruise director
- Services of local guides
- Tips for porters, wait staff & local guides on included services
- Comfortable wireless earphones for enhanced touring
Special Features
- Embark on a walking tour of Heraklion with its beautiful harbor and Venetian fortress of Koules
- Tour the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, showcasing artifacts from the Minoan civilization
- Explore Rethymnon's Old Town, a labyrinth of narrow streets and Venetian architecture
- Visit the workshop of Giorgos Hatziparaschos, a traditional phyllo master
- Spend time in the beautiful Greek Islands of Santorini, Mykonos, and Milos
- View the Acropolis, the ancient architectural masterpiece built during the Golden Age of Athens
- Explore the archaeological site of Ancient Ephesus and the colorful town of Kusadasi
Cruise Features & Amenities
- English speaking cruise director
- 8 bars & 7 restaurants
- Spa and wellness center
- 2 Swimming pools
- Beer & wine with all meals on ship
- Fitness center
- Deck devoted to health, and wellbeing
- Casino on board
- Additional shore excursions can be purchased with your Cruise Director
Not Included:
Optional tours, optional shore excursions gratuities. (unless otherwise specified).
Is This Trip Right for You?
| The number of participants may vary during your tour as we accommodate travelers arriving and departing at different points in the itinerary.
|
Gate 1 Travel 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.
This first class hotel is located in the heart of the city, near the Heraklion Archaeological Museum.
Hotel Details
This first class hotel is located in the heart of the city, near the Heraklion Archaeological Museum.
Hotel Details
This first class hotel is located in the heart of the city, near the Heraklion Archaeological Museum.
Hotel Details
This first class hotel is located in the heart of the city, near the Heraklion Archaeological Museum.
Hotel Details
This first class hotel is located in the heart of the city, near the Heraklion Archaeological Museum.
Hotel Details
This first class hotel is located in the heart of the city, near the Heraklion Archaeological Museum.
Hotel Details
This first class hotel is located in the heart of the city, near the Heraklion Archaeological Museum.
Hotel Details
- Tours purchased while travelling may cost an extra 10% or more
- Tours often sell out. Avoid disappointment
- Save your cash. Credit card processing may not be possible locally
- Travel insurance only covers services purchased prior to departure
- Book Online or call to book these tours up to 1 week before your departure
- The day the optionals operate varies by the day of the week
This morning, board a ferry to Santorini, a stunning Aegean Island, an island that takes your breath away! Pass thru the village of Pyrgos, the picturesque former capital, where you wander in the paths like you are in a maze and maybe take some pictures with the cute donkeys. Next visit the famous clifftop village of Oia. Stroll around the picturesque narrow alleys, and marvel at its blue-domed churches, white-washed cave-like houses, and astonishing views. Finally, visit the Capital town of Santorini, Fira and stroll the famous pebbled streets of the island. Board the ferry back to Crete.
This tour is available from May - September.
The Full Day Santorini Tour must be booked prior to departure and cannot be purchased locally.
Approximate tour duration is 11 hours.
| Day #5 | 01 May 2026 - 30 Sep 2026 | $259.00 |
Journey across Crete's scenic northern coast to the city of Chania. Along the way, stop at the ancient site of Aptera, offering sweeping views over Souda Bay, home to the U.S. Naval Support Air Force base. In Chania, the former capital of Crete, explore the Old Town, a maze of narrow lanes lined with Venetian, Ottoman, and Neoclassical architecture. Stroll along the 14th-century Venetian harbor, with its lighthouse and waterfront cafes, and discover the covered market bustling with local produce, crafts, and traditional delicacies. Enjoy free time for lunch at one of the many seaside tavernas. Return to Heraklion in the late afternoon.
Approximate tour duration is 8 hours. Expect 1.5 hours of walking as well as considerable time standing.
| Day #7 | 01 Jan 2026 - 31 Dec 2027 | $49.00 |
| Know Before You Go | |
| 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. |
| Getting Ready to Go |
| Passports and Visas |
| It is each traveler's responsibility to have a passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the dates of travel 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. IMPORTANT: 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. Passengers requiring visas, whether obtained in advance or locally upon arrival, should ensure that their passport has blank pages.
|
| Celestyal Cruises - Passport information must be submitted to Gate 1 Travel at least 60 days prior to departure. This information needs to be submitted to Port Authorities for embarkation. |
| Traveling with Friends or Family? |
| If you are traveling with friends or family who are booked on another reservation, please make sure that we are aware. On occasion, we may operate more than one vehicle on your tour departure in which case we will ensure that guests will be assigned together. This is achieved by connecting your reservations before your departure. Once you arrive in your destination, it may not be possible to make assignment changes. To check that your reservations are linked, log into https://www.gate1travel.com/reservations with your email and password, select your reservation number, and check to see that your reservations are indicated as "Traveling With" at the top right side of the display. |
| 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, driver's license) are in order. Make sure also that you have enough prescription medications to last through the trip and carry them with you in case your luggage is delayed. Bring a change of clothes in your carry-on bag in the event that your luggage is delayed or lost. Lost luggage is common. We strongly urge you to consider carry-ons instead of checked bags when possible, and when checking a bag is necessary, choose a bag color and identification that stands out. We suggest that you make photocopies of passports, visas, personal ID and any other important travel documents and pack them separately from the originals. You may also make a digital copy of your passport to keep a clear picture with the important details in your cell phone or digital camera photos. If you lose the originals while traveling, you'll have copies for easier reporting and replacement. Pack a list of medications including dosage and generic names. You may consider bringing a small supply of over the counter medications for headaches and/or anti-diarrhea pills (especially when traveling outside of the USA and Western Europe). We recommend that you pack a portable alarm clock. Due to security reasons, many museums have restrictions on the size of bags that can be taken inside and backpacks, carry-on bags or large purses may not be permitted. It is recommended to bring a small shoulder bag or purse to use in these situations instead. Avoid placing valuables such as cameras in your checked luggage. Airplane pressure can cause similar pressure in your body, most notably in ears, as well as liquid tubes and bottles. Your physician can suggest medication for decongestion. We suggest that you place liquid containers into Ziploc bags to catch any leaks. |
| Celestyal Cruises Terms & Conditions: Celestyal Cruises Terms & Conditions governing the cruise component of a Tour & Cruise package apply to all customers sailing with Celestyal Cruises. Carriage by Sea is subject to the Carrier's Conditions of Carriage which are expressly incorporated into the following document: Celestyal Cruise's Conditions of Carriage of Passengers and Their Luggage |
| Greek Islands - Do not overpack. The Greek Islands are very casual, and the tour requires only that you be comfortable. There will be no occasions for business, cocktail or formal attire. Porterage is not included and most hotels do not have elevators, so travel light. You will enjoy your trip more with less luggage to carry. Bring rubber soled walking shoes for visits to archaeological sites and clothes that can be layered. Avoid packing valuable items such as jewelry. |
| Travel Safety Advice: The safety of our guests is Gate 1’s #1 concern. Before making the decision to reserve your vacation, we want you to be aware of potential situations which may impact your holiday. While most of the time our programs run precisely according to plans, on rare occasion force majeure events including weather, transportation mechanical issues, or uninhabitable accommodation, civil unrest and even criminal or terrorist activities will present themselves unexpectedly and with little or no notice. Gate 1 will make the decision to cancel a tour only after receiving verifiable government issued information. We are otherwise obliged to comply with contractual airline and vendor agreements and carry out the tour until or unless we are advised otherwise. In the event of such an occurrence anytime after your date of departure, Gate 1 and the local destination ground staff, in coordination with government advisories, airlines, hotels, cruise ships and other vendors, will make decisions with regard to your safety first. We strongly recommend that tour participants review the destination country's specific information at https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/alertswarnings.html. |
| Travel Protection |
| Even the best-planned trips can be impacted by the unexpected. And that is why we recommend that you help protect yourself and your investment by purchasing Travel Protection for your Gate 1 trip. Travel Protection can help with medical coverage for illness or injury, trip cancellation and/or interruption, baggage loss, medical evacuation, and more. At any time before you complete Final Payment, you may choose to purchase Travel Protection. The protection plan premium is non-refundable after a 10-day review period. In addition, you must be medically able to travel at the time the premium is paid. For a summary of the plan details on coverages, benefits, limitations and exclusions, please refer to the Description of Coverage by visiting www.gate1travel.com/insurance/. Cancel for Any Reason Waiver Benefit (CFAR) is a non-insurance feature that allows you to cancel up to 72 hours before your scheduled departure for any reason not otherwise covered in the Travel Protection Plan. CFAR must be purchased at the same time as the Travel Protection Plan as well as within 21 days of the original booking date. Independent or escorted tour reservations will be eligible for a future travel credit equal to the full cost of your trip, less the cost of initial deposit, airline-assessed fees, amendment fees, and insurance premium. Sea or river cruise reservations will be eligible for a future travel credit equal to 50% of the cost of your trip, less the cost of initial trip deposit, airline-assessed fees, amendment fees, and insurance premium. All CFAR credits are valid for a period of two years from the original date of travel. CFAR Credits have no cash value and are not transferrable. Airline-assessed fees are generally $300 per person, but may be as much as fully non-refundable. Some non-refundable airline tickets may retain value, less airline-assessed fees. Your future air credit must be used to book with the same airline. Deadlines to rebook and complete travel vary by airline and may be as early as 12 months from when the tickets were originally issued (not the date of travel). For details, www.gate1travel.com/insurance/. This program does not apply to custom groups and Antarctica cruises. Residents of New York, Missouri & Minnesota may purchase this Cancel for Any Reason Waiver Benefit separate from Travel Protection. Call to speak with a reservation agent for details. This Cancel for any Reason Wavier Benefit is not insurance and is provided by Gate 1 Travel. |
| Mobile Phones |
| Mobile networks differ from country to country. We recommend you check with your provider to see if your wireless plan will work in the destination(s) you are visiting. To avoid possible roaming charges, you may want to consider purchasing an international plan. With most major phone companies, for a modest fee, you will be able to use your domestic plan's talk, text, and data allowances just like you do at home. If you can access the internet while you travel, you can also take advantage of services such as WhatsApp or Skype. |
| 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 (often indicated with a “+” sign), then the destination Country Code, then the 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 you are dialing from a mobile phone, you can enter a “+” instead of the international Exit Code (011, 001, 0011 or 00) by pressing and holding the 0 key. For most countries in Africa, Asia, Europe, South America and South Pacific, if you are calling from a local phone to a number within the same country, you should drop both the exit and country codes and then add a leading 0 (zero). Exceptions include Spain, Italy, Hungary and Malta (no additional zero needed to dial locally). Example: To dial the following number in Germany (as listed on your voucher): +(49) 0555-555 From USA or your US cell phone: 011-49-555-555 From another country in Europe: 00-49-555-555 From a German phone within Germany: 0555-555 |
| WiFi Access |
| WiFi is available in most airports, hotels, and cruise lines, as well as on some flights, trains, and buses. There may be a fee for access and service quality and speed may vary greatly especially while on moving vehicles. Availability on cruises is also dependent upon its location while sailing through multiple countries. Please note that WiFi can be extremely slow, unreliable, and sometimes nonexistent in developing countries. |
| Staying Healthy While Traveling |
| Please consult with your healthcare provider for up-to-date requirements. You may also check the Centers for Disease Control (www.cdc.gov) and/or the World Health Organization (http://www.who.int/en/) for their recommendations. Any required inoculations must be documented by clients' healthcare provider on a valid vaccination certificate, which must be carried as proof where necessary. Individuals with heart disease, chronic illness, physical handicap, advanced pregnancy, or mental illness should not participate in these rigorous travel programs. While traveling, illnesses can sometimes be unavoidable. If a traveler arrives feeling ill or becomes sick during the tour, they will be separated from the group and directed to either a local or virtual medical facility for diagnosis. This precaution is necessary to ensure the well-being of all travelers. The traveler may only rejoin the group after receiving written clearance from an accredited medical facility confirming they are fit to continue. All costs associated with medical treatment and related expenses such as additional hotel nights or transportation not included in the original itinerary will be the responsibility of the passenger. Travel protection plans will only consider coverage with service receipts provided by legally qualified health care facilities, and in accordance with policy terms. There are several easy steps you can take to stay healthy while traveling which may help prevent contracting an illness while away from home.
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| Notice on Aircraft Cabin Insecticide Treatment - Please note that some countries may require aircraft cabin insecticide treatment for in-bound foreign flights. A list of such countries is available at:
http://www.dot.gov/office-policy/aviation-policy/aircraft-disinsection-requirements. |
| Consideration for Tour Participants (Escorted Tours) |
For the benefit of all tour participants, we ask tour members to be considerate of their fellow travelers in the following ways:
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| Climate & Clothing |
| Greece - Bring comfortable walking shoes, a sweater, clothes you can layer, and an all-weather coat. Some religious sites may require modest dress code to enter (no shorts, short skirts, or sleeveless tops). Long pants are required for men, a long skirt covering the knees is required for women, and shoulders are required to be covered. On cruises, daytime dress code is casual (shorts and t-shirts for example), however swimsuits are not allowed in public areas or restaurants, except for the lunch buffet on deck. The majority of evenings on board are country club casual. There will be one formal evening on the 4 day, 5 day, and 7 day cruise, which will be indicated on the daily program. A suit and tie are suggested for gentlemen, and a cocktail dress or pantsuit suggested for women. Greece Average Temperatures: Fahrenheit | Celsius |
| About Drones |
| Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) or "drone" technology has quickly become affordable and is increasingly popular with recreational users. While some countries have clear, established drone laws, others do not, or existing regulations are undergoing review and change. Travelers who wish to bring a drone on their trip are responsible to research and abide by the laws and regulations of the countries they are visiting, as well as to check with their airline(s) regarding their rules for transporting drones. Please note that tours are unable to extend the length of scheduled visits and stops to accommodate use of drones. |
| Book & Film Recommendations |
| Many of our guests enjoy reading about their destination - either in advance of their trip or while traveling - as a way of adding context to their visit. Whether reading a traditional guide book, learning about the history and culture, or simply enjoying a fictional novel set in the destination, a good book can add greatly to your experience. Similarly, a good movie set in your destination helps set the mood before you travel. We asked our Tour Managers and staff to recommend books and films which past guests may have enjoyed. The following does not constitute an endorsement of any authors, books or films listed, it is merely a collection of guests' recommendations. |
| GREECE: Books Colossus of Maroussi by Henry Miller The Island by Victoria Hislop The Odyssey by Homer The Summer of my Greek Taverna by Tom Stone Eleni by Nicholas Gage It's All Greek to Me by John Mole Corelli's Mandolin by Louis de Bernieres GREECE: Films Mamma Mia! The Movie (2008) Boy on a Dolphin (1957) Shirley Valentine (1989) Zorba the Greek (1964) Moonspinners (1964) |
| Preparing for Your Trip |
| Seat Assignments |
| As a courtesy service, complimentary airline seat assignments are requested on your behalf and, when available, are displayed in order of Passenger #1, #2 and so on. Assignments reflect the best available seats at the time of booking. Some airlines and/or fare types do not allow for pre-seating and require this be done at airport check-in only; in which case the display shows “N/A”. Seats are subject to change by your airline(s) including, for example, when there is a schedule change or equipment change after your initial booking; this may cause seat assignments to be changed or even cancelled. Some airlines offer preferred seating for an additional fee; these seats may only be purchased directly from the airline. You will need your family name and the 6-digit airline “Record Locator” which is displayed with the flight details on your reservation. In the event that you change seat assignments directly with your airline, changes will not be reflected on your invoice or documents. At the time that Gate 1 travel documents are issued, the currently assigned seats will be listed based on the assignments stored in your airline reservation at that time. Should you have questions regarding your assignments, please write to us at www.gate1travel.com/contactus. |
| Luggage & Packing |
| Checked bags are typically limited to a total dimension of 62 inches by adding length + width + height (example: 26"+26"+10" = 62"), and a maximum weight of 50 lbs (23kg). Smart Bags with a USB charging port, GPS tracking device and other high-tech features are prohibited as checked or carry-on baggage unless the bag is made with removable batteries and the batteries are removed and stored separately. Many airlines charge for checked bags including flights which begin and end within the USA. The most inexpensive airfare options commonly known as Basic Economy airfares do not include any checked bags nor seat assignments before the day of departure. However, for some airlines, other airfare categories also do not include checked baggage. This will be clearly displayed in our airfare selection and on your invoice. Where available, we highly recommend selecting airfares which include at least 1 piece of checked baggage. Gate 1 Travel is not responsible for checked bag fees, excess luggage or weight charges levied by an airline. Checked baggage allowances displayed on reservation details and invoices reflect the applicable allowance at the time of booking but are subject to change by your airline(s). For your airline's requirements and fees, visit www.gate1travel.com/baggagefees.aspx. For important baggage information, visit www.gate1travel.com/luggage.aspx. Avoid placing valuables in your checked luggage. Federal law forbids the carriage of hazardous materials aboard the aircraft in your luggage, your carry-on or on your person. A violation can result in five years' imprisonment and penalties of $250,000 or more (49 U.S.C. 5124). Hazardous materials include explosives, compressed gases, flammable liquids and solids, oxidizers, poisons, corrosives and radioactive materials. Examples: Paints, lighter fluid, fireworks, tear gases, oxygen bottles, and radio-pharmaceuticals. There are special exceptions for small quantities (up to 70 ounces total) of medicinal and toilet articles carried in your luggage and certain smoking materials carried on your person. Check the Transportation and Safety Administration (TSA) website www.tsa.gov to find out the current list of acceptable items you may bring on a plane before packing. We recommend that you use brightly colored luggage tags, straps or other identifiers to help you locate your luggage upon arrival or to describe it in the event that it is lost. |
| Intra-Flights |
| All intra-flights included in your package are booked in Economy Class. Checked bags are typically limited to a total dimension of 62 inches (157 cm) by adding length + width + height (example: 26"+26"+10" = 62" / 66cm+66cm+25cm = 157cm), and a maximum weight of 50 lbs (23 kg). Exceptions are listed below and may differ from international flight luggage limits. More detailed baggage restrictions for your airline can be found at www.gate1travel.com/baggagefees.aspx. |
| Celestyal Cruises - Our local staff will provide luggage tags for the cruise which you should clearly label with your name, cabin number and sailing date. |
| Greek Islands - Flights between Athens and the Greek islands have a weight restriction for luggage of 50 lbs. per piece of luggage with a limit of one piece of checked luggage per person. Weight restrictions for carry-on luggage varies by carrier. Please ensure your carry-on luggage does not exceed 17 lbs and 55cm x 40cm x 23cm in dimension (including handles, pockets and wheels). This differs from international flight luggage limits and should be taken into account when preparing for your trip. |
| Day of Departure |
| Greek Islands |
| The airline tickets enclosed are for your international flights to/from Athens (provided that you purchased them from Gate 1). You will receive your tickets to the islands and back to Athens in Greece. Please remember to check your luggage through to Athens, Greece. Gate 1 is not responsible for flight delays or missed connections. Should you face this situation, do everything possible to resolve your situation directly with your airline and reschedule the best possible flights. In the unlikely circumstance that your flight is cancelled, you should still go to the airport and insist that the airline protects you by arranging alternative flights. Then, advise Gate 1 Greece about the new arrangements by calling the emergency number in Athens below. |
| Flight Services |
| What to do if You Need Assistance |
Whether you purchased your airfare from Gate 1 Travel or from the airline directly, please bear in mind that Gate 1 Travel does not own nor operate the airline(s), nor the airport facilities where they operate. At times, flying can be a frustrating experience, especially when things do not go exactly as planned, and airline explanations can be confusing or even misleading. Should you face a problem, remain calm and seek assistance either from the airline directly or from Gate 1. Please be aware that in most cases, on the day of your flight(s), airlines pass responsibility for your reservation to their staff at the airport and it is not always possible for Gate 1 Travel to intervene on your behalf, either through our reservations system or directly with your airline. |
| Arrival & Departure |
| Arrival Procedures |
| Upon arrival, please complete immigration formalities if necessary 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 collecting your luggage or 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. If you are delayed due to lost luggage, phone the number on the voucher or have a companion exit the Customs Area to advise the transfer representative. Be wary of airport scammers who offer unwanted assistance. If you are arriving without a pre-arranged transfer, we strongly recommend going to the Tourist Information Desk to ask for a licensed taxi or transfer service. You may be asked to pay for the transfer at the desk prior to the trip, this will ensure you are not charged extra during the trip. |
| Greece - If you have purchased international airfare and/or transfers from Gate 1, please complete immigration formalities and claim your luggage. You will be met by our local representative after you pass through customs. Look for someone holding a Gate 1 Travel sign. If for any reason you do not connect with the Gate 1 transfer personnel, please call the Gate 1 emergency phone 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, the better we can respond. Please refer to the Emergency Assistance instructions on this same document. 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 you 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. 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'. 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. |
| Greek Island Transfers - Buses are air-conditioned, although sometimes due to long waits the bus will be warm. Some transfers are provided by taxis. Taxis usually are not airconditioned. Transfer times are approximately as follows: To/ from Santorini Port: Fira area 30 minutes; Kamari area 45 minutes. To/ from Santorini Airport: Fira area 45 minutes; Kamari area 25 minutes. To/ from Mykonos Airport and Port: 10 to 25 minutes. |
| Public Transportation for the Athens Airport and Piraeus Port Metro service between the Athens Airport and the center of Athens, Syntagma Station, is available on the Blue Line and is scheduled every 30 minutes. The cost is 10 Euros per person and journey time is approximately 50 minutes. The Metro runs between 6 AM and 10 PM. There is also a bus service from Syntagma Square to the airport (and vice versa) for 6 Euros. They are scheduled every 10 to 15 minutes, and journey time is approximately 60 to 70 minutes. Buses run 24/7, though from 11 PM till 6 AM, they are running every 30 to 50 minutes. The Suburban Rail Line train runs every 30 minutes between the airport and Larissa Train Station. The cost is 10 Euros per person, and journey time is approximately 50 minutes. A taxi from the airport to the Athens city center costs approximately 35 Euros per taxi during the day. Between midnight and 6 AM, this cost is approximately 50 Euros. Metro service between the Piraeus Port and the center of Athens is available on Metro Line #1 from Omonia Station. The cost is 1.40 Euros per person, and journey time is approximately 30 minutes. A taxi from the center of Athens to Piraeus Port costs approximately 15 Euros, and journey time is approximately 30 minutes. |
| About Your Accommodations |
| Hotels |
| Gate 1 Travel has carefully selected each hotel based on overall quality, location, price, service, and cleanliness. All rooms are standard twin-bedded (two single beds) rooms with private facilities. Special requests such as bed types, smoking preference and connecting rooms are subject to availability. Room selection in all cases, unless otherwise reserved, is strictly at the discretion of the hotel's management on a run-of-house basis. Triple rooms consist of standard twin beds or one double bed plus a sofa/folding bed or cot for third person except in the U.S. and Canada, where triple rooms often consist of two double/queen beds for three persons; where available, a fee may be charged by the hotel for the addition of a cot/rollaway. The number of persons accommodated does not dictate the room size. While air conditioning is available in most hotels, we recommend checking the room amenities listed under the "Featured Hotels" tab of your package to confirm. Please note that many international hotels were built before central air conditioning was introduced. In those that do offer air conditioning, usage may be restricted, often due to government regulations aimed at promoting energy conservation. It's typical for air conditioning to be used only during the summer months, to follow a set schedule (sometimes turned off at night), and to operate at lower settings than what many Americans are accustomed to. Some lodges and accommodations in remote regions may not have all of the amenities, such as hairdryer, alarm clock and room service, that you might find in a larger hotel located in a city center. |
| Greek Island Hotels - Greek Island hotels are typically small properties with limited services and staff. The absence of high-rise hotels with modern services is part of the charm of the islands. Some hotels are set back from the beach and there may be a walk to the shoreline. Others may not be within walking distance. Not all hotels are located in the town center and you may find it necessary to hire a local taxi or use public transportation to travel to the town center. Because of limited coach access on some narrow streets, you may have to carry your own luggage between the drop-off point and the hotel. We regret any small inconveniences and assure you they will be limited to situations only when absolutely necessary. While staying in the islands, you will find the atmosphere to be relaxing and easy-going. However, you should still exercise simple common-sense precautions such as locking your room and closing balcony windows while you are out. Do not leave valuables unattended in your room. While sleeping, you may leave windows open but it is customary in Greece to keep shutters closed. |
| Hotel Check-in/ Check-out |
| Hotel check-in time is generally not before 4:00 p.m. and check-out time is prior to 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. |
| At Your Destination |
| 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 and learn about foreign cultures, we ask first and foremost that you practice tolerance and respect for local customs. |
| Staggered Arrival & Departure |
| Many tours are offered with multiple duration options, allowing travelers to choose one or more destinations in a single trip. As a result, the number of participants on your tour may vary, as we accommodate travelers arriving and departing at different points in the itinerary. |
| About Your Sightseeing |
| To ensure a pleasant and fair experience for passengers on our escorted tours, there is a mandatory seat rotation policy on our motor coaches which will be organized by your Tour Manager. On river cruises, color-coded group splits may be used for shoreside included and Optional tours. Some buses are equipped with toilet facility, however they are strictly intended for emergency use only and often require the vehicle to stop for safety reasons before use. 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. To respect the privacy of all tour participants, your tour manager will not organize a group photo or collect passenger email addresses for a group list. |
| 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 check-in. The details of the hotel can be found in your documents. |
| 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. https://www.gate1travel.com/terms.aspx#optional |
| 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 |
| Celestyal Cruises - The Euro is the currency used aboard the ship. Please note that while calling at port, other currencies may be used depending on the country being visited. Clients must present a physical credit card while on board; a digital wallet version will not be accepted. |
| Greece - The Euro is the currency of Greece. |
| Greece - Credit cards are not widely accepted in restaurants, small shops, museums and archaeological sites. American Express cards are not accepted in Greece. |
| Shopping |
| Most people enjoy bringing home at least one souvenir from the countries they visit. However, some find any amount of shopping to be too much while others never find enough opportunities. We have built into our Escorted itineraries a few shopping stops at recommended spots. These stops are designed to enhance your experience by providing an opportunity to see first-hand quality locally crafted merchandise which you may not be able to find on your own. Shops are checked to ensure the quality and authenticity of the products they offer, and we limit guides from visiting other locations. In some cases, we plan these stops to provide an opportunity to use clean bathrooms and to stretch your legs. All shops want your satisfaction, and therefore in case of any misunderstanding they ask that you kindly submit your claim to us within one week of the item's receipt. Claims submitted later will be subject to each store's policies. While shopping independently, 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! About Tax-Free Shopping Tax-Free Shopping allows shoppers to reclaim the VAT (Value-Added Tax) or GST (Goods and Services Tax) they have paid on their purchases in some foreign countries in accordance with restrictions and procedures as dictated by each country. Refund eligibility varies by country, but may require presenting a scanned copy of your passport at the time of purchase, a minimum amount spent, or providing original store receipts. For more details, check the respective country's online website, with the shop salesperson, with your tour manager or at www.globalblue.com for specific country regulations and airport operation hours. Please keep in mind that you must apply for VAT refund in the airport of the country the items were purchased and allow enough time prior to your flight for the application. U.S. Customs & Shipping Charges You may carry items with a fair retail value totaling $800 into the U.S. Taxes may be applied to the next $1,000 worth of merchandise. U.S. Customs determines the value of your items, often honoring a genuine sales receipt. Items which are shipped home are always subject to duty when received in the U.S. (in addition to shipping charges). Some shops may offer to include shipping and duties in the price but this typically means shipping only to the customs facility closest to you and payment only of the export duties; you would still need to collect the item and pay U.S. import duties. Please be aware that it is illegal to import products made from endangered animal species. U.S. Customs & Border Protection will seize these items, as well as most furs, coral, tortoise shell, reptile skins, feathers, plants, and items made from animal skins. |
| 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 open 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. |
| Your Safety is Very Important |
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Prior to your trip, if you are traveling overseas, we strongly recommend that you visit the website of the U.S. Department of State at www.travel.state.gov, specifically the section which addresses International Travel. You should read the tips for foreign travel and travel warnings for the country or countries that you plan to visit. It is also 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:
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. |
| Celestyal Cruises - You are on a ship with a high safety standard and reliable crew. In case of emergency, we ask you to follow the instructions of your crew. Swipe your card when you leave and board the ship. This helps ensure your security by allowing the crew to immediately determine if all passengers are on board before continuing the cruise. While in port, please keep your cabin door locked. |
| Greece - Pick-pocketing is a centuries-old crime. However in Athens, the incident has rapidly increased over the past few years. These crimes are rarely aggressive, however, this warning should not be taken lightly. Pick-pocketing typically takes place in crowded shopping areas, tourist attractions, and while riding public transportation, particularly while traveling on the subway/metro. Take note:
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| Tourist Street Scams |
Pickpockets and thieves can destroy an otherwise wonderful holiday. Be mindful of these precautions to help avoid being scammed or robbed:
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| Local Emergency Phone Numbers |
Greece
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Celestyal Cruises
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| 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. |
| Celestyal Cruises - Celestyal Discovery and Celestyal Journey: the voltage used is 110 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 long pants for men and a long skirt covering the knees for women, and for shoulders to be covered. |
| Meals & Dietary Requests |
| Included meals are based on the restaurant's set menu or buffet and usually represent local cuisine. Vegetarian meals are available in most locations, while vegan, protein-rich or gluten-free menus are rare. Special dietary requests, which must be selected in the passenger details section of your reservation, cannot be guaranteed. We are unable to provide meals in accordance with strict religious requirements, such as Kosher or Halal, nor can we accommodate specifically salt-free, high-protein or low-carb meals.
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| Greek Islands - While it is generally safe to eat fully cooked meats and vegetables, care should be taken to avoid undercooked meat and uncooked fruits and vegetables. Tap water is not potable in the Greek Islands, it is recommended that visitors drink only bottled water or water that has been boiled and filtered. Avoid ice, as it is usually made from tap water. |
| Holidays |
| On public holidays, there may be reduced public transportation, as well as limited hours or closures of attractions, shops and restaurants. |
| Holidays - Greece |
Holidays 2026 Jan 1: New Year's Jan 6: Feast of the Epiphany Mar 25: Independence Day Apr 10: Orthodox Good Friday Apr 12: Orthodox Easter Sunday Apr 13: Orthodox Easter Monday May 1: Labor Day May 31: Orthodox Whit Sunday Jun 1: Orthodox Whit Monday Aug 15: Feast of the Assumption Oct 28: Ochi Day Dec 25: Christmas Day Dec 26: Synaxis of the Mother of God Holidays 2027 Jan 1: New Year's Jan 6: Feast of the Epiphany Mar 25: Independence Day Apr 30: Orthodox Good Friday May 2: Orthodox Easter May 3: Orthodox Easter Monday May 1: Labor Day Jun 20: Day of the Holy Spirit Aug 15: Feast of the Assumption Oct 28: Ochi Day Dec 25: Christmas Day Dec 26: Synaxis of the Mother of God 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. |
| On-board Cashless System - Celestyal Cruises |
| You will receive an Access Card, which will serve as both your boarding pass and onboard charge card. Please store it securely as you would any other charge or identification card. There is a cashless system on board. All on board expenditures (in the bar, restaurant, shop, etc.) are charged to your Access Card, and cash is not accepted at any of the ship's outlets. Children's Access Cards may be restricted by taking them to Reception for re-encoding with a reduced limit. Your card's limit can be extended by verifying a credit card at Reception. At the end of your cruise, the closing invoice will be presented for settlement. Payment can be made by cash, credit card (American Express, VISA, MasterCard, Diners Club) and traveler's checks. Personal checks are not accepted. For sailings December 2026 onward, each guest will receive an onboard CelestyalPay credit, provided during check-in and loaded onto your access card. This credit may be used throughout the sailing for a variety of onboard purchases, including specialty dining venues and alcoholic and premium beverages. An 18% service fee will be applied to all purchases made using CelestyalPay, including drinks and meals at specialty restaurants. This service charge will be automatically deducted from the CelestyalPay balance at the time of purchase of the relevant goods. Once you use your full credit, you may continue to make on board purchases by charging your cabin and paying with the closing invoice. Please note that the voucher has no cash value and any unused portion will not be refunded at the end of the cruise. If you misplace your Access Card, report this immediately to Reception. Otherwise, another person may use the card and you will be liable for their charges. |
| Cruise Embarkation / Disembarkation |
| Embarkation commences three hours before the departure time of the vessel. Your passport and cruise voucher should be ready to present to the embarkation staff. The ship's staff collects and holds your passport for the duration of the cruise. A receipt will be given to you and should be presented at the designated time when passport will be returned to you prior to disembarkation. At embarkation you will be issued with your own personal embarkation card which acts as your on board payment card and the security for embarking and disembarking the vessel. Disembarking in Athens: Upon arrival, please proceed through customs with your luggage. With Gate 1 transfer: Meet Gate 1 representative holding Gate 1 sign after clearing immigration and customs. You will be responsible for carrying your luggage to the vehicle. |
| On Your Cruise - Celestyal Cruises |
| Attire: Daytime dress code is casual (shorts and t-shirts for example), however swimsuits are not allowed in public areas or restaurants, except for the lunch buffet on deck. Long pants/dresses are required for meals in the main dining room, and no flip flops are permitted to be worn (sandals are allowed). The majority of evenings on board are country club casual. There will be one formal evening on the 4 day, 5 day, and 7 day cruise, which will be indicated on the daily program. A suit and tie are suggested for gentlemen, and a cocktail dress or pantsuit suggested for women. On shore excursions, some religious sites may require modest dress code to enter (no shorts, short skirts, or sleeveless tops). Long pants are required for men and a long skirt is required for women or a sarong wrap will be provided if necessary. Meals and Dietary Restrictions: Upon embarkation, the Maitre d'Hotel will take your dining room reservation and assign your table. You will have the choice, depending on availability, of main or late sitting. Breakfast and lunch are free-sitting and no reservation is required. All dietary restrictions, particularly for medical reasons should be advised at time of booking. While every effort will be made to accommodate, Gate 1 cannot guarantee every restaurant will be able to comply to the fullest extent. Dinners in tour packages are based on set menus and some buffets. Your cruise includes a drink package. This package includes tap water, soda, juice, coffee, tea, and select beer and wine by the glass during meals. Alcoholic beverages will not be available for passengers under the age of 18. Details of beverage choices will be provided on board the cruise. Smoking: Smoking is prohibited in all areas except one designated lounge, the casino and on open decks. Smoking is not permitted in the cabins. Casino: The Casino will be open during sailing times only. Guests under the age of 18 are not permitted to enter. Your ship's account card may not be used to play in the casino. Greece - Excursions: Additional shore excursions will be available for purchase on board the cruise. In Santorini, passengers on a shore excursion will disembark at Athinios, all other passengers in Fira. Disembarkation and embarkation in Santorini, Patmos, Mylos, and Mykonos may be done via tender boats. Cruise itineraries and ships are subject to change without notice. Furthermore, cruise ships may be chartered and/or departure dates canceled after publication, in which case all moneys will be refunded. Gate 1 takes no responsibility for ship substitutions or itinerary changes imposed by a cruise line. Shore excursion itineraries and rates: Celestyal Discovery and Celestyal Journey: https://www.gate1travel.com/cruises/ships/celestyal/excursions/ Arabian Gulf - Excursions: Your cruise package includes the following excursions: A Cultural Journey through Doha (DOH-01). Additional shore excursions will be available for purchase on board the cruise. Shore excursion itineraries and rates: Celestyal Discovery: https://www.gate1travel.com/cruises/ships/celestyal/excursions/ Essential Wifi: Essential Wifi is a basic package that allows you to browse the web, send emails, and text friends and family via select messaging apps. There are upgrade options available for purchase on board. Email: Internet facilities are available on board for a fee that is charged to your shipboard account. |
| Suggested Tipping |
| Gratuities |
| Tipping is always at your personal discretion. For your convenience, please refer to the summary below as a guideline for recommended gratuity amounts. Gratuities may be paid in local currency or in the U.S. dollar equivalent where accepted, and we recommend keeping small bills on hand for tipping. Please note that in many destinations, tipping is considered a customary part of local compensation. While you may occasionally be approached for additional tips, you should never feel pressured to do so. If at any time you feel uncomfortable or uncertain about a situation, please speak with your Tour Manager or contact our office using the phone numbers provided in your travel documents. |
| Suggested Tipping: Greece & Greek Island Cruises |
Tour Manager: US $10 per person per day Driver: US $5 per person per day, US $3 per half day Greek Island Cruise: Cruise Director: US $6 per person per day Note: Tips for local guides, hotel porters, wait staff, and any other services listed in your itinerary are included, unless otherwise specified above. Drivers provide chauffeur services and limited assistance with luggage, and on some itineraries, you may encounter multiple drivers. |
| Greece - For activities on your own, service charges are generally included in restaurant bills, however it is customary to leave a 10% tip. Also, it is customary to leave coins totaling around one Euro for the busboy. |
| Celestyal Cruises - Cruise crew gratuities are included in your package rate. |
Amazing! This was my 5th trip With Gate 1 and I can honestly say I'll Never travel with another company. Our tour manager was brilliant. Everything ran smoothly and the added things like the lunch with cooking class and dancing lessons were beyond fun.
Kirstan T.
We just completed the 7 day essential Greece tour. Our tour manager Rania was amazing! Gate 1 does a fantastic job of finding the best tour guides in the industry and she helped to make our tour enjoyable and memorable. Thank you for another great trip, Gate 1!
Elizabeth H.
I wanted to follow up on the survey I recently completed to let Gate 1 know how utterly fantastic our tour guide, Rania, was! She was perfect in every way, and she put a great deal of effort into ensuring we knew the schedule, had regular bathroom breaks, and enjoyed timely food stops. She provided a wonderful balance of engaging us and yet allowing time for breaks when we might need some downtime on the bus. She also made sure that we rotated seats on the bus every day. She was highly organized, so everything ran like clockwork -- yet things did not feel overly structured. Rania is also incredibly knowledgeable about history, landmarks, and archeology. She knows the dates for everything. She was so eager to share information, which made our time with her so very interesting. She gave us helpful tips such as when we'd be back in the Plaka area for shopping, so we wouldn't have to carry our purchases throughout the entire week. That was such a helpful hint. Rania deserves high praise! Also, our bus driver, Alex, was wonderful! He was so courteous and professional. And boy, does he know how to drive a big, long bus! He got us safely through very narrow streets in tiny villages, and he was required to make a very long and impressive backup to one of our hotels, also through a narrow passageway. Alex and Rania made a great team! Thank you so much!
Jane G.
The Greece trip was amazing. I enjoyed every excursion, breakfast, dinner and all the time I was with Nina the tour guide. She is very knowledgeable, attentive and gentle. I loved her personality. She did an amazing job.
Adelita C.
From the moment we landed in Athens, every single detail felt guided, organized, and steady, even when things around us (like canceled flights and changing schedules) weren't. Our transfers were seamless, our hotel stay at The Stanley was easy and comfortable, and every part of our three-day Aegean cruise unfolded effortlessly. Even when we hit unexpected travel issues later in the journey, Gate 1's structure gave us something solid to rely on. That alone was worth its weight in gold. But the true heart of this trip was Maria, our tour guide. Exceptional doesn't even begin to describe her. She was warm, knowledgeable, and unshakably calm-one of those rare people who can make a group instantly feel grounded and taken care of. She somehow managed to weave history, humor, culture, and guidance together in a way that made everything feel personal. She remembered the details, answered every question, checked on each of us, and made sure we never felt lost-whether we were navigating Athens, the Acropolis, the cruise schedule, or a new island at sunset. By the end, she felt less like a guide and more like someone you genuinely hope stays in your life. She told me to find her on Facebook so we could keep in touch, and of course that's when I realized I didn't have her last name-because she's simply "Maria," the way someone unforgettable only needs one name. Gate 1 turned what could have been a stressful first international trip into something beautiful, smooth, and full of once-in-a-lifetime moments: wandering Mykonos at night, standing above Santorini's caldera, exploring Ephesus, watching sunsets we'll remember forever. My boss always said Gate 1 was the best. After this experience, I can say with certainty-she was absolutely right.
Heather H.
I wanted to take the time to comment on our experience with Yiannis, our tour guide for Athens & Greece, prior to the 4-day Aegian cruise. Yiannis was amazing. He was not only extremely knowledgeable of Athens, Olympia, Delphi, Crete, he also shared valuable cultural information. He was personable, friendly, and punctual, and always took time to confirm that everyone understood what was expected at each location. He was patient. He was very concise. What we enjoyed the most about Yiannis is that he was very passionate about GREECE, and tried to pass it on to his tour group. He helped us experience Greece in a way that we could never do on our own! The rest of the trip (cruise portion with Panos, Nicholas, and Isadoro) paled in comparison to our experience with Yiannis on the land portion of the trip. He is a great asset to Gate-1!
Catherine E.
Vivian was an EXCELLENT guide, definitely the best tour guide Ive had to date. Vivian's historical knowledge and ability to communicate was thorough. I received everything I wanted on this tour -Thank you!
Marguerite G.
I wanted to express kudos to Rania. She is in a class by herself. Her attention to detail, professionalism and ability to manage a heterogeneous group was evident from the moment the tour began. Her being an anthropologist with an amazing command of her country's history made for an exemplary experience. You have a gem on your staff.
Linda H.
I'd like to give additional props to our tour guide, Murat. He was exceptional in every way - I marveled at how he was able to corral 40 people, make everyone feel "at home", keep us organized, and make it look absolutely effortless- incredible! In addition, his extreme knowledge, passion, and enthusiasm for our tour history and subject matters was truly unparalleled. I (and everyone on the tour), learned so much about Turkey and Greece from him. This, combined with his welcoming personality and delightful humor, just wrapped it all up to be an amazing experience!
Grace C.
Our tour manager, Efi, is very knowledgeable and friendly. She showed a lot of passion on Greek history and mythology. It was great to have her as our tour manager.
Ilan S.
My husband and I had the best time with Gate 1. We will be back for more tours. Katerina, our tour guide in Greece was wonderful!! She was able to make the entire trip fun and keep 40 people organized and share a wealth of knowledge about the Greek culture and history. We appreciated seeing so many interesting places, planned excursions, tasting a large variety of Greek foods. If we had planned a trip ourselves, we would have had the pressure of figuring out how to get to places and what to do. With Gate 1 you took all that pressure away and we were able to totally relax and have fun. We became friends with our bus driver, Giannis too. He was a delight. The cost of the trip was affordable. As I said above, we will be back.
Kathy V.
Our last Discovery 13 days Greece the Birthplace of Civilization trip was exceptionally great. We were 9 of us in our group with 10 others. Our Tour guide Eva was amazing. Well-read and very proud of her culture and heritage. She was so good that the whole group felt like was a family. In our group we were 6 of us who were vegetarian and Eva went out of her way to provide us with the best local meals. At one restaurant when the meal was not acceptable, she made sure they replaced it with something which was acceptable. There were times our day started at 8.00 am. This was to beat the traffic and crowds. We can give EVA five for her great service. We would NOT like to forget the coach driver Plato. We wish to have him drive us on our future trips. Greece streets are very narrow with cars parked on either side. Plato knew what he was against. So precise in his driving. Besides he took care of the coach and kept it very clean. Overall, we were all very happy with Gate 1 Travel. Truly "MORE OF THE WORLD FOR LESS!"
Dhrulata P.
I would like to just say that every tour guide we had on this vacation did an amazing job. They were friendly, professional and helpful with every move we made. I would like to give special recognition to Vivian, who was brilliant, fun, professional and overall, the best tour guide I have ever had. I had tears in my eyes when we said good-bye. Thank you for employing people that have such high levels of people skills along with significant knowledge and great pleasure in doing their jobs.
AnneMarie M.
I just wanted to say what a great level of service our tour guide, Maria, provided on our trip to Greece. She was very knowledgeable of all locations we visited and was able to answer all questions the group asked. She was also very punctual, accommodating, friendly and kept everything running smoothly. I don't know what more a guide could have done to provide a wonderful, memorable experience. She is a real asset to your organization.
Martin F.
This was our first trip with Gate1 Travel. Overall, our trip to Greece & Crete was wonderful. The 2 tour managers who were on our trip (Athina in Crete and Georgina in mainland Greece) were absolutely amazing. They were both very knowledgeable about the sites we saw. They provided content about the sites along with Greek mythology in a way that was fun and factual. They were both professional and personable. We very much enjoyed the various sites we visited and the hotels and food were excellent. We look forward to selecting our next overseas trip with Gate1.
Kenneth G.
It was absolutely fabulous, hiking from Fira to Oia was on my list...CHECKED!!! Dimitris and Dionysis was awesome tour managers/guides, plus we had a great group of people!
Cynthia O.
Very nice! Our guide, Constantino, really enjoys his work and truly could be a professor of Greek history and mythology. We learned so much, and not at the cost of having lots of fun too. Not to mention delicious food and wine!
Philip R.
I wanted to tell you that our Tour Manager for Greece, Mara, was amazing! She was fun, very knowledgeable and extremely organized. We really enjoyed her personality and all the history she gave us. She really made our tour! Also, while on the Celestial Journey, our bartenders, JD and Mark, were amazing! Very friendly and entertaining! We really enjoyed their magic show!
Diane G.
We really enjoyed our trip. Demetra, the tour guide, was outstanding. The trip was well organized and the accommodations were very nice. The bus drivers were amazing with their excellent skills at maneuvering the bus in small areas. A+ for them. The trip and tour exceeded our expectations.
Barry H.
I just want to compliment Dominique for her excellent planning skills and her attention to details to make the entire trip very pleasant and stress free for customers.
Thuy M.
Rania was an amazing book of knowledge. She took great care of us and was so organized and gave us so much great information. She kept us ahead of the crowds and hot weather. Wonderful tour guide! Panos brought such positive energy and spirit to our cruise and excursions. Such a blessing to have met him! Also, our driver in Greece, Kostas, took great care of our safety for all of our drives. Very nice man too. I look forward to another Gate 1 adventure!
Rachel J.
Effie was the ultimate tour guide. She had a wonderful way with everyone on the tour. She is not only extremely knowledgeable, but also very personable. She had a wonderful sense of humor and was always willing to answer every question. The accommodations were beautiful with great views all of the time. The interactive lunch in Olympia and the Catamaran Excursion in Santorini was among my favorite times of the trip. I cannot stress the comfort which Effie made everyone feel and it was great to have her be a part of every day. I'll always remember this trip as one of my favorite two weeks of my life.
Marianne M.
The trip was great. Perfect weather, great guide, wonderful food and the history is incredible. This was our first Tastes of... trip and the format worked out really well for Crete. The guide helped with arrangements for a car and driver for a group of us one of the free days. I would recommend switching Chania for Santorini.
Eileen W.
We had a wonderful time in Greece. We thoroughly enjoyed the energy, knowledge and delivery of information from our guide Elena! We have been on several tours, and all have had guides that were excellent, however it was obvious Elena loves being a tour guide and we are glad you have her on the Gate 1 team! We also enjoyed Panos and Nikolas on the cruise. The dancers at the lunch and winery were fabulous, enjoyed being entrenched in the culture. The little extras like the magnets Elena's friend made for us and the soap from Panos/Nikolas was very nice, too.
Kathryn M.
I would like to commend our Tour Manager Jenny. Our tour was not only informative but fun. Her knowledge of the history and sites we visited was exceptional. She knew exactly what we should see and experience instead of aimlessly walking around. We probably would have missed the highlights if it were not for her direction. She interspersed antidotes and stories that kept us engaged and we truly felt like a family.
Debra W.
Our recent Kaleidoscope of Greece trip with Gate 1 certainly lived up to its name...we hunted truffles, climbed to remote monasteries, explored ancient ruins, learned a few Greek recipes (and dances), strolled delightful villages and enjoyed tasty cuisine. What's more, our tour manager and guide, Anna, was a wealth of knowledge about "everything Greece." Her organization, enthusiasm and commitment to our group was exceptional. Thank you Gate 1 for another memorable journey!
Michael S.
George was an amazing bus driver and Stella was an amazing contact in Athens. She gave us a hand marked map of Athens with sections of town to explore circled AND the sections that would be covered in the next day's tour circled so we wouldn't spend our precious time in areas we'd see the next day. On all my tours, I have never had a guide so helpful, friendly and entertaining who took their own time to do this for each traveler. Outstanding!!
Donn W.
We recently returned from a Gate 1 tour of Greece and couldn't be more impressed. From start to finish, everything was perfectly organized and thoughtfully executed. Our accommodation in Athens, Olympia, Delphi, Kalambaka, Crete, and Santorini were excellently comfortable, well-located, and ideal for relaxing after full days of sightseeing. The local guides in each location were knowledgeable, engaging, and really brought the history and culture of Greece to life. What truly made the trip exceptional, though, was our overall Gate 1 guide, Maria. She handled every detail, seamlessly-transportation, logistics, tickets, and timing-so we could just enjoy the experience. Her background knowledge was impressive, and she was always ready with answers to any question we had. This trip exceeded all our expectations. We felt like we got to truly experience the heart of Greece-both its ancient past and modern charm. I highly recommend Gate 1 for anyone considering a tour of this incredible country! I will absolutely consider another Gate 1 tour in the future.
Karin S.
Just wanted to say that Evi was the best guide I've ever had. She was both efficient, organized and knowledgeable about everything we saw. She has a great sense of humor and was kind and sensitive to everyone's needs. She learned everyone's name early into the trip and hung out with us throughout. We all bonded with her and will miss her.
Barbara W.
We just returned from "The Birthplace of Civilization" Tuesday departure trip. Our tour guide was named Angela, and our bus driver was Jani. Angela was a perfect tour guide. She had extensive knowledge of Greek history and was very clear and informative in sharing her expertise. She was very much in charge and very personable!!! We were so lucky to have her as the tour guide. We never had to worry about any issues as she was ready and able to solve all issues. Her personality was calm and very pleasant. The driver was a miracle man! THANK YOU!
Mary M.
Our tour was wonderful. The included meals were the most we have got on any Gate1 tour. And the "surprise" lunch and cooking class with dance lessons was an added bonus. To top it all off, the enthusiasm, passion and energy our guide Anna brought to the tour made all the difference to someone like me and my wife who were visiting Greece for the 6th time (not all Gate1 tours).
Carlton L.
Our experience on the 12 Day Classic Greece tour and Cruise was excellent. From the greeting at the airport to our departure, the Gate 1 staff did a phenomenal job. Nina was excellent, outstanding and extraordinary. Her knowledge and presentation of each site brought them to life and added tremendously to the experience. She gave clear and direct guidance and instructions. Our driver Bern was exceptional and navigated our travel smoothly and safely. Isador and Panos were both excellent and a joy, providing helpful information about our cruise, the excursions, and how to navigate the various ports and cities. They took care of us and were patient and cheerful. On the cruise our cabin steward Jess was also excellent and very attentive, providing answers to our questions before we asked and ensuring we had all we required. In the dining room Mussa served us as if we were royalty providing excellent service. My wife and I truly enjoyed the entire experience and look forward to traveling with Gate 1 in the future.
Calvin D.
Our trip was excellent. We liked the size of our group (15 total) which made it very easy to get to know each other and Eleni was able interact with everyone. I was really impressed with the knowledge of Eleni, our tour manager. She made every place we went very interesting and enjoyable. We were able to see most of Greece's highlights and she explained everything. She is truly an asset to Gate 1 Travel.
Denise C.
Zeta was the best tour manager! Her knowledge surpassed any tour guide we would have had. She really cared about our group and cared that we had the best experience possible. She was so organized, and she even taught us a few words of her native language. Because of her my experience was the best! Accolades to her!
Joanne B.
Our tour guide/tour manager Eleni, was an exceptional guide. Her attention to every detail on our trip and her professionalism went beyond the call of duty. Eleni communicated to us her deep knowledge of the sites we visited in a very understandable way. At every site she had a folder containing pictures and diagrams thereby illustrating and bringing to life the history of the location. Additionally, her masters in archeology was an excellent asset. She provided practical support as well as being attentive to our individual needs. Eleni's positive and professional attitude made the experience all the more enjoyable.
Caryn S.
Just a note of thanks to Vasia and George in the Athens office for the transport to the airport. And a HUGE thank you to Kostas and Adriana, our tour managers, who went out of their way to make sure every detail on the cruise was attended to and that everyone had a terrific time. Especially with the many excursions they had to arrange with the cruise ship - they made sure everyone had the best time possible. I can't say enough good things about them. Especially Kostas who is a veritable encyclopedia of Greece and the Greek culture. Well done, all!
Edward S.
Just came back from my trip and want to say thank you for the best trip ever. Special thank you to our trip guides Constantin and Adrianna. They work restlessly to give us as much information as possible and to have the best experience. They made sure to meet us every day with updates. Every meeting was very clear and informative. I feel that I liked this trip mostly because of their guidance. I was very amazed and pleased how well organized this trip was. I'm looking forward to booking another trip with Gate1Travel.
Diana S.
Our trip to Greece with Gate 1 was absolutely unforgettable! Everything was perfectly organized from start to finish, making travel completely stress-free. The hotels, transportation, and daily itineraries were all thoughtfully planned, giving us the perfect balance of sightseeing, history, and relaxation. A special thank you to our guide, Nicholas, who truly made this experience extraordinary. His deep knowledge of Greek history, culture, and mythology brought every site to life, and his passion for sharing his country was inspiring.
Irina G.
Thank you Gate1 for such a lovely trip. You guys are thorough from the beginning right up to the end. The flights, transport (guide & driver to The Stanley were so pleasant & explained everything so clearly. Our Athens tour guides and drivers and ALL transport were outstanding! Pannos and Nicholas...wow!!! under Pannos' direction, the two together are a fantastic team and true assets to Gate1 Travel! They were so kind, very knowledgeable, made perfect recommendations for our on your own-land visits. They both made our trip so enjoyable. For them and all the rest of Gate1 Travel...Outstanding!!! Thank you again and I look forward to doing travel business with all in the future.
Nakita G.
Our trip was stunning! Each archaeological site was jam packed with both beauty and history. Our tour guide, Vivi, was exceptionally well versed on Greek history, which made for an enriching tour experience. She was knowledgeable, passionate, and always willing to take questions. On top of that, she was extremely kind and caring to our entire group. Our driver, Fanouris, navigated the roads safely and efficiently, ensuring that our group made it to each stop in a timely manner. The accommodations were equally stunning. The views of the Greek countryside were beautiful and comforting. The food was amazing, giving us an opportunity to taste authentic Greek cuisine in the most comfortable ways possible. Overall, the vacation was easily one of the best my family has been on. We would easily recommend this trip to anyone interested in an all-around introduction into Greek history & authentic culture.
Annabelle R.
The trip was amazing. I brought my son John, his wife Kristen and granddaughters on the trip and we all had a fabulous time. Our guide Katerina was wonderful. She was an amazing guide at all the historical sites, kept us all in good humor with 112 degree temperatures, cared for all our personal needs for meals, hotels, transportation and even delighted us with cooking classes and dancing Greek. We couldn't be more delighted. It was my family's first time with Gate1 and I'm sure it will not be their last.
Judith G.
Nick is AMAZING! We were truly blessed to have such a knowledgeable and passionate tour guide for our trip. He was fun and so helpful. I wish I could pick him for other tours.
Jennifer H.
We had a phenomenal trip to Greece via Gate One! Our tour guide, Militsa, was extremely knowledgeable, friendly, engaging, funny, and a fabulous host. Her passion and enthusiasm for educating others on the history and beauty of her country was apparent to all. Militsa's charming personality and Greek mythology story telling added to the romance of the trip. We are deeply appreciative of the care and guidance she provided us and will remember her and our trip forever.
Julia S.
We had an amazing time exploring Greece w Marianna and a lovely group of new friends! We saw so many places, spectacular views and learned a lot! It was a perfect combination of sightseeing and relaxing island time. Marianna was a perfect guide - so fun, full of information, recommendations and amazingly patient. We highly recommend this trip and can't wait for our next trip.
Jennifer A.
Greece was great - packed full of sightseeing opportunities. It was especially nice that there were only 10 travelers, and we all got along well. Our guide, Anna, was also wonderful - a walking encyclopedia of information.
Tina L.
We have just returned from your 14-day Greece with Mykonos and Santorini. We have nothing but praise for your tour company and especially for our guide, Katarina! From the welcome dinner to our farewell meal, Katarina was professional, friendly and did everything possible to make our trip memorable. Every stop along the way was organized and maximized our time ensuring we say all the highlights. She kept everything running smoothly. This was our 8th trip with Gate1 and without exception, your company and your tour managers continued to make each trip a long-lasting memorable experience. We are so glad that we chose this company to help us celebrate our 50th wedding anniversary. PS! Just got home from Greece and already booked your 21-day South Africa trip in November! Looking forward to it!
Janet S.
I would just like to add an additional complement to our tour guide Vivian. She was extremely knowledgeable about all the historic sites and ruins. In my experience, I have never encountered a tour guide so completely educated and articulate - it was very much like touring with a college professor! She certainly made the tour so much more enjoyable, and I would not hesitate to take another tour with her - she is a gem!!
Gail F.
Our tour guide, Stratos, was excellent, making sure we saw the sights and explained everything plus answering our questions. We had an extra day post trip and Stratos suggested we see the Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion which we did and enjoyed very much. This was the first time we used Gate 1 Travel and will use it in future based upon this experience from beginning to end.
Kayla B.
Our highest rating is for our Tour Manager Marianna. Between me and my spouse, we have had 15 Gate 1 tours, and we rank Marianna head and shoulders over the other Tour Managers. While the others showed exceptional service, Marianna stands out among them. She is personable, well-organized, and very patient with everyone. She is also very knowledgeable with Greek history and archaeology, as befitting of a licensed Tour Guide. She is an invaluable asset to your organization.
Cesar B.
Once again, a trip with Gate 1 was a wonderful experience. The local guide in Greece was fantastic, Rania was knowledgeable, helpful and well organized. Every day was enjoyable and sometimes surprising with unexpected activities and treats. Even though the morning adventures came early, it was well worth it. Oftentimes we were the first group on site, and we were able to enjoy the sights without the crowds. Then on a 3-day cruise and another wonderful local guide. Nicolas kept the smaller group together, which was very enjoyable. And again, early morning adventures, but fewer crowds and often the first group off the ship. I will keep traveling with Gate 1, and I always recommend the company to everyone.
Judith P.