The Trip Notes on this link are always the most up to date version. When booking a tour in advance things can change, please always refer to these notes on the website as the most recent version of trip notes for your tour.
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*For any new bookings commenced in 2021 and 2022 deposits and any additional payments made are fully refundable up until the 31st of March 2022. At this time we hope to have more certainty around travel and will contact you to confirm you wish to proceed with the booking. At this time, after confirmation, the cancellation policy below will apply.
Cancellation Policy – Up until 75 days before the start of the tour a $750 non-refundable, non-transferable deposit will be retained. For between 75 days and 45 days, 50% of the final payment, this is in addition to the non refundable, non-transferable deposit will be forfeited. For less than 45 days or for no shows the entire amount will be retained as we would have already had to pay for accommodation, transport, flights and activities, and this money will not be returned to us. Once the tour has commenced no monies will be returned to you. This is why travel insurance is compulsory.
Entry into Greece
*Please note this information is correct as of February 2022 and is likely to change regularly. It is anticipated by July 2022 that testing will no longer be required to enter Greece as the country moves to a more endemic rather than pandemic response, but that remains to be seen. For the most up to date details about Greece travel advice and safety visit https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/ or visit the Greece Ministry for tourism website here for their protocols on arrivals in Greece https://travel.gov.gr/#/
Nationwide COVID-19 restrictions remain in place and restrictions apply to all travellers entering by air and land.
You can travel to Greece if you’re within the EU and Schengen Area or an approved country. If you’re arriving from these countries and meet the requirements you will be exempt from the seven-day self-isolation period.
If you’re outside the EU or Schengen Area or travelling from a country not on the approved list, you may not be able to enter Greece. Check with your nearest Greek Embassy or Consulate for more information. You may travel to Greece if you are travelling for an essential purpose. You may be subject to testing, self-isolation, and quarantine requirements.
You’ll need to complete an online Passenger Location Form (PLF) 24 hours before your arrival in Greece by air, sea or land. It’s best to complete the form on your smart device. You’ll receive a QR code by email that must be presented for scanning at the airport. Authorities prefer to scan an electronic version of the QR code. You may produce a paper copy if you don’t have a smart device. For further advice and FAQs see Protocols for arriving in Greece (Greek Government).
You may be randomly selected to undertake a rapid COVID-19 (PCR) test on arrival at the airport.
Unvaccinated travellers coming from designated countries (Greek) will be tested for COVID-19 on arrival, regardless of their nationality.
Passengers departing Greece also need to complete the PLF before check-in.
For enquiries relating to your ability to enter, contact the nearest Greek Embassy or Consulate.
Staying in Greece
Authorities may announce additional health and hygiene measures at short notice.
If you become infected with COVID-19, you must quarantine at home for at least 5 days. When your symptoms have subsided, you can leave isolation but must wear a type KN95 or double face mask for another 5 days.
If you’re fully vaccinated (including booster) and have come into contact with a confirmed COVID-19 case, you’ll need to wear a type KN95 or double face mask for ten days and have a PCR or rapid antigen test on the fifth day after exposure.
If you’re vaccinated but haven’t had the booster or you’re unvaccinated and have come into contact with a COVID-19 case, you must quarantine at home for 5 days and then, after isolation, wear a type KN95 mask or double mask for another 5 days.
Face masks are mandatory in all indoor areas outside of your accommodation including restaurants and gyms. Masks must also be worn at all outdoor locations. Type KN95 or double face masks must be worn in supermarkets and on public transport.
Indoor cafes, restaurants, bars, cinemas, theatres, museums and gyms can only admit customers who have been fully vaccinated for COVID-19 or have a proof of recovery certificate issued 30 days after testing positive and is not more than 3 months old.
Bars, cafes and restaurants are required to close at midnight and customers are required to be seated at a table. Only 6 customers may sit at a table.
Unvaccinated people who wish to enter banks, retail outlets, Greek public service offices, hair and beauty salons, cafes and bars with outdoor seating, and places of worship will need to present a recent negative COVID-19 PCR or rapid test result. This requirement does not apply for entry into pharmacies, food stores and supermarkets.
The QR code on the Australian International COVID-19 Vaccination Certificates can’t be checked or validated using Greece’s COVID Free GR app.
An Australian vaccination certificate can be checked and validated using the VDS-NC Checker app, which is available globally for Android and Apple devices. It’s recommended to have printed a copy of your vaccination certificate to scan using the app or have the vaccination certificate saved to a mobile device so that someone travelling with you can use the app to scan the image on your phone.
Social distancing must be observed and numbers at retail stores and access to some sites will be limited to allow for distancing.
Australian citizens permanently residing in Greece, who’ve already been vaccinated locally will be able to obtain their COVID-19 digital certificate by attending a Citizen Service Centre (known in Greek as “KEP”). A list of KEP centres in Greece is available at ERMIS – List of Citizens’ Service Centres (KEP).
Unvaccinated people travelling between regions or provinces by road, sea, air, train or bus in Greece will need to present a negative rapid test conducted up to 48 hours before travel. This will need to be presented at check-in. For passengers aged between 5 and 12 years, a negative self-test conducted not more than 24 hours before travel accompanied by a completed COVID-19 Self-Test Declaration is required.
Vaccinated travellers will need to present one of the following:
- a vaccination certificate stating that 14 days have passed since full vaccination for COVID-19 was completed or
- for those who have recovered from COVID-19, a certificate issued 30 days from testing positive and is not more than three months old.
You must fill out a health declaration questionnaire before boarding. The questionnaires are available from travel agents and at Greek ports. Passengers may also be subject to thermal scanning. Social distancing of 1.5 metres between passenger groups must be maintained. Authorities have issued a leaflet available in Greek and English with important tips for protection from the spread of COVID-19.
For travellers over the age of 12 years who are returning from the islands to the Greek mainland, Greek authorities recommend that they have a negative self-test with a completed COVID-19 Self-Test Declaration. These passengers will also have to complete a health declaration questionnaire prior to boarding. Passengers travelling between islands (e.g. Mykonos to Santorini) are not required to fill out the questionnaire.
If you’re travelling on planes, trains, ferries or ships you must wear masks and maintain social distancing. This includes all indoor areas of airports, train stations and ports. Individuals not complying with this measure could be fined. The use of mobile apps is encouraged to conduct contactless payments such as ticket bookings.
Extension of stays in Greece beyond the allowed 90 days are not automatic. Requests for extension with the relevant local authority should be lodged at least four weeks prior to expiry date.
If staying in Greece:
- Follow the advice of local authorities.
- Take care to protect yourself from exposure to COVID-19.
- Ensure you have arrangements in place for an extended stay.
- Keep in contact with family and friends so they know you’re safe and well.
You arrival and departure is from ATHENS AIRPORT – ELEFTHERIOS VENIZELOS INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (ATH). Airport Transfers before the 1st of July or after the 9th of July 2022 will be €30 each way per person and can be arranged for you however please note there will be no tour guides available before the 1st of July or after the 9th of July to assist you so please take this into consideration when booking your flights. If you arrive on the 1st of July and depart on the 9th of July your airport transfers are included *PLEASE ARRIVE BY 2PM ON THE 1st OF JULY AS WE HAVE A TOUR OF THE ACROPOLIS THIS AFTERNOON.
HELP WITH FLIGHTS
We use Kerstin Rheinlander for our flights. Contact details : Mobile: 0448 958 366 Phone: 1-300-024-856 Email: kerstin.rheinlander@travelmanagers.com.au
Website: https://www.travelmanagers.com.au/ptm/KerstinRheinlander
Facebook: @TravelManagersKerstinRheinlander Instagram: @travelmanagers_kerstinr
Kerstin knows our itineraries and can also provide you with travel insurance and additional support if you want to extend your tours.
VISA
Australian nationals may enter Greece for tourism purposes for 90 days in a six-month period without a visa. You require 6 months validity on your passport.
To add Greece to the Spain and Portugal Tour you will require 1 extra nights accommodation in Madrid after the Greece tour has concluded on the 9th of July and a flight from Athens to Madrid.
We will look at flights closer to the time and be in touch to suggest the best flight to book. They are around $200AUD.
An extra nights accommodation in Madrid will cost $370 for a single and $210 for a twinshare including airport transfers. We can book your extra nights accommodation and airport transfers for you.
You’ll need good walking shoes for exploring ruins and walking along cobblestone streets. And, for the beach, sandals are perfect. If you’ll be in the water, consider a pair of water-walking sandals to prevent injury in case you step on a sea urchin or sharp rock.
A bathing suit is a must as are sundresses and short-sleeved shirts. Don’t pack too many T-shirts because you’ll find plenty of souvenir tees in Greece. For evening, or in case of a rare rain, bring a lightweight jacket. July is warm so pack accordingly. In beach areas, you can enjoy dressing lightly with flowing cotton fabrics. If you are visiting churches or religious festivals, long pants or skirt and a sleeved shirt will be appropriate. Scarves are great for sun and modestly for churches etc.
The official currency of Greece is the Euro.
1 EURO (€) = 100 Cents (c)
• Banknote denominations: €5, €10, €20, €50, €100, €200, €500
• Coin denominations: 1c, 2c, 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c, €1, €2
We recommend asking for smaller notes when exchanging money, as notes over €50 may not be accepted. Credit cards are widely accepted (mostly Visa and MasterCard), and you should have no problems using them in larger shops and restaurants. Smaller shops may ask you to pay in cash or have a minimum amount required to use a credit card.
Located in southeastern Europe, Greece has a Mediterranean climate along its beautiful expanses of coastline. Further inland the weather can be much cooler, especially in the central and northwestern mountain ranges, where there’s often snow for many months of the year. You’ll find hot summers all along the Mediterranean coast and islands, perfect for sun-filled holidays to Greece.
In July, the capital Athens is hot with little chance of rain, with similar weather on the many islands of Greece. Averages In the capital city Athens, temperatures average around 29oC in the daytime, reaching highs of 33oC in the afternoons and lows of 24oC after dark. With 6mm of rain falling over one day in the month, you don’t have to worry about bringing a waterproof jacket. On Greece’s many islands, temperatures are often slightly cooler than the mainland, with averages of 24oC at this time of year.
Please complete and return your important guest information form to us 60 days before departure. Click HERE
Day 1 July 1 – Arrival Athens
Day 09: July 9– Departure day
