Ionian Delight
Ionian Delight
Ionian Delight
9 Days Starting and ending in Athens, Greece
Visiting: Athens, Kyllini, Zakinthos, Fira
Tour operator:
Tour code:
302
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 26
Age range:
8-95
Special diets catered:
Request dietary needs
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
The historic capital city of Athens is the starting and ending point for this 9-day tour of Greece. We launch our Greek adventure with a fully guided tour of the capital, and you will have the chance to visit the Acropolis and its Parthenon. From the city, the tour will take you to the picturesque island of Zakynthos. Popular for its golden beaches and azure seas, Zakynthos provides countless opportunities for snorkelling and diving. We will also visit the volcanic island of Santorini, which is widely acclaimed for its breath-taking scenery and beautiful sunsets. It's not hard to understand why it's considered to be one of the most romantic and stunning Greek islands.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Your Greek Tour Begins In Athens
Location: Athens
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: No Meals
Upon arrival into Athens airport (ATH) you'll be welcomed by one of our representatives and transferred from the airport to your 4-star hotel. With a central location, this hotel is the perfect point from which to wander around the ancient city, seeking out its iconic sights and soaking up the atmosphere from an open-air restaurant or bar.
The rest of the day is then free for you to settle in, relax after your flight, and have a look around the area independently before meeting the guide and starting the first sightseeing tours tomorrow morning.
Day 2 : Exploring Athens
Location: Athens
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
The city tour will embark from the Panathenaic Stadium - the site of the first Olympic Games of modern times in 1896. The next stops include the Parliament, the memorial to the Unknown Soldier, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, Hadrian's Arch, the National Library, the Constitution Square (Syntagma), the University and the Academy.
A highlight of the tour is a visit to the Acropolis - where you will get the chance to see this architectural masterpiece up close as well as the Parthenon. Set on a craggy hill above the city, the citadel and its surrounding ancient buildings offer an impressive vista. As the tour ends you will be dropped back at your hotel to unwind for the evening.
Day 3 : Athens To Zakynthos
Location: Athens, Kyllini, Zakinthos
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning you will be driven to a bus station to take a bus to Kyllini harbour. From here, a ferry will transport you to the incredible island of Zakynthos - the third largest in the Ionian Islands. Upon arrival, you will be collected by our tour and driven to your 4-star hotel.
Positioned within walking distance of the city centre and the seafront, this stylish spot is excellent for taking advantage of the island's delights. For the rest of the day, you can find refreshment in the cocktail bar or sunbathe on one of the many beaches.
Day 4 : Exploring Zakynthos
Location: Zakinthos
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today you will be driven from your hotel to the harbour and set off for your half-day cruise. With the sea breeze in your hair, you will head towards to renowned Shipwreck Beach - this scenic stretch of sand is made even more striking by the towering cliffs and sparkling waters.
You can cool off and have a swim before the cruise travels to the Blue Caves. This geological attraction gardened its name from the reflection of the water on the walls of the white caves. As you visit the caves, take note of the seabed transforming from into shades of red, purple and turquoise. After a day at sea, you are dropped back at your hotel to relax.
Day 5 : Return To Athens
Location: Athens
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Returning back to Athens, the tour will go to the port for your ferry to Kyllini and then you will travel by bus to the city. At the station, your driver will transport you to the hotel.
You have the entire day in Athens is at your disposal, so why not visit the outdoor cinema at Cine Paris, have a picnic in the National Gardens, find a charming tavern or meander around the markets at Varvakios Agora? Your guide will be available for any suggestions or arrangements.
Day 6 : Athens To Santorini
Location: Fira
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today we depart for the enchanting island of Santorini. With its steep slope of huddled white houses, blue domed churches and winding rows of steps, Santorini is synonymous with Greece.
You will be guided to your 4-star hotel and then have the day to rest or visit the town of Fira. This cliffside capital boasts a collection of bars and eateries - ideal for marveling at the sunset.
Day 7 : Santorini
Location: Fira
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
If you are in search of an activity, the tour offers an optional boat trip to the world's biggest volcanic crater above sea level. You will get the opportunity to see this active volcano up close, swim in the steaming waters and take a salutary mud bath.
When you return to the island, the day is yours to do some final exploring. We suggest browsing the boutique stores, taking a donkey ride up the steps, wine tasting in the caverns or hiking along the coastal route. Alternatively, the hotel has 6 pools and a sublime spa to get fully into the holiday spirit.
Day 8 : Return To Athens
Location: Athens
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
You will head back to the mainland and be driven to the port for your onward ferry to Athens. In Athens, you will be collected and dropped to your hotel. You have the remainder of the day to tick off more sights, peruse some museums, pick up souvenirs and gifts or find a covered restaurant patio for a beverage or two.
Day 9 : Tour Ends
Location: Athens
Meals Included: Breakfast
If you have some free time before your flight, feel free to do some last minute shopping. You will be transferred from your hotel to the airport to board your flight back home.
What's Included
What's Not Included
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- International flights (available on request)
- Visa fees
- Travel insurance (compulsory, available on request)
- Single room supplements (chargeable if a same-sex room share is not available)
- Meals not indicated in the itinerary
- Entrance fees to sites visited
- Hotel residence tax (see tour notes)
- Drinks, snacks and other personal expenses (e.g. laundry)
- Tips for guide and driver
- Port fees
- Opti
More Info
The historic capital city of Athens is the starting and ending point for this 9-day tour of Greece. We launch our Greek adventure with a fully guided tour of the capital, and you will have the chance to visit the Acropolis and its Parthenon. From the city, the tour will take you to the picturesque island of Zakynthos. Popular for its golden beaches and azure seas, Zakynthos provides countless opportunities for snorkelling and diving. We will also visit the volcanic island of Santorini, which is widely acclaimed for its breath-taking scenery and beautiful sunsets. It's not hard to understand why it's considered to be one of the most romantic and stunning Greek islands.
Mode of Transport
AC car/minibus
Ferry
Accommodation
4-star and boutique hotels
Check out our Q&As
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What is the tipping policy?
Tipping is common practice in Greece, though not as extensive as in nearby Turkey. For basic restaurants, taxis and local markets, leave the loose change. For more up-market restaurants we suggest 5% to 10% of your bill. We include a 'tipping kitty' in your tour price which your tour guide/leader will use to tip a wide range of people along the way to help ensure the smooth running of the tour. This does not include your tour guide/leader, driver(s) or transfer staff though. Drivers: You may have a range of private drivers on your trip. For those you see for at least several days and who are more involved with the group, a tip of around EUR 1-2 per person per day is generally appropriate. Tour guide/tour leader: If you think you tour guide and/or tour leader has worked hard and provided a good service then s/he will appreciate a tip of a few Euros. How much you tip is subject to your satisfaction with their service and your personal budget. You should not feel pressured to tip any particular amount. As a guideline, we can suggest that for good service, a tip of EUR 3-5 per day for local tour guides or local tour leaders would be fine.
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Are vaccinations required for this tour?
You should ensure you are fully insured for medical emergencies including emergency evacuation and repatriation. UK travellers visiting other European Union countries including Greece should also carry the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) as it entitles travellers to reduced cost, sometimes free, medical treatment in most European countries. Recommended vaccinations and other health protection measures vary according to the country you are visiting and where you are travelling from. We recommend you contact your GP/medical practitioner or a travel clinic for current information on vaccinations needed for your destination. You should ensure that you are up to date with vaccines and boosters recommended for your normal life at home, including for example, vaccines required for occupational risk of exposure, lifestyle risks and underlying medical conditions. No additional courses or boosters are normally recommended for Greece though you could conside Tetanus and Tick-borne Encephalitis. More information is available here: Greece Malaria map - there is low to no risk of malaria in Greece, none in tourist areas. Yellow fever certificates are not required.
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What is the maximum group size?
This tour is offered as a private tour starting on any dates. The Athens sightseeing tours are arranged on a sharing basis, though they can be converted into private tours as well if you wish. Please contact us for details and prices.
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What currencies are required for this tour?
The currency in Greece is the Euro (EUR). 1 Euro = 100 Euro cents. Banknotes: 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200. Euros Coins: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 Euro Cents and 1, 2. Credit Cards and Travellers Cheques are widely accepted in major cities and tourist resorts. ATMs are also accessible at all our destinations and generally offer the best exchange rate. A mixture of debit, credit cards and cash are the best forms of currency. You should split this up and keep some separately as a backup in case you lose your main money/cards. It is difficult for us to specify the amount of money that you will spend per day, however, as a general rule EUR 25 to 50 per day can provide you with additional meals, tipping, snacks & drinks. Should you wish to purchase many souvenirs or other luxuries, of which there is a diverse range, you will have to budget for these.
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Do you require a visa for this holiday?
Visa arrangements are the responsibility of the traveller, and requirements are subject to change by the local authorities. Some foreign nationals require a visa to enter Greece, though many do not (including UK, EUR, US, CA, AU, NZ, SA).
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Is travel insurance compulsory?
Yes! Travel insurance is compulsory on all of our tours and needs to cover personal accident & liability, medical expenses and repatriation, travel delay & abandonment. We also strongly recommend that you take out cover against cancellation and lost/stolen baggage. Personal medical insurance does not normally provide sufficient cover and is generally not suitable for travel on our tours. You will not be able to join your tour if you have not provided us with details of your insurance or if you arrive without cover in place (no refunds will be due in this event).
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
You are always able to change your travel date. However, some charges may apply depending on how long before your departure you make the change. Our flexible booking conditions and reduced charges will apply if you are changing date because of a Covid-19 reason or because your government is advising against travel to your destination. Please check our detailed booking conditions for full details.
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When is my balance payment due?
60 days prior to departure
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
On most of our group tours, solo travellers may choose to form a temporary 'tour bubble' and share a room with another traveller of the same sex in the group. If a room share is not available then a single room supplement may be payable, with the costs for these kept as low as possible. We have also removed compulsory single supplements from many of our tours, and are reducing the cost by 50% on s
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Can I transfer my booking to someone else?
Customers may transfer their booking or any Credit on File to another person who satisfies all the relevant conditions to the tour, provided that we are notified not less than 7 days before departure, and the transferee agrees to these booking conditions and all other terms of the contract between us. The Client and new booker are jointly and severally responsible for any outstanding payments and a transfer administration fee of GBP50 / USD75 / CAD100 / AUD100 / NZD100 / EUR75 / ZAR1000 / INR5000 or GBP100 / USD150 / CAD200 / AUD200 / NZD200 / EUR150 / ZAR2000 / INR10,000 if the transfer is made less than 60 days before departure. Important Note: Certain arrangements may not be amended or transferred after they have been confirmed (for example flight tickets, Gorilla Permits) and any alteration could incur a cancellation and rebooking charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Encounters Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform encounters travel, 60 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Encounters Travel requires a minimum deposit of 150 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of encounters travel charges.
Up to 61 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 35% of booking price.
At 41 days before tour starts: Forfeit 70% of booking price.
At 27 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.