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Exploring Greece and Its Islands
featuring Classical Greece, Mykonos & Santorini |
April 18 - May 2, 2010 |
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| 15 Days • 23 Meals | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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13 Breakfasts • 10 Dinners
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| Highlights: Athens, The Acropolis, Taverna Dinner Show, Thermopylae, Kalambaka, Metéora, Delphi, Arachova, Olympia, Mycenae, Epidauros, Nauplion, Mykonos, Santorini | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Rates Per Person | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Itinerary at a Glance | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Essential Experiences | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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For more information call Stephanie Christian Elmhurst College Alumni Relations 630-617-3600 |
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| Included Meals Key | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
AVAILABLE OPTIONS: |
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| CANCELLATION WAIVER: |
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Worry-Free Cancelation Plus, you're covered on tour. Cancellation Waiver and Insurance is just $200 per person. Click here for complete details. |
| TRAVEL TIPS: |
| Exploring Greece and Its Islands |
| Listed below is important information to assist you in preparing for your upcoming trip. This information provided will help you have a more enjoyable experience while you are on your tour. |
| Accommodations |
| On some programs, there are a limited number of single and triple rooms. Double rooms usually consist of 2 beds. Triple rooms are normally a standard double room with 2 beds. A cot or rollaway bed may be added to the double room at some hotels, based on room size and fire codes. When triples are not available, appropriate charges for single and twin accommodations will be assessed. We make every effort to accommodate your specific requests and forward them to the hotels. These requests cannot be guaranteed as hotels may not always be able to honor them. Check-in times are set by individual hotel properties and vary by hotel. Depending on your arrival time, there may be a delay in gaining access to your room as most hotels offer afternoon check-in. We ask guests to observe check-out times at all properties as designated by the hotel. Some hotels require a credit card imprint or your passport information upon check-in in order to activate telephones in the rooms and for potential incidental charges. Most hotels charge an access fee for using phones in hotel rooms. Please check with the front desk personnel at each hotel for specific policies. Hotel membership programs are not applicable. In certain countries, hotel rooms tend to be smaller than standard U.S. accommodations. Please be assured that we use high quality properties throughout each country. |
| ADA |
| The Americans with Disabilities Act does not apply outside of the United States. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, we will make reasonable efforts to accommodate the special needs of tour participants. Persons requiring individual assistance must be accompanied by a companion who is capable of, and totally responsible for, providing the necessary assistance. Neither our personnel nor its suppliers may physically lift or assist clients onto transportation vehicles. We regret that we cannot provide individual assistance to a tour member who has special mobility, dietary or other like needs. |
| Clothing & Packing Tips |
| As you prepare to explore Greece, enjoy a casual dress style and be sure to pack comfortable walking shoes . It is recommended to bring clothing that may be worn in layers that may be added or removed as the temperature changes especially in Spring and Fall. For this sunny destination, we recommend bringing a hat especially during the summer months. During the summer months, it is a good idea to pack very lightweight clothing. In the Fall, pack light rainwear and a sweater or light jacket. Shorts and sleeveless shirts are not permitted when visiting churches throughout Greece. Pack bathing suits for resort hotel pools and beaches. Locals tend to wear slightly dressier attire in local restaurants and hotel dining rooms. For the cruise, casual light-weight resort wear clothing, swimwear and a beach robe are recommended. When in public areas or the restaurants, swimsuits must be covered up with clothing. In the evenings, enjoy a country club casual style. For the Captain's dinner, we recommend for gentlemen a suit and tie and for the ladies, a cocktail dress or pants suit. |
| Bring a camera, film, and batteries and be sure to bring enough photography supplies for your entire trip. If you have a video camera, bring an extra battery, plus proper recharging equipment. Due to security screening, we recommend storing your equipment in your carry-on luggage. Bring a travel alarm clock, travel sewing kit and an alcohol based gel hand sanitizer when soap and water is not accessible. Pack items that may leak in plastic bags. In many cases, laundry services are available to you at the hotel, for an additional charge. Do not pack any articles of value in your checked luggage. As a precaution, we suggest that you divide the contents of your suitcase with your traveling companion. Avoid over packing and leave room for souvenirs that you plan to take back home. You may opt to pack wash cloths as they are not readily available in international hotels. |
| If you are taking prescription medication, please be sure to take an adequate supply for your tour and a few additional days, in original prescription containers. Medication should be packed in your carry-on baggage. Do not place it in your checked luggage. You may want to carry an extra prescription in a separate bag in case medication is lost. |
| Currency |
| Your personal bank card may work at local ATM machines in the destination you are traveling to and would dispense local currency. Please contact your bank to determine if this option is available, that your PIN number will be accepted, to inform them that you are traveling and to determine if any charges apply for each transaction. You may exchange your money at airports, banks, exchange bureaus, and at some hotels (although the exchange rate and fee is usually higher at hotels). In most cases, a commission charge will be assessed to exchange your money. Locations in the city usually offer a better currency exchange rate than airports. We recommend carrying only a few major credit cards. Credit card purchases often provide an extra guarantee on your purchase (check with your specific credit card company for details and fees). It is advisable to contact any credit card company you intend utilizing while on tour before you depart to notify them where you will be traveling, to avoid any rejection of services. The currency is the Euro. Please note that many places in Europe will not accept 50 and 100 USD bills as there has been a high rate of counterfeit notes circulating. Bring some American cash in small bills for use in countries with soft currencies. Local currency will be needed for lunches, gratuities and small items such as postcards and postage. If optional tours are made available to purchase, please note that credit cards must have an expiration date of greater than 30 days from the start of the tour. |
| Electricity |
| An adaptor (which changes the physical plug) and/or converter (which changes the electric current) are necessary if you plan to use an appliance with voltage different from the standard within the country you are visiting. Please note, if your appliance has dual voltage you may still need an adaptor for the plug. When packing your electronic items for travel, please review the converter electric current level to make sure it the same or greater than the items you are planning on using. If you plan on utilizing or transporting a sleep apnea machine, please remember to pack an extension cord and adapter plug to ensure proper function. |
| Elevation |
| Elevation on this tour will not exceed 1850 feet. |
| Helpful Hints |
| Bring a copy of your passport/identification and pack it separately from the original. Leave a copy of your tour itinerary at home with your emergency contact and a copy of your passport. Remember when flying you can only take one quart size bag with no more than 3 ounces of any one liquid. Liquids that do not fit in the one quart size bag and are larger than 3 ounces will be discarded by security. Remember to hydrate and get up and stretch while flying. If you are considering using your cell phone while traveling internationally, you should check with your cell provider concerning their access and charges for overseas calls, texting and emailing for the specific destination you are traveling to. |
| Included Features |
| The following are included in your tour package: transportation via motorcoach, accommodations, hotel luggage handling, meals, sightseeing, admission charges (as outlined in your itinerary), and applicable gratuities for bellmen, doormen and dining room wait staff. Customary gratuities for hotel housekeeping staff, local sightseeing guides, drivers and tour managers have not been included. |
| Local Guides |
| In order to further enhance your experience of this destination, six local guides have been arranged throughout this tour. Customary gratuities for these guides are not included in the cost of the tour. Gratuities should be extended on a voluntary and individual basis at a suggested amount of 1-2 USD per day, per guide. Your tour manager will review customary tipping amounts and timing with you when you are on your tour. |
| Luggage |
| Your checked luggage for flights within Greece are strictly limited to 20 kilos (approximately 44lbs). Luggage exceeding these limits may not be permitted on board and/or will be subject to additional charges at your own expense. For your inter-flights within Greece, there is a maximum weight of 8 kilos (approximately 18lbs) and height (22 inches long, 16 inches high and 8 inches wide) for your carry-on bag. |
| The restrictions when using passenger ferries between the Greek Islands may require that you embark and disembark the ships with your own luggage, as porterage is prohibited on certain vessels. You are advised to choose your luggage carefully and pack lightly so that you can personally handle your luggage on the ships. |
| Due to the limited motorcoach capacity, one carry-on (36 inches in length, height and width; not to exceed 11 lbs. /5.2 kg.) and one checked luggage (62 inches in length, height and width; weight not to exceed 23kg/50lbs) are allowed. Please consult with your scheduled airline as luggage fees and restrictions vary by carrier and destination. Wheeled carry-ons are not suitable for coach tours. If you exceed the limit of 2 bags, we cannot guarantee that your additional luggage will be able to fit in the touring vehicle. Storage or shipment of additional luggage will be at your own expense. If we are able to accommodate your additional luggage, we will assess a fee of 4 USD per bag per hotel. Please remember to label your luggage and important items with your name, home address and telephone number. We recommend labeling your luggage on both outside and inside of the bag. Please attach only the plastic luggage tag included in this mailing to your checked luggage before checking in for your flight. Your paper luggage tag is to be attached at the first hotel. We cannot assume liability or accept claims for loss or damage to luggage and personal effects due to breakage, theft or normal wear and tear that results from hotel, airline and group carrier handling. It is in your best interest to have adequate insurance (such as our comprehensive "No Worries Travel Protection") to cover these eventualities. |
| Meals |
| Most meals are included as indicated in your document itinerary. Guests with special dietary requirements must advise their travel counselor at the time of booking and also the tour manager upon joining the tour. When information is provided, every effort will be made to accommodate these requests. Please be advised that the average cost of meals (not inclusive of tax and gratuity) that are not included in your tour are as follows: lunch 15 to 20 USD and dinner 25 to 35 USD. It is customary to drink bottled water in Greece. |
| Miscellaneous |
| Any person entering or leaving the EU and carrying cash of a value of €10,000 or more must declare it. The term 'cash' includes currency notes, coins, bankers' drafts, cheques and travelers' cheques. Travelers who fail to declare any amount over €10,000 will face stiff sanctions and could face penalties of as much as €8,000. |
| Name Badges |
| Name Badges Collette Vacations provides name badges to our travelers in order to facilitate conversation among fellow travelers. The name badge also ensures that a Collette Vacations representative can easily recognize you, especially at airports upon arrival. |
| Reading List |
| Interested in reading about your destination before you depart? Collette has pre-selected travel guides, novels and books on history, nature and art to help enhance your total vacation experience. You can access the complete list by typing the following into your web browser. Select the region of the world to find your tour: http://www.collettevacations.com/travel-books.cfm |
| Seat Belts |
| The European Union (EU) has adopted a directive (2003/20EU) regarding the compulsory wearing of seatbelts while traveling on your vehicle when equipped. Failure to comply could result in a PERSONAL fine of up to Euro 750. Collette Vacations will NOT issue refunds to passengers who may be fined for non-compliance. Our tour managers will remind you again while on tour, but we feel that advising you in advance is beneficial. |
| Shopping |
| One of the best parts of traveling is coming back home with souvenirs that really reflect the place you’ve just been. Greece offers many shopping opportunities and wonderful items! In Mykonos, look for gold jewelry and beeswax candles -- two of the island's most popular souvenirs. In Rhodes you will find beautiful hand-woven linens. Rhodes is also known for unique glazed pottery and leather goods. Items that can be found all over Greece include colorful glass "eye beads" believed to ward away evil, "komboloi" which are worry beads believed to be the secret to serenity, cobalt blue glass, herbs, savory Grecian olive oil, Byzantine Icon gifts, pistachios, handmade Greek boats, rugs, soaps, honey and wine. A Greek aperitif called Ouzo; known all over the world for its unique anise flavor is also a popular gift to bring back home. Bargaining still exists in most marketplaces... be firm. It will gain you respect, not enemies. DVDs or other electronic equipment purchased abroad may not be compatible with your PC or home equipment. |
| Smoking |
| Smoking Restrictions: Our tours are non-smoking throughout. If you require a smoking room, please alert your agent upon tour booking. Please be mindful of locations where smoking is prohibited: the motorcoach, at dining venues and other restricted areas on tour including most hotels. Customers are responsible for any fines incurred for failure to comply with smoking restrictions. |
| Time Zone |
| Greece is 7 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time. |
| Tour Manager |
| We pride ourselves on having the best-trained and most experienced tour managers in the industry. Gratuities should be extended on a voluntary basis and should be in direct proportion to the level of professionalism and personal service extended to you throughout the tour. Past experience has shown that a guideline of 4-6 USD per person for each traveling day is a customary amount for the tour manager. A customary amount of 3-5 USD per person per day is suggested for the driver. |
| Transportation |
| Flight Information, Departure Taxes & Fees Land Only Vacations: If you chose to purchase a land only vacation, pay particular attention to flight segments that occur during the tour which are not included in your land only rate. You must purchase these internal flight segments and the schedule must match the flights that we utilize on the group tour. Please provide us with your flight schedules for the entire tour six weeks prior to departure so we may secure services if you purchased transfers from us, as well as maintain emergency contact. Air Inclusive Vacations Air inclusive vacations cover air transport to and from your origin gateway as well as all internal air segments on tour. In order to comply with Homeland Security’s “Secure Flight” mandate, all passengers must provide full name, date of birth and gender at time of reservation. Your airline ticket must match the name on your valid, non-expired, government issued photo ID to be shown at the airport (including middle name, first or middle initial). If you are a member of a participating frequent flyer program, provide the number upon booking and retain the passenger copy of your ticket and boarding pass to ensure that you receive proper credit of your mileage. Some air tickets are not eligible for mileage accrual. Whenever possible, we will add charges for air departure taxes to your invoice. Some international arrival and departure fees are not included in your air ticket and must be paid by you on tour in local currency. |
| Transfers We are pleased to provide you with complimentary airport to hotel, and hotel to airport transfers at the beginning and end of an escorted tour when you purchase an air-inclusive vacation. Land-only clients who have purchased round trip transfers will be accommodated at the same times as air inclusive clients. Arrival meeting locations and transfer departure times are provided on your document booklets. On some programs there may be a waiting period at the airport due to varying flight schedules of other arriving passengers. If you have secured your own transfer, you may meet your tour manager at the hotel. Motorcoach Information: We do not own or operate vehicles. We charter quality coaches that are temperature controlled vehicles. Coach size may vary based upon the number of tour patrons. In certain countries, lavatory equipped motorcoaches are not available or the lavatory is for emergency use only. Frequent stops will be made en route for comfort and convenience. Seat Rotation: Seats are rotated for the benefit of our tour guests, fosters communication, and enables our guests to enjoy a variety of vantage points on the motorcoach. Guests will rotate seats at least once a day, as directed by the tour manager. In fairness to all, there will be no exceptions to this policy. |