EARLY BIRD SAVING $200*

OVERVIEW

Solos Only

Greece Solo Travel Tours

Travel the mainland from the north to the south before island around Greece.

From the north to the south of the mainland, discover Greece’s ancient culture, stunning scenery, quaint towns, vibrant cities, traditional cuisine, friendly locals, mountains and the coast. All of this makes for a diverse and impressive touring country, and it’s clear why Greece is the up and coming European destination that’s now on many more traveller ‘must visit’ destinations list.

From Thessaloniki to Athens with delightful stops including Meteora, Delphi and more. Your visit includes an in depth discovery of the bustling city of Athens. It’s a superb three night stay featuring a highlight day trip from Athens to the charming island of Hydra, a gastronomic walking tour with a grazing luncheon, an impressive visit to the Acropolis, along with stunning highlight dinner admiring the night time view to the Acropolis. 

Solos Tours Greek Islands 

We don't stop at Athens! Carry on to the famous Greek Islands; a three island visit including Crete, Santorini and Paros. All with their own unique character and differences. There’s the ideal blend of touring and time to relax and soak up the atmosphere of Greece’s beautiful island lifestyle.

TOUR CONNECTS WITH - DISCOVER TURKEY WITH ANZAC DAY

PACKAGE DETAILS
  • Ages:
    45+
  • Duration:
    19 Days
  • Status:
    Early bird offer
  • Region:
    EuropeUK
  • Destinations:
    Greece
  • Travel Style:
    Discovery
  • Accommodation:
    Quality hotels
  • Prices from:
    AUD$13995 own room
  • Transport:
    Private coach, Boat
  • Pace:
    3
  • Max Group Size:
    20
REVIEWS

'My holiday to Greece exceeded my expectations. I learnt so much about the amazing ancient history of Greece, and it was as beautiful as I had imagined.There were a great mix of couples and singles on the tour and we all got on so well.'

Kerrie, 52, NSW

'Encounter Travel has introduced me to solo travel and I'm now hooked after my first tour - Discover Greece and the Islands. I have so many wonderful memories of the places, the history & culture, the food and of the wonderful people I traveled with. There was never a dull or lonely moment.'

Lea, 64 years, ACT
VIEW ALL REVIEWS REQUEST A QUOTE > NEED MORE HELP?
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INCLUSIONS

ACCOMMODATION & MEALS

  • 18 nights superior hotels
  • 18 breakfasts
  • 2 lunches including a traditional farm lunch
  • 6 dinners including highlight dining

SIGHTSEEING

  • All sightseeing entry and participation fees as detailed by the itinerary
  • English-speaking tour director & local hosts (mainland), local island tour hosts (days 9-19)
  • English-speaking local guides

TRAVEL

  • Return ferry, Port of Piraeus to Hydra
  • One way internal flight Athens to Chania, Crete
  • One way ferry Heraklion to Santorini
  • One way ferry Santorini to Paros
  • One way ferry Paros to Port of Piraeus

ADDITIONAL SERVICES

  • Porterage in and out of hotels included where available
  • Small group, not more than 20 travellers

Travel insurance is a mandatory requirement for joining this tour and is in addition to the package price.
Tipping tour personnel is customary in Greece; please allow for this in your holiday budget.
 

Not included: 

  • Airfares to/from Greece (unless requested)
  • Airport transfers unless specified
  • Travel insurance
  • Excess baggage
  • Visa fees if applicable
  • Any tips or porterage at airports, hotels, drivers & local staff
  • Meals and beverages not specified on itinerary
  • Items of a personal nature such as laundry & medical expenses
  • Incidental expenses such as taxi fares, telecommunications

Departure Dates for this tour

Departure
Status
Price from
Get a quote
8 - 26 MAY 25
Early bird offer
AUD$13995 own room
REQUEST QUOTE

 ** EARLY BIRD OFFER **
SAVE $200:  Pay the tour deposit by 31 October 2024
Applies to bookings with own room; not twin share 

PER PERSON AUD$

OWN ROOM

TOUR PACKAGE

AUD $13995

PRE TOUR HOTEL Thessaloniki group hotel with breakfast
rate applies: up to 2 days pre tour

AUD $385

POST TOUR HOTEL Athens group hotel with breakfast
rate applies: up to 2 days post tour

AUD $520

Arrival Transfer Airport to Hotel, Thessaloniki

AUD $105

Departure Transfer Hotel to  Airport, Greece

AUD $105

Note: if arriving or departing on same flight as another group passenger the transfer is shared.

RETURN TRAVELLER REWARD - SAVE $100
Once you have booked and departed with us on an international tour, you qualify for our Return Traveller Reward on your next international tour booking. The offer does not apply to any cruises, resort packages, or tours within Australia.

SHARE & SAVE
If you are happy to share with a roommate of the same sex, save $2790 on the price of taking a room to yourself (subject to roommate availability).

 


Trip Code: greece25-5

TERMS & CONDITIONS

Itinerary

HIGHLIGHTS - GREECE MAINLAND 

  • City tour of Thessaloniki
  • Welcome group dinner at a local restaurant featuring local cuisine, Thessaloniki
  • Stroll the streets on a guided tour of the village of Litochoro including a walk along the Enipeus River and its gorge
  • Visit 14th and 15th monasteries of Meteora; high up in the cliffs.
  • Visit Amfissa to see its beautiful olive trees and stone houses
  • A fully guided tour of the remarkable archaeological site of Delphi
  • Visit the village of Arachova with time at leisure
  • A panoramic Athens guided city tour
  • A guided tour of the magnificent Acropolis
  • Free time in Athens to stroll and explore the narrow streets of Plaka and the Old Town
  • A special Athens highlight dinner with a view to the Acropolis
  • A day trip by ferry to the charming island of Hydra, with no cars and where donkeys are still used for transport
  • Experience an Athens foodie’s tour; a gastronomic walking tour with a grazing luncheon en route.

HIGHLIGHTS – GREEK ISLANDS TOURING 

  • Time at leisure in Chania to absorb all the local charm and scenery
  • Visit Souda Bay Allied War Cemetery.
  • Visit the Tsagarolon Monastery; one of the major historical monuments of the island, and also a vibrant monastery with an active industry exporting Greek products.
  • Visit the traditional village of Axos including a traditional lunch; and be treated to Cretan hospitality with various treats such as raki and other local products
  • Relax over a delicious traditional farm lunch
  • Free time to take in the delightful town of Rethymnon.
  • Visit Knossos Palace, the centre of the magnificent past Minoan civilization dating back to some 4000 years, to 2000 BC.
  • A beautiful two night stay on the island of Santorini
  • Enjoy a panoramic island tour of Santorini, including a visit to the picturesque villages of Pyrgos and Profitis Ilias, and Oia
  • A highlight dinner at a Santorini restaurant with a sunset view at the village of Oia.
  • Visit an island winery, taste 3 local wine varieties
  • Three leisurely nights on the island of Paros, and enjoy the crystal clear waters of the Aegean,
  • Explore Paros, with a panoramic island tour including a walk of the old town of Parikia
  • A ferry ride to cross over to Antiparos for a visit and relaxing walk through the picturesque little town and visit the Venetian fortress
  • A farewell dinner on your return to Athens for your final night in Greece

Pre Tour Stay
Consider arriving a day before the tour starting date, or enjoy a stopover.  You can relax and refresh after your flight.  The cost of the additional night/s of stay applies. Ask our travel team about this option, and the additional costs. 

DAY 1

Thessaloniki

Welcome to Greece!  There is time at leisure for the rest of the day. In the early evening there is a tour briefing with your group guide and a group welcome drink.

Meals: a welcome drink

* transfer included if you booked your airfare with us and are arriving on the group nominated tour flight. If you’ve made your own airfare arrangements, please ask us about your transfer options.

DAY 02

Thessaloniki

Start with breakfast at the hotel before departing for a city tour of Thessaloniki. You will visit byzantine churches, the famous White Tower (the city’s trademark) as well as the Arch of Galerius and the ancient murals, ending with a beautiful panoramic view from the top of the Old Town. After the guided tour, there’s time at leisure. In the evening, we come together for a beautiful welcome dinner at a local restaurant where you will taste the famous local cuisine.

Meals: Breakfast, Welcome Dinner (with a welcome drink)

SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED:

  • City Tour of Thessaloniki
  • Welcome dinner at a local restaurant 

DAY 03

Thessaloniki – Litochoro – Kalambaka

Breakfast at the hotel.  Today we head south towards Litochoro, to have a beautiful stroll around the village streets and admire the pretty landscape featuring the imposing mount Olympus and the Aegean Sea view. Walk along the Enipeus River and its gorge and take stunning photos of the nearby lake. After the guided tour, we will set off towards Kalambaka for our next overnight stay and a relaxed dinner at our hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED:

  • Visit Litochoro
  • Transfer to Kalambaka
  • Dinner at our hotel

DAY 04

Kalambaka (Meteora) – Amfissa – Delphi

After breakfast at the hotel we set off first thing to visit three of the monasteries of Meteora. Built high up in the cliffs, they´re amongst the most beautiful sights in Greece: high on top of granite rocks, suspended between the sky and the earth, are monasteries of the 14th and 15th centuries. It’s a picture-perfect postcard setting. Then, we shall drive towards Amfissa, characterised by beautiful olive trees and stone houses, before we reach the roots of Mount Parmassus, where Delphi is located. Delphi is incredibly charming and a has a magical setting high up in the hills.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED:

  • Visit 3 monasteries of Meteora
  • Drive to the ancient town of Amfissa for a visit
  • Arrive to Delphi for an overnight stay

DAY 05

Delphi – Arachova – Athens

Breakfast at the hotel.  Today, we visit the archaeological site of Delphi that includes the famous Sanctuary and Oracle of Apollo, the theatre and the Museum which hosts wonderful exhibits such as the famous Charioteer of Delphi. After the visit, we transfer to the nearby village of Arachova, a favourite weekend destination for Athenians and tourists from abroad, mostly known for its traditional architecture, artisanal produce and ski centre. There will be some time at leisure in Arachova, before we continue to Athens.

Meals: Breakfast 

SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED:

  • A guided tour of the archeological site of Delphi
  • Free time in the village of Arachova
  • Transfer to Athens

DAY 6

Athens

Breakfast at the hotel. Depart this morning for a panoramic guided city tour that’ll give you an opportunity to observe the striking contrasts that make Athens such a fascinating city. On the Acropolis you’ll visit the Architectural Masterpieces of the Golden Age of Athens: The Propylaea, the Temple of Athena Nike, the Erechtheion and finally “the harmony between material and spirit”, the monument that “puts order in the mind”, the Parthenon.  Our expert guide will take you to see the Panathenaic Stadium where the first Olympic Games of modern times were held in 1896 (short photo stop). As we continue, pass by the Temple of Olympian Zeus, Hadrian’s Arch, the Parliament and the memorial to the Unknown Soldier, the Academy, the University, the National Library, the Constitution Square (Syntagma).  

After sightseeing today there’s time at leisure. You could take a stroll through the narrow streets of Plaka, the Old Town; full of shops, restaurants and cafes. In the evening, we have dinner at a local restaurant in the city centre, enjoyed at a terrace with a beautiful view.

Meals: Breakfast, Highlight Dinner

SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED:

  • Athens guided panoramic city tour
  • A fully guided visit on the Acropolis including The Parthenon
  • Leisure time for roaming around Athens
  • A special highlight dinner 

DAY 07

Athens – Hydra – Athens

Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to port of Piraeus, from where you’ll embark on ferry to Hydra.

SPECIAL HIGHLIGHT:
Hydra is a small island of about 55 Km2 where no cars are allowed and most people wander about its picturesque streets and alleyways on foot. The island offers great views of stone-built white houses in front of the blue sea. Hydra is quite a rich island, home of various Greek ship owners that played an important role in the Greek Independence War against the Ottoman Empire.

You will have time at leisure for walks, lunch, shopping or even swimming. In the evening, you will catch a ferry back to Athens. Upon arrival back to Piraeus, we transfer back to our Athen’s hotel.

Meals: Breakfast

SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED:

  • Transfer to the port of Piraeus
  • Return ferry port of Piraeus to Hydra
  • Free time to explore Hydra
  • Leisure time for roaming around Athens

DAY 08

Athens Food Tour

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, we will focus on food and wine, two quintessential elements of Greek culture. Some say that the best way to emerge oneself to a local culture is by walking down a city’s streets and tasting local produce. That’s why today, we will do a gastronomic walking tour, passing through Athens’ central market, as well as from food stalls and cheese counters. We do not plan to skip desert, so we’ll be taking you to one of the oldest pastry shops in Athens. Today it’s a grazing lunch en route. Our expert foodie guide will share lots of interesting food culture anecdotes with you, giving you an insight on Greek culinary traditions. After the tour, rest of the afternoon and evening are at leisure.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED:

  • Gastronomic foodie’s walking tour, Athens
  • Free time to explore Athens

DAY 09

Athens - Chania

Breakfast at the hotel. At the appointed time, transfer to Athens Airport for your flight to Chania. On arrival, transfer to a local restaurant for lunch. The rest of the day will be at leisure.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

 

DAY 10

Chania

Breakfast at the hotel, then depart for our Chania city tour. We start with a visit of the Souda Bay Allied War Cemetery, of special significance to Commonwealth countries as it’s the resting place of fallen Commonwealth soldiers of World War II and some World War I soldiers.   Our tour continues to Aghia Triada of Tsagarolon Monastery. The monastery plays an important role in the ecclesiastical life of Crete and the local economy. You will see an incredibly well-preserved and vibrant monastery that produces and exports organic olive oil, wine, honey, vinegar and olive oil soap best quality. We visit Venizelos’ Graves, a location that has magnificent views from a hilltop above Chania, across the town. It’s the location of the graves of the charismatic Greek politician, and seven times Prime Minister of Greece, Eleftherios Venizelos, and his son, Sofoklis Venizelos, who was also Prime Minister of Greece from 1943 to 1952.  There’s free time in the afternoon and evening to make your own relaxed discoveries of charming Chania.

Meals: Breakfast

SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED:

  • Chania tour with Souda Bay Allied War Cemetery & Aghia Triada of Tsagarolon Monastery.
  • Free afternoon & evening

DAY 11

Chania – Rethymnon

Breakfast at the hotel. This morning we drive to the nearby town of Rethymnon, and visit the traditional village of Axos where we get to experience cheese making and enjoy a  traditional lunch.  You’ll experience the Cretan nature and way of living through this local farm visit, while enjoying impeccable Cretan hospitality with various treats as raki and other local products.  A delicious traditional lunch awaits at the farm’s restaurant. After, we transfer to the city centre with time at leisure to explore Rethymnon.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch 

SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED:

  • Transfer Chania to Rethymnon
  • Visit the traditional village of Axos
  • Free time to explore Rethymnon

DAY 12

Rethymnon – Heraklion – Rethymnon

Breakfast at the hotel.  This morning visit, Knossos Palace for a step back in time some 4000 years, to 2000 BC. Knossos and its Palace, famous throughout the world through the myths of Europa, the Minotaur, the Labyrinth and Theseus, Daedalus and Ikarus, opens a window to the most ancient civilization of Europe. Knossos’ architectural feats include several storey buildings (the first in the world) with light wells and bathrooms, impressive pillars and an ingenuous drainage system, aqueducts, irrigation systems, paved roads and magnificent frescoes. After the visit, there is time at leisure when we return to Rethymnon.

Meals: Breakfast

SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED:

  • Transfer to Knossos Palace
  • Guided tour of Knossos Palace
  • Free time in the afternoon, Rethymnon

DAY 13

Heraklion – Santorini

Breakfast at the hotel. At the appointed time, transfer to the port of Heraklion to embark on a ferry to Santorini and transfer to our hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure. You can visit the archeological site of Akrotiri (also known as Minoic Pompeii) or check out the colourful beaches of the island. The sand in Santorini is actually volcanic rock and ash and depending on the soil type, they’re called “the Red”, “Black” and “White” beach. In the evening, we join together for dinner at a restaurant with sunset view at the village of Oia and then transfer back to the hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner 

SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED:

  • Transfer to the port of Heraklion
  • One way ferry Heraklion to Santorini.
  • Transfer port to hotel, Santorini
  • Dinner with sunset view at the village of Oia, Santorini 

DAY 14

Santorini

Breakfast at the hotel. This morning we embark on a panoramic island tour. You will have the chance to visit the picturesque villages of Pyrgos and Profitis Ilias, as well as the wonderful village of Oia, with its breath-taking views, the blue domes that you’ve seen in post-cards and calendars around the world. Then visit one of the island’s wineries, taste some local wine varieties and learn more about the island’s tradition in winemaking and the special flavours the volcanic ash gives to the grapes. In the evening, free time to explore the bustling capital of Fira at your own pace.

Meals: Breakfast

SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED:

  • Santorini panoramic island tour including the villages of Pyrgos, Profitis Ilias and Oia
  • Winery visit and wine tasting
  • An evening at leisure

DAY 15

Santorini – Paros

Breakfast at the hotel. Today we transfer to the port to catch a ferry to Paros. Upon arrival, we transfer to the hotel. There’s a day at leisure to do as you please. Enjoy the crystal clear waters of the Aegean, taste the local cuisine or wander about the village, taking in the local colours.

Meals: Breakfast

SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED:

  • Hotel to port transfer
  • One way ferry Santorini to Paros.
  • On arrival, the day at leisure on Paros

DAY 16

Paros

Breakfast at the hotel. Then, we’ll explore the island with a panoramic island tour. We walk through the old town of Parikia towards the Venetian castle (13th century). Then, we’ll take a short walk towards the most famous and one of the oldest churches in Greece, Panagia Ekatontapyliani, built around 400 AC. From there, we’ll drive through the villages of Alyki and Drios. Then we reach Pisso Livadi, at the east part of the island, where we have our break with free time to eat or swim. Then, onto Lefkes, the former capital of Paros, and gorgeous views. We continue our tour by passing through Marathi, where the ancient marble quarries were located. In the afternoon we arrive in Naoussa, the beautiful fishermen’s village. We take a little walk through its small streets and the port with the colorful fishing boats. Then we return to our hotel for the rest of day and evening at leisure.

Meals: Breakfast 

SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED:

  • Panoramic island tour
  • Free time at Pisso Livadi
  • End of day and evening at leisure

DAY 17

Paros

Breakfast at the hotel. A day to make your own discoveries or just relax and soak up the atmosphere of Paros before we head back to Athens tomorrow.

Meals: Breakfast

SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED:

  • A free day for your own plans, enjoying Paros

DAY 18

Paros – Athens

Breakfast at the hotel.  Today, we make our way by ferry from Paros to Athens. Upon arrival, transferring to the hotel. In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner at a traditional restaurant.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED:

  • Hotel to port transfer
  • One way ferry Paros to Athens
  • A farewell dinner at a local Athens restaurant

DAY 19

Athens (Departure)

Breakfast at the hotel. All your wonderful solo travels comes to end for now. You’ll go home a Greek Salad expert – something you will notice when you are there – there’s even Greek Salad for breakfast!

Meals: Breakfast

 

Itineraries may be subject to change, due to circumstances outside of our control. If there is any itinerary change prior to departure of significance, we aim to inform you prior to travel.  Itinerary changes while on tour will be informed by your tour leader/guide while on tour.

View Full Itinerary

ACCOMMODATION

Destination

Hotel Name

Nights

Thessaloniki

Lazart Hotel

2

Kalambaka

Grand Meteora or Divani Meteora Hotel

1

Delphi 

Kastalia Boutique Hotel

1

Athens

NYX Esperia Palace

4

Chania

Kydon Hotel

2

Rethymno

Hotel Ideon

2

Santorini

Hotel Splendour

2

Paros

Saint George Hotel

3

Athens

 NYX Esperia Palace

1

Lazart Hotel with Encounter Travel tour

Superior double room, Lazart Hotel, Thessaloniki

Grand Meteora Hotel

Grand Meteora

Bathroom, Lazart Hotel

LAZART HOTEL, THESSALONIKI

Lazart Hotel Trademark Collection by Wyndham, just 10 minutes from the heart of the city. Art and comfort are blended magically in a unique design and décor. 
Boasting the most spacious rooms in Thessaloniki; all rooms are ample, soundproof, bright and modern. Comfortable sleeping through the selection of pillows and the use of anatomic mattresses, VIP room facilities, 24 hour front desk and room service, room temperature control and a lot more turn your stay into a truly memorable one! 

GRAND METEORA, KALAMBAKA

A 4 star wonderfully located at the foot of Meteora, in the heart of the Thessaly plain. It is the most imposing and impressing accommodation in the area, next to the picturesque village of Kastraki, and only 3 kilometres away from the historic centre of Kalambaka. The hotel stands out for its special architecture and high aesthetics. Their classic rooms are elegant, comfortable and fully equipped.  All classic rooms have private balconies. 

DIVANI METEORA, KALAMBAKA

Divani Meteora Hotel offers guests the opportunity to enjoy traditional Greek hospitality in a contemporary setting. A fully renovated hotel in Meteora is surrounded by immense natural beauty, encouraging outdoor enthusiasts to come and escape. The hotel offers a stunning locale from which, one can experience one of the natural wonders of the world, the religious rocks of Meteora, practically in front of their room window. 

KASATALIA BOUTIQUE HOTEL, DELPHI

Kastalia Boutique Hotel is situated in Delphi, the so-called navel of the earth - the most magical location. The Hotel's name was inspired by the sacred Castalian spring where Pythia, as well as the priests of the most famous Oracle of the world, used to bathe and purify themselves. The location of the hotel is just a five minute walk from the archaeological sites and the Archaeological Museum of Delphi. 

NYX ESPERIA PALACE, ATHENS

A 4.5 star hotel situated smack dab in the centre of the Greek capital, it captures the city’s dynamic spirit, located on beautiful Stadiou Avenue, you’ll be just steps away from Syntagma square, surrounded by the buzzing nightlife, bustling shopping, restaurants and close to the timeless wonders that are the Acropolis and the Ancient Agora.

The main restaurant with its high-energy bar’s resident DJ; the rooftop restaurant-bar and pool with breathtaking views to the Acropolis, and the Phe by Aegeo’s Spa sauna, steam room and fully equipped gym. So, get ready to be wowed by our daring NYX concept hotel which will take your Athens vacation to new heights!

KYDON HOTEL, CHANIA

A 4 star hotel centrally located in Chania within easy walking distance to the main port area of the city. 

HOTEL IDEON, RETHYMNO

The 3 star Ideon hotel in Rethymnon is located in a idyllic scene: on the shores of the Cretan sea and surrounded by the old town of Rethymno.   

SANTORINI

Situated in the scenic Firostefani, Splendour Resort offers elegant accommodation with views over the Aegean Sea. It includes a swimming pool with poolside bar and an on-site restaurant. Free WiFi access is provided throughout. Nestled into hillside, the hotel blends in magically with its Cycladic surroundings and enjoys breathtaking views of the east side of the island. 

SAINT GEORGE HOTEL, PAROS

Offering comfort and a few steps from the beach.


More About Accommodation

GETTING THERE

Starts In: Thessaloniki, Greece
Ends In: Athens, Greece

Start and end destinations are the cities to arrive to and depart from to join the tour.

First Day Information
Early evening there is a tour briefing with your group guide and a group welcome drink.

Final Day Information
There are no tour excursions on the final day.  

Hotel Check In/Out Times
Consider the hotel check in time on arrival and the hotel check out time on departure. If you arrive prior to the check in time, the hotel will store your luggage until the check in time and can also store your luggage until you are ready to depart for your onward journey.  

Hotel check in:  most hotels have check in from 2PM or 3PM
Hotel check out: most hotels require check out by 10AM or 11AM

AIRPORT TRANSFERS
Arrival and departures transfer can be arranged for a service fee.  If another group member is on the same flight as you, it is a shared transfer service. A service fee applies.

If you are making your own flight arrangements, we require your flight itinerary no later than 45 days priors to travel (and even if you are not making airport transfer arrangements with us).  Where transfers are part of your arrangement, if your itinerary is not provided to us within the required timeframe, you forfeit the airport transfers, or additional fees may be incurred for the service.

note: if you have extended your stay by your own arrangement transfers cannot be provided, and are by your own arrangement.

FLIGHT INFORMATION
As an Australian travel company we can provide flight assistance for flights originating from Australia. If joining the tour from outside Australia we recommend making your own flight arrangements or to use the service of a travel advisor located within your country of residence for access to best fares.
 

DETAILS

Read on for other key trip information that you should know before you decide on joining the group.

TRIP AVAILABILITY
If this trip seems right for you then we encourage you to book early and secure your place with a deposit.  Tour space is limited. Also, many services on this tour must be booked well in advance. To ensure your place, please check trip availability at your earliest convenience. 

FELLOW TRAVELLERS 
This is a boutique small group experience exclusively for solo travellers. There is a maximum of 20 travellers.

THE PACE  [3 out of 5]
This tour is rated 3 out of 5 as Greece mainland touring is graded at a moderate to faster pace. However the Greek Islands part of the tour is more leisurely and considered an overall moderate pace with more time at leisure.

Touring is exciting and diverse and the best way to enjoy your travels is to be sure that you meet the minimum physical requirements required for touring.  Some touring may not be suitable for travellers with mobility issues and/or low fitness levels.  If unsure about your suitability for the trip please contact us to seek further advice. 

Visit our Travel Fitness page for more information about the Tour Pace guide.

Travellers of 70 years or over will be required to return a Fit to Travel form that is completed by their doctor. 

ABOUT THE MEALS   
Enjoy some fabulous Greek dining on this small group boutique tour. Local cuisine is a part of any travel experience, and this is why we place an emphasis on including dining experiences that will showcase the local cuisine and restaurants.

It’s regular that our trips include welcome dinners and farewell dinners for our groups. In addition, we include other group dining experiences to ensure that everyone can enjoy the benefit of travelling and dining as a group.  There’s nothing better than to share a meal with new friends and discuss the day’s adventures.

Are you a flexitarian?
If you have dietary requirements, please advise if it is due to allergies or for medical reasons or if it is a personal preference and if you are flexible. Dietary requirements will limit choices. If a dietary requirement is not essential due to medical reasons and you are a flexitarian, then we recommend that you exclude your personal preferences if not necessary to provide more options with the meal choices.

TOUR DIRECTOR & TOUR HOST
This is a private group tour with a professional tour director while on Greece mainland, and a tour hosts for the Greek Island optional extension tour. Please note, tipping is customary, and we request that you respect the custom and allow for this in your travel budget. See tips for more information.

Greece Mainland Tour
A tour director is a professional guide who also escorts the group for the Greece mainland tour except day 8 when a 'foodie' guide escorts the group. There are also some local guides at major sights included as part of the touring arrangements.

Greek Islands
You meet an island tour host for each island and they escort the group for included excursions, and local guides may be included at sightseeing locations. They are not staying at the group hotel.

Your Tour Director and Tour Host lead the group and take charge of all the trip logistics on tour, and of course, make sure the trip runs as smoothly as possible so ultimately you have the best possible experience.

From time to time, as is the nature of travel, ‘hiccups’ can occur, such as unexpected delays to due to traffic congestion, unexpected weather conditions that make a change of plans necessary, and many other things that go hand in hand with travel. In these circumstances your group leader will do their utmost to make the best possible alternative plans – please be ready to accept that these situations are out of the control of anyone and trust in your group leader to assist as best as possible.

TIPPING
Tipping is not included. It's customary to tip for tour services in Greece.

TRANSPORT
Travel for touring by road is by private air conditioned vehicle. 

On the mainland, we have one visit to a nearby Greek Island, Hydra. We take a ferry ride to reach the island and as a guide, it takes about 1.5 hours. It can be a little faster, or a little slower.

Greek Islands
There are a three ferry/boat transfers for the Greek Islands touring

The route Heraklion – Santorini is by ferry and takes approximately three hours.
The route Santorini – Paros takes approximately 2:30 hours and it’s the fastest available option
The route Paros – Piraeus has various options. For our tour we book the fastest available which takes 2:40 hours (subject to availability).  

LUGGAGE INFORMATION AND RESTRICTIONS

Checked Luggage Maximum Weight:
For domestic flights within Greece, maximum check in luggage allowance is 23kg.

Coach luggage restrictions:
Guests are not to carry more than 1 luggage and 1 cabin size bag per person.

Hand Luggage Maximum Weight/Information:
The maximum weight of hand luggage is up to 8kg on a domestic flight.

 

TRAVELLER REVIEWS

'My holiday to Greece exceeded my expectations. I learnt so much about the amazing ancient history of Greece, and it was as beautiful as I had imagined.There were a great mix of couples and singles on the tour and we all got on so well.'

Kerrie, 52, NSW

'Encounter Travel has introduced me to solo travel and I'm now hooked after my first tour - Discover Greece and the Islands. I have so many wonderful memories of the places, the history & culture, the food and of the wonderful people I traveled with. There was never a dull or lonely moment.'

Lea, 64 years, ACT

'Greek and The Islands In Depth - what a glorious holiday. Marvelous sites, magnificent history, great guides and the most beautiful scenery and quaint city streets. October was magnificent often fairly quiet, reasonable crowds, mild temperatures, smiling people. Had everything you could wish for. Was sad to leave.'

Chantal, 62 years, VIC

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