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Southern Greece: Hike, Bike & Kayak

7 Days

  • TOUR DESCRIPTION
  • Itinerary
  • Dates & Prices
  • Enquire Now
  • Travel Insurance by Allianz

Tour Description

Pedal, paddle and pace your way through Southern Greece’s ancient sites and natural splendour on this seven-day active adventure. Starting in the history-steeped city of Athens, it’s not long before you’re hiking along the Menalon Trail to two Byzantine monasteries constructed directly into the vertical rockface. A cycle route will help you see Kefalonia, stopping at a castle that used to mark the island’s capital, while a sea kayaking tour of the Argostolion coastline will treat you to turquoise waters. There’s no better way to see these pearls of the Ionian Sea!

Priced From:

$ 3750.00pp *

Valid From: 01JAN2024

Valid To: 31DEC2025

Start Location: Athens

End Location: Kefallonia

Countries: Greece,

Tour Advisors

Tiffany McCrea-Lennon

Managing Director

Chris McKinnel

Travel Specialist

Gaylyn Murdoch

Administration Manager

Russell Mein

Travel Specialist

Holly Skene

Travel Co-ordinator

Kim Thomas

Broker

Highlights

  • Hike parts of the Menalon Trail – one of the most beautiful hiking trails in Europe – on your way to the breathtaking sights of the ancient Philosophou and Prodromou monasteries.
  • Cycle around the island of Kefalonia, experience fabulous coastal views as you ascend to a historic castle and visit a local olive grove.
  • Sea kayak along Kefalonia’s southern coastline, stopping for lunch on white sand beaches and for swims in the turquoise water.
  • Visit the Olympia archaeological site, birthplace of the Olympic Games and an important site in the development of Western society.
  • Spend two nights in Dimitsana, walking the cobbled paths of this idyllic mountain village packed full of Arcadian history.
  • By travelling on this trip, you’ll learn about our Intrepid Foundation partner, World Bicycle Relief. Donations provide school kids, health workers, and farmers in far-out areas with bicycles that provide access to education, healthcare, and income. Intrepid will double the impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.

    • Itinerary

    Day 1 Location: Athens
    Kalimera! Welcome to Greece. Your adventure begins in Athens with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. There is a lot to do and see in one of the world's oldest cities, so you may wish to arrive a few days early to allow time for exploration. Visit some of the historic sites, including the National Gardens, the Temple of Olympian Zeus and the original Olympic Stadium, or see the changing of the guard at Syntagma (Parliament) Square. After your meeting there’s an optional welcome dinner with your fellow travellers, where you can sample some of Athens’ finest fare.
    Day 2 Location: Dimitsana
    An early start will see you on the road to Dimitsana. A quick pitstop in Tripoli will break up the drive, and here you have the option of going on a rafting tour of the Lousios River. The tour will see you glide along water that Zeus himself bathed in and through a gorge dense with greenery, finishing with a dip under a waterfall. Then, it’s on to your accommodation in Dimitsana. Perched prettily on a mountain slope, you’ll have the afternoon free to explore the numerous nooks of this medieval village. Walk the winding streets and marvel at the restored stone-built mansions, or visit the Open-Air Water-Power Museum for a glimpse at traditional village life.
    Day 3 Location: Hike Menalon Trail/ Dimitsana
    Today, you’ll embark on an incredible hike through the Lousios Valley. Fuel up on pastries from a local bakery before you start walking, then follow the trail until you encounter the ‘new’ Philosophou Monastery. Maybe indulge in some Greek coffee and lokoumi offered by the resident monks, before making your way to the old Philosophou. Dramatically carved into the vertical rockface 200 m above the valley floor, the monastery educated many of Greece’s finest minds. Explore the ruins and gaze at the view across Lousios Gorge, then continue toward the striking sight of Prodromou. Clinging to the edge of the gorge and dating back to 1167, the bullet holes on the door of the monastery hint at the history of Greece’s fight for independence. The trail finishes at Ancient Gortys. Tour the remnants of the rumoured healing grounds before a transfer takes you back to Dimitsana, where the evening is free for you indulge in local taverna food.
    Day 4 Location: Olympia/Kefalonia
    After saying farewell to the delights of Dimitsana, a morning drive will take you to Olympia. Both a centre of worship for Zeus and birthplace of the Olympic Games, your leader will show you the main stadium, gymnasium, wrestling school, priest houses, Temple of Hera, Temple of Zeus and the hippodrome. There’ll be free time for some lunch, before you continue to Kyllini then catch a ferry to Kefalonia. Transfer to your accommodation, then have a free evening to explore Argostolion. Walk along the waterfront promenade of the small seaside city, pop into Platia Vallianou, the lively town square, and be sure to sample the seafood or a Kefalonian meat pie.
    Day 5 Location: Cycling Kefalonia
    Suit up for a cycle around Kefalonia! Starting from Sami and via the coastal road on the east side of the island cycle to a traditional fishing village with a beautiful small harbour, Agia Efthimia. From there cycle into the mountains pedaling through typical villages such a Drakopoulata and Makryotika. Stop for a coffee break and enjoy one of Kefalonia’s most stunning panoramic view. Continue the journey decending to Divarata, close to the world -famous Myrtos Beach. On the way back to Agia Efthymia pass old Venetian pastel-coloured houses and the remains of an old Roman villa. Back on the coastal road heading to Sami for the final 10 kilometers, visit one of today’s highlights: Old Vlachata. This authentic town was destroyed by the earthquake that shook the island in 1953, forcing the surviving residents to leave and move to Karavomylos. Cycle back to the port of Sami, to enjoy some cold refreshments. The evening will be yours to either rest up or continue pounding the pavement around Argostolion.
    Day 6 Location: Sea Kayaking Kefalonia
    Swap the pedals for paddles as you embark on a sea kayaking adventure. Starting from Argostolion Lighthouse, ease your way south along a coastline pockmarked with caves, natural arches and rock gardens. At Paliostafida Beach there’ll be a stop for a swim and a snack of fresh fruit, before you continue past Makris Gialos Beach. You’ll notice a change in the coastal terrain as dramatic limestone cliffs begin to tower overhead, occasionally broken by remote white sandy beaches. Maybe swim or snorkel in the quiet bay – this is also a great spot for lunch. After landing at Minies Beach, maybe grab a cold drink to toast your efforts and then head back to your accommodation.
    Day 7 Location: Kefalonia
    With no further activities planned, your trip comes to an end in Kefalonia. If you’d like to extend your stay in Greece, just speak to your booking agent.

    Dates & prices

    Dates
    Prices
    Availability
    Departure Date :
    06JUL2024
    Return Date :
    12JUL2024
    3535NZD
    not available

    Trip Notes

    Last modified (date)

    03 Jul 2024

    Trip title

    Southern Greece: Hike, Bike & Kayak

    Trip code

    ZMXK

    Validity

    Validity: 01 Jan 2024 to 31 Dec 2025

    Introduction

    Pedal, paddle and pace your way through Southern Greece’s ancient sites and natural splendour on this seven-day active adventure. Starting in the history-steeped city of Athens, it’s not long before you’re hiking along the Menalon Trail to two Byzantine monasteries constructed directly into the vertical rockface. A cycle route will help you see Kefalonia, stopping at a castle that used to mark the island’s capital, while a sea kayaking tour of the Argostolion coastline will treat you to turquoise waters. There’s no better way to see these pearls of the Ionian Sea!

    Style

    Original

    Themes

    Multi-Active Adventures

    Transport

    Public bus,Private vehicle,Ferry

    Physical Rating

    3

    Physical preparation

    You’re in for an active trip! Whilst previous experience isn’t essential for getting involved, a decent level of fitness will help you get the most out of this tour. There’s always a choice to opt out of certain activities too. If you’re already a regular exerciser, you’re probably good to go. If you’re not, it might be an idea to add it into your routine in the weeks leading up to your departure. Anything cardio related (swimming, running, cycling, etc.) would definitely help you to enjoy this action-packed adventure to the max.

    Joining point

    Arion Hotel

    18, Agiou Dimitriou Str.

    Psiri

    Athens

    10554

    GREECE

    Phone: +30 2103240415

    Fax: +30 2103240419

    Joining point description

    Hotel Arion is located in the lively neighborhood of Psiri in Athens, close to Monastiraki square. Facilities provided include 24-Hour multilingual reception, free Wi-Fi , Roof terrace with Athens & Acropolis views, Rich American breakfast on the mezzanine (buffet included in the rate), Early breakfast available on request, Smoking and Non Smoking rooms, Lounge area, Bar, Luggage room free of charge, 2 elevators, Daily cleaning. Rooms are equipped with air conditioning, bath amenities, flat screen TV, hairdryer, refrigerator, safe deposit box, electronic locks, direct dial telephone.

    Joining point instructions

    Intrepid can assist with pre-booking an arrival transfer from the airport - enquire with your agent. Please advise your flight arrival details at least 14 days prior to your departure. For your confirmed arrival transfer, you’ll be met in the Arrivals Hall by a transfer representative holding an Intrepid sign. In case of flight cancellations, changes, if you experience severe delays at immigration, baggage collection or customs, or if you are not able to find the driver, please contact the transfer operator directly: +30 6979117622. Alternatively, you can take a taxi from the airport to your hotel. The price is currently a flat rate of EUR40 between 5am and midnight and EUR55 from midnight to 5am. The journey takes approximately 40mins from the airport to your hotel. Another option is to take the metro from the airport. Taking metro line 3 to Monastiraki Station will take approximately 45 minutes and from there it's a 5 minute walk to the hotel.

    Finish point

    Sisiotisa

    Kiprou 1,

    Argostoli

    Kefallonia

    281 00

    GREECE

    Important information

    A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information. This trip is new to our range this year. Despite rigorous planning and research, new itineraries can sometimes throw us some unexpected surprises. More often than not, it’ll be a welcome surprise, but every now and again there might be a hiccup. We like to think that’s what puts the ‘adventure’ in ‘adventure travel’.

    Group leader

    All Intrepid group trips in Europe are accompanied by one of our local European group leaders. ’Local’ in this context means a leader who is European or lives in Europe. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. Intrepid endeavours to provide the services of an experienced leader however, due to the seasonality of travel, rare situations may arise where your leader is new to a particular region or training other group leaders. Your leader takes care of logistics, will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the places visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. At Intrepid we also aim to support local guides in the individual cities or locations we travel to. If you are interested in delving deeper into the local culture at a specific site or location then your leader can recommend an optional local guide service in most of the main destinations of your trip.

    Safety

    Most national governments provide regularly updated foreign travel advice on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure and ensure that your travel insurance covers you for all destinations and activities on your trip. Please refer to our website's safety page for links to major travel advisories and updates on safety issues affecting our trips here: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/travel-alerts We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe-keeping of your passport, flight tickets, cash and other valuable items. Leave your jewellery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of our hotels have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. Your group leader or local representative will accompany you on all included activities, however, during your trip you'll have some free time to pursue your own interests or relax and take it easy. While your group leader or local representative will assist you with the available options in a given location, please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your Intrepid itinerary, and Intrepid makes no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgement when selecting an activity in your free time. Please also note that your group leader or local representative has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it's deemed necessary due to safety concerns. Intrepid's operational safety policies can be viewed on our website at the link below. We recommend that you take a moment to read through this information before travelling, and would appreciate any feedback on how safety is being managed on our trips.

    https://www.intrepidtravel.com/safety-guidelines

    PETTY THEFT AND PERSONAL SAFETY While travelling there is always the risk of pick-pocketing and petty theft, particularly in the more touristy cities. We recommend that you exercise caution when walking alone at night and encourage you to walk together and only on main, well-lit thoroughfares. Be particularly vigilant on public transport. Simple measures like carrying your day pack on your front, not hanging your bag over the back of your chair or on the floor and wearing a money belt will reduce any chance that your valuables should go missing.

    SCAMS Common scams operating in Europe include ploys to get you fined on the metro without a validated ticket. Ensure that you always travel with a validated ticket (have your ticket stamped). Another common scam is used by children who distract you with a map or a newspaper and while you are attending to them, steal your valuables. You may also come across players offering you to participate in the so-called "shell game". This is a scam and you will most certainly lose your money.

    FIRE PRECAUTIONS: Please be aware that local laws governing tourism facilities in this region differ from those in your home country and not all the accommodation which we use has a fire exit, fire extinguishers or smoke alarms.

    SEAT BELTS: Please be aware that local laws governing transportation safety may differ from those in your home country and not all the transport which we use is able to provide seat belts.

    TRAFFIC AND DRIVING ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE ROAD: Depending on where you come from please note that drivers in this part of the world may drive on the opposite side of the road from what you are used to. Look both ways before crossing any road. Traffic can be a little more chaotic than you might be used to at home. Be aware!

    ATHENS METRO We have had reports of travellers being pickpocketed on public transport in Athens. Please be careful with valuables whilst travelling on the metro or the bus.

    Visas

    PASSPORT You’ll need a valid passport to travel internationally and most countries require your passport to have a minimum of 6 months validity, so remember to check the expiry date. We need your passport information to get everything ready for your trip so it’s important that the information on your booking matches your passport exactly. Please take care to provide the correct details. We recommend carrying a copy of the photo page of your passport while travelling and leaving a copy at home with family or friends. VISAS & ENTRY REQUIREMENTS Many countries require a visa and obtaining the correct visa for your trip and any countries you may transit through is your responsibility. We recommend you check your visa requirements as soon as you have booked your trip. This will ensure you have time to prepare your documents and for your visa application to be processed. You can check the entry requirements for your nationality on your government's foreign travel advisories, consular websites or on our page here:  www.intrepidtravel.com/visa-entry-requirements

    Why we love it

    Hike parts of the Menalon Trail – one of the most beautiful hiking trails in Europe – on your way to the breathtaking sights of the ancient Philosophou and Prodromou monasteries.

    Cycle around the island of Kefalonia, experience fabulous coastal views as you ascend to a historic castle and visit a local olive grove.

    Sea kayak along Kefalonia’s southern coastline, stopping for lunch on white sand beaches and for swims in the turquoise water.

    Visit the Olympia archaeological site, birthplace of the Olympic Games and an important site in the development of Western society.

    Spend two nights in Dimitsana, walking the cobbled paths of this idyllic mountain village packed full of Arcadian history.

    By travelling on this trip, you’ll learn about our Intrepid Foundation partner, World Bicycle Relief. Donations provide school kids, health workers, and farmers in far-out areas with bicycles that provide access to education, healthcare, and income. Intrepid will double the impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.

    Is this trip right for you

    Though you don’t need to be an athlete to take part in this trip, you do need to have a reasonable level of fitness to enjoy it fully. Most activities are moderate and slow paced. Hiking activities are approximately 12 km (7.5 miles) in a day, with an uphill gain of 500 m (1650 ft). The cycling activity is 35 km (22 miles) and basic mountain biking skills are required. The kayaking is approximately 6 hours of paddling (9 km), with no previous experience required. Summer temperatures can be extreme in Greece (over 40°C), which can be uncomfortable. It’s important to use sun protection, wear layers to combat the heat and drink plenty of water. Hotels in Europe often don't have double beds, but rather two single beds that can be pushed together.

    Health

    GENERAL HEALTH All travellers need to be in good physical health in order to participate fully on this trip. For the safety and wellbeing of yourself and others, if you are unwell prior to travelling, please stay at home and contact us to make alternative arrangements. When selecting your trip please make sure you have read through the itinerary carefully and assess your ability to manage and enjoy our style of travel. Please note that if in the assessment of our group leader or local representative a traveller is unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group, we reserve the right to exclude them from all or part of a trip without refund. You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information or for any necessary vaccinations before departure. We recommend that you carry a first aid kit as well as any personal medical requirements in their original packaging as they may not easily be obtained while travelling. If you are carrying medication, ensure you check your government's foreign travel advice for any local restrictions or requirements. 

    Food and dietary requirements

    While travelling with us you'll experience the vast array of wonderful food available in the world. Your group leader will be able to suggest restaurants to try during your trip. To give you maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat, generally not all meals are included in the trip price. This also gives you more budgeting flexibility. As a rule our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. There's no obligation to do this though. BREAKFASTS There are some continental breakfasts included on this trip which may simply include bread/toast or pastries, butter, jam, coffee/tea/juice (or similar). VEGETARIANS Vegetarians might find the menu selection in Europe less varied than they would see at home. Vegetarianism is not as common in this region and generally the choices are basic, involving vegetables, soups, salads, bread, cheese, fruit, yoghurt, eggs etc. Vegans and those on gluten-free diets may find this region very challenging and may need to supplement meals with their own supplies from supermarkets and markets. Wherever possible we will cater for dietary needs for any included meals, but there may be times when those with special requirements may need to provide their own.

    Money matters

    SPENDING MONEY When it comes to spending money on the trip, every traveller is a little different. You know your spending habits better than we do, so please budget an appropriate amount for things like optional meals, drinks, shopping, optional activities, and laundry. Make sure you have read the itinerary and inclusions thoroughly so you know what is included in the trip price and what you may need to pay for while travelling. CONTINGENCY FUNDS We try to plan for every eventuality, but there are still some things beyond our control. We reserve the right to change an itinerary after departure due to local circumstances or a Force Majeure Event. In such emergency circumstances, the additional cost of any necessary itinerary alterations will be covered by you. Please note we are not responsible for any incidental expenses that may be incurred as a result of the change of itineraries including but not limited to visas, vaccinations or non-refundable flights. Make sure you have access to an extra US$500 for emergencies (e.g. severe weather, natural disasters, civil unrest) or other events that result in unavoidable changes to the itinerary (e.g. transport strikes or cancellations, airport closures). Sometimes these things necessitate last-minute changes to enable our trips to continue to run, and as a result, there may be some extra costs involved. The recommended amount is listed in USD for the relatability of universal travellers, however, local currency may be needed once in the country to cover these costs. CASH You can use your credit/debit card in ATMs, which are common throughout Europe. Before leaving home, check if your bank will charge fees for using your card internationally. Card payments are not always accepted in stores and restaurants. We recommend you carry some cash for these purposes. CURRENCY The Euro (EUR) is the official currency in the following destinations: Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Cyprus, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Kosovo, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Montenegro, the Netherlands, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia and Spain. All other European countries still have their own national currencies. YOUR GROUP LEADER OR LOCAL REPRESENTATIVE  You may consider tipping your group leader or local representative for outstanding service throughout your trip. The amount is entirely a personal preference however as a guideline 4-7 USD or EUR per person (in a currency relevant to your destination), per day can be used. Of course, you are free to tip more or less as you see fit, depending on your perception of service quality and the length and involvement of your group leader or local representative on your trip.

    What to take

    PACKING On this trip you must pack as lightly as possible because you will be expected to carry your own bag and although you won't be required to walk long distances with your luggage (max 30 minutes), we strongly recommend keeping the weight under 15kg / 33lb. Most travellers carry their luggage in a backpack, although an overnight bag with a shoulder strap would suffice if you travel lightly. Smaller bags or backpacks with wheels are convenient although we recommend your bag has carry straps to accommodate the cobbled streets, uneven surfaces, stairs and steps you are likely to encounter while carrying your luggage. You'll also need a day pack/bag to carry water and a camera etc for day trips. You can find Intrepid's Ultimate Packing List on our website. It should be used as a guide only and isn't intended to be a complete packing list.

    https://www.intrepidtravel.com/packing-list

    WATER BOTTLE Please bring your own water bottle to refill along the way. Although it can be difficult to avoid bottled water when travelling, please use the water dispensers which are provided on some of our vehicles and at some of our accommodation. Your group leader or local representative will advise whether tap water is safe to drink in your destination and if it is you can simply refill with tap water. When unable to avoid bottled water it is better to buy the largest available and distribute into your smaller bottle for the day. If you are walking or trekking as part of your trip you will need to carry at least 2L of water with you.

    TRAVELLING ON LOCAL TRANSPORT It's important that your bags can be locked, as on local transport it may be necessary that your luggage gets stowed separately (and unattended). The smaller your bag the better for you and other passengers. To ensure maximum comfort, try to pack small and light.

    Climate and seasonal

    HOT WEATHER Summer temperatures can reach up to 40 degrees Celsius, which can be uncomfortable for those not used to the heat. Please consider the time of the year you wish to travel and your suitability to that season.

    A couple of rules

    Intrepid won't tolerate any kind of violence, harassment (whether physical, verbal or sexual), or disrespect toward fellow travellers, our teams or local communities. To ensure the wellbeing of everyone on the trip, decisions made by your group leader are final. Romantic relationships between travellers and group leader or local representative are not permitted while on trip. Any behaviour that prevents your leader from continuing the itinerary as planned, breaks local laws or opposes any of these guidelines may result in Intrepid denying your booking or removing you from the trip. If something concerns you during your travels, please speak to your group leader immediately. Alternatively, you can contact us on the emergency contact number detailed in the Problems and Emergency Contact Information section of this Essential Trip Information.

    Feedback

    Can’t stop thinking about your adventure? Tell us all about it! We read each piece of feedback carefully and use it to make improvements for travellers like you. Share your experience with us at: http://www.intrepidtravel.com/feedback/

    Emergency contact

    While we always endeavour to provide the best possible holiday experience, due to the nature of travel and the areas we visit sometimes things can and do go wrong. Should any issue occur while you are on your trip, it is imperative that you discuss this with your group leader or local representative straight away so that they can do their best to rectify the problem and save any potential negative impact on the rest of your trip. We recognise that there may be times when your group leader or local representative may not be able to resolve a situation to your satisfaction - if this is the case, please ask the group leader or local representative to speak to their direct manager. You may also choose to provide details in your online feedback, which we ask you to complete within 30 days of the end of your trip. Please do be aware that it is very difficult for us to provide any practical help after the trip is completed, so informing us while still travelling will give us the opportunity to resolve the issue in real-time. For general contact details please use the following page: http://www.intrepidtravel.com/ourtrips/contact/ In case of a genuine crisis or emergency, you can reach our local office on the numbers below: If you have booked an arrival transfer, and you experience severe delays at immigration, baggage collection or customs, or if you are not able to find to the driver, please contact the transfer operator directly on the number listed in the joining point instructions in the section above. Intrepid's Local Operator: +49 8024 4679 540

    Responsible travel

    Our Responsible Travel Policy outlines our commitment to preserving the environment, supporting local communities, protecting the vulnerable, and giving back to the places we travel. All our trip group leaders or local representatives, suppliers, and staff are trained on these principles and are core to us delivering sustainable, experience-rich travel. Explore the different parts of our Responsible Travel Policy by visiting: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/responsible-travel DRESS CODE In general, there are few dress restrictions in Europe. When visiting churches, monasteries or other religious sites modest dress is required - shorts or sleeveless tops may not be permitted, for both men and women.

    The Intrepid Foundation

    We created our not-for-profit, the Intrepid Foundation because you – our travellers – told us you wanted to make an even greater impact in the communities you visit. The Foundation works by teaming up with partners around the world so that together we can deliver greater positive impact at scale. Partners are identified by our local staff who live and work in our destinations. They harness their powerful community connections to determine the issues that matter most and select local partners who can deliver real solutions. Since 2002, the Intrepid Foundation has raised more than $14million dollars and supported more than 160 communities worldwide. Now, with over 40 partners all over the world, your donations are helping to restore forests in Kenya, empower women in Honduras and promote elephant welfare in Laos, to name just a few. For more information about the Intrepid Foundation, please ask your group leader or local representative or visit our website: http://www.theintrepidfoundation.org/ This trip supports World Bicycle Relief, who are providing people in low-income communities with bicycles to mobilise school kids, health workers, and farmers in far-out areas - giving them access to education, healthcare, and income. Donations help provide Buffalo Bicycles to those who need them most. Intrepid will double your impact by dollar-matching post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation. To find out more or make a donation, visit: www.theintrepidfoundation.org/t/wbr

    Accommodation notes

    The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline only and may change. On some occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our preferred accommodation. In these cases, we will use a similar standard of accommodation. Throughout the trip, we request that our properties prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination or on some trips, have use of shared day rooms until all rooms are available. OCCASIONAL ALTERNATIVE ACCOMMODATION The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline. On rare occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our usual accommodation. A similar standard of accommodation will be used in these instances. TWIN SHARE BASIS Accommodation on this trip is on a twin/multishare basis. We pair up solo travellers with another traveller of the same gender as per the gender marker on each of their passports. Please note there may be times where facilities will be shared rather than ensuite and rare occasions when you share a room with passengers travelling on different Intrepid trips than your own. CHECK-IN TIME Throughout the trip we request that our hotels prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination. PRE/POST TRIP ACCOMMODATION If you've purchased pre-trip or post-trip accommodation (if available), you may be required to change rooms from your trip accommodation for these extra nights. FACILITIES Your accommodation may not always have private en suite facilities or air-conditioning. European hotels generally don't provide kettles or fridges.

    Transport notes

    TRANSPORT IN EUROPE Half the fun of travel is the travelling itself, that's why we like to travel the local way – whether that means mingling with commuters on a local train, watching the scenery roll by from the window of a long distance bus, arriving on a high speed train in the city centre of your next destination, or navigating each city's public transport system. In Europe, you are guaranteed to travel by genuine local public transport wherever possible, which puts you right in the centre of the action. PUBLIC BUSES This trip covers some distances by public buses. Buses in Greece can range from high standard coaches with reclining seats and air-conditioning to older and more basic vehicles for shorter distances. On longer rides there are regular bathroom stops, however there are usually no toilets on the buses themselves. STRIKES Ferry strikes, bad weather and the general unpredictable nature of Greek public transport means you need to be prepared for possible delays and itinerary changes.

    Travel insurance

    Travel insurance is compulsory on all our trips for those travelling internationally. We require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. If you are travelling within your home country or region please confirm before travel that you are entitled to access the public medical system easily should an accident occur. We strongly recommend all travellers have a policy that also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage or personal effects. For international trips, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance and the insurance company's 24-hour emergency contact number has been sighted by your group leader or local representative. If you have credit card insurance your group leader or local representative will require details of the participating insurer/underwriter, the level of coverage, policy number, and emergency contact number rather than the bank's name and your credit card details. Please contact your bank for these details prior to arriving in-country. For travellers who reside within the European Union, Switzerland or USA the requirement to purchase travel insurance cannot be compulsory. However the purchase of travel insurance is still highly recommended, and travellers from these regions who decline travel insurance when travelling outside of their home region must sign a Travel Insurance Waiver Form at the Group Meeting, recognizing personal responsibility for emergency medical and repatriation costs should they arise. For assistance with travel insurance or other services, please visit the link below: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/booking-resources/our-services

    Your fellow travellers

    As you travel on a group trip you will be exposed to all the pleasures and maybe some of the frustrations of travelling in a group. Your fellow travellers will probably come from all corners of the world and likely a range of age groups too. We ask you to be understanding of the various needs and preferences of your group - patience with your fellow travellers is sometimes required for the benefit of everyone's travel experience. Remember too that you have responsibilities to the group. If you are requested to be at a place at a certain time, ensure that you don't keep the rest of the group waiting. We have found time and time again that the very best trips we operate are those where the dynamics within the group work well - this takes just a little effort on your part. Due to privacy reasons, we are unable to provide you with contact details and any personal information about your fellow travellers booked on your trip prior to departure. SOLO TRAVELLERS The beauty of our style of travel is that it caters to travellers who are travelling solo and who want to meet and share experiences with like-minded people. On our trips rooming is organised on a twin-share basis. We pair up solo travellers with another traveller of the same gender as per the gender marker on each of their passports. As a responsible tour operator, we strive to create a safe and inclusive environment for everyone. In the case that your gender identity differs from what is indicated on your passport, please contact us so that we can discuss rooming options with you. We also have an optional single supplement available on most trips for travellers who prefer to have their own room. Please note that this only applies to accommodation during the tour. Pre-trip and post-trip accommodation booked through us will be on a single room basis. On a small selection of itineraries some accommodations are booked on an open gender, multi-share basis (for example on a felucca in Egypt or an overnight train in Vietnam). In those instances it will clearly be stated in our Essential Trip Information prior to booking and travelling.

    Itinerary disclaimer

    ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway. OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk. MUSEUM VISITS & OPENING TIMES Many sites, attractions and museums are closed on Mondays (and sometimes Tuesdays). We recommend checking the opening times of anywhere you're interested to visit and making reservations where required/possible.

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