Going Out Group

Island Hopping Getaway — 9 Incredible Days in Greece! – Global Travelers Going Out Group

 

<  Click here to go back to RSVP & payment page

*** It’s a great week to be in Greece. See you there! ***

UPDATE #23: We typically always receive our detailed itinerary at our welcome breakfast. This time, I was able to secure it for us beforehand. See here… https://bit.ly/2Ioq0B2

UPDATE #22: For those who wish to communicate during our trip via WhatsApp, please download the app (if you don’t already have it) and go to this link https://chat.whatsapp.com/ImxdtTmE1eEE91DucT6Uln . If you don’t have it on your phone already, and don’t have an international calling plan, you will need to set up the app before you depart (it sends to you a verification code). We used this for our last couple of trips, and it works great for group communication. These updates have been sent as an email to the yes RSVPs. See. you. soon!

UPDATE #21: The contact information for our Adventure Tour Leaders are (1) Ioanna: yiannakiou [at] yahoo [dot] gr, phone & WhatsApp +30 693 239 5315 (WhatsApp is best) and (2) Alexandra: phone & WhatsApp +30 698 943 5875. Please only use in an emergency as you are traveling to Greece. You can email me at jt [at] goingoutgroup [dot] com. I will connect to wifi when I’m not en route.

UPDATE #20: Just a reminder, for many of the amazing people that are working to make our trip happen (the bus drivers, guides, hotel staff, etc), our tips are extremely important (see the “Tipping” section of the trip posting). Their work is often seasonal and unreliable, and in the excitement of the trip, they often get overlooked and forgotten. While tipping is never mandatory, we want to make sure that we take care of the staff that works so hard to help us enjoy our trip. We recommend (but do not require) that you bring $150 USD for tipping. We’d like to collect everyone’s tip money at the beginning of the trip and then tip all of the staff appropriately as the trip goes along. This method has two main benefits: it will ensure all staff are fairly compensated for their efforts, and you will not have to worry about constantly finding cash to tip the dozens of staff. If everyone contributes $150 USD, it will allow us to tip everyone well and leave a little extra to give to the staff that really go above and beyond for the group. Thank you for understanding!

UPDATE #19: For those taking advantage of the group arrival transfer (see the “Flights, Days Off, & Airport Transfer” section of the trip posting for full details), just a reminder to look for the person at the arrival gates (there’s only one area) with the sign that says “J.T.’s DC Greece Meetup Trip.” If you are not taking advantage of the group arrival transfer, please see the “Flights, Days Off, & Airport Transfer” section of the trip posting for alternate transportation options. When you arrive at the hotel, you will check in under your name. The welcome breakfast is at 7am on Day 2 (please see the “Itinerary” section of the trip posting) at the hotel restaurant (no restaurant name, but it’s the only one there, and it’s on the mezzanine level). PLEASE BE ON TIME! We have a lot of important information to go over.

UPDATE #18: The rooming list has been finalized here… https://bit.ly/2QmJLwt . I used the latest information received from everyone. Please verify that I have you and any options listed correctly. Feel free to use the list above to reach out to your roommate and others (click on their Meetup profile to send them a message).

UPDATE #17: The list of hotels has been finalized as follows (with address and phone): PLAKA HOTEL (Sept. 29 – Oct. 1; 7, Kapnikareas & Mitropoleos Street, GR 10556 Athens Greece; +30 2103222706), ALKISTIS MYKONOS (Oct. 2 – 3; Agios Stefanos – Mykonos, Cyclades (Aegean Islands), 84600 Greece; +30 22890 22333), AFRODITI BEACH HOTEL (Oct. 4 – 6; Kamari Beach 84700, Santorini | Cyclades, Greece; +30 22860 32760-3). Two more weeks!

UPDATE #16: The trip has sold out!

UPDATE #15: There is 1 male double occupancy spot left (all women spots are sold out). Take the last spot and come join us on this incredible 9-day trip!

UPDATE #14: There are 2 double occupancy spots left, 1 male and 1 female (different rooms). Come join us for an amazing adventure!

UPDATE #13: Just a friendly reminder, please send me your arrival flight airline, flight number, and landing time; and departure flight airline, flight number, and take-off time (see Traveler Information section of the trip posting) if you haven’t done so already. Also, don’t forget insurance is required for this trip, so please purchase it if you haven’t already done so (see the “Travel Insurance” section of the trip posting for full details). This UPDATE has been sent as an email to the yes RSVPs. Thank you!

UPDATE #12: Just a reminder to familiarize yourself with recommended vaccinations and visa requirements (see the “Visas, Vaccinations, & Immunizations” section of the trip posting for full details). For U.S. citizens with U.S. passport, a visa is not required. I suggest visiting a travel clinic prior to departure, since they can make recommendations on vaccinations that may be useful for travel to this country.

UPDATE #11: I’ve posted the event for the pre-trip embassy visit here… https://www.meetup.com/globaltravelersgroup/events/253139312/ . Due to their schedule, the embassy requested that I move the date back 1 week. So instead of Thurs. Aug. 23rd, it’s now scheduled for Thurs. Sept. 6th. We were targeting to meet with Greek diplomats and receive an official country briefing to include the history, geography, culture, and tourism of Greece. Unfortunately, they were unable to accommodate that request, but they have graciously invited us to see the Archaeological Site of Philippi exhibit on their premises instead! I’ll need to give the embassy a list of attendees, so please RSVP as soon as you can (the RSVP list closes Thurs. Sept. 6th @ 9am). I’ll also hand books out to those that have not received one. Getting excited, see you there!

UPDATE #10: The $2195 price has ended and the ticket price is now $2295.

UPDATE #9: The $2195 price will increase to $2295 before Wed. Aug. 1st (see the “Price” section of the trip posting for full details). Follow the steps in the “Payment” section to secure your spot. Change the dollar figure to $500 if you are looking to make just the deposit (rather than paying in full). I hope can join us for this amazing adventure!

UPDATE #8: Just a reminder, the balance is due is Wed. July 18th. Please make sure to make your balance payment by that date (see the “Remainder Balance Payment Due” section of the trip posting), otherwise you will lose your deposit and your spot on the trip! Can’t wait for this adventure!

UPDATE #7: Just a friendly reminder, for those that have signed up and made payment for the trip, if you have not already submitted your traveler information (see the “Traveler Information” section of the trip posting), please send that to me (through my Meetup profile) as soon as you can. Thank you!

UPDATE #6: If you have not received your book yet and plan to attend another one of my events before our trip, please let me know beforehand (send me a message via my Meetup profile – do NOT comment on the trip posting), and I can bring one with me. Otherwise, I am available in the Tysons area (Silver line – Greensboro stop) for pickup. I will bring any leftover books with me on the trip provided I have space remaining in my luggage.

UPDATE #5: The $2095 price has ended and the ticket price is now $2195.

UPDATE #4: The $2095 price will increase to $2195 before Fri. June 1st (see the “Price” section of the trip posting for full details). Follow the steps in the “Payment” section to secure your spot. Change the dollar figure to $500 if you are looking to make just the deposit (rather than paying in full). I hope can join us for this amazing adventure!

UPDATE #3: The $1995 price has ended and the ticket price is now $2095.

UPDATE #2: There are fewer than 10 early bird spots left and the price will increase from $1995 to $2095 when the early bird spots are gone or BEFORE Sun. Apr. 1st (whichever comes first). To be fair to those who want to join in and are ready to make payment, I’ll be removing those that haven’t paid at least the deposit by then. Make at least the deposit payment to lock in your spot and the early bird price (see the “Payment” section of the trip posting for full details). If you’ve already made payment, the PayPal email you received is confirmation that we’ve received your payment (no need to email me asking for payment confirmation). This UPDATE has been emailed to the yes RSVPs. I hope you are able to join us!

UPDATE #1.5: We have at least 15 people that have signed up and made payment… so this trip is confirmed! If you’ve made at least the deposit payment for this trip, feel free to book your flights per the “Flights, Days Off, & Airport Transfer” section of the trip posting! FYI, I typically use Expedia or Travelocity’s multi-city option. Also, please see here for recommendations on when best to buy your airplane ticket… https://cnb.cx/AG1h3h . Note that I have had mixed results following these general rules of thumb in the past.

UPDATE #1: I’ve announced the Greece pre-trip dinner. Click here. If you’ve already made payment or deposit for the Greece trip itself and can make the dinner, please go ahead and RSVP for the dinner but do NOT make payment, as that’s included as part of joining the Greece trip itself (please do so by Wed. Feb. 28th). After that date, if you’ve made payment for the Greece trip itself, and you’d like to RSVP for the dinner after that date, send me a message through my Meetup profile, and I’ll need to manually add you to the dinner event. I hope to see you there!

Natural beauty and stunning history abound in Greece!

Ancient sun-bleached ruins, endless coastlines, idyllic villages, bright white buildings, turquoise skies, multi-colored cliffs, passionate music, inspired cuisine, and thrill-seeking activities. Let’s visit the land where Olympian gods ruled! This action-packed tour of Greece’s highlights is perfect for the adventurer with limited time who wants to explore the region’s diversity. Let’s stand in the shadow of famous ruins, set sail on a boat into the glittering blue beyond to 5 popular islands, melt away in thermal springs, experience breathtaking sunsets, relax on a beach (and much more). Our Adventure Tour Leader will help us find the secluded spots only the locals know. Does this sound like a fun and relaxing vacation to you?

Six Reasons to Book This Trip:

  1. Affordable Adventure — Did you know that this trip INCLUDES a guided city tour of Athens, spectacular ferry rides to the islands of Mykonos and Santorini, a half day tour to the island of Delos (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), an Oia sunset tour, a stop at the top of Profitis Ilias Mountain, a visit to Santo Wines Winery, a volcano and hot springs tour on the islands of Nea Kameni and Palia Kameni, an Adventure Tour Leader for the full duration of our adventure, 8 breakfasts, transfers from and to the airport, all in-country transfers between cities, 8 nights in hotels, 3 events in DC (2 dinners and 1 Embassy visit), plus a Greece book discussion (book included) during the trip… all for less than $225 a day??
  2. Shared Photos — As with all of our events, we can all upload our pictures to this website to share the best of our photos and multiply the memories!
  3. Make New Friends — We are the ONLY Meetup group that offers us the opportunity to travel abroad with other globally-minded people from the DC area, PLUS arrange 3 more events for the group that take place in DC to make sure that we will make friends that we will continue to see in DC!
  4. Leadership — I (J.T., your organizer) will be there every step of the way, making sure that the trip goes as smoothly as possible.
  5. Book Discussion — We will each receive, read, and discuss sections of “It’s All Greek to Me!” a tale of a mad dog and an Englishman, ruins, retsina, and real Greeks that will help paint a picture for us of the culture and beauty of Greece. Please note if new prints are unavailable, the best available condition used book will be obtained.
  6. Unforgettable Memories — Greece truly is a beautiful, adventurous, and unforgettable place. Let’s experience it together and make some wonderful memories!

This 9-day exciting expedition through Greece is crammed with all the energy and activities deserving of our group. We’ll begin our journey in DC with a fabulous dinner at Athena Pallas restaurant in DC. Then, before departing on our trip, we will have a private visit at the Embassy of Greece featuring diplomats who will teach us about their country. Shortly after we return stateside, we’ll reunite at DC’s popular Blackfinn restaurant with an evening of Greek food and a recap of our travel experience for our reunion dinner!

To help us pass the time while traveling and to learn even more about this culture-rich society, we’ll read the book “It’s All Greek to Me!” by John Mole during our trip. At certain points during the trip, I (J.T., your Meetup organizer) will lead discussions of the book for anyone who wants to participate!

Please note this is a joint trip with the 30s & 40s Going Out Group, and the 20s & 30s Going Out Group. Our traveling group will likely consist of members with an average age in their 30s.

Questions? If you have any questions not answered on this page, please post a comment in the comment box or message me through my Meetup profile.

We’ve got an early bird special for this trip of $1995! The first 20 paid sign-ups, or those who pay before Sun. Apr. 1st (whichever comes first) get the early bird price! After that, the trip price will go to $2095, then $2195, then $2295. Our past trips have always sold out quickly! We have a LIMITED number of spots so make sure to RSVP early AND make payment to secure your spot and get the early bird price! To make payment, please follow the steps in the “Payment” section of the event posting.

I hope you can join us on this amazing adventure!

— J.T.

ITINERARY

(Pre-trip dinner)

Sat. Mar. 17th: Pre-Trip Dinner at Athena Pallas

This delicious Greek meal at Athena Pallas restaurant (or similar) is open to other group members as a paid event, but is FREE for those attending the trip. It is wonderful way for all trip-goers to meet each other for the first time, and it’s a perfect time for those who haven’t yet signed up to ask any questions related to the trip. I will even refund the cost of the dinner to anyone who signs up and makes payment for the Greece trip AFTER our dinner!

(Embassy of Greece)

Thurs. Sept. 6th: Pre-Trip Embassy Visit

We will meet with Greek diplomats and receive an official country briefing including the history, geography, culture and tourism of Greece (pending embassy approval). This event is organized exclusively for trip-goers and will NOT be open to other members of our group.

(Athens)

Sat. Sept. 29th: Day 1, Athens

Arrive at any time in Athens, then check in and enjoy the city!

Athens. The city with the most glorious history in the world, a city worshiped by gods and people, a magical city. The enchanting capital and largest city of Greece has always been a birthplace for civilization. It is the city where democracy was born and where most of the wise people of ancient times derive. The most important civilization of the ancient world flourished in Athens and memorialized through some of the world’s most formidable edifices. Athens dominates the Attica region and is one of the world’s oldest cities, with its recorded history spanning over 3,400 years and its earliest human presence starting somewhere between the 11th and 7th millennium BC.

Thanks to fortunes brought by the 2004 Summer Olympics, spotless parks and streets, an ultra-modern subway, new freeways, and an accessible airport make the city easily negotiable. Sophisticated Athens sites include many pillars of Western history, from the Acropolis to the Temple of Olympian Zeus, as well as treasures in the National Archaeological Museum.

Overnight: Plaka Hotel or similar. Estimated Travel Time: 45 minutes. Approximate Distance: 30 miles

(The Plaka neighborhood)

Sun. Sept. 30th: Day 2, Athens

We’ll meet with our Adventure Tour Leader and other group members at our welcome breakfast at the hotel. After a hot breakfast, we’ll put on our walking shoes and get ready to see the sights!

We’ll take a short walk to the starting point of our tour. Then, during an informative and comprehensive 3 – 4 hour leisurely walking tour over a couple of miles, we’ll uncover the history and explore the sites of Greece’s magnificent city up close. Our friendly and knowledgeable Athens tour guide will give us insights into the people, places, and events of this epic city.

We’ll stroll through Syntagma Square, the most important square of modern Athens and the epicenter of commercial activity and Greek politics. We’ll continue to the elegant House of Parliament to watch the changing of the guards done by the famous Evzones, in front of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Next, we’ll walk through the cool and shady National Garden, the former Queen Amalia’s Garden and admire the neoclassical architecture of Zappeion Hall. We’ll learn all there is to know about the Panathenaic Stadium, home of the first Olympic Games in modern history (19 century AD). We’ll visit the Zeus Temple and Hadrian’s Arch from the Roman Era. We’ll then walk along the beautiful Dionysiou Areopagitou walkway and enter the Old Town of Athens, the Plaka area. Let’s marvel at the beautiful St. Catherine’s Church and learn about Lysicrates Monument and its importance in the 4th Century BC. From there, we’ll continue to the Acropolis and visit the first theater of antiquity, the Dionysus theater. On our way to the remarkable UNESCO-listed Acropolis monuments, we’ll see the Philopappos Hill Monument and the Odeon of Herodes Atticus. We’ll stand in awe of the ancient beautiful constructions of the Acropolis: the Temple of Athena Nike, the Propylaea gateway, the Erechtheion, and focus on the astonishing Parthenon. As we wander round, we’ll stop to absorb the stellar views down over Athens, including the Mars Hill, the Ancient Agora and the Temple of Hephaestus.

Let’s discover why Athen’s has been continuously inhabited for over 7000 years!

Overnight: Plaka Hotel or similar. Estimated Travel Time: 4 hours. Approximate Distance: 2.5 miles

(Acropolis – Odeon of Herodes Atticus)

Mon. Oct. 1st: Day 3, Athens

Today is a free day for us to see why over 40% of Greece’s population lives in Athens!

We can pick optional activities according to our interests. There are many great possibilities, from the Oracle of Delphi tour (the most popular site in Greece after the Acropolis), to the National Archaeological Museum, the largest archaeological museum in Greece and one of the most important museums in the world devoted to ancient Greek art. Visit the Agora, the heart of ancient Athens and a gathering place where Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle debated. For park lovers, spend the day exploring the National Garden & Zappeion, a beautiful oasis and palace offering a soothing respite of greenery from the big city with many benches for picnicking, cafes, duck ponds, and a small zoo. Lastly (but certainly not least), marvel at the well-preserved ruins of the large Roman bath complex, where the Ilissos River once ran.

Overnight: Plaka Hotel or similar

(Mykonos)

Tues. Oct. 2nd: Day 4, Athens / Mykonos

We’ll take a ferry to Greece’s most famous and most popular island of Mykonos, and spend free time here once we arrive. During our grand and spectacular ferry ride, let’s walk around on the deck, enjoy the beautiful scenery, and breathe the lovely sea air!

Voted the top holiday destination time and again for good reason, Mykonos is particularly famous for its cosmopolitan atmosphere, exciting nightlife, bright white buildings, turquoise skies, and golden sandy beaches that makes holidays in Mykonos a magnificent experience. It is a wonderful kaleidoscope of shops, rocking bars, quaint windmills, homey taverns, and hidden churches all set against a brilliant blue backdrop.

There are many things to do in Mykonos, an island perfect for people of all ages: walk along the narrow streets of Chora, see the sunset from Little Venice with icon windmills in the background, swim in exotic beaches, windsurf, scuba dive in water with 160 feet of visibility, enjoy a biking tour to a vineyard, and take a sunset cruise. Super Paradise, Paradise, and Kalo Livadi are fabulous places to swim and spend a day under the sun. In the evening, head to Mykonos Town and enjoy a night out in the many bars and clubs.

Overnight: Alkistis Mykonos or similar. Estimated Travel Time: 6 hours. Approximate Distance: 125 miles

(Paradise Beach option)

Wed. Oct. 3rd: Day 5, Mykonos / Delos

Today, we’ll experience a half day tour on the island of Delos, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most important mythological, historical, and archaeological sites in Greece! It is the birthplace of Apollo (god of the sun) and Artemis (goddess of the moon), twin offspring of Zeus (ruler of the gods) and Leto (goddess of motherhood). It was one of the most sacred of all islands in ancient Greece culture, and one of the most robust trade centers as well. Matter of fact, so sacred was this island, that no mortal was permitted to be born or to die here.

Overnight: Alkistis Mykonos or similar. Estimated Travel Time: 1.5 hours. Approximate Distance: 30 miles

(Santorini)

Thurs. Oct. 4th: Day 6, Mykonos / Santorini

In the afternoon, we’ll take a ferry to Santorini, the largest island of a small, circular archipelago!

Santorini is the supermodel of the Greek islands, a head-turner whose face is instantly recognizable around the world: multicolored cliffs soar out of a sea-drowned caldera, topped by drifts of whitewashed buildings. With its reputation for dazzling panoramas, world famous romantic sunsets, and volcanic-sand beaches, it’s hardly surprising the island features on so many travelers’ bucket lists. With its candy-colored houses, sapphire waters, gleaming buildings topped with half-spheres the color of a stormy sky, here we’ll find peace as we roam the black sand beaches or the streets of a provincial village like Imerovigli.

Did you know that the whole complex of Santorini islands is still an active volcano and probably the only volcano in the world whose crater is in the sea? The last big eruption occurred 3600 years ago.

Overnight: Afroditi Beach Hotel or similar. Estimated Travel Time: 3 hours. Approximate Distance: 90 miles

(Santo Wines Winery)

Fri. Oct. 5th: Day 7, Santorini

In the late afternoon and into the evening, we’ll enjoy an Oia sunset tour!

Oia is carved out of the cliffs, and it is the most famous of all villages of Santorini. The beauty of Oia is unsurpassed. In fact, it is almost impossible to describe in words. Small white houses tier the hillside, interspersed by splashes of rich okra, deep fuchsia, cobalt blue, oyster pink and earthy red. Smooth winding paths interconnect, interrupted now and then by a small church, and at every corner there is something new to discover. It’s a maze of small shops, restaurants and cafes, almost all with spectacular views. Oia is one of the most photographed places in Greece, if not the world. It has inspired artists, poets, and everyone who visits Santorini. Oia is best known for breathtaking sunsets. It’s legendary and we’ll be spellbound.

During our tour, we’ll ascend to the top of Profitis Ilias Mountain to enjoy the entire island from 1800 feet above sea level (Santorini’s highest point), providing fantastic panoramic views in all directions. Then we will visit Santo Wines, a beautiful winery serving spectacular wines on the edge of a cliff overlooking the Agean Sea from the east side of the island. Lastly, we will drive to Oia where we’ll stay until sunset.

Before our sunset tour, during the day, we can pick optional activities according to our interests. For sun lovers, relax on beautiful black sand beaches (something we just don’t get to see much of in the US). For history buffs, take a tour of Akrotiri, a remarkably well-preserved ancient Minoan city unearthed from beneath volcanic ash, often referred to as the Pompeii of the Aegean. For art lovers, check out Art Space, a unique combination of an art gallery, museum, and winery. For outdoor lovers, take a helicopter flight for unparalleled views over the island and volcano, or hike the trail from Fira to Oia (2 – 4 hours) which offers many changing views on the volcano, the sea, and the caldera. For food lovers, take a cooking class and learn how to cook traditional Greek dishes. Enjoy fresh seafood in Ammoudi, a tiny port with colorful fishing boats. Lastly, savor the best baklava at Lotza restaurant in Oia.

Overnight: Afroditi Beach Hotel or similar. Estimated Travel Time: 1.5 hours. Approximate Distance: 35 miles

(Black sand beach option)

Sat. Oct. 6th: Day 8, Santorini / Nea Kameni / Palia Kameni

In the morning, we’re off on a volcano and hot springs boat tour!

We’ll take a quick boat ride to the island of Nea Kameni, where the remarkable volcano resides. We’ll hike up the volcano 425 feet in elevation (~1 mile in distance) to the top. During our trek, our guide will share with us the history of the volcanic activity over the past 3000 years. We’ll get to see and take pictures of the active crater and walk around it’s rim! Next, we’re off to the island of Palia Kameni for a healing swim in the 85 – 95 degree sulfuric hot springs created by the volcano’s underwater power!

Overnight: Afroditi Beach Hotel or similar. Estimated Travel Time: 1.5 hours. Approximate Distance: 25 miles

(Volcano hot springs)

Sun. Oct. 7th: Day 9, Santorini

Depart at any time.

(Post-trip reunion dinner)

TBD: Post-Trip Reunion Dinner at Blackfinn

Dates and details TBD. We will feast on a sumptuous meal at Blackfinn (or similar)! Dinner attendance will also be open to non-trip goers in our group.

PRICE

Price below reflects double occupancy. For single occupancy (SOLD OUT), please add $600. Full payment is due by Wed. July 18th.

  • $1995 if booked before Sun. Apr. 1st (or whenever early birds sell out)
  • $2095 if booked before Fri. June 1st
  • $2195 if booked before Wed. Aug. 1st
  • $2295 on or after Wed. Aug. 1st*

* Starting Wed. Aug. 1st, spaces are subject to availability. If booking on or after Wed. Aug. 1st, do NOT purchase your airline ticket until you have been confirmed on the trip by the Organizer.

DEPOSIT

Non-refundable deposit of $500 is due at booking, full payment due by Wed. July 18th or at booking, whichever is later. This deposit locks in a price per the “Price” section.

TRAVELER INFORMATION

The travel company needs the following information for final booking. Please send me a message (through my Meetup profile) with this information as soon as you’ve secured your spot by making payment (you can get to me your flight information later, but please get to me everything else that you can): 1. Full name as it appears on passport 2. Passport number 3. Passport issue date 4. Passport expiry date (as a general rule, passport must be 6 months valid beyond date of return from another country) 5. Date of birth 6. Nationality 7. Existing medical conditions 8. Meal requirements 9. Emergency contact / next of kin. 10. Will you take advantage of the transfer to the hotel upon arrival? 11. Will you take advantage of the transfer to the airport upon departure? 12. Cell phone number 13. Will you be getting a single room for an extra $600? 14. Sex 15. Roommate’s name (if you have one; otherwise, a roommate of the same sex will be assigned to you) 16. Arrival flight airline, number, and landing date / time; and departure flight airline, number, and take-off date / time (when you secure it).

ACCOMMODATION

Price is based on double occupancy. If you have a preference for a roommate, please let me know full first and last name (send me a message through my Meetup profile). Otherwise, you will be assigned a roommate (same sex). Single supplement (SOLD OUT) is $600 to stay in your own room. Optionally, if you plan to stay additional day(s) in Greece either before our after our tour, and wish to book pre or post-tour accommodations, you may do so for $200 per night (Athens pre-tour; SOLD OUT) or $115 per night (Santorini post-tour). Please click here (post-tour) to make payment, and also send to me a message (through my Meetup profile) the exact date(s) you are looking to book.

PAYMENT

PayPal account not required. Please follow the steps below (if payment by smartphone doesn’t work, please try your computer). Your RSVP is not guaranteed without payment, and your email receipt is confirmation that we have received your payment (please check your spam folder and email settings). You can also log into your PayPal or credit card account online to verify payment. All of our trips have sold out in the past, so I recommend you secure your spot online early.

  1. Select “Yes” under “Are you going?” (or select “Change” RSVP to add more guests if you’ve already purchased ticket(s))
  2. Enter the number of guests coming and click “Finish RSVP”
  3. Click “Pay Now” (or “Pay Online Now”) at the top of the event posting near the ticket price per person
  4. Verify correct dollar amount for number of people you’re paying for. Modify if appropriate, click “Pay Now” or “Check Out” button
  5. If you don’t have a PayPal account, click “Pay with a Debit or Credit Card”
  6. If you have a PayPal account, simply log in, and pay as you normally would via PayPal

REMAINDER BALANCE PAYMENT DUE

PayPal account not required. DO NOT use the links in this section if you are making initial payment (please follow the steps in the “Payment” section instead. If you’ve already paid the initial non-refundable $500 deposit, please follow the instructions below for making the balance payment (if payment by smartphone doesn’t work, please try your computer). Your email receipt is confirmation that we have received your payment (please check your spam folder and email settings). Balance payment must be made by Wed. July 18th, otherwise you will lose your deposit and your spot on the trip. If you would like to pay your balance in installments, please message me through my Meetup profile.

  1. Click on the appropriate link below

Double Occupancy:

To pay the balance ($1495) for the $1995 price (to qualify, you must have made deposit before Sun. Apr. 1st), please click here

To pay the balance ($1595) for the $2095 price (to qualify, you must have made deposit before Fri. June 1st), please click here

To pay the balance ($1695) for the $2195 price (to qualify, you must have made deposit before Wed. July 18th), please click here

Single Occupancy:

To pay the balance ($2095) for the $2595 price (to qualify, you must have made deposit before Sun. Apr. 1st), please click here

To pay the balance ($2195) for the $2695 price (to qualify, you must have made deposit before Fri. June 1st), please click here

To pay the balance ($2295) for the $2795 price (to qualify, you must have made deposit before Wed. July 18th), please click here

  1. If you don’t have a Paypal account, click “Pay with a Debit or Credit Card”
  2. If you have a Paypal account, simply log in, and pay as you normally would via Paypal

INCLUSIONS

  • Pre-trip dinner at Athena Pallas restaurant (or similar)
  • Pre-trip Embassy of Greece visit with diplomats (pending approval)
  • “It’s All Greek to Me!” paperback version and book discussions during the trip (please note if new prints are unavailable, the best available condition used book will be obtained)
  • Accommodations as stated above (hotels 8 nights, based on twin-share rooms)
  • 8 breakfasts
  • Guided walking city tour of Athens
  • Acropolis entrance fee
  • Ferry rides to the islands of Mykonos and Santorini
  • Half day tour to the island of Delos
  • Oia sunset tour
  • Stop at the top of Profitis Ilias Mountain
  • Santo Wines visit
  • Volcano and hot springs tour
  • Group arrival and departure transfers from / to airport
  • All transfers between destinations and to / from included activities (air-conditioned bus, ferry, boat)
  • English speaking travel guide
  • Meetup group facilitation with book discussion by J.T. (Organizer)
  • Local guides / representative assistance
  • Post-trip reunion dinner at Blackfinn restaurant (or similar)

EXCLUSIONS

  • Entrance fees not listed
  • International airfare
  • Applicable tourist visas
  • Incidentals
  • Insurance
  • Airport taxes
  • Tips or gratuities for tour leader, bus driver, day / excursion guides, porters, etc. (typically $10 per day for tour leader, $1 – 2 per day for charter bus driver, $5 for excursion guide [half day], $1 – 2 per bag for porter)
  • Beverages
  • Meals not mentioned above
  • Excursions and activities listed as optional or suggestions

FLIGHTS, DAYS OFF, & AIRPORT TRANSFER

Update: The trip is confirmed (see UPDATE #1.5 at the top of the trip posting for full details). Go ahead and purchase your air tickets!

Please do not purchase your air ticket until this trip is confirmed (15 people have paid). You will receive notification by email when the trip is confirmed and I will also update the event posting at the top of this page. We can coordinate air schedules in the comment box of this page to try to get the same flights.

When buying your air ticket, make sure it arrives on Sat. Sept. 29th into Athens and departs on Sun. Oct. 7th from Santorini (see below). Also, depending on how many transfers you get, you may need to request off of work Fri. Sept. 28th – Mon. Oct. 8th. Please send to me your flight information through my Meetup profile.

Upon arrival on Sat. Sept. 29th, our group transfer from the airport (Athens International Airport – ATH) to the hotel will depart the airport at 3pm. If you’d like to take advantage of our free group transfer, please be sure to arrive before then. Look for the person at the arrival gates with the sign that says “J.T.’s DC Greece Meetup Trip.” If you are unable to take advantage of our group transfer, alternate options include: (1) Taxis are available at the designated taxi waiting area located at exit 3 of the arrivals level. A taxi from the airport to the city center (inner ring) costs a flat rate of €35 from 5am to midnight, and €50 from midnight to 5am. It’s ~20 miles away and takes 30 minutes to 1.5 hours, depending on traffic (2) Metro is available by taking the M3 line from airport to the Monastiraki station (~40 minutes, 16 stops, no transfer required). Cost is €10 for a one way ticket. From the Monastiraki station, walk 0.15 miles (3 minutes) to the hotel by heading southeast on Ifestou toward Areos, turn left onto Areos, continue on Pandrossou, turn left on Kapnikareas, hotel is on the right.

For departure on Sun. Oct. 7th, our group transfer from the hotel to the airport (Santorini Thira National Airport – JTR) will depart at 9am. So if you’d like to take advantage of our free group transfer, please be ready to leave the hotel by then and book your flight accordingly.

VISAS, VACCINES, & IMMUNIZATIONS

For U.S. citizens with a U.S. passport, a visa is not required.  Please take a look at the State Department website for visa information here… https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/country.html (click on the destination country, then click “Entry, Exit & Visa Requirements”). Please inform yourself if you are able to obtain visas at the borders, visa regulations change often, therefore we cannot hand out information. Please take a look at the CDC website for recommended vaccinations and medications here… http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/list/ . I suggest visiting a travel clinic prior to departure, since they can make recommendations on vaccinations that may be useful for travel to this country.

TRAVEL INSURANCE

You are required to purchase an all-inclusive insurance policy that covers emergency repatriation, medical, and evacuation for a combined minimum amount of $200,000. Trip cancellation, trip interruption, baggage loss and accidents should also be included. Costs vary by age, travel dates, and when you purchase, but an approximate quote is $100 – $150 for a 30-year-old. You should extend the insurance to cover your entire journey if you are arriving before or departing after our trip. Please secure full coverage (rather than coverage for covered reasons). You will need to book your air flights first before getting insurance coverage.

ELECTRICAL POWER

Mains electricity in Greece is 230V 50Hz and utilizes plug type C and F. Depending on your appliance, you may need a converter and an adapter. Please see the following link for more information… https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mains_electricity_by_country

QUESTIONS?

If you have any questions not answered on this page, please post a comment in the comment box or message me through my Meetup profile.

REFUND POLICY

Since payment is made in advance for this trip, all sales are final unless the trip is canceled or rescheduled. Thanks for understanding. =)

TIPPING

For many of the amazing people that are working to make our trip happen (the bus drivers, guides, hotel staff, etc), our tips are extremely important. Their work is often seasonal and unreliable, and in the excitement of the trip, they often get overlooked and forgotten. While tipping is never mandatory, we want to make sure that we take care of the staff that works so hard to help us enjoy our trip. We recommend (but do not require) that you bring $150 USD for tipping. We’d like to collect everyone’s tip money at the beginning of the trip and then tip all of the staff appropriately as the trip goes along. This method has two main benefits: it will ensure all staff are fairly compensated for their efforts, and you will not have to worry about constantly finding cash to tip the dozens of staff. If everyone contributes $150 USD, it will allow us to tip everyone well and leave a little extra to give to the staff that really go above and beyond for the group. Thank you for understanding.

SUGGESTED ITEMS TO BRING

1. USD cash 2. Credit and / or debit card 3. Pre-departure information and trip details 4. Passport, with photocopies (as a general rule, passport must have at least 6 months of validity beyond the return from entry into another country 5. Travel insurance (with photocopies) 6. Airline tickets (with photocopies) 7. Any entry visas or vaccination certificates required (with photocopies, see “Visa, Vaccinations, & Immunizations” section) 8. Camera (with extra memory cards and batteries) 9. Reading / writing material 10. Binoculars 11. Day pack 12. Plastic bags or cover for backpacks 13. Lock for luggage 14. Fleece top / long sleeve top 15. Windproof / waterproof jacket 16. Small towel and swim wear 17. Shirts / t-shirts 18. Water shoes / sports sandals / flip flops 19. Sun hat 20. Shorts / skirts 21. Long pants / jeans 22. Hiking pants / track pants 23. Hiking boots / sturdy walking shoes 24. Rain poncho / umbrella 25. Sunblock 26. Sunglasses 27. Toiletries 28. Watch or alarm clock 29. Water bottle 30. Pocketknife 31. Flashlight 32. Insect repellent 33. First-aid kit (should contain lip balm, Aspirin, Band Aids, anti-histamine, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, re-hydration powder, extra prescription drugs you may be taking) 34. Ear plugs 35. Eye mask 36. Moneybelt 37. Outlet adapter 38. Sleepwear

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