Greece Connect is not like other travel tours to Greece! It’s for solo travelers who want to experience Greek culture and all it has to offer, but prefer not to do so alone. It’s an experience that incorporates structure, personal time, customized small group travel tours, spontaneity, and a shared experience with a diverse group. You won’t have to plan or book a thing. That’s right, leave the work behind and simply soak up each experience!
Sun, clear blue seas, archeological sites, glorious food, local wine and everything Greek! More than a holiday, this is an opportunity to explore Greek culture up close and personal…an experience that a camera will never be able to fully capture.
[/fusion_text][fusion_separator style_type=”none” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” sep_color=”” top_margin=”10px” bottom_margin=”10px” border_size=”0″ icon=”” icon_circle=”” icon_circle_color=”” width=”” alignment=”center” /][fusion_title margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” size=”2″ content_align=”left” style_type=”default” sep_color=””]Why should you join Greece Connect?
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- Tour is led by a guide with an expertise in Greek culture
- See famous sites such as the Acropolis, the Changing of the Guard, Mykonos, the Santorini sunset and caldera
- Mingle with local residents
- Flexible time on your own throughout the trip
- Greece is beautiful!
Who is Greece Connect for?
[/fusion_title][fusion_separator style_type=”none” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” sep_color=”” top_margin=”10px” bottom_margin=”10px” border_size=”0″ icon=”” icon_circle=”” icon_circle_color=”” width=”” alignment=”center” /][fusion_checklist icon=”fa-check” iconcolor=”#01a189″ circle=”no” circlecolor=”” size=”14px” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=””][fusion_li_item icon=”fa-check”]Anyone, from anywhere, over the age of 21
[/fusion_li_item][fusion_li_item icon=”fa-check”]Travelers who embrace inclusiveness and diversity
[/fusion_li_item][fusion_li_item icon=”fa-check”]Those who have the ability to be easy-going and flexible and—most of all—understand that travel can be unpredictable (e.g. the weather)
[/fusion_li_item][fusion_li_item icon=”fa-check”]Any diet – we are mindful of vegetarian, vegan, halal, and other dietary needs
[/fusion_li_item][fusion_li_item icon=”fa-check”]Positive, independent, solution-oriented people with the willingness to offer their wisdom and skills for greater group enhancement
[/fusion_li_item][fusion_li_item icon=”fa-check”]Ability to carry one’s own luggage—potentially up/down stairs
[/fusion_li_item][fusion_li_item icon=”fa-check”]Participants must have the ability to walk up to 5 miles throughout a day on varied terrain
[/fusion_li_item][fusion_li_item icon=”fa-check”]Travelers who speak English (other language skills are a bonus!)
[/fusion_li_item][/fusion_checklist][fusion_separator style_type=”none” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” sep_color=”” top_margin=”10px” bottom_margin=”10px” border_size=”0″ icon=”” icon_circle=”” icon_circle_color=”” width=”” alignment=”center” /][fusion_title margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” size=”2″ content_align=”left” style_type=”default” sep_color=””]Onsite Concierge and Cultural Expert for Greece Connect
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Each trip is led by an experienced guide. She will lead all group excursions and serve as your concierge for solo adventures. We also partner with local businesses/experts for certain aspects of Connect trips–see individual itineraries for more information.
[/fusion_text][fusion_text]I appreciated our guide’s knowledge and calm and confident demeanor. – Jane, Greece Connect Traveler
Watch a video from Greece Connect 2017 and Greece Connect 2018.
[/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ layout=”2_3″ spacing=”” center_content=”no” link=”” target=”_self” min_height=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_position=”left top” background_repeat=”no-repeat” hover_type=”none” border_size=”0″ border_color=”” border_style=”solid” border_position=”all” padding_top=”” padding_right=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=”” dimension_margin=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=”” last=”no”][fusion_title margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” size=”2″ content_align=”left” style_type=”default” sep_color=””]Sample Itinerary
[/fusion_title][fusion_separator style_type=”none” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” sep_color=”” top_margin=”10px” bottom_margin=”10px” border_size=”0″ icon=”” icon_circle=”” icon_circle_color=”” width=”” alignment=”center” /][fusion_checklist icon=”fa-check” iconcolor=”#01a189″ circle=”no” circlecolor=”#01a189″ size=”14px” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=””][fusion_li_item icon=”fa-check”]All accommodations are 4+ stars and the Santorini accommodations include a pool
[/fusion_li_item][fusion_li_item icon=”fa-check”]Safety and security are a priority for all trips
[/fusion_li_item][fusion_li_item icon=”fa-check”]Maximum group size: 12 people
[/fusion_li_item][fusion_li_item icon=”fa-check”]Ages: Over 21
[/fusion_li_item][/fusion_checklist][fusion_separator style_type=”none” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” sep_color=”” top_margin=”10px” bottom_margin=”25px” border_size=”0″ icon=”” icon_circle=”” icon_circle_color=”” width=”” alignment=”center” /][fusion_title margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” size=”2″ content_align=”left” style_type=”default” sep_color=””]Daily Itinerary
[/fusion_title][fusion_separator style_type=”none” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” sep_color=”” top_margin=”10px” bottom_margin=”10px” border_size=”0″ icon=”” icon_circle=”” icon_circle_color=”” width=”” alignment=”center” /][fusion_accordion type=”” boxed_mode=”” border_size=”1″ border_color=”” background_color=”” hover_color=”” divider_line=”no” icon_size=”” icon_color=”” icon_boxed_mode=”” icon_alignment=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=””][fusion_toggle title=”Thursday, May 21: Arrive in Athens” open=”no”]Meals: Dinner
Upon arrival at ATH (Athens International Airport), you’ll be driven to the hotel to get settled in and put your feet up or go for a stroll on historic Athenian streets. The group will meet in the hotel lobby at 6:00 p.m. and head to a rooftop welcome dinner with a view to start getting to know one another.
+ Arrive to Athens airport no later than 3:00 p.m. (Greece Time)
+ Airport pick-up times will be communicated to you after you send your flight information
At the welcome dinner, we’ll review the itinerary for the next 2 days in Athens and you’ll receive a packet with maps of the city, public transportation passes, archaeological site passes, etc.
[/fusion_toggle][fusion_toggle title=”Friday, May 22: Athens” open=”no”]Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
We will embark on a tour of the city that mixes modern and ancient landmarks, including the Acropolis, Ancient Agora, Temple of Zeus, Olympic Stadium, National Gardens and much more. We’ll be sure to stop along the way for Greek coffee time, slouvaki, and gelato…of course!
Travelers will be presented with various entertainment options for the evening—theatre, outdoor movie, art and culture, shopping, concerts, dancing, and more. Or if you need to go back to the hotel and rest your feet, that is always an option!
The walking tour covers approximately 5 miles over the course of the day. There is uneven surfaces, hills, and stairs but we take plenty of breaks.
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Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Spend the day exploring more of Athens, including the National Archeological Museum, Lykavittos Hill, and more. Bargain shop throughout the historic Plaka, and hit the trendy Syntagma designer stores. Stop in Syntagma Square to watch the changing of the guard in front of the Greek Parliament.
Additional Options: Day trip to Cape Sounion, Korinthos, Delphi, or the island of Aegina (extra cost for these day trips). Information for these options will be available upon arrival.
We’ll gather for dinner at 8:00 p.m. (eating on “Greek time”!) and look forward to our island hopping that will begin the next day!
[/fusion_toggle][fusion_toggle title=”Sunday, May 24: Naxos” open=”no”]Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We’ll sail from Athens to the island of Naxos, which will be our home for the next 3 nights. Upon arrival we’ll enjoy some local favorites and a traditional Greek meal at sunset.
Note: Ferries (some smaller and high speed) will be our mode of transportation to the islands. If you are prone to motion sickness, be sure to take precautions in case of rough seas.
[/fusion_toggle][fusion_toggle title=”Monday, May 25: Naxos” open=”no”]Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Today is a day of options. You’ll be able to choose from a walking tour of Naxos Town, a day trip to the island of Mykonos, a day at the pool or beach, or explore Naxos on your own.
[/fusion_toggle][fusion_toggle title=”Tuesday, May 26: Naxos” open=”no”]Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today, we’ll head out on sail boat to the little Cyclades – smaller islands near Naxos. We’ll have lunch on the boat and have opportunities to swim along the way.
Note: Sails are weather dependent. But we always have an equally enjoyable “plan b” ready just in case.
[/fusion_toggle][fusion_toggle title=”Wednesday, May 27: Santorini” open=”no”]Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
After some last minute shopping on Naxos, we’ll continue on to the extraordinary gem of the sea, Santorini. The ride there is almost as breathtaking as the island itself. Get your cameras ready!
We’ll get settled in at the hotel and then head out on a site seeing excursion of the island. Santorini is a geological wonder with some of the most picturesque architecture and views in the world. We’ll end the day with a Greek feast on the cliffs of Fira, basking in the beauty of the Santorini sunset.
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Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today is all about vineyards and views. We’ll explore some of the unique wineries around the island and sample Santorini’s best wines. Along the way, we’ll stop to take in some of the unique views and landscape, including volcanic rock beaches.
Late afternoon, we’ll make our way to the village of Oia to take in those iconic blue roofs! Shop till you drop in between the breathtaking views. And we’ll catch the sunset while dining with an unforgettable backdrop.
[/fusion_toggle][fusion_toggle title=”Friday, May 29: Santorini” open=”no”]Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
A day of pure Santorini! Go snorkeling or sailing, relax on the beach, enjoy a drink and book at the pool, shop, take a motorbike around the island, and more… spend the day however you want!
On our last full day together, we’ll meet up for a farewell dinner.
[/fusion_toggle][fusion_toggle title=”Saturday, May 30: Depart” open=”no”]Meals: Breakfast
Flights leave at varying times throughout the day and typically have layovers in Athens. There are also ferries from Santorini to Athens at least twice per day. We are happy to help you plan your route home. And your guide will be in Santorini until May 31, in case you decide to stay an extra day or your flight leaves in the evening on May 30th.
Transportation will be provided for you to the airport or port.
[/fusion_toggle][/fusion_accordion][fusion_separator style_type=”none” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” sep_color=”” top_margin=”10px” bottom_margin=”10px” border_size=”0″ icon=”” icon_circle=”” icon_circle_color=”” width=”” alignment=”center” /][fusion_title margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” size=”2″ content_align=”left” style_type=”default” sep_color=””]Cost
[/fusion_title][fusion_separator style_type=”none” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” sep_color=”” top_margin=”10px” bottom_margin=”10px” border_size=”0″ icon=”” icon_circle=”” icon_circle_color=”” width=”” alignment=”center” /][fusion_text]Single Occupancy: USD $3,495 per person
Double Occupancy: USD $3,195 per person
Deposit: $500 is due upon registration to save your spot
Registration Deadline: TBD
Trip balance is due 45 days prior to departure.
The fee is inclusive of accommodation (non-smoking), ground and sea transportation, admission tickets, meals as noted on the itinerary, and gratuities.
- Participants are responsible for their own airfare to Athens and transportation from Santorini. (For an additional $50 fee, Creative Travel Connections will find airfare for you based on your needs.)
- This trip requires a minimum of 8 participants (max 12).
- Participants are required to purchase individual travel insurance. (recommendations available upon request)
[/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container][fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”no” hundred_percent_height=”no” hundred_percent_height_scroll=”no” hundred_percent_height_center_content=”yes” equal_height_columns=”no” menu_anchor=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_position=”center center” background_repeat=”no-repeat” fade=”no” background_parallax=”none” enable_mobile=”no” parallax_speed=”0.3″ video_mp4=”” video_webm=”” video_ogv=”” video_url=”” video_aspect_ratio=”16:9″ video_loop=”yes” video_mute=”yes” video_preview_image=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” padding_top=”” padding_right=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=””][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ layout=”1_1″ spacing=”” center_content=”no” link=”” target=”_self” min_height=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_position=”left top” background_repeat=”no-repeat” hover_type=”none” border_size=”0″ border_color=”” border_style=”solid” border_position=”all” padding_top=”” padding_right=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=”” dimension_margin=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=”” last=”no”][fusion_title margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” size=”2″ content_align=”left” style_type=”default” sep_color=””]I can’t wait to travel with Creative Travel Connections again! We had no worries, a variety of options, and an unforgettable time! – Betty (Greece ConnectTraveler)
Fees and Cancellation Policy
[/fusion_title][fusion_separator style_type=”none” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” sep_color=”” top_margin=”10px” bottom_margin=”10px” border_size=”0″ icon=”” icon_circle=”” icon_circle_color=”” width=”” alignment=”center” /][fusion_text]The fee is inclusive of accommodations, ground and sea transportation, admission tickets, meals as noted on the itinerary, and gratuities.
- A $500 USD non-refundable deposit is due upon registration.
- Full payment is required 45 days before the trip.
- Cancelations up to 45 days before the trip are subject to a 5% administrative fee based on the full registration cost. 20-45 days before the trip: 15% administrative fee. 0-20 days before the trip: 25% administrative fee. The $500 deposit is non-refundable.
- Participants are responsible for their own airfare to Athens and from Santorini.
- Participants are required to purchase individual travel insurance. (recommendations available upon request)
Other Important Information
[/fusion_title][fusion_separator style_type=”none” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” sep_color=”” top_margin=”10px” bottom_margin=”10px” border_size=”0″ icon=”” icon_circle=”” icon_circle_color=”” width=”” alignment=”center” /][fusion_checklist icon=”fa-check” iconcolor=”#01a189″ circle=”no” circlecolor=”” size=”14px” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=””][fusion_li_item icon=”fa-check”]Traveler’s passport must be valid for at least 6 months after date of travel in order to board flights.
[/fusion_li_item][fusion_li_item icon=”fa-check”]You will be sent a packing list, optional pre-trip reading, and any other relevant information upon deposit. Really…you just need to pack and get on the airplane with your passport!
[/fusion_li_item][fusion_li_item icon=”fa-check”]Travelers will meet each other virtually before the trip.
[/fusion_li_item][fusion_li_item icon=”fa-check”]Questions are welcome.
[/fusion_li_item][/fusion_checklist][fusion_separator style_type=”none” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” sep_color=”” top_margin=”10px” bottom_margin=”10px” border_size=”0″ icon=”” icon_circle=”” icon_circle_color=”” width=”” alignment=”center” /][fusion_text]If you’re looking for a customized trip for a group or family, please contact us.
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