Greece Cruise & Santorini Tour Itinerary

Greece Cruise & Santorini Tour Itinerary
REF: EUF4
VERSION: 14

Duration:	9 days - Athens to Athens
Countries Visited:	Greece - Turkey
Age Guide:	Child 5-11 years Adult 12-65 years
Max Group Size:	16
Transport:	Private Vehicle or Taxi, Cruise Ship , Ferry, On Foot
Accommodation:	Hotels (5 Nights), Cruise Ship (3 Nights)
What's Included:	5 Breakfasts at Hotels - All Meals Aboard Cruise Ship - Local Representatives in Athens & Santorini, Crew on Cruise Ship - All Activities and Entrance Fees as per Itinerary - All Surcharges, Port Fees, Taxes and Crew Tips - Transfers between Hotels & Cruise Ship/Ferry - Greek Island and Turkey Cruise - Santorini Island Stay
Local Payment:	NO LOCAL PAYMENT
Highlights:	Greece - Athens - Aegean Island Cruise - Mykonos - Walking Through Labyrinthine Cycladic Town - Patmos - Rhodes - Crete - Santorini - Turkey - Kusadasi
Optional Highlights:	Greece - Greek Dinner & Greek Dancing Evening - Patmos Island Tour - St Johns Grotto, Orthodox Monastery - Rhodes & Lindos - Rhodes Highlights - Panoramic Heraklion - Palace of Knossos - Free Time on Santorini Island - Santorini Boat Trip & Barbecue - Caldera Oia - Oia Sunset Tour - Santorini Bus Tour - Turkey - Ancient Ephesus
Introduction	Greece - The land of myths and legends, ancient ruins, endless sunshine, whitewashed churches, and islands sitting like jewels in the blue Aegean. Turkey - where east meets west, with its Ottoman skyline, grand bazaars, Greco-Roman ruins and delicious spicy food. This family adventure starts in the classical city of Athens, before you board your cruise ship for three nights. Sit back and let the fabulous destinations come to you. Enjoy the on-board facilities as you sail to the beautiful islands of Mykonos, Patmos, Rhodes and Crete, and the exciting resort town of Kusadasi in Turkey. There are plenty of optional shore excursions from the cruise ship, giving you flexibility to choose as you go. Disembark on the island of Santorini, and enjoy two days and three nights on the island, before returning to Athens and the end of the adventure.
Joining Hotel:	President Hotel 43 Kifissias Ave 115 23 Athens Greece Ph: +30 210 6989000 Fax: +30 210 6924900 www.president.gr
Day 1:	Athens. Today is a joining day, so if you arrive into Athens early then you are free to explore. Please ensure that you are at the joining hotel at 6pm where you will meet your fellow travellers, and also the Local Representative who will confirm the transfer time to the port the following day. The Local Representative will also brief you on the cruise ship and cruise, and rest of the tour. Please note that you will be able to leave your luggage with hotel reception if you arrive early and wish to explore the area.
Day 2:	Athens, Board Cruise Ship, Sail to Mykonos, Overnight to Kusadasi (Turkey). Boarding commences at 9am, with a departure time of 10.30am. The cruise ship has plenty of amenities, including pool, spa, beauty salon, gym, sauna, hot tubs, bars, lounges, and internet cafe. Please note that the cruise will not be accompanied, but you will be looked after and assisted by the cruise ship crew. All shore excursions can be booked directly with the crew on the ship, and paid for locally. Today we sail to the beautiful island of Mykonos, with its scenic windmills, and whitewashed houses. We are scheduled to arrive in the early evening, and you have a few hours to explore the island. Wander through the labyrinthine whitewashed streets that are speckled with boutique shops and cafés, or just sit seaside with a cocktail in hand at Little Venice. Mykonos Walking Tour (Euros 50 pp Adult, 30 pp Child - 3 hours). Mykonos is world famous. It is the most cosmopolitan of the Greek Islands and attracts many visitors from all over the globe, including large numbers of artists and intellectuals. Your coach will take you to “Hora” the island’s capital where you will enjoy a walking tour in the narrow cobbled streets of the town, passing by chic boutiques, elegant nightclubs and white-washed houses until reaching Alefkandra. Alefkandra is a charming corner of Hora, known also as the “Venice” of Mykonos. The houses are built on the sea, with wooden balconies that evoke Venice. These were built from the mid 18th Century onward and were homes of wealthy merchants and captains. At Louis Theoxenia Hotel, you will enjoy the atmosphere while drinking your refreshment accompanied by Greek ‘meze’. You will return then to Mykonos Town (Hora) from where you will take the ship’s shuttle service back to the port to meet your ship. The ship sets sail again at 11pm bound for the Turkey. Please Note: Accommodation is in standard inside cabins. Upgrade to outside cabins is possible on payment of a supplement (prices on request) - and subject to availability. Please Note: Shore excursions are NOT included in the tour cost. All shore excursions may be booked and paid for locally. Prices are a guide and may be subject to change.
Day 3:	Kusadasi, Turkey then Patmos. Overnight sail to Rhodes. We arrive into Kusadasi early in the morning with time to explore until midday, or the chance to take an optional shore excursion. Ephesus & the House of Virgin Mary (Euros 70 pp Adult, 45 pp Child - half day). Drive through the colourful town of Kusadasi to reach Mt. Koressos. Situated in a small valley, the humble chapel lies on the site of the little house where the Virgin Mary is believed to have spent her last days. Despite the many controversies, the Christian World still favours this belief and the site has been officially sanctioned by the Vatican for pilgrimage. Continue on to Ancient Ephesus and accompanied by your guide walk through the Magnesian Gate which is the entrance to the ancient city of Ephesus. Your guided walking tour will take you through one of the most magnificent excavations in the world. See the Odeon (concert hall), the Fountain of Trajan, the steam-heated Baths of Scolastika, the Temple of Hadrian and the Latrians, the Library of Celsus and The Great Theatre, the largest one in antiquity with a capacity of 24,000 seats where St. Paul preached. Walk back to the coach along the Arcadian Way, where Mark Anthony and Cleopatra once rode in procession. While driving back to Kusadasi and just outside Ephesus, view the Basilica of St. John, which was erected over his grave in the 6th Century A.D. by Emperor Justinian. Before returning to the ship, get a cultural taste of Turkey by enjoying an exhibition of oriental carpets, jewellery or leather goods. Please Note! Tour not suitable for passengers with walking difficulties. Due to some walking at certain sites, comfortable and non-slip shoes are recommended. Ancient Ephesus (Euros 65 pp Adult, 45 pp Child - half day). Drive through the colourful town of Kusadasi and along the coast to reach Ephesus, famous in antiquity for its Temple of Diana - one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World - and later the home of St. John. During the years of the Roman Empire, the Greek port of Ephesus became the greatest city in Asia Minor. Upon arrival at Ephesus follow your guide to enter the ancient site through the Magnesian Gate. Discover innumerable monuments including the Forum, the Odeon, the Library of Celsus, the Thermal Baths of Scolastika and the Great Theatre built in the Greek Era and reconstructed in the Roman period, which is still noted for its remarkable acoustics. View the symbols all around and marvel at the fact that one is still able to read the inscriptions in the ancient Greek language. Walk back to your coach along the Arcadian Way, where once Mark Anthony and Cleopatra rode in procession. As you drive back to Kusadasi, on a hill above Selcuk, just outside Ephesus, view the Basilica of St. John, which was erected over his grave in the 6th Century A.D. by Emperor Justinian. Before returning to the ship, get a cultural taste of Turkey by enjoying an exhibition of oriental carpets, jewellery or leather goods. Please Note! Tour not suitable for passengers with walking difficulties. At noon we commence our sail to Patmos arriving at about 16.30pm. Disembarkation is by tender boats (weather permitting). Explore on your own, or join one of the optional shore excursions. St. John’s Monastery & Grotto of the Apocalypse (Euros 55 pp Adult, 35 pp Child - 3 hours). Depart from the port of Scala and enjoy a short drive to the village of Chora, where the Monastery of St. John is built within the walls of a strong fortification. As you walk uphill towards the entrance of the monastery marvel at this magnificent structure, which was built 900 years ago. View the courtyard, the monks’ dining room and the old bakery before you visit the main church noted for its outstanding frescoes and interior decoration. Next, visit the small museum where priceless ecclesiastical treasures, books, manuscripts, mosaics, icons, splendid medieval textiles, vestments and jewellery are housed. Return to your motor coach and continue to the nearby Grotto of the Apocalypse. Walk down the steps to the Grotto of the Apocalypse. Here you will see the niches in the wall that mark the pillow and ledge used as a desk by the author of the Book of the Revelation and the crack in the rock made by the voice of God honouring the Holy Trinity. Afterwards, drive back to the port of Scala and enjoy some free time in this quaint and picturesque town. Please Note! Tour not suitable for passengers with walking difficulties. Modest dress is required in the Religious Sites, no bare shoulders and knees must be covered. Please watch your step when visiting the Grotto of Apocalypse. Scenic Island Tour (Euros 45 pp Adult, 30 pp Child - half day). An interesting scenic island tour has been designed for those passengers who prefer to discover the beauties of Patmos from the comfort of an air-conditioned motor coach. Start the tour from the port of Scala and drive to the central part of the island “Chora” which is the location of the Majestic Byzantine Monastery of St. John the Divine, built in 1088. Your sightseeing will first bring you to the Grotto of the Apocalypse, and then to the windmills of Chora, once upon a time the landmark of all Aegean Islands, from where you will enjoy a beautiful view and have the chance to take photos. Afterwards, continue around the island to see its landscape of outstanding natural beauty comprising of rocky hills, dozens of tongues of land reaching out into the sea, tranquil beaches and many picturesque inlets. Before arriving at the port, a stop of 10 minutes is made at the square at Kambos in the north part of island. The tour ends at the port of Scala to enjoy free time in the quaint and picturesque little town. A refreshment or a coffee will be offered at Arion Café, the oldest and most beautiful café of the town. Please Note: Shore excursions are NOT included in the tour cost. All shore excursions may be booked and paid for locally. Prices are a guide and may be subject to change. At 9pm the ship departs heading for Rhodes overnight.
Day 4:	Rhodes, Overnight Sail to Crete. We arrive into Rhodes early in the morning, and have the day here. You can explore at lesiure or take one of the optional shore excursions. Rhodes & Lindos Combined (Euros 55 pp Adult, 30 pp Child - half day). Drive along the picturesque south-eastern coastline, dotted with white-washed villages, to Lindos, one of the most important of the three great cities of ancient times. See how this entire city is guarded by medieval walls which were constructed by the knights of St. John in the 13th Century. Within them stands the ancient Acropolis of Lindos, on the brink of a precipice 122 m above the sea. From the Acropolis, marvel at the breathtaking views covering the great expanse of the Aegean Sea and St. Paul’s Bay, where the apostle cast anchor during his historic voyage to Ephesus. Proceed on foot uphill, to the great staircase leading from the Hellenistic Portico to the Acropolis and Temple of Athena. Should you wish to make your way up by mule, a fee must be paid to the local muleteer. After the guided tour of the Acropolis, enjoy some free time on your own in Lindos village before meeting up with your motor coach. Return to Rhodes city and enjoy a panoramic drive through the new part of the city before continuing to Mount Smith to see the ruins of ancient Rhodes, the Temple of Apollo and Diagoras Stadium. Afterwards your motor coach will drop you off at Porte d’Amboise, the start of the walking tour through the medieval city of Rhodes. Follow your guide through the northern part where once lived the knights and their attendants. View the Palace of the Knights, continue your walk down Chevaliers Road to the Marine Gate and return back to the ship. A short visit to a ceramic factory is included. Please Note! The journey from Rhodes to Lindos is approx. 50 minutes. Tour not suitable for passengers with walking difficulties. Old City & Philerimos (Euros 60 pp Adult, 35 pp Child - half day). Drive along the medieval walls to the summit of Mount Smith, the Acropolis of ancient Rhodes. From the tumbled massive pillars of the Temple of Athena, the view encompasses the nearby Temple of Apollo, the stadium of Diagoras and the port, once protected by the Colossus of Rhodes, one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world. The drive continues across the island to Philerimos. The summit of Philerimos was the site of Ialysos, one of the three ancient cities of Rhodes. Later sites include the restored Byzantine Church of Our Lady of Philerimos, a chapel with 15th Century frescoes, and the ruined Castle of the Knights. After the visit and some free time, return to Rhodes and begin a guided walk of the old walled city to the Porte d’Amboise. It is a pleasure to stroll the street of the Knights with its medieval buildings, winding alleys, towers, turrets and emblazoned façades. You will then visit the impressive Grand Master’s Palace and have the chance to see the superb mosaics. The pleasant walk passes through the Marine Gate before you return to the ship. Butterflies Valley & Walking Tour (Euros 55 pp Adult, 25 pp Child - half day). Depart from the pier and drive along the western side of the island of Rhodes, where lies the Valley of the Butterflies (Petaloudes), one of the most attractive destinations on the island. During August, thousands of butterflies of the genus Panaxia overwhelm the valley in order to reproduce. During the rainy period, the Butterflies in the caterpillar stage remain in the Mediterranean thicket feeding on the foliage. As the end of the wet season approaches, towards the end of May, the final stage is concluded and the butterfly in all her perfection makes her appearance in the form recognizable to us all. They move constantly towards areas of highest humidity, always following the "water ways", as the dry period progresses, they finally arrive at the valley. Driving back to Rhodes Town you will continue your tour on foot, following your guide through the narrow, cobblestone streets. The most imposing building of medieval Rhodes, the Palace of the Grand Masters dominates the end of the Street of the Knights. Built in the 14th Century, it astonishes you with its unique architecture and an unrivalled patina of time. Walking down the Street of the Knights and passing through numerous, colourful shops, you can admire the 15th Century Hospital of the Knights which now houses the Archaeological Museum. At the end of the walking tour, you may choose to browse on your own a little longer and return to the ship on foot or join your coach to return directly to the ship. The ship is within sight and it takes approximately 10 minutes walking. Please Note! It is not allowed to disturb butterflies in any way (i.e. clapping hands, talking loudly, etc). The tour does not include inside visit of the Grand Master Palace. The tour will be available only from July to mid September. The ship sets sail at 6pm bound for Crete.
Day 5:	Crete (Heraklion), Sail to Santorini for Island Stay. We arrive into Heraklion early, and several shore excursions are available. Knossos Palace (Euros 60 pp Adult, 30 pp Child - half day). Crete is the largest and the most rugged of the Greek islands. It is also the home of the great Minoan Civilization and the mythological home of Zeus. After a short drive through the town of Heraklion the tour will arrive at the Knossos excavations. Here, Sir Arthur Evan’s archaeological discoveries revealed a civilization dating back to 4000 B.C., when a great empire flourished on the island of Crete. Based on the wealth of artefacts that were found, Evans theorized that this was the site of the ancient Minoan Kingdom. These findings will be viewed in detail, as your guide will lead you on a journey of discovery to learn of the sophisticated culture that flourished thousands of years ago on this island. The Palace, decorated with frescoes and shields houses the Hall of the Royal Guard, the Hall of the Double Axes, the King’s Chamber with the alabaster throne, the Queen’s Apartment, beautiful courtyards and shrines. Having visited this remarkable site your coaches will take you back to the Venetian lion-guarded port of Heraklion to rejoin your ship. Please Note! Walking in the archaeological site of Knossos will be on uneven gravel surfaces. Passengers may not be allowed to enter the site with big bags/rucksacks. A Taste of Crete (Euros 60 pp Adult, 30 pp Child - half day). The tour begins from the Venetian lion-guarded port of Heraklion with a drive through the city to the famous wine producing area of Peza, south of Heraklion. The drive is through breathtaking landscape of countryside and vineyards as old as Minoan times. The first stop is a modern winery, where you will see the updated methods of wine making and sample some of the delicious Cretan wines. The drive continues through rural villages to the village of Archanes, the municipality in the area. On the way, a photo stop is made at Vathypetro to view one of the oldest farmhouses in Crete, dating to the Minoan period 16th Century B.C.. The tour continues through the island’s hilly countryside where olive groves and vineyards existed from as far back as 4,000 years. Arriving at the village of Archanes, which is situated 10 km south of the Palace of Knossos, you will visit the quaint market town of Archanes characterised by many restored sandstone houses dating from the Turkish period. At a taverna in the village’s tree-shaded square, you will sample an assortment of Cretan snacks and locally produced wine, and have a chance to mingle with many of the locals themselves while listening to typical Greek music. You will have free time to browse before the return drive to the port of Heraklion and the ship. At 11am we set sail for Santorini arriving at about 1630pm. You will be met off the ship by a Local Representative holding a Kumuka sign. You will then transfer to our hotel for check in. The Local Representative can assist with local information, and advice on options for your stay on the island. The remainder of the day is at leisure.
Days 6-7:	Santorini. You now have two free days to relax and enjoy the beautiful island. Possible options which can all be organised locally include: Caldera Oia - We embark on a traditional boat for our visit to the active craters of the volcano on the top of the island of Nea Kameni. We stop for about 1h.30min. The next destination will be Thirassia, a typical cycladic village which has kept the old Greek way of life. Tiny houses of various colours give a special character to these small settlements. There is free time to swim or to stroll around the village. We stop here for about 1h.30min - 2 hours. Next we travel to the town of Oia, one of the most photographed places in Greece. Oia is best known for breathtaking sunsets. There will be time to see the sunset before we depart. Boat Trip and Barbeque - We leave from the port of Athinios and sail to see the Indian Rock (Akrotiri). The next destination will be Red Beach where you will be amazed by the unique geological phenomenon of red rocks that rise impressively. This is where you can swim in the deep blue waters, and where we have our barbeque meal offering delicious dishes. We stop over for about 1h30min. Then we visit the craters of the volcano on top of the island of Nea Kameni, stopping for 1h.30min. We journey to Palea Kameni where thermal springs provide natural warm-water bathing. After a short break we then leave to return to the port of Athinios. Santorini Bus Tour - Our first destination is the prehistoric museum, where you can admire the many items and masterpieces of art from the prehistoric cycladic islands. We stop for about 45-50min. Next we visit the Monastery of Profitis Ilias which is at the highest point of Santorini and spans to 1,856 feet at the summit. Here we have a photo stop for about 15min. We then journey to the village of Megalochori with its typical traditional cycladic houses, neoclassic buildings and small white churches, some of them with their blue domes. Here we have free time for 1h.30min. It is then on to Perissa where we stop for about 2hours to see the longest dark smooth sand beach with its crystal water and have some free time. Finally we travel to a Santorini winery where we experience the whole wine making process and some wine tasting (for the adults!). Our stop is about 45mins. After we return from our journey back to the hotel.
Day 8:	Ferry to Athens. Today we take a ferry back to the port of Piraeus, where we are met for the transfer back to our Athens hotel. The remainder of the day is then free for you to explore Athens or maybe do a little souvenir shopping.
Day 9:	Athens. The tour ends after breakfast
Finishing Hotel:	President Hotel 43 Kifissias Ave 115 23 Athens Greece Ph: +30 210 6989000 Fax: +30 210 6924900 www.president.gr
Please Note:	Please be aware that arrival times and the itinerary may change due to unforeseen delays or events such as festivals, public holidays and cruise ship schedule changes. Also please note that due to sailing and weather conditions, the ports of call may be altered. However, we shall endeavor to ensure all sites are visited and that your tour runs smoothly. The cruise ship is not exclusive to Kumuka, this way you will have an opportunity to meet people from various parts of the world.
What's not included:	All optional excursions, visas and meals unless otherwise stated in the itinerary.

Pre Departure Information Follows


Insurance:	Travel insurance is compulsory for all tours. All clients MUST be insured to cover personal accident, medical expenses, cancellation, curtailment and repatriation. It is also very important that your insurance policy is relevant to the Kumuka style of travel. Kumuka offers a specially negotiated insurance policy specifically tailored to adventure travel. As well as providing substantial cover for medical emergency, cancellation and curtailment, personal luggage, money and valuables and legal expenses, this insurance will also provide cover for the adventure activities you may choose to undertake whilst on tour. Please call us on the Kumuka free phone number 0800 068 8855 (UK only), or on 1300 667 277 in Australia, for further information. No client will be allowed on tours without suitable insurance. If you have already arranged insurance elsewhere, please be aware that many of the optional activities such as bungy jumping or water rafting may not be covered on your policy. If you plan on doing any of these activities please purchase additional insurance. At the start of your tour you will be asked to present your original policy document and complete an insurance information form. We recommend that you have a photocopy of this document, which you keep separate from the original. Please note: you will not be permitted to join a Kumuka Tour without travel insurance and you will be asked to purchase an insurance policy if you do not have travel insurance.
Passport:	Your passport is a valuable document and you should exercise extreme care in keeping it safe. We recommend that you keep your passport on you at all times, preferably in a money belt that is worn under your clothing. We advise that you take copies of relevant pages in your passport and any visas that you may purchase in case of loss or damage. Your tour leader will require your passport details at the pre-departure meeting. Again, we recommend that you have a photocopy of all passport details, kept separate. Your passport must be valid for six months after the END of your tour, and must have one blank page for each country to be visited.
Visa Requirements:	It is important that you obtain the appropriate visas before you embark on your Europe trip. Country entry regulations change daily, www.kumuka.com provides you with visa information. Please consult your relevant embassy for all details such as opening hours or costs. Visas cannot be obtained once you have started your tour, and during the peak summer months it can take longer than normal to get visas, please allow extra time to do this. EACH CLIENT IS SOLELY RESPONSIBLE FOR OBTAINING ALL NECESSARY VISAS BEFORE JOINING A TOUR. Multiple Entry Visas should be obtained where necessary for non EU PPT holders. Kumuka does not accept responsibility for changes in regulations or requirements for visas. The information provided is given in good faith.
Medical Information and Vaccination:	Vaccinations: No vaccinations are compulsory in Europe however you may need additional inoculations so please contact your G.P or a travel medical centre for further information. We also recommend: A dental check-up prior to travelling. That you know your blood group in case of emergency. That if you have any pre-existing medical conditions which might affect you on tour, you make these known to your tour leader and your agent/Kumuka at the time of your booking. You can also visit www.kumuka.com for further details. Medical Supplies: Your tour leader has a well-equipped medical kit that by law must remain sealed and can only be used in an emergency. We advise that all passengers bring along their own personal first aid kit. Below is a list of some recommended items: Band Aids/Bandages, Laxatives, Upset stomach remedy, Anti-diarrhoea remedy, Panadol/Aspirin, Rehydration remedy, Antiseptic cream/powder, Sterile dressing, any relevant course of medication such as contraceptive pills. A complete Travellers Medical Pack can be purchased for approximately US$25 at most Vaccination Centres, Chemists and outdoor travel shops.
Security:	Europe, like the rest of the world, is no stranger to theft. You must exercise extreme care with wallets, cameras and other valuables especially in towns or busy tourist areas. We advise that you make copies of your passport, credit cards, airline tickets and your insurance policy and that you keep a careful note of both used and unused traveller’s cheque numbers. At times when you are unable to store your valuables in safety deposit boxes in hotels we recommend that you carry some sort of money belt or hidden pouch for safekeeping of valuable items.
Money:	We recommend an average of €40-50 per day. This of course depends on your own spending habits, the number of optional excursions you wish to take and the amount of additional snacks, souvenirs and drinks you wish to buy along the way. Be aware that some countries are more expensive than others and that if you are travelling through several your expenses will vary enormously. Similarly there will be some days when you spend nothing at all and others when you exceed your budget. We advise that you carry a mixture of cash mainly Euros and credit/debit cards with you on your trip. Credit cards are accepted virtually everywhere in Europe. They can also be used to obtain money from ATMs. You should make sure you know your PIN number. ATM cards can be used widely in Europe. Again, you will need your PIN. Your bank will provide you with more details. Euro cheques are now valid for all EU countries except the UK, Switzerland, Hungary and the Czech Republic. The Euro has come into effect as a cash currency from 2002 Travellers cheques are difficult to cash and always have a transaction fee applied..
Tipping:	In Greece and Turkey, tipping is a way of life and very much expected. For many tipping is a means of supplementing their wage and is a normal part of payment for goods and services. Be sure to keep small denomination notes or coins on you to avoid embarrassment. It is customary to tip for services received, however, not compulsory. Your tour leader will be able to recommend a general figure for the services that you will receive. Please note, however, that in your tour cost, tipping for cruise staff has been included, as this is a compulsory charge. Tipping of Local Guide - This is at your discretion. You may consider tipping your tour guide as an expression of your satisfaction for their efficiency and service.
Luggage & Personal Equipment:	- A frameless or internally framed backpack is the best way to carry your belongings since it is easy to lift on and off vehicles. - A small daypack is practical for keeping general items (e.g. camera, books, wallets etc.) at hand when your main pack is out of reach. It is also handy for day trips and excursions. - We also recommend that you keep your passport, credit cards Travellers Cheques etc. on you at all times, preferably in a money belt worn under your clothes. TRAVEL TIP: You might be tempted to buy a few souvenirs here and there, so leave a little room for those extra purchases!
Personal Effects:	We suggest that you take into account the time of year you will be travelling, and pack accordingly to the season. Quick drying clothes are recommended, and at many hotels there are laundry facilities. Your tour leader will advise where this is possible. Personal Effects: Camera, Spare passport photos, Water bottle, Money belt, Sewing kit, Sunhat/ Sunglasses, Music CDs/Ipod, Books, Wet Ones, Soap to wash clothes, Writing materials, Swiss Army knife, Calculator, Personal toiletries, including tampons, contraceptives, Insect Repellent, Sunscreen.
Local Customs:	Please use your discretion and be sensitive to cultural differences in the countries that you visit, in particular visits to religious buildings and when taking photographs. Your Tour Leader will advise you of any specific customs to observe. Greece’s population is 98% Orthodox Christian, please consider covering shoulders and knees when entering a church or monastery. Turkey is 99.8% Muslim, even though it is more western then the its Arabic neighbours, please consider modest dress and behavior when visiting Mosques.
Books and Reading Material:	You might like to read up on the destinations that you are about to visit as these cities all have interesting sites and histories. We recommend a variety of guidebooks such as Lonely Planet, The Rough Guide and Insight Guides. All these publications have good general information as well as more specific country information that will help orientate you in the countries you visit.
Climate:	For detailed climate information see www.kumuka.com. Travel Tip: Always bring a lightweight, waterproof jacket and/or an umbrella even during the height of summer - this should prepare you for anything!
Time:	For detailed information see www.timezoneconverter.com or www.timeanddate.com
Language:	English will be widely spoken in the major tourist attractions of the main cities. Take the time before your trip to read up on the country you will be visiting and perhaps learn a few words of the language. Your effort will always be welcomed and will make your trip all the more enjoyable.
Food:	Breakfast is included when in hotels, and full board when on the cruise ship.
Photography:	All types of camera film are readily available in Europe; however, it is often cheaper to purchase it in your country of origin or through duty free. As a guideline, most people use approximately one to two rolls of 36 per week. Fast film (200-400 ASA) may be useful at times and black & white film is nice to use for portraits of local people. A zoom lens is also useful. Please remember, we are guests in the countries through which we travel and we may sometimes inadvertently cause offence by taking photographs without first asking permission. You will notice a high presence of military installations in Greece and Turkey, since military service is compulsory in both countries. It is absolutely forbidden by law to take photos at any borders and of any of the military structures such as watchtowers, as they are all active military zones.
Accommodation:	Please note that on the cruise ship there are various cabin types, please speak to your travel consultant if you wish for an upgraded cabin. This tour is based on standard inside cabins on the cruise ship.
Pre and Post Tour Accommodation:	All our tours begin with a pre-departure meeting when you meet your tour leader, and fellow travellers. If you wish to spend a few additional days in your start city before the departure of your tour, then we can arrange accommodation for you. If you would like to spend a few extra nights in Athens at the end of your tour, we will be more than happy to arrange this for you as well. All our accommodation is carefully chosen, conveniently located, clean and comfortable. (All rates per person per night and subject to availability).Please be aware that accommodation availability can fill very quickly especially during high season and recommend that you book this as soon as possible.
Optional Activities:	The cruise ship offers a selection of optional shore excursions. Kumuka endeavours to offer optional activities available locally during tours with selected ground handlers to make your tour more enjoyable. These ground handlers and activity partners are selected for their standards in quality, professional ability and reputation. Whereas, Kumuka has developed a travel insurance policy to cover all activities offered during your journey, Kumuka cannot be held responsible for injuries or claims arising from adventurous activities by third parties. The shore excursions have been detailed in the itinerary above. Please note that these are intended as a guide only and prices and availability cannot be guaranteed. Prices are in Euros. Your cruise ship crew will assist you in planning and organising any optional excursions.
Drug Policy:	Under no circumstances are any illegal drugs allowed on any part of the trip. Anyone discovered in possession of any such drugs, will be asked to leave the tour immediately without question or refund.
Staying in Touch:	Whilst on tour you will probably want to stay in touch with family and friends. There are several ways of doing this: Mobile Phone – Before departing your home country check with your phone supplier to see if it compatible with the mobile phone networks in the countries that you are traveling to, and how much will it cost to use abroad. Email – Internet Cafes are very cheap and popular, and you are sure to come across several during your tour. If you haven’t done so already, set up a free Google Mail, Hotmail, or Yahoo email account which you can then access from any computer. Internet Cafes will charge a nominal fee for using their computers. Within Europe some hotels charge a wifi connection fee and we cannot guarantee a wifi connection at all hotels we use. Twitter – A method of communication that is rapidly gaining in popularity on the Internet especially amongst travelers. Twitter allows you to send short messages and update your friends and family with where you are on tour and what you are doing. Create your free account at http://twitter.com. Visit Kumuka’s page on Twitter at http://twitter.com/kumuka Facebook – Very popular website that allows you to upload stories, get in touch with fellow travellers before and after your Kumuka tour, upload photos and videos to share with other travellers, your family and friends. To create a free account, go to www.facebook.com and then become a fan of Kumuka’s Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/pages/Kumuka-Worldwide/26617121087?ref=ts Postcards – The good ol’ fashioned postcard. But you will probably get home before the postcard does!
Tour Feedback:	Tour Questionnaire - We would like to hear about your experiences on tour. One week after your tour ends you will automatically receive a feedback questionnaire via email. If we do not have your email address you can still complete a questionnaire by visiting www.kumuka.com/feedback Email - If you have any specific comments about your tour then please write to us by email to operations@kumuka.com
Contact Details:	KUMUKA WORLDWIDE UK OFFICE Hillswood Business Park 3000 Hillswood Drive Chertsey KT16 0RS Tel: +4420 7937 8855 Fax: +442075043782 Email: sales@kumuka.com www.kumuka.com AUSTRALIAN OFFICE Level 5, 387 George Street, Sydney NSW 2000 Tel: 02 9279 0491 Fax: 02 9279 0492 Email: sales@kumuka.com.au www.kumuka.com.au
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This tour is operated by Kumuka Worldwide. Information given in all brochures, leaflets and dossiers is given in good faith by the company, and is based on the latest information available at the date of publication. The company reserves the right to change any of the facilities or vehicles described in the brochure without becoming liable for compensation or refund.

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