Before Your Trip

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
GREECE
(Updated June 2022)

PREPARING FOR YOUR TRIP
As you prepare to embark on your upcoming Ritz Tours journey, please log on to your Ritz Tours account and click on your trip confirmation ID to review the most up to date trip details including hotel information, flight schedules, and ticket number(s).  Please make sure you have all travel documents*, passports, and necessary visas ready before you depart for your trip. 

CHECKING IN AT THE AIRPORT
Be sure to bring your passport as you will need to present it when checking in at the airport*.  Please be advised that not all airlines assign seats in advance.  Some airlines assign seats at the airport during check-in.  We recommend all travellers arrive at the airport at least 3 hours prior to the flight departure time.  You will receive boarding passes at the airline counter when you check in for your flight.  
*Additional documents and/or PCR tests may be required due to COVID-19.  It is the responsibility of the traveler to check relevant travel advisories and/or restrictions and to obtain all necessary documents and tests prior to departure, as well as entry back into the U.S. Ritz Tours is not responsible if you are denied entrance for any reason in any country, even if you hold a valid passport and entry visa. 

UPON ARRIVAL IN GREECE
Please go through Customs and Immigrations on your own.  Our representative will be waiting for you inside the baggage claim area and will be holding a Ritz Tours flag or sign.  Please wear your Ritz Tours badge for easy identification.  

RItz Tours tour guides/airport assistants will wait for arriving tour members at the airport baggage claim area for up to 60 minutes after the landing time of the tour member's flight before departing from the airport with transportation to the hotel.  If for any reason a tour member does not meet the Ritz Tours representative within 60 minutes after the landing time of the tour member's flight, the tour member will be responsible for his or her own transportation from the airport to the hotel, along with all associated expenses.

**Land only packages do not include airport transfers.  Land only travellers – please arrange your own airport transfer to the hotel.  If you have purchased an airport transfer service from us please be sure to provide all flight information to Ritz Tours prior to your trip departure date.*

TRAVEL DOCUMENTS*

• Passports must be valid for 6 months from the return date of your trip.
• US Passport holders – No visa is required for your stay up to 90 days; A visa is required for all official and diplomatic passport holders.
• Non-US-Passport holders – please check with your local consulate or embassy for Greece Visa requirements.
• It is the responsibility of the traveller to obtain a visa and all required travel documents in a timely manner.

*Additional documents and/or PCR tests may be required due to COVID-19.  It is the responsibility of the traveler to check relevant travel advisories and/or restrictions and to obtain all necessary documents and tests prior to departure, as well as entry back into the U.S. Ritz Tours is not responsible if you are denied entrance for any reason in any country, even if you hold a valid passport and entry visa. 

BAGGAGE
Baggage allowance for international flights varies by airlines and is subject to change at any time.  For up-to-date baggage allowance restrictions, please check with the appropriate airline for their latest regulations.  Additional baggage charges may apply. 

Important Luggage Info & Tips

• Baggage is the sole responsibility of the traveler. We recommend using a TSA approved luggage lock and Ritz Tours luggage tags (enclosed) showing the name and contact information of the owner.
• DO NOT pack medicine, valuables, and other personal necessities in checked luggage. Keep these items in your carry-on bag.
• Consider packing a change of clothing, a set of undergarments and toiletry in your carry-on bag to avoid inconvenience caused by delays or lost luggage.
• Power bank chargers over 20,000 mAh are restricted from carry on and check in luggage.
• Power bank mAh capacity must be clearly labelled by the manufacturer on the charger.
• Please visit www.tsa.gov for USA carry on restrictions.
• No porter service will be provided throughout the tour or on ferry journeys; customers will need to be physically able to carry their own baggage when embarking and disembarking the ferry to place baggage in the designated storage area (this may include steps, inclines and/or uneven walkways).
• During the tour please always keep an eye on your personal belongings and valuables. Be aware of your surroundings when going out on your own. 
• Please keep in mind within Greece the baggage limitation on all flights varies by airline.  Please check directly with the corresponding airline for baggage allowance policies.

FERRY SERVICE DISRUPTION 
Please note, in circumstances which may be beyond our control, ferry services between islands may be interrupted or cancelled due to reasons such as, inclement weather, acts of God, a strike, or other unforeseen hazardous conditions. If the ferry services will not operate as scheduled, our ground agents in Greece will make reasonable efforts to assist you; this includes but is not limited to varying itineraries or substituting sightseeing excursions. In some cases, we may have to rearrange your itinerary to accommodate the revised ferry schedule and in other cases you will be given the option to pay the difference for a flight to the island; alternatively you may also purchase your own flight should you wish to. In other rare cases it may not be possible to access the island at all.  Please note, the options listed are for reference only and will vary based on the circumstances at the time of the event.  Our ground agents in Greece will determine the best alternative options for the group and inform you of the itinerary changes and/or alternate transportation options at the time of the event.  Please note, any unused tour costs will not be refunded, and any additional expenses incurred will not be reimbursed by Ritz Tours. Prior to your travels, we highly recommend purchasing adequate travel insurance.


CURRENCY
Greece uses the Euro as its national currency.  As of June 2021, the exchange rate is $1 U.S dollar to 0.82 Euro. We suggest you bring a combination of cash and credit cards for your trip.  Most department stores, hotels and restaurants will accept major credit cards such as American Express, Visa, and MasterCard.   However it is more convenient to use cash especially if you are planning to shop and eat in smaller shops. Please always keep your currency exchange receipts as you may need to present these when changing EUR back to your own currency at the end of your trip.  All travelers entering or leaving the EU with a sum equal to or exceeding 10,000 Euros must declare the amount in writing to Customs without being individually requested to do so. 

TIPPING
An important note on tipping - please note gratuities are not included in your tour cost.  They are customary and their purpose is to encourage and reward quality service.  Our guides and drivers greatly appreciate any tips you would like to give them.  As you will have different guides and drivers in each city, we have provided a breakdown for the suggested tip amount (in Euro) by city, guide and driver.

• Tour leader €7 per person/per night
• Long Distance coach driver €3 per person/per night
• Local guide  €1 per person per half day or €2 per person per full day
• Local driver  €1 per person per half day or €2 per person per full day

HEALTH & MEDICAL MATTERS

• Medical and vaccination requirements vary between countries and it is important you check with your family doctor or a qualified medical professional for the most up to date travel health information for the region you are visiting.  

*Additional documents and/or PCR tests may be required due to COVID-19.  It is the responsibility of the traveler to check relevant travel advisories and/or restrictions and to obtain all necessary documents and tests prior to departure, as well as entry back into the U.S. Ritz Tours is not responsible if you are denied entrance for any reason in any country, even if you hold a valid passport and entry visa. 

• Guests must ensure they are physically and medically able to travel; the majority of our tours incorporate active elements such as walking to and from buses and vessels, walking long distances, and sightseeing; you are responsible for familiarizing yourself with the level of activity that will be involved in your guided Tour. Please consult your physician regarding your medical condition and ability to travel long distances.
• It is advisable to pack any prescription medicine in your carry-on luggage. Please ensure prescription medicine is fully labelled. It may also be useful to bring aspirin, over-the-counter medicine for the flu, indigestion, motion sickness, etc. In case of illness during the trip, please immediately notify your tour guide for assistance.

ELECTRICAL REQUIREMENT
Greece’s electrical system operates at 220 volts.  You will need a voltage converter and plug adapter in order to use U.S appliances.  It is recommended travellers bring their own voltage converter and adapter.

TIME DIFFERENCE
The time difference between major cities in North America and Greece are as below:

• Los Angeles + 10 hours
• New York + 7 hours

MEALS
Certain meals are included in Greece as per the itinerary. We regret to inform you that Ritz Tours is unable to confirm any special meal request as it is based on the availability of the restaurants, hotels, and airlines. Please contact the airlines directly to place special meal requests for your flights. 

SHOPPING
Although Ritz Tours’ national guides will be happy to assist you with any shopping requirements, Ritz Tours does not assume responsibility for any items purchased at shops while on tour.  You are never required to purchase any items while on tour and thus must be responsible for your own purchases.  Any after sales correspondence must be between the passenger and the shop in question.

OPTIONAL TOURS
Optional tours may be added up to 7 days prior to the departure date. Optional tours may also be purchased while on the tour. All on-site optional tour purchases are an additional $10 per person and must be payable in USD cash (credit cards are not accepted for on-site optional tour purchases).  Optional tours that have a “pre-book” icon are only available for purchase up to 7 days prior to the departure date and are not available for on-site purchase.  Unused services, including optional tours are non-refundable.

CLIMATE & CLOTHING
Greece generally has a typical Mediterranean climate – the country traditionally experiences hot summers and rainy and cold winters but overall enjoys a good amount of sunshine all year long. 

• It is suggested to bring comfortable, casual clothing, and a swimsuit; a comfortable pair of walking shoes and sunglasses are essential, light hats advisable.
• Be prepared for many steps, uneven pavement and walking up steep inclines (especially in Santorini, Mykonos and Crete; as well as Athens’ historic sites) – comfortable walking shoes with grip are strongly recommended.
• If you are visiting Greece in the summer, choose lightweight clothes for its balmy weather – natural fabrics such as linens and cottons are highly recommended.  While the Greek islands are hot during the day, they can get cooler in the evenings so a light sweater or jacket is recommended. Winter months can be quite cold so normal winter wear is suggested.
• Check www.weather.com for more detailed weather conditions closer to your departure date. 
• It is not necessary to bring formal clothing however modest attire is always welcome.

GREECE EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBERS
+30 6947 56 59 06 (Marjan)
+30 6947 56 59 03 (Thanassis)
+30 6947 56 59 07 (emergency office – after hours)

Our experienced staff of Greece specialists take pride in providing you with the very best in service and planning.  Thank you for choosing Ritz Tours as your partner in travel.   We are confident your trip will be happy and rewarding!

Bon Voyage!