- Explore the historical city of Athens on a walking tour with your local leader and let them take the hassle out of navigating this bustling capital.
- Witness the spectacular colours of Santorini’s famous sunset bathe the caldera.
- Venture off the tourist trail with a stop in Amorgos, where a striking 11th-century monastery built into a cliff offers breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea.
- Discover the mythology behind one of the most important archaeological sites in Greece, Delos, and let a local guide give you a fascinating insight into its history.
08 Sep 2021
Cruising the Islands of Greece
PEGT
Validity: 01 May 2021 to 31 Oct 2021
Santorini and Mykonos lure sun-seeking crowds to their idyllic shores for good reason, but the collection of islands that make up the Cyclades are ripe with less-travelled gems. Cruise the Aegean Sea on a small ship and take in these perennial favourites as well as charming hill villages, secluded beaches and an unusual rock hewn monastery. Delve into the country’s rich history exploring ancient archaeological sites like Delos. Spend a day in Turkey touring the ruins of Ephesus and the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Add a healthy helping of delicious Greek cuisine for an adventure you won’t soon forget.
Peregrine
Adventure Cruising
Small cruise ship,bus
1
No particular level of physical fitness is required for our adventure cruises, although you should have a good level of mobility and enjoy good health. We do ask that you read through the trip notes to ensure that this trip is right for you. Please keep in mind that there are a number of shore excursions offered on your voyage. Some are walking tours and may involve a reasonable amount of walking over varied terrain. We recommend you bring a good pair of walking shoes or boots, carry a water bottle and don’t forget the sunscreen and hat. Depending on the excursion, disembarking the ship may be by zodiac, tender or onto a dock. Very occasionally, it will be a beach landing where you may need to wade through shallow water a short distance to reach the shore. This will be highlighted in the trip notes. Snorkelling and fishing equipment is provided on board all of our vessels. To snorkel, we request that you consider your fitness level and your confidence in the water before taking part.
Astor Hotel
16 Karageorgi Servias Str
Athens
10562
GREECE
Phone: +30 2103351000
Marina Zea
Plateia Alexandras (Alexandras Square) (Closest street) Akth Kountouriotou 1
Athens
GREECE
In 2021 this trip will be onboard the M/S Panorama ITINERARY CHANGE for September and October departures ONLY in 2021 Due to the border restrictions between Greece and Turkey we have removed the stop in Kudasai, Turkey and replaced it with a stop in Syros, Greece. The itinerary has been amended online to reflect these changes.for the upcoming departures. For all 2022 departures the itinerary will revert to sailing to Turkey with the stop in Kudasai. The 2022 itinerary will be updated online in September 2021. COMPLIMENTARY ARRIVAL TRANSFER A complimentary arrival transfer is included from the airport to the Hotel in Athens. Please advise your flight details at least 14 days prior to departure. ENHANCED HEALTH SCREENING We have introduced additional safety measures on this trip, all customers must be fully vaccinated to join this trip. You will need to be fully vaccinated by receiving the full dosage of the COVID-19 vaccine and allowing enough time for immunity to take effect. More information can be found on our Coronavirus (covid 19) – Customer Information page https://www.peregrineadventures.com/en-au/covid19 On day one of this trip all customers are required to take a rapid antigen test which will be organised to take place at the hotel between 6-7pm. There is no cost for this test. During the trip there will also be regular body temperature and blood oxygen content checks - all non- invasive checks that are a requirement from our ship operator. COUNTRY ENTRY REQUIREMENTS Please ensure you regularly check your Governments travel advisories for the latest entry requirements for Greece. SINGLE TRAVELLERS Single travellers will share a twin a room with another traveller of the same gender. If you’d prefer not to share, a single cabin supplement is available at an additional charge. A single passenger cannot be booked or confirmed in a double cabin unless a single supplement is paid. SNORKELLING There are many opportunities for snorkelling during this trip. There are limited diving masks, snorkels and fins provided onboard the yacht and are for use by all passengers. They are disinfected prior to use. Some customers may prefer to bring their own diving mask, snorkel and fins from home to avoid sharing the equipment on board.
On your voyage, as well as the ship and hospitality crew, there will be between 1 and 3 local tour leaders (depending on the total number of passengers). These leaders will be with you on board the ship, and on all included shore activities. They will have good general knowledge of the areas you are passing through including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects, as well as being able to recommend great local eating venues for your on shore meals and what you might like to do with your free time (when you're not relaxing and enjoying the ship's facilities).
Many national governments provide a regularly updated advice service on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure and ensure that your travel insurance covers you for all areas your itinerary covers. Please refer to our website's safety page for links to major travel advisories and updates on safety issues affecting our trip. We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe-keeping of your passport, air tickets, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewellery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Your cabin has a safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables whilst on board. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage.
Wifi is available on all ships at EUR15 for 200MB or EUR20 for 250MB. The coverage can be very intermittent and unreliable. On shore in most countries, you should find fast, free wifi available in cafes or restaurants. Internet connections in Cuba are very unreliable.
As a general rule most countries expect that your passport has a minimum of 6 months validity remaining. Please ensure the name on your passport matches the name on your booking and airline tickets. Your passport details are required to complete your booking. Your consultant will contact you when this is required. Take a copy of the main passport pages and other important documents with you, and leave another copy at home with family or friends. PASSPORT You will need a valid passport to travel internationally. As a general rule, most countries require that your passport has a minimum of 6 months validity remaining. Your passport details are required to complete your booking. Please ensure the name on your passport matches the name on your booking and airline tickets exactly and contact us immediately if there are any errors. We recommend taking copies of the main passport pages and other important documents with you as well as leave copies at home with family or friends. VISAS Visas are the responsibility of the individual traveller. Entry requirements can change at any time. It is important that you check your government's foreign travel advisories along with the consular website of the country or countries you are travelling to for the most up to date information specific to your nationality and circumstances. Please be aware that not all visa information found online from other sources may be valid while COVID-19 restrictions are in place. Visas can take several weeks to process, so make sure you research the requirements as soon as you have booked your trip to allow for obtaining any necessary documents as well as the application and processing time. Your booking consultant can advise on a visa processing service or you can apply yourself directly through a consulate. COVID-19 Entry and Exit Requirements Below you will find general visa advice about the destinations on your trip. Due to constantly evolving COVID-19 requirements and restrictions, please refer to your government's foreign travel advice for the most up to date information.You may also refer to our travel alert page for more info https://www.intrepidtravel.com/en/travel-alerts Make sure you are familiar with the current border measures and entry requirements as these are quite complex and changing frequently without notice. Please also ensure you have a travel insurance policy that covers your travels as well as medical or COVID-19 related expenses within the country. RETURN TRAVEL Please ensure you stay up to date with any current testing or quarantine requirements for returning to your home country or transiting through other destinations after the completion of your tour. We are able to help facilitate taking a COVID-19 test while on trip. Please ensure you have funds available to cover the cost of this test which will be payable directly to the testing site. Your Intrepid Tour Leader will provide more details at the group meeting as well as assist with booking appointments for all travellers who need to be tested. A visa is not required for Greece for a stay of up to 3 months for Australian, New Zealand, US, Canadian and EU passport holders. All other nationalities should check their visa requirements with the relevant consulate. Most nationalities do not require a visa if arriving by ship at sea ports and intend to visit the seaport or nearby provinces for touristic purposes provided that their stay does not exceed 72 hours. However if you arrive in/depart from Turkey by air for your cruise tour, you must obtain a visa. Please contact your nearest Turkish consulate for further information. https://www.evisa.gov.tr/en/
Explore the historical city of Athens on a walking tour with your local leader and let them take the hassle out of navigating this bustling capital.
Witness the spectacular colours of Santorini’s famous sunset bathe the caldera.
Venture off the tourist trail with a stop in Amorgos, where a striking 11th-century monastery built into a cliff offers breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea.
Discover the mythology behind one of the most important archaeological sites in Greece, Delos, and let a local guide give you a fascinating insight into its history.
This is a small ship adventure cruise, which means you’ll be sailing on a yacht with up to 47 other people. The boat is spacious and comfortable, but it focuses more on the destination than on-board activities. Instead of a pool, we have the sea itself. Instead of a casino, we’ve got board games and a good book. There’s also no formal dress code to worry about. Wi-Fi is available for a small charge. Our ship moves under engine power, rather than sailing, so all cabins will experience light engine noise when the ship is moving (and occasionally when we drop anchor). It’s probably worth packing earplugs if you’re a light sleeper. Onshore activities and excursions will involve a bit of walking. You’ll be visiting ancient sites and historical places, and at times you may have to cross cobbled streets and uneven ground, sometimes in hot conditions. If you have any concerns, please speak to your group leader before taking part. If you’re concerned about seasickness, there are seasickness tablets on-board. The ship will experience some roll and pitch in choppy conditions, however all of our ships come equipped with stabilisers to minimise movement. Most of our departures run in peak season, when the seas are calmer. Your crew will do all they can to minimise any discomfort. There are no lifts (elevators) on-board our ships, so you’ll have to navigate a few steep flights of stairs. Handrails are always available.
GENERAL HEALTH All travellers need to be in good physical health in order to participate fully on this trip. When selecting your trip please make sure you have read through the itinerary carefully and assess your ability to manage and enjoy our style of travel. Please note that if in the opinion of our group leader or local guide any traveller is unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group, we reserve the right to exclude them from all or part of a trip without refund. You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information or for any necessary vaccinations before departure. We recommend that you carry a first aid kit as well as any personal medical requirements as they may not easily be obtained while travelling. COVID-19 The safety and wellbeing of our travellers, leaders, crew, staff, and suppliers continues to remain our highest priority as we travel. You can read more about how we will keep you safe on our trips, including our COVID-19 Health & Safety Guidelines here: https://www.peregrineadventures.com/en-au/covid19 HEALTH SCREENING If you are unwell prior to travelling, please stay at home and contact us to make alternative arrangements. At the group meeting, you will be asked to complete a self-screening health form and report any COVID-19 symptoms as well as any close contact with someone who has suspected or confirmed COVID-19. If you are displaying any symptoms or have any health concerns at this time, we will follow the advice of local health authorities to determine whether medical assistance, isolation or further action is required. We ask all travellers to continue to monitor their health throughout their travels and report any relevant symptoms to their tour leader. VACCINATION POLICY From 5th of July 2021 we have introduced new safety measures that apply on all Adventure Cruising and Galapagos sailing trips. You will need to be fully vaccinated by receiving the full dosage of the COVID-19 vaccine and allowing enough time for immunity to take effect. On day 1 of your trip you will need to show your leader at the Group Meeting: - Proof of COVID-19 vaccination This policy is in addition to any specific testing or vaccination requirements for entry to a destination or required by your airline. For more information, including a detailed FAQ about this policy, please visit https://www.peregrineadventures.com/en-au/covid19 There is no doctor on board for this voyage. In case of an emergency, some crew members are trained to offer basic first aid. Medical care is available in all ports we visit and our voyages are mostly cruising around coastal waters meaning we are never far from a port. As we are mostly cruising in coastal waters, we should not regularly encounter rough waters. However, if you know you are prone to sea sickness, please ensure you bring with you appropriate medication. You must also bring with you any general medicines you may need such as pain relief along with any prescribed medications you take. A general first aid kit is also a good idea. If you are feeling unwell, please let a member of the crew know. Travelling on a boat means that everyone is sharing the same common areas and illness can spread very quickly to your fellow travellers.
We are able to cater for most special dietary requirements. Please advise any special dietary needs at least 4 weeks in advance of travel.
When it comes to money matters on the trip, every traveller is a little different. You know your spending habits better than we do, so please budget a sensible amount for things like meals not included, drinks, shopping, optional activities, tipping and laundry. It’s always better to bring a little more than you think you’ll need. Also make sure you’ve read your trip details thoroughly so you know what’s included in the trip price and what isn’t. This should make budgeting a little easier. You’ll find this info in the Inclusions section of your Essential Trip Information (that’s this document). ON BOARD ACCOUNT An account will be opened for your cabin for purchases aboard ship. This will include bar purchases laundry and communication charges. Cash, Visa or Mastercard are all accepted for settling your ship on board account. It is wise to travel with sufficient cash (in local currency) to pay for incidentals on your last day such as shipboard items, airports taxes and taxis. TIPPING While gratuities for essential services that you will receive as part of your tour package, from specialist local guides to minibus drivers, and the crew who will take care of you onboard are included as part of your tour cost, the voyage fare does not include the customary, optional gratuity for your Tour Leaders. If you are happy with the services received, EUR4-5 per passenger per day for your tour leader is an appropriate amount. While it may not be customary to you, it is of great significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels, inspires excellent service and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many destinations. Most of our voyages are half board, so breakfast, and at least one other meal daily will be included whilst on board the ship. This leaves plenty of opportunities for you to go out and explore local cuisines on shore for the remaining meals. Please ensure you have read the Essential Trip Information carefully and have budgeted for meals not included. Greece is part of the European Union and the currency is the euro. The euro bank notes come in denominations of 500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10, 5. Euro coins are in denominations of 2 and 1 (gold coins) and 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 cents (silver coins). BANKING IN GREECE: The Euro is Greece’s unit of currency. ATMs can be found in every large town and in main tourist areas. You can access money from ATMs with a Cirrus and Maestro card or with Visa or Mastercard. Automated foreign currency exchange machines can be found in main tourist areas and are a good way to change money when there are no banks or currency exchange offices available. It’s always a good idea to travel with some cash, in the event that you can’t access money from a bank, however it’s a good idea to limit this emergency stash in the event of loss or theft. Credit cards are widely accepted at restaurants and large retail shops. Visa and Mastercard are accepted everywhere that credit card is accepted but Diners and America Express are usually only accepted in large tourist areas. Traveller's cheques, although less commonly used these days are a good backup over cash as they are protected over theft. It’s always a wise idea to carry a few means of accessing your money when on holidays. All departure taxes should be included in your international flight ticket. Turkey’s currency is the Yeni Türk Lira (New Turkish Lira; YTL). The lira comes in coins of 1, 5, 10, 25 and 50 kurus and a 1 lira coin, and notes of 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 lira. You can use ATMs to take Turkish lira from your Visa, MasterCard, Cirrus or Maestro card. Use ATMs which show these logos. ATMs are available in most large towns and most offer instructions in English. Remember to draw out money in larger towns to tide you over when travelling through smaller villages which may not have them. Your tour leader can offer advice on this. US dollars and euros are the easiest currencies to change; however some large banks and exchange office also accept UK pounds. It may be difficult to change Australian dollars and Canadian dollars except for in large banks in major cities. Visa and MasterCard credit cards are accepted by many hotels, shops and restaurants; although at pensions and local restaurants you are best to have cash. Cash advances at banks and ATMs is possible on credit cards; however please note that American Express credit cards are not widely accepted. Traveller’s cheques are usually a burden to change and you will often be charged a premium to do so. Instead we recommend you take a combination of cards and cash. EMERGENCY FUNDS: We try to plan for every eventuality, but there are still some things beyond our control. Please make sure you bring an extra USD500 for emergencies (e.g. natural disasters or civil unrest). Sometimes these things necessitate last minute changes to our itineraries, and we can’t guarantee there won’t be some extra costs involved.
Please travel as lightly as possible so as not to restrict space in your cabin. Soft bags are more practical than hard suitcases. The dress code on board ship is casual. You may want to bring something slightly dressier for the Captain's dinner or a theme night but as a rule, neat casual will suffice. Swimming will be offered on most days so swimwear is essential. Below is a suggested general packing list. Daypack (a smaller back pack that you can take with you on shore excursions) Comfortable clothing for warmer temperatures [shorts, t-shirts, light long sleeved tops and pants] A sweater or jacket for the cooler evenings or early mornings A light rain coat or poncho Comfortable walking shoes for shore excursions Sandals or thongs/flip flops/jandals Sunscreen [bio degradable and waterproof if available] and lip balm [to combat the effects of wind burn] Sunglasses Sunhat [that can be secured as it can get windy out on the water] Swimming costume Water bottle [filtered water is available on board the boat] Bio-degradable shampoo, conditioner and soap Pegs [so you can hang your swimming costume or towel out to dry] Insect repellent European adaptor/electrical plug Camera *** Beach towels and snorkelling equipment are provided on board ***
Everyone has the right to feel safe when they travel. We don’t tolerate any form of violence (verbal or physical) or sexual harassment, either between customers or involving our leaders, partners or local people. Sexual relationships between a tour leader and a customer are strictly forbidden. Use or possession of illegal drugs will not be tolerated on our trips. If you choose to consume alcohol while travelling, we encourage responsible drinking and expect that you’ll abide by the local laws regarding alcohol consumption. The sex tourism industry is known to exploit vulnerable people and have negative consequences on communities, including undermining the development of sustainable tourism. For this reason, patronising sex workers will not be tolerated on our trips. By travelling with us you are agreeing to adhere to these rules. You must at all times comply with the laws, customs, foreign exchange and drug regulations of all countries visited, and you also agree to travel in accordance with our Responsible Travel Guidelines. The decision of the group leader is final on all matters likely to affect the safety or well-being of any traveller or staff member participating in the trip. If you fail to comply with a decision made by a group leader, or interfere with the well-being or mobility of the group, the group leader may direct you to leave the trip immediately, with no right of refund. We may also elect not to carry you on any future trips booked. If you feel that someone is behaving inappropriately while travelling with us, please inform your tour leader or local guide immediately. Alternatively, contact us on the emergency contact number detailed in the Problems and Emergency Contact section of this Essential Trip Information. For additional Conditions of Carriage regarding COVID-19, see here: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/conditions-carriage
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BOOKING ENQUIRIES / ISSUES For general enquiries or questions about your booking, please contact your agent or adventure specialist, or visit us at: www.peregrineadventures.com/contact-us CRISIS AND EMERGENCIES In case of a genuine crisis or emergency please contact our local ground representative on the number below: PEAK DMC Europe: +49 (0) 8677 918 66 57
Responsible travel is important to Peregrine. Maintaining our integrity and upholding principles of sustainable development are core to our travel ethos. Our values are ingrained in the culture of our business and in the design of our trips. We respect the people, cultures and local environments that we encounter while travelling and encourage the spread of good will and cross-cultural sharing. We are committed to making a positive contribution wherever possible. Read more about responsible travel with Peregrine here: https://www.peregrineadventures.com/responsible-travel
Help us change thousands of lives by creating meaningful work and supporting skills training in communities around the world. The Intrepid Foundation is the not-for-profit for Peregrine Adventures, a brand of the Intrepid Group, and works with local organisations around the world to improve the livelihoods of vulnerable individuals and communities through sustainable travel experiences. With our travellers’ help, we’ve contributed more than AU $6 million to over 100 community organisations since 2002. Did you know that tourism is one of the biggest contributors to the global economy, making up 1 out of every 10 jobs? That’s why we support local projects that create meaningful jobs and give people the skills they need to work in the destinations we take you to. And it’s why we exist – to make it easy for travellers to give back to the communities and places they’ve been in an effective and meaningful way. Intrepid Group covers all administration costs, every cent goes directly to the projects. Donating is simple and secure. Please ask your leader for information about the projects we support through The Intrepid Foundation or visit our website: http://www.theintrepidfoundation.org/
All cabins on the M/Y Panorama are air-conditioned and have an ensuite with basic amenities such as a hairdryer. They also have a satellite television, internal phone and a safe box. Wi-Fi is available for a small charge although the signal can be weak at times and sometimes unavailable depending on the location. There is a fully equipped laundry service. Cruise: Wifi is available on all ships at EUR15 for 200MB or EUR20 for 250MB. The coverage can be very intermittent and unreliable. On shore in most countries, you should find fast, free wifi available in cafes or restaurants. Internet connections in Cuba are very unreliable.
Travel insurance is compulsory for all our trips. We require that, at a minimum, you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects and covers all countries visited on your itinerary.
As you travel on a group trip you will be exposed to all the pleasures and maybe some of the frustrations of travelling in a group. Your fellow travellers will probably come from all corners of the world and likely a range of age groups too. We ask you to be understanding of the various needs and preferences of your group - patience with your fellow travellers is sometimes required for the benefit of everyone's travel experience. Remember too that you have responsibilities to the group. If you are requested to be at a place at a certain time, ensure that you don't keep the rest of the group waiting. We have found time and time again that the very best trips we operate are those where the dynamics within the group work well - this takes just a little effort on your part. Due to privacy reasons, we are unable to provide you with contact details and any personal information about your fellow travellers booked on your trip prior to departure. Single travellers on this voyage can be matched with a passenger of the same gender in a twin cabin. If you wish to have a cabin to yourself, this can be arranged with the payment of a single supplement and is possible in any cabin category. Pre and post voyage accommodation will always be on a single basis for solo travellers. YOUR FELLOW TRAVELLERS: Your group will be a mixture of Peregrine booked passengers and other international like-minded travellers from our sister company Intrepid Travel.
Travelling by sea is a fantastic way to explore, but it brings some challenges when weather conditions are not ideal. The itinerary may be subject to change, based on winds and sea conditions which may render anchorage and landing at some stops difficult. We reserve the right to change the itinerary for the safety of passengers and the ship. Shore excursions are subject to shore and weather conditions and are based on a minimum participation. Each days' schedule will be posted by the cruise co-ordinator listing necessary information such as arrival/departure times, meal times, days activities and other information. This is given as a guideline and is subject to change.
Hotel (1 night),Small cruise ship (7 nights)