Our Most Frequently Asked Questions

What about a passport?
If you already have a passport, it must be valid for a minimum of six months after the return date of your tour. If you do not have a passport, you should apply for one immediately. It usually takes six weeks to obtain a passport, but they are valid for ten years. We request a copy of the photo page of your passport at least sixty days prior to your tour. You should also keep a copy of your passport in a separate place while traveling outside the US.

How do I obtain a passport?
You may visit your local passport office or post office for instructions. Additional information regarding passports can be found at the Department of State Travel website.

Will I need other travel documents?
US and Canadian citizens do not need a visa for Greece. Non US citizens should contact the Greece Consulate for information regarding entry requirements. If your tour involves a cruise, the cruise line will be responsible for obtaining visas at the different ports of call.

Will I need any shots?
No shots are required, but you may wish to discuss your travel plans with your family physician.

What if I am traveling alone but would like a roommate?
Ideal Travel and Tours will try and match you with a roommate, if you so desire, but we cannot guarantee a compatible roommate will be available. If a roommate cannot be found, you will be invoiced 30 days prior to departure for the single room supplement as listed on the Registration Form.

How do I register for the tour?
Your place is secured once we receive your registration form and deposit of $300. The final payment is due 60 days prior to departure. If you register inside 60 days, full payment is due with your registration. All registrations are taken on a space-available basis.

What if I need to cancel my tour?
If you find it necessary to cancel your tour for any reason, there will be a fifty-dollar ($50) fee to cover administrative costs. For cancellations at 90-60 days an additional $100 is charged by the airline for a total cancellation cost of $150. For cancellations received inside 60 days of departure, the above fees plus any cancellation fees imposed by the land operator or additional fees by the airline will be charged. Airline tickets are nonrefundable after they have been issued, generally 30 days prior to departure. Ideal Travel and Tours must receive all cancellations in writing.

Airport and Arrival

What about my flight to the departure city?
We recommend that you schedule your domestic flight to arrive in the gateway city at least 3 hours prior to the international flight. Keep in mind that all flight schedules are subject to change by the airlines without advance notice, and Ideal Travel and Tours is not responsible for changes or delays in airline schedules. We recommend Travel Leaders/United World Travel at 1.800.233.6889 to help with your domestic flight to the departure city.

What if I miss my flight?
If you miss your domestic flight or international connection, go to the airline counter and ask them for help. Once you know the options, please inform Ideal Travel and Tours by phone (972.490.8573) so that we will know the status of your travel.

What about luggage?
We recommend that you travel with only one check-in bag and one carry-on bag. Your checked luggage should be a maximum of 62 combined inches (length + width + depth) and weigh no more than 44 lbs. Please check with the scheduled airline for their latest luggage guidelines, including carry-on bags.

What about lost or damaged luggage?
Upon arrival, file a claim at the airport. Our land agent will help you locate the proper counter for help with your claim. The airline will be responsible to deliver your lost luggage or compensate you for damaged luggage.

Will someone meet the group at our final destination?
After passing through passport control, a representative from our land agent in Greece, Universal Travel Agency, will meet and assist you in the airport. They will inform you which carousel your luggage will be on and escort you outside the airport to your bus. In most cases, the person who is hosting your tour will travel with you throughout the tour, both domestically and internationally.

Hotels and Itinerary

What can I expect in the hotels?
Hotels in are European style with two twin beds, a private bath, TV and phone. They also will have a hair dryer in the room, but if you decide to bring your own, you will need a converter for the 220 voltage and an adapter for the wall plug. These can be purchased at most stores that sell luggage. If the twin beds are together and you prefer them separated, you may contact the service desk and they will send someone from housekeeping.

What meals are included?
Breakfast and dinner are included daily, and lunches only when requested by the Tour Host. Beverages at breakfast include coffee, tea, and juice. Beverages other than water at dinner will be an additional expense, and should be charged to your room for convenience.

What about our daily travel?
Your Tour Host will help in the selection of the itinerary and will make it available to each pilgrim. However, the Tour Host reserves the right to make changes to the itinerary depending on circumstances at the time. A typical touring day will be from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Daily transportation is by deluxe air-conditioned motor coach, especially designed for touring. However, they do not have rest rooms, but there will be numerous stops throughout the day.

What about shopping?
Your guide will give sufficient time for shopping, but keep in mind that you are not on a “shopping” tour. If you have a question about any purchase, ask your guide BEFORE leaving that shop.

How do I pay?
Currency in Greece is the Euro. You will find it much easier if you change your US dollars into Euros, as many shops will accept only the Euro as payment. To take advantage of the most current exchange rate, we recommend a major credit card for your larger purchases (be sure and contact your credit card company to inform them you will be using the card in another country). Traveler’s checks are becoming less acceptable because of the high banking fees a merchant must pay to cash them.

Miscellaneous

What is suggested for spending money?
We suggest 20 EUR per day, per-person for spending money. This should be enough for lunch, bottled water and a couple of snacks during the day. Additional cash should be taken for shopping and souvenirs.

Will I be responsible for any tips?
Tips to the guide, driver and hotel staff are included in the total cost of your tour package. Ideal Travel and Tours will distribute the tips to all service providers. You are not obligated to provide any additional tips.

How do I pack for the trip?
You should plan your wardrobe with layered clothing in mind. The mornings and late evenings can be cool in the spring and fall, while the day can be very warm. If touring in the summer, dress for hot weather. Comfort is the key, since there will be some long rides on the bus and some days with long walks. Be sure to pack comfortable shoes.

How do I handle my prescription medicines?
Keep your medicine in the original bottle, if possible, and be certain to pack your daily medications in your CARRY-ON luggage. If you are carrying any special medical devices, such as a CPAP machine, please inform your Tour Host or the Ideal Travel and Tours office at least 60 days prior to the tour.

What about medical and trip cancellation insurance?
You should check with your medical insurance to see if they provide coverage outside of the US. Medicare and Medicaid do not provide coverage outside the US. We will provide an insurance brochure when you register. The insurance is optional, but you should seriously consider protecting your travel investment in the case you must cancel last minute.

How physically demanding is the tour?
This is an active tour with a lot of walking, climbing stairs, and getting on and off the bus several times each day. If you are in reasonable good health, you should be able to enjoy the entire tour program. If you have health concerns, please consult your physician.

How do I communicate with the US while in Greece?
A number of the hotels in Greece now have Internet access where you can communicate by email. If you have a cell phone, you should check with your service provider to determine if you have international service. Ship to shore communication is available, but is expensive.

Will we have any free time during the tour?
We understand that most people will travel to Greece only once in their lifetime. Therefore, we plan the itinerary to include as many sites as possible. There will be some leisure time while on board the ship, but if you want to miss a day of the itinerary for personal time, please inform your Tour Host or guide.

What if I have other questions?
If you think of a question that has not been answered here, please feel free to contact Ideal Travel and Tours. Contact information is located in the box to the left.