Sailing Greece - Athens to Santorini Adventure Tour

There are truly no bad options when you're exploring Greece's stunning islands aboard our all-new, state-of-the-art 56 ft yacht. Walk around ancient archaeological sites or tavern-lined harbours, sit down at a traditional Greek restaurant to sample a myriad of flavourful cuisine and wine, or stroll along the streets of whitewashed towns. After all that your feet might need a rest, so prop ‘em up on Mykonos' beautiful beaches or relax on deck.

What's Included  

14 nts aboard a 17m (57 ft) sailing yacht. Fully licensed skipper. Snorkelling equipment.

Finishing Point Instructions  

Finishing Point:
Dimitris Ammoudi Taverna,
1, Oia, Ormos Ammoudiou 847 02, Greece.

Your yacht will arrive to the mooring buoy, and then you will take a water taxi over to Santorini finishing point on the last day of the trip in the morning after breakfast. (You will take a water taxi to either Oia or Fira depending on weather conditions and safety.)

In regard to booking onward travel for the last day of your Greek Islands Sailing Adventure, a flight time of 2pm or later is ideal as this will add further flexibility to your itinerary. Earlier flight times are not recommend as inclement weather may cause complications.

International Flights  

Check-in times and baggage allowances/restrictions vary by airline and can change at any time. For the most up-to-date information for your flight, please contact your airline. We recommend checking in online in advance to avoid potential delays at the airport.

Max Pax  

8

Minimum Age  

Minimum age of 16 years for this trip.

Optional Activities  

Mykonos
- Mykonos Island Excursion

Tipping  

It is customary in Europe to leave a small tip for service providers, such as waiters, if you are pleased with the service (€1-2). Tipping is an expected - though not compulsory - component of your tour program and an expression of satisfaction with the persons who have assisted you on your tour. Although it may not be customary to you, it is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels. There are several times during the trip where there is opportunity to tip the local guides. You may do this individually, or your CEO will offer to collect the money and tip as a group. Recommendations for tipping local guides would range from €3-5 per day depending on the quality and length of the service; ask your CEO for specific recommendations based on the circumstances and culture. Also at the end of each trip if you felt your G Adventures CEO or skipper did an outstanding job, tipping is appreciated. The amount is entirely a personal preference, however as a guideline €5-8 EUR per person, per day can be used.

Laundry  

Laundry facilities can be found in some harbors, ask your skipper for the best places.

Trip Specific Safety  

Greece is a relatively safe country if you take the same precaution you would back home in any major and/or touristy cities, use comon sense and do not hesitate to ask your skipper about specific areas to avoid. Also it is recommended to carry with you only the money and documentation you need for the day. Always keep an eye on your belongings, while having a drink, at the internet cafe, waiting at the bus station...

Spending Money  

Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.

What to Take  

There is limited space on the yachts. We recommend the use of a duffel bag or backpack. A good size daypack is also essential. PLEASE NOTE: No hard suitcases are permitted due to limited space.

Important Notes  

1. Space is limited on the boat and especially in your cabin. You can only take soft sided luggage on board, such as a mid-sized backpack or soft duffel bag. (Less than is 15kgs)
Suitcases are not appropriate for our Sailing adventures as they are not pliable enough to fit into the niches available for luggage.

2. Fresh water is very limited on board, and as such we ask for your understanding that showers are limited to one quick shower per person a day.

3. It's important to note that the beds in the cabins are not the usual length of a standard bed. The length is approximately 1.8 meters (6 feet)

4. Electrical outlets on board are European style with 2 pins (240V), and are only operational while in port. It is recommended to bring an external battery pack for charging personal electronics.

5. This is a self-catering trip, and everybody will be expected to participate, cleaning up after themselves, and keeping the boat ship shape at all times (including washing the dishes, and emptying the bins when ashore.)

6. Physical Rating:
- You should be able to climb up small steep ladders, or walk over a wooden plank (without a handrail) when boarding/disembarking the vessel, and be physically able to carry your luggage.
- You will often be climbing in and out of the yachts inflatable tenders at beach landing spots, and boarding/disembarking the tender from the yacht in sometimes challenging conditions.
- Moving around the yacht while under sail can be challenging as it moves in the waves or heels over to its side.  You should be physically able, and comfortable, to move about in such conditions.

7. Please note that this trip is a combination of multiple G Adventures tours. As such, the staff and/or particular vehicles operating your tour may change between tour segments. You may also expect some group members to join or leave the tour, between tour segments.

8. If you don't have an EU Drivers Licence - make sure to get an International Licence, to be able to rent a car/ATV/scooter on the islands.

Detailed Trip Notes  

Welcome on board!! We are happy that you decided to be a guest on board our sailing yachts for your holidays. To make sure it's a real one of a kind experience, your skipper wants to give you some information about the things you'll meet on the yacht and on the trip.

No worries, we won't make you spend your precious time on too much information, simply take it as a possibility to start your adventure at home.

Brief History of Yachting
Known since the old Egyptian Empires yachts were dedicated only to the pleasure of it's passengers in the exclusivity of independence. Long time before tourism discovered the pleasure of big steamboat cruises around 100 years ago, the wealthy parts of societies enjoyed yachting in different ways: cruising the Nile, sailing the Greek Islands or enjoying huge parties on board of Caligula's yachts in a lake south of Rome.

Fortunately technology developed allowing us the opportunity to sail the oceans in smaller yachts. Yachts of today are constructed under the rules of hydrodynamics, defining the shape of the hull, the needs of stability and comfort.

When only twenty years ago, running water and a stove were a pure luxury on board a yacht, you'll find almost everything you need on your yachts today: electricity -though it's only 12V offshore and only sometimes 220V when we're moored, refrigerators, showers, hot water, music and much more.

But never forget: a yacht always is ‘on the budget'…budgeting room and weight for mobility and stocks for ongoing comfort.

Each yacht comes with the safety gear and instrumentation required by law to assure you a safe and successful holiday.

Here are some technical terms for you to learn to help you orient yourself:
Boat
Hull: the ‘body' of the boat
Keel: stabilising part of the hull under the waterline to prevent capsizing
Deck: upper level of the boat
Cockpit: area in the back where we are operating the boat
Bow: Forward area of the boat
Stern Backward area of the boat
Helm: steering facility
Helmsman: Person at the helm, not necessarily the skipper
Starboard: right side of the boat looking forward from aft
Port (side): left side of the boat looking forward from aft
Rigg: all fixed equipment standing up above the deck
Mast: vertical massive pole to fix the sails
Boom: horizontal massive pole going backward from the mast
Mainsail: sail at the rear of the mast
Foresail/Genua/
Headsail: sail in front of the mast
Fender: sort of ‘bumper' to avoid damage of the hull when moored
Winch: sort of drum to operate loaded lines or anchor chain
Beaufort: intl. scale for strength of winds, starting with 0 up to 12

Operations
Manoeuvre: changing the course of the boat or doing several operations
Tacking: turning the bow through the wind
Gibing: turning the stern through the wind
Round up: turning the boat exactly into the wind to stop moving
Fetch sth.: pulling tight a line
Ease sth.: detaching a line

Lines
There are only LINES on a boat, no ropes etc.
Most important ones:
Furling lines: to set and take away the sails
Sheets: to adjust the sails during sailing
Mooring lines: connecting the yacht to the peer
Ground lines: fixing the bow when moored ‘stern too' (the peer)

Knots
Figure-eight knot: belongs to the end of certain lines to avoid going by the run
Half hitch: easiest knot to fix a line somewhere, not very strong one
Clove hitch: famous knot to fix various lines like mooring-, fender- etc.
Reef knot: used to connect two lines of same size to each other
More ambitious but often used:
Bowline: creating a strong and everlasting loop to a line

Itinerary Disclaimer  

While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission.

Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.

Group Leader Description  

A G Adventures skipper will be with the group throughout your journey. The aim of the skipper is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible, as well as taking complete charge of the sailing, your safety on board and the safety of the vessel. As this is a real sailing adventure, our skipper might also request your help on board and will be more than happy to impart some of their vast sailing knowledge during the course of the journey. Our skippers are all fully licensed with many years of experience sailing in the area. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and you can expect your skipper to have a broad general knowledge of the Greek Islands you will visit.

Arrival Complications  

We don't expect any problems, and nor should you, but if for any reason you are unable to commence your trip as scheduled, as soon as possible please contact your starting point hotel, requesting that you speak to or leave a message for your CEO (if you are not on a group tour please refer to the emergency contact details provided in this dossier). If you are unable to get in touch with your leader, please refer to our emergency contact details.

Highlights  

Relax on white-sand beaches and swim in brilliant turquoise water, test your hand at sailing or just relax on the deck, wander through whitewashed villages, taste traditional Greek food and wine, hike to spectacular viewpoints

About our Transportation  

Our 58ft sailing boats are equipped with state of the art technology offering all travellers onboard a safe and enjoyable experience. Space is optimized - sleeping quarters are snug, meaning that more of the boat is open from everyone to enjoy. Cabins are allotted by the skipper based on the gender and traveller make-up of the group.

About Accommodation  

A NOTE REGARDING SMALL SPACES ON SAILBOATS:
- Please note that the rooming for these boats is assigned upon arrival and neither particular cabins, nor berths can be guaranteed. You will be sharing a bunk or double bed with your travel partner or one of your fellow passengers of the same sex and sharing the bathrooms onboard.
- Please be aware that as this is a real sailboat and not a cruise vessel and the space on board is tight. The sleeping quarters on sailboats are generally kept to a minimum size in order to maximize public space and performance.
- It may be possible to smell engine and/or diesel fumes when in the cabins, due to their proximity to the engine room. Most travel is done during the day, so it is unlikely you will be in the cabin when the engine is running.
- Some people are not comfortable with the type of close quarter arrangements typically found on sailboats, however if a real sailing experience on a real sailboat is what you are after, then this experience should more than make up for cramped quarters.
- Opportunities to sleep in open air on main deck are often available.
- Please note that the skipper may also be sharing the ship's quarters and amenities with you.
- Power onboard is 220V on European 2 pin sockets. Please note that this is not suitable for sleeping aid machines, as the power source may not always be operating. Bringing a battery pack is recommended.

Meals  

Eating is a big part of traveling. Travelling with G Adventures you experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available out in the world. Generally meals are not included in the trip price when there is a choice of eating options, to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. It also gives you more budgeting flexibility, though generally food is cheap. Our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. There is no obligation to do this though. Your CEO will be able to suggest favourite restaurants during your trip. The above information applies to G Adventures group trips. For Independent trips please check the itinerary for details of meals included. For all trips please refer to the meals included and budget information for included meals and meal budgets.

On our Greek sailing trips, the G Adventures Skipper/CEO with help you make a food kitty, where around EUR 50 per person, per week will be added to the kitty for small food items on board to cover breakfasts, lunches and the odd dinner.
Breakfasts and lunches are prepared by yourself, and most dinners are taken ashore at local restaurants.

Accommodation  

5 twin/double bed cabins with en suite or shared facilities

Emergency Contact  

EMERGENCY CONTACT NUMBERS

Should you need to contact us during a situation of dire need, it is best to first call either the G Adventures Local Representative (listed below) or our G Adventures Local Office. If for any reason you do not receive an immediate answer, please leave a detailed message and contact information, so they may return your call and assist you as soon as possible.

In case of a serious emergency, please contact:

Head Skipper +385 91 172 2944

Operations +94 777 353 606

Director of Global Sailing +353 87 660 0644

If you are unable for any reason to contact our local office, please call the numbers listed below which will connect you directly with our Sales team who will happily assist you. Hours of operation by region can be found here.??

Toll-free, North America only: 1 888 800 4100?
Calls from UK: 0344 272 2060
Calls from Germany: 0800 365 1000
Calls from Australia: 1300 853 325
Calls from New Zealand: 0800 333 415
Outside North America, Australia, New Zealand, Germany and the UK: +1 416 260 0999
ALL OTHER EUROPEAN COUNTRIES: +44 207 243 9878

Group Leader  

Skipper/CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout.

Group Size Notes  

Max 10, avg 6.

Transport  

17m (57 ft.) sailing yacht.

Dossier Disclaimer  

The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary.

VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.

Packing List  

Documents:
• Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border)
• Insurance info (required) (With photocopies)
• Passport (required) (With photocopies)
• Vouchers and pre-departure information (required)
• Visas or vaccination certificates (With photocopies)

Essentials:
• Toiletries (required) (Shampoo, bodywash, soap, etc.)
• Binoculars (optional)
• Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries)
• Cash, credit and debit cards
• Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights)
• Ear plugs
• First-aid kit (should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, water purification tablets or drops, insect repellent, sewing kit, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)
• Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal)
• Fleece top/sweater
• Footwear
• Hat
• Locks for bags
• Long pants/jeans
• Moneybelt
• Outlet adapter
• Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.)
• Reusable water bottle
• Shirts/t-shirts
• Sleepwear
• Small travel towel
• Sunglasses
• Swimwear
• Watch and alarm clock
• Waterproof backpack cover
• Windproof rain jacket

Heath & Safety:
• Disposable Face Masks (required)
• Hand sanitizer (required)
• Pen (required) (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)
• Rubber gloves

Marine:
• Drybag (Will help keep cameras and essentials dry)
• External battery pack
• Motion sickness tablets
• Sarong
• Snorkel gear (optional) (Only if own equipment is preferred.)

Warm Weather:
• Sandals/flip-flops
• Shorts/skirts (Longer shorts/skirts are recommended)
• Sturdy water shoes/sandals
• Sun hat/bandana
• Swimwear

Money Exchange  

In Greece you can exchange your foreign currency and /or traveler checks in banks and money exchange "kiosko" in all cities, remember that the banks are open from 8:00am until 2pm and won´t reopen later, also be aware of national holidays. The only currency accepted in Greece is the EURO.

As currency exchange rates can fluctuate often we ask that you refer to the following website for daily exchange rates: www.xe.com

Emergency Fund  

Please also make sure you have access to at least an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an 'emergency' fund, to be used when circumstances outside our control (ex. a natural disaster) require a change to our planned route. This is a rare occurrence!

Meals Included  

No meals included

Health  

Please note: We do not have a constant power source onboard, and cannot facilitate the use of Sleep Apnea/CPAP machines. Bringing a suitable battery pack is required.

Inoculations may be required for the country visited. It is your responsibility to consult with your travel doctor for up to date medical travel information well before departure.

No particular health issues in Greece, just that in some more remote islands bottled water is more recommended to drink. Just keep in mind that some heat waves are possible from June to October all over the country. People who are sensitive to seasickness should come prepared.

You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information well before departure. We recommend that you carry a First Aid kit, hand sanitizers / antibacterial wipes as well as any personal medical requirements.

Travel Insurance  

Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your CEO, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy please bear in mind that all clients must have medical coverage and that we require a minimum coverage of USD 200,000 for repatriation and emergency rescue. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.

A Couple of Rules  

Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on any trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is a part of local culture in some parts of the world but is not acceptable for our travellers. Our philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter, and in particular the local people who make the world the special place it is. The exploitation of prostitutes is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our CEOs have the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or if they use prostitutes.

Departure Tax  

Usually included in international air ticket