Total Europe: Austria, the Mediterranean & Ancient Athens Adventure Tour

The Alps, Italian flavours, Mediterranean scenery, and Greek ancient history - like, seriously, what else could you want in a European adventure? Lucky for you, this 25-day hostel-based trip hits it all, and so much more. Starting in Munich, you'll then head towards the Alps for stops in the ridiculously picturesque city of Innsbruck and at Lake Misurina. Next, you're off to Venice, Rome and Florence to sample the tastiest food before catching the ferry to Croatia. Then you'll go from Split to Dubrovnik before embarking on the most scenic drive ever into Montenegro along Kotor Bay. Medieval fortresses and Albanian beaches await before you wrap up your adventure in Athens with visits to its world-famous landmarks from the ancient world.

Group Size Notes  

Max 24, Avg 16.

Group Leader Description  

This G Adventures group trip is accompanied by one of our CEOs (Chief Experience Officer). The aim of the CEO is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. 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 introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects.

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.

Solo Travellers  

We believe single travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and single travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.

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.

Group Leader  

CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout.

Minimum Age  

Minimum age of 18 years for this trip.

What to Take  

We recommend using a backpack for your convenience, or a medium-sized suitcase if you prefer. A daypack is also essential for carrying everyday items. Space is limited on transportation, so there is a limit of one main piece of luggage per person. You will be responsible for carrying your own luggage. You must be prepared to carry your luggage up and down stairs, on and off transportation, and to hotels (max 15-20 mins.)

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.

Optional Activities  

Venice
- Campanile San Marco Lookout (8EUR per person)
- Gallerie dell'Accademia (12EUR per person)
- Doge's Palace (Palazzo Ducale) Visit (17EUR per person)

Florence
- Piazza della Repubblica Visit
- National Museum of Bargello (15.75EUR per person)
- Mercato Centrale (Mercato di San Lorenzo) Visit
- Ponte Vecchio Visit
- Uffizi Gallery Visit (25EUR per person)
- Medici Chapels Visit (9-32EUR per person)
- Il Duomo di Firenze Visit (Free-30EUR per person)

Rome
- St. Peter's Square Walk (3-5EUR per person)
- Spanish Steps (Free)
- Trevi Fountain (Free)
- Pantheon Visit
- Colosseum Visit (24EUR per person)

Split
- Mestrovic Gallery (30HRK per person)
- Bacvice Beach Visit (Free)
- Marjan's Peak Visit (30EUR per person)
- St Duje Cathedral Visit (15-40HRK per person)

Dubrovnik
- Rector's Palace (70HRK per person)
- Museum of Croatian War of Independence (20HRK per person)
- Cable Car Ride (150HRK per person)
- Dubrovnik City Wall Walk (35EUR per person)

Kotor
- Sea Kayaking (20EUR per person)
- Kotor - Tivat Inland Tour (40EUR per person)
- Donji Stoliv Hike
- The Ladder of Kotor Hike
- Kotor Maritime Museum (4EUR per person)

Saranda
- Lekuresi Castle (Free)
- Mirror Beach Visit
- Bay Visit (Free)

Corfu
- Temple of Artemis (Free)
- Achilleion Palace, Museum and Gardens (10EUR per person)
- Mon Repos Beach (1.50EUR per person)
- Palaio Frourio
- Archaeological Museum Corfu (3EUR per person)
- Hiking Corfu

Feedback  

After your travels, we want to hear from you! Your feedback information is so important to us that we'll give you 5% off the price of your next G Adventures trip if your feedback is completed on-line within 30 days of finishing your trip. Your tour evaluation will be e-mailed to you 24 hours after the conclusion of your trip. If you do not receive the tour evaluation link in the days after your tour has finished, please drop us a line at customersolutions@gadventures.com and we will send it on to you.

Meals Included  

23 breakfasts

Transport  

Private vehicle, train, boat, and walking.

Accommodation  

Hostels (21 nts), hotels (2 nts), overnight ferry (1 nt).

About our Transportation  

Most transport on this trip will be by private vehicle, except for when the group will take the train from Venice to Florence and Florence to Rome. They will travel by overnight ferry between Ancona and Split, then take a hydrofoil to Korcula and a ferry between Saranda and Corfu. Local buses will be used between Corfu and Delphi, ending with a private transfer from Delphi to Athens.

This tour includes some long travel days, but we believe those hours of travel are more than worth it for the reward of seeing so much of this breathtaking region in a short space of time, so unfold your map and get ready to enjoy some beautiful landscapes between Munich and Athens.

Between transport and hotels you may be required to carry your luggage short distances (up to 20 mins walk).

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.

Money Exchange  

Credit cards and debit cards are very useful for cash advances but you must remember to bring your PIN number (be aware that many ATM machines only accept 4-digit PINs). Both Cirrus and Plus system cards are the most widely accepted debit cards. Visa cards are the most widely accepted credit cards. While ATMs are commonly available, there are no guarantees that your credit or debit cards will actually work - Check with your bank. You should be aware when purchasing products or services on a credit card, that a fee usually applies.

Do not rely on credit or debit cards as your only source of money. A combination of Euros, and cards is best.

Always take more rather than less, as you don't want to spoil the trip by constantly feeling short of funds.

Highlights  

Hike in the Italian alps, Sample delicious local food in Rome, Venice, and Florence, Take a boat to the island of Korcula, Take a scenic drive along Kotor Bay, Walk to Kotor fortress at sunrise, Visit the magnificent Monasteries in Meteora, Lay your eyes on famous landmarks like The Parthenon and the Acropolis, Grab a drink at Shedia, a G Adventures-supported café, Enjoy orientation walks and free time for optional activities in the major cities.

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!

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.

About Accommodation  

On this trip you can expect to stay in hip and lively hostels in excellent central locations to give you maximum time for exploring the sights. You can expect to find clean, safe, simple accommodation in convenient locations. The group will also spend the night on a ferry when travelling between Ancona and Split.

Note that most accommodation in Europe does not have air conditioning units in rooms. Air conditioning is not routinely installed in European homes and workplaces.

Accommodation will be primarily in multi-share hostels (typically 6-8 people per room), with a choice of mixed gender and female-only dorms as well as available upgrades to twin-share rooms (same gender).

Some rooming exceptions may apply due to the unique nature of the itineraries and of the hostels themselves, which have been specifically chosen to give local flavour to your trip.  Please see the full itinerary description and the Rooming Exception section below for specific exceptions to the rooming that may apply to this tour.

Laundry  

Laundry facilities are offered by some of our hotels for a charge. There will be times when you may want to or have to do your own laundry so we suggest you bring non-polluting/biodegradable soap.

Tipping  

While conventions can vary from country to country, tipping is customary in Europe. A general rule is 10% of the bill for wait staff, and a smaller amount (€1 or €2) for other service providers.

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.

At the end of each trip, if you felt your G Adventures CEO did an outstanding job, tipping is expected and appreciated. The precise amount is a personal preference, however €30-€40 per person, per week can be used as a guideline.

Important Notes  

1. CLIMATE
Weather in all countries visited is similar in May - October period. Summer is warm but rainy with 8 - 9 hours of sunshine.

2. YOUR CEO
It is important to note that in Europe, all guiding is based around local guides all of whom are licensed to work only in a particular city. As such, our leaders are able to provide orientation walks which will show you the layout of each town and city as well as the location of local services such as post offices and laundromats, but are unable to legally share historical facts and figures in public places. Your CEO will be able to help you find a local guided tour in each location if you would like one.

3. LUGGAGE
In Europe it is very rare to find elevators in train stations, hotels or other public places. We use public transport on this trip, which means you will need to carry your luggage from platform to platform, in and out of trains and buses etc. and also possibly up several flights of stairs. You will also need to be able to stow your luggage safely on trains and buses. It is therefore essential that you pack light and bring luggage which is compact and lightweight, and which you can easily transport. The carrying of your luggage remains your responsibility at all times.

4. COMBO TRIP
Please note that this tour combines with other G Adventures tours. As such, the staff and some travel companions on your tour may have previously been traveling together with G Adventures, prior to Day 1 of your tour. Likewise, some staff and travel companions may be continuing together on another G Adventures tour, after your trip concludes.

5. OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES NOTE:
During high season in Europe (May-October) we highly recommend booking reservations for any popular optional activities/museum tickets etc. in advance to avoid encountering sold-out activities on the ground while on tour.

Packing List  

Cold weather:
• Long-sleeved shirts or sweater
• Scarf
• Warm gloves
• Warm hat
• Warm layers

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

Health & Safety:
• Hand sanitizer (required)
• Face masks (Clients will be only be required to wear a face mask where it is mandated by local regulations.)
• Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)

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

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.

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.

Health  

Please note 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.

You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information well before departure. We recommend that you carry a First Aid kit and hand sanitizers / antibacterial wipes as well as any personal medical requirements. Please be aware that quite often we are in remote areas and away from medical facilities, and for legal reasons our leaders are prohibited from administering any type of drug including headache tablets, antibiotics, etc. When selecting your trip please carefully read the brochure and itinerary and assess your ability to cope with our style of travel. Please refer to the Physical and Culture Shock ratings for trip specific information. G Adventures reserves the right to exclude any traveller from all or part of a trip without refund if in the reasonable opinion of our CEO they are unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group.

What's Included  

Your G for Good Moment: Visit to Shedia Home, Athens
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
Your Foodie Moment: Street Food Tour, Venice
Your Foodie Moment: Florence Market and Food Tour, Florence. Hike along Lake Misurina. Sample delicious local food in Rome, Florence, and Venice. Take a boat to the island of Korcula along the Dalmation Coast. Walk along the wall from Ston to Mali en route to Dubrovnik. Walk to Kotor fortress at sunrise. See Skadar Lake. Visit the magnificent Monasteries in Meteora. Experience the Delphi Ancient Ruins with your CEO. Embark on a highlights walk of Athens. Grab a drink at Shedia, a G Adventures-supported café. Enjoy orientation walks and free time for optional activities in the major cities. All transportation between destinations. 24 hour metro passes in some key cities.

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 people in the sex trade 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 utilize the services of paid sex workers, in any capacity.