Greece

athens and the peloponnese peninsula

January 9-20, 2023

Start of your vacation in luxury and unwind in the Athens Achilleas Hotel. Right in the bustling Athens historic center, Achilleas Hotel’s access and the transportation around the city is extremely easy. Top attractions in Athens, including the Acropolis, Plaka, Monastiraki, and a variety of museums, are within walking distance. Achilleas Hotel features comfortable and spacious rooms ideal for families, friends, couples, as well as business travelers. The hotel was fully renovated in 2019!

Kalamata is the capital and main port of the Messinia region of Peloponnese. Kalamata is one of the most gifted cities in Greece, thanks to its geographic position. Situated in the heart of the Messinian Bay and on the roots of the imposing Mountain Taygetos, it is ideal for exploring the area. The old town, which is built around a 13th century castle, is quite picturesque as is the waterfront along Navarinou Street. The city is famous as the town of olive trees and as the gateway to magnificent Mani.

Elysian Luxury Hotel & Spa introduces a brand-new holistic holiday experience and redefines the essence of luxury accommodation in Kalamata.  
This newly built five-star hotel is set in an idyllic location at the district of Cordias -just a five-minute drive from the heart of the city- where the endless blue of the Messinian bay meets the azure of the clear Greek sky.

Designed to provide a hideaway of relaxation and wellness, the team at Elysian Luxury Hotel & Spa is passionate about offering you their heartfelt hospitality with a warm smile. Our people, our culture, our style and the harmonious blend of colors and elements will make your stay pleasant and unforgettable. Live the luxury and discover step by step our piece of paradise.

Travel Tip:

Your Olympia entrance ticket also includes the Museum of the Ancient Olympic Games. You should take some time to visit it! You will learn everything about the History and organization of the Ancient Olympic Games.

If you’re visiting Mani while discovering Greece, Lithos Stone Suites is the ideal place for your stay. The 18th-century complex represents the traditional architecture of Mani.

Being recently restored, featuring 7 unique suites, Lithos Stone Suites is equipped with all contemporary comforts, thus Antique furniture, promising to offer an original taste of the Greek treasures.

Travel Tip:

You can’t enter the Monemvasia old town with your car.

You will need to park along the road, then walk to reach the city. And if you don’t want to walk, you can take the 1€ shuttle bus (every 30 minutes) to Monemvasia.

Travel Tip:

Plan at least 3 hours to visit Mystras. Whether you start with the upper or the lower city, you will have to hike, as the site is really large.

Don’t forget your hiking shoes or good sneakers as the walking trails are often slippery.

You may also want to check out Glythios on your way to Nafplio.

Gythio is a seaside town on the south of Peloponnese. It is the capital of Mani, a mountainous and barren area known for its brave fighters during the Greek War of Independence. Many sandy beaches and interesting sites surround this lovely town. Mavrovouni is the most famous beach of Gythio, while very nice beaches are also Selinitsa and Ageranos. A short walk from the port of Gythio leads to the islet of Kranae where is the Historical Museum. In short drive from Gythio are nice places, such as the Caves of Diros, the town of Areopolis and the fishing village of Gerolimenas.

Carpe Diem is located in the old city of Nafplio, amongst picturesque alleys, providing easy access to all points of interest.

There are 3 floors and 9 rooms, two of which are suites. The rooms are modern, with classic details and dominated by natural shades, which create an atmosphere full of calmness and relaxation. Marble of various kinds and colours, wooden structures, trendy tiles and vintage mirrors adorn our rooms and convert them into a warm, special and welcoming environment! Each bathroom has a different décor, with particular interior details, making each room unique. All rooms feature outdoor furniture, overlooking the old city of Nafplio and its picturesque alleys.

Uniquely urban chic. Inviting and inspired. Sea View is where those in-the-know go to get away from everything and feel in the center of it all. The experience starts at the check-in but ends realizing you just found a home away from home in which to relax and unwind. 

Set on the Athenian Riviera, at the seaside, cosmopolitan suburb of Glyfada and with direct access to the center of the city, Sea View Hotel offers a unique and relaxing getaway from day to day reality.  It is a city escape where travel dreams come true that invites you to recline poolside, breathe in the air, and sip a glass of crisp local wine. 

TRAVEL DETAILS

More sites to see…

F.A.Q.

What electric adapter should I bring?

You will need to consider what to pack, to ensure you can use your personal electrical appliances safely while you are abroad. This normally includes the use of a travel adapter, which is a device that simply allows you to plug any US electrical appliance into a foreign electrical socket. It is important to note that it does not convert the voltage or frequency.

General Information: Greece

For Greece, there are two associated plug types: type C and type F.

• Plug type C is the plug which has two round pins

• Plug type F is the plug which has two round pins with two earth clips on the side

Greece operates on a 230V supply voltage and 50Hz.

Power plugs and sockets

In Greece the power sockets used are of type C and type F.  Use the photo below to help identify the right plug and socket.

NOTE: Greece uses higher voltage than the United States of America.

Plug adapters are the interfaces between the American flat-pronged plug and Greece two round-prong socket. These allow you to plug your electrical device into the Greece wall socket, but they do not convert the electricity to the American 110 volts. If your appliance is designed to run only on 110-120 volts, you are likely to see smoke, if not fire, from this potent miss-mating. You will need a step-down voltage converter to safely step the voltage down from 230 to 110.

Buy a power plug/travel adapter for Greece

Amazon has an great selection of adapters. We don’t sell directly, just want to make sure you have the right one for your travels!

Driving in Greece

There are many similarities between driving in Greece and driving in the USA; however, there are some differences.
Be sure you familiarize yourself with some of the driving customs and rules.

Here is a good article on the subject:

Are there any regulations/forms/test/vaccination requirements to enter Greece?

No.

As of May 1st 2022, Greece no longer requires testing or a plf form for entry. You should still check protocol before entry in case of last-minute status changes.

Before entering Greece, be sure to read Protocol for Arrivals travel.gov.gr/

Can I pay by Zelle?

Yes!

We started taking Zelle payments last month and we found this to be a fast and FREE way to pay!
For those who don’t know what Zelle is… it is very much like a wire transfer (but it is not a wire transfer).

Everyone’s bank is different, though, so you may want to call/go in to your local bank and ask to have the maximum amount available to transfer every day.

Example: Some banks only allow $500/day transfer. Other banks will allow $1200/day.

Always be careful when making payments through Zelle to people that you do not know. There is no protection guarantee provided and you cannot reverse the fee.

The Pros for using Zelle:

• It is FREE (no processing fees)!

• It is instantaneous (funds will go directly to Zone Travel- so this is the absolute fastest way to make a payment)

The Cons for using Zelle:

• Every bank is different when it comes to maximum amount available to be transferred every day. So, this may mean that you need to make multiple payments to Zone Travel, multiple days in a row.

• It does require an app download onto your phone, and you need to set up your account with your bank information.

Can I pay by check?

Yes!

If you would like to avoid the 4%processing fees, you may pay by check.
It is very important that you pay in advance of the deadlines and allow ample time for delivery.

You can make checks payable to “Zone Travel”

Please mail your checks (allowing 3-5 business days for delivery - PRIOR to deadline) to:
Zone Travel
PO Box 12052
Columbus, OH 43212

Payments received after the deadline could result in cancelation of your reservation or increased fees.

REGISTRATION FORM

PLEASE TYPE CAREFULLY! INACCURATE INFORMATION WILL RESULT IN TRAVEL DELAYS AND/OR CHANGE FEES.

(Please submit one registration form per household -max 2 people per registration form)

Pricing details

price Per Person: 

*All pricing & availability is subject to change until completed through the booking process. If your vacation package includes airfare, baggage fees may be an additional cost. For international travel, a passport book is required. Most locations require at least 6 months before expiration on your passport, as well as 2 blank visa pages. Please make sure to have the correct and updated documents if applicable. If you have a criminal background, you are responsible for knowing the travel restrictions pertaining to the offense.

INCLUDED IN THE QUOTE

• Ground Transportation

  • Rental car reservation only

    • PREPAID: $259.61

    • Reservation ID 9700630044

• Hotel/Villa accommodations

  • as described above

• Some Meals

  • Breakfast daily

• Most taxes and fees

  • Service fees and commissions (NON REFUNDABLE)

  • Current VAT- if this fee changes, we will need to collect additional charges.

NOT INCLUDED

• Incidental charges 

• 4% processing fee per payment (only if paying w/credit card)

• Local taxis

• Most meals/beverages (unless included in the itinerary)

• Tours with local guides

• Optional Travel Insurance *DUE AT TIME OF BOOKING- PLEASE REVIEW THE DETAILS OF EACH PLAN THOROUGHLY

  • Basic (starting at $153)

    • Please Note: This plan does NOT include epidemic or pandemic-related illness, individually-ordered quarantine, and denied boarding.

  • Cancel for Anytime (starting at $289)

    • Please Note: Under certain conditions, covered reasons for some benefits of this plan include epidemic or pandemic-related illness, individually-ordered quarantine, and denied boarding.

  • Other insurance options are available, if you have questions or want more coverage options, please let us know at time of booking.

REGISTRATION 

• A completed registration form (one per household -max 2 people per registration form)

  • If you have more than 2 people from the same household going on this trip, please fill out multiple forms, as the maximum per form is 2 people.

FINAL PAYMENT

• Payments not received on time will result in reservation cancellation without refund.

• Additional bookings after the final payment deadline may result in higher prices, less availability and additional administrative fees.

• Fee amounts imposed are at the discretion of Zone Travel.

CANCELLATION

Cancellation in writing must be received by Zone Travel 60 days prior to departure for appropriate refund on the land tour cost minus the following fees:

• Commissions and Travel insurance are non-refundable.

Zone Travel LLC and its cooperative destination incur unrecoverable charges preparing for your trip therefore, no refunds if cancellations occur less than 60 days before departure. Cancellations more than 60 days prior to departure are based on individual group bookings per the outlined confirmation document you receive.

We sell a variety of travel related products from different suppliers and service providers ("Suppliers"). Each Supplier has its own terms and condition that are applicable to your particular arrangements in addition to our general terms and conditions, and you should make sure you understand them.

Zone Travel is acting as intermediary or a "Booking Agent" for products and services that are not directly supplied by us (e.g., air carriage and ground transportation, hotel accommodations, meals, tours, cruises, etc.). We are not a co-vendor of such products and services. You will be entering into a separate contract with such Suppliers in connection with such products and services.

By making payments to Zone Travel for this trip you are agreeing to all Terms and Conditions listed on the Zone Travel website.

Vendor Cancel policy: Each vendor has their own policies, which we have to apply. This information may vary and is listed in full detail on the contract signed for each vendor.

WE STRONGLY RECOMMEND TRAVEL INSURANCE

Travel Insurance

TRAVEL INSURANCE - AVAILABLE FOR ALL USA CITIZENS - DUE WITH INITIAL PAYMENT

Zone Travel LLC strongly suggests purchasing Trip Cancellation insurance. Be sure to check with your healthcare provider as most U.S. medical coverage will not cover you outside of the country.

Insurance costs are based on the total package cost, including air taxes and charges listed under "Included."

Approximate amounts can be given at time of reservation in order to purchase the appropriate amount of insurance.

BASIC PLAN:

The Basic Plan is so affordable you can have your fun and protect it too - all while staying within your budget. The plan has a wide-variety of covered reasons for trip cancellation and interruption, and it can also include coverage for existing medical conditions so you can book your trip with complete confidence.
Please Note: This plan does NOT include epidemic or pandemic-related illness, individually-ordered quarantine, and denied boarding.

Trip Cancellation: Trip Cost

Trip Interruption: Trip Cost

Emergency Medical/Dental Coverage: $10,000.00

Emergency Medical Transportation: $50,000.00

Baggage Coverage: $500.00

Baggage Delay: $200.00

Travel Delay: $300.00

24-Hour Hotline Assistance: Included

CANCEL ANYTIME: 
(NY RESIDENTS-PLEASE ENQUIRE ABOUT SIMILAR OPTIONS)

The Cancel Anytime Plan gives you the extra flexibility of knowing you can cancel your trip for almost any unforeseen reason that the Classic plan does not already cover at 100% and receive 80% of your non-refundable trip costs back. It includes benefits like trip cancellation protection, primary emergency medical benefits, 24-hour travel assistance, and more. This plan also has SmartBenefitsSM that can pay you proactively and simplify your claims process with no receipts required. Under certain conditions, covered reasons for some benefits of this plan include epidemic or pandemic-related illness, individually-ordered quarantine, and denied boarding.
Please note: This plan must be purchased within 14 days of your initial trip deposit and must cover the full non-refundable trip cost ($10,000 maximum). You could also be eligible for pre-existing condition exclusion waiver if all requirements are met (please refer to plan documents for details).
Important information about this plan: Plan charge includes costs of insurance benefits and assistance services. If you have a pre-existing medical condition, your plan excludes losses due to that condition unless you qualify for a waiver under the terms of your plan. See Plan and Pricing Details for more information.

Trip Cancellation: Trip Cost

Trip Interruption: Trip Cost

Emergency Medical/Dental Coverage: $25,000.00

Emergency Medical Transportation: $500,000.00

Baggage Coverage: $1,000.00

Baggage Delay: $300.00

Change Fee Coverage: $500.00

Loyalty Program Redeposit Fee Coverage: $500.00

Travel Delay: $800.00

24 Hour Hotline Assistance Plus: Included