BOOKING YOUR OWN FLIGHTS
Booking your own flights has advantages like flying from your home airport, choosing your own seats, upgrading your seats, and using and collecting airline miles. Tour-only travelers are responsible for arranging their entry and exit flights, as well as their arrival and departure transfers. Unused land services including those caused by air schedule changes and delays are non-refundable and smarTours cannot be held responsible.
When booking your flights, please note that our tour starts in Athens and ends in Lavrio Port near Athens. We recommend that you:
- Fly into Athens International Airport Eleftherios Venizelos (ATH)
- Fly out of Athens International Airport Eleftherios Venizelos (ATH)
BOOKING YOUR OWN TRANSFERS
Taxis are a reliable way to travel to/from the airport. At the Athens International Airport, taxis are available at the designated Taxi waiting area located at Exit 3 of Arrivals Level. In addition, the Athens Metro Line 3 (Blue Line) connects Athens Airport with the city center with various drop off stations. Select Athens hotels offer private transfers at an additional charge and more information can be found on the hotel’s website.
When departing Lavrio Port, we recommend pre-arranging a transfer service from the port as it is a remote location and taxis typically do not gather there. Cruise disembarkation begins at 6am and takes place in small groups to avoid congestion in the terminal. You should expect up to 2 hours from the ship’s berthing time under your final disembarkation.
TOUR MEETING POINT
When and where you’ll meet the rest of the group depends on if you purchased our air-inclusive package with group flights from/returning to the U.S. or our tour-only package.
- smarTours Group Air Travelers: Upon arrival in destination, please proceed through customs and immigration. Our Tour Director will be waiting for you at the airport upon arrival in the arrivals area near the point you clear customs with a smarTours sign.
- smarTours Tour-Only Travelers: We recommend you arrive around 4 PM to settle in before joining the welcome orientation and dinner on Day 1. Hotel check-in is generally not before 4 PM.
TOUR ENDING POINT
The final end point for your tour depends on if you purchased our air-inclusive package with group flights from/returning to the U.S. or our tour-only package.
- smarTours Group Air Travelers: On our last day, we’ll transfer to the airport for our return flight to the U.S.
- smarTours Tour-Only Travelers: The tour ends after breakfast on the last day. Generally, ship disembarkation is at 6 AM. Travelers must go through customs as a part of the disembarkation process.
PASSPORT AND VISA INFORMATION
Travelers must be in possession of a passport valid for at least 6 months after the date of travel. A visa is not required for U.S. passport holders. Effective for travel in 2025, all visitors who do not require a visa to enter Europe will be required to apply for an ETIAS visa waiver. The application must be completed online and there is a small fee. Once approved, an ETIAS can be used for 3 years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first. Before your trip, review travel requirements and restrictions by country including passport and visa requirements. You can also learn more about passport and visa services. Please remember that it is your responsibility to obtain the necessary travel documents before the trip.
TICKETS AND FINAL DOCUMENTS
Final instructions, documents, and travel tips will be emailed to you 10–14 days before the scheduled start of your tour. If you have not received your final documents, please check your spam folder or contact smarTours.
HEALTH REQUIREMENTS
Immunizations are not currently required, however, you may wish to consult your personal physician or local health authorities for their suggestions. The CDC recommends you stay up to date on routine vaccinations, and consult your physician at least one month prior to travel. Learn more about the CDC’s destination-specific recommendations.
CLIMATE
Expect daytime high temperatures in the 60s in April and November; 70s in May and October and 80s in September. Evenings and early mornings may be cooler.
CREDIT CARDS AND LOCAL CURRENCY
The official currency in Greece is the Euro (€). Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted in Greece but smaller shops and restaurants may not accept credit card payments. ATMs are readily available throughout Greece and currency exchanges can be found in popular tourist hubs. Please be aware of any fees and check with both your bank and credit card company prior to travel. It is recommended that you bring along cash in small denominations.
Electricity
Greece operates on 230 volts/50 Hz and uses the same plug types (C and F) that can be found throughout Europe. Please check any electronic devices you plan to bring to determine if you need an adaptor (which allows you to plug your devices into a different-shaped outlet) and/or a converter (which allows you to convert the voltage for single-voltage electronics).
BAGGAGE
Each passenger may bring one piece of checked-in luggage and one carry-on piece. Please check with the airline for the maximum weight and size for luggage. We recommend that you do not over-pack and that you take a variety of separates with climate and comfort in mind.
