Welcome to Europe! · 2020-02-09 · Greece in Depth Tour Information Dossier Welcome to Europe! We...

Greece in Depth Tour Information Dossier

www.bunniktours.com.au

Welcome to Europe! We are so happy to welcome you along for your Bunnik tour. Each tour is planned with great care, as if it were for our own family. For us it’s about sharing the joy of travel and discovery.

You’ll gain real insight into every destination you visit with the support of our expert local guides and have a load of fun travelling in the comfort of a small group.

In this Tour Information Dossier we’ve compiled some useful information on the countries you will visit on your upcoming tour. We hope this informs you, excites you and enhances your holiday time in Europe.

Happy travels! Marion, Dennis & Sacha Bunnik



Before you go… Europe

Passport & Visas We require that your passport is valid for travel for at least six months from the date you are planning to return to Australia. Your passport must be valid to travel internationally and must be machine-readable. You also need to carry a valid return ticket on you.

Whether travelling on an Australian passport or the passport of another country, all travellers require visas for a number of countries and it is your responsibility to secure what may be required before departing Australia. You can consult with your travel agent but it is also recommended that you check the foreign embassy website for your respective destination as it can also provide you with useful information.

Useful Websites Australian Government Advisory and Consular Service: www.smartraveller.gov.au Customs Australia: www.customs.gov.au Time: www.timeanddate.com/worldclock Climate: www.weatherbase.com Currency Conversion: www.xe.com Allergy website: http://allergictravelerapp.com/how/

Emergency Numbers – Australian Embassy Country Address Tel Fax

Greece Level 6, Thon Building, Cnr. Kifisias and Alexandras Ave,

Ambelokipi, Athens 115 23

+ 30 210 870 4000 + 30 210 870 4111

If an emergency occurs while you are en route to your destination or while you are on tour, please refer to the emergency contact details provided in your documentation wallet.

Health & Wellbeing

• For specific vaccination and health issues/alerts please contact your local GP or the Travel Doctor (TravellersMedical & Vaccination Centre) on 1300 658 844 or online at www.traveldoctor.com.au.

• We recommend taking your usual cold and flu medication as well as diarrhoea and vomiting medication. Itcan be tricky finding the equivalent to what you’re used to taking when you’re overseas.

• If you have a food allergy which needs to be managed on tour, please advise your travel consultant as soon aspossible, and your Tour Director upon arrival.

• If you do become ill while away please seek medical treatment as soon as possible so that you can get back toenjoying your holiday and to prevent the spread of infection amongst the group. We recommend using handsanitising gel before meals and upon entering the bus.

http://www.customs.gov.au/

http://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock

http://allergictravelerapp.com/how/



• For general health and wellbeing on the tour please ensure you wash your hands frequently, especially beforeeating. Carry insect repellent and sunscreen and a supply of disinfecting wipes or cleansing gel which can befound at most chemists.

• Keep well hydrated by making sure you purchase enough water to drink and for brushing teeth etc.

Level of Fitness At Bunnik Tours, we don’t put specific age limits on our tours, but we also recognise some travellers may find our itineraries challenging. We have a duty of care to all tour participants and the tour guides, so we do have a firm policy on the level of fitness required by all our clients in an attempt to ensure your safety and the safety of other travellers on our tours.

To get the most from your Bunnik tour, you will need a good level of fitness and mobility and an open mind. Many of the best sights can only be accessed on foot. You should be able to walk at least 3.5 kilometres or 2-3 hours on uneven ground with no walking aids and climb several flights of stairs or short, steep hills. You should also be able to carry your own bags to and from your hotel room if required, plus get on and off various modes of transport unaided.

Staying Safe

• Always carry your passport and other travel documents in your hand luggage. Keep photocopies in a separatebag and leave a copy at home with family or friends in case of an emergency.

• Keep your passport safe at all times. We recommend using the safe in your hotel room – and alwaysremember to clear the safe before checking out of the hotel.

• Write down a list of emergency numbers and email addresses eg. bank details, relatives/friends, doctor. Thisway if you lose your phone you’ll still be able to contact people if you need to.

• Take twice the amount of medication than you’ll need and divide it in two and store them in separate bags –one of those being your hand luggage.

• When exploring on your own please take a business card from the hotel so that you can always find your wayback and only take the necessities with you – leave your valuables in your hotel room safe.

• It never hurts to tell your fellow travellers of your plans!

Power Points We recommend purchasing a universal plug adaptor which can be used to fit all electrical sockets. Universal plug adaptors that can fit all electrical sockets are readily available for purchase in Australia before you depart. If you intend to take your mobile phone and/or tablet, it is suggested you purchase a universal plug adaptor with built in USB ports. As a guide, these plug types are mainly used throughout Greece:

Type C Type F

Practical Considerations

� Advise your Travel Consultant of any dietary requirements and seat requests

� Have you had any required vaccinations? Contact your local GP or the Travel Doctor (Travellers Medical &Vaccination Centre) on 1300 658 844

� Register your details with www.smartraveller.gov.au � Arrange for a spare copy of your itinerary to be left with a friend or relative � Check with your mobile phone network provider that your phone is compatible overseas



� Exchange currency, arrange a cash passport/credit card or similar � Advise your bank of your travel plans so that they can make a note of it. Otherwise they may cancel your

credit card as a safety measure due to the overseas transactions. Also make a note of the 24-hour emergency contact number of the bank or building society which issued your credit card in the unlikely event that your card is lost or stolen.

� If you haven’t already, have a read through all your tour documents as they will provide you with lots ofuseful information

� Arrange for Australia Post to hold onto your mail for the time you’re away � Cancel your newspaper delivery / Foxtel, etc.

� Scan a copy of your passport and important documentation and email to yourself

Packing List Suggestions

� Travel documents e.g. passport(s), travel insurance certificate and e-tickets � Day-pack to carry your personal belongings while out and about � Money belt and luggage padlocks � Local language phrase book � Ear plugs, eye mask and travel pillow � Snacks such as muesli bars, nuts and crackers which you can snack on throughout the day � First aid kit and personal medications (a doctor’s letter may be needed if carrying large amounts) � Sun protection e.g. hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, lip balm and insect repellent � Antibacterial wipes or hand gel � Electricity conversion plugs, spare batteries and memory card � Torch and alarm clock � Comfortable walking shoes and a pair of evening shoes � Clothing to suit weather conditions (refer to our website - www.bunniktours.com.au for weather charts).

Also a light jumper, a waterproof jacket/poncho/umbrella for cooler weather or wet conditions, thermal clothing is a good space saver and great for layering

� Swimwear � Trousers, shorts/skirt that reach below the knee

� Scarf or shawl to carry in your day-pack for cool evenings (and can also be used for temple visits ifnecessary) etc.

Note: The packing list has been compiled from suggestions by previous passengers and local staff – it is only a guide and Bunnik Tours recommends that you check recent weather conditions before your departure.

We love getting feedback – Let us hear it! Upon your return home, please look out for an email from us containing a link to our online tour survey, which we encourage you to complete.

We pride ourselves on the quality of our tours and it is your feedback that helps to ensure we are providing you with the best touring experience.

At the end of your tour we ask you to complete our feedback survey.

We pride ourselves on the quality of our tours and it is your feedback that allows us to ensure we are providing you with the best touring experience.



On Tour

Check-In for your flights It is important that you arrive at the airport at least three hours in advance for international flights. This will allow you plenty of time to check your baggage in, get your boarding passes and seat assignments, and make your way through security to the boarding area. Please ensure you arrive at the airport at the correct time. Early morning flights (flights departing shortly after midnight) may require you to check-in the day before. Airlines have little leniency if flights are missed.

Comfort on your flight

• Wear loose clothes and comfortable shoes during your flights.

• Try to hydrate yourself regularly with water (avoid caffeine, alcohol and carbonated drinks).

• Alleviate the pressure on your ears by chewing gum, yawning, swallowing, or gently blowing your nose.

• Try to walk up and down the aisle to stretch out your limbs and get blood circulating. Also maybe do a fewisometric exercises.

• If you arrive in the morning, try to sleep during your flight so you can stay awake through to the evening onceyou have arrived at your destination.

Delayed or missed flights In the unfortunate event that you miss a flight completely or that you are delayed substantially, please advise the airline representative that you are a group tour passenger bound for a specific start location, date and time. Always call Bunnik Tours on 1800 286 645 (or +61 8 8359 2295 if you are already overseas) to advise your new flight times or the local operator where your tour starts, whose phone number is in your tour documentation.

Arrival Information Upon arrival at the airport on the first day of your tour (or if you have booked pre-tour accommodation with Bunnik Tours), your airport transfer is included in your tour. Different types of transfers are booked depending on the destination, therefore check your travel documents on meeting points etc. Airport transfers cannot be re-routed to other pick-up points or destinations.

Hotel check-in time is generally around 3.00pm local time, but where possible, the hotel will try and have your room available earlier. If your flight arrives in the morning, your luggage can be stored at the hotel until your room is ready.

Tour Guide When you’re travelling, your guide will be an invaluable resource to you as they will be able to explain all the different cultural norms and traditions as well as offering dining and sightseeing suggestions during your free time. All Bunnik Tours’ guides have a great love for their country and culture and will be happy to share this with you as well as answer any questions you may have.

Tour Etiquette Travelling in a small group is half the fun of touring and we regularly receive feedback from our clients remarking how well everyone got along on tour and lifelong friendships often develop.

However, sweeping statements and generalisations can be offensive to others. We would therefore like to remind you that other people’s religious beliefs, political and sexual orientations may differ from your own, and we respectfully ask you to be mindful of this while on tour.



What to Wear Due to global weather changes, temperatures may deviate from the norms. We recommend layered easy care, loose-fitting clothing, an item or two for rain or unseasonable temperatures and something warmer. Always pack extra layers regardless of the season you’re travelling in, as the weather can be unpredictable and it’s better to pack a few extra pieces just in case. Cool cotton clothing, a hat, sunscreen, a good pair of sunglasses and most importantly, comfortable walking shoes are recommended. When visiting mosques and temples, long sleeves, loose pants or long skirts are essential.

Currency The recommended currency to take with you is the Euro. It is the official currency of Greece.

Advise your bank of your travel plans so that they can make a note of it, otherwise they may cancel your credit card as a safety measure due to the overseas transactions. Also make a note of the 24-hour emergency contact number of the bank or building society which issued your credit card in the unlikely event that your card is lost or stolen.

Whenever possible use ATMs when the banks are open (Mon – Fri) so that if a machine ‘eats’ your card you can then deal with it straight away. It is always advisable to carry a supply of cash in addition to your credit card.

We advise you to exchange some money into the local currency at the airport even if the exchange rate is not the best, this way you’ll have money to get a drink, snack or give a tip during those first few hours of arrival. Your guide will be able to advise you on the best places to exchange money.

Small change is also useful for paying for toilets while on tour which is customary in many places outside of Australia.

Greece The Euro (EUR; symbol €). Notes come in denominations of €500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5.



Countries we visit

Greece Often cited as the birthplace of European civilisation, Greece offers a heady mix of ancient archaeological sites, chic hotels, rustic tavernas, family-orientated seaside resorts and dance clubs. Ancient Greece reached its zenith in the 5th century BC when Athens became the cultural and artistic centre of the Mediterranean, producing magnificent works of architecture, sculpture, drama and literature. There is no denying that the historical and cultural heritage of Greece continues to resonate throughout the modern Western World - in literature, art, philosophy and politics. In fact, many travellers come here specifically to explore Greece’s ancient wonders, from Athens’ Parthenon and Delphi’s Temple of Apollo, to the ruins of the Minoan city of Knossos in Crete. Scattered throughout the calm blue waters of the Aegean and the Ionian Sea are Greece’s 3,000 islands - each with their own special story. The serenity of islands like Kefalonia and Amorgos contrasts with the hedonistic party islands of Mykonos and Paros. Of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, two of them were once found in Greece; the Statue of Zeus at Olympia and the Colossus of Rhodes.

Fast Facts Capital Population Language Religion Time Zone Voltage Dialling code

Athens 11.32 million

Greek Greek Orthodox

7.5 hours behind AEST *

230v +30

*Time differences depend on daylight savings.

• The official name for Greece is the Hellenic Republic.

• The impact of Ancient Greece on the Western world can’t be overstated! The rediscovery of Greek classics ofphilosophy, science and literature in the 14th and 15th centuries had a profound influence on the developmentof Western thought, leading Europe into the Renaissance. The effects of those revelations are still with us today.The notion of democracy, the concept of the atom, the image of the Earth as round, the scientific method itself– all these and more had their birth in the writings of Ancient Greece.

• Though its recorded history goes back thousands of years, modern-day Greece was largely shaped by the pastseveral centuries. The Ottoman Empire took control of Greece in the 15th century and governed until 1821,when the War of Independence began.

• Greece obtained full membership into the European Union in 1981, and replaced the drachma (Europe’s oldestcurrency) with the Euro in 2002.



• There are about 3000 islands in Greece. However, only a few hundred of them are inhabited.

• Mount Olympus is the highest mountain in Greece, with a height of 2,919 metres. It is believed to have served asthe home of the Gods in the ancient Greek religion.

• The very first Olympic Games were held in 776 BC in southwest Greece, to honour the Greek God Zeus.Originally held on just one day every four years, only men wereallowed to compete in wrestling and athletics, and they competednaked in homage to the Gods. Winners were presented with a wreathof laurel leaves, similar to the one worn by the God Apollo.

• Traditionally, Greeks have been known to celebrate their name days,rather than their birthdays.

• Shipping has been one of the most important industries in Greecesince ancient times. Aristotle Onassis (1906-1975) was the most famousshipping magnate of the 20th century.

• Before the invention of soap, ancient Greeks used to soak in water andthen daub themselves with olive oil. The oil (and accumulated grime)was then scraped off with a curved implement.

Local Etiquette and Helpful Tips

• Show reverence and respect for the elderly - it’s a custom widely observed in Greece.

• Make a fuss over children. Greeks adore children.

• When visiting churches, please make sure your shoulders and knees are covered. If required, appropriateclothing is usually available at the entrance of churches and monasteries.

• Expect to find nude and topless beaches throughout Greece, but be sure you are on one before you strip –Greece is a very religious country.

• The Greeks have a work-to-live culture, not live-to-work, so they run to their own schedule! Just go with theflow and enjoy the relaxed pace of life here.

• Don’t enter conversations about politics lightly – a few topics are potential sore spots for the Greeks. Theseinclude problems with the Macedonian issue, Cyprus and, although to a lesser extent these days, Turkey.

• Be careful with hand gestures! To swear at someone using their hands, Greeks hold up their hand as thoughsignalling someone to stop, and if warranted, will use both hands. This essentially means ‘p___ off’, or harshervariations on that theme when both hands are used. To refuse a drink, simply put the palm of your hand overyour glass instead of holding your hand up!

• Smoking, while technically banned in all public areas including restaurants, is considered a birthright of theGreeks and many people (and some places) ignore this.

Weather The climate of Greece is Mediterranean, enjoying long hot dry summers and mild winters. Summer temperatures in Greece are tempered by the Etesian northerly wind which blows across the Aegean Sea, and breezes called ‘meltemia’, but the mercury on the mainland regularly hits the high spots. Winters are mild and wet (though rainfall is generally low in most areas). In the mountainous regions, however, rainfall is heavier, snow is likely and temperatures are severe.

Getting Around Greek taxis are yellow and all should be run with a meter. Compared to other European cities, taxis are extremely cheap in Athens and other Greek cities. In Athens, the traffic can reach nightmare proportions, so walking is also a wonderful (less frustrating) way to see the sights.

When catching taxis, have small change on you and choose one with a meter, if it doesn’t have one then negotiate the price before getting in. Also, ask your guide or hotel staff the names of reputable taxi companies.

Local Tavern



Dining The preparation of Greek food is usually quite simple. Olive oil is a staple – after all, the Greeks have an olive-growing tradition that dates back5,000 years. The Greeks also love to make dishes from fresh vegetables,such as eggplants, beans, lentils and tomatoes. Lamb and fish are alsocommonly used. This means that there’s more to Greek food than gyros.If you’ve only ever experienced Greek cuisine as a fast food in anothercountry, you’re in for a treat. Athens has a wide variety of restaurants,ranging from traditional eateries to world-class gourmet restaurants.Common everywhere are tsatsiki (garlic-yoghurt spread), souvlakia (meator fish kebabs marinated in garlic), spanakopita (spinach pie) and tiropita(cheese pie). There is also a huge variety of regional specialties ranging,for example, from numerous pita pies (with several fillings such as meator vegetables). Pastries made from filo dough, nuts and honey (such asbaklava) shouldn’t be missed. Greek coffee is usually quite good, though very strong. You are well-advised to avoid the tourist traps of Plaka andto eat in tavernas frequented by Greeks, such as the ones found in Psiri. Estiatorion are the more expensiveconventional restaurants; tavernas are informal, family-run establishments; psistarias offer mostly grilled meats;and psarotavernas specialise in seafood dishes.

Important: When dining at buffets (i.e. breakfast) please refrain from taking food away with you to ‘save’ for later! If you feel that you’ll need snacks between meals, pack some dried fruit, nuts, muesli bars etc.

Shopping & Souvenirs As Greece is so well known for its statues and monuments, great mementoes are masks, busts and reproductions of famous Greek art. Souvenir reproductions should cost no more than €30. Remember though that the unauthorised purchase of genuine antiquities is strictly forbidden. You’ll also find fabulously priced leather and fur goods almost everywhere. Belts, handbags, hats and other items are best bought in markets where you can haggle for the best deal, but you’ll never pay over the odds in any case. The quality of all such items is generally good.

Places We Visit in Greece Thessaloniki Thessaloniki is a busy, vibrant city and it is Greece's second major economic, industrial, commercial and cultural centre as well as a major transportation hub in southeastern Europe. Its commercial port is of great importance to Greece and for its southeast European hinterland. The city has two state universities that host the largest student population in Greece. As a cultural centre, it is renowned for its large number of monuments of Byzantine architecture as well as for some main Ottoman, and Jewish structures. The city is famous for its International Trade Fair which takes place at the beginning of every September and it is the place where the Prime Minister of Greece gives a major speech to announce the governmental plans for the year to come. Thessaloniki is also renowned for the Thessaloniki International Film Festival, which is characterised as the most significant cultural event in south eastern Europe, attracting local and international celebrities of both cinema and theatre.

Volos Located mid way between Athens and Thessaloniki, Volos is a vibrant port city on the Pagasetic Gulf. Its picturesque outlook is enhanced by the stunning Mount Pelion in the background. Greek mythology plays a big role in the history of Volos, believing that the mythical creatures of the Centaurs (part horse, part man) came from this area. Both the seafront esplanade, called Argonauts Avenue and the shopping area of Ermou Street are well worth a stroll.

Baklava

Thessaloniki



Delphi Delphi, in ancient times, was considered the centre of the known world, the place where heaven and earth met. This was the place on earth where man was closest to God. In mythology, Delphi was the meeting place of two eagles, released by Zeus and sent in opposite directions. Where they met indicated the centre of the earth. Delphi is known as the centre of worship for the God Apollo, son of Zeus, who embodied moral discipline and spiritual clarity. But even before the area was associated with Apollo, there were other deities worshipped here including the earth goddess Gaia, Themis, Demeter and Poseidon, the God of the Sea. By the end of the Mycenaean period, Apollo had displaced these other deities and became the Guardian of the Oracle.

Nafpaktos With its charming Venetian style port and strong medieval history, Nafpaktos is sure to enchant even the most seasoned travellers. The seafront along the port area is the very pleasant centre of this community, with many fashionable restaurants and bars on offer. Due to its strategic coastal position, many famous sea battles were fought in this area.

Olympia The site of the Olympic Games from the 8th century BC to the 4th century AD, ancient Olympia is located in the ‘Valley of the Gods’ in the western Peloponnese region. Here, it’s possible to explore the impressive ruins of the stadium and gymnasium where the athletes trained and competed centuries ago, and to visit the Archaeological Museum of Olympia, housing some of the most important works of Classical Art including the statue of Nike by Paionios, the Hermes of Praxiteles, and one of the richest collections of bronze works in the world.

Nafplio

Sitting at the top of the Argolic Gulf, Nafplio is a charming seaside town on a small peninsula in the eastern Peloponnese. Its rich history has left a wonderful mix of ancient walls, castles, monuments, fountains and neoclassical architecture. It has been a strategic port since the Bronze Age and the importance of the city is demonstrated by the three fortresses that dominate the Nafplion skyline. The largest is the Castle of Palamidi, which sits proudly above the city guarding over its residents; Akronafplia fortress and the most photographed fortress, Bourtzi, sitting on a small islet at the end of the peninsula.

Athens Athens exudes a unique charm, its lively character winning over thousands of visitors every year. Street markets, vine-covered tavernas, souvenir stalls and ancient monuments all form a conglomerate with buildings old and new in this city, which one out of four Greeks call home. For tourists, the greatest advantage is that most attractions are accessible on foot in the central area around the landmark Acropolis. Walking is the best way to soak up the Athenian atmosphere because the traffic can reach nightmare proportions. Athens was named after Athena, the Greek Goddess of Wisdom, who according to mythology won the city as a prize after a duel against Poseidon. The city can chart its history back thousands of years and is regarded as the cradle of Western civilisation; the place where democracy was invented and philosophy, art and architecture were refined. After a classical golden age when it was home to Socrates, Plato and Aristotle, the city declined in the Middle Ages, dwindling to nothing but a town with a few thousand residents gathered in the colourful area that is now known as the Plaka, until its rebirth as capital of an independent Greece in 1834.

Crete Located in the sparkling Mediterranean Sea, Crete is Greece’s largest and most populated island, and the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean. Not only is it scenically beautiful, Crete also has a rich history, and in the capital, Heraklion is one of the ancient wonders of the world, the ancient Palace of Knossos. This was the centre of the Minoan civilisation during the Bronze Age and at its peak (around 2,000BC) was home to some estimated 18,000 people.

Delphi

Athens



Santorini Conjuring images of white washed walls, blue tiled roofs and the sun sinking into the deep blue Mediterranean Sea, Santorini is a photographers dream! The picturesque village of Oia hugs the cliff face and has produced some of the most scenic photos ever made. The pathway that winds through the village along the cliff face is dotted with cafes, shops and bars and is a wonderful place to watch the famous Santorini sunset.

Oia, Santorini



Useful Phrases English Greek

Hello Yia sou

Good morning Kaliméra

Good evening Kalispéra

Goodbye Yia sou

Please Parakaló

Thank you Efcharistó

Yes Naí

No Óchi

Do you speak English? Miláte angliká?

I don’t understand Den katalavaíno

Please write it down Parakaló simeióste to

How much does it cost? Póso kostízei?

Where is…? Poú eínai…?

Telephone Tiléfono

Toilet Toualéta

Tea Tsái

Coffee Kafé

Bottled water Neró

Cheers! Eviva! or Stin ygeiá sas!

I am allergic to… Eímai allergikós se

Does this have … in it? Mípos aftó échei ... se aftó?

Peanuts Arápika fistíkia

Nuts Karýdia

Seafood Thalassiná

Shellfish Ostrakódermo

Meat Kréas

Gluten Glouténi

Wheat Sitári

Eggs Avgá

Dairy Galaktokomeío

Pork Choirinó

Lactose Laktózi

Soy Sógia

I am… Eímai

Vegetarian Chortofágous

Vegan Vegan

Celiac Koiliakós

Diabetic Diavitikós

Please note that this information is indicative only and subject to change. Bunnik Tours does not accept any liability for incorrect or incomplete information.

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Welcome to Europe! · 2020-02-09 · Greece in Depth Tour Information Dossier Welcome to Europe! We...

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