Greece & Turkey
Greece
is located at the crossroads of Europe, Asia and Africa and has land borders with Albania, the Republic of Macedonia and Bulgaria to the north, and Turkey to the Northeast. The Aegean Sea lies to the east of mainland Greece, the Ionian Sea to the west, and the Mediterranean Sea to the south.
Arrival in Athens (ATH)
A representative will be waiting for you at “Baggage Claim Area”, holding a sign “Peony Tours” for easy identification. However, if you do not see the tour guide or representative at the baggage claim area, please proceed to the exit and look for them in the arrival hall.
Climate
Most of the country enjoys a Mediterranean climate. Summers are hot and dry with a seven-month period of near constant sunshine generally from April until November. For weather broadcast please check: https://www.theweathernetwork.com/us
Language
Greek is the national official language. English is the most widely understood foreign language in Greece, followed by French and Italian.
Religion
More than 95% of Greek citizens are Greek Orthodox Christians.
VISA
Greece is a party to the Schengen Agreement. U.S. citizens who hold valid passports may enter Greece for up to 90 days for tourists without a visa. For non-US passport holders, note that PGA tour requires multiple visa to enter Greece. For more visa information please check www.mfa.gr/usa/en/the-embassy/
Health
Current information on vaccinations and other health precautions can be found at US Centers for Disease Control website: www.cdc.gov/
Cash Controls
Any person entering or leaving the EU has to declare the cash that they are carrying if this amounts to 10,000 Euros or more, this includes checks, travelers’ checks, money orders, etc.
Customs
Greek customs authorities have strict regulations concerning the export from Greece of antiquities, including rocks from archaeological sites.
Currency
The currency of Greece is the Euro. You are advised to take more than one means of payment with you (cash, credit card, travelers’ check). It’s always a good idea to set aside a small amount of cash or pocket money for buying small items and for using public washroom.
Visit Weather Channel Service at www.weather.com for weather information before you go, and pack accordingly. We suggest you bring comfortable, casual clothing and two pairs of comfortable walking shoes for the trip. A raincoat, an umbrella and a light jacket are useful for traveling in all seasons.
Electricity
Electrical current is 230V, 50Hz and uses two-pinned plugs. Appliances from USA require a universal plug adapter and transformer.
Clothing
- Bring comfortable, casual clothing and good walking shoes. A warm sweater or jacket is a must for cool evenings. You’ll need only comfortable and casual clothes for Aegean Cruise.
- Meteora Monastery Attire: Shorts, tank tops and sleeveless shirts are prohibited. Men have to wear pants. Women need to wear long skirt, dress or sarong to cover knees.
Shopping
The most popular souvenirs are products of Greece including jewelry, organic and natural products such as olive oil, honey, and jams.
Food and Water
Be careful of the water in all areas and especially on the islands. Bottled water is available everywhere. Olive oil is the main ingredient you will find probably in just about every Greek dish.
Things to Pack
The sun is very strong in Greece. Don’t forget sunglasses, hat, sunscreen, sandal, bathing suit. Remember the Insect repellent, motion sickness pills, medications in the original packaging, and your own toiletries.
Safety and Security
Most visits to Greece are trouble-free, but be aware that incidents of theft of wallets, handbags etc are common on the metro and crowded tourist places. If you are the victim of crime, contact your tour guide and call the emergency line 112 immediately for English speaking assistance.
Important Telephone Numbers
In the event of any problem or in complicated situations, you can get help from US Embassy in Athens, Tel: (210)729-4444, or check website http://gr.usembassy.gov. Have the following three digit telephone numbers with you at all times: Universal Emergency Line 112, Fire Service 199, Ambulance 166, Police 100, Tourist Police 171, Coast Guard 108.
International Calls
The international dialing code of Greece is 00, country code is 30; Athens’ area code is 210.
- Calling USA from Athens, dial: 00 + 1 + Area Code + Phone Number
- Calling Athens from USA, dial: 011 + 30 + Area Code + Phone Number
Aegean Cruise
- The cruise embarkation labels indicating names and cabin number will be delivered to you by the tour director on the evening before cruise departure.
- Cruise tipping, shore excursions and beverage package are included in your tour fare as specified in the itinerary. All other expenses on the cruise line will be automatically charged to your Sea Pass Account. For more information, please refer to the cruise company’s website https://celestyal.com/us/.
Turkey
is on the Mediterranean, in the Anatolian region of West Asia, with a small section in Southeastern Europe separated by the Turkish Straits.
VISA
PGA passengers who are traveling to Turkey by cruise ship are allowed to enter Turkey without a visa for a maximum period of 72 hours.
Climate
The climate in Turkey has a vast diversity depending on the diverse topography and latitude. Aegean and Mediterranean coastal areas enjoy the typical Mediterranean climate. For more information please check: http://www.theweathernetwork.com
Language
The official language is Turkish. English is popular among the younger generation.
Religion
98% of Turks are Muslim.
Cash Controls
US dollars, Euros, major credit cards (Visa and MasterCard) and traveler’s checks are widely accepted in big cities.
Currency
The currency of Turkey is Lira (TRY). Better have some local money with you at all time for the smaller purchase. Pocket money are usually needed for using public washroom.
Clothing
Dress conservatively and follow all traditional procedures while visiting Turkey. Upon entering a mosque, women have to wear head scarves and not to wear miniskirts or shorts.
Shopping
Bargaining and shopping is part of Turkish culture. Famous products that you may want to bring home from Turkey: carpets, silk, earthenware, coffee, olive oil soap, etc.
Food & Water
Avoid drinking tap water. It is recommended to buy bottled drink water which can be found almost everywhere at stores. Turkish dishes are mainly cooked of meat (beef, lamb, and chicken – pork is not eaten).
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