Greek Tour Packages
Many tour packages of Greece are essentially built from the same components, with a little added window dressing provided by the tour provider. These include a stay in Athens, combined with a cruise of some of the islands, usually touching on Turkey. This occupies about a week altogether. Longer tours tack on a visit to Delphi, the monasteries of Meteora, or the Peloponnese.The exception is inclusive resorts, which essentially keep the traveler within the amenities of the resort, augmented by a tour or two, often the same ones listed here.
The Greek National Tourist Organization has a set of tours that packagers include in various combinations. These are also accessible for the independent traveler, who can book them over the internet, through their hotels, or through local travel agencies.
Watch out for This on Greek Tour Packages
Here's something to watch out for on general tour packages. Inexplicably, listed prices usually DO NOT include port and airport taxes, though, in most cases, these are known in advance. Be sure to allow about $150 - $200 on top of the posted cost of the tour when it actually comes time to write the check or run the card. Also, high season cruise premiums may not be included, though the "high season" tour price is listed. Again, this may be an additional $75 - 100.
What's the Benefit of Using a Tour Packager? The plus for letting someone else package it all together is twofold. First, contrary to public perception, travel agencies in Greece will usually get you a better price than you can book yourself. Yes, they get a normal percentage from the provider, but this is offset by the deep discounts they get as a regular customer. You will rarely get a better deal booking it directly yourself. Secondly, booking through an intermediary does give you an extra line of recourse if anything does go wrong. Who has the most power with a tour provider- someone on a one-time trip through Greece, or an agency that makes its living year after year by booking tours?
How to Compare Greek Tour Prices
When comparing tour prices, remember some privately-arranged tours will include the airfare from the city where the tour originates. Some will not. Make sure you know if the price you've been quoted includes airfare before seeking comparisons. Also, the class of hotel will impact prices and can skew comparisons.More Tips on Greek Tour Packages - Are Celebrity Tours Worth the Premium?
