Mix & Match: Athens & Beyond

• Small group experience, maximum 24 people
• 7 nights in 3 and 4-star accommodation across Greece
• Breakfast daily and 3 dinners
• Dedicated coach transportation throughout
• Fully escorted by an English-speaking guide
• Sightseeing as per the itinerary

• Athens – Acropolis
• Athens – Acropolis Museum
• Athens – Temple of Olympian Zeus
• Corinth – Corinth Canal
• Epidauros – Theatre of Epidauros
• Olympia – Sanctuary of Olympian Zeus
• Olympia – Ancient Stadium
• Olympia – Archaeological Museum
• Delphi – Archaeological Site
• Delphi – Archaeological Museum
• Delphi – Charioteer statue
• Meteora – Monasteries visit
• Thermopylae – Leonidas’ Monument

Pre/Post Tour Accommodation
Pre and post tour accommodation is not available on this tour.

Upgrades 
Not available  

Airport Transfers 
Some of our packages will include airport transfers in either one or both directions when arriving or departing from your destination. To know if transfers are included please view the ‘inclusions’ section of your selected package. If airport transfers are stated, transfers will be included as advised.

If transfers are not included, we also offer the option to book your airport transfers using our online portal. Access to this portal is available through your Traveller Hub once your booking is confirmed. Transfers are readily available and do not need to be booked until your final hotel list has been confirmed. Once you have made a transfer booking, please refer to your confirmation email for all transfer details including a local contact number for the transfer company.

If you book pre and/or post-tour accommodation on your arrangement, and the tour includes transfers, note that these will be forfeited. The transfers are only provided in line with the tour dates and pre and/or post-tour accommodation purchased through Inspiring Vacations when available.

Bedding Configuration
Bedding configurations (double or twin) are requests only. All efforts will be made to meet your preferences, but we can not guarantee your request will be available at all properties.

Single travellers
When booking this tour, solo travellers will be presented with three options:

1 - Single Supplement
By paying an additional $750.00 per person, in addition to the twin-share price, you guarantee the privacy of your own room throughout the entire trip.

2- Shared Room with a known friend
If travelling together with a friend, you can opt to share your room with him/her and avoid paying a single supplement. 

You and your friend can create a unique booking each. Creating a unique booking, gives each of you the flexibility of making different travel arrangements (such adding extra accommodation, flights, etc), make separate payments and have individual access to our Traveller’s Hub

During the purchase path, you will need to provide your friend’s booking ID (if known) or at a minimum, your friend’s full name.

3- Shared Room with a fellow traveller
In this tour you can opt to share a room with a fellow traveller of the same gender – as specified in your passport - and avoid paying a single supplement.

If you believe you may prevent your travelling companion from enjoying a peaceful night’s rest, please refrain from selecting this option.

You will meet your rooming companion at the beginning of your tour. 

Should you wish to change from a shared room to a solo room, this would be at the cost of the traveller who has requested to change the room type. Changes to room configuration during the trip must be organised by travellers directly with the hotel, subject to availability and additional charges.

This option is not available on additional accommodation booked before or after

Triple Share
Not available

Payment Information
This product requires a $99.00 deposit per person and full payment within 48 hours to secure your booking.

Once you have created your booking you will be directed to your invoice to choose your preferred payment method.

Cooling Off Period
A refund will be available within the 7-day cooling-off period unless otherwise restricted by the purchased product.

Where 'last minute' bookings are available within 71 days of departure, the cooling-off period does not apply and bookings are immediately non-refundable.

Terms and conditions
Please review our terms and conditions here: https://www.inspiringvacations.com/au/page/terms-and-conditions 

Starting Point

Your starting hotel may differ from the original itinerary. Please refer to your final documentation, which will be provided approximately 14–30 days before departure, for your confirmed hotel list.

If you need to book pre-tour accommodation independently, we suggest you do this only once you have received your final hotel list for your tour. If you would like to book something sooner, we recommend that you book using a flexible rate that can be cancelled through your chosen third-party provider without penalty.

Travellers will arrive at various times throughout the day depending on flights booked. If arriving before standard check-in time, which is generally 3pm, you are welcome to leave your luggage at hotel reception and explore your surroundings until check-in becomes available as there are no scheduled activities on Day 1 of the itinerary. The hotel may grant early check-in; however, this is strictly subject to availability and at the hotel’s discretion.

Note: If you need to apply for a tourist visa before departure, we recommend using the details of the suggested hotel on the tour itinerary if you wish to fulfil this before the release of your final tour documentation. Please refer to our visa section for more information on whether or not a visa is required for your destination.

Arrival Details
Airport transfers are not included as part of your package. However, we trust that your journey from the airport to the hotel will be comfortable and hassle-free.

As an added service, we do offer airport transfers at an additional cost which can be booked via your Traveller Hub. These must be booked at least 70 days prior to departure.

To make your own way to your hotel from the airport, it is recommended to use taxis booked from an official taxi booking desk at the airport, or alternatively you can use ride share apps such as Uber.
If you are having any problems finding the hotel, please ring the hotel directly or you can phone our customer support team for on-tour assistance.

Please note that if you are choosing to book an independent airport transfer service, your Inspiring Vacations Tour Leader cannot be held responsible for any unforeseen circumstances that may arise, nor can they resolve any concerns that you may have with your transfer service.

Optional Airport Transfers - Transfer Portal

Depending on the package purchased, you may have the option to add airport transfers to your booking and you can do so through your Traveller Hub account. We partner with an online marketplace where travellers can compare and select the transfer of their choice.

Inspiring Vacations acts as an agent on behalf of our transfer service partner and any service is delivered by the provider. Inspiring Vacations cannot be held liable for any loss resulting from the transfer service provided. It is the customer's responsibility to ensure any transfer booked meets the requirements of any other travel arrangements. Likewise, your tour leader or any of our on-ground representatives cannot be held responsible for the service of your transfer nor are they in a position to assist with amending your reservation. Any transfer booking is separate from any other booking with Inspiring Vacations, regardless of whether purchased with regards to the same travel journey.

When you make your transfer service booking, you will receive a confirmation email and this will include your meeting instructions, as well as direct contact details. Please ensure you print and bring this with you as you will need to ensure you can make direct contact with your transfer service provider.

Welcome Meeting Instructions
You are welcome to arrive at any time on your first day in Athens, with the day at leisure. Upon checking in at the hotel, you will receive a letter containing meeting instructions for the following morning. If you do not automatically receive these details, please ask for them at reception. There will be a welcome meeting at the hotel at 6pm; if you are unable to attend, your guide will leave instructions at the hotel.
The following morning, you will meet your tour guide and fellow travellers before heading out on your Athens city tour.

In Case of Emergency

Although we strive to deliver exceptional holiday experiences, unforeseen circumstances can occasionally arise during travel. If any issues arise during your tour, it is essential to promptly communicate them to your tour leader or local representative so they can take immediate action to address the problem and minimise any negative impact on the remainder of your journey.

If your tour leader or local representative is unable to resolve a situation to your satisfaction, please request that the matter be escalated to their direct manager for further assistance.

When your final tour documentation is released, this will include an emergency contact for our local travel partner while you are on tour. If this is not included in your documentation, you will receive this information on arrival during your welcome meeting.

Finishing Point

Your finishing hotel may differ from the original itinerary. Please refer to your final documentation which will be provided approximately 14–30 days before departure for your confirmed hotel list.

If you need to book additional post-tour accommodation, please do so once you have the final hotel list. We recommend booking a flexible rate that can be changed or cancelled without penalty should there be any unforeseen changes to your booking.

Travellers will depart at various times throughout the day depending on flights booked. Check-out time is generally from 10am–12pm. You are welcome to leave your luggage at hotel reception and spend your final moments exploring the area, or speak with hotel staff if you would like to extend your check-out time. This service is subject to availability and may incur an additional cost payable directly.

Departure Details
Airport transfers are not included as part of your package. However, we trust that your journey from the hotel to the airport will be comfortable and hassle-free.

As an added service, we do offer airport transfers at an additional cost which can be booked via your Traveller Hub. We recommend you wait until you receive your final documentation to book transfers, as your start and end hotels are only confirmed at this point. Please note that if you are choosing to book an independent airport transfer service, your Inspiring Vacations Tour Leader cannot be held responsible for any unforeseen circumstances that may arise, nor can they resolve any concerns that you may have with your transfer service.

To make your way to the airport, there are various connections by train, metro or bus, and ride share services such as Uber and Bolt operate in Athens. If you are having any problems, you can speak to hotel reception before your departure.

Trip Suitability

• Climbing the Acropolis involves ancient marble steps and uneven stone surfaces that can be slippery in wet weather. Travellers with mobility concerns, balance issues, or a fear of heights should consider their suitability for this highlight.
• The Meteora monasteries require climbing a considerable number of stone steps and walking on uneven terrain. A modest dress code is strictly enforced: men must wear long trousers and a shirt with sleeves, and women must wear a long skirt covering the knees. Wrap-around skirts may be available at the entrance but this is not guaranteed.
• Greece has hot, dry summers, with temperatures frequently exceeding 35°C in July and August, and many ancient sites offer limited shade. Consider whether this season suits you, and bring sun protection and plenty of water.
• The longest coach day is approximately 6 hours, between Athens and Olympia. Travellers prone to motion sickness should be prepared for winding mountain roads in parts of the Peloponnese and between Delphi and Kalambaka.
• This tour may be combined with other journeys. You may join a group where some travellers have already been together before your arrival, or some of your fellow passengers may travel onwards when your tour finishes. If you would like information on alternative tour options or extensions, please contact us.

Visas & Entry Requirements

Many countries require a visa and obtaining the correct visa for your tour and any countries you may transit through is your responsibility. We recommend you check your visa requirements as soon as you have booked your tour. This will ensure you have time to prepare your documents and for your visa application to be processed. You can check the visa entry requirements for your nationality via our page here: https://inspiringvacations-8357211.hs-sites.com/visa-information 

You’ll need a valid passport to travel internationally and most countries require your passport to have a minimum of 6 months validity, so remember to check the expiry date.

We need your passport information to get everything ready for your tour so the information on your booking must match your passport exactly. Please take care to provide the correct details. We recommend carrying a copy of the photo page of your passport while travelling and leaving a copy at home with family or friends.

Child Policy

Children must be 5 years old or above and share a room with parents at all times. Children are charged the same price as adults.

Pace

This tour category is Steady

Our Steady tours offer a good mix of guided sightseeing and personal free time. With a combination of 2-3 night stays and occasional 1 night stops in key locations, this pace allows for deeper exploration while minimising long travel days.

Activity and Mobility
This tour is categorised as: 3 out of 5 - Balanced

Our Balanced tours involve a moderate level of physical activity and are designed to suit the majority of travellers. Be prepared for walking on varied surfaces, which may include cobblestones, gravel paths, and noticeable inclines common in historic towns and natural areas. You must be confident on your feet and capable of navigating multiple flights of stairs and uneven ground without assistance to fully participate.

Activity snapshot

• Activity: Balanced, with guided walking tours at ancient sites, stepped climbs at major heritage locations, longer coach days between regions, and leisure time on the Athens Riviera.
• Typical walking distances: Approximately 2 to 5 km on sightseeing days, with significant stair climbing at the Acropolis, Olympia, Delphi, and the Meteora monasteries.

Mobility requirements

Mobility and accessibility: this tour is best suited to travellers who can walk unaided over uneven ground and manage stairs. At most archaeological sites, those who prefer not to climb can wait in a central area while the group explores. It is not suitable for wheelchair users or for travellers who cannot manage steps, as highlights including the Acropolis and the Meteora monasteries are reached on foot via steps

• Mobility: Travellers must be able to manage uneven ancient surfaces, multiple flights of stone steps, and extended periods on foot unaided.
• Walking Surfaces: A mix of cobblestones, ancient marble, uneven stone paths, dirt tracks, and stepped terrain. Many surfaces are polished and slippery when wet, particularly at the Acropolis.

Terrain & environment

• Urban and ancient historical environments, with stone-paved streets in Athens, mountainous drives through the Peloponnese and central Greece, and stepped climbs at major heritage sites. Meteora in particular involves a considerable number of steps to reach the monasteries. There is limited opportunity to skip walking at most archaeological sites, though travellers can often wait in a central area within the site if needed.
• Climate: June, July and August can be very hot, with temperatures well into the 30s.
• Peak periods: during the July and August European summer holidays there can be large crowds and waiting times at popular sites, and the itinerary may use earlier start times to manage conditions.

As a general requirement across all of our tours, you may be required to walk up and down stairs, get on and off transportation, handle your own luggage, and participate in all scheduled sightseeing that may be conducted on uneven ground and terrain. Any physical ailments you may have must be disclosed at the time of booking to determine your suitability and where required, supporting documentation may be requested to ensure that we are comfortable that you will enjoy your tour.

Group Size

Minimum: 15 people, Maximum: 24 people

Escorted Style

Fully Escorted -this tour is fully escorted by a dedicated English-speaking tour guide who will accompany you throughout the tour.

Tour Type

Our expertly crafted Small Group Tours take you to iconic landmarks and hidden treasures, ensuring a rich blend of must-see sights. Unwind in premium accommodations after each day filled with sightseeing alongside your dedicated tour leader, leaving you free to explore at your own pace during designated free time. Benefit from smaller group sizes, creating a truly unforgettable travel experience.

Exclusions

• International Airfares
• Airport Transfers
• Visas
• Travel insurance
• Tipping
• Optional activities
• Personal expenses
• Anything not mentioned in the itinerary

Getting Around

While touring Greece, you will be travelling by dedicated private coach throughout the itinerary. For longer coach journeys, there will be comfort stops along the way where you can freshen up, stretch your legs, use the bathroom and often, purchase refreshments.

Travel times vary during this tour, with the longest being approximately 6 hours between Athens and Olympia, and other travel days ranging from 3 to 4 hours. Routes pass through mountainous regions, coastal roads, and the central plains of Greece, offering scenic views throughout your journey. The Rion-Antirion Bridge, one of the world's longest multi-span cable-stayed bridges, is crossed between Olympia and Delphi.

Hotel Ratings

Star ratings can differ between countries, reflecting diverse standards and amenities. To give you the most accurate picture possible, we don't just rely on a single source for hotel ratings. We go beyond by researching various trusted travel websites like Tripadvisor and Booking.com. This allows us to analyse a wider range of genuine customer reviews and experiences, giving you a well-rounded understanding of the hotel's typical star rating.

This means you can book with confidence, knowing the hotel has a strong track record of satisfied guests.

Accommodation Details

This tour uses a selection of 3 and 4-star hotels across Greece. Each property is chosen against a set of criteria for service and location, and the selection is reviewed regularly using customer feedback.

Bedding configurations (double or twin) are requests only. All efforts will be made to meet your preference, but it cannot be guaranteed at every property.

Packing Essentials

Pack for warm days, cooler evenings in the mountains, and a mix of ancient and urban walking surfaces. Suggested items include:

• Comfortable, supportive walking shoes with good grip for marble, cobblestones and uneven ground
• Modest clothing for monasteries: long trousers and a shirt with sleeves for men, a long skirt covering the knees for women
• Sun protection: hat, sunglasses and high-SPF sunscreen
• A refillable water bottle
• A light layer for cooler evenings and higher altitudes around Delphi and Meteora
• Swimwear for the Athens Riviera
• A light rain layer, particularly outside the peak summer months

Climate

Greece has a Mediterranean climate, with hot dry summers and mild wet winters. Conditions vary between the coast and the mountainous interior.

• Summer (June to August): hot and dry, frequently above 30°C in Athens and on the coast, with July and August the hottest and the ancient sites busiest.
• Spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October): warm days, cooler evenings and thinner crowds, often the most comfortable time for exploring ruins.
• The interior, including Delphi and the Meteora region around Kalambaka, is cooler year-round, with colder evenings and occasional rain even in summer.
• Winter: cooler and wetter, with snow possible inland and at higher altitudes.
• Whenever you travel, pack sun protection, comfortable walking shoes, and a light layer for cooler evenings or higher ground.

Currency and ATMs

Greece uses the Euro (€). ATMs are widely available in Athens and larger towns, and cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants and shops. Carry some cash for small tavernas, rural areas, tips, and monastery entry, where cards may not be accepted. Notify your bank of your travel dates so your card is not blocked, and be aware that some ATMs charge a withdrawal fee.

Food and Allergies

Greek cuisine is known for fresh ingredients, olive oil and Mediterranean flavours, with grilled meats, fresh seafood, salads and cheeses. Classic dishes include moussaka, souvlaki, gyros, spanakopita, dolmades, and the Greek salad of tomato, cucumber, olives and feta. Seafood features along the coast, with grilled octopus, calamari and fresh fish.

Vegetarians are well catered for, as the Greek Orthodox fasting tradition has produced many vegetable, legume and grain dishes. Bread and pastries feature heavily, though many grilled dishes, salads and seafood options are naturally gluten-free.

While travelling with Inspiring Vacations you will enjoy iconic sightseeing as well as the food of Greece. On this tour breakfast is included daily and 3 dinners are included; remaining meals are at your own arrangement, giving you flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. If you have dietary requirements or food allergies, please let our Customer Support Team know before departure. Your tour guide can also suggest restaurants and, for a particular allergy, will endeavour to advise the main ingredients in dishes. It remains your responsibility to ensure you do not ingest any problematic ingredients.

Local Customs

Greece has a culture rooted in tradition, hospitality and religious heritage. The Greek Orthodox Church plays a significant role in daily life, and respect for religious sites is important. When visiting churches and monasteries, dress modestly with shoulders and knees covered, remove hats on entry, and keep your voice low. Photography inside religious buildings may be restricted, so check first.

Greeks are known for their warmth, and a friendly greeting is appreciated. Avoid signalling with an open palm facing outwards (the ‘moutza’), which is considered rude; wave with a closed fist or a sideways palm instead. When toasting, make eye contact and say ‘Yamas!’. If invited into a Greek home, it is customary to bring a small gift such as flowers, wine or sweets.

Dress Code

For everyday sightseeing, casual clothing is fine, and in summer lightweight, breathable fabrics suit the heat. Religious sites and monasteries require modest dress, with shoulders and knees covered. At the Meteora monasteries specifically, men must wear long trousers and a shirt with sleeves, and women must wear a long skirt; wrap-around skirts are sometimes provided at the entrance, but bringing your own is recommended. Comfortable, supportive walking shoes with good grip are essential for the uneven stone, marble and stepped climbs throughout the tour.

Responsible Dining

Greek food traditions are closely tied to sustainable farming, fishing and seasonal eating. Where you can, support local tavernas and family-run restaurants using regional produce. Avoid endangered or unsustainably harvested species, such as certain overfished Mediterranean tuna and swordfish. Be respectful of local customs and food practices, and tip fairly to support local workers. Responsible dining helps protect the environment and supports local communities.

Tipping

Tipping is customary in Greece and is a way to show appreciation for good service. Gratuities are not mandatory but are always appreciated by your tour leader and driver.

Tour leader: it is customary to tip your tour leader at the end of the tour. We suggest approximately €5 to €7 per person, per day, at your discretion and reflecting your satisfaction.

Driver: a tip for the coach driver is typically around €2 to €3 per person, per day.

Tipping is given in cash, directly to the tour leader and driver, on the final day. These amounts are a guide only; adjust them to the level of service you received.

Peak Travel Times

Peak season runs from June to August, when temperatures are highest and the major sites busiest. The Acropolis, Meteora and Delphi can be very crowded, with longer queues and higher accommodation prices. The shoulder seasons of April to May and September to October offer warm weather, thinner crowds and better value, and are often the best time to visit.

Greek Orthodox Easter (usually in April, though the date shifts each year and often differs from Western Easter) is a major religious holiday; some businesses close, transport schedules can change, and family gatherings take priority. The Assumption holiday on 15 August is another major domestic travel date, so expect busier roads and fuller sites.

Safety and Security

Before departing, we highly recommend checking your government’s travel advice for the most up-to-date information on safety and security. It’s important to ensure that your travel insurance covers all destinations and activities included in your itinerary. Your personal safety is a priority, and staying informed will help you make the best decisions during your travels.

Your Inspiring Vacations Tour Leader or local guide will accompany you on all included activities as outlined in the itinerary. However, you'll also have free time to explore on your own. While your Tour Leader or local guide will be available to assist you with recommendations and advice during your free time, please note that Inspiring Vacations is not responsible for the safety or standards of any activities you choose outside the itinerary. Always use your judgment when selecting activities or excursions on your own.

It’s also important to note that your Inspiring Vacations Tour Leader or local guide has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the itinerary if necessary due to safety concerns or unforeseen circumstances.

Greece and the Greek Islands are generally safe destinations for travellers. As with any travel, using common sense and staying alert in busy tourist areas is essential. Pickpocketing can occasionally occur in crowded places, particularly in Athens, Santorini, or other popular tourist spots. Keep your belongings secure and be mindful of your surroundings, especially in busy markets or on public transportation.

While Greece is considered safe for solo travelers, we recommend taking precautions when out in unfamiliar areas, especially at night. Use reputable transportation services and avoid walking alone in poorly lit or unfamiliar streets. Always ensure that you are aware of the safety of your surroundings, particularly when in less touristy or rural areas.

Respect for local customs and traditions is also important. In Greece, it is common to greet people with a friendly handshake or a kiss on both cheeks, and dressing modestly is encouraged, particularly when visiting religious sites. Be respectful when exploring cultural landmarks and churches, as these places hold significant value to the local community.

By remaining aware of your surroundings, practicing common-sense safety measures, and respecting the local culture, you’ll have a safe and memorable experience while exploring Greece and the Greek Islands.

Apps to Download

Some useful apps to download before your tour include Google Translate, whose lens function is handy for reading menus, signs and product labels, and Google Maps with offline maps for navigation without Wi-Fi. For getting around Athens, taxi apps such as Uber, Bolt and FreeNow are widely used. We also recommend WhatsApp to stay in touch with fellow travellers, and your tour leader may use it to share trip information.

Itinerary Changes

Sometimes, unexpected things can happen, like unpredictable weather or higher-than-usual crowds at attractions. In these situations, your tour leader might need to adjust the itinerary slightly to improve your overall experience. 

This flexibility ensures you get the most out of your trip! Your tour leader will always keep you informed of any changes and explain the reasoning behind them. Remember, when travelling with a group, sometimes going with the flow can lead to even more amazing experiences.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is strongly recommended on all our trips. We require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. It is also important to consider forced pre-trip cancellations and how your chosen insurance policy may cover such circumstances, so please keep this in mind when choosing your provider. 

We strongly recommend all travellers have a policy that also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage or personal effects. For international trips, you will be asked by your tour leader for your travel insurance details if they were not already added to your Traveller Hub account pre-departure.

If you have credit card insurance your Inspiring Vacations tour leader or local guide may require details of the participating insurer/underwriter, the level of coverage, policy number, and emergency contact number rather than the bank's name and your credit card details. Please contact your bank for these details before arriving in-country.

Before you depart, you will be asked to submit your Travel Insurance details through the booking holder's Traveller Hub account through the Inspiring Vacations website. This is to ensure that we have this information readily available should we ever need it. 

Health, Wellness & Fitness Requirements

All travellers need to be in good physical health to participate fully on this trip. For the safety and wellbeing of yourself and others, if you are unwell before travelling, please stay at home and contact us to make alternative arrangements.

When selecting your trip please make sure you have read through the itinerary carefully to assess your ability to manage and enjoy our style of travel. If we find that you are unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to yourself and/or the rest of the group, we reserve the right to exclude them from all or part of a trip without refund.

You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information or any necessary vaccinations before departure. We recommend that you carry a first aid kit as well as any personal medical requirements in their original packaging as they may not easily be obtained while travelling. If you are carrying medication, ensure you check your government's foreign travel advice for any local restrictions or requirements. For the safety and wellbeing of yourself and others, if you are unwell before travelling, please stay at home and contact us to make alternative arrangements and we would be more than happy to assist you.

Important Information for Customers with Mobility Limitations

We want to ensure everyone has a fantastic and inclusive experience on our tours. If you require the use of a mobility aid, such as a cane, walker, or wheelchair, please disclose this information at the time of booking.

To ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for the entire group, our tours are designed with a specific itinerary in mind. This may involve moderate walking, uneven terrain, or stairs. While some itinerary adjustments may not be possible, we'll do our best to find alternative solutions within the planned activities whenever possible.

Open communication helps us ensure your trip is a perfect fit and it allows your local guide or tour leader to assist you where possible. 

Information for CPAP Users

If you use a CPAP machine, please let us know at the time of booking. Some portions of our itinerary, like overnight cruises or camping trips, may have limited access to power outlets. In such cases, we recommend travelling with portable battery packs. 

Certain activities, like overnight journeys on board smaller vessels, may not be suitable for CPAP use due to space limitations or noise concerns. We can discuss these potential limitations upfront and help you make informed decisions about your trip.

Documentation

Tour documentation is typically emailed to the lead passenger or your travel agent between 14-30 days before your scheduled departure. This will include your final hotel list. 

Official Travel Advice

To ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey, we recommend referring to the official travel advisory website of your home country for the latest updates on your chosen destination. These websites provide valuable information on:

• Safety and Security: Current risks and precautions for the country you'll be visiting.
• Visa Requirements: Ensure you have all the necessary documentation for entry.
• Entry and Exit: Up-to-date border regulations and health requirements.

Here are some helpful links to get you started:

• Australia: https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations
• New Zealand: https://www.safetravel.govt.nz/
• America: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel.html
• Canada: https://travel.gc.ca/travelling/advisories 
• India: https://www.mea.gov.in/travel-advisories.htm

In the unlikely event of a situation that could potentially disrupt your tour, we want to assure you of the following:

• Local Expertise: We maintain regular communication with our trusted travel partners in your destination.
• Constant Monitoring: We continuously monitor official travel advisories from relevant government websites.
• Flexibility and Safety: Should it become necessary, we will make appropriate adjustments to your itinerary to prioritise your health and safety.

By staying informed and working together, we can ensure a fantastic travel experience for you. We will post our own travel updates to our website here.

Connect with fellow travellers on Facebook

During your booking journey, you might have received an email inviting you to join a special Facebook group dedicated to your chosen destination. These vibrant online communities are exclusively for Inspiring Vacations travellers headed to the same incredible place. Joining this group unlocks a wealth of information and connections. Swap travel tips, share packing insights, or even see if anyone's interested in travelling together.  

We also regularly host insightful webinars featuring travel experts who share their tips and tricks for navigating your destination and maximising your itinerary. Don't miss out on this amazing opportunity to connect, learn, and get even more excited about your upcoming trip!

Travelling in a Group

Travelling in a group means you will experience both the pleasures and perhaps at times, some of the frustrations of travelling with people you don’t know. The good news is you all have at least one thing in common: a love of travel and exploration. Your fellow travellers will probably come from different parts of the world, and fall into different age groups. We ask you to be understanding of the various needs and preferences of your group—patience with your fellow travellers is sometimes required for the overall benefit of the group. If you are requested to be at a place at a certain time, please ensure that you respect this request from your tour leader or local guide. Due to privacy reasons, we are unable to provide you with contact details and any personal information about your fellow travellers booked on your trip before departure.

Community Guidelines

Inspiring Vacations does not tolerate any kind of violence, harassment (whether physical, verbal or sexual), or disrespect toward fellow travellers, our teams (Inspiring Vacations Tour Leaders and local expert guides) or local communities.

Any behaviour that prevents your Inspiring Vacations Tour Leader from continuing the itinerary as planned, breaks local laws or opposes any of these guidelines, may result in Inspiring Vacations removing you from the tour.

If something concerns you during your travels, please speak to your Inspiring Vacations Tour Leader immediately. Alternatively, when you are on-tour and require immediate support you can contact our Customer Support team and select the “On-Tour” option when listening to the options.

Inspiring Vacations Tour Leader vs Guide

While both tour leaders and local guides enrich your travel experience, their roles differ. Tour leaders, who often accompany you for the entire trip, handle logistics, ensure smooth sailing of the itinerary, and act as your point of contact for any concerns. They might provide general information about destinations, but in-depth historical or cultural knowledge often comes from local guides. Local guides, frequently native to the area, lead tours at specific sites or attractions, offering a deeper understanding of the local history, art, or way of life.

Coach Transportation

The size of your coach will comfortably accommodate your group. There's usually room for some extra seats, ensuring a relaxing journey. Your luggage will be safely stored either underneath the coach or in a dedicated trailer.

While the exact coach style may vary depending on the departure, all our coaches offer comfortable seating. Keep in mind that Wi-Fi and charging outlets might not always be available. To stay connected and avoid dead batteries,  we recommend fully charging your devices beforehand or bringing a portable charger.

For longer journeys, we'll make sure to include ample restroom breaks along the way, so you can freshen up and recharge at your convenience, as facilities are not on-board the coach.

Staying Connected

If you want to stay connected and access reliable internet while on tour, there are a few options available. It is possible to purchase a virtual sim and we recommend contacting your mobile phone provider for assistance in doing so. You can add a roaming data plan to your existing phone contract is another option, albeit an expensive one. You will need to arrange this before departure. Purchasing a local SIM may be possible as a final option. 

We also recommend downloading WhatsApp and using this to communicate with other group members while on tour, and of course, after the tour if you’d like to stay in touch. Our tour leaders may also use this as a means of communicating essential trip information with you, as well as if you choose to add-on transfers to your booking, as your driver may use this to confirm arrangements with you.

Post-Tour Feedback

Once your booking is confirmed, you will receive a link to a post-purchase survey, which is your opportunity to share your feedback with us on your booking experience and interactions with our Sales and Customer Success teams. This feedback is invaluable to ensure that we are servicing our customers to the best of our ability. 

Furthermore, towards the end of your travels and while you are in your destination, you will receive an email from us with a link to an in-depth trip survey. It is very important to us that we hear from our customers to ensure that we continue to meet and exceed customers' expectations, so this will be your opportunity to let us know how your trip has been, what has worked well and potentially what could be improved.

This is a land only package.

This package does not include international airfares. If you would like to add airfares to your booking our flight portal will be available via your Traveller Hub. The flight portal will allow you to search for all available airfares to your destination. The function works like most general flight search engines allowing you to select your preferred airline, book different cabin classes (eg. Business class) and view flight durations and transit times to your destination. 

The flight portal will be available via your Traveller Hub once the following criteria has been met:

• Your booking is confirmed
• Your departure date is within 11 months
• You  have completed your passenger detail form

Visit our Flight Hub for more information on terms and conditions, amending your flights and information on luggage allowances.