Aegean Sea, Taverna-lined harbours, fresh seafood, magnificent ruins, sailing the Greek Isles. This yacht adventure is the ultimate introduction to what many consider the world's most beautiful islands - The Greek Islands. Each island is different, but all have beautiful beaches, crystal clear blue water, fantastic scenery and arguably the friendliest people in Europe. Feel free to loll about on stunning Mediterranean beaches, or try some more adventurous activities such as hiking or snorkeling. Explore ancient Greek archeological sites, walk along white sand beaches, enjoy nightly strolls along taverna-lined harbors, dine on fresh seafood and other Greek specialties and don't forget to try the Ouzo. The Greek Island Adventure is divided into three segments, allowing you the freedom and flexibility of sailing from one to three weeks. Spend 8 to 22 days visiting some of the Mediterranean's most beautiful islands aboard one of our 50-foot yachts. Each of our yachts is fully licensed, complete with comfortable berths and roomy decks for sunbathing. Our friendly captains have years of sailing experience on the Aegean Sea and are a wealth of knowledge when it comes to the local islands and culture. Since these trips run in both directions, not only do you have the choice of how many days you want to sail, you also have the convenience of starting whenever and wherever you like. Please note wind and weather conditions do have an impact on which of the islands we visit, but we promise all are equally spectacular!

What's Included:  Skipper, snorkelling equipment, 9 nights aboard a sailboat

Validity:  Valid for all trips departing January 1, 2008 - December 31st 2008.

Trip Style:  Original

I'm yearning to see the world in all of its colours. I want to step out of the normal tourist mindset but wouldn't mind sharing the fun with a like-minded group of individuals. Whether it's staying in a ger in Mongolia, learning to bargain for trinkets in the local market or forgoing the air conditioned bus to jump on a tuk tuk in Bangkok, these are the type of experiences that I can't wait to have.

Please note: As of January 1, 2009, this trip style will become Classic with a Standard Service Level.

Physical Rating:  

Each trip is rated based on physical demands. This rating will help you to choose a trip that is suitable to your level of fitness and maximize your enjoyment.

- You will have to get around on your own, up and down hotel steps and carry your own bag.

- Light walking and hiking that is suitable for most fitness levels.

- May include moderate hiking, biking, rafting, kayaking and other activities that require only an average/moderate level of fitness to enjoy.

- May include high altitude hiking of up to 8 hours/day or other activities that require a moderately high level of fitness.

- High altitude trekking or cycling, suitable for those with a high level of fitness and endurance.

Please note: Many G.A.P Adventures trips include only one 'Physical Grading' element that may increase the overall rating of a trip to a higher level. You can choose not to participate in these activities. For specific trip information, refer to the Trip Details document, or contact our sales department.

Culture Shock Rating:  

This rates a trip's accommodations, transportation, and food and measures how much adjustment is required to adapt to the different customs in comparison to the average western country.

- Little or no adjustment is required. The comforts of home are here, but they may have a new twist.

- A generally low stress trip, but there may be the occasional remote lodging, market meal or language barrier.

- Expect an occasional cold shower, remote or shared accommodations, and public transportation.

- Packed public buses, remote and rustic accommodation and little access to western-styled food are de rigeur for these trips.

- You're totally off the beaten path here with few of the comforts of home.

For specific trip information, refer to the Trip Details document or contact our sales department.

Group Leader:  G.A.P Adventures Skipper throughout.

A G.A.P Adventures skipper will be with the group throughout your journey, their aim is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues, you can expect your skipper to have a broad general knowledge of the Greek islands you will visit. Your skipper might also reqest you to help on board.

Group Size:  Max 8

Your Fellow Travellers:  As you travel on a group trip you will be exposed to all the pleasures and maybe some of the frustrations of travelling in a group. Your fellow travellers will probably come from all corners of the world and are likely to be of a variety of ages too. 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 benefit of everyone's travel experience. Remember too that you have responsibilities to the group. If you are requested to be at a place at a certain time, ensure that you don't keep the rest of the group waiting. We have found time and time again that the very best trips we operate are those where the dynamics within the group work well - this takes just a little effort on your part.

Meals Included:  No meals are included but basic items on the boat will be covered by a food kitty.

Eating is a big part of traveling. Travelling with G.A.P Adventures will allow you to experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available out in the world. Generally meals are not included in the trip price when there is a choice of eating options, to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. It also gives you more budgeting flexibility, though generally food is cheap. Our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. There is no obligation to do this though. Your group leader will be able to suggest favourite restaurants during your trip. On our Greek sailing trips, your G.A.P Adventures skipper will offer to make a food kitty for small items, such as ice, water, coffee, tea, milk, snacks, drinks, and so on. The average of the kitty is around Eur30 per person per week.

Transport:  50 ft sailing yacht

Single Travellers:  We believe single travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and single travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.

Accommodation:  Cabin on yacht (9 nts).

A NOTE REGARDING SMALL SPACES ON SAILBOATS: Please note that the rooming for these boats is assigned upon arrival and neither particular cabins nor berths can be guaranteed. You will be sharing a bunk with your travel partner or one of your fellow passengers of the same sex and sharing the bathrooms onboard. Please be aware that as this is a real sailboat and not a cruise vessel and the space on board is tight. The sleeping quarters on sailboats are generally kept to a minimum size in order to maximize public space and performance. Some people are not comfortable with the type of close quarter arrangements typically found on sailboats, however if a real sailing experience on a real sailboat is what you are after, then this experience should more than make up for cramped quarters. Opportunities to sleep in open air on main deck are often available. Please note that the skipper may also be sharing the ship's quarters and amenities with you.

Joining Instructions:  ARRIVING IN SANTORINI:
The boat is located in Marina Vlihada.

Arriving by Boat: Take a taxi directly to Marina Vlihada (about 10 minutes).

Arriving by plane: Take a taxi directly to Marina Vlihada (about 15 minutes). Alternatively, take a bus to the main town of Fira (about 15 minutes) and then change to the bus for Marina Vlihada (about 1/2 hour). Please note buses generally depart every 1/2 hour.

The actual meeting point is “Taverna Dimitris” right above the Marina at 11am. A table will be reserved for G.A.P Adventures travellers.

PLEASE NOTE THAT YOU ARE REQUIRED TO BE AT THE RELEVANT JOINING POINT AT 11:00am ON DAY 1.

Your Skipper will organize a short meeting soon after arrival, during which you will meet other tour participants and receive information about general and specific aspects of the trip.

Arrival Complications:  We don't expect any problems, and nor should you, but if for any reason you are unable to commence your trip as scheduled, as soon as possible please contact your starting point hotel, requesting that you speak to or leave a message for your trip leader (if you are not on a group tour please refer to the emergency contact details provided in this dossier). If you are unable to get in touch with your leader, please refer to our emergency contact details. If you have pre-booked an airport transfer and have not made contact with our representative within 30 minutes of clearing customs and immigration, we recommend that you make your own way to the Starting Point hotel, following the Joining Instructions. Please apply to your travel agent on your return for a refund of the transfer cost if this occurs.

Emergency Contact:  Should you need to contact G.A.P Adventures during a situation of dire need, it is best to first call our local office, or our Head Skipper. If for any reason you do not receive an immediate answer, please leave a detailed message and contact information, so they may return your call and assist you as soon as possible.

G.A.P Adventures local office (Spain)
Open 5 days a week, 9am to 6pm local time (GMT +1).
Tel: Int. Dialing Code (+34) 627 357 664

Local Emergency Cell Phone: +30 693 45 09707 (Greece)(Frank - Head Skipper)

If you are unable for any reason to contact our local office, we have a toll-free line for North America, which will connect you directly with our Toronto office. In the event that you cannot get through, you can reach a member of our Operations department at the mobile number below.

Toll-free, North America only: 1 800 465 5600.
Calls from the UK: 0870 999 0144.
Outside North America and the UK: +1 416 260 0999.
Mobile: + 1 647 504 6467

Finishing Point Instructions:  Marina Vihada, Santorini

Your yacht will arrive to the finishing point on day 10 of the trip in the morning. The trip will end at 12 noon.

What to Take:  There is limited space on the yachts. We recommend the use of a duffel bag or backpack. A good size daypack is also essential. PLEASE NOTE: No hard suitcases are permitted.

Laundry:  Laundry facilities can be found in some harbors, ask your skipper for the best places.

Visas:  All countries require a valid passport (with a minimum 6 months validity). Contact your local embassy, or consulate for the most up-to-date visa requirements, or see your travel agent. IT'S YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO HAVE THE CORRECT TRAVEL DOCUMENTATION.

Destination Guide:  For practical information on weather, typical costs, visa information, special events and much more, our Destination Guide is the place to visit! This handy guide will tell you everything you need to know about everywhere we go! Head to www.gapadventures.com/destination_guide for detailed information on the countries and cities we visit.

Detailed Trip Notes:  Welcome on board!! We are happy that you decided to be a guest on board our sailing yachts for your holidays. To make sure it's a real one of a kind experience, your skipper wants to give you some information about the things you’ll meet on the yacht and on the trip.

No worries, we won’t make you spend your precious time on too much information, simply take it as a possibility to start your adventure at home.

Brief History of Yachting
Known since the old Egyptian Empires yachts were dedicated only to the pleasure of it’s passengers in the exclusivity of independence. Long time before tourism discovered the pleasure of big steamboat cruises around 100 years ago, the wealthy parts of societies enjoyed yachting in different ways: cruising the Nile, sailing the Greek Islands or enjoying huge parties on board of Caligula's yachts in a lake south of Rome.

Fortunately technology developed allowing us the opportunity to sail the oceans in smaller yachts. Yachts of today are constructed under the rules of hydrodynamics, defining the shape of the hull, the needs of stability and comfort.

When only twenty years ago, running water and a stove were a pure luxury on board a yacht, you’ll find almost everything you need on your yachts today: electricity -though it’s only 12V offshore and only sometimes 220V when we’re moored, refrigerators, showers, hot water, music and much more.

But never forget: a yacht always is ‘on the budget’…budgeting room and weight for mobility and stocks for ongoing comfort.

Each yacht comes with the safety gear and instrumentation required by law to assure you a safe and successful holiday.

Here are some technical terms for you to learn to help you orient yourself:
Boat
Hull: the ‘body’ of the boat
Keel: stabilising part of the hull under the waterline to prevent capsizing
Deck: upper level of the boat
Cockpit: area in the back where we are operating the boat
Bow: Forward area of the boat
Stern Backward area of the boat
Helm: steering facility
Helmsman: Person at the helm, not necessarily the skipper
Starboard: right side of the boat looking forward from aft
Port (side): left side of the boat looking forward from aft
Rigg: all fixed equipment standing up above the deck
Mast: vertical massive pole to fix the sails
Boom: horizontal massive pole going backward from the mast
Mainsail: sail at the rear of the mast
Foresail/Genua/
Headsail: sail in front of the mast
Fender: sort of ‘bumper’ to avoid damage of the hull when moored
Winch: sort of drum to operate loaded lines or anchor chain
Beaufort: intl. scale for strength of winds, starting with 0 up to 12

Operations
Manoeuvre: changing the course of the boat or doing several operations
Tacking: turning the bow through the wind
Gibing: turning the stern through the wind
Round up: turning the boat exactly into the wind to stop moving
Fetch sth.: pulling tight a line
Ease sth.: detaching a line

Lines
There are only LINES on a boat, no ropes etc.
Most important ones:
Furling lines: to set and take away the sails
Sheets: to adjust the sails during sailing
Mooring lines: connecting the yacht to the peer
Ground lines: fixing the bow when moored ‘stern too’ (the peer)

Knots
Figure-eight knot: belongs to the end of certain lines to avoid going by the run
Half hitch: easiest knot to fix a line somewhere, not very strong one
Clove hitch: famous knot to fix various lines like mooring-, fender- etc.
Reef knot: used to connect two lines of same size to each other
More ambitious but often used:
Bowline: creating a strong and everlasting loop to a line

Spending Money:  Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.

Money Exchange:  In Greece you can exchange your foreign currency and /or traveler checks in banks and money exchange "kiosko" in all cities, remember that the banks are open from 8:00am until 2pm and won´t reopen later, also be aware of national holidays. The only currency accepted in Greece is the EURO.

As currency exchange rates can fluctuate often we ask that you refer to the following website for daily exchange rates: www.xe.com

Meal Budget:  Allow EUR300 for meals not included. For additional expenses, see trip details

Local Payment:  EUR200

Most of our adventure tours involve a local payment. This is the final payment of your tour price, paid locally. Paying locally facilitates the flow of funds into countries that we travel through and also helps to reduce the overall price of the tour. This helps G.A.P Adventures keep our prices competitive and in-turn, pass our cost savings onto you. Payment is to be made to your leader or G.A.P Adventures representative upon arrival in cash in the requested currency. Please see our website, brochure or your trip documents and invoice for Local Payment.

Emergency Fund:  Please also make sure you have access to at least an additional USD200 (or equivalent) as an 'emergency' fund, to be used when circumstances outside our control (ex. a natural disaster) require a change to our planned route. This is a rare occurrence!

Tipping:  A tip is always welcome in Greece! In restaurants you don´t need to go by the 10,15 or 20% like in some countries. Here if you liked the food and service a couple of Euros is a good tip, in a bar the change is fine, in a taxi you can round up the price it is always appreciated. It is also customary to tip the local guides. For a day or half day trip 5 to 10 Euros is nice. You can organize the tips all together or give them individually. If you wish to tip your G.A.P Adventures skipper the amount is really up to you, according to the service he/she gave you, however as a guideline 20 to 25 Euros per person, per week can be used.

Health:  No particular health issues in Greece, just that in some more remote islands bottled water is more recomemded to drink. Just keep in mind that some heat waves are possible from June to October all over the country. People who are sensitive to seasickness should come prepared.

Safety and Security:  Many national governments provide a regularly updated advice service on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure. We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe keeping of your passport, air tickets, travellers' cheques, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewellery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of the hotels we use have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. When travelling on a group trip, please note that your group leader has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it is deemed necessary due to safety concerns. Your leader will accompany you on all included activities. During your trip you will have some free time to pursue your own interests, relax and take it easy or explore at your leisure. While your group leader will assist you with options available in a given location please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your itinerary, and we offer no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgement when selecting an activity in your free time. Although the cities visited on tour are generally safe during the day, there can be risks to wandering throughout any major city at night. It is our recommendation to stay in small groups and to take taxis to and from restaurants, or during night time excursions.



Greece is a relatively safe country if you take the same precaution you would back home in any major and/or touristy cities, use comon sense and do not hesitate to ask your skipper about specific areas to avoid. Also it is recommended to carry with you only the money and documentation you need for the day. Always keep an eye on your belongings, while having a drink, at the internet cafe, waiting at the bus station...

Medical Form:  Our small group adventures bring together people of all ages. It is very important you are aware that, as a minimum, an average level of fitness and mobility' is required to undertake our easiest programs. Travellers must be able to walk without the aid of another person, climb 3-4 flights of stairs, step on and off small boats, and carry their own luggage at a minimum. Travellers with a pre-existing medical condition are required to complete a short medical questionnaire, which must be signed by their physician. This is to ensure that travellers have the necessary fitness and mobility to comfortably complete their chosen trip. While our leaders work hard to ensure that all our travellers are catered for equally, it is not their responsibility to help individuals who cannot complete the day's activities unaided. Please refer to the physical ratings in this Trip Details document for more information.
Please note that all passengers traveling to Antarctica are required to fill out this questionnaire.

The medical questionnaire can be found online at:

www.gapadventures.com/online_medical_form.

A Couple of Rules:  Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on any trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is a part of local culture in some parts of the world but is not acceptable for G.A.P Adventure travellers. Our philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter, and in particular the local people who make the world the special place it is. The exploitation of prostitutes is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our group leader has the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or they use prostitutes.

Travel Insurance:  Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your leader, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy we require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.

Responsible Travel:  Being a responsible tour operator is at the heart of what G.A.P Adventures is all about. From the start, G.A.P has been committed to offering low-impact tours that benefit traveler and host alike. While our sustainable tourism policies are constantly evolving, our commitment to socially conscious, grassroots style travel has never changed. We work with local communities, businesses and individuals to develop sustainable tourism opportunities that help local economies while minimizing negative environmental and cultural impacts.

We would like to give you a couple of tips to start you thinking about traveling sustainably.
-Please bring rechargeable batteries, a battery charger (and plug adapter if necessary). Batteries are incredibly toxic and many places that we travel do not have proper disposal facilities. Rechargeables are best but if this is not possible we recommend that you bring any used batteries back home with you for proper disposal.
-Please ask before taking pictures. Just as you would not like to have a stranger come up to you and take a picture of you while sitting on your front porch either do the locals of the places that we visit. As you can imagine pictures of their children are also not appreciated.

For more information about our commitment to responsible travel, please visit the Sustainable Tourism section of the G.A.P Adventures website: www.gapadventures.com

Planeterra-The G.A.P Adventures Foundation:  Through G.A.P Adventures’ commitment to responsible tourism we have developed Planeterra – the G.A.P Adventures Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of people and communities around the world through support of international charities, local organizations and community projects in the places that we visit on our tours. G.A.P Adventures matches all individual donations and pays all administration fees, which means that 100% of each donation is doubled and goes directly to support our projects. For more information about Planeterra and the projects we support, or to make a donation, please visit www.planeterra.org

Planeterra Dollar-A-Day Program
Our Dollar-A-Day Program provides travellers with the opportunity to help us give back to the people and places visited on our tours by donating one dollar per day for the duration of their tour. 100% of these proceeds will go directly to support our Planeterra projects.

To participate in this program please indicate at the time of booking that you would like to participate in G.A.P Adventures’ Dollar-A-Day program, either by clicking the check box online, or by advising your G.A.P Adventures specialist or travel agent. (Note: Donation will be charged in the currency of your booking)

Feedback:  After your travels, we want to hear from you! Your feedback information is so important to us that you'll receive a special discount code for free online prints and we'll give you 5% off the price of your next G.A.P Adventures trip if your feedback is completed on-line within 30 days of finishing your trip. Please visit http://www.gapadventures.com/evaluations

Newsletter:  Our adventure travel e-newsletter is full of travel news, trip information, interesting stories and contests. To avoid missing out on special offers and updates from G.A.P Adventures, subscribe at www.gapadventures.com/newsletter_signup

Travel Forum - The Watering Hole:  Be sure to stop by The Watering Hole, our adventure travel forum. If you're interested in meeting others booked on your upcoming trip, check out the Departure Lounge section of our forum and introduce yourself. Otherwise, just drop in at anytime to share some travel tips, ask questions, meet other travellers and quench your thirst for travel. Our forum is located at wateringhole.gapadventures.com.

We Want Your Photos:  If you've got some great photos form your G.A.P Adventures travels, then post them online in our community! You can share photos - and videos - with our travellers from around the world. Simply go online to www.gapadventures.com/community to check out what other people have shared! We often have photo and video contests running too, so be sure to check our website often!

Free Online Trip Journals:  An online Trip Journal is a great way to record stories and photos as you travel, not to mention sharing your experiences with friends. Encourage your family and friends to follow in your footsteps as you explore the world! With templates for over 300 G.A.P Adventures trips already online all you have to do to get started is log in, choose your trip and your departure date, it's quick and easy! Head to http://www.gapadventures.com/trip_journal.

Keeping in Touch:  If you need to be contacted while travelling we recommend that you set up an email address that can be accessed on the road, rather than relying on postal mail. Email cafes are becoming increasingly commonplace and cheap throughout the regions we visit, and have quickly become the preferred way for our leaders and travellers to stay in touch. If someone wishes to contact you in an emergency while you are on one of our trips we recommend that they contact your local booking agent, or refer to our Emergency Contact. We recommend that family and friends don't try to contact you through phoning hotels en route, as our hotels are subject to change, and our hotel receptions often don't have English speaking staff.