Greece tours & holidays

Greece is part of the Schengen Area – a border-free region in Europe that allows citizens of participating countries to travel freely. Nationals from many non-EU countries can travel to the Schengen Area without a visa for short stays, but they must apply in advance for an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System). Travellers from countries that are not visa-exempt will need to apply for a Schengen visa.

To enter Greece, you may also need:  

• Passport with at least six months of validity  
• Proof of onward travel
• Proof of accommodation and sufficient funds

Absolutely. All passengers travelling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of their adventure. Your leader will record your travel insurance details on the first day of the trip. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of healthcare around the world, travel insurance is an essential part of every journey.

Learn more about travel insurance

Tipping isn’t a strong tradition in Greece, but it’s always appreciated when you’ve enjoyed a meal or service – even if you just round up the bill a couple of euros. Try to tip in cash rather than on card, otherwise it may not reach the service staff.

What to pack for Greece will depend on where you're going and the time of year you visit. Comfortable walking shoes are essential all year round, as is a jumper in case a cool wind blows, a day bag for everyday items and comfy clothing to layer up and down on the fly.

Swimwear and sandals are essential for summer trips, while a warm, windproof coat is needed in winter.

If you’re heading to the mountains, especially in spring, autumn and winter, it’s best to be prepared for everything as the weather can be unpredictable.

Drinking tap water in big cities like Athens and Thessaloniki is generally safe unless otherwise marked. On the islands, it’s not always suitable to drink – although showing and brushing your teeth with it is OK.

For environmental reasons, try to avoid buying bottled water. Fill a reusable water bottle with filtered water instead.

Your leader will advise you on whether tap water is safe to drink and where you can refill along the way.

You’ll be able to find wi-fi at most hotels, cafes, bars and restaurants throughout the well-touristed areas of Greece. Alternatively, you can pick up a local SIM card with a data package for continued access. 

If you want to use your phone in Greece and you’re not from an EU country, you’ll need to pick up a local SIM card or activate global roaming before you leave home. Ensure you check roaming fees with your provider beforehand to avoid hefty fees.

Flushable, Western-style toilets are the norm in Greece. You may need to pay a small fee (50 cents or a euro) to use public toilets in some areas. Also, make sure you don’t flush toilet paper – throw it in the bins provided instead.

Greece is largely accepting of LGBTQIA+ visitors, especially in big cities and on popular islands. Smaller towns and rural areas may be more conservative and public displays of affection may be frowned upon, so being aware of local attitudes can help you avoid unwanted attention.

For more detailed and up-to-date advice, we recommend visiting Equaldex before you travel. 

If you’re travelling with us, you can rest assured we’ve got your back. We have zero tolerance for discrimination, violence or harassment – either between travellers, with our partners or with local people.

There are roughly 6000 islands and islets scattered across Greece’s waters, of which only about 200 are inhabited. Each island has its allure, but all offer spectacular sea views, golden beaches and old towns packed with culture. The islands are also cloaked in mythological stories central to Greek culture.

Yes, all Intrepid trips support The Intrepid Foundation. In this country, we partner with World Bicycle Relief and Eden: People + Planet. Intrepid will double the impact by dollar matching all traveller donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.

World Bicycle Relief

World Bicycle Relief provides people in low-income communities with bicycles to mobilise school kids, health workers, and farmers in far-out areas – giving them access to vital education, healthcare, and income. Donations help provide Buffalo Bicycles – specifically designed to withstand the rugged terrain and harsh environment of rural regions – to those who need them most.

Find out more or make a donation

Eden: People + Planet

Eden Reforestation Projects are helping to mitigate climate change by restoring forests worldwide; they also hire locally and create job opportunities within vulnerable communities. Donations support restoration across planting sites in 10 countries, including Kenya and Nepal.

Find out more or make a donation

We take the health and safety of our travellers seriously and take every measure to ensure that trips are safe, fun and inclusive for everyone. When you travel with us, you have access to our global support network and local on‑ground leadership, and you can rest easy knowing we have a zero-tolerance policy on discrimination.

We recommend that all travellers check with their government or national travel advisory organisation for the latest information before departure. The World Health Organisation also provides useful health information.

Travelling from Australia?

Go to: Smart Traveller

From Canada?

Go to: Canada Travel Information

From the UK?

Go to: UK Foreign Travel Advice

From New Zealand?

Go to: Safe Travel

From the US?

Go to: US Department of State

Learn more about safe travels with Intrepid

We believe travel should be accessible to everyone. Although some destinations and itineraries may be more accessible than others, we'll do our best to accommodate your needs, make reasonable adjustments where possible or guide you toward the most suitable trips. Get in touch with our friendly adventure consultants to chat about your options.

Our Tailor-Made team can also help you plan a customised trip just for you.