Tamara's Trip to Greece Vacation Mavens

Tamara is just back from a trip to Greece and she tells us all about this dream vacation. Find out what it is like to travel to Greece right now -- plus what to do and where to stay in Santorini and Naxos!

ABOUT OUR SPONSOR – ATLAS OCEAN VOYAGES
Today’s podcast is brought to you by Atlas Ocean Voyages. 

If you have ever dreamed of cruising to Greece or Egypt, now is the time to book! Atlas Ocean Voyages just introduced its expedition ship World Navigator. This small ship, luxury vessel is built for adventure in a sustainable, energy-efficient manner. 

Perfect for adventurous families or multi-generational groups, its compact size and small guest count of fewer than 200 passengers, means a higher space to guest ratio and more intimacy and personalized service.

From August through September 2021, World Navigator will sail 7 separate 12 night itineraries to Greece and Egypt. And its small size and agility means she can dock in smaller ports, avoiding large crowds and getting a more authentic experience. And this summer, arrivals in Greece do not coincide with any other cruise ships in port!

Bookings are all inclusive, including both airfare and excursions. The ship’s facilities and protocols reflect state of the art public health guidance. With stringent public health protocols followed by staff and crew with pre-boarding and pre-embarkation PCR testing provided for all passengers. Social distancing will be maintained with small group shore excursions.

Atlas welcomes travelers to ‘come back to something brand new’      To learn more, please visit www.AtlasOceanVoyages.com and we thank them for their support.

2021 Trip to Greece Tips
Greece reopened to USA citizens this springs. Visitors need to either be fully vaccinated (all shots + 14 days) and have a vaccination card OR show a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of boarding the plane. These are reviewed at check in for your flight. Visitors also need to fill out a Passenger Locator Form more than 24 hours before arrival. The Greece government will then send you a QR code after midnight on the day of your arrival that you need to show at Customs on your arrival. You need to show the receipt of submission or QR code when you check in to your flight. Masks are required in airports, planes, trains, ferries, ferry ports, busses, and taxis, as well as indoors. You also need to complete health forms before going on ferries or boats and either be vaccinated or take a test before going on a ferry. Vaccination cards will also be checked when you check into hotels. To return to the USA, you need to take a PCR test within 72 hours of your flight departure. There are public clinics available to get tested but appointments may be required and hours are limited. Tamara's tests on Naxos were 60 euro per person. You can also order Binax Now tests from Abbott Laboratories online. Just make sure they are the ones approved for travel and include online monitoring of the test as that is what is needed for re-entry into the USA. On Santorini, Tamara stayed at the Canaves Oia Epitome, which is a new property from the Canaves brand, and it is a luxury hotel located about 10 minutes walk from Oia and Ammoudi Bay. They booked the honeymoon suite with private plunge pool. Elements Restaurant at the Canaves Oia Epitome offers an amazing Degustation Menu and it was a top dining experience. Santorini is a very popular destination and Oia is the most famous town. When you visit, be sure to go into town early in the morning to avoid crowds. Tamara also had a chef's tasting dinner at Lycabettus in Oia but felt it wasn't worth the price. Santorini Wine Trails does half or full-day wine tours in Santorini. All tours are private right now. Ammoudi Fish Tavern is a fun restaurant right on the water in Ammoudi Bay with great views and fresh fish. Tamara also did a photo shoot with Nikola from Flytographer and got some great photos. Book ferry tickets