Professional Documents
Culture Documents
APP GRC TourJournal Sept2022 V3
APP GRC TourJournal Sept2022 V3
APP GRC TourJournal Sept2022 V3
TOUR JOURNAL
GREECE
1
Iconic GREECE
& the Cyclades Tour
2022 September 25 — October 9
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Cyclades of Mykonos and Santorini will inspire you to cherish the
simpler things in life. Endless blue seas, whitewashed buildings
at dramatic angles and pink skies play backdrop to the distinctive
cultural heritage and fascinating local traditions of a millennia-
old and multifaceted civilization. Local favourites of fresh
seafood, strong Ouzo liquor, sun-filled tomatoes, perfectly ripe
2 olives and organic feta cheese will quickly become yours, too. 3
Fall 2022 Group
JOE ENNIS LAKEVILLE CORNER, NB
CINDY BLAKEY BARRIE, ON
DAVID BLAKEY BARRIE, ON
JAMBI CANTEENWALLA KIRKLAND, QC
VAHISHTA CANTEENWALLA KIRKLAND, QC
LUCIE CHAREST OTTAWA, ON
PAUL CHAREST OTTAWA, ON
KATHY FROST ABBOTSFORD, BC
BRIAN POLLITT ABBOTSFORD, BC
SHARON GETTY EDMONTON, AB
KIMBER HANSEN WINNIPEG, MB
BRENDA LOLLEY GANANOQUE, ON
JAMES LOLLEY GANANOQUE, ON
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LORI MAY CAMBRIDGE, ON
SUSAN WATSON BALTIMORE, ON
BOB WATSON BALTIMORE, ON
ANNE WOLFF VON WULFING VICTORIA, BC
CATHY
4 WONG GRAND BEND, ON 55
Welcome
to a new approach
get to know your guru
Endless views, sun-soaked tomatoes and classic history First trip abroad: France
await – we can’t wait to share this amazing experience
I wouldn’t travel without: An open mind!
together! Thank you so much for joining us on this
great adventure. Something you should know about me:
I am from Newfoundland and am the 9th of 11 children (911)
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Unlimited sushi for life or unlimited tacos: Sushi
GOD
ancient Greeks to explain the chaos
of the universe and human nature.
Always powerful but sometimes cruel,
Are You? jealous, and even downright insane,
the Greek gods were embodiments
of our best and worst tendencies.
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ZEUS
God of the Sky, ruled over his unruly family of Olympians while APOLLO
they bickered and fought. Today, we would call Zeus something of God of archery, music, poetry, prophecy,
a player (if we’re being kind). Let’s just say that monogamy was medicine, and God of the sun. He was among
not his strong suit, a flaw that his wife Hera didn’t always find the most important and feared of the gods. Son
so endearing. He valued beauty above most of Zeus, he often spoke his will through the
things, including his family: Zeus once tossed oracle at Delphi. But Apollo didn’t take criticism
Hera’s son Hephaestus off the top of well. He once gave King Midas donkey ears for
Mount Olympus because the baby saying someone else’s music was better.
wasn’t pretty enough.
ARTEMIS
Artemis was the goddess of the hunt
POSEIDON and protector of mankind. Meant to
be cunning and quick, she’s often
God of the Sea, was a sometime
represented in art with a deer or a
moody guy, creating all the wonders
hunting dog. Often appearing as
of the ocean but also destroying
a 12-year-old girl, she walked the
cities with earthquakes or sinking
forests carrying a mean bow and
entire fleets of ships.
arrow. Picture a deadly Girls Scout
god. top of Mount Olympus because
the baby wasn’t pretty enough.
ATHENA APHRODITE
Goddess of war, knowledge, and reason, has a
Aphrodite was the goddess of beauty, sex,
very unique origin story. It is told that she emerged,
and romantic love. The most beautiful of all
a fully grown adult, from her father Zeus’ forehead.
the gods or goddesses, she knew she could
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She also plays an important role in the Odyssey
turn heads, and wasn’t afraid of using this
- she helped Odysseus and guided Perseus and
to her advantage. Her ego got her in trouble
Heracles through their trials. But watch out, she’s
more than once; she sometimes went to
proud and has a temper. Just ask Arachne, who
extreme measures to make sure she
got turned into a spider for daring to compare her
was always the fairest of them all (like
knitting skills to Athena’s.
10 helping to start the Trojan War!) 11
National Anthem
Hymn to Liberty
ENGLISH TRANSLATION
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of the Hellenes arisen,
and valiant again as you once were,
Hail, o hail, Liberty! 13
Preparing for your trip Getting to the airport
Home pick-up service is provided as part of our tour (unless this part of the tour was
credited on your booking confirmation). If it is not already included with this package,
a separate package with a customized letter will be sent to you 2 weeks prior to your
departure with your pick-up time and instructions.
Travel clinic
Tour companies are not permitted to provide any sort of medical advice (we’re travel
experts, not health experts). Depending on the destination, we recommend that you Meeting up with your Group Guru
contact your local travel clinic so you can receive all information relevant to your Your Group Guru will be departing from Toronto’s Pearson International Airport (YYZ;
destination. It is a good idea to bring a copy of your tour itinerary with you. This will our primary gateway). They will be waiting to greet you in front of our airline’s check-in
give their team a very good idea of which areas you will be spending time in and section (near the self-serve kiosks). Your Group Guru will be able to help you check-in
what information or preventative measures will be relevant for you. (if you have not already done so!) and can also help check your luggage while we
wait for everyone to arrive. Once everyone has checked in, you will be proceeding
through security together to your departure gate (you are welcome to clear security
Luggage immediately after your check-in and meet us directly at the gate if you wish). We
As part of your tour package with Approach Tours, you are allowed one carry-on ask that everyone arrive at the airport 3 hours before our scheduled flight. If you are
bag, one personal bag and one checked luggage. running late (it happens!) please call us at 1-866-351-9545 to let us know (we want
to be respectful of everyone’s time).
CARRY-ON BAG & PERSONAL BAG
If you are flying out of another city and are connecting with the remainder of the
Be ready to unpack and re-pack everything during the security screening. For that
group in Toronto, please meet us directly at the departure gate in Toronto. If you are
reason, it is better to pack light and pack smart. Magazines, electronic devices
flying out of another city and are not connecting via Toronto, or if you have made
and medication that you would like to bring with you in the main cabin must all be
your own flight arrangements, please consult your personalized travel arrangements
packed in your carry-on bag.
letter (If it is not already included with this package, it will be sent to you 2 weeks
prior to your departure).
In addition to your carry-on, you are allowed one personal bag (such as a purse,
camera bag or laptop bag). Creative travellers sometimes try to sneak in extra bags
filled with items. Airline employees are also very crafty and will detect those extra
bulges underneath your sweater. Good luck if you decide to try – just be aware that
you might have to cover additional fees for those extra carry-ons. CARRY-ON DIMENSIONS CHECKED LUGGAGE DIMENSIONS
& WEIGHT LIMIT & WEIGHT LIMIT
SPECIAL MEDICAL EQUIPMENT 40 cm / 15 in L
Medical equipment (such as crutches, walkers, oxygen bottles, etc.) are allowed
onboard in addition to your carry-on bag. If you aren’t sure whether you are allowed
to carry-on the Goodluck charm that your neighbour gave you, refer to the CATSA
website for an full list of what is and is not permitted in your carry-on (www.catsa-
acsta.gc.ca) or call toll-free 1-888-294-2202. 55 cm
H
22 in
CHECKED LUGGAGE
W
A tricky part of travelling is making sure that your checked luggage is within airline
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weight limits. We recommend that you start packing a few days before departure. If 23 cm
L + H + W = 158 cm (62 in)
your luggage feels heavy – it’s most likely not an illusion – it probably is too heavy. 9 in
Refine the contents of your suitcase to find the right balance between useful and “just 9 1 Bag = 23 each
in case”. We ask that you limit your luggage to 1 suitcase per person. Not only will Kg Kg
it save you from having to pay additional fees at time of check-in, but it will also 20 lbs 50 lbs
make your day-to-day travel that much easier as our buses have limited space for +1 personel item
checked luggage. 43 x 33 x 16 cm - 17 x 13 x 6 in 15
Flight schedule
DEPARTURE FLIGHTS
RETURN FLIGHTS
Please note that airlines and flight schedules can change between now and the departure date.
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Airport self-serve kiosk: 1–12 hours before departure
In person with a clerk: 1–12 hours before departure
During the check-in process, airlines usually offer the possibility to change the seat that was
assigned to you during the reservation process. Approach Tours has no direct say in seat
selection or meal options, although we make all preferences known to the airline.
17
Travel tips
Fiscal responsibility Stay fresh
Before leaving on tour, call your bank to let them know that you will be travelling Baby wipes are like a shower in a pouch – bring a small pack in your carry-on and
abroad. This will reduce the risk (and horror!) of an unpleasant surprise by having use them on your face and behind your neck as an amazing way to feel refreshed
your credit card blocked for unusual activity if you use it abroad. during your flight.
1. Turn your cell phone into a portable computer while abroad without incurring
internet fees by: Before leaving Canada, (1) set your phone to Airplane mode
Keep calm and Carry-on (for a day) (located in your main menu) and (2) turn your WiFi connection back on. This will
ensure that only your WiFi access is active while you are away and your phone won’t
Luggage always follows you to your destination, right? Most times yes…sometimes, accidentally use your regular internet data and run up a huge bill without knowing!
no. Consider packing a day’s worth of essentials in your carry-on (all while keeping it You can connect to free WiFi networks across the city (often found in most public
light and within airline regulations). Here are some items that are always appreciated spaces and in hotels) and use them for your internet needs.
while waiting for delayed luggage after a long flight:
2.
• Shirt (x1) Ask your cell phone provider about their international plans. These plans are
• Shorts or jeans (x1; choose the one that best fits the temperature at destination) often built as a one-time purchase that is added to your monthly bill and provides
• Underwear (x1; if you wear them) your cell phone with internet access while abroad. International plans come at a cost,
• Socks but are an effective way to manage your cell phone bill while away.
• Basic toiletries, such as a travel toothbrush, a miniature tube of toothpaste, small
deodorant. Make sure all liquids are within airline limits and are packed in a zip-
lock bag! Leave your manicure kit in your checked luggage unless you intend to gift Safe-ty first
it to Border security.
While on tour, leave your Passport, expensive accessories and airline documents in
your hotel safe. If you feel the need to have international identification on you during
Mine + Yours = Ours the day, bring a photocopy of your passport.
If you are travelling with another person, combat the lost-luggage-blues by packing
some items in each other’s suitcase. That way, if one suitcase goes missing, you
have some essentials with you while your suitcase finds its way back to you.
Sanitary sanity
Airplanes are notorious for germs. Pack a small bottle of hand sanitizer as a great IMPORTANT:
way to clean your tray table before you place any of your personal items on it. Don’t forget to take all your belongings from the safe before checking out!
18 19
Packing list
In addition to all the basics that you will pack, here is a list of suggested items
that may make your time on tour with us even more enjoyable:
Clothing Essentials
(that we sometimes forget)
A mix of long-sleeve and short-sleeve shirts
(temperatures can vary throughout the day, Sunglasses
so you may want to dress in layers)
Wallet + credit cards + cash
A windbreaker or light rain jacket
(no travellers cheques – few places
(some nature sites can be windy)
accepted them now!)
Jeans or shorts that convert into pants
Camera + memory cards
(perfect for windy locations, rainy day,
or evenings with a bit of a chill) International power adapter
Shall or sweater (easy way to cover up if Cell phone/Tablet
you get a bit of a chill)
Sunscreen
Comfortable walking shoes
Ear plugs
A sun hat or cap
Chargers for electronic devices
Bathing suit
(camera, cell phone, tablet)
List of any medications and allergies Your Approach Tours Welcome kit items
you may have
Emergency phone numbers Other
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Original prescriptions
(for refills or for border security)
Your fancy Tour Journal!
Recommended
20 carry-on items 21
Useful apps
Google Maps is a one-stop-shop app that allows you to do everything from planning
a route between point A and point B, finding any point of interest in your area, and
even to consult business hours and read reviews for a specific business.
Citymapper provides you with free access to local public transit maps and modes
of transportation. Getting around is that easy!
Uber, Lyft allow you to hitch a ride in more than 500 cities worldwide, at more
competitive rates than taxis.
Flush is the quickest, simplest way of finding a public bathroom or restroom. With
over 190,000 restroom in its database, you can find a restroom even without an
internet connection - now hurry!
Messenger and WhatsApp help you stay in contact with friends and loved ones with
chat, audio and video calling - all for free! All you need is to connect to a WiFi network.
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Yelp, Zomato, HappyCow Feel like breaking away from the group for a meal?
These apps allow you to read reviews and consult business hours before choosing
your next place to eat. HappyCow specializes in vegetarian and vegan eateries.
Manulife TravelAid offers instant access to medical facilities and international 911
numbers, plus a claims submission portal for easy, fast service.
22 23
SOMETHING GREAT IS ABOUT TO HAPPEN
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24 25
ATHENS
@ApproachTours, #APPTeamGreece
#YassasGreece, #ExploringAthens
DAYS 1 & 2
GOODBYE CANADA, YASSAS GREECE!
ATHENS
(Capital of Greece)
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Over 250 days of sunshine per year
Population of 3,153,000 people
The city is still dominated by 5th -century BC
26 landmarks, including the Acropolis. 27
ATHENS
@ApproachTours, #APPTeamGreece
#YassasGreece, #ExploringAthens
#Parthenon, #Acropolis
#MountLycabettus
DAY 3
DISCOVER ATHENS
5
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2
3 1
4
28
Mount Lycabettus
METEORA &
KALAMBAKA
@ApproachTours, #APPTeamGreece
#YassasGreece, #ExploringKalambaka
#MonasteriesOfMeteora
DAY 4
MONASTERIES OF METEORA
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31
DELPHI
@ApproachTours, #APPTeamGreece
#YassasGreece, #ExploringDelphi
#TempleOfApollo
DAY 5
DELPHI’S ORACLES
3
1 2
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32 Amphitheater, Delphi 33
KEFALONIA
Kefalonia
2
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Hotel Settentrionale Esplanade
Via Pietro Grocco, 2, 51016 Montecatini Terme
T. +39 0572 70021
1
34
KEFALONIA
@ApproachTours, #APPTeamGreece
#YassasGreece, #ExploringKefalonia
#Argostoli, #DrongaratiCaves
DAY 7
THE ISLAND OF KEFALONIA
3
1
2 2
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1
Drogarati Cave 37
OLYMPIA
@ApproachTours, #APPTeamGreece
#YassasGreece, #ExploringOlympia
DAY 8
ANCIENT OLYMPIA
1
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DAY 9
EXPLORE THE ARGOLIS PENINSULA
Starhotels Tuscany
Via di Novoli, 59, 50127 Firenze
T. +39 055 431441
3 1
2
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4
Nafplio 41
NAFPLIO TO
SANTORINI
Hotel Gioberti
Via Gioberti 20, 00185 Roma
T. +39 06 4440625 1
42
SANTORINI
@ApproachTours, #APPTeamGreece
#YassasGreece, #ExploringSantorini
#Pyrgos, #Oia
DAY 11
EXPLORE SANTORINI
Hotel Gioberti
Via Gioberti 20, 00185 Roma
T. +39 06 4440625
2
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44 Giant’s causeway
Oia sunset
MYKONOS
@ApproachTours, #APPTeamGreece
#YassasGreece, #ExploringMykonos
DAY 12
MYKONOS & AN AEGEAN SUNSET (FERRY)
Hotel Gioberti
Via Gioberti 20, 00185 Roma
T. +39 06 4440625
Mykonos
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Santorini
47
MYKONOS
RELAXING IN MYKONOS
Mykonos is meant for lingering, and that is exactly what we’ll do! Enjoy
a free day in the prettiest of settings: white houses with blue shutters,
sandy beaches and sunny terraces. Cool off in the swimming pool
of your hotel or by heading out to one of the famous local beaches,
you’ve earned it. Overnight in Mykonos. (B,L,D)
mykonos
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Hotel Gioberti
Via Gioberti 20, 00185 Roma
T. +39 06 4440625
48
ATHENS
@ApproachTours, #APPTeamGreece
#YassasGreece, #ExploringAthens
DAY 14
SCENIC FERRY TO ATHENS
1
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50 Amalfi
ATHENS TO
CANADA
@ApproachTours, #APPTeamGreece
#YassasGreece, #efcharistóGreece
#IWantToGoBack, #HomeSweetHome
DAY 15
HOME SWEET HOME
Sorrento
Sorrento
Efcharistó pou to
moirástikes aftó to
ypérocho peripéteia
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mazí mas! Ekeí ta
léme sýntoma!
Capri 53
Notes
#APPTeamGreece
As this is a team challenge, your team consists of you and your fellow
travellers on the Iconic Greece & the Cyclades Tour this fall. The more days
that you and your fellow team members participate and the more pictures
that are shared, the more chances your team has to collect likes and thumbs
up from your friends, family and other travellers.
25 19.19 25 32.57
www.approachtours.com
50 38.37 50 65.14 1-866-351-9545
75 57.56 75 97.71
#703464
Exchange rates consistently fluctuate. This chart is simply
a quick reference for some on-the-spot arithmetic.
Please refer to www.approachtours.com for a full list
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