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How do I redeem my voucher and for which travel dates is it valid?
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To redeem your voucher, simply reach out to Bearing True South as instructed in your confirmation email, and be sure to provide your order number. Travel dates are available between May 1 - October 23, 2021. Generally, trips depart on Saturdays during the voucher period. Premier dates do fill up quickly. If you are unable to secure your desired date in the 2021 sailing season you may extend your voucher and choose a new date in 2022, but additional trip costs may apply. Please do not make travel arrangements until you receive confirmation from the operator.
Below is a list of the current travel departure dates:
May 15th - May 22nd
May 29th - June 5th
June 19th - June 26th
July 10th - July 17th
July 17th - July 24th
July 24th - July 31st
Aug 21st - Aug 28th
Sept 11th - Sept 18th
Sept 18th - Oct 2nd
Oct 9th - Oct 16th
Oct 16th - Oct 23rd
Oct 23rd - Oct 30th
The following dates are available but also subject to a surcharge. Please contact our Adventures Team for pricing and availability on these dates.
July 31 - August 7, 2021
August 7 - August 14, 2021
August 14 - August 21, 2021
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Is my departure guaranteed?
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Yes, your departure for this trip is guaranteed! However, please do not book any flights until you receive confirmation from Bearing True South.
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Is there an option to upgrade to a bigger, more spacious boat?
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Yes! Bearing True South has two brand new sailboats - a 51-foot long HANSE 508 sailboat and a 55-foot long Hanse 548 sailboat. See below for descriptions of each boat:
51-foot long HANSE 508 sailboat
The boat comes equipped with four double cabins each with it's own private bathroom (complete with showers and electric toilets). Three cabins for guests and the fourth cabin reserved for the crew. There's a fully equipped kitchen and a massive living room in her galley as well as ample space on her sundeck. She comes equipped with snorkeling gear as well as an X1-Rider paddle board (2019 model) suitable for beginners/intermediates.
55-foot long Hanse 548 sailboat
The boat comes equipped with four double cabins, four bathrooms, and separate skipper's quarters. The sailboat has a massive galley, fully equipped kitchen, A/C under shore power, a large zodiac, and the largest deck of any sailboat you'll see in the Athens marina this season.
Please note these sailboats are subject to availability and pricing varies depending on the dates selected. If you are interested, please contact our Travel Services Team.
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What is the best way to get to the trip start location?
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Fly into Athens International Airport (ATH) which is a mere 28 miles from the marina. Most, if not all, major airlines have regular flights to Athens from all over the world. There are pre-paid and metered taxi stands at the airport and a taxi ride to the marina should be around $50-$55 depending on traffic. If you plan to stay a few days in Athens before or after your trip, let Bearing True South know and they will recommend hotels, sightseeing guided tours, and the best of Athenian cuisine.
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What are the accommodations like?
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Bearing True South operates a fleet of five sailing yachts, each with three or four double cabins, a large sundeck, and a comfortable indoor galley for meals and relaxing. They are equipped with an extra inflatable boat (dinghy) and a boat ladder to facilitate swimming and snorkeling activities. On all trips, accommodations are in double occupancy cabins.
On this trip, you'll be traveling on a 46-foot sailboat built in 2011. She is exceptionally catered for by Bearing True South, and boasts one of the larger decks out there. She can very comfortably accommodate up to six guests in three double cabins, plus a skipper and a guide in separate quarters. She has two WCs/showers, a large sundeck, solar panels, and a very spacious kitchen/dining room/living room area under a massive deck that is fitted with two large couches, separate sitting area for the skipper and guide, as well as a ton of space for sunbathing in the front.
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If included, what is the food like?
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When traveling with Bearing True South, you'll experience a great variety of delicious food based on traditional Greek cuisine. Emphasizing the regional cuisine of their destinations, Bearing True South carefully selects local, family run, restaurants. On a day when a barbecue dinner is included in the itinerary, expect local cheeses, vegetables, meat or fish, and bread from local markets. Barbecues take place on beautiful island beaches, where you can either help with the grilling and marinating or, alternatively, you can opt to have a swim under the stars while your guides cook for you.
Some meals on board the sailing yacht are included in the standard price of tours. "Light lunch" and "breakfast" usually refers to fresh Mediterranean salads, milk, cereal, sandwiches, omelets, or fresh fruit and local cheeses. When a meal is not included feel free to ask the tour leader to suggest a local restaurant in the village or town you are staying. The places recommended are local eateries the guides evaluate and they constantly check to make ensure good quality. If you are vegan or vegetarian, or you have any food allergies or any special requests when it comes to food, please let Bearing True South know at the time of booking, so they can make arrangements when shopping for supplies.
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How much extra money should people budget?
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Greece is pretty inexpensive compared to most European countries and North America. Plan an extra $40-$60 a day for personal expenses, alcoholic drinks, and a taverna meal. On some of the popular islands, meals tend to be on the expensive side if you opt for fine dining in Michelin star establishments, but a traditional gyro or souvlaki meal should not cost more than $5-$10.
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What should people bring? Do you have a packing list?
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Packing as light as possible is always important on an adventure tour and keep in mind that space is limited on board a sailing boat. Travelers are expected to bring with them a backpack or suitcase as well as a daypack for personal items and valuables. A full packing list can be provided upon request.
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Should I purchase travel insurance? If so, do you have a recommended provider?
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Travel insurance is required for this adventure. It allows you to seek reimbursement if you are forced to cancel your trip for unforeseeable reasons, or if you need to cover medical help, emergency transport, and/or theft or accidental damage while traveling. We recommend VisitorsCoverage as a provider.
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Are there special requirements for entry into the destination I am visiting?
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We recommend you visit the local government websites where you plan to travel and review the required documentation for entry, current restrictions, and general recommendations for travel within the area. We encourage you to also visit your home country's embassy website if you are traveling to a foreign country. Requirements can change rapidly. Please be sure you stay abreast of the requirements and restrictions for anywhere you plan to visit. You can also enroll in the U.S. government’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) and you will be sent updates if the situation in your destination changes. You can find the program link at https://step.state.gov/.
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Can I cancel or modify my trip?
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Yes! Book confidently with Free Cancellations within 72 hours of booking. After 72 hours, cancellation fees will apply.
New For 2021 Departures: We’re providing more flexible booking options on this trip.
Up until your scheduled departure date:*
If there are travel restrictions precluding you from entering the country or the operator is forced to cancel due to local restrictions the following policies will apply:
You will have the option to:
1) Select a new date within one year of your original departure date
2) Select a new adventure or destination, or
3) Receive a lifetime store credit toward a future trip.
*Please note, when choosing a new date, you must choose a date within the same sailing season in 2022 to avoid any additional trip costs. If you select a new adventure, you will be responsible for the difference of any additional trip costs above the value of your current trip. If you choose not to reschedule your trip, you will receive a lifetime credit, minus cancellation fees, towards a future trip.
If there are no travel restrictions in place, the following policies will apply:
Up to 30 days prior to a departure*
You may postpone or modify your trip up to 30 days prior to departure, but fees may apply.
You will have the option to:
1) Select a new travel date within one of your original departure date, or
2) Receive a lifetime store credit toward a future trip. Standard cancellation fees will apply.
For more information on our Travel Cancellation Policy please Click Here.