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Explorer’s Guide: FAQ .

Self-guided tours offer a unique, authentic and enriching way to explore any destination!

Key benefits: 

  • Flexibility and Freedom: Explore in your own way, travel at your own pace and spontaneously stop at any sites you like for as long as you like.
  • Personalized adventure: Enjoy a customized  trip designed around your hobbies, interests and needs. 
  • Privacy: Share the journey only with your chosen travel companions (friends/family/partner).
  • Convenience: Travel comfortably in your own car or a rental vehicle.
  • Scenic Routes and Road Trips: Experience epic drives and enchanting landscapes at your leisure.
  • Gastro-experience: No pre-booked restaurants & meals, giving you the freedom to savor your favorite Greek flavors!
  • Local Interaction: Engage more deeply with local culture, communities and everyday life. Travel like a local!

Plus: Our agency offers comprehensive, customized travel itineraries, valuable tips for attractions, activities and hiking trails, along with suggestions for a self-drive trip you will never forget! 

Start your next WANDERLIFE adventure in Greece!

The primary benefit of booking a trip with WANDERLIFE Greece is that we fully consider your needs, interests and preferences when planning your itinerary. You can choose your preferred type of car and accommodation, add activities and sightseeing you love and extend your stay in the capital city or other Greek cities for a rich urban and cultural experience. You can even combine multiple destinations into one epic road trip! Let us know what excites you, and we will craft the perfect schedule to make your dream trip a reality!

On our website, each destination includes a recommended number of days that we consider ideal for fully exploring it and making the most of your experience. When crafting an itinerary, we count both the first and last days of your trip as full days. For the best experience, we recommend arriving early in the morning on  DAY 1 and departing late in the evening on the final day of your trip. However, if your flights are scheduled for the middle of the day, you may need to either extend your trip by an extra day or adjust the itinerary by skipping some visits/activities/parts of the trip. Don’t worry – we will tailor the itinerary to fit your schedule. Each trip is fully customizable!

Since each trip is customizable and not pre-organized, we require at least 75 days to carefully craft your itinerary and plan all the details. Booking early increases your chances of finding the ideal accommodation, especially during public holidays and the summer months when demand in Greece significantly increases.

1. Choose your dream destination and travel dates.

2. Answer a few short questions about your interests and hobbies.

3. Get an overview of the trip highlights, attractions, activities and final cost per person based on your preferences.

4. Pay a deposit of 30% of the total amount and sign the contract.

5. Book your flights.

6. Receive a complete, customized travel program/itinerary with key information about all the places, beaches, villages, attractions and interesting spots you will encounter along the way, upon completing the full payment.

6 + 1. Get ready for the ultimate self-guided trip in Greece!

 

The schedule provided is just a suggestion from our agency to help you explore and get to know each destination at its best. Our team has travelled around Greece to give you helpful travel tips, hiking trail suggestions and local advice that will make your journey an unforgettable and valuable experience! However, of course you can customize the trip as you like – feel free to skip any activities or visits, spontaneously explore other attractions and sites that catch your eye, or simply relax and enjoy a Greek coffee with a book and a wonderful view of the sea or the mountains. It is important to stick to the schedule only when you need to travel from one destination to another or relocate to a different hotel in another area. Self-drive tours offer maximum flexibility and freedom so you can live the exciting adventure you have imagined!

Of course you can travel in your own car. Our team will arrange the accommodation and prepare a detailed travel itinerary based on your needs and interests. An amazing experience awaits you in the comfort of your own vehicle!

You will be able to pick up your rental car at the airport of Athens or Thessaloniki as soon as you arrive, so you can immediately start your WANDERLIFE adventure!

Every destination offers a variety of attractions and experiences, making them ideal for year-round travel. However, some are more popular in certain seasons, so on our website you will find a suggested travel period for each destination. We carefully consider weather conditions and travel timing when fine-tuning your itinerary, ensuring you enjoy a fantastic and fulfilling experience no matter the season.

For a rich urban and cultural experience, you should definitely wander around the streets of Athens and immerse yourself in the daily life of the locals. The Acropolis and the Parthenon, The Temple of Olympian Zeus, the Temple of Poseidon, the Panathenaic Stadium, Lycabettus Hill, the picturesque district “Anafiotika” in Plaka, the scenic walk in Dionysiou Areopagitou alongside the Acropolis, the National Gallery are just some of the must-see attractions in the capital city of Greece.

If you wish to spend a few days in Athens or other major cities, such as Thessaloniki, we can extend your car rental, recommend hotels based on your preferences and budget, and provide you with useful tips for an experience filled with history, culture and unforgettable memories!

After selecting your preferred destination and submitting the Inquiry Form, you will receive an overview of the trip highlights, attractions, activities, and the final cost per person based on your preferences and interests. To secure availability and pricing, a deposit of 30% of the total amount is required, along with signing the package travel contract within 7 calendar days from the date you receive the offer. The complete, customized travel program and itinerary -including key information about all the places, beaches, villages, attractions, and interesting spots you will encounter along the way– will be sent to you upon completing the full payment, and no later than 20 days before the start date of your trip.

Our recommendation is to book your flights after completing the Booking Inquiry Form and receiving the trip outline & cost per person from our agency. This way, we will be able to advise you about the airport that best serves the destination you have chosen, as well as about the ideal time of landing in Greece and starting your excursion!

However, if you have already booked your flights to and from Greece, before booking the self-drive tour, we will tailor the final travel itinerary to fit your schedule, taking into account your inbound and outbound flight times.

Unfortunately, the weather is something that we cannot predict when planning and finalizing your trip itinerary. There is a possibility that some of the suggested or booked activities will be canceled during your journey because of bad weather conditions (heavy rain or snow, strong winds, extreme heat in the summer etc). Self-drive tours offer maximum flexibility and freedom, so if needed you have the option to switch activities and attractions from one day to another. For guided activities such as rafting, please always check the availability of the service on the new date. If it is not possible to reschedule an activity due to availability or time limits, then unfortunately it will have to be canceled. But don’t worry, you will have one more reason to come back to Greece next year! 

The daily driving hours depend on several factors, including the selected destination, the total distance to be covered, road conditions etc. Driving hours per day will normally not exceed 3–4 hours, ensuring a safe, comfortable, and pleasant journey. However, please note that on the first and last day of your trip, you may need to drive up to 5 or 6 hours to reach your destination.

You will receive a detailed itinerary for your trip along with all the necessary & emergency phone numbers (hotel, car rental, activities, medical emergency service etc.). But if you need any further assistance during your stay in Greece, our team will be at your disposal through email or phone.

To make the most of your self-drive journey, it’s important to pack smartly and thoughtfully. Below, you will find a list to guide your packing and help you prepare for anything that comes your way!

  • EU driving license, passport or ID
  • Money: Most restaurants, shops, museums, archaeological sites, and activity centers accept credit cards. However, it’s advisable to always carry some cash, especially when purchasing local products or souvenirs in more remote destinations or small villages.
  • Travel itinerary, tips and accommodation details provided by WANDERLIFE Greece
  • Mobile phone, Chargers, headphones and portable power banks: In Greece, we mainly use type F plugs, so be sure to check if you are going to need an adapter. 
  • Sunglasses, Hat, Suncream, anti-mosquito spray
  • Swimwear, flip flops or hiking sandals, beach towel, beach bag, snorkeling gear
  • Personal hygiene items, such as toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, hand sanitizer, wet wipes
  • Any prescriptions and medications you might need
  • Comfortable clothes for driving and activities, and extra layers for varying weather conditions, comfortable walking shoes
  • Especially for hiking lovers: Smart watch with maps/GPS device, compass, headlamp, waterproof hiking boots, trekking poles, poncho
  • Backpack for single-day adventures and activities
  • Music and Audiobooks for the journey
  • Books, Magazines, or e-books for relaxation
  • Camera or action camera to capture your best moments
  • Umbrella, waterproof jacket 
  • Warm clothes, gloves, scarves, and thermal wear for cold months
  • Trash Bags to leave no trace
  • Dry Bag to keep valuables dry during water activities

To be eligible to drive any type of vehicle in Greece, you need to be at least 18 years old and have a valid driving license.

Visitors who have a valid license from a European Union country, as well as Norway, Iceland, Switzerland & Liechtenstein, do not need an international driving permit for a car rental.

Citizens from Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Central African Republic, Chile, Costa Rica, Côte d’Ivoire, Cuba, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ecuador, Georgia, Ghana, Guyana, Holy See, Indonesia, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Iraq, Israel, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Liberia, Mexico, Monaco, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Niger, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Republic of Moldova, Russian Federation, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia, Seychelles, South Africa, Tajikistan, Thailand, North Macedonia, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom of Great Britain and N.Ireland, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of), Vietnam and Zimbabwe must present ONLY a card-type Valid National Driving License.

Citizens from all the other countries outside the E.U. are required to be in possession of a driving license valid both in Greece and in the European Union, or otherwise holders of an international driving permit which they are required to present together with the valid driving license issued in their country.

Further important information:

  • In Greece, you drive on the right-hand side of the road, and the driver’s seat is on the left-hand side of the vehicle.
  • All occupants of the vehicle must wear seat belts when fitted.
  • Children under 10 y.o. may not travel in the front seat. Child seats are mandatory for children up to 4 y.o..
  • The legal blood alcohol limit in Greece is 0.05%. However, for new drivers with less than two years of experience and professional drivers, it is 0.02%.
  • Roundabouts: Typically, vehicles entering have the right of way, but always check for priority signs.
  • Major highways and main roads in Greece are generally well-maintained, but rural roads may be narrower and winding. Be cautious of potholes, especially on smaller roads.
  • Driving in the emergency lane is prohibited for all vehicles. It is intended only for use by emergency vehicles, namely National First Aid Center ambulances, the Fire Brigade and the Traffic Police. Stopping in the emergency lane is only permitted in case of absolute emergency.
  • You are not allowed to park within 3 meters of a fire hydrant, within 5 meters of a junction, or within 15 meters of a public transport stop. If you park in a No Parking zone in Athens or certain other areas, the police may impose a fine or remove the car’s license plates.
  • Especially in Athens, street parking usually requires the purchase of a ticket from a mobile app called AthensPass, so make sure to download it ahead of your visit.
  • Restricted Areas: To minimize the traffic in Athens’ city center and other major Greek cities, certain central areas restrict car access. The restrictions are based on whether each car’s license plate ends in an odd or even number, with the odd numbers being allowed to enter the city center on odd-numbered days and the even numbers being allowed to enter on even-numbered days of the month. Fortunately, these restrictions do not apply to rental cars!
  • Unless a specific sign for a speed limit suggests otherwise, these are the legal speed limits when driving in Greece: 
    • Urban areas: 50 km/h
    • Open roads: 90 km/h
    • Motorways: 120 km/h