Greece Booking Information

YOUR HOLIDAY PRICE INCLUDES:

  • Prices are in pounds sterling and are per person
  • Accommodation only for the guests named on your invoice (including breakfast where stated if you are staying in a hotel)
  • Return economy flights from the UK to your destination, if booking a package 
  • An air-conditioned car or return transfers, as specified in the property details, if booking a package
  • The assistance of our local representative, the property owner, housekeeper or concierge
  • Simpson information book in your accommodation
  • Welcome pack in villas and apartments
  • If Accommodation Only is selected, then flights, car are not included in the price

YOUR HOLIDAY PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE:

  • Any breakages, damage, losses, extra cleaning or outstanding accounts incurred during your stay
  • Visas
  • Government and local taxes
  • Hotel and villa taxes, including, but not limited to, the new CIimate Resilience tax
  • Holiday travel insurance

YOUR SECURITY AND PEACE OF MIND
Full protection is guaranteed when you book a package with us. Our holidays are protected by the Civil Aviation Authority under the Air Tour Organisers Licence (ATOL Licence 5858) and by the Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA Membership W5698).

FOREIGN OFFICE ADVICE BEFORE YOU TRAVEL
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office provides up-to-date travel information to help British travellers make informed decisions about travelling abroad. Should you wish to check their advice or information about the destination you are travelling to, please visit their website: www.fco.gov.uk/en or call 020 7008 1500.

ACCOMMODATION ONLY
For most of our self-catering accommodation we are able to offer accommodation only prices (excluding flights, car hire and transfers). Restrictions may apply at certain times of the year.

INFANTS
There is a charge of £80 per infant (under 2 years) on all our package holidays. Travel cots and highchairs are provided free of charge in our self-catering properties, however, some hotels may charge for these items and we will advise you of any extra costs at the time of booking. Many hotels offer reduced rates for children if they share the same room as their parents.

PLACING AN OPTION
In order to allow you to co-ordinate your holiday arrangements with friends and family, in many cases we are able to hold an option for up to 24 hours before confirming your booking.

PAYING FOR YOUR HOLIDAY
In order to confirm your booking, we require a deposit as follows:

  • for packages with Simpson Travel allocated flights: 25% of the accommodation cost
  • for packages with flights purchased extra to our allocation: 25% of the accommodation cost + full purchased flight cost
  • for accommodation only bookings: 25% of the accommodation cost

For bookings made within 70 days or less of departure, we require full payment at the time of booking.

All the above payments are non-refundable. The balance payment for your holiday is due 10 weeks prior to your departure. We accept most debit cards and credit cards, and personal cheques. Multi-centre holidays incur a £15-100 per person administration fee. Please familiarise yourself with our full booking terms including our cancellation policy here.

TRAVEL INSURANCE
It is compulsory that all our guests have comprehensive travel insurance and we will need full details of your policy at the time of booking or before you travel.

FINAL DOCUMENTATION
Your travel documents are available to download and print 2 weeks prior to departure provided you have paid in full, completed and submitted Advanced Passenger Information and car hire details (if applicable). Should you prefer to receive your documents by post, please ask us at the time of booking.

PASSPORTS AND VISAS
It is your responsibility to be in possession of a valid passport and any necessary visas. EU citizens do not need a visa to travel to Greece. If you are a non-EU citizen then you should check with your own embassy for the entry/re-entry requirements necessary for your journey. Children not on an accompanying parent’s passport before October 1998 are now required to hold their own passport if they are under 16 years. All passports must be issued less than 10 years before the date you enter Greece (check the ‘date of issue’) and valid for at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave (check the ‘expiry date’). If you do not have a passport, it is recommended to apply at least 6 weeks before your holiday.

LUGGAGE ALLOWANCE

If you are flying with us on Easyjet you are permitted to carry one small cabin bag per person on board (maximum size 45 x 36 x 20cm, including any handles or wheels), which must fit under the seat in front of you. There’s no weight limit, but we do ask that you are able to lift and carry your bag yourself.

If you'd also like to bring a large cabin bag on board (max. 56 x 45 x 25cm, including any handles and wheels) you have the option to book this for your flight. Every customer who books a large cabin bag can also enjoy the benefit of Speedy Boarding.

If you are flying with any other airline, please check the airline’s website for details.

It is common for airlines to change their restrictions on luggage weight and the number of items so, before travelling, we recommend you check the airline’s website for the latest information.

IN-FLIGHT MEALS AND SPECIAL DIETS
As all airlines now operate a 'buy on board' service we are unable to pass on any special dietary requirements you may have. 

GROUP SEATING AND EXTRA LEGROOM
Some airlines offer passengers the opportunity of pre-booking guaranteed seats together at a pre-paid supplement (seats may be situated either side of an aisle) and some offer seating with extra legroom for a reasonable supplement. Availability and supplements can be advised at the time of booking.

PREGNANCY
You will usually need a certificate of fitness to fly if you are more than 28 weeks pregnant. Most airlines will not allow you to fly if you are more than 32 weeks pregnant. Please refer to the airline’s website for details of their policy.

API (ADVANCE PASSENGER INFORMATION)
Most countries require that the airline take additional information from each passenger such as full name, date and place of birth, passport number, country of issue and expiry date. You will need to provide this information at the time of booking or, at the very latest, prior to release of your travel documents. You are able to complete the details online via Manage My Booking or call a member of our Pre-Departure team.

NAME CHANGES
The name shown on the itinerary must exactly match the name of the passenger travelling as it appears in his/her passport (first full name and surname). If not, you may be refused boarding. Once your flights have been booked, it is not usually possible to make name changes without incurring substantial charges. If there are any errors on your invoice or itinerary, please inform us immediately.

FLIGHT DELAYS
In the event of a flight delay, whenever possible we will ensure that the airline/operator communicates the reasons for and extent of any delay and implements appropriate standards of welfare provision. EU carriers should also comply with EU Regulation 261/2004 in the event of delays, cancellations or denied boarding and guidance is provided on the CAA’s website www.caa.co.uk

CAR HIRE INFORMATION
Most of our package holidays include an air-conditioned hire car, to be collected from and returned to the airport (or port where applicable). The category of car included in the basic holiday price will vary according to the number of people in your party. We do not consider infants as part of the total party size. The cars we have included offer comfortable seating for the size of party travelling, however, we do ask you to take into account the size of the boot space for your luggage if any infants are in your party, and the number of child and baby seats required. You may wish to upgrade your car to give you extra comfort and space. Availability and supplements for upgrading will be advised at the time of booking. For transporting extra luggage it is also possible to pre-book a taxi at additional cost.

For the types of car available for each Island, please follow the link on the property details page.

The types of cars listed are only examples of car models in each category. We cannot guarantee that you will receive a specific make or model. All our hire cars in Greece are 5 door.

INCLUDED IN YOUR CAR HIRE

  • Unlimited mileage
  • Local taxes and compulsory insurance
  • Two main drivers. Please note that there is a minimum age for drivers (minimum ages vary from 21 to 25 and can be advised at the time of booking) although there is no maximum age limit. Drivers must hold a British or EU Driver’s Licence or International Driver’s Licence, held for at least two years. You do not need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive in Greece if you have a plastic photocard driving licence issued in the UK. You will not be able to hire a car without your original, valid driver’s licence which you must carry at all times when you are driving. Further information for UK licence holders is available here. If your licence is from outside the UK or the EU, please consult the relevant authority in the country of issue.

CAR INSURANCE
Your car hire insurance is fully comprehensive in terms of the vehicle itself with no excess.

The insurance with or without the excess will not cover:

  • Tyres, including puncture repairs
  • Loss of or damage to car keys (and costs incurred due to this, for example towing and replacement keys, etc.)
  • Windscreen, wing mirrors or undercarriage (you should not drive off-road)
  • Interior of car is also not covered in Corfu, Paxos and Kefalonia.
  • Personal Accident Insurance (this should be covered by your personal travel insurance)
  • Any damage, loss, accident, theft, attempted theft, etc. caused by your own negligence, for example, driving under the influence of alcohol, unlawful driving, driving off-road, using wrong type of fuel, unlocked doors, apparent personal effects, etc.

CAR HIRE DEPOSIT
The car hire agents will require you to lodge a credit card deposit when you collect your car. No money will be taken if you return the undamaged car at the correct time with the correct amount of fuel and not requiring cleaning.

CHILD SEATS
Child and baby seats (forward facing seats only are available) can be provided if booked at least 2 weeks prior to your departure and are charged at £3 per day. Please remember to specify the age of the child. Local car hire and Simpson Travel staff are not authorised to install the child seats and as style and installation may differ to those in the UK, you may prefer to bring your own child seat for your own peace of mind.

TRANSFER INFORMATION
Please refer to the information at the top of the page for details of the transfers included in the cost of your holiday. Taxis are licensed and insured to carry up to 4 passengers. Therefore, if there are 4 passengers and an infant then 2 taxis are needed and we will provide you with a separate quotation. If you are travelling with young children or babies, child seats are not provided for any vehicles used for transfers. For your own peace of mind, we recommend that you bring your own although there is no guarantee that local taxi companies will allow the use of child seats. For the safety and comfort of all passengers, luggage capacity on our transfers is limited to one suitcase or large cabin bag per person, plus one small personal bag/backpack per person. Personal bags will usually need to be placed on your lap or by your feet in the vehicle. Should you require more luggage space there will be a charge for additional taxis/minibuses.

Please note that the transfer times included in our accommodation details are approximate estimates only and do not include any waiting time.

Although we pre-arrange and book your ferry crossings in advance, poor weather or ferry cancellations may disrupt the schedules. In most cases, when you arrive at the port you will have to wait a certain amount of time for your onward boat transfer. If your flight experiences delays and you miss your pre-booked boat transfer, we will then book you onto the next available boat. If you miss the last ferry due to a flight delay or cancellation due to poor weather, it may be necessary for you to overnight at the port and then take the ferry the following morning. 

ACCOMMODATION AND USEFUL INFORMATION

Air-conditioning and heating 
We have indicated in the property descriptions which accommodation has air-conditioning included in the holiday price. Heating is available in some of our properties during the low season weeks, which is normally included in the holiday price.

Animals and wildlife
As in all rural communities, indigenous animals are an essential part of the way of life. The braying of a donkey, crow of a cockerel or the barking of a dog is not a complaint that receives much sympathy from the locals! Care should be taken to minimise the presence of insects and animals in your accommodation. Keep surfaces clean, dispose of refuse regularly and ensure that food is not left uncovered. Cats and dogs are often resident where an owner or manager lives on the property. If you are allergic to cats and/or dogs please ensure that you check the suitability of your chosen accommodation with us prior to confirming your booking. Unless specified otherwise, taking your own pet to any accommodation is not permitted.

Barbecues
We have specified if a barbecue is available at your accommodation. Please note that often in summer, due to the hot weather, use of your barbecue may not be allowed and/or strict rules for its use may apply. The local or national government reserves the right to introduce new rulings at any time, often with little prior notice, prohibiting the use of barbecues to reduce the risk of fires. Where a barbecue is not provided, it is usually because the surroundings are considered a fire risk or inappropriate for the use of barbecues.

Beach/pool towels
We provide Simpson Travel beach/pool towels in all our self-catering properties and Simpson Hotels, and these are normally laundered weekly.

Beds
Please note that a double bed could be two single beds placed together. Double beds usually measure 140cm x 190cm and single beds 80/90cm x 190cm. If you are booking a hotel room, please let us know your room preference (double or twin). Although we will make every effort to convey your request to the hotel, we cannot guarantee your preference will be available.

Check-in and check-out
You will usually be able to occupy your villa, apartment or hotel after 4pm and you must vacate it on the day of departure by 10am and 9:30am in western Crete.

Cleaning
Self-catering accommodation is cleaned a minimum of twice a week (including arrival day) and some accommodation may be cleaned more often. Cleaning usually consists of a sweep, mop, bathroom and kitchen tidy up.

Distances and timings
Please note that all walking and driving times stated are approximate estimates only. Transfer times are also approximate estimates only and do not include any waiting time.

Half-board
Hotel bookings with half-board include dinner, which is usually a fixed menu with or without a choice of dishes. In some hotels, you may take your half-board meal at lunchtime.

Health and safety
Simpson Travel is committed to raising the standards of health and safety throughout all our destinations. Our guests’ safety and wellbeing is of the highest importance to us. However, please note that since many of our properties are private homes, it is not always possible to meet the same exacting standards as in the UK. In your accommodation we will provide any necessary health and safety information. We ask you to familiarise yourself with this information and the property on arrival, particularly when travelling with children, and to raise any concerns with your local representative.

In some properties a baby monitor has been provided and to the best of our knowledge it is operating correctly but it is vital that you check regularly that the device is operating to your satisfaction. We strongly advise against relying on the baby monitor in case of malfunction. Simpson Travel cannot be held liable for any malfunction of the baby monitor and the use of the device is entirely at your own risk.

Internet access and WiFi
Internet access and WiFi are available when stated in the relevant accommodation description details and the type of connection may vary. All properties with WiFi are able to support basic functionality such as web browsing and checking emails. There may be restrictions with the availability and speed of the service transmitted by the local provider and technical issues may cause temporary withdrawal of internet facilities. Additionally, the signal may not be available in all areas of the property. We are unable to accept responsibility for any down time or consequences of using this service and refund/compensation cannot be offered due to circumstances beyond our control such as adverse weather conditions.

Linen and laundry
Bed and bathroom linen is provided and usually laundered twice weekly. For your convenience some of our properties have a washing machine.

Noise and building works
Traffic, farm work, roadwork, animals and other sounds form part of everyday life, however, what constitutes ‘noise’ to one person may not be a problem for another. Please let us know if you have any special needs regarding this. Occasionally, building work is unavoidable as we do not control such work and may not know about it in advance. Whenever possible, we will notify you of any work that we believe may affect your holiday.

Occupancy
Only guests named on your invoice are entitled to occupy the accommodation.

Plumbing
Throughout Greece, especially in the older houses, the plumbing system is not designed to have items flushed down the lavatory. Where necessary, bins are provided in all bathrooms.

Satellite television
We cannot guarantee that a full selection of satellite channels will be available. Channels in English may be very limited and these are often only CNN or BBC World.

Seasonal facilities
Some facilities are subject to weather conditions and the general season, for example swimming pools, restaurant terraces, pool bars, local restaurants, and they may be limited or unavailable at the beginning or end of the season. Please do not hesitate to check with us, should a particular facility be a necessity to you.

Security and cleaning deposits
For some self-catering properties, we require you to lodge a security deposit against any breakages, damage, losses, extra cleaning or outstanding accounts, which you may have incurred during your stay and/or due to your negligence.We will contact you three weeks before departure to take the property’s security deposit and it will be refunded within 14 days of your return to the UK. In the unlikely event of any deductions, you will be advised beforehand. Most of our properties are the owners’ personal homes and repairs, replacements and extra cleaning can be very expensive, so we do ask you to take care in order to avoid incurring extra costs.

Swimming pools
Swimming pool details are given on our website. Pool dimensions are approximate and, unless specified, are unheated. Pools are mostly freshwater but can be saltwater. Dates when pools are operational are subject to the prevailing weather conditions at the time of opening and closing and we cannot be held responsible if poor weather means the pool is opened later, or is closed earlier in the season.

Upon arrival at your accommodation, we kindly ask you to acquaint yourselves with the pool’s safety and hygiene rules. Very few pools have covers, fencing or life rings, so children must be supervised at all times. Some pools are ‘infinity pools’ which have an exposed pool edge with an unprotected drop. This maximises views and is an attractive feature of the pool. We recommend that children are supervised and that you do not sit, lean or walk on the unprotected edge.

Villa owners
Whilst the owners or staff of some properties may live on site and tend to the grounds, they are aware that you value your privacy, and will do their best not to intrude. We do ask you, however, to allow them reasonable access to the property so that they can maintain the grounds and keep them in good order.

Welcome pack
We offer a welcome pack in all our self-catering accommodation consisting of a small selection of staple items and local produce. This usually includes the following complimentary items: instant or filter coffee (machine coffee capsules not supplied), tea bags, milk, bottled water, fruit juice, wine, local beer, a local welcome snack, washing powder, washing-up liquid, dishwasher tablets, washing-up sponge, salt and pepper, sugar, vegetable or olive oil, vinegar and toilet paper.