Greeks to Italy & Greece: Sigma Kappa (Plus)

Complete Your Checklist Before heading to the airport, complete the tasks below and check them off in your Online Account Checklist. If you have any questions, give us a call at 617-619-1411. We’re available 24/7 to make sure you have the Best. Trip. Ever.

Travel Documents

• Passport: We recommend that your passport is valid at least 6 months beyond the date you return home. For specific passport validity rules, you can refer to the US department of State, Government of Canada, or Countries consulate website.     
  Electronic Travel Authorization: Starting in mid-2025 U.S. and Canadian citizens will need to apply for the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) before entering most European Union (EU) and Schengen Zone countries. This online application will require a small fee, and travelers will undergo a security check to determine their eligibility for entry. You can keep up to date here.
• Travel Insurance: While travel insurance is not required, we strongly encourage all travelers to obtain coverage before departure. Check out cost-effective Travel Protection, designed to meet the needs of EF travelers, here.

Tour Preparation

Please note you may be traveling in Italy during the Jubilee. From December 24, 2024 to January 6, 2026, the Jubilee – a major Catholic celebration – will take place in Rome. It will be a bustling time in Rome -- tour itineraries during this time may be modified to address logistical needs. If your tour is affected, you will receive messaging beforehand. Click here for more information.

• Talk with your doctor: It is highly recommended that you talk with your doctor about your travel plans. If you are taking any medications, be certain to bring enough to last throughout your trip.
• Traveling with allergies? Let your Trip Consultant and Tour Director know of any dietary restrictions/allergies and we will do what we can to accommodate for any included meals.
• Request a roommate: Double-check with us and your Tour Director that they have your rooming status on file. We will assign a roommate for you if you do not submit a specific request.
• Get an international data plan: We recommend getting an international data plan for your mobile device so you can stay connected while on the road. Please talk with your phone provider for your best options.
  • Wi-Fi will be in some hotels, restaurants, and bars, though charges may apply and it may be slower than in the U.S.
  • Wi-Fi is not available on the bus.
• Get the EF Ultimate Break app: Your trip's group will be able to connect on the app before you meet IRL. Don't miss out! Meet other travelers, get updates from your Tour Director, see flights and accommodations, and more. If you're having trouble, give us a call at 617-619-1411.

Staying Healthy while Traveling

Here are some tips to stay healthy and happy on tour:

• Sleep: Flying across the globe, changing time zones, and being constantly on the move can take a toll on your body. Make sure you get the rest your body needs. If that means missing a night out for some well-earned rest, or having a little afternoon siesta, so be it. This is a marathon, not a sprint.
• Stay hydrated: It’s important to drink plenty of water throughout the day, especially after spending all day in the sun!
• Be Prepared: The most prepared travelers will bring a small first aid kit, including antacids, anti-diarrhea medication, motion sickness medication, and any prescription medications in your carry-on bag.
• Take time for yourself: Group travel is an amazing experience, and there’s nothing quite like exploring a foreign country with a group of like-minded people. That said, it’s okay to take time for yourself to relax and reflect on your experience. Here are a few mindfulness apps you can take with you on the road:
  • MindShift: Focused on anxiety management, this app has an array of cognitive behavior therapy features including journaling, goal-setting, calming audio, and a community forum.
  • Ten Percent Happier: Filled with videos and guided meditations intended to help with everything ranging from sleep to stress reduction.

Safety while Abroad

With a global presence of more than 46,000 people in over 115 countries and regions, we’re fully committed to your safety. From your first flight all the way through to your farewell dinner, don’t hesitate to reach out to your Tour Director or your Trip Consultant if you need a helping hand. Keep these extra tips in mind so you can #travelsmart:

• Keep your bag/purse in front of you and your phone zipped inside when you’re not using it. Leave your laptop at home, store valuables at the hotel in locked luggage or the safe deposit box. Refrain from carrying large sums of money or wearing valuable jewelry.
• Use the buddy system. Stay in groups and watch out for each other, especially at night—no one gets left behind!
• Be smart about alcohol consumption. Watch your drinks and don’t accept drinks from people you don’t know. Don’t leave the bar alone with someone you just met.
• Before you go out, grab a business card at your hotel so that you always have the address handy for getting back later.
• At the end of a night out, use trusted transportation like a licensed taxi and always have cash on hand.
• Save our 24/7 number in your phone: +1–617–619–1411.

Remember that you know your spending habits best and not everyone’s spending habits are the same. These recommendations are based on a traveler who says yes to any and all activities while on tour

Budgeting:

Currency used: Euro (€)

We recommend budgeting $80-$100 per day for meals, gratuities, shopping, and free time activities. For this trip, that means roughly $1200-$1500 but you know your spending habits best. If you’re looking to #treatyourself to the max, you may want to budget a little more.

Managing Money: While traveling through Italy and Greece, you’ll use the Euro. The rates at ATMs are usually the best, and you can find machines everywhere - especially with the help of your Tour Director.

Please make sure to talk with your bank and credit card companies to let them know where and when you are traveling, and to go over any international transaction fees. It’s always smart to bring more than one form of payment while traveling, and credit cards are widely accepted throughout the country.

Pro Tip: Do you have a credit card that offers zero international transaction fees? If so, bring that to save some money for purchases abroad.

Tipping: When it comes to tipping, there is no tip required for taxis and nearly all restaurant bills that you receive already include gratuity, so additional tipping is not necessary. As it is customary to tip for services provided, we recommend the following for this tour:

Local Guides: $1-$2

Tour Director: $10-$12 per day at the end of the trip

For weight and size restrictions please refer to your airline’s website. Flight information will be available 30 days prior to departure in your online account. Below you'll find some critical packing information and suggestions.

• The most important piece of advice we can give you: Pack light! Your international airline ticket does include a checked bag, but years of customer feedback tells us a carry-on is the way to go. You may need to carry your suitcase where buses and elevators cannot, so make sure you are comfortable carrying everything you bring yourself.
  • You've probably heard the hacks about rolling clothes and using packing cubes a million times, but there's a reason for that! It really does help.
  • If you choose to pack all of your toiletries, don't bring your regular-sized bottles from home. Offload some of that into travel-sized containers.
  • Choose your luggage wisely. We recommend a roller carry-on bag and a backpack as your personal item.
  • Choose shoes carefully as well. They're some of the bulkiest items you can pack, so we recommend a good pair of walking shoes and a pair of climate-appropriate shoes (boots or sandals depending on the destination and time of year). We also recommend a pair of closed-toe water shoes if your itinerary has any water activities.
  • Make a packing list of must-haves and stick to it. If you have a little extra space in your bags once all your must-haves are packed, then consider adding in a few nice extras.
• Unfortunately, luggage can get lost. It’s a painful situation no matter what, but here are tips to ease some of the hassle:
  • DO NOT put important medications in a checked bag. If your luggage is lost, this could become a dangerous issue.
  • Even if you put most of your clothes in a checked bag, put a couple outfits in your carry-on along with your toiletries.
  • If you are forced to check you carry-on at the gate, be sure to remove essentials and valuables before handing it over.
• Carefully review TSA restrictions when packing. There are a number of items not allowed in your carry-on and liquids have certain restrictions.
• Check out the local weather; we haven't figured out how to control the weather yet so best to be prepared and plan accordingly.
• Don't forget: Outlets overseas can differ from the US, so be sure to pack the right power adapters/converters!

Flight Preparation Check your online account 30 days prior to departure for your flight itinerary and confirmation number. Using your 6-digit reservation code, you can reserve your seat (this is typically available 30 days to 24 hours before departure) and check in to your flight 24 hours prior to departure. If you prefer to check in at the airport, that’s okay, too. Regardless, plan to arrive 2.5 – 3 hours before departure.

Note: All flight information is online (e-ticket) via your account and the airline’s website. You will not receive a physical paper ticket from us.

• If your flight is cancelled or delayed: Don’t worry! We design the first day of tour as an arrival day in case of flight delays or cancellations. Work with the airline to get rebooked on the next available flight, then let your Tour Director know your new arrival time.
• If you sleep in and miss your flight: You should still talk to the airline and see if they can get you on the next available option. Tears may help in this case.

Arriving in Rome Your Tour Director will communicate through the EF Ultimate Break app, WhatsApp, or email about where to meet them at the airport. This is an important reason to make sure you have the EF Ultimate Break app!

Your Tour Director will communicate through the EF Ultimate Break app, WhatsApp, or email about where to meet them at the airport. This is an important reason to make sure you have the EF Ultimate Break app!

Note: If you have booked your own flight arrangements or have extended your travels before the tour dates, you will need to make your own way to the first hotel. Accommodation details will be available in your online account 30 days prior to departure.

Getting from A to B You’re traveling through Italy and Greece, and since teleportation hasn’t been invented yet, it takes time to get to each destination. All transfers between cities and islands are via private motor coach, flights, or ferries and can take anywhere between 2-6 hours. When sightseeing, be prepare to walk between 4-8 miles per day!

Note: It’s a good idea to download a few movies or shows to watch sans Wi-Fi/ Cellular Data, bring a great book with you to read, or listen to music to pass the time.

Speak the Language While it may feel awkward at first, attempting the local language goes a long way when navigating a city and interacting with people. Practice these basic Italian and Greek words and phrases to get started:

• Hello = I: Ciao G: YAH-soo
• Goodbye = I: Ciao G: YAH-soo
• Thank You = I: Grazie G: eff-kha-ri-STOE
• Yes = I: Sì G: neh
• No = I: No G: OH-hee
• Where is _? = I: Dove si trova? G: pou einai
• Cheers! = I: Saluti! G: STIN-eh YAH-mas
• General exclamation or excitement (Greece-Only): OPA!

Note: Download Duolingo to practice your language skills, and use Google Translate to help you while on the road!

Live like a Local Italy has more UNESCO World Heritage sites than any other country, Greece is home to ancient ruins and sun-kissed coastlines, and both are equally full of endless culture. Everything you’ve dreamed about, read in history books, and watched in movies comes to life on this trip. Michelangelo’s David, The Acropolis, the Sistine Chapel, Athena, Zeus, DaVinci, it’s all here! As you prepare to spend time in these world-renowned destinations, here are some expert tips to help you live like the Italians and Greeks.

• Italians and Greeks greet friends and family with two kisses—one on each cheek!
• When you cheers or toast, make eye contact—it brings good luck!
• Expect to see queues and crowds at major sightseeing attractions – you’re visiting some world-famous spots after all.
• Public restrooms in Europe sometimes require a small fee – hold on to your coins!
• Unlike the U.S., everything (hotels, meals, appliances) is smaller. After all, less is more!
• Water is an added cost at restaurants, and you have to choose between still or sparkling
• Feel free to seat yourself in restaurants instead of waiting to be seated, and don’t be afraid to flag your waiter or waitress over for help
• Italy is known for its fashion. Now is the time to break out your new leather jacket, shades, and kicks.
• Smoking is still very popular in Italy and Greece. Don’t be surprised to see large amounts of locals with lit cigarettes!
• Greeks are known for their hospitality and laid-back attitude; expect more personal questions and a smaller personal space bubble when interacting with locals
• Drivers typically ignore pedestrian signs; do not expect them to slow down when you cross the street
• The Orthodox Church holds a lot of presence in Greece, especially in the older generation. Prepare to cover your knees and shoulders if you want to enter a church or monastery.
• Nightclubs in Greece typically open at midnight and close when the sun rises, and your entrance ticket usually includes the first drink
• Although it’s acceptable to drink in Greece, locals expect you to be decent when you’re drinking
• There’s a Mediterranean belief that nothing needs to be hurried, so service in a restaurant or transportation is often slowed
• If you’re in a venue where they invite you to dance, it’s polite to get up and join. Opa!

You’ll sample a variety of local dishes on your trip, but read on for tips, tricks, and delicacies you just must try.

Italy

• For breakfast, Italians usually have a sweet pastry and cappuccino instead of the savory eggs and bacon you’re used to. When in Rome!
• Iced coffee begone, espresso is your new friend and you’ll never find a bad espresso in Italy. Make sure to order and pay for your espresso at the bar to avoid paying more than the usual 1-2€!
• Indulge in long lunches and try the local pasta, meat, fish, cheese, fruits, wine, and more wine. May we suggest a bold Tuscan red, a Chianti Classico, or a glass of Prosecco in Venice?
• Try aperitivo - A light meal between lunch and dinner with snacks and wine, or a refreshing spritz like aperol or campari
• Dinner in Italy doesn’t often begin until after 8 or 9pm. More reason to enjoy aperitivo!
• Try an after-dinner digestive liquor like limoncello, sambuca, amari, or apertivi
• For pasta we recommend cacio e pepe in Rome; a pasta dish with black pepper, pecorino Romano cheese, and pasta. They say all Italian meals only require 3 ingredients!
• Florentine steak is a specific cut of the meat from Tuscan cattle, and it is an excellent choice if you’re feeling #fancy in #Florence
• Roman artichokes, one of the most famous dishes of Roman cuisine, are braised in water, white wine, garlic, salt, pepper, and oil.
• Pizza. Need we say more?

Greece

• Locals usually have lunch around 3pm, and dinner around 9pm-midnight
• Greek taverns and cafes are very festive, and don’t close until the guests leave
• Pair an ellinikos (Greek coffee) with an **amygdaloto **– a warm, sweet, gluten-free almond cookie
• Beer and wine are the most common drinks, even at lunch. Try a retsina wine, or Mythos beer
• Baklava: Only try this if you want the most popular Greek food experience
• Dolmadakia: Stuffed grape leaves
• Gyro: A wrapped pita bread with shredded pork or chicken, tzatziki, fries, tomato, & onions – YUM
• If you’re feeling adventurous, try Ouzo, a traditional aperitif
• Greek Fava dip: Made of yellow split peas, this is super popular on Santorini!
• Feta me meli: Baked feta cheese with honey… enough said.
• Saganaki: More fried cheese
• Moussaka: A traditional dish of minced beef, tomato sauce, eggplants, and more
• Souvlaki: Meat on a stick with tzatziki sauce – widely refers to any type of pita-wrapped meat
• Still not satisfied? Try any of the classics: Spanikopita, Tzatziki, Tiropita, Revani, Pasteli, and MORE!

Regarding the Vatican Optional: The Vatican is closed on Sundays. In the event that the itinerary day containing this optional lands on a Sunday for your departure, the optional will take place the day before.