BOOKING: By making travel bookings on our website or with one of our agents, or otherwise purchasing any travel services offered by THEGREEKCHEF.US, you warrant that 1) you are at least 18 years of age and have the legal authority to create a binding legal obligation; 2) you accept and agree to all the Terms presented herein; and 3) all information supplied by you for the purposes of that booking is true, accurate, current, and complete to the best of your knowledge.

REGISTRATION: After you complete your booking, we’ll send you an email containing an invoice. Let us know if you are able to provide payment within 3 days, or your booking may be subject to cancellation.

CONFIRMATION: After we receive your booking and deposit, we will confirm availability of all components and send you a confirmation email within 1–2 business days.

From the time of your booking confirmation until your final payment; your price may only be changed if: 1) you request Changes or Customizations to your booking; 2) new or increased government taxes or fees are implemented that apply to your package. Under any of these circumstances, we will inform you how your package price will be affected.

PRICES: Advertised package prices are based on double occupancy rooms.

Prices and availability are subject to change until you make a booking and that booking is confirmed. After that, your package price will not change.

All advertised prices and costs are in euros, unless otherwise noted. The conversion to U.S. currency will be based on the exchange rate of the same day your invoice is issued to you.

EXTENDED STAYS: On a package, you may be able to extend your stay by departing after and/or arriving before the scheduled dates. We can arrange modified domestic flight dates, extra hotel nights, and/or transfers, subject to availability and other restrictions.

REQUIRED INFORMATION: To make a booking, we require that you supply certain personal information, including the full legal name, gender, birthdate, and passport information for each traveler, as required by law and/or reasonably required to enable us and our suppliers to provide your purchased travel products and services. We also require contact information, including address, phone number, and email address, from the person making the booking. We request a phone number and email address for all other travelers, except for minors and family members who live together at the same address, so that we may reach you and your travel companions in case of last minute itinerary changes or emergencies. For each traveler, we also require the name and contact information of a designated emergency contact person who is not traveling. You are responsible for verifying that any information you provide for yourself and on behalf of other travelers on your booking is complete and accurate. Under no circumstances will we be liable for any errors or omissions in the information you have provided to us, or any fees or damages related to such errors or omissions.

PAYMENTS

DEPOSITS: A deposit of 30% on the package’s price per person, paid via one of our accepted payment methods, is required to secure your booking, which will be applied toward the cost of your package. Changes or customizations you request to our packages may require an increased or additional deposit.

FINAL PAYMENT: If any balance is due after making your booking, you must pay this balance via one of our accepted payment methods by your final payment due date, usually 30 days prior to departure for this package. The actual date will be listed in the booking process, in your booking receipt email, and on your invoice. You may make as many payments as you like in any amount until the due date.

PAYMENT METHODS: We accept payments towards your deposit or balance due by the following methods:

Visa, MasterCard: You can use one of these cards when booking or making a payment via our website or with an agent by phone. To pay your deposit with multiple credit cards, please call us. You may also pay by credit card by printing our credit card authorization form, completing and signing it, then emailing, faxing, or mailing it to our office.

PayPal account: You can use your PayPal account to make payments via our website only. You will be redirected to the PayPal site and required to log into your account during the process.

You may also pay by direct deposit in the TGC.US ISBN account. Payments must be made in U.S. currency.

REFUNDS: Refunds will be processed and paid as promptly as possible. If we need to recover funds already paid to our partners for your services, your refund will be issued after those funds have been recovered. Most refunds are processed within six weeks of being requested. Refunds for payments by credit card will be credited to that card.

You may cancel your booking to select another available departure on the same or a different package. We will credit all payments you have made, towards a booking for that departure for the same or a greater number of travelers.

Cancellations by You

If you elect to cancel your booking for any reason, you must notify us in writing. Cancellations are subject to fees which vary by your date of booking, your date of cancellation, and by package; the fee schedule below currently applies to this package.

• Cancelation before 1 calendar month from the scheduled commencement date of the Experience: 400 US$ of the down payment will not be returned. The remaining deposit amount will be returned.
• Cancelation from 15 to 29 days prior to the scheduled commencement date of the Experience: 30% cancellation fee of the total cost of the Experience will apply.
• Cancelation from 8 and up to 14 days prior to the scheduled commencement date of the Experience: 50% cancellation fee of the total cost of the Experience will apply.
• Cancelation less than 7 days prior to the scheduled commencement date of the Experience, or in case of no-show: 100% cancellation fee of the total cost of the Experience will apply.

Cancellations by us

Most of our advertised packages require a minimum number of travelers to operate. We reserve the right to cancel or reschedule any departure due to insufficient demand, unsafe conditions, events beyond our control, or any other reason. If we cancel a departure, we will notify you prior to the final payment due date (unless the cancellation is due to an unforeseen situation that arises after that) and offer alternate dates of travel or a full refund.

UNUSED SERVICES: Unused services cannot be refunded once the trip has begun. No refund can be made for absence by travelers from any part of the itinerary.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

CHANGING YOUR PACKAGE OR DEPARTURE: Requests to modify an existing booking to change your package or to change your departure (to another scheduled departure date for the same package) are subject to availability of the new package or departure. Such changes are subject to fees, which will be added to your balance due. When such requests are received after your final payment due date, they are considered cancellations and are subject to cancellation fees, but any refund due to you after such fees may be applied as a credit towards the new package or departure. If the total price of the new package or departure you select is more than your previous total, you are responsible for paying the difference, which will be added to your balance due. If the total price of the new package or departure you select is less than your previous total, we will apply the difference as a credit to your balance due, or if you have already paid in full, refund you the difference.

CUSTOMIZATIONS: If you wish to modify or customize one of our packages, please make your request when you book or contact us prior to booking. If you wish to make changes to an existing booking, please contact us as soon as possible. We will let you know if your request is possible and the cost. After your final payment due date, changes to your package are usually difficult and may involve significant additional cost.

Requests for significant changes to our packages, particularly those involving domestic flights (that are paid by us), departing and/or returning to a different city, modifying your travel dates, adding or changing destinations, or combining two packages, are considered Customizations. We quote Customizations once you have made a booking and paid a deposit. We will research the best options and send the quote, including a tentative flight schedule if relevant, usually within 5 business days.

Once you accept our quote, we will add the amount to your balance due. Some customizations may require immediate payment while others will be payable by your final payment due date. Once a Change or Customization has been quoted, accepted, and confirmed, it is generally subject to the same cancellation policy that applies to your package.

NAME CHANGES: Due to government and airline requirements, you must provide us the names of all travelers, including titles such as Jr. or Sr. and any multiple first, middle or last names, exactly as they appear on each passport. These are typically entered on our registration form. After you submit the registration form, any name changes (due to errors, marriage, or other reasons) should be reported to us immediately.

DOMESTIC FLIGHTS

Some packages include domestic flights departing from and returning Athens International Airport.

RESERVATIONS & TICKET ISSUANCE: For this package, we reserve domestic flights after you book, and we issue tickets after we receive your final payment. In some cases, we may need to issue tickets sooner. After tickets are issued, they are subject to airline policies and are generally unchangeable and nonrefundable, and any change affecting your flights usually either requires the purchase of new airfare or is subject to change fees.

AIRLINE POLICIES: When you purchase domestic flights from us (as part of a package), we act only as an agent for the applicable airline, and flights are subject to the rules and policies of the airline. While we have contracts with some airlines that provide us with cancellation policies, and ticket issuance requirements, in general, domestic flights that we furnish to you are subject to the same rules, policies, and fees that would apply if you purchased the flights yourself. Should you have an issue with the airline, we will do our best to help, but we are not responsible for the airline’s policies or the service provided by them. The passage contract in use by the airlines concerned, when issued, constitutes the sole contract between the airline and passengers.

DOMESTIC FLIGHT SCHEDULES: If your booking includes domestic flights departing from and/or returning to Athens, we will send a schedule for these flights with your e-ticket after we issue your tickets.

Airlines may change flight schedules at any time without prior notice, even after flights have been confirmed and ticketed. We are neither responsible nor liable for a change in airline schedules or missed connections with the flights we provide. This includes but is not limited to fees or penalties incurred for airfare, international or domestic, not provided by us; additional accommodations before, during, or after one of our packages; or any airport transportation not purchased from us.

At least 14 days prior to departure, we will send you a detailed list of all accommodations on your package, including hotel addresses, telephone, and fax numbers. Sometimes it is necessary to change the hotels used on your package. In that event, we will make every effort to ensure that substitutes meet or exceed the quality and location of the original.

ITINERARIES: We make every effort to ensure our tours & packages run smoothly and according to the posted itineraries. However, international travel is complex, and we reserve the right to modify our itineraries as we deem necessary to keep everything running comfortably. Please refer to the latest version of your itinerary prior to travel, which we will also send you at least 14 days prior to departure. The planned itinerary is representative of the types of accommodations, transport and activities planned, but the actual itinerary, including routes, schedules, amenities, modes of transport, and other items, may still be subject to alteration or substitution without prior notice due to circumstances on the ground or upon recommendation of our partners in destination. In these cases, we will make every effort to ensure the changes result in an equivalent or better experience for our travelers. We will not be held liable for any damages related to these alterations.

FORCE MAJEURE: Certain unexpected circumstances may arise, such as (but not limited to) weather events, pandemics, quarantines, border closures, acts of governments or authorities, wars, hostilities, political uprisings or civil disturbances, riots, strikes, terrorist activities or the threat of terrorist activities, criminal acts committed by third parties, defects of vehicles or breakdown in equipment, or an Act of God, that are beyond anyone’s control, which force a cancellation or disruption of services. These circumstances are considered a force majeure. We will not be held responsible or liable in any way for such events, including death, bodily injury, illness, damage, delay, or other losses caused by such events. While we will always strive to assist our travelers wherever they are in the world when such circumstances occur, any losses or costs resulting from these events will be the responsibility of the traveler.

THIRD PARTY SUPPLIERS  & THEGREEKCHEF.US makes arrangements with airlines, ferry lines, hotels and other accommodation providers, coach companies, transfer operators, shore excursion operators, tour and local guides, activity providers, and other independent parties (“Third Party Suppliers”) to provide you with some or all of the components of your booking. Third Party Suppliers may also engage the services of local operators and sub-contractors. We take great care in selecting Third Party Suppliers, but we do not supervise or control these suppliers and cannot be responsible for their acts or omissions.

In the absence of our own negligence, we shall not be responsible for any cancellations, delays, diversions or substitution of equipment; loss or damage to baggage or property; injury, illness, or death; or any claims, losses, damages, costs or expenses arising out of inconvenience, loss of enjoyment, upset, disappointment, distress or frustration, whether physical or mental, resulting from the any act, omission, error or negligence whatsoever by air carriers, rail, coach & ship companies, hotels, transportation companies, other persons providing any of the services and accommodations to travelers, or any other person not our direct employee or under our exclusive control. Air carriers, rail, coach & ship cruise companies are not to be held responsible for any act, omissions, or events during the times that passengers are not aboard their aircraft or conveyances. We are not responsible for any criminal conduct by third parties.

TRAVELERS WITH DISABILITIES OR DIFFICULTIES: Travelers requiring any type of special assistance must notify us of their requirements at the time of booking. We will make reasonable attempts to accommodate such special needs and to notify our airline and other partners of these requirements. However, we cannot guarantee that all disabilities or difficulties can be accommodated, especially in foreign countries and remote locales. Our coaches are generally not equipped to handle wheelchairs. Due to the nature of our itineraries, we cannot accept travelers who require service animals. We regret that we cannot provide individual assistance to travelers for walking, dining, entering and exiting motor coaches, ships, and other transportation vehicles, or to assist with other personal needs. Travelers who require such assistance must be accompanied by a qualified companion who is a paid traveler.

Our itineraries often feature sightseeing and other activities which may involve strenuous activities such as hiking moderate distances, walking up steps or over uneven surfaces, ascending to high elevations, or traveling in small boats. In general, travel conditions in some areas may be more difficult than what you are accustomed to. It is the responsibility of all travelers to consider their abilities, consult with appropriate medical personnel, and determine if they are in sufficient physical condition to comfortably undertake the requirements of each itinerary. If you are uncertain, please contact us to discuss.

If during travel, our representatives become concerned that your physical health or mental condition may make it unsafe for you to continue to participate in the planned itinerary, they may ask you to avoid certain activities. In extreme cases, we or our representatives may ask you to leave the tour. In this case, we will make reasonable attempts to transport you to the appropriate airport or other departure point, but otherwise, you will be responsible for all costs incurred. In either case, there will be no refund of unused services. You grant us and our representatives’ permission to discuss your situation, including your physical health or mental condition, and share any information we deem relevant with any travel companion, family member, medical professional, designated emergency contact, or other person we believe would be necessary or appropriate to deal with such concerns, at our sole discretion. We recommend you carry travel insurance.

ACCEPTANCE OF RISK: You acknowledge that travel, especially to foreign and remote destinations, may involve some risk to your health and safety. The degree and nature of personal risk involved depends on the products or services booked and the location(s) in which a product or service operates. There may be a significant degree of personal risk involved in participating in physical and/or high-risk activities (such as surfing, snorkeling, or diving), carriage by watercraft, or traveling to high altitudes, remote locations, or locations with developing infrastructure. Standards of hygiene, accommodation, and transport in certain destinations we visit are often lower than the standards you may expect in your home country, and there may be a risk of injury.

By booking with us, you acknowledge that you have considered the potential risks, dangers and challenges, and your own personal capabilities and needs, and you assume responsibility for all such risks. You agree to take all prudent measures in relation to your own safety while traveling, including but not limited to the proper use of safety devices (including seatbelts, harnesses, flotation devices, and helmets) and obeying all posted signs and oral or written warnings regarding health and safety. Absent any negligence on our part, THEGREEKCHEF.US and our representatives will not be held liable for any claims or causes of action arising from any losses, damages, injuries, or death resulting from failure to comply with safety instructions or warnings or the risks inherent in travel and participating in adventurous activities included in our itineraries or otherwise offered by us or our representatives.

EMERGENCY MEDICAL TREATMENT: Should any medical emergency arise which precludes your ability to consent to emergency treatment when such authorization is required, we or our representatives will endeavor to communicate with your travel companions or previously designated emergency contact to request permission for any necessary treatment. If our representatives believe, at their sole discretion, that time or circumstances do not permit such communication, you authorize our representatives to consent on your behalf to any medical treatment, including all types of medical examinations, diagnoses, medication, treatment, or physician or hospital care, that is deemed advisable by, and is to be rendered under, the supervision of any physician or surgeon. You agree not to hold us or our representatives responsible for actions relating to any such medical or emergency treatment.

BAGGAGE & PERSONAL EFFECTS: We will send you a copy of the baggage allowance information at least 14 days prior to departure. If you exceed the baggage limits, you may be subject to excess baggage charges assessed by the airlines.

You are responsible for safeguarding your luggage, camera, and other personal effects, including any items purchased while on tour, while in your possession. We are not responsible for lost or stolen personal items. Luggage or other personal items that are damaged by our airline partners are the responsibility of the airline. Should this occur, be sure to submit a baggage claim form before exiting the airport, typically in the baggage claim area.

LOCAL PURCHASES: We make every effort to give you an opportunity to browse local markets, shops and stores, time permitting. Some itineraries include scheduled stops at specialty stores or factories where you can view a demonstration of a local craft or purchase merchandise. If you decide to purchase these or any other items while on tour, you are responsible for those purchases. We are not responsible for the quality or authenticity of these items. It is always a good idea to comparison-shop and to thoroughly inspect all merchandise before leaving the store or shop, as most stores will not permit you to return or exchange purchased items. Prices may not include shipping/handling fees or customs charges. We are not responsible for the delivery or receipt of any item you purchase while traveling.

LOCAL LAWS: During travel, you must always comply with the laws and regulations of all places visited. Committing any illegal act may result in your removal from a tour and put you at risk of fines or punishment by local authorities, for which we cannot be held responsible.

IMAGES & MARKETING: While participating in any of our packages, images, photos, or videos may be taken by us, our representatives or contractors, or other participants that may contain or feature you. You consent to any such pictures being taken and grant a perpetual, royalty-free, worldwide, irrevocable license to us, our contractors, sub-contractors and assigns, to reproduce for any purpose whatsoever (including marketing, promotions and the creation of promotional materials by or with sub-licensees), in any medium whatsoever, whether currently known or hereinafter devised, without any further obligation or compensation payable to you.

The Right Size Group: our tours include no more than 12 travelers—and often fewer. We believe this is the perfect size for visiting sites comfortably and efficiently and getting to know your travel companions. Share the excitement of discovery with an intimate group of likeminded travelers, without paying a premium for a small group tour.

Talented Local Guides: Experience your destination through the eyes of a local. Our friendly, English-speaking guides are passionate about their country and culture. With them, you’ll gain a rich understanding of all the iconic sites, while discovering hidden gems and local treasures too. And they’ll make sure your journey is smooth and stress-free.

Creative & Comprehensive Itineraries: You’ll enjoy guided tours of all the must-see spots, along with off-the-beaten-path cultural experiences you won’t find on other tours. We also build in opportunities to get to know the locals, cook with them and join in in traditional festivities.

Great Accommodation: Relax each night in hand-picked accommodations, regularly inspected to ensure they meet our high standards. We make sure you’ll be in the center of the action, within walking distance to the beach, restaurants, markets and other attractions.

Traditional Meals: Each day starts with an array of local, healthy breakfast items, including fresh fruit, dairy products, rusks and pastries, so you can fuel up for a full day of exploration. Lunches and dinners at carefully selected local traditional restaurants are also included.

Peace of Mind: Let us do the work! We bundle everything together, including domestic flights, hotels, and most taxes & fees, into one simple price with no surprises. THEGREEKCHEF.US will ensure that everything flows smoothly. Which leaves you to enjoy your destination, rather than worrying about the details.

Travel Insurance Documents

If you purchased travel insurance, please print and carry your policy documents, including contact information for emergency travel assistance and instructions on how to make a claim.