Casual dress will be the norm for most of our trip. Casual dress includes khakis, jeans, lightweight slacks, shorts, polos, t-shirts and sweaters.

In late September and early October, Greece’s intense summer heat has faded into pleasant warmth, and the evenings can bring a crisp sea breeze. The focus should be on versatility, sun protection, and stability for those often-slippery cobblestone streets. 

Daytime temperatures often hit 70 to 80 degrees, while nights can drop to the mid 50s.

For some of our dinners out, we recommend a “Smart Casual” dress code. Smart casual is business wear combined with elements of casual attire. For men this includes collared shirts, chinos, dress pants, and sports jackets but no ties. For women this includes day dresses, skirts, dress slacks, jackets and blouses. 

For Men

• Lightweight chinos (navy, stone, or khaki); avoid heavy denim as it can feel a bit too casual (and sometimes too warm) for the setting
• Long-sleeved button-down shirt 
• Blazer: this is the easiest way to signify “smart” while providing warmth for outdoor dining
• Leather loafers or “dress” sneakers (clean, monochrome leather). Note: Ensure they have a non-slip rubber sole; Athens’ marble sidewalks and Crete’s harbor stones are often slick.

For Women

• Dresses in any length
• Dress trousers
• Blouses and jackets
• Pashmina or a light coat
• Comfortable dress flats (if you prefer to wear a heel, keep it under 2 inches and stable). You will likely be walking across 19th-century cobblestones or uneven ancient paths to get to your table.

The most important items you will pack are your shoes. Ancient Greek sites and island backstreets involve uneven limestone that can be slick even when dry.

• Primary Walking Shoe: A supportive sneaker or walking shoe with a high-traction rubber sole. Avoid thin-soled fashion sneakers.
• Supportive Sandal: Something with an ankle strap (like Ecco or Mephisto) for comfort and short walks

• Lightweight Trousers: Linen blends or technical travel chinos are ideal 
• Long-Sleeved Linens: Great for sun protection without overheating
• Lightweight sweater, structured cardigan, or pashmina: For cooler evenings or covering shoulders if visiting a monastery or church
• Lightweight T-shirts and polos
• Swimwear: bathing suit and a lightweight cover-up
• A light raincoat or windbreaker is a perfect versatile outer layer

The Mediterranean sun remains strong in autumn, and the dry air can be dehydrating.

• Wide-brimmed hat: One with a chin strap is helpful for boat trips or windy coastal paths
• Polarized sunglasses: To cut the glare from the white-washed buildings and the sea
• High-SPF sunscreen: Harder to find specific brands locally in smaller villages.
• All your prescriptions in the original bottles
• Hydration tablets: Can be helpful 
• Small first-aid kit: Include blister pads (Moleskin), ibuprofen, and any daily prescriptions in their original bottles

• Cross-body bag: Keep your hands free for stability on stairs and keep your belongings secure in crowded areas like the Plaka in Athens
• European plug adapter: Type C or F
• Adaptors, cables and chargers for your phone, headphones, camera or whatever electronics you’re bringing
• Portable power bank: Taking photos and videos drains phone batteries quickly
• Walking sticks: Rubber tipped or three-prong walking sticks are advised for helping to provide more stability walking on uneven surfaces at archaeological sites

VIP Meet & Greet services will be provided for you at Athens International Airport (ATH / Eleftherios Venizelos) with end-to-end concierge assistance to expedite airport formalities and bypass standard queues.

Core Service Inclusions at Arrival

Gate Meet: Personal concierge meets passengers at the aircraft door, jet bridge, or terminal entrance with personalized signage.

Fast-Track Formalities: Priority clearance through passport control, immigration, and customs where authorized.

Baggage & Ground Transfer: Dedicated porter assistance for luggage collection and a seamless handoff directly to private ground transportation, chauffeurs, or connecting tour operators.

Your B&R Guides

Tipping all drivers, guest experts, porters, hotel staff, and restaurant staff is included in your trip price. Gratuity for your B&R Guides, meanwhile, is discretionary and should reflect the quality of service you have received throughout your trip.

Over the years our travellers have asked us for guidance, and we find that a tip in the range of 4-6% of the trip price, per traveller, is fairly common. If you have more than one guide on your trip, you can choose to divide and give the gratuity to each guide individually, or to one guide who will share the earnings.

While local currency is preferred, a gratuity via PayPal may be an option, depending on the country of travel (please check with your guide). Alternatively, our staff can help you to arrange payment before or after the trip.

Currency

Greece's currency unit is the euro (EUR). MasterCard and Visa are widely accepted. American Express and Diners Club are accepted at most hotels in Athens only but still limited at restaurants and stores.

Banking

Typical bank hours: Mon-Thu, 8:00 AM-2:30 PM. Friday, 8:00 AM-2:00 PM. Banks on the larger islands tend to stay open in the afternoon and some during the evening to offer currency exchange facilities during the tourist season.

ATMs are widely available in all cities and towns, on the mainland and the islands. They are generally reliable. All major currencies are widely accepted and can be exchanged easily at banks.

Food 

Greek food tends to be very simple, rarely involving sauces but with full use of local seasonal produce, olive oil and charcoal grills—just as people have been eating in outlying villages for many centuries. However, Athens and some of the more fashionable islands such as Santorini and Mykonos have seen the arrival of fusion cuisine and so-called modern taverna fare (involving lighter dishes with more subtle flavours and artistic presentation).

Water

Tap water is drinkable in Athens and other cities—in fact, in areas where the local water is good, bars and restaurants are obliged by law to provide customers with glasses or jugs of tap water free of charge upon request. However, visitors should be wary of drinking tap water in remote areas, and on many islands—even if the locals do it. Bottled water is widely available and prices are strictly controlled on the mainland and islands. Milk is pasteurized and dairy products are safe for consumption. Local meat, poultry, seafood, fruit, and vegetables are considered safe to eat.

Restaurants

Restaurants usually include an automatic service charge, but it's customary to round up the bill as a tip. If the service is particularly good, a 5-10% tip is generous.

Annual rainfall: 600 - 1100 mm 
Average temperature: 20°C 

Summer: 

Average highs: 30°C 
Average lows: 20°C 

Winter: 

Average highs: 13°C 
Average lows: 6°C 

Best time to visit: 

The best time to visit Greece is from April to October when the weather is warm and ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing. 

In Greece, the power sockets are of type C and F. Type C: also known as the standard ‘Euro’ plug. This socket also works with plug E and plug F. Type F: also known as "Schuko." This socket also works with plug C and plug E. If your appliance's plug doesn't match the shape of these sockets, you will need a travel plug adapter.

The standard voltage is 230 V and the standard frequency is 50 Hz. If your appliance isn’t compatible with 220-240 volts, a voltage converter will be necessary