Mediterranean Travel FAQ

When to Travel

 

Q: What's the best time to visit the Mediterranean?

A: Best overall: September-October for ideal weather (70-80°F), fewer crowds, and lower prices than summer. The ocean is still warm, harvest season brings wine festivals, and fall colors are stunning.

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Also excellent:

May-June for pleasant temperatures (65-75°F), spring blooms, and moderate crowds before peak summer.

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Peak season (July-August):

Perfect beach weather, but expect the highest prices, the biggest crowds, and very hot temperatures (90-100°F in cities).

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Winter (November-March):

Best for Morocco, Egypt, and city-focused tours. Lowest prices (40-60% off peak) but Greek islands are mostly closed.

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Q: When is the best time to visit Greece?

A: Peak season: May-September for islands, with July-August being busiest.
Sweet spot: Late May, June, or September for great weather without extreme crowds. Santorini and Mykonos are particularly crowded July-August.

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Athens: Best in spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) when not too hot for sightseeing.

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Note: Many island hotels/restaurants close mid-October through April.

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Q: When is the best time to visit Italy?

A: Spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) offer ideal conditions:

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• Pleasant temperatures for sightseeing

• Fewer tourists than summer

• Everything open and operational

• Lower hotel prices

 

Summer (June-August):
Best for beaches and Amalfi Coast, but cities like Rome and Florence are extremely hot (90-100°F) and crowded.

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Tuscany harvest season (September-October) is magical with grape harvests and wine festivals.

 

Q: When should I avoid traveling to the Mediterranean?

A: August is the toughest time:

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• Highest prices across all destinations

• Biggest crowds at major sites

• Europeans on vacation (many local restaurants closed in Italy/France)

• Extreme heat in cities

• Hotels book up 6-12 months ahead

 

Also consider:

Greek islands mid-October through April (most closed), and peak summer if you're heat-sensitive.

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Q: What's the weather like in the Mediterranean?

A: Mediterranean climate features:

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Summer (June-September):

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• Hot and dry (80-95°F, 27-35°C)

• Little to no rain

• Perfect for beaches

• Cities can be uncomfortably hot

 

Spring/Fall (April-May, September-October):

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• Mild and pleasant (65-80°F, 18-27°C)

• Some rain possible

• Ideal for sightseeing

• Ocean warm enough for swimming (especially fall)

 

Winter (November-March):

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• Mild compared to Northern Europe (50-65°F, 10-18°C)

• More rain

• Perfect for Morocco/North Africa

• Greek islands mostly closed

Each region varies-coastal areas milder than inland, islands windier than mainland.

Tour Types

 

You touch on escorted vs. self-guided, but add more detail:

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Q: What types of Mediterranean tours do you offer?

A: We offer five main tour styles:

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1. Self-Guided Tours ($2,500-5,000):

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• We plan itinerary and book everything

• You explore independently at your own pace

• Includes accommodations, rental car, key activities

• Best for: Adventurous travelers, couples wanting privacy

 

2. Small Group Escorted Tours ($4,000-8,000):

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• Travel with 8-16 like-minded travelers

• Expert guide handles all logistics

• Mix of group activities and free time

• Best for: Solo travelers, first-timers, social travelers

 

3. Private Custom Tours ($6,000-15,000+):

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• Completely personalized to your interests

• Private guide and driver throughout

• Ultimate flexibility and VIP experiences

• Best for: Families, couples, luxury travelers, special occasions

 

4. Multi-Country Tours ($5,000-12,000):

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• Visit 2-4 countries in one seamless journey

• We coordinate all border crossings and transport

• Great overview of Mediterranean diversity

• Best for: First-time visitors, those with limited time

 

5. Specialty Tours (Culinary, Honeymoon, Group):

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• Themed experiences (cooking classes, wine, romance)

• Customized for specific interests

• Various price points

• Best for: Food lovers, honeymooners, group celebrations

 

Q: What's included in your Mediterranean tours?

A: Typical inclusions vary by package level:

 

Budget Tours:

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• Accommodations (3-4 star)

• Breakfast daily

• Some dinners

• Airport transfers

• Key activities

• Detailed itinerary

 

Mid-Range Tours:

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• 4-star hotels

• Most meals (70-80%)

• Guided tours with expert guides

• All entrance fees

• Inter-city transport

• 24/7 support

 

Luxury Tours:

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• 5-star accommodations

• All meals at top restaurants

• Private guides and drivers

• VIP experiences

• Skip-the-line access

• Concierge service

 

Always excluded: International flights, travel insurance, tips, some meals, personal expenses

 

Q: Do I need a tour guide or can I explore on my own?

A: Both options work well:

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Benefits of guided tours:

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• Expert local knowledge and storytelling

• Skip-the-line access at major sites

• Navigate complex cities/logistics easily

• Learn history and context

• Meet other travelers (group tours)

 

Benefits of self-guided:

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• Complete flexibility in timing

• Explore at your own pace

• Spontaneous discoveries

• More privacy

• Often lower cost

 

Our recommendation: Hybrid approach works best—guided tours for complex sites (Vatican, Acropolis, archaeological sites) and self-exploration for neighborhoods, markets, and beaches.

We offer both fully guided and self-guided options, plus hybrid tours with guides for key sites and free time elsewhere.

Booking & Payments

 

Q: How do I book a Mediterranean tour?

A: Our simple booking process:

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1. Consultation (15-30 minutes): Discuss your interests, budget, travel style, dates

2. Custom Proposal (2 business days): Receive detailed itinerary with pricing and photos

3. Refinement: Adjust destinations, hotels, activities until perfect (unlimited revisions)

4. Booking: Sign contract, make deposit to secure

5. Payment Plan: Installments over time, final payment 60 days before departure

6. Preparation: Receive final documents, travel tips, contacts 2 weeks before

7. Travel: Enjoy trip with our 24/7 support

Contact us: 718-777-5050 or tours@anemos.net

Q: What's your cancellation policy?

A: Cancellation fees depend on timing:
 

• 90+ days before departure: Full refund minus $200/person administrative fee

• 60-89 days: 50% refund

• 30-59 days: 25% refund

• Under 30 days: No refund

Exceptions: Some hotels/experiences have stricter policies—we inform you when booking.

Strongly recommended: Purchase trip protection insurance (4-8% of trip cost) to protect against unforeseen circumstances like illness, family emergencies, or travel disruptions.

Q: Do you offer payment plans?

A: Yes! Flexible payment options:
 

• Deposit: $500-1,000/person to secure booking

• Second payment: 50% of balance 90 days before departure

• Final payment: Remaining balance 60 days before departure

Early booking benefit: More time to spread payments

Credit cards accepted: Visa, Mastercard, Amex (small processing fee applies)

Wire transfers: No fees for large bookings

 

Q: What if I need to change my tour dates?
A: We're flexible when possible:
 

• Before final payment: Usually can modify dates (subject to availability and any hotel change fees)

• After final payment: Change fees apply ($200-500/person plus any supplier penalties)

• Close to departure: Very limited flexibility, subject to full cancellation fees

Best practice:

Book travel insurance that covers date changes for covered reasons.

Contact us ASAP if dates need changing—earlier is always better.

Safety & Health

 

Q: Is it safe to travel to Mediterranean countries?

A: Yes, the Mediterranean is very safe for tourists:

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Italy, Greece, Spain, France: Among Europe's safest destinations with millions of annual tourists. Standard precautions (watch for pickpockets in crowded tourist areas, don't leave valuables visible in cars).

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Turkey: Major tourist areas (Istanbul, Cappadocia, coastal regions) are very safe. We monitor conditions continuously and only operate in secure regions.

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Morocco & Jordan: Safe tourist infrastructure with experienced guides. Recommended to travel with organized tours for best experience.

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We: Monitor U.S. State Department advisories, have local contacts in all destinations, provide 24/7 emergency support, and never compromise on safety.

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Q: What vaccinations do I need for Mediterranean travel?

A: No required vaccinations for EU countries, Turkey, Morocco, or Jordan for U.S./Canadian travelers.

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Recommended (consult your doctor):

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• Routine vaccines (MMR, DPT, flu, COVID-19)

• Hepatitis A (all destinations, spread through food/water)

• Typhoid (especially for Morocco, Turkey, rural areas)

 

Not necessary: Yellow fever, malaria prophylaxis (no risk in Mediterranean)

Travel health tips:

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• Bring prescription medications (in original containers)

• Travel insurance with medical coverage

• European Health Insurance Card if EU citizen

• Drink bottled water in Morocco, Turkey, Egypt, Jordan

 

Consult:

CDC website or travel medicine clinic 4-6 weeks before departure

Q: What should I do in a medical emergency?

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A: Emergency numbers:

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• EU countries: 112 (universal emergency number)

• Turkey: 112

• Morocco: 150 (police), 15 (ambulance)

 

Steps:

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1. Call local emergency number

2. Contact us immediately (24/7 support line in your travel documents)

3. Contact your travel insurance provider

4. U.S. Embassy if needed (we provide contact info)

 

We assist with:

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• Locating English-speaking doctors/hospitals

• Communication with medical providers

• Insurance claims coordination

• Emergency evacuations if necessary

• Family notifications

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Prevention: Travel insurance with medical coverage is essential for international travel.

 

Packing & Preparation

 

Q: What should I pack for a Mediterranean trip?

A: Essential packing list:

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Clothing (April-October):

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• Lightweight, breathable clothing

• Comfortable walking shoes (you'll walk a lot!)

• Light jacket/sweater for evenings

• Modest clothing for churches/mosques (covered shoulders, knees)

• Swimsuit and beach coverup

• Sun hat and sunglasses

 

Clothing (November-March):

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• Layers (warm days, cool evenings)

• Light rain jacket

• Comfortable waterproof shoes

• Warmer jacket for evenings

 

Essentials:

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• Passport (valid 6 months beyond travel)

• Copies of passport/documents

• Credit cards (notify banks of travel)

• Travel adapter (Type C/F for Europe, Type C for Turkey)

• Medications (original containers)

• Sunscreen (strong Mediterranean sun!)

• Reusable water bottle

• Small daypack for excursions

 

Don't overpack: Most accommodations have laundry. You can also buy toiletries locally.

 

Q: What type of electrical adapter do I need?

A: Europe (Italy, Greece, Spain, France, Croatia): Type C/F plugs (two round prongs), 230V

Turkey: Type C/F plugs, 230V

Morocco: Type C/E plugs, 220V

 

What you need: Universal travel adapter (covers all types)

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Voltage:

Most modern electronics (phones, laptops, cameras) work with 110-240V automatically. Check your devices—if only 110V, you'll need a voltage converter (heavy, not recommended).

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Recommendation:

Buy a universal adapter on Amazon before the trip ($15-25). Available at airports but more expensive.

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Q: How much luggage can I bring?

A: Airlines:

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• International flights: Usually 1-2 checked bags (50 lbs/23 kg each) + carry-on

• European budget airlines (Ryanair, EasyJet): Strict limits, fees for checked bags

• Always check specific airline policies

 

Our tours:

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• No luggage limits (you manage your own bags)

• We provide luggage transfer between hotels on multi-destination tours

• Room for luggage in vehicles on private tours

 

Recommendation:

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• Pack light! One checked bag + carry-on is ideal

• Wheels are essential (cobblestone streets)

• Avoid overpacking—laundry available

• Leave room for souvenirs

 

Pro tip: Carry on essentials, medications, and one change of clothes in case the checked bag is delayed.

 

Family Travel

 

Q: Are Mediterranean tours suitable for families with children?

A: Absolutely! The Mediterranean is wonderful for families:

 

Best destinations for families:

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• Greece: Beaches, mythology stories, kid-friendly culture

• Italy: Pizza, gelato, Colosseum, Pompeii (history comes alive)

• Spain: Gaudí architecture, beaches, paella

• Turkey: Balloon rides, fairy chimneys, castle hotels

 

Family-friendly tour features:

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• Flexible pacing (more breaks, shorter days)

• Mix of education and fun activities

• Kid-approved restaurants

• Accommodation with family rooms/suites

• Interactive experiences (cooking classes, treasure hunts)

 

Age considerations:

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• Under 5: More challenging (long travel days, lots of walking)

• Ages 6-12: Sweet spot (curious, energetic, learning)

• Teens: Great for history, food, culture exposure

 

We customize: Pace, activities, and hotels to your family's needs.

 

Q: Do you offer discounts for children?

A: Yes! Child pricing varies by age and accommodation:

 

Standard child policies:

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• Under 2 (infants): Usually free (no seat on tours, shares parents' hotel room)

• Ages 2-12: Typically 25-50% discount (depends on hotel and tour)

• Ages 13-18: Usually 10-25% discount

• 18+: Adult pricing

 

Notes:

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• Discounts apply when sharing room with 2 adults

• Some hotels charge per person regardless of age

• Activities/entrance fees often have child rates

 

Family packages: We create custom family tours with best value pricing. Contact us for specific quote.