Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How would you define “The Greek Immersion Experience?”

ANSWER: To us, an Immersion Experience provides the opportunity to become wholly absorbed by your surroundings. Nectar & Ambrosia invites you to be delightfully amazed by food that will enrich your palate and well-aged potions to stimulate your senses, appropriately balanced to create the cultural experience of a lifetime.

Q: Who is Nectar & Ambrosia?

ANSWER: Nectar & Ambrosia crafts boutique tours of Athens and surrounding areas designed to immerse clients in the local culture, with emphasis on exploring Greek “culinaria” and domestic spirits. The company is managed by professionals with global travel experience and a passion for Greek culture.

Q: What value will I derive from a Nectar & Ambrosia experience?

ANSWER: Each day, your Nectar & Ambrosia tour allows you to experience delicious food and great wines as an Athenian – not as a tourist. Greece is not only about beaches and incredible deep blue waters, but it’s about living great unique moments, which is the “value” our tour creates. You will be introduced to, and learn to discriminate between, numerous Greek spirits, including ouzo, tsipouro, retsina and vintage wines. You will be educated, entertained and amused by the knowledge and care of our experienced staff. You will savor the taste of REAL Greek Olive Oil, see much more than you imagined, with less effort than you expected, and experience a memory that will last a lifetime.

Q: How do you select venues and destinations?

ANSWER: We start off by identifying venues and destinations used by Athenians – not just tourists. We then devise a program that optimizes the value of your time without making your experience a “marathon.” For example, you will be residing at the same hotel for the entire tour – you will unpack and pack only once after arrival. Your Athens hotel allows you to enjoy a glass of wine while soaking in a hot tub in the shadow of history – Acropolis itself is in view and a stone’s throw away. The hotel’s location places you within walking distance of numerous cultural attractions. Destinations you will visit were selected for their uniqueness and historic value, restaurants for their comfortable blend of old and new, geared to the American palate but inherently Greek. While many dishes may sound familiar, the spices and aromas will be new. Lastly, wineries selected strike at the core of Greek tradition and tasting their wines – crafted to offer the lure of the unknown to the foreigner – will create a memorable experience.

Q: I live in Canada. Does Nectar & Ambrosia work with travelers who reside outside of the US?

ANSWER: Yes, our clients reside all over the globe.

Q: Is airfare included in the price of your tour?

ANSWER: Recognizing that travelers may desire to visit other countries in Europe and/or stay longer in Greece, Nectar & Ambrosia does not include airfare in its tour price. Additionally, many of our clients book their own flights using Frequent Traveler program benefits, or other offers.

Q: Are meals included in your tour?

ANSWER: Yes. In fact, all meals are included and represent a cornerstone of our tour’s value. Breakfast is at the hotel, and it’s a delicious part of your Athens experience, providing a morning energy boost with an American style buffet inspired by Greek and Mediterranean cuisine. Lunch and dinner are gastronomic experiences designed to expand your palate and stimulate your senses, with foods varying based on venue and season of the year.

Q: What types of foods will your clients experience?

ANSWER: Clients will experience a variety of hot and cold dishes prepared with wholesome ingredients to enhance flavor and aroma. They will enjoy healthy, tasty dishes that offer natural qualities and flavors of fresh, seasonal vegetables, fruit, extra-virgin olive oil, cheeses made from goat’s and sheep’s milk, meat, poultry, and seafood fresh from the Aegean. Tasty desserts enhance each meal and “treats” will surprise the palate at various venues.

Q: I am considering joining your tour. What’s next?

ANSWER: You may book your tour through the Nectar & Ambrosia website by following the easy-to-follow steps. Should you require assistance, please feel free to contact us via email, or via phone +1 (540) 322-2727.

Q: How far in advance should I book my trip?

A: This depends how far in advance you like to plan. However, keep in mind that tours fill up quickly, so waiting to book is likely to limit your choice of tour dates. We try to accommodate last-minute bookings, but that always depends on availability. Please refer to our Terms and Conditions to learn our tour rescheduling and cancellation policy.

Q: Are visas required for your tours?

ANSWER: US and EU citizens do not need a visa to enter Greece. However, A VALID PASSPORT IS REQUIRED TO TRAVEL ABROAD. Citizens from other countries may contact us for information via email, or via phone +1 (540) 322-2727.

Q: Should I be concerned with safety when traveling to Greece?

ANSWER: The safety and comfort of our clients is Nectar & Ambrosia’s primary concern. We monitor security situations and will reschedule, modify or discontinue tours in destinations that seem unsafe. Our Athens representatives are available around the clock to monitor your safety, and to respond as required.

Q: Whom will I contact during an emergency on one of your tours?

ANSWER: Each traveler is provided with contact information for our local representatives, who are available around-the-clock. Additionally, we recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance and separate emergency evacuation insurance through a provider able to meet your needs.

Q: What is travel insurance and medical evacuation insurance?

ANSWER: We recommend all travelers consider purchasing comprehensive travel insurance and medical evacuation insurance. In the unlikely event you are unable to take or complete your tour for any reason, travel insurance basically offers protection against possible trip cancellations, interruptions and/or delays, baggage loss, medical emergencies and other issues covered by the policy. Please check with your preferred insurance provider for details. You may also wish to consider a medical evacuation plan for additional protection in the event of an emergency.

Q: What is essential for me to pack for this tour?

ANSWER: Comfortable walking shoes are highly recommended, as you will encounter irregular surfaces during your adventure. In general, we recommend you pack light, meaning mostly leisure wear you can don in layers, and one “resort casual” outfit. Winters are relatively mild in Athens but it can get cold, so we recommend you check the weather forecast spanning your time in Greece. Your hotel has two outdoor hot tubs, so pack a bathing suit – but don’t forget to bring along a sweater as well. Your tour guide will review the following day’s itinerary and weather forecast with you each night, allowing you to plan your next day’s dress.

Q: How should I invest my “leisure time?”

ANSWER: Your itinerary is designed to optimize your time in Greece and includes leisure time to allow for individual, close-in exploration. Those not wishing to rest may avail themselves to shopping and local sightseeing that your guides are happy to recommend. Just ask us.

Q: We are very interested in having “foodie” experiences. Is this a tour for us?

ANSWER: Nectar & Ambrosia is focused on providing extraordinary culinary tours featuring traditional Greek cuisine at its finest. Infuse Greek spirits into your cultural immersion and your tour ascends to the experience of a lifetime.

Q: I would like recommendations for unique local products. Can you help with this?

ANSWER: Yes we can. Your hotel is within walking distance of a major shopping district – Plaka. Just ask us.

Q: Is there a minimum age restriction associated with your tour?

ANSWER: You must be at least 18 years of age to participate on a Nectar & Ambrosia tour.

Q: Will your tour take me to places that are “off the beaten path?”

ANSWER: Our tour covers must-see historic venues for any traveler visiting Greece. However, your culinary and wine adventures will take you “off the beaten path” to places the average tourist would not experience.

Q: I am a vegetarian. Will your tour accommodate my diet?

ANSWER: Yes. The Greek diet is tailor-made for you, as it is based on olive oil, high-fiber fruits, natural cheese, vegetables, nuts and grains. In fact, the word “diet” is derived from the ancient Greek dieta, meaning “way of life.”

Q: What forms of payment does Nectar & Ambrosia accept?

ANSWER: You may pay for your tour using American Express, MasterCard, or Visa. Alternatively, you may pay by check, but please know that your reservation cannot be confirmed until your check clears.

Q: Will I have to make payment at the time I make a reservation?

ANSWER: A deposit of $500 per person is required to secure a confirmed reservation for your tour.

• Deposit Amount: $500 per person
• Final Payment Due Date: 90 days prior to departure

The final balance is due no later than 90 days prior to the Tour start date. Promotions may have different payment terms – please refer to the offer. All reservations are subject to cancellation if payments are not received by the due date.

Q: What’s included in the price of a Nectar & Ambrosia tour?

ANSWER: Your tour includes the following:

• All Ground Transportation
  • Private Airport transfers
  • Luxury bus transportation
  • Water bottles in bus
  • Gas & toll expenses
  • English speaking driver
• 7 nights, 4-Star hotel accommodations on Bed & Breakfast basis
• Daily tours and activities with licensed, English-speaking tour guide
• Entry fee for single entrance to all cultural sites included in the itinerary
• “Virtual Reality” iPads during the Acropolis visit
• Round trip cable car ticket to Lycabettus Hill
• All excursions, meals, and beverages as stated in the itinerary
• All Tour taxes
• Complimentary T-shirt, local treats, and maps
• Umbrella, sunscreen, rain slicker (as required)

Tour exclusions consist of the following:

• Airfare, airline fees for checked and/or excess baggage
• Passport and visa fees (visa is not required for US citizens)
• Self-initiated tours, activities and excursions
• Gratuities (optional); laundry; phone calls; meals and beverages not detailed in the itinerary; items of a personal nature; other services not stated under the tour’s inclusions; and, travel insurance

Q: What are the cancellation rules for Nectar & Ambrosia tours?

ANSWER: Should Client elect to cancel their tour reservation, the following charges shall be assessed:

Days Prior to Departure Cancellation Charge

• 121 days or more: $100 per person
• 120 to 90 days: 15% of Tour fare
• 89 to 60 days: 50% of Tour fare59 to 0 days 100% of Tour fare

All cancellation requests must be submitted in writing to NECTAR & AMBROSIA.

Purchase of travel insurance may reduce or eliminate the cancellation fees outlined above. For more information, please call your insurance provider.

NECTAR & AMBROSIA reserves the absolute right to cancel the reservation, and impose Cancellation charges should payments not be received within the time periods specified in the Reservations and Payments section.

Should NECTAR & AMBROSIA cancel a Tour at any time and/or for any reason, NECTAR & AMBROSIA shall have the option to refund payments made by Client or apply Client’s funds toward a future Tour, at Client’s option.

Q: Can I change/amend my booking?

ANSWER: NECTAR & AMBROSIA understands a client’s need to change their reservation. Changing the start date of a booked Tour will incur no penalty, provided:

1. Client has not previously changed their Tour start date;
2. Notification is received by Company, in writing, at least 60 days prior to the Client’s Tour start date;
3. The Revised Tour start date (the “Revised Tour”) is no later than 1 year following the original Tour start date;
4. Tour fees have been paid in accordance with the original Tour’s start date fee schedule; and,
5. Subject to acceptance by NECTAR & AMBROSIA.

Q: What do I do if I am delayed for my tour?

ANSWER: If Client fails to join a specific section of a Tour, or joins it after its departure, or leaves it prior to its completion, no refund can be made. Please note that if the reason for failing to join a section of a Tour falls within the terms of any vacation insurance policy which Client holds, then any charges may, subject to the terms of Client’s insurance policy, be refunded to Client by the insurance company.

Q: I need to revise the name of a tour participant on an existing booking, what do I do?

ANSWER: Please contact Nectar & Ambrosia via email at info@nectarambrosia.com to effect this change.

If there is a different question you would like Nectar and Ambrosia to address, please e-mail us at info@nectarambrosia.com, or call us at +1 (540) 322-2727 during business hours. Thank you!