Written by John Morris, WheelchairTravel.org, October 14, 2024
Hello, everyone!
Today is an exciting day — bookings for the 2025 WheelchairTravel.org Group Trip to Greece are now open to paid newsletter subscribers!
I invite you to join me and fellow readers on an accessible tour of Greece next year, from May 3, 2025 to May 12, 2025. Together, we’ll eat, drink and explore our way through this ancient land, visiting iconic sites like the Acropolis in Athens, Mount Olympus, the Island of Evia and the Royal Tombs of Aigai. This is a trip designed for all of us, made accessible through extensive planning and partnerships with a team of local accessibility and tourism professionals!
With the support of my local and regional partners, I’ve built an itinerary that will take us to the spectacular UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Greece, beautiful port cities, and ancient ruins — all while enjoying the company of other travelers.
Paid subscribers to this newsletter will have exclusive access to the tour itinerary and booking information for the next 72 hours, after which time it will open to everyone if spaces remain (with a separate email to follow). If you are not yet a premium subscriber and would like to skip the wait, please upgrade your subscription. A paid subscription will deliver early access to this and future group tours as they are announced.
To read all about this wheelchair accessible group trip to Greece, visit https://wheelchairtravel.org/group-trips/greece-2025/2025-extended-tours-greece/?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email
If you’d like to extend your trip beyond the 10-day group trip itinerary, I have assembled a selection of private wheelchair accessible add-on tours that are available for an additional cost.
Either before or after the group trip, you can take time to explore Greek destinations like Santorini and the Mykonos Island, places where I am unable to take the larger group. You can add one or both of the add-on tours to your trip.
Please note that spaces are limited and I expect the group to fill up quickly. If you have any questions about the trip, or if you will have any special requirements (bed hoists, bathroom equipment, a personal care assistant, etc.), you can let me know through the interest form at the links above, or reach out directly to me via e-mail at grouptrips@wheelchairtravel.org.
I’m looking forward to meeting you in Greece!
— John
Joining the 2025 Wheelchair Travel Group Trip to Greece? Extend your adventure with these private add-on tours!
The following optional add-on tours are available and can be scheduled before or after the main Wheelchair Travel Group Trip to Greece. You can choose one or both to extend your time in Greece.
5-Day Add-on Tour of Santorini
Santorini is an island of the Cyclades in the Aegean Sea and was destroyed by a volcanic eruption in the 16th century BC. This volcanic eruption resulted in today’s rugged breathtaking landscape.
Day 1: Athens to Santorini
After breakfast, check out of the group hotel and transfer to the Port of Piraeus, where you will take a fast ferry to Santorini (approximately 4 hours).
A driver will pick you up from the port of Thira in Santorini and transfer to the hotel, a 5-star resort accommodation.
Day 2: Panoramic Tour of Santorini
You undoubtedly know the iconic pictures of Santorini found on many postcards. The white, cube-shaped houses of the two main towns Thira and Oia nestle on the slopes of the cliffs above a marine caldera. From there, you have a view of the sea, small islands in the west, and beaches of black, red, and white lava rocks.
Enjoy a half day (approximately 4 hours) tour of Santorini and its beautiful landscape after breakfast, with carefully chosen stops along a panoramic drive, plus a stop at a local winery.
Day 3: Relaxation
Enjoy a day of relaxation at your 5-star resort in Santorini.
Day 4: Santorini to Athens
After breakfast, you will be transferred to the Port of Thira, where you will board the fast ferry back to Athens.
Upon arrival, you will be picked up and transferred to a 4-star airport hotel in Athens.
Day 5: Departure
Transfer from the hotel to the Athens International Airport (ATH) in a wheelchair accessible vehicle to meet your departing flight.
5-Day Add-on Tour of Mykonos Island
In Thessaloniki, you will have the opportunity to enjoy the local culinary scene, tasting traditional Greek dishes and fresh flavors. Alongside the food, discover Thessaloniki’s historical landmarks and experience the lively atmosphere of the city. Our full-day trip offers a perfect mix of history and gastronomy, ensuring a memorable day filled with culture and delicious food.
Day 1: Athens to Mykonos
After breakfast, check out of the group hotel and transfer to the Port of Piraeus, where you will take a fast ferry to Mykonos (approximately 4 hours).
A driver will pick you up from the port of Mykonos and transfer to the hotel, a 5-star resort accommodation.
Day 2: Panoramic Tour of Mykonos
This beautiful tour in a wheelchair accessible vehicle offers you the opportunity to explore the landscapes and beaches of Mykonos Island, as well as take a leisurely stroll through the island’s capital. Along the scenic roads of the island, you will embark on a picturesque journey with thoughtfully planned stops along the way.
The first destination is Agios Yiannis, where you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the nearby island of Delos during a short stop. You will then continue to the stunning Kalafatis beach before heading to the charming village of Ano Mera. Here, you will have time to wander around the delightful square, surrounded by traditional taverns, or visit the 16th-century Panagia Tourliani Monastery. Afterward, you will explore the enchanting old town of Mykonos. Get lost in the narrow, whitewashed streets adorned with cube-shaped houses and experience the unique beauty of this original Cycladic fishing village. The tour highlights include stops at the Windmills, Little Venice, and the iconic Paraportiani church.
Day 3: Relaxation
Enjoy a day of relaxation at your 5-star resort in Mykonos.
Day 4: Mykonos to Athens
After breakfast, you will be transferred to the Port of Mykonos, where you will board the fast ferry back to Athens.
Upon arrival, you will be picked up and transferred to a 4-star airport hotel in Athens.
Day 5: Departure
Transfer from the hotel to the Athens International Airport (ATH) in a wheelchair accessible vehicle to meet your departing flight.
Trip Costs and Inclusions
The costs of the add-on tours to Santorini and Mykonos are as follows:
- Santorini: $2,500 USD per person based on double occupancy
- Mykonos: $2,600 USD per person based on double occupancy
- 9-day combined Santorini and Mykonos tour: $4,600 USD per person based on double occupancy
The preferred method of payment is via bank transfer (domestic wire, Zelle, etc.), however credit card transactions are accepted with a 3.5% processing fee.
Here’s a rundown of what is included in the trip costs:
- Accommodation in wheelchair accessible 4-star and 5-star hotels as outlined in the tour description
- Transportation in a wheelchair accessible vehicle with four-point securement straps and a seatbelt
- Ferry transportation as indicated in the tour itinerary
- Tours according to the trip itinerary
- Admission to museums, monuments and attractions listed in the program
- Breakfast each day provided at the hotel
- Driver expenses
- Local tourism taxes
The trip cost does not include the following:
- Airfare
- Other meals not mentioned in the program
- Tours not mentioned in the program
- Personal expenses
- Personal care assistants
- Personal travel insurance (We recommend Allianz Travel Insurance)
- Tips/gratuities
- Other services not mentioned
How to book an add-on tour
After you have reserved your spot in the 2025 Wheelchair Travel Group Trip to Greece, let me know that you would like to purchase one of the add-on tour options. If you have any questions, feel free to send an e-mail to grouptrips@wheelchairtravel.org.
All Wheelchair Travel Group Trips and add-on tours are sold by Wheelchair Travel Tours, LLC, 1123 Locust Street #137, Saint Louis, MO 63101.