Early booking of tours to Greece from Almaty: prices and conditions

Early booking of tours to Greece from Almaty usually starts from November to February, and the stays themselves fall in May–October. July and August sell out first: at this time on Crete, Rhodes and Halkidiki there is dry heat around +30, the sea is warmed to +25. The flight from Almaty takes about 6–8 hours with a transfer in Istanbul or Dubai.

What does it give a tourist from Almaty?

Such an early purchase of tours to Greece helps an Almaty tourist fix the price long before departure. Let's look at how such offers work and what to check in the documents.

How early booking promotions are structured and what they include

Early booking promotions to Greece usually start several months before the season. The hotelier sets a quota of places at a reduced price, and the operator assembles a package from it. Inside, most often, are the flight, transfer and accommodation with meals. Excursions and car rental are added separately. The earlier a tourist enters such a promotion, the wider the choice of rooms. Closer to the dates, only extreme categories and inconvenient buildings remain. For Almaty this is especially noticeable on July stays. Good options on Crete and Rhodes are taken back in spring. The Greek side confirms quotas in batches. Until confirmation arrives, the price remains preliminary.

Discounts, deposit and payment deadlines: what to look at in the contract

Look at three lines of the contract: the deposit amount, the full payment date and the postponement terms. The deposit is usually small, but non-refundable. The balance is paid before departure, and this deadline differs among partners. Clarify whether the fuel surcharge is included in the price. Separately check what will happen if the hotel is replaced. Sometimes the partner offers an equivalent option in another region. For Greece this may mean moving from Halkidiki to the Peloponnese. Keep correspondence with the manager until signing.

Which resorts do Kazakhstanis choose and how do they differ?

Greece offers different holidays: islands with wind and history, the mainland with pine beaches. The choice depends on the composition of the group and the month.

Islands: Crete - Heraklion, Crete - Rethymno, Crete - Lassithi, Rhodes, Kos, Corfu, Santorini

Crete - Heraklion is chosen for the airport and the short transfer to hotels. Crete - Rethymno is quieter, with a Venetian harbor and a gentle entry into the sea. Crete - Lassithi is chosen for calm bays and wind for windsurfing. Rhodes is convenient for families: many hotels with water parks and kids' clubs. Kos is more compact; a bicycle can go around almost the whole island in a day. Corfu is greener than the others, with olives and Venetian streets. Santorini is more expensive and windier, but with a caldera and sunsets. Greek cuisine is different on each island. Cretan relies on herbs and cheese, Rhodian leans toward eastern spices, Corfiot is closer to Italian.

Mainland: Halkidiki, Pieria, Peloponnese and Athens

Halkidiki holds three peninsulas with pine beaches and all inclusive hotels. Pieria is closer to the mountains of Olympus, where evenings are cooler. The Peloponnese offers ancient cities and long sandy shores. Athens is usually included for one or two days before the islands. From the capital it is convenient to go to Delphi or to Meteora. The Greek mainland is cheaper than the islands for accommodation. The road from Athens to Pieria takes several hours. Booking tours in advance for mainland Greece is calmer: there are more places, competition is lower.

What to consider when preparing the trip

Preparation for a trip to Greece begins with documents and communications. These little things determine how much time will be spent on site.

Visa, insurance and medical care at resorts

The policy is issued before departure, and it must cover active recreation. Diving, snorkeling and ATVs are not included in standard insurance. Add these risks as a separate option. On Crete and Rhodes there are clinics with Russian-speaking doctors. Pharmacies work on weekdays; on Sunday only certain points are on duty. Emergency care is provided in state hospitals. Take a supply of personal medicines for the entire period. The Greek side does not always accept Kazakhstani prescriptions.

Communications, internet and buying a local SIM card

A local SIM card is bought at operator stores at the airport or in the city. An identity document will be required. Internet packages work throughout the country, including the islands. On Santorini and Corfu coverage is stable; in the mountains of Lassithi there can be gaps. Roaming of Kazakhstani operators is more expensive, but more convenient for short trips. If you are going for two weeks, a local card pays off. The Greek side sells cards in kiosks and supermarkets. Buying a tour in advance does not affect the choice of mobile operator.

Visa and entry rules change: check with the primary source — the MFA of the Hellenic Republic, https://www.mfa.gr/en/visas/. The information on this page was checked on 14.09.2026.

How to get around within the country and between the islands

Logistics in Greece are built on ferries, flights and a car. It is better to plan moves in advance.

Ferries and flights: from Crete to Santorini, from Rhodes to Kos

From Crete to Santorini there are high-speed ferries from Heraklion and Rethymno. Travel time depends on the type of vessel and the port of departure. From Rhodes to Kos there is also a ferry line, and some tourists fly by plane. Ferry tickets sell out in high season, book in advance. The Greek side asks you to arrive at the port an hour before departure. On flights between islands, baggage is often paid for separately.

Car rental and transfers from Athens to Pieria and to the Peloponnese

The car is picked up at the airport or at the hotel; Kazakh-style licenses are not accepted everywhere. An international permit removes questions from the rental company. For the islands, a compact model is enough; for the Peloponnese, a crossover is more convenient. Organized transfers run from Athens to Pieria and the Peloponnese. The road has toll sections; the cost is included in the rate. The Greek side requires a deposit on a card. Early booking of a trip to Greece often includes a transfer; check this in the package.

What to do on vacation

Leisure in Greece is divided into beach, active, and gastronomic. Every region has something to offer.

Beaches, diving and snorkeling: certification requirements

For snorkeling, a mask and snorkel are enough; no certificate is needed. Diving with descent to depth requires an Open Water certificate. Beginners are offered a trial dive with an instructor near the shore. The best spots are off the coasts of Crete, Rhodes and Kos. Visibility in the Aegean Sea is high from June to September. The Greek side closes some beaches when there is a strong wind. Take a wetsuit; the water is cool in spring.

Family holidays, nightlife and regional gastronomy

Rhodes and Kos hold the palm for kids' clubs and water parks. Crete - Heraklion and Rethymno offer club life along the promenade. Lassithi is quieter; in the evening there are only tavernas there. Cretan cuisine is built on olive oil, cheese and herbs. Rhodian cuisine adds eastern spices and sweets. Corfiot cuisine is closer to Italian pasta and seafood. Order local dishes in tavernas, not the tourist menu. It is better to plan a family holiday to Greece in advance for Rhodes or Kos.

In brief

• Early booking suits those traveling in high season and wanting to choose a hotel in advance.
• Deals on Greece are booked several months before departure; clarify the deposit in the contract.
• The islands offer different holidays: Crete - Heraklion and Rethymno for the city, Rhodes and Kos for families.
• The mainland is cheaper: Halkidiki, Pieria and the Peloponnese are convenient for a quiet holiday without fuss.
• Take out a policy with coverage for active holidays, otherwise diving will remain without protection.