Sightseeing tours to Greece from Almaty: prices

Sightseeing tours to Greece from Almaty are trips for 7–12 days that combine beaches with history: Athens and the Acropolis, Crete, Rhodes, Corfu, Santorini. The best time is May, June, September and October, when it is 22–28°C and there are fewer tourists. The flight is arranged with a transfer through Istanbul or Dubai, the journey takes up to a day, so it is better to leave the first day for acclimatization.

Preparing for the trip: documents, money and communication

Such trips begin long before departure, and packing decides half the success. Let's break down what to put in carry-on luggage and what to leave at home.

Insurance and paperwork for citizens of Kazakhstan

A medical policy for Schengen is mandatory, the minimum coverage is 30,000 euros. Buy insurance before submitting, otherwise the package will not be accepted. Keep copies on your phone and in paper form. For tours to Crete or Rhodes, choose a policy with coverage for active recreation. Check the document package and processing times on the visa center website before submitting. Names of agencies and requirements change, so check with official sources. The policy for a Greek trip is arranged in advance, not on the day of departure.

Cash, cards and tips in taverns

Cards from Kazakh banks are not accepted everywhere, so cash euros will come in handy at markets and on the islands. In the taverns of Athens and Halkidiki, tips are left at 5–10% of the bill. Small banknotes help on ferries and at kiosks. In the tourist areas of Crete and Santorini, terminals are almost always available, but in the villages of the Peloponnese they are less common. Keep a supply of cash for the whole tour, exchange offices on the islands work at an unfavorable rate. Tips are optional but appreciated.

When is the best time to go and how to choose the time?

The season in Greece lasts from April to October, but the heat and crowds change the impression of the trip. Choose the month for your route, not for the price.

Weather by season and heat on excursions

In summer in Greece it is hot, in places up to 35–40°C, so it is better to schedule sightseeing in the morning or evening. In July and August in Crete and Rhodes the sun bakes from noon to five. May and October give comfortable 22–28°C and fewer tourists. In April in Halkidiki and Corfu it is still windy, but green. In winter such trips around the country are almost not held: museums are open, but ferries run less often. Take a hat and water for every walk. Plan rest in the shade between transfers.

Holidays and museum hours: what to consider

Greek Easter and the Dormition of the Theotokos on August 15 may close shops and museums, so check the calendar. On these days taverns are overcrowded, and transport runs on a special schedule. Many museums in Athens close early on Mondays. The Palace of Knossos in Crete and the Acropolis admit visitors according to a schedule that changes by season. Entrance tickets to archaeological areas are better bought online to avoid standing in lines. In Santorini and Kos in high season excursions are booked several days in advance.

How to get there and how to get around on site

The journey to Greece from Kazakhstan takes almost a day, and within the country the route is built on ferries and cars. Think through the logistics in advance so as not to lose days.

Flight from Almaty with transfers and the time difference

There may be no direct flights from Almaty to Athens, so the flight is often arranged through Istanbul, Dubai or Moscow. The journey with a transfer is lengthened by several hours, and sometimes by a whole day. The time difference with Almaty is 3 hours in winter and 2 hours in summer: Greece changes its clocks (UTC+2 in winter, UTC+3 in summer), while Kazakhstan stays on UTC+5 all year round. It is better to leave the first day of the tour for acclimatization. Departure from Almaty in the evening is more convenient: you arrive in Athens in the morning. Take the connection into account if you are flying to Crete or Rhodes as a separate segment.

Ferries between the islands and car rental

Movement between the islands is by ferries and high-speed catamarans; tickets are better booked in advance in high season. The route Piraeus — Santorini and Piraeus — Kos sell out weeks ahead. Car rental in Crete or the Peloponnese gives freedom, but requires an international license. Mountain roads are narrow, and serpentines require attention. In Corfu and Halkidiki a car is also convenient, while in Santorini buses are enough. Gas stations on the islands are less common than on the mainland. Leave a margin of time before the ferry departs.

What to try and what to bring home

Greek cuisine and markets are a separate part of any tour, and souvenirs here are not limited to magnets. Let's tell you what to look for in taverns and shops.

Greek cuisine: taverns, markets and local dishes

Real Greek cuisine lives in taverns, not in hotel restaurants. Order moussaka, souvlaki, Greek salad with feta and fresh grilled fish. In the markets of Athens and Crete they sell olives, cheeses and spices by weight. Greeks have lunch late, taverns often open after 20:00, and dinner stretches until midnight. In Lassithi and Rethymno they serve local wine and raki. Try meze — sets of small appetizers for the table. Olive oil of the first pressing is brought from Halkidiki.

Souvenirs: olive oil, honey, ceramics

Olive oil, olive-based cosmetics, honey, spices and ceramics travel home conveniently and do not break in luggage. In Crete take thyme honey and herbal blends. Handmade ceramics are sought in Rhodes and Athens. Olive soap and creams are inexpensive and withstand the flight well. Pack spices from the markets hermetically, otherwise the aroma will soak into your things. Check the restrictions on carrying liquids in luggage.

What to consider on excursions and in everyday life?

Local rules and daily routine in Greece differ from the usual ones, and this affects the impression. A few details will save nerves and time.

Dress code in monasteries and rules of behavior

In Greek monasteries, covered shoulders and knees are required, and women need a headscarf or shawl. Men in shorts are also not allowed entry. On Santorini and at Meteora, wraps are provided at the entrance, but it is better to bring your own. Photography inside is often prohibited, so watch for signs. In the churches of Athens, behave quietly and do not disturb the service. A headscarf will also come in handy on the beach and on an air-conditioned bus.

Beaches, swimming and the daily routine of locals

The sea water in Greece is clean, but on rocky beaches you need special swimming shoes. On Crete and Rhodes there are many pebble coves where it is uncomfortable to walk barefoot. Greeks come to the beach early in the morning or after five in the evening; at noon the beaches empty out. Sun loungers and umbrellas are paid, about 10–15 euros per set. A towel and water are essential; there is no shade on wild beaches. After swimming, rinse off with fresh water if there is a shower.

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

In brief

• Sightseeing tours are suitable for those who want to combine beaches with history and gastronomy.
• The best months for a trip are May, June, September and October.
• Keep cash in euros with you; cards are not accepted everywhere.
• A flight from Almaty is built with a connection; allow extra time.
• Book tickets for ferries and museums online in advance.