Premium tours to Greece from Almaty: prices

Premium tours to Greece from Almaty are holidays at the country's best resorts: Crete, Rhodes, Corfu, Santorini, Halkidiki, Kos and the Peloponnese. The optimal months for a trip are from May to October, and the velvet season falls in September and the first half of October. The flight takes from eight to twelve hours with a stopover in Istanbul or Dubai.

When is it better to plan a trip and how to choose a season?

Such trips to Greece from Almaty are more conveniently planned in advance: the season lasts from May to October. In the high months prices rise, and decent hotels are booked up months ahead.

The velvet season and mild autumn on the islands

The best time for a comfortable holiday on the coast is September and the first half of October. The sea in Crete and Rhodes remains warm during these weeks, and the exhausting heat has already subsided. Santorini and Mykonos are crowded and expensive in July and August, but in June and September it is calmer there. Hotels with a caldera view in Santorini are booked several months before the trip, otherwise the choice remains modest. In autumn, Halkidiki and Corfu enjoy mild weather without winds, pleasant for walks and sea outings. Greek cuisine at this time delights with fresh seafood and local wine. Such trips in autumn are often chosen by those who want quiet and privacy. The warm air lasts until the end of October, then the water begins to cool.

Spring months: sightseeing instead of beaches

In May the water in Crete and Rhodes is still cool, so swimming takes a back seat. But spring is ideal for sightseeing without crowds of tourists. In the Peloponnese at this time ancient theatres and wineries are open, tastings are held by prior reservation. In Athens, private guides lead individual groups around the Acropolis and museums while the streets are not yet hot. Pieria and the northern shores turn green in April and May, and accommodation prices are lower than in summer. Greek nature in spring is especially expressive, which photography lovers appreciate. Tours to Greece during this period are suitable for a leisurely acquaintance with the country. The weather is changeable, so it is worth taking a light jacket.

What to consider when choosing a destination and hotel?

Different regions of Greece offer dissimilar holidays, and the choice depends on what you want more. Some care about a beach by the villa, others about urban culture and gastronomy.

Islands with boutique hotels and villas by the sea

Corfu and Halkidiki have many boutique hotels and villas with a private beach. Crete offers spacious resorts in Heraklion, Rethymno and Lassithi, where it is easy to combine the beach with trips around the island. Rhodes and Kos are famous for their yacht infrastructure; from here it is convenient to set off on sea trips to neighbouring islands. Santorini is known for its caldera views and small designer hotels. Kos is less noisy than its popular neighbours, and families appreciate this. Such holidays in Greece are chosen for the combination of seclusion and high-level service. When choosing, it is worth looking at the distance from the centre and the availability of a private pool.

Cities with signature restaurants and private guides

Athens sets the tone for Greek gastronomy: signature restaurants with Mediterranean menus operate here. Private guides conduct individual excursions around the Acropolis and museums outside of group tours. In the Peloponnese it is worth visiting ancient theatres and wineries, where tastings usually take place by reservation. Crete - Heraklion and Crete - Rethymno are interesting for their old town and markets, where people go for spices and olive oil. Thessaloniki and Pieria also have strong restaurants, but people go there more for the atmosphere. Such trips often include dinner at a starred restaurant or with a private chef. It is better to book a table at popular places in advance.

How to get there and prepare documents

The journey from Almaty takes almost a whole day, so the route should be thought through in advance. Preparing paperwork also takes time, especially in high season.

Connecting routes and time difference

There are no direct flights from Almaty to Greece; usually people fly with a stopover in Istanbul or Dubai. The total travel time with a connection takes from eight to twelve hours. 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. Summer time in Greece is in effect from the end of March to the end of October. A long stopover in Istanbul allows you to go out into the city if time permits. When flying through Dubai, it is convenient to choose a night segment and sleep on the plane. Expensive trips to Greece from Almaty often include a transfer from the airport to the hotel. Take the difference into account when planning your first day on site.

Packing for the road and medical insurance

Medical insurance for a trip to Greece is arranged in advance, and in high season it takes more time. Extended coverage will be useful for those planning sea trips and active holidays. The package of documents is prepared in advance so as not to postpone the trip. Insurance should be selected with coverage sufficient for active holidays and sea trips. Premium trips are usually accompanied by support in collecting documents. Start preparing two to three months before departure.

How to organise a holiday on site

On site, much is decided by transport and how you manage your time. Thoughtful logistics make the holiday calmer and richer.

Premium car rental and sea trips

Premium car rental in Crete is convenient for trips between Heraklion, Rethymno and Lassithi. The roads here are good, and the distances allow you to see both a beach and a mountain village in a day. On Rhodes and Kos, yacht infrastructure is well developed, and boat trips to neighboring islands are popular. On Corfu and Halkidiki, a car will also come in handy if the hotel is located away from the villages. It is better to book a car in advance; during the season, the choice of models is limited. The Greek specifics are that parking in old towns is tight, and on mountain roads you need confidence behind the wheel. Premium travels around the country often include a transfer with a personal driver instead of a rental. This option is convenient for those who do not want to get behind the wheel on vacation.

Tipping, card payment and cash in euros

Tips in Greece in premium-level restaurants are usually left at 5–10% of the bill. In taxis and cafes, the amount is often rounded up, and this is considered normal. Card payment is accepted almost everywhere, but on small islands it is worth having some cash in euros. Small taverns and markets sometimes operate only with cash. ATMs are available in tourist centers, but the withdrawal fee can be noticeable. Such trips often include dinners and excursions in the price, so large on-site expenses are minimal. Keep a small amount of cash for unexpected expenses.

How much it costs and how to book

The cost depends on the season, resort and hotel level, so the range should be discussed individually. It is better not to postpone booking during high season.

Booking and payment terms for a tour from Almaty

Confirmation times, the deposit amount and the payment procedure depend on the selected hotel and departure date. During high season, rooms in Santorini and boutique hotels in Corfu sell out quickly, so it is better to make a decision immediately. Documents and confirmations arrive after all details are agreed upon. Such trips are more conveniently arranged through a manager who will select the flight and hotel for your dates. Clarify the details in advance so that you can make it in time for the desired season.

What is included in the price and where you should not save

The price usually includes the flight, transfer, accommodation and some excursions. You should not save on insurance, transfer and the choice of hotel location. A hotel far from the sea or the center will add taxi expenses and travel time. Extended insurance will be useful for active recreation and boat trips. Private excursions with a personal guide in Athens cost more than group ones, but provide a different experience. There is no point in saving on meals at a premium hotel: signature restaurants are often part of the concept. Greek cuisine, well executed, is part of the travel experience.

Visa and entry rules change: check with 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.

Briefly

• Plan premium tours to Greece in advance, especially for high season.
• The best time for beaches is September and the first half of October.
• In spring, Crete and Rhodes are more comfortable for sightseeing than for swimming.
• In Santorini, hotels with a caldera view are booked several months in advance.
• In Corfu and Halkidiki, look for boutique hotels and villas with a private beach.