TERMS & CONDITIONS

A little bit about Crete and who we are…

Crete – the epicenter of Mediterranean

Crete is the largest and most populous of the Greek islands, the fifth-largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, and one of the thirteen administrative regions of Greece. The island Crete is a different world compared to other parts of Greece. Crete is a place with its own tradition, its own character and its own dialect. Local people are very proud of their Cretan origin. The island forms a significant part of the economy and cultural heritage of Greece while retaining its own local cultural features (such as its own poetry and music).

If you are planning on visiting Crete and you would like to make the most of your trip, this is the right site for you. Find a licensed tourist guide to make your visit, a memorable one. In Greece, tourist guiding is a recognized profession. All our guides are professional licensed and registered with the Ministry of Tourism. In order though to provide their services directly or organize tours, they have to have their own travel agency. And this is what we have done over the past years. We organized a travel agency, registered with the Ministry of Tourism, following all rules and regulations regarding our profession and the law. If you book through our site and we are not able to provide our services directly, we will make sure that we will employ a registered professional, according to the law, in order to maintain the quality of service. We have chosen to cooperate with a small group of professional guides that share the same passion with us, for the beautiful island Crete.

Guides Credentials – Education

The organization of Tourism Education and Training (O.T.E.K) is the specialized Greek state institution that provides education and training for professions in the field of Tourism. The tourist guide first successfully completes training (3 year). Then the guide registers with the Department of Tourism through the provincial tourism authorities and the union of guides of the area he works. After registration, the tourist guide receives an identity card and a badge which must be displayed at all times when conducting guided tours. Tourist guides have to renew their registration every year. Many of our guides have further professional, academic and other special qualifications to further illuminate your tour. (Besides working as registered guides are also graduates of Archaeology, History, and Art). In any case, keep in mind that our professionals will be legally employed by our agency (by Ergani online platform) and they are service – minded and fully comply with our strict rules for quality service. To us, customer service is our number one priority…

Legislation

According to law 710/77, with regard to Tourist Guides: The presence of a qualified Greek tourist guide licensed by the Greek Ministry of Tourism in compulsory, not only in archaeological sites and museums but also during all journeys or organized tours and excursions.

The guide indicates and comments on the sights and highlights of the country, the ancient and historical monuments and works of art. In addition the guide provides general information about ancient and modern Greece.

Authorized guides are also equipped to provide information and their services on specialized aspects of tourism such as trekking, eco-friendly activities and the provision for visitors with special needs.

Professional licensed guides work as cultural ambassadors of their country. So when you book a tour or an excursion it is important for you to know if you are receiving the service you paid for…

Is your guide licensed?

Services Abroad – B2B services

Tourist Guides of Crete boutique travel have provided services all over Europe. Travelling with Greek groups abroad, escorting our guests in all main tourism attractions of Europe and not only, we gained valuable experience in handling special groups, seniors and students, organizing their cultural program (tours and excursions, museum visits) and we pay attention to every detail.

Always with professionalism and service minded, our purpose is to provide the best possible solution, so that you can get the most out of every minute.

Use our experience and expertise to plan your visits around Crete, mainland Greece and Europe. We can suggest places of interest, museums and archaeological sites, we can connect you with partners (travel agencies around Europe) to get the best possible deals.

Where? Switzerland , Austria, Germany, Poland, Russia, Great Britain, France, Italy, Spain, Czech Republic and many more…

Please read the Terms and Conditions carefully, as your deposit payment signifies acceptance of the Terms and Conditions.

This website touristguidescrete.com is operated by GUIDES OF GREECE – SUSTAINABLE TOURISM DEVELOPMENT – TAILOR MADE TRAVEL SERVICES E.E – THE TOUR EXPERTS . We are a legal travel agency, based in Heraklion Crete, authorized by the Greek National Tourism Organization (EOT) with a registry Number ΜΗ.Τ.Ε 1039 E 6000 0454101. We have our registered offices in Pitsidia main Rd Tymbaki, Crete, Greece T.K 70200. We operate our website www.tour- experts.gr, providing custom and tailor-made tours upon request according to every guests’ needs and wishes. We choose to cooperate only with qualified licensed guides, members of the local Association or other Associations around Greece, working on Crete or Freelance licensed guides offering their services.

Guides of Greece – Sustainable Tourism Development – Tailor Made Travel Services E.E provides private tours, tailor made programs and shore excursions. The tours, shore excursions or tailor made programs are starting from the prearranged meeting point (can be hotel, airport, port or other). Concerning Cruise ship passengers, Guides of Greece – Sustainable Tourism Development – Tailor Made Travel Services E.E cannot be held responsible if the Cruise ship or the local agent representing the Cruise ship company in Greece, change the departure time or program of the Cruise. Before starting the shore excursion, inform the reception or the excursion department employee on duty of the tour you will participate and provide your contact information or even provide to them our company’s telephone number to inform us for any changes, to be back on time.

Guides of Greece – Sustainable Tourism Development – Tailor Made Travel Services E.E is not responsible for issuing Visas and cannot be held liable for refusal of Visas or permissions to arrive on the island.

Guides of Greece – Sustainable Tourism Development – Tailor Made Travel Services E.E (and all our guides, driver-guides, directors, officers, employees, affiliates, partners, agents, contractors, interns, suppliers, service providers) cannot assume responsibility or liability for any loss or damage to personal effects or for any injury or loss during the duration of a tour, excursion or tailor made program. We cannot be liable for any injury, loss, claim, or any direct, indirect, incidental, or consequential damages of any kind, including, without limitation lost profits, lost revenue, lost savings, loss of data, replacement costs, flight costs, accommodation costs, or any similar damages, whether based in contract, tort (including negligence), strict liability or otherwise, arising from your use of any of the service or any products procured using the service, or for any other claim related in any way to your use of the service or any product, including, but not limited to, any errors or omissions in any content, or any loss or damage of any kind incurred as a result of the use of the service or any content (or product) posted, transmitted, or otherwise made available via the service, even if advised of their possibility. Because some states or jurisdictions do not allow the exclusion or the limitation of liability for consequential or incidental damages, in such states or jurisdictions, our liability shall be limited to the maximum extent permitted by law. Therefore, we strongly recommend that you purchase appropriate travel/medical/ baggage/ cancellation insurance. Our guides will provide all the necessary information concerning safety and access to sites visited. In cooperation with an authorized insurance agent we provide an insurance plan, if you wish us to make the proper arrangements, contact us prior to the arrival date, to inform you about the additional cost per person and all the details.

Guides of Greece – Sustainable Tourism Development – Tailor Made Travel Services E.E offers a travel protection plan through an independent provider. Guides of Greece – Sustainable Tourism Development – Tailor Made Travel Services E.E provides information about the policy, but detailed questions should be directed to the insurance provider. Guides of Greece – Sustainable Tourism Development – Tailor Made Travel Services E.E is not authorized to act as agent for the insurance provider. Any claims, disputes or other matters pursued under the policy must be directed to the insurance provider.

Guides of Greece – Sustainable Tourism Development – Tailor Made Travel Services E.E reserves the right to cancel or change the itinerary of a tour, excursion or tailor made program whenever, in its sole judgment, conditions warrant, or if Guides of Greece – Sustainable Tourism Development – Tailor Made Travel Services E.E deems it necessary for your comfort, convenience or safety.

We reserve the right, to limit or deny the sales of our Services to any person, geographic region or jurisdiction for any reason.

We reserve the right to cancel any tour or travel arrangements if any of the guests participating are aggressive, insulting to any of the personnel or employees of our company – and especially during the drive tours / boat tours –  if guests do not behave accordingly or according to the law and for the safety of other participants or our personnel. In any case of aggression towards our personnel the local authorities will be informed .

Guides of Greece – Sustainable Tourism Development – Tailor Made Travel Services E.E cannot be held liable for services that provide other companies or suppliers, because although make efforts to maintain high standards and we choose very carefully our suppliers and partners, we cannot control third parties.

Applicable Law

Any disputes shall be governed by Greek law and are subject to exclusive jurisdiction and venue in a state or federal court located in Heraklion, Crete, Greece.

Amendment to the General Terms of Transaction

Guides of Greece – Sustainable Tourism Development – Tailor Made Travel Services E.E providing private tour on Crete, reserves the right to amend and/or renew the aforementioned terms of transaction regarding the use of this website at any given time with a future effective date without obligation to inform customers accordingly (for that reason, we urge the customers to be informed of their rights and obligations and check our website, before the date of issue of their tour). The general terms of transaction shall appear on the website as in force at that given time. Subsequent use of the website following an amendment to the general terms of use constitutes acceptance by the customer of the respective amendment.

Accepted Currency – Methods of payment – Transactions security

The currency accepted for all transactions is euro (€). Most types of major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Maestro and UnionPay) are accepted. American Express is accepted on site with a wireless pos, provided by Alpha Bank (for the Amex credit card, please contact us, to check the availability of the wireless pos.). Direct bank transfers to our company’s business Bank account is accepted ( Alpha Bank business account) All financial transactions are redirected from our website and conducted within the secure environment (ssl) of Alpha Bank of Greece website. After a successful transaction you must receive a mail from the Bank, with all details of the transaction. We will do our best to confirm the transaction with a follow up email, but in some cases, due to the time difference, there might be a delay. Feel free to contact us for any questions you may have. (contact us at touristguidescrete@gmail.com or cretantourexperts@gmail.com )

Insurance

Our vehicles are covered by an insurance contract and of course we have a liability contract as a registered travel agency provided by Interamerican and Guarantee Trust deposit at the Ministry of Tourism . ( Registered Travel Agency N 1039E60000454101)

Guides of Greece – Sustainable Tourism Development – Tailor Made Travel Services E.E strongly recommends travel/medical/baggage/cancellation insurance, which you can either purchase independently or in case you need an additional insurance plan ( provided by a cooperating insurance agency ) to feel safer you can contact us for further information.

Guides of Greece – Sustainable Tourism Development – Tailor Made Travel Services E.E has an insurance contract coverage by YDROGEIOS Insurance – for any claims the full details of Name – Surname – Passport and days of travel must be send by email 15 days prior to to the tour / travel arrangements.

Guides of Greece – Sustainable Tourism Development – Tailor Made Travel Services E.E does not assume responsibility for ensuring that facilities, venues and all other sites, such as archaeological sites, historical public buildings and fortresses visited can accommodate persons with disabilities. While we will try to meet your needs, please be aware that facilities and venues are often not able to accommodate persons with disabilities. If you have a disability and require assistance, please notify us to discuss your needs prior to making any deposit or payment. We will be able to guide you appropriately to choose places easily accessible.

Guides of Greece – Sustainable Tourism Development – Tailor Made Travel Services E.E as a legal , authorized and registered travel agency , we can provide our services directly to guests visiting Crete and the rest of Greece , or we can cooperate with travel agencies from Greece or abroad / tour operators , providing our guiding services / planning events or tours etc. In any case we will issue invoices for the services we provide, supporting legal transactions through our cooperative Bank (Alpha Bank). For a custom – tailor made tour, you can pay online using an our e commerce  provided by Alpha Bank (using a secure link to pay with your credit card) or on the date of issue, we have a wireless Gprs pos provided byAlpha Bank . In any case an Invoice will be provided.

For all the programs – tours – custom made experiences  (Full day – half day tours – multiple day tours ) that are organize through our site, apart from the company registered vehicles, we cooperate with a licensed transportation company and two travel agencies on Crete that provide us competitive prices.

Disclaimer – Refusal of Responsibility

All tours and excursions organized by our travel agency are accepted and can be consider legitimate only if the voucher of our travel agency with the attached receipt invoice is shown. A tour order is issued by our agency and guides are either freelancers providing invoice or employed by our agency through the system Ergani. The same applies with the vehicles (mini vans, cars, busses). The cars are registered and the invoice and tour order must be in the car available for any control by the authorities. This is the reason we will need a passport number (for the voucher of the service)

The tour or transfer must be prepaid with a bank transfer at our company account or with a credit card (using a secure link of the cooperative bank). Once you proceed to the payment of the service, you will receive a booking voucher, with the payment transaction details. For the chauffeur service, (which is provided only in terms of pre-booked and prepaid) we will also need a copy of passport/or ID, full Name/Surname, address and contact details. As a client / traveler you are solely responsible for the accuracy of the information that you provide.

User (customer) responsibility

Customers are obliged to comply with Greek legislation pertaining to passports, the issuance of visas, health regulations, etc.

The use of Guides of Greece – Sustainable Tourism Development – Tailor Made Travel Services E.E website must be made exclusively for lawful purposes and in a lawful manner so that its use by third parties is not restricted or prevented. Customers shall be obliged to use the website in accordance with the law. The booking of products or services through this website and our e-shop is permitted only for lawful bookings and purchases made in the name of the customer or with respect to other persons, in the name of and on whose behalf the customer is entitled to act.

All information that you provide and you choose to share with our Agency or with the cooperating bank, upon proceeding to a booking, you are solely responsible for the accuracy of those information. In case of any control by the authorities, you are solely responsible for the accuracy of the information that you provided to our agency.

Privacy Policy – Confidentiality

When the customer/ user books through  Guides of Greece – Sustainable Tourism Development – Tailor Made Travel Services E.E , personal information is requested which is processed and saved accordingly.   Guides of Greece – Sustainable Tourism Development – Tailor Made Travel Services E.E is committed not to sell, rent or disclose this information to third parties, unless written consent is explicitly provided by the website’s customers / users. Moreover management and protection of the personal data of visitors/users of the website’s, which is collected during visits to, or use of services on, the pages of touristguidescrete.com website are subject to respective provisions of Law 2472/1997 pertaining to the protection of individuals with regard to the processing of personal data, as amended and currently in force. We will not contact you for any reason, besides your booking .. With your acceptance and consent, after the tour, you may receive a follow up email, regarding your comments, which you may post on TripAdvisor or any related site for reviews. We respect you personal information and you will not receive spam mail from our website for any reason (unless the mail is referring to details of your booking or any clarification needed.)

Baggage

Every effort is made to handle your baggage carefully while on a tour, shore excursion or tailor made program. Guides of Greece – Sustainable Tourism Development – Tailor Made Travel Services E.E is not responsible for and does not assume liability or accept claims for loss or damage to bags due to breakage, theft, wear and tear by a hotel, airline, bus company/transportation Company or others who may handle your bags. You are responsible for your personal belongings. We will though do our best to help you, in any case, translate or understand documents or forms you might need to complete in the authorities.

We would like to mention that with good faith and good will we will try to assist and resolve any problem that might occur. We will be sincere and accurate in the descriptions of all our programs and tours, explaining all details.

By making the deposit payment you are deemed to have accepted Guides of Greece – Sustainable Tourism Development – Tailor Made Travel Services E.E Terms and Conditions.

We welcome you on Crete and Greece and invite you to see more, feel more and discover the real, authentic Crete.

Cancellation and Refund policy – Penalty charges

Specifically:

• More than 15 (fifteen) days prior to the scheduled tour: Full refund, excluding 10% for administrative and credit card fees (those are bank transactions fees). The fee can be less than 10 %, depending on the policy of the banks involved in the transaction.
• 14 (fourteen) to 6 (six) days prior to the scheduled tour: The amount will be refunded, excluding the 10% for administrative and credit card fees (those are bank transactions fees) and 10 % penalty charges.
• 5 (five ) to 3 (three) days prior to the tour: No refund
• No show or delay of arrival: No refund ( no show or delay of 30 minutes – the tour is automatically cancelled)

Refunds will be returned within 30 days of the cancellation date. A fee of 10% will be withheld for administrative and credit card fees. If the tour is cancelled by Guides of Greece – Sustainable Tourism Development – Tailor Made Travel Services E.E no commission is kept.

In case that Guides of Greece – Sustainable Tourism Development – Tailor Made Travel Services E.E acts as an intermediate to a service provided by a third party (supplier) to the customers – the terms and conditions regarding cancellation of the respective third part apply.

B2B

B2B clients must pay the full amount of the tour / service / transfer, before the date of issue. A proforma invoice will be provided (within the month of the deposit) and an invoice will be provided once the tour / service is provided (within the month of the service) In case of bookings through travel agencies in Greece, EU or international ( U.S – Australia , rest of the world ) the company Guides of Greece – Sustainable Tourism Development – Tailor Made Travel Services E.E can keep a 40 % fee for the travel planning and arrangements already made, no matter the reason of cancellation . In cases of groups – making arrangements for tours and excursions in Greece or Crete for multiple days we will not be able to provide a refund. This means that our team of travel planners has already worked and planned the tours and experiences for your clients and for this reason a 40 % fee will be held. This 40 % includes all administrative fees, bank transaction fees, accounting fees for the invoices / proformas – refunds.

B2B cancellation policy :

• More than 21 (twenty one ) days prior to the scheduled tour: Full refund, excluding 10% for administrative and credit card fees (those are bank transactions fees). The fee can be less than 10 %, depending on the policy of the banks involved in the transaction.
• 14 (fourteen) to 6 (six) days prior to the scheduled tour: The amount will be refunded, excluding the 10% for administrative and credit card fees (those are bank transactions fees) and 10 % penalty charges.
• 5 (five ) to 3 (three) days prior to the tour: No refund
• No show or delay of arrival: No refund ( no show or delay of 30 minutes – the tour is automatically cancelled)
• In case of travel planning of tour / event or service a 40 % of the amount of the total is held ( for the work – planning – arrangements of the group). To reschedule the group for the next year /season the arrangements / payment has to be made from the beginning.
• Rescheduling a tour / event within the month has no fee – rescheduling the tour in a different date ( more than a month from the initial booking ) has an additional fee of 30 % of the total of the first booking.

In case of war / pandemic / seismic – volcanic activity / flood / tsunami or any other catastrophic event that does not allow us to provide the tour or service, the customer B2B or B2C will receive a voucher of the amount he has deposited in the company account, to be used for future services ( voucher is valid for 18 months – longer period may apply depending on the event. ( and always in accordance with the Greek law)

GENERAL INFORMATION

Greek National Tourism Organization (known as EOT )

– The Greek National Tourism Organization (GNTO) is a public entity supervised by the Ministry of Economy, Infrastructure, Maritime Affairs and Tourism. Its mission is to organize, develop and promote Greek tourism, within the country and abroad. By virtue of Presidential Decree 343/2001 (Gov. Gazette 231/A), the GNTO’S main competences consist in:  Submitting proposals on mapping tourism policy Implementing tourism policy as laid down by the Government.  Establishing and implementing the national tourism promotion program at local, national and international level.  Supporting public services, local authorities and other natural or legal persons in actions aiming at the promotion of tourism. GNTO consists of the Head Office located in Athens and 15 Offices abroad, whose mission is to promote Greek tourism worldwide. By virtue of Presidential Decree 112/2014, all licensing and monitoring competences of the GNTO, including its Regional Offices, were transferred to the former Ministry of Tourism. In particular, 14 Regional Offices of Tourism are entrusted with the responsibility for:  Licensing tourism accommodation facilities, travel agencies and other types of tourism businesses Carrying out inspections of tourism businesses.  Conducting quality control regarding services provided by tourism businesses.  Monitoring the official classification of tourist accommodation.  Imposing administrative sanctions on tourism businesses. – At the local level, local authorities (regions and municipalities) draw up and implement programs and activities for tourism development and promotion in the area under their jurisdiction. These activities are not financed by central government; local authorities make use of their own resources or European program funds. As regards tourism promotion activities in particular, it is mandatory for all public (national or local) authorities to obtain prior approval from GNTO, with a view to harmonizing their tourism promotion campaigns with the overall tourism promotion strategy of the country.

What is a Tourist Guide – Certified Licensed Guide

Nature of the Profession

According to the law 710/1977 on Tourist Guides, “A tourist guide is a person accompanying tourists or visitors of the country, foreigners or nationals, leading them and suggesting the sights of the land, the monuments ancient or historical, the works of art of all periods, explaining to them their meaning, destination and history and providing more general information about ancient and modern Greece”.

A tourist guide’s working license in Greece is obtained after a compulsory and successful 5-semester attending of the Schools of Tourist Guides operated by the Organization of Tourism Education and Training.

The Lecturer Tourist Guide’s contribution to the promotion of Greece and Greek culture is an integral part of his/her job, which has the following features:

1. a) It presupposes the thorough knowledge of at least one foreign language which makes possible the direct communication with the foreign visitor, whom the Tourist Guide endeavors to initiate into Greek civilization, answering all of his/her questions, explaining history and art and also linking the distant past with present day Greece.
2. b) It presupposes a broad and deep knowledge not only of history, tradition and art but also of the social structures and the geopolitical context that created them. Tourist Guides acquire this knowledge both through their studies at the School of Tourist Guides and through consistent personal learning and attending of annual training seminars organized by the OTET.
3. c) It presupposes great discretion and tact when it comes to national issues, without patriotic quick temper but with respect for historical truth, speaking for the interests of Greece and making known the contribution of Greek civilization to the global developments. For a half or a whole day as well as for four or five or even ten and twenty days, the tourist guide provides HOSPITALITY to visitors in the full meaning of the term, creating a relationship of friendship and trust and making of them friends of Greece. Furthermore, being often the receiver of the comments and impressions of the foreigners, he/she is the connecting link between our country and them, being called upon to redress misunderstandings and misrepresentations which could discredit Greece all over the world.
4. d) During rides on tourist coaches from one site another the tourist guide speaks about the climate, the territory, the flora, fauna and the natural resources of the country as well as its economy. He/She promotes and presents the Greek products and describes further regions of Greece, trying to make the foreigners interested in a second or third travel to Greece. He/She presents the Greek language, revealing to the visitors the countless Greek words that they use in their own languages. He/She speaks about Greek music and cuisine.

In short, he/she enlivens the history of the country; his/her living relation with Greece makes him/her, in the foreigners’ perspective, ‘the person that they know best in Greece, an ambassador inside the borders of the country”.

PLEASE NOTE THAT TOURIST GUIDES ARE A PROFESSION THAT HAVE TO BE EMPLOYED BYT A TRAVEL AGENT – THEY CAN NOT ORGANIZE A TOUR ( WITHOUT HAVING THEIR OWN TRAVEL AGENCY) . THIS IS IMPORTANT TO KNOW AS A LOT OF GUIDES ADVETRISE THEIR TOURS ONLINE AND YOU AS A CLIENT ARE NOT COVERED.

The guides that have not their own travel agency, but sell their tours online, do not have a liability insurance, do not have a registered license to organize and sell tours online. In any case of an accident or a problem you are not covered.

TouristGuidesCrete is a is a boutique travel agency established in Crete, Greece, in 2014. Our focus is designing custom itineraries to Crete and all parts of the Greece for individuals, families, and small groups.