1) How can I reserve a space on a tour?

Reservations will be accepted for the October 2024 tour in January. A non-refundable non-transferable $500.00 deposit ensures your reservation. The deposit holds your reservation only through a specific date at which point full payment is due.

2) What am I supposed to do with the Fine Print?

Wait for it to be finalized which  is usually about 10 months prior to the trip. This is when budget and cost are determined. Before you commit to the tour, please read it. If you have questions, send an email. A space on Tangents tours is only guaranteed upon receipt of full payment and a signed Fine Print. Each page must be initialed and the back pages filled out.

3) Is international airfare included in the tour price?

No. All domestic flights are included.

4) What is not covered by the tour price?

Outside of international airfare most costs are covered. 1 meal per day is not covered. Drinks at meals are not covered with the exception of water, tea and non-exotic coffee. Tips for guides, bus driver, hotel staff, etc. are not covered. Single supplement is extra.

5) What kind of insurance do you recommend?

All travelers should purchase trip cancellation insurance. You should also have adequate medical coverage that includes emergency medical evacuation and coverage that protects against theft.

6) Is there extensive walking or hiking?

There are opportunities for nature hikes in two mountain villages and 3-4 hour leisurely alternative walking tours in Athens and Thessaloniki. The Acropolis involves a fair amount of walking. All activities are optional.

7) Outside of music do we get to visit archaeological sites and museums?

The only scheduled activity is the Acropolis and the Acropolis Museum.

8) How much free time is there?

Tangents tours strive to provide a few hours of free time each day although it is not always possible. In Athens generally there is a group activity in the morning and the afternoon is free time. 

9) Do Tangents tours guarantee a number of concerts?

No. Sometimes cancellations occur that are beyond anyone's control. There are usually 10  world class concerts within the 17 night tour.

10) What type of music is booked on Greece Tangents music tours?

Dore Stein who produces the concerts, prefers to avoid genre classification as some of the best music is beyond category.

The diverse mix of concerts can loosely be described as Greek roots music. Some styles trace to the region where the concert takes place such as Cretan (Crete), Epirus (Ioannina), rebetiko (Thessaloniki), etc. Other music styles include contemporary modal improvisation and jazz hybrids.
The artists are among the best roots oriented musicians in Greece. Check out the Itinerary for a sampling of concerts.

11) What size venues are the concerts?

Intimate. Most venues are no more than 100 capacity.

12) Is there smoking at concerts and restaurants?

Greeks are smokers. Dore Stein tries to find venues that prohibit smoking but that can be challenging.  We also try to eat at restaurants/tavernas that have separate smoking sections when possible. 

13) Do you travel to the same places every year?

Yes. The travel hubs are: Athens-Crete-Thessaloniki-Pelion-Ioannina. For the 2024 tour, we will also travel to a mountain village near Mt. Olympus called  Palaios Panteleimon. Activities and concerts may vary from tour to tour.

14) Do Tangents music tours stay at 5 star hotels?

Not usually. We stay at charming boutique hotels. We avoid fancy, touristic hotels.

15) Do we eat at first class restaurants?

The philosophy of Tangents tours is to experience music with locals and eat where locals eat. The food and atmosphere is often special but this is not a foodie tour.

16) Should vegetarians and vegans be concerned about eating in Greece?

Greece is heaven for vegetarians. There are plentiful fresh vegetables and salads so vegans should manage fine.

17) Do Tangents tours handle airport pick-up and drop-off?

People who arrive on the first day of Tangents tours are picked up. Folks who arrive early are not.
 
People who depart on the last day of Tangents tours have their airport transportation arranged. If you stay after the departure date, Tangents does not arrange airport drop-off.

18) How is the final spot on a tour determined?

In order to maximize the experience, the number of tour members is limited to 18. In the event there is more than one person interested in the last place available for a tour, the person whose full payment is received first will get the last place. There are no exceptions. The fastest way to deliver payment is through Pay Pal (“friends and family” is only accepted).

19)  If I have an exemption for the COVID-19 vaccine, can I join the Tangents Greece Music Tour?

No. There are no exceptions even for religious or medical reasons. All tour participants must show a COVID-19 vaccination card.

20) Do I have to wear a mask?

Wearing masks during the tour is a personal decision unless the Greek health authorities issue a mandatory directive. Greeks for the most part do not wear them. It is recommended that masks be worn during flights and indoor concerts. But it is not required.

21) What is your refund policy?

$500 deposits are non-refundable. Tangents tour cancellation fees are spelled out in the Fine Print.

We welcome your questions. Em tangentsgreecetour@gmail.com. Thank-you.