Frequently Asked Questions
Booking, Prices & General Information
Can I pay by card?
Yes.
We accept:
Visa
Mastercard
Most major credit and debit cards
Please note that American Express (AMEX) is not accepted.
Can I cancel my booking?
Yes.
Cancellation requests are normally accepted up to 48 hours before departure.
Please note that cancellation policies may vary depending on the excursion, activity or supplier. In some cases, certain services or prepaid components may be non-refundable.
Every cancellation request is reviewed individually, and we will always do our best to assist you fairly and in accordance with the applicable booking terms and conditions.
If you need to cancel your reservation, please contact us as soon as possible.
Do you offer private tours?
Yes.
We organise private excursions throughout Crete for couples, families and small groups.
If you are looking for a personalised experience, simply send us your request and we will prepare an itinerary according to your interests, preferred timings and budget.
What languages are available?
All excursions are available in English.
Many excursions are also available in German and French, depending on the excursion and the tour operator.
If you require a specific language, please ask us before booking and we will do our best to assist you.
This is the title Can I book online or via WhatsApp?
Yes.
The fastest and easiest way to book an excursion is via WhatsApp.
We are happy to answer your questions, check availability and confirm your reservation as quickly as possible. This is the content
Are prices final?
Yes.
We believe in transparent pricing.
There are no hidden costs.
The only additional charges may be:
Entrance fees
Optional activities
Personal shopping
Personal expenses
These are always mentioned in advance whenever applicable.
Does the ATV Quad Safari price include one or two people?
The advertised price refers to two (2) people sharing the same quad bike.
If each participant wishes to drive their own quad bike, a different price applies.
Please contact us before booking and we will gladly provide the correct price based on your preferred option.
This policy helps avoid misunderstandings before your excursion.
Why choose Stefanos Tours?
Stefanos Tours is a small, independent, family-run travel agency based in Sissi, Crete.
Unlike large international tour operators, we offer personal service and take care of every guest individually.
Every enquiry, every booking and every customer is important to us.
When you choose Stefanos Tours, you are supporting a local family business and, for that, we are sincerely grateful.
Every euro you spend with us helps us continue doing what we love—sharing the beauty of Crete with visitors from all over the world.
We never want to create unrealistic expectations or promise something we cannot deliver.
Instead, we believe in honest advice, clear communication and helping you choose the excursion that best suits your interests, expectations and travel style.
If you have particularly high expectations or special requests, please tell us before booking.
Our experienced team will gladly explain exactly what each excursion offers and whether it is the right choice for you.
Clear communication before booking leads to a better holiday experience for everyone.
How do you choose the excursions and your partners?
This is the con Our philosophy is very simple:
Why would we recommend an excursion that we would not happily take ourselves with our own family?
Every excursion we offer has been carefully selected based on:
Safety
Organisation
Quality
Reliability
Overall guest experience
The companies and local partners we work with have been carefully chosen over many years.
We constantly listen to our guests' feedback and regularly review every excursion we offer.
Our goal is not simply to sell excursions.
Our goal is for every guest to return home with wonderful memories of Crete and to feel that choosing Stefanos Tours was the right decision.
When you book with us, you are not simply buying an excursion.
You are benefiting from our local knowledge, our experience and our commitment to recommending only services that we would confidently recommend to our own family and friends. tent
Still have a question?
We are always happy to help.
If you cannot find the answer you are looking for, please contact us.
You can:
Send us a WhatsApp message
Visit our office in Sissi
Call us directly
Send us an email
Whether your question is about an excursion, transportation, entrance fees, children, accessibility or anything else, we will always do our best to provide an honest answer.
Thank you for choosing Stefanos Tours.
We look forward to welcoming you to Crete and helping you create unforgettable holiday memories.
Transfers, Excursions & What's Included
Are hotel transfers included?
Yes.
Hotel transfers are included from all hotels, apartments and villas located in Sissi.
Guests staying outside Sissi are also very welcome to join our excursions. Depending on the location, a small transfer surcharge may apply. This applies, for example, to Minos Imperial Resort in Milatos and other nearby areas outside Sissi.
If you are unsure whether your accommodation is included, simply contact us before booking and we will be happy to assist you.
From which hotels do you offer pick-up?
We provide complimentary pick-up and drop-off from all accommodation located in Sissi, including:
Hotels
Apartments
Villas
Holiday Homes
Guests staying outside Sissi are also welcome to join our excursions. In some cases, an additional transfer charge may apply depending on the distance.
Are entrance fees included?
Normally No.
Unless otherwise stated, entrance fees are not included in the excursion price.
The excursion price usually covers transportation, guiding services and any inclusions specifically mentioned in the description.
Entrance fees for archaeological sites, museums, caves, monasteries or attractions are paid separately by the visitor.
A separate Entrance Fees 2026 page is available on our website, where you can find the latest official entrance fees, discounts and free admission policies.
Are meals included?
Some excursions include lunch, dinner or refreshments, while others do not.
Whenever meals are included, this is clearly stated in the description of the excursion.
If a meal is not mentioned, then it is not included.
Can you accommodate special dietary requirements?
Yes.
For excursions that include lunch or dinner, we kindly ask you to inform us in advance if you have any special dietary requirements.
Please let us know if you are:
Vegetarian
Vegan
Gluten Free
Lactose Intolerant
Following any other special diet
It is also extremely important that you inform us about any food allergies or food intolerances before your excursion.
Providing this information in advance allows us to work with our partners to offer the most suitable meal for you and to help ensure your comfort and safety throughout the excursion.
What should I bring with me?
We recommend bringing:
Hat
Sunscreen
Camera
Small bottle of water
A light snack
Comfortable walking shoes
For hiking or more active excursions, we also recommend:
A second pair of socks
A spare T-shirt
A small towel
Swimwear
Most importantly...
Don't forget your good mood — it is always welcome!
11. Which excursions are suitable for families?
Many of our excursions are suitable for families with children.
Some of our most popular family-friendly excursions include:
Semi-Submarine Cruise
Spinalonga – Elounda – Agios Nikolaos
Lazy Day Boat Cruise
Cretaquarium
Watercity Water Park
Acqua Plus Water Park
Amazonas Park
If you are travelling with babies or young children, please contact us before booking. We will be happy to recommend the excursion that best suits your family's needs.
What happens if the weather is bad?
All excursions operate weather permitting.
Clouds, wind, rain or high temperatures are natural weather conditions that nobody can control.
If weather conditions make an excursion unsafe, the tour operator may postpone, modify or cancel the excursion in accordance with the applicable operating procedures.
Whenever possible, an alternative date, another excursion or a refund will be offered according to the supplier's cancellation policy.
As we like to say in Greece:
"With God's will... and weather permitting."
How do I know my pick-up time?
After your reservation has been confirmed, we will send you:
Your exact pick-up point
Your exact pick-up time
Any additional information you may need before your excursion
This information is normally sent via WhatsApp one day before departure.
Tips for your Santorini Day Trip
After many years of organising excursions to Santorini, we would like to share a few helpful tips.
Our Recommendation
Although an optional Volcano & Hot Springs boat trip may be available, we generally do not recommend combining it with the guided bus excursion.
Simply because there is not enough time to fully enjoy Santorini in a single day if you try to do both.
By remaining with the main excursion, you will have much more time to explore Oia and Fira, enjoy the spectacular views, have a relaxed lunch and experience Santorini without feeling rushed.
Check Prices Before You Buy
This is a useful travel tip not only for Santorini but everywhere.
Before ordering food, drinks or buying souvenirs, always check the prices first.
Most restaurants display their menus at the entrance.
If you are happy with the prices, enjoy your meal.
If not, simply continue walking—there are many excellent restaurants, cafés and shops to choose from.
Wear Comfortable Shoes
Santorini has many steps, cobbled streets and uphill paths.
Comfortable shoes will make your visit much more enjoyable.
Stay Hydrated
During the summer months temperatures can be very high.
Carry a bottle of water, wear a hat and apply sunscreen regularly.
Keep Your Camera Ready
Santorini is one of the most photographed islands in the world.
Enjoy every moment and create unforgettable memories.
Is it important to follow the guide's instructions and departure times?
Yes. This is extremely important.
During every excursion, your guide or tour escort will provide important information regarding meeting points, departure times and the daily programme.
It is your responsibility to listen carefully to these instructions.
If you do not hear or fully understand any information, please do not hesitate to ask your guide to repeat it. They will always be happy to help.
Missing the departure time of the coach, boat or any other transport may result in significant inconvenience and additional costs, which are the responsibility of the guest.
Please also remember that most excursions are shared with other travellers. A coach may carry 40–50 passengers, and when one or two guests return late to the meeting point, everyone else is forced to wait.
We kindly ask all our guests to respect the agreed meeting times so that everyone can enjoy a smooth and pleasant excursion.
Can I ask the guide questions during the excursion?
Absolutely.
Our guides and tour escorts are there to help you and make your experience as enjoyable as possible.
Whether you have a general question about Crete, the excursion programme, local history, restaurants, shopping or a personal question related to your holiday, please feel free to ask your guide at any time during the excursion.
There is no such thing as a silly question.
We are always happy to help and want you to enjoy every moment of your holiday in Crete.
Are the vehicles, coaches, cars and boats insured?
Yes.
This is a question we are occasionally asked, and the answer is always the same.
Greece and the island of Crete are part of the European Union, and all licensed transport operators are required to comply with the applicable Greek and European legislation.
The licensed companies we work with operate in accordance with the legal requirements concerning insurance, civil liability and passenger transportation.
Whether your excursion includes:
Car
Coach
Minibus
Boat
Ferry
Yacht
Quad Bike
Jeep
Rental Vehicle
the service is provided by licensed operators who are required to meet the legal standards applicable to their activity.
For your peace of mind, Stefanos Tours cooperates only with carefully selected professional partners who operate legally and meet the standards required by the competent Greek authorities.
Your safety is always our highest priority.
Can the excursion programme change?
Yes.
Although we always aim to operate every excursion exactly as described on our website, there are occasions when changes may be necessary due to circumstances beyond our control.
These may include, but are not limited to:
Weather conditions
Strong winds or rough sea conditions
Strikes or industrial action
Temporary closure of archaeological sites, museums or attractions
Maintenance or restoration works
Road closures
Heavy traffic
Ferry timetable changes
Safety reasons
Instructions from local authorities
During the summer months, heavy traffic and overcrowding at beaches and attractions are common throughout Crete.
These are circumstances beyond the control of Stefanos Tours and our local partners.
Whenever possible, alternative arrangements will be made in order to minimise inconvenience.
The descriptions on our website are intended as a general guide.
The exact itinerary, timings, stops or duration may occasionally vary according to operational requirements on the day of travel.
We appreciate your understanding.
What if the weather is not ideal?
Weather is one of the very few things that nobody can control.
Clouds, wind, rain, high temperatures or heatwaves are natural weather conditions that may affect your excursion or your overall experience.
Stefanos Tours cannot accept responsibility for weather conditions or for changes caused by nature.
Whenever safety requires it, the tour operator may postpone, modify or cancel an excursion according to the applicable operating procedures.
As we often say in Greece:
"With God's will... and weather permitting."
After all, the weather is beyond everyone's control.
Families, Safety & Excursion Suitability
Are children eligible for discounts?
Yes.
Most excursions offer discounted prices for children. However, each excursion has its own child pricing policy, depending on the tour operator.
As a general guide:
Most excursions offer child discounts for children under 12 years old.
For the Santorini Day Trip, child prices apply up to 10 years old.
Infant prices or free participation may apply for children from 0 to 3.99 years old, depending on the excursion.
Please note: The Semi-Submarine Cruise has a different pricing policy, and a ticket is required even for infants from 0 years old.
The applicable child policy is always clearly stated in the description of each excursion.
If you are unsure, please contact us before booking and we will be happy to provide the correct pricing for your family.
If my infant travels free of charge, will they have their own seat?
Normally, no.
Children travelling under the applicable infant policy (usually 0 to 3.99 years old, depending on the excursion) do not have their own reserved seat.
Infants are expected to sit on the lap of a parent or accompanying adult during transportation.
Please note that this is not a Stefanos Tours policy. It is the standard practice followed by most airlines, ferry companies, coach operators and tour operators around the world.
If you would like your infant to have their own seat, please let us know before booking. In many cases, an additional child fare may apply, subject to availability and the supplier's policy.
Which excursions are suitable for families?
Many of our excursions are suitable for families with children.
Some of our most popular family-friendly excursions include:
Semi-Submarine Cruise
Spinalonga – Elounda – Agios Nikolaos
Lazy Day Boat Cruise
Cretaquarium
Watercity Water Park
Acqua Plus Water Park
Amazonas Park
If you are travelling with babies or young children, please contact us before booking. We will be happy to recommend the excursion that best suits your family's needs.
Is the Chrissi Island excursion suitable for everyone?
Important Information – Please Read Carefully
Due to the current environmental protection regulations on Chrissi Island, the excursion operates differently from previous years.
The excursion boat does not dock on the island.
Instead, the boat drops anchor approximately 50 metres from the beach, and guests wishing to visit the island are required to swim this short distance.
For your convenience, the crew provides inflatable floating mattresses and swimming aids free of charge.
Guests who are not confident swimmers may use the boat's tender (small transfer boat) to reach the beach.
However, before booking, please note that this excursion is not recommended for:
Guests with any mobility difficulties, even minor ones.
People who cannot swim.
Families travelling with infants or children aged 0–3 years.
Guests who may have difficulty entering or exiting the sea.
If you are unsure whether this excursion is suitable for you, please contact us before booking. We will be happy to recommend the most suitable excursion for your needs.
Are all excursions suitable for everyone?
Not necessarily.
Some excursions involve long coach journeys and travel on mountain roads, which may not be comfortable for every traveller.
Examples include:
Chania – Lake Kournas – Rethymno
Balos Lagoon & Chania
Elafonissi Beach
Other full-day excursions to western Crete
Before booking, our sales team will always explain the duration of the excursion, the travelling distances and any important details that may affect your comfort.
If, after receiving this information, you decide to participate, your booking confirms that you understand the nature of the excursion and that it is suitable for you.
At Stefanos Tours we believe that honesty is the foundation of good service.
We never hide important information or make promises simply to persuade someone to book an excursion.
We would much rather recommend a different excursion than have a guest join a tour that is not suitable for them.
Are Jeep Safari and ATV Quad Safari suitable for everyone?
Not always.
Jeep Safari and ATV Quad Safari are adventure excursions designed for guests who enjoy off-road driving and exploring Crete's mountain landscapes.
Please note that these excursions often include unpaved roads, mountain tracks and off-road sections, which can be rough and bumpy.
For this reason, we generally do not recommend these excursions for:
Pregnant women.
Guests suffering from back, neck or spinal problems.
People with medical conditions that may be affected by continuous vibrations or rough terrain.
Guests with limited mobility.
Anyone who feels uncomfortable on uneven roads or off-road routes.
Families travelling with very young children should also consider carefully whether this type of excursion is suitable.
Young children may become tired, uncomfortable or upset during long off-road sections, which could affect their enjoyment of the experience.
If you are travelling with children, we would be happy to recommend alternative family-friendly excursions that may be more suitable.
If you are unsure whether a Jeep Safari or ATV Quad Safari is the right choice for you, please contact us before booking.
Our aim is not simply to sell an excursion, but to help you choose the experience that you and your family will genuinely enjoy.
