I’m stuck in Momenvasia having had to leave a wonderful Rick Steves tour because I contracted Covid. I ‘m not feeling well enough to travel yet but need to get back up to Athens towards the end of the week to catch my flight home. There is bus service. I wonder if anyone has used it and can tell me about it, or if there’s any other alternative transportation, such as some kind of car service.
Posted by
Brighton, UK
1388 posts
That’s horrible! I feel for you.
I’ve done the bus a couple of times, but not for a while. My memory is that it’s not difficult but it is long. It took us seven hours with a change at Sparta. We caught an early morning bus - around 6 - and the first leg wandered around a lot. From Sparta it’s pretty much all motorway and quicker.
Not something you want to do when feeling lousy but it is possible.
You may have already seen this. I can’t vouch for the accuracy but it looks about right.
https://www.rome2rio.com/map/Monemvas%C3%ADa/Athens-KTEL-Kifisou
Good luck.
Alan
Posted by
OP
Los Angeles, CA
19 posts
Thanks, Alan. This is very helpful.
Posted by
Edmonds, WA 🌨 ☂
11180 posts
What happens if I test positive for Covid during my tour and need to quarantine?
We expect you to monitor your health and only travel with us if you're feeling well. If you test positive while on tour, you're obligated to follow local protocol for quarantining and cannot rejoin the tour. *Rick Steves' Europe and On Call Assistance Services will provide you support with managing your quarantine requirements.** While the cost of finding and coordinating the services is included with your tour, the expenses associated with performing the services are your responsibility. Fortunately, these expenses are often covered by travel insurance.*
https://www.ricksteves.com/travel-help/tours-faq
Are you not getting assistance from RS staff?
Posted by
France Southwest
1818 posts
The transfer by car is likely to be extremely expensive (at least 350€)
If you cannot get assistance from the RS teams, to reach Athens by bus you have to go through Sparta as Alan mentions.
Here are the timetables for the Monemvasia-Sparta buses:
https://www.ktel-lakonias.gr/en/component/k2/item/1810-sparth-monemvasia
And Sparta-Athens bus schedules:
https://www.ktel-lakonias.gr/en/services/online-ticket?view=search
Get well soon!
Posted by
OP
Los Angeles, CA
19 posts
I have gotten assistance from RS Tours. But I do have to make my own way back to Athens. I have spoken to the travel agency here in Momenvasia about the bus tickets and will get them closer to the time I decide to leave. I have a travel agent who will help me secure a hotel in Athens. RS Tours is compensating me for the part of the tour missed. There is no more quarantine in Greece but I am staying put until I feel better. Thanks all.
Posted by
Minnesota
482 posts
If you have travel insurance, check with them to see if your extra costs might be covered, perhaps under “trip interruption.” They often have a “concierge “ service to help with logistics.