BACK TO THE ROUTES PRODUCTS & SERVICES TERMS & CONDITIONS

All dealings with Back to the Routes will be on these Terms and Conditions (Terms) unless otherwise agreed in writing with Back to the Routes.

Last updated: March 13th , 2023

Introduction

365 Alternative Travel IKE, operating under the trade name “Back to the Routes” (henceforth referred to as “Back to the Routes”, “we”, or “us”) is a licensed Travel Agency (GNTO license no. 0206E60000680301), with its head offices located at 24, Halkokondili St., 104 32 Athens, Greece. Back to the Routes provides a range of self-drive tours across Greece and other services (“Programs”, “Program”) to travelers visiting Greece.

The following terms and conditions, together with our privacy policy, the relevant information set out on our website and any other written information we brought to your attention before we confirmed your booking (collectively, the "Agreement"), will form the basis of your contract with Back to the Routes.

If you do not agree with the terms of the Agreement, please do not use the site and do not purchase Back to the Routes Programs. By purchasing and participating in any of the Programs, you (henceforth referred to as “Participant”, “you”, or “Participants”) shall have automatically accepted the terms of the Agreement, confirm that you have fully understood them and have agreed to all of them. Please read them carefully before you book.

By making a booking, the first named Participant (hereinafter, "Lead Participant") agrees on behalf of all Participants detailed on the booking that:

he/she has read the terms of the Agreement and has the authority to and does agree to be bound by them;

he/she consents to Back to the Route's use of information and personal data in accordance with our Privacy Policy and is authorised on behalf of all Participants named on the booking to disclose their personal details to us, including where applicable, special categories of data (such as information on health conditions or disabilities and dietary requirements)

he/she is over 18 years of age and where placing an order for services with age restrictions (including, but not limited to, age restrictions applicable to car rentals) declares that he/she and all members of the party are of the appropriate age to purchase those services

he/she accepts financial responsibility for payment of the booking on behalf of all persons detailed on the booking.

Programs sold by Back to the Routes

All the information and details of Programs sold by Back to the Routes are described on the website backtotheroutes.com. Back to the Routes reserves the right to cancel a Program at any given time, up to 21 days before the scheduled start for reasons as described in section IX.4

Program Pricing and details

1. Back to the Routes reserves the right to add, withdraw, substitute and/or vary advertised routes, prices and departure times for any of its Programs without notice. However, reasonable effort will be made to maintain arrangements as advertised.

2. All prices include accommodation on a double, triple or quadruple occupancy, bed and breakfast basis, car rental of the specified category (for up to 4 passengers unless specified otherwise) with unlimited mileage, third party cover, collision damage waiver (with excess based on category booked), theft waiver (with excess based on category booked), airport surcharge, 24h road assistance (for accidents or mechanical breakdowns), and local taxes. A single supplement is charged for individuals requesting or requiring a single-occupancy room.

3. Although Back to the Routes will make every reasonable effort to keep its pricing stable, Prices are subject to change and/or variability up to the point of final payment due to supplier increases, changes in taxation, market conditions and/or seasonal pricing, as is standard within the industry. With the exception of changes in taxation increases and/or conditions laid out under Section IX.3 (Alterations by Back to the Routes), a Program price is guaranteed upon receipt of full payment. If a price changes prior to final payment, you may choose between accepting the change, cancelling and obtaining a refund on any money paid to Back to the Routes for your Program, or accepting an alternative Program offered.

4. Prices do not include petrol, tolls, car rental extras (such as booster seats, GPS, full damage waiver, etc.), costs of any parking or traffic violation fines, tips, personal expenses, or travel insurance. If in doubt whether something is included in the price of the Program, please inquire.

5. Insurance. Back to the Routes is insured by Allianz Hellas S.A. against third party liability for bodily injuries, death or material damage to third parties, which may occur during the Program and which are caused by negligent acts or negligent omissions of the insured, according to the terms and conditions of our policy No 14/20014834. Cancellation, curtailment, or other types of insurance are not included in any of the Programs or services sold by Back to the Routes. It is your responsibility to ensure you are adequately covered. We advise that you check your current insurance contracts in order to determine whether you are covered and to clarify what your travel insurance covers, and/or purchase an adequate travel insurance as may be necessary. This insurance should be commensurate to the value of your booking, and cover cancellation and curtailment, all medical expenses including evacuation/repatriation, personal baggage, personal liability, death and permanent disability, and travel document insurance. For car hire insurance, the terms laid out under Section VI Car Rental Terms shall apply.

Accessibility and Safety

Although all major highways in Greece are modern and safe and the standard of driving in central urban areas is fairly good, Participants are advised to take into consideration that they may encounter some driving conditions in Greece which may differ from those that they are used to in their country of residence, Western Europe or the U.S.A. The condition of secondary or local road networks, as well as the standard of driving, especially in the countryside and the islands, may not be optimal (narrow roads, tight turns, potholes, old/unreadable road signs).

Booking and Terms of Payment

1. Participants are responsible for providing accurate information during the booking process. Back to the Routes requires the Program to be paid in its entirety before the Program commences. Payment can be made securely by credit card online via our website. If online booking and payment is not a preferred option, please contact us to arrange an alternative payment method via bank transfer. Any additional transaction or banking fees will be at the Participants' expense. The Program is not considered confirmed until it has been paid for in full.

2. Special requests such as dietary requirements or preferences, room location, twin or double-bedded room, a particular facility or seating preference should be indicated in writing at the time of booking. Back to the Routes will transmit your request on to the hotel or service provider but cannot guarantee that it will be accommodated. Back to the Routes will try to arrange for special requests to be met, but cannot guarantee that they will be, nor will Back to the Routes be held liable if any special request is not met. The provision of any special request does not constitute a term of your contract with Back to the Routes unless we have confirmed in writing that your requirement will be met.

3. For online bookings Participants will receive acknowledgment of their booking by email. The payment amount will be put on hold until all arrangements can be confirmed with the respective suppliers. Once all the relevant travel arrangements are secured, the amount on hold will be charged on the card provided during checkout. Participants will receive a confirmation via email, as well as a client document with all trip details. If it is not possible to confirm the arrangements and accept the booking within 1 week of the booking request, no charge will be made and Participants will be informed accordingly. The confirmation email must be saved as proof of purchase. Back to the Routes reserves the right to refuse service to any customer without an email or letter of confirmation.

4. Users are advised to check the details of the booking and should notify immediately Back to the Routes in case of any inaccuracies. Any request to change a booking may be subject to additional fees as laid out under section IX of these Terms & Conditions.

Car Rental Terms

Car rental with Back to the Routes is limited to the payment of and securing of the rental portion and or other inclusions as described on our website. All other insurance costs or extras (unless specified otherwise on your tour inclusions at the time of the booking) are to be settled directly with the car rental supplier. Any other costs incurred by the renter are the sole responsibility of the renter. A full set of terms and conditions for car rental is available on request and will be detailed in your confirmed itinerary or client document.

Accuracy of information, travel documents & identification

It is the responsibility of the Participant to make sure they have valid travel documents, such as passport, visa, driving license, as required by Greek authorities, depending on the country of origin. Failure to obtain valid documents shall not create the right to cancellation or refund for any part of the trip booked. Participants are also required to ensure that the names printed on their itinerary match the first and last name printed on their passport.

Punctuality

Participants should adhere to the starting time and meeting point of the Program as indicated on their confirmation. Participants are responsible for picking up and dropping off their car, checking-in for flights or sea trips at the correct time and for presenting themselves to take up all pre-booked components of their Program. Back to the Routes cannot accept responsibility for any delay which is due to Force Majeure or for Participants missing flights or sea crossings as a result of late check-ins and no credit or refunds will be given if Participants fail to take up any component of their Program. No credit or refunds will be given for lost, stolen, misplaced, or destroyed travel documents.

Alterations & Cancellations - Refunds policy

Back to the Routes allows for the eventuality that a Participant may need to change or cancel an agreed service. Cancellation or change requests must always be submitted without delay in writing via email to contact@backtotheroutes.com and are not considered valid until a representative of Back to the Routes confirms receipt of the same in writing. The date on which the request is received by Back to the Routes will determine the applicable rebooking, amendment or cancellation fees. Although we will make every effort to assist Participants if they wish to alter their arrangements, it may not always be possible. In the event Back to the Routes is unable to assist a Participant and they do not wish to proceed with the original booking, the request will be treated as a cancellation by Participant and the cancellation fees detailed in Section IX.2 shall apply.

1. Alterations by Participant

   a) Changing the date of a Program : If Participants wish to make a change they must let us know as soon as possible in writing. Although we cannot guarantee that any requested change will be possible, we will try our best to accommodate it. Changes are subject to availability at the time of the request. No changes are possible 15 days prior to the Program's starting date unless they are due to extraordinary circumstances such as international flight modifications or delays, weather conditions or serious health related issues. In all such cases written proof from the relevant authorities must be provided.

   If a change is confirmed by Back to the Routes as possible, any increase in the Program price resulting from an amended date of departure shall be payable by Participant, regardless of whether a rebooking fee is applicable or not. In addition, any change to booked 3rd party transportation (including car rental, ferry, and/or flights), as well as accommodation, will be subject to the applicable rebooking or cancellation fee in accordance with any conditions imposed by 3rd party suppliers (car rental, hotels, etc...) regardless of the date the change request is made.

   b) Transfer of booking: If a Participant is prevented from travelling, they may transfer their place to someone else, subject to the following conditions:

   • that person is introduced by the transferring Participant and satisfies all the conditions applicable to the Program
   • written notification of transfer is received by Back to the Routes not less than seven days before departure
   • transferring Participant pays any outstanding balance payment as well as any additional fees, charges or other costs arising from the transfer; and
   • the transferee agrees to these terms and conditions and all other terms of the Agreement.

   Transferring Participant and the transferee remain jointly and severally liable for payment of all sums. If a Participant is unable to find a replacement, cancellation charges as set out in Section IX.2 (Cancellation by Participant) will apply. No refunds will be given for Participants not travelling or for unused services.

2. Cancellation by Participant

   Regardless of the reason for cancellation, Back to the Routes incurs costs in cancelling a Participant's bookings. Therefore, in the unfortunate event of a cancellation request, the following cancellation policy shall apply, depending on the number of days prior to Program departure Back to the Routes receives a Participant's notice of cancellation:

   Written notification of cancellation received
   Days prior to departure	% of Program cost payable (*exclusions apply)
   46 days or more	25% of Program cost
   31-45 days	50% of Program cost
   < 30 days	100% of Program cost

   *Important note: Certain arrangements may not be amended after they have been confirmed, regardless of the date the change request is made, and any alteration or cancellation could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements in addition to the fees above. In particular, any cancellation of booked 3rd party transportation (including ferry, and/or flights), either purchased independently or as part of a Program, is non-refundable.

   {% trans "Back to the Routes will deduct the cancellation charge(s) from any deposit or payments Participant has already made to Back to the Routes. Partial room cancellation: Should one or more Participants from a party cancel or leave a Program, it may increase the per person price of the Participants still travelling and said Participants will be liable to pay this increase." %}

   We strongly recommend that Participant secures adequate travel insurance as per Section III.5 herein.

3. Alterations by Back to the Routes

   After a Booking Confirmation has been issued, Back to the Routes makes every effort to operate all Programs as advertised. However, making travel arrangements a long time in advance which involve independent suppliers over whom we have no direct control such as ferry companies, airlines, car rental, hotels, and others, may force us, in very rare circumstances, to have to modify a Program before the departure date. Most of these changes are minor. In the event of a minor change to the Program, we will make reasonable efforts to inform Participants (or Participants' travel agent) as soon as reasonably practicable if there is time before Program departure, but Back to the Routes will have no liability to Participant. Examples of “minor changes” include: alteration of domestic flights or ferry crossings by less than 4 hours; changes to rental car (within the predetermined category or higher); change of accommodation (to equivalent or higher standard); and changes of ferry operator or carriers.

   Additionally, in the event that certain Covid-19 related travel and destination measures are enforced, these will be considered minor changes as they are not expected to significantly affect the performance or the enjoyment of the Program. Such changes may include the requirement to wear face masks, make regular use of sanitising stations and maintain social distancing. Some changes may also affect the availability of certain services and facilities. All Participants are expected to adhere to the local and national guidance that is in effect in Greece at the time of travel.

   In isolated circumstances that we cannot totally exclude, Back to the Routes may have to make a significant change to a confirmed Program. Examples of “significant changes” include: a cancellation or an alteration of domestic flights or ferry crossings by more than 4 hours; a change to a lower standard accommodation, a downgrade to a lower rental car category, and/or price. If a Participant's Program is subject to a significant change, Back to the Routes will promptly inform Participants, and if there is reasonable time to do so before departure, Participants will be offered to choose from the three following options: a) accept the Program modification, b) change their booking to another available and comparable Program, or c) cancel the Program and receive a full refund. If Participant chooses another Program at a lower price, Back to the Routes will apply the appropriate credit to refund the difference.

   Participants may reserve the right to hold flight or ferry operators responsible or any such delays or changes. In the event of delays, changes or cancellation, the operators and not Back to the Routes will determine the procedure to be followed and the compensation provided to travelers, if any.

4. Cancellation by Back to the Routes

   Back to the Routes reserves the right to cancel a Program if deemed necessary in order to meet unexpected situations or circumstances beyond Back to the Routes’ control (such as strikes, lockouts, riots, civil disturbances, acts of God, acts of governments or other authorities, epidemics, quarantines, delays, or cancellations of or changes in itinerary or schedules from any causes beyond Back to the Routes’ control). In such event, Participants will either be re-booked at the earliest possible time at the Participants’ convenience (taking into account Program availability), or be issued with a refund voucher (in the case of purchases bought through an agent), or be reimbursed the price paid for the Program minus possible expenses that evidentially incurred to Back to the Routes in conjunction with the Program and cannot be refunded. In any case, Back to the Routes shall not be held liable for any expenses, costs or fees, including but not limited to, airline or ferry ticket costs or other personal expenses incurred by customers.

   In the event a Participant is due a refund, we will return the amounts due to the same bank account or credit card that was used when the original payment was made. Back to the Routes will not proceed to any refund except in accordance with these Terms or as agreed in writing by Back to the Routes.

Waiver and Release of Claims

By virtue of purchasing tickets for and/or participating in any of the Programs, and in consideration of being allowed to purchase said tickets, and for other goods and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is acknowledged, said purchaser/Program participant (if he/she not yet 18 years old, his/her parents or legal guardian) (the “Participant”) understands, acknowledges, represents, warrants and agrees as follows, with the knowledge that Back to the Routes will rely on same:

1. Participant desires to participate in the Programs offered by the Back to the Routes (the “Programs”).

2. Participant is in good health and suffers from no minor or serious physical or mental injury, illness or disability that would make Participant especially susceptible to injury or disability while performing any activities related to or in connection with the Programs.

3. Participant acknowledges that during the Program(s) they are taking with Back to the Routes, they may be subject to risks and dangers beyond those they would experience in their normal home and working life. Participant fully comprehends and accepts each and every one of the risks associated with their participation in the Program(s) including, without limitation, exposure to unfavorable weather conditions, automobile accidents or mechanical failures, food sickness, allergic reactions, choking, injuries, (e.g. without limitation, those arising out of self-inflicted accidents or mishaps, other participants, automobiles, pedestrians, bicyclists and the like), COVID-19 and death.

4. Participant agrees that participation in the Programs is at Participant’s own sole risk. Except as expressly provided by law, Participant, on behalf of his/herself and/or any person or entity acting through or on behalf of the Participant (including, without limitation, their heirs, executors, administrators, successors and assigns and all members of their family), hereby forever and unconditionally releases Back to the Routes, its affiliates, subsidiaries, owners, officers, employees, agents and insurers (collectively, “Released Parties”), from any and all claims, actions, damages, liabilities, losses, costs and expenses (including, without limitation, attorney’s fees) in any way arising out of, or resulting from, Participant’s entering into this agreement and/or participation in the Programs, including, without limitation, any and all claims, actions, and liabilities for death, COVID-19 infection, injury, loss or damage to Participant, to anyone else, or to any property. Participant’s release includes, but is not limited to, harm that may be attributable to, or in any way arise from, Participant’s own conduct, behavior, or history of pre-existing conditions or dispositions. Participant also agrees that Participant is financially responsible for any and all medical treatment required as a result of any such harm. Participant, on behalf of his/herself and/or any person or entity acting through or on behalf of the Participant (including, without limitation, their heirs, executors, administrators, successors and assigns and all members of their family), further agrees to defend and indemnify the Released Parties, and to hold the Released Parties harmless, from any and all liabilities, claims, actions, damages, expenses (including, without limitation attorney’s fees) and losses of any kind or nature whatsoever in any way arising out of, or resulting from, Participant’s entering into this agreement and/or participation in the Programs. In the event we are liable to you we limit the maximum amount we may have to pay the Participant for any claim against us. The maximum amount is limited to the full cost of Participant’s trip.

5. Participant agrees to pay any and all costs, fees, expenses and charges arising from any act or conduct of Participant that results in damage or injury to any person. Participant further agrees to indemnify and hold Back to the Routes harmless from and against any such act or conduct.

6. Back to the Routes contracts with a network of third-party service providers, including companies, government agencies and individuals, to assist in the running of the Programs. We may also recommend external service providers in our App, over the phone or through correspondence. While we endeavor to only use or recommend companies that demonstrate the highest level of service, Back to the Routes cannot guarantee the services provided by third parties and we shall not be held liable for any acts, omissions, injury or costs that might arise, nor standards of care that are experienced, in using them. This includes any optional activities undertaken during the Program. Participants accept that any booking assistance, recommendations or suggestions provided to them by Back to the Routes, including its staff and representatives, for such activities or services does not make us liable for them in any way. Likewise, should a Participant ask Back to the Routes to book directly any activity, accommodation, or service of their own choosing, we cannot guarantee nor are we liable for the quality of the provider, its services, nor its facilities.

7. While participating in a Program, Back to the Routes may make available to Participants Program information in the form of maps, points of interest, daily itineraries, and other similar data through a third party provider's (such as Google Maps, Bing Maps, or other) map data, navigation features, routing directions, traffic information and other content (collectively, 'Mapping Content'). Participants may find that actual, real-life conditions differ from the Mapping Content and are required to exercise their independent judgment at all times and use such map and navigation at their own risk. Participants acknowledge they are responsible at all times for their use of Mapping Content, their conduct and its consequences.

8. This Waiver and Release of Claims constitutes the entire agreement and understanding between Participant and the Released Parties, and cancels, terminates and supersedes any prior agreement or understand relating to the subject matter hereof. There are not representations, promises, agreements, warranties, covenants, or undertakings other than those contained in this Waiver and Release of Claims.

9. None of the provisions of this Waiver and Release of Claims can be waived or modified except expressly in writing signed by Participant and the party against whom the waiver or modification is sought to be enforced. Failure of any of the Release Parties to enforce any of their rights hereunder at any time shall not act as a waiver to enforce their rights under this Waiver and Release for the same or similar acts at any subsequent time.

Governing Law - Jurisdiction

The terms and conditions herein, the Agreement between Participant and Back to the Routes, and any matter arising from them are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Hellenic Republic. Any dispute under these terms shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Athens, Greece. By booking a Program with Back to the Routes, Participant hereby submits to the jurisdiction of such courts for such purposes and waives any and all objections as to jurisdiction or venue in such courts.

Politique de confidentialité

Back to the Routes' Privacy Policy defines which personal information we collect, use and disclose and is incorporated into these Terms and Conditions.

Amendments to the Terms & Conditions

Back to the Routes may amend these Terms and Conditions any time and with immediate effect. If we make amendments, they apply as of the date of their publication on the Website. Any use of the Website or/and purchase and participation in any of the programs following such amendments means you consent to these amendments.

Content Ownership

Back to the Routes shall retain all worldwide rights in the intellectual property of the Website and any content on the Website, including, but not limited to, the artwork, “look and feel” of the Website, its color combinations, layout, and all other graphical elements, photographs, videos, sounds, visual interfaces, design, logos, trademarks, services marks, content, compilation, source code or HTML code, products, software, and other material contained or presented on the Website, and any combination thereof (“Material”, or “materials”). The Material is copyrighted or otherwise protected and owned by Back to the Routes, or a third party who licensed the right to use to Back to the Routes, and as such is protected by Greek and foreign copyright, trademarks, trade secrets, patents, and other intellectual property laws and other applicable laws worldwide. Except where your use constitutes “fair use” under copyright law, you may not otherwise use, download, upload, copy, print, display, perform for commercial use, modify, reproduce, publish, republish, license, post, transmit or distribute any Material on the Website in whole or in part without the prior written consent of Back to the Routes. Back to the Routes, its affiliates, business partners and/or licensors own all right, title and interest, including all copyright, trademark, trade secrets, patent, and other intellectual property rights in such Material.