Greece is a premier vacation spot. More and more people are choosing to spend they few days away from work with a Greece vacation. Let’s know more about Greece history, life and culture.
Greece consists of a mountainous peninsula mainland jutting out into the sea at the southern end of the Balkans, the Peloponnesus peninsula far from the canal of the Isthmus of Corinth, and numerous islands (1400, 227 of which are inhabited). Four fifths of Greece consist of mountains or hills, making the country one of the most mountainous in Europe. Western Greece contains a number of lakes and wetlands.
The range continues through the western Peloponnese, crosses the islands of Kythera and Antikythera and find its way into southwestern Aegean, in the island of Crete where it eventually ends. The islands of the Aegean are peaks of underwater mountains that once constituted an extension of the mainland.
Pindus is characterized by its high, steep peaks, often dissected by numerous canyons and a variety of other karstic landscapes. Most notably, the impressive Meteora formation consisting of high, steep boulders provides a breathtaking experience for the hundreds of thousands of tourists who visit the area each year.
In the early days of the summer of 2007 Greeks awoke to find their country burning with forest fires. Within a week or two they had also erupted with unparalleled fury across wide areas of the Peloponnese, Evia and even as far north as Epiros. Satellite pictures showed a pall of billowing smoke drifting skyward, ash covered many neighbourhoods of Athens, thousands lost their homes and 66 hapless souls their lives.
The culture of Greece has evolved over thousand of years. Greek cuisine which is a part of the Mediterranean diet is an example of a healthy diet. There are variety of dishes like moussake, stifado, Greek salad, spanakopita and the world famous Souvlaki.
Throughout Greece, small dishes such as meze, grilled octopus, small fish, feta cheese, dolmdes, olives and cheese are being enjoyed. Olive oil is used in almost every dish. Sweet dessert such as galaktoboureko and drinks like ouzo are also widely accepted and enjoyed even by non-Greeks.
Greek cuisine is always different. They change and vary depending on the location and what island they are from.
Greece is often called the birthplace of European civilization. Greece offers a heady mix of ancient archaeological sites. Greece offers a heady mix of ancient archaeological, chic design hotels, rustic lanterns, rustic tavernas and other family oriented sea side resorts.
Ancient Greece reached its zenith in the fifth century BC when Athens became the cultural and artistic centre of the Mediterranean, producing magnificent works of architecture, sculpture, drama and literature.
There is no denying that the historical and cultural heritage of Greece continues to resonate throughout the modern Western world - in its literature, art, philosophy and politics. In fact, many travellers come here specifically to explore Greece's ancient wonders, from Athens' Parthenon and Delphi's Temple of Apollo, to the ruins of the Minóan city of Knossós on Crete.
Scattered throughout the calm blue waters of the Aegean and the Ionian are Greece's 1,400 islands - each with its own special story. The serenity of islands like Kefalonia and Amorgos contrasts with the hedonistic party islands such as Mykonos and Páros. Those interested in architecture should visit the medieval fortified towns of Rhodes and Corfu (both UNESCO World Heritage sites), and the whitewashed cubic houses of Thira and Oia on Santorini, typical of the Cyclades.
Greece is an ideal place. It may even be a dream place. To make your Greece vacation a worthy and educational experience, then it pays to know something about where you are going.
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Wednesday, February 29, 2012
What to do on Your Greece Vacation
When you think that you have already got your fill of the fantastic and beautiful sights in Greece, there are a lot of things that you can do. Throughout the country, there are various sites to visit, beaches to swim, shops and museum to go to. A Greece vacation is what you need whether you’re a sport bum or a museum enthusiast.
There are a lot of things to do while you are in Greece. There are some historic sites to visit in Athens. Athens have some of the most famous sights in Greece like Acropolis, National Archaeological Museum and the Benaki Musem. You can also visit the Kallimarmaron stadium where the ancient Panathenaic Games were held.
During summer, the beaches of Greece are on the top of the list. Beaches in Crete, Santorini and Mykonos offer the best beaches during summer season. The nightlife and beches in Greece are one of the top places in Europe.
Aside from swimming and soaking during summer, there is also the Hellenic Festival which is among the most popular and most significant events in Greece. It celebrates the performance arts , theatre, musical and dance. Here, you get to experience the recreation of Greek tradegy in the heart of Athens.
Greek wine is steadily gaining popularity. On the island of Santorini, the volcanic-rich soil makes some of the unique tasting wines. On Crete, wine production can be traced back in history to the Minoans. There are tours conducted in wineries, these tours enable you to experience the mountains and beaches of Crete.
Aside from wine tours, Greek cuisine is something that tourists should not miss. There are restaurants and tavernas located in magnificent places. They offer traditional Greek food and the famous ouzo.
Greece has eleven wetland areas that are of international importance. Aside from this, there are also 190 important areas for birds. Several top places for birdwatch are the Nestos Deltas and Prespa Lakes. Some of the birds that can be encountered are eagles, storks, pelicans and herons. There are turtle doves, peregrine falcons, magpies, red-rumped swallows that can also be seen.
Most people don’t think that it’s possible to ski in Greece, but it is possible! The season for skiing starts in December and ends in April. There are 14 ski areas of which Parnassos is the largest and most popular.
There are many options for tours in Greece. There are outdoor tours that can be arranged. Greece is a country with dramatic landscapes feturing soaring mountains and gorges. There can be bike tours on the island of Crete, rock climbing in Meteora or jeep tour in some of the unknown but magnificent gorges.
If you are not of the outdoorsy type, there is another tour that can be taken advantage of when you are in Greece. Taking a helicopter tour in Athens wull take you to a breathtaking view of the different landscapes.
Taking part in sport events in Greece create special feeling since you are playing in a place where Olympics started. There are marathons where you can participate. Or at least, try to run the route where Olympic athletes ran the last time they were in town.
Don’t forget to do a good deed, even if you are in a vacation. There are a lot of volunteer causes that you can get involved wit, like environmental organization. For the young and funky spirits, there is a Rockwave Festival of music. Here, for three days, audiences can listen to heavy metal, rock and roll or good old fashioned dance music.
By balancing your time between educational and free-spirited activities that you can join, surely your Greece vacation would take a lifetime before you forget it.
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There are a lot of things to do while you are in Greece. There are some historic sites to visit in Athens. Athens have some of the most famous sights in Greece like Acropolis, National Archaeological Museum and the Benaki Musem. You can also visit the Kallimarmaron stadium where the ancient Panathenaic Games were held.
During summer, the beaches of Greece are on the top of the list. Beaches in Crete, Santorini and Mykonos offer the best beaches during summer season. The nightlife and beches in Greece are one of the top places in Europe.
Aside from swimming and soaking during summer, there is also the Hellenic Festival which is among the most popular and most significant events in Greece. It celebrates the performance arts , theatre, musical and dance. Here, you get to experience the recreation of Greek tradegy in the heart of Athens.
Greek wine is steadily gaining popularity. On the island of Santorini, the volcanic-rich soil makes some of the unique tasting wines. On Crete, wine production can be traced back in history to the Minoans. There are tours conducted in wineries, these tours enable you to experience the mountains and beaches of Crete.
Aside from wine tours, Greek cuisine is something that tourists should not miss. There are restaurants and tavernas located in magnificent places. They offer traditional Greek food and the famous ouzo.
Greece has eleven wetland areas that are of international importance. Aside from this, there are also 190 important areas for birds. Several top places for birdwatch are the Nestos Deltas and Prespa Lakes. Some of the birds that can be encountered are eagles, storks, pelicans and herons. There are turtle doves, peregrine falcons, magpies, red-rumped swallows that can also be seen.
Most people don’t think that it’s possible to ski in Greece, but it is possible! The season for skiing starts in December and ends in April. There are 14 ski areas of which Parnassos is the largest and most popular.
There are many options for tours in Greece. There are outdoor tours that can be arranged. Greece is a country with dramatic landscapes feturing soaring mountains and gorges. There can be bike tours on the island of Crete, rock climbing in Meteora or jeep tour in some of the unknown but magnificent gorges.
If you are not of the outdoorsy type, there is another tour that can be taken advantage of when you are in Greece. Taking a helicopter tour in Athens wull take you to a breathtaking view of the different landscapes.
Taking part in sport events in Greece create special feeling since you are playing in a place where Olympics started. There are marathons where you can participate. Or at least, try to run the route where Olympic athletes ran the last time they were in town.
Don’t forget to do a good deed, even if you are in a vacation. There are a lot of volunteer causes that you can get involved wit, like environmental organization. For the young and funky spirits, there is a Rockwave Festival of music. Here, for three days, audiences can listen to heavy metal, rock and roll or good old fashioned dance music.
By balancing your time between educational and free-spirited activities that you can join, surely your Greece vacation would take a lifetime before you forget it.
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What to Bring When on a Greece Vacation
Greece may be one of the most fascinating cities in the world. With its rich history and diverse culture, you will surely have fun touring the city and seeing the ancient structures that has defined a great ancient civilization. But how beautiful the place is does not mean that you will be having a good time while on a Greece vacation. Your trip will always depend on how well you packed and how well you planned each and every detail of the trip.
Remember that no matter how great a city is, it is still not your home town and therefore, you will not be as familiar with it s you are when you are on a city that you have lived in. Because of this, it is important that you always be prepared for any eventualities and to always have back-ups inside your bag.
Yes, what you bring to the trip can help you a lot. It will determine whether you will be comfortable on the trip, whether you will be safe and whether you will get lost. Here are some of the things that you can bring to your trip in Greece to help make the trip more comfortable and enjoyable.
Map
This is one of the essentials of the trip. Without it, the chance of getting lost is greater. If you can’t find a map before you leave, you can always buy from the airport or you can get one from the hotel lobby where you will be saying. If however you will be backpacking, make sure that you first get a map from the local tourism office or from the local bookstore. Check the language used before buying.
Another tip with maps is to always have the place you are staying encircled. Ask the receptionist to do it. That way, you will have a reference just in case you get lost. You can just easily point to the encircled place if you want to ask for directions. Remember that not all of the locals will be able to understand and speak English.
Phrase book
This is another vital ingredient in making sure that you will be prepared should something happen. If you can’t find a small phrasebook, you can always ask the hotel or the place where you are staying for some phrases that you may need. For instance, you may want to ask how to say, “Where is this place? Or maybe the phrase “Help”. Think of phrases that will help you get help should you need it.
Comfortable shoes
When on a vacation, try to use a comfortable running shoes. Remember that you will be walking a lot during the trip. It will not be good to suddenly have your shoes broken in the middle of a tour or develop muscle spasms from all the walking. Comfy shoes will also make you more mobile and more able to run should you need to run during emergency situations.
Raincoat
You will never know what the weather will be. So it is always good to be prepared. When going out, make sure that you have a raingear with you always. That way, should it rain, you will have something to protect you. A jacket will do with a hood but you can also bring a foldable umbrella.
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Remember that no matter how great a city is, it is still not your home town and therefore, you will not be as familiar with it s you are when you are on a city that you have lived in. Because of this, it is important that you always be prepared for any eventualities and to always have back-ups inside your bag.
Yes, what you bring to the trip can help you a lot. It will determine whether you will be comfortable on the trip, whether you will be safe and whether you will get lost. Here are some of the things that you can bring to your trip in Greece to help make the trip more comfortable and enjoyable.
Map
This is one of the essentials of the trip. Without it, the chance of getting lost is greater. If you can’t find a map before you leave, you can always buy from the airport or you can get one from the hotel lobby where you will be saying. If however you will be backpacking, make sure that you first get a map from the local tourism office or from the local bookstore. Check the language used before buying.
Another tip with maps is to always have the place you are staying encircled. Ask the receptionist to do it. That way, you will have a reference just in case you get lost. You can just easily point to the encircled place if you want to ask for directions. Remember that not all of the locals will be able to understand and speak English.
Phrase book
This is another vital ingredient in making sure that you will be prepared should something happen. If you can’t find a small phrasebook, you can always ask the hotel or the place where you are staying for some phrases that you may need. For instance, you may want to ask how to say, “Where is this place? Or maybe the phrase “Help”. Think of phrases that will help you get help should you need it.
Comfortable shoes
When on a vacation, try to use a comfortable running shoes. Remember that you will be walking a lot during the trip. It will not be good to suddenly have your shoes broken in the middle of a tour or develop muscle spasms from all the walking. Comfy shoes will also make you more mobile and more able to run should you need to run during emergency situations.
Raincoat
You will never know what the weather will be. So it is always good to be prepared. When going out, make sure that you have a raingear with you always. That way, should it rain, you will have something to protect you. A jacket will do with a hood but you can also bring a foldable umbrella.
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Things You Should Know For Your Greece Vacation
Millions of people visit Greece every year. If you are planning a Greece vacation, here is some information that will help plan your trip.
The peak season for tourists coming to Greece is between June and September. This means that getting a plane ticket especially from the US is very expensive especially during weekends. You can save money by comparing the rates of the various airlines and see if there are any special offers. Another option will be to take charters as these are much cheaper than regular flights.
Greece has 15 international airports. If you have made reservations to stay in one of the Greek islands, you will have transfer from the international airport to the local airport. The only way to do that is to land in Athens.
You should know that Greece is apart of the European Union so their currency is now the Euro not the Drachmas. You better convert your dollars once you get there because there are some places that do not have ATM machines or banks.
There is a possibility that you could get robbed while on vacation so instead of carrying cash, bring along some traveler’s cheques because it is useless should someone get it. If you need to change this to cash, go to a ticket agency.
Greece is a big place and the different sights are scattered all over the 2000 islands. This means that you won’t be able to see all of them by riding a bus or driving a car. There are times that you will have to travel by boat which shouldn’t be a problem since you can join a group or charter a shipping company.
There are different types of lodging arrangements in Greece. You can stay in a luxury hotel, in a villa, in a campsite, caravan or in a room near the village or port. This makes it ideal for anyone to enjoy their time here regardless of how much they have in their wallets.
You can also try staying in a boat because there are charter companies that will allow you to rent a yacht for several days.
Most of the local speak English so you won’t have a hard time communicating with them. If you want to speak in their dialect, do some research online so you know some basic words like “how much?” and “thank you.”
The local transport system in Greece is excellent. You can rent a car the minute you land from the airport, travel around the island by taxi or go with the group in a bus. If you want to explore things on your own, you can even rent a bike.
Greece is a great place to visit any time of the year. You can come in during the lean or the peak months so it depends on your schedule. You can come here alone or with your family and friends. With the different attractions both on land and at sea, no one will ever get bored.
Now that you know have vital information about a possible Greece vacation in the coming months, you won’t have a hard time planning your itinerary. All you have to do is make the travel arrangements by yourself or through your travel agent.
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The peak season for tourists coming to Greece is between June and September. This means that getting a plane ticket especially from the US is very expensive especially during weekends. You can save money by comparing the rates of the various airlines and see if there are any special offers. Another option will be to take charters as these are much cheaper than regular flights.
Greece has 15 international airports. If you have made reservations to stay in one of the Greek islands, you will have transfer from the international airport to the local airport. The only way to do that is to land in Athens.
You should know that Greece is apart of the European Union so their currency is now the Euro not the Drachmas. You better convert your dollars once you get there because there are some places that do not have ATM machines or banks.
There is a possibility that you could get robbed while on vacation so instead of carrying cash, bring along some traveler’s cheques because it is useless should someone get it. If you need to change this to cash, go to a ticket agency.
Greece is a big place and the different sights are scattered all over the 2000 islands. This means that you won’t be able to see all of them by riding a bus or driving a car. There are times that you will have to travel by boat which shouldn’t be a problem since you can join a group or charter a shipping company.
There are different types of lodging arrangements in Greece. You can stay in a luxury hotel, in a villa, in a campsite, caravan or in a room near the village or port. This makes it ideal for anyone to enjoy their time here regardless of how much they have in their wallets.
You can also try staying in a boat because there are charter companies that will allow you to rent a yacht for several days.
Most of the local speak English so you won’t have a hard time communicating with them. If you want to speak in their dialect, do some research online so you know some basic words like “how much?” and “thank you.”
The local transport system in Greece is excellent. You can rent a car the minute you land from the airport, travel around the island by taxi or go with the group in a bus. If you want to explore things on your own, you can even rent a bike.
Greece is a great place to visit any time of the year. You can come in during the lean or the peak months so it depends on your schedule. You can come here alone or with your family and friends. With the different attractions both on land and at sea, no one will ever get bored.
Now that you know have vital information about a possible Greece vacation in the coming months, you won’t have a hard time planning your itinerary. All you have to do is make the travel arrangements by yourself or through your travel agent.
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Thessaloniki Greece Vacation
Thessaloniki is another part of the country worth visiting on your Greece vacation. This area is located in the Greece district of Central Macedonia. It is a fairly large city, home to about a million inhabitants. Thessaloniki is the second largest city in Greece after Athens, the capital. This city prides itself for its 3000 years of continuous history. And because of this, the city contains quite a number of ancient relics preserved, showing its Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman past.
Getting into Thessaloníki can be quite convenient. There are a number of means of getting into this interesting part of Greece. For tourists from other countries who arrive by air, they usually land at the Makedonia International Airport which serves both international and domestic flights.
Thessaloniki can also be reached by train. There are night train trips available from Athens. There are also day trains that can take tourists into the city. The trip usually lasts from four to six hours. Travel on the train are available on different class choices. The city can also be reached by bus which starts from the Skopje central bus terminal. Some travel agencies also can arrange minibus transports for tourists going to Thessaloníki.
Going to Thessaloniki by bus can be a more favorable option that going to the city by taxi. Some difficulties might be experienced especially when tourists plan to go back to Athens by taxi from Thessaloniki. The problems include visa issues. Taxi drivers from Thessaloníki may agree to bring tourists to Skopje while the same might not always be true the other way around. Greek citizens may enter into the Republic of Macedonia without the need for visas whereas Macedonian citizens may require one to enter into Greece.
There are many places of interests that tourists can visit at Thessaloniki. They can head on to the White Tower of Thessaloniki, considered as the symbol of the city. The upper Town, or Ano Poli is also worth visiting since it is a place that showcases what remains of the Ottoman Thessaloniki. The area contains many beautiful wooden houses, winding streets as well as the city's oldest and most important churches.
The waterfront is one of Thessaloniki's most popular locations. It contains the giant palace that has been reconstructed as the city's ferry terminal. The waterfront contains a lot of cafes, restaurants and shops that is worth exploring. There are also several museums and archaeological sites worth visiting at Thessaloníki.
Thessaloníki is considered as a gourmet city. The city offers a wide variety of different cuisine ranging from the excellent local fare to the more affluent haute cuisine from other countries. Aside from the local taverns, the city also is home to quite a number of foreign restaurants serving a wide selection of different culinary tastes.
Thessaloniki is also known for its vary active nightlife. So whether tourist prefer exploring the city during the night or the day, there are always something interesting and exciting in store for them. A Thessaloniki Greece vacation should be a priority in every tourist's vacation plans.
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Getting into Thessaloníki can be quite convenient. There are a number of means of getting into this interesting part of Greece. For tourists from other countries who arrive by air, they usually land at the Makedonia International Airport which serves both international and domestic flights.
Thessaloniki can also be reached by train. There are night train trips available from Athens. There are also day trains that can take tourists into the city. The trip usually lasts from four to six hours. Travel on the train are available on different class choices. The city can also be reached by bus which starts from the Skopje central bus terminal. Some travel agencies also can arrange minibus transports for tourists going to Thessaloníki.
Going to Thessaloniki by bus can be a more favorable option that going to the city by taxi. Some difficulties might be experienced especially when tourists plan to go back to Athens by taxi from Thessaloniki. The problems include visa issues. Taxi drivers from Thessaloníki may agree to bring tourists to Skopje while the same might not always be true the other way around. Greek citizens may enter into the Republic of Macedonia without the need for visas whereas Macedonian citizens may require one to enter into Greece.
There are many places of interests that tourists can visit at Thessaloniki. They can head on to the White Tower of Thessaloniki, considered as the symbol of the city. The upper Town, or Ano Poli is also worth visiting since it is a place that showcases what remains of the Ottoman Thessaloniki. The area contains many beautiful wooden houses, winding streets as well as the city's oldest and most important churches.
The waterfront is one of Thessaloniki's most popular locations. It contains the giant palace that has been reconstructed as the city's ferry terminal. The waterfront contains a lot of cafes, restaurants and shops that is worth exploring. There are also several museums and archaeological sites worth visiting at Thessaloníki.
Thessaloníki is considered as a gourmet city. The city offers a wide variety of different cuisine ranging from the excellent local fare to the more affluent haute cuisine from other countries. Aside from the local taverns, the city also is home to quite a number of foreign restaurants serving a wide selection of different culinary tastes.
Thessaloniki is also known for its vary active nightlife. So whether tourist prefer exploring the city during the night or the day, there are always something interesting and exciting in store for them. A Thessaloniki Greece vacation should be a priority in every tourist's vacation plans.
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Santorini Greece Vacation Guide
When looking for a unique island to go to on your Greece vacation, you might want to try out the volcanic island of Santorini. This island is part of the Cyclades group of Greek islands and is located between the Ios and Anafi islands. Santorini has become quite popular for its stunning views, beautiful sunsets as well as its fantastic beaches.
The small island of Santorini contains a stunning variety of villages and landscapes. There are traditional architectures that can still be seen from its various small villages particularly in the village of Mesa Gonia. Another notable village is Pyrgos which still has some of the grand old houses as well as remnants of a Venetian castle and Byzantine churches.
The island's capital is Fira, a place noted for the mixture of Venetian and Cycladic architecture evident in its various structures. Fira is also notable for its cobblestone streets that are lined with shops, taverns and hotels. This area is unique in that it clings at the side of the cliff 900 feet above its port. Going to the area can be done by taking the cable car from the port or by opting taking one of the hundreds of mules and travel up its over 588 zigzagging steps.
Just a bit above Fira is Ia, a town considered also as the highest point of the island. This town is known for its whitewashed walls and the magnificent sunset views which is considered as one of the world's most beautiful.
Aside from the breathtaking view and scenery offered by the island's many picturesque towns, there are also various beaches worth going to. There is the unique Kamari which is a black pebble beach. Perissa contains one of the island's well-organized beaches as well as a popular for its Greek fish taverns. Monolithos is a nice shallow beach that is ideal for families with children.
Tourists can head to Santorini by air or by sea. From the air, tourists can get flights from Athens and is the fastest way to get into the island. Santorini has its own airport located at the Kamari village. Charter flights are also available from various European cities. The flight from Athens to the island of Santorini takes about 30 minutes.
The island can also be reached by ferry. There are ferries available from the port of Piraeus by way of Paros and Naxos. During high tourist season, there are also ferry schedules available from the port in Crete. The ferries dock at Athinios where there are buses and taxis available to take tourists to the different villages on the island.
The problem with taking the regular ferry is that it can take a considerable amount of time. A possible problem with taking the ferry is the occasional seasickness that most tourists with no sea legs may be prone to experiencing. A better alternative for such tourists aside from getting to the island by plane is to take the faster high speed catamarans that also service the island. A trip from Piraeus to Santorini on a high speed catamaran can take only four and a half hours.
For those tourists who wish to take a longer Greece vacation trip by sea with style, there are also cruise ships that venture to the island of Santorini but docks at the island's old port, a couple of miles away from Athinios.
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The small island of Santorini contains a stunning variety of villages and landscapes. There are traditional architectures that can still be seen from its various small villages particularly in the village of Mesa Gonia. Another notable village is Pyrgos which still has some of the grand old houses as well as remnants of a Venetian castle and Byzantine churches.
The island's capital is Fira, a place noted for the mixture of Venetian and Cycladic architecture evident in its various structures. Fira is also notable for its cobblestone streets that are lined with shops, taverns and hotels. This area is unique in that it clings at the side of the cliff 900 feet above its port. Going to the area can be done by taking the cable car from the port or by opting taking one of the hundreds of mules and travel up its over 588 zigzagging steps.
Just a bit above Fira is Ia, a town considered also as the highest point of the island. This town is known for its whitewashed walls and the magnificent sunset views which is considered as one of the world's most beautiful.
Aside from the breathtaking view and scenery offered by the island's many picturesque towns, there are also various beaches worth going to. There is the unique Kamari which is a black pebble beach. Perissa contains one of the island's well-organized beaches as well as a popular for its Greek fish taverns. Monolithos is a nice shallow beach that is ideal for families with children.
Tourists can head to Santorini by air or by sea. From the air, tourists can get flights from Athens and is the fastest way to get into the island. Santorini has its own airport located at the Kamari village. Charter flights are also available from various European cities. The flight from Athens to the island of Santorini takes about 30 minutes.
The island can also be reached by ferry. There are ferries available from the port of Piraeus by way of Paros and Naxos. During high tourist season, there are also ferry schedules available from the port in Crete. The ferries dock at Athinios where there are buses and taxis available to take tourists to the different villages on the island.
The problem with taking the regular ferry is that it can take a considerable amount of time. A possible problem with taking the ferry is the occasional seasickness that most tourists with no sea legs may be prone to experiencing. A better alternative for such tourists aside from getting to the island by plane is to take the faster high speed catamarans that also service the island. A trip from Piraeus to Santorini on a high speed catamaran can take only four and a half hours.
For those tourists who wish to take a longer Greece vacation trip by sea with style, there are also cruise ships that venture to the island of Santorini but docks at the island's old port, a couple of miles away from Athinios.
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Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Rhodes Greece Vacation And Travel
Rhodes is one of the many islands that you can go to on your Greece vacation. Rhodes is one of the largest and most fertile of the Greek islands. It is also one of the most visited islands in Greece. Rhodes is not only known for its tourist resorts and splendid beaches but also for the various archaeological sites and medieval towns found in the island.
The island of Rhodes is composed of various places of interest. It is a major tourist attraction in itself mainly because of its sunny beaches. Although most of the beaches in the island are covered by gravel instead of sand, tourists still flock to the island because of the 300 and more days of sun that it enjoys.
The initial destination on the island is the city of Rhodes which is the biggest city on the island and the seat of the local government. Another area worth visiting would be Lindos, a picturesque village which is also a site of an ancient acropolis. Next to this village lies Haraki which is a small village that was once a fishing haven. The nearest tourist resort to Lindos is Pefkos, a small tourist town that was once just a cluster of farms and private residences that eventually grew over time.
For more action, tourists may want to head out to Faliraki. This is where tourists usually go to party and have fun and some exciting action while on the island. Afandou is one of the bigger villages on the island where the golf course of Rhodes is situated. For a more rustic experience, tourists can head out to traditional villages such as Theologos where Greek culture and tradition is still given importance.
Greek is the main language in the island of Rhodes. But due to the influx of tourists and foreign visitors, most of the inhabitants have learned to speak better English than in most parts of Greece as well as a bit of German. Communication with the locals is relatively easier especially in areas with the highest concentration of tourists.
Getting to the island of Rhodes is possible from the air or by sea. If by plane, the island can be reached by way of the Diagoras International Airport located on the west coast and 14 kilometers from the town of Rhodes. Regular flights are available from Athens, Thessaloniki and Crete. There are also chartered airlines that connect Rhodes from the other major cities in Europe. There are also ferries that travel regularly via Bodrum, Symi and Tilos. There are also cruise ships that dock at the Commercial Port located east of Old Town in the city of Rhodes.
The main means of getting around Rhodes on a Greece vacation is by bus. The island has a public bus network that operates throughout the island. The bus fare is relatively cheap and with stops that do not usually follow a time table. It is sometime okay to signal a bus driver by the road side if you wish to board or get off.
There are also taxis going around Rhodes that can take tourists to the various parts of the island.
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The island of Rhodes is composed of various places of interest. It is a major tourist attraction in itself mainly because of its sunny beaches. Although most of the beaches in the island are covered by gravel instead of sand, tourists still flock to the island because of the 300 and more days of sun that it enjoys.
The initial destination on the island is the city of Rhodes which is the biggest city on the island and the seat of the local government. Another area worth visiting would be Lindos, a picturesque village which is also a site of an ancient acropolis. Next to this village lies Haraki which is a small village that was once a fishing haven. The nearest tourist resort to Lindos is Pefkos, a small tourist town that was once just a cluster of farms and private residences that eventually grew over time.
For more action, tourists may want to head out to Faliraki. This is where tourists usually go to party and have fun and some exciting action while on the island. Afandou is one of the bigger villages on the island where the golf course of Rhodes is situated. For a more rustic experience, tourists can head out to traditional villages such as Theologos where Greek culture and tradition is still given importance.
Greek is the main language in the island of Rhodes. But due to the influx of tourists and foreign visitors, most of the inhabitants have learned to speak better English than in most parts of Greece as well as a bit of German. Communication with the locals is relatively easier especially in areas with the highest concentration of tourists.
Getting to the island of Rhodes is possible from the air or by sea. If by plane, the island can be reached by way of the Diagoras International Airport located on the west coast and 14 kilometers from the town of Rhodes. Regular flights are available from Athens, Thessaloniki and Crete. There are also chartered airlines that connect Rhodes from the other major cities in Europe. There are also ferries that travel regularly via Bodrum, Symi and Tilos. There are also cruise ships that dock at the Commercial Port located east of Old Town in the city of Rhodes.
The main means of getting around Rhodes on a Greece vacation is by bus. The island has a public bus network that operates throughout the island. The bus fare is relatively cheap and with stops that do not usually follow a time table. It is sometime okay to signal a bus driver by the road side if you wish to board or get off.
There are also taxis going around Rhodes that can take tourists to the various parts of the island.
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Mykonos Greece Vacation
When going island hopping on your Greece vacation, one of the islands that you must not leave out on your itinerary in Mykonos. Mykonos is an important Greek island that is part of the Cyclades group and located in the middle of the Aegean Sea and close to Paros. Mykonos has been a notable destination for tourists and is considered one of the most recognized travel meccas in Greece. Being one of the most touristed islands in this country, you should expect lots of excitement day or night.
There are many ways to get to the island of Mykonos. Getting there by air is also possible if coming from the Greek mainland. Mykonos has its own airport and there are flights to the island regularly by way or either Athens or Thessaloniki. At the height of the summer season when the greatest number of tourists arrive to take part in the excitement of Mykonos, there are also charter flights available coming from various European routes.
The other means of getting to the island of Mykonos is by sea. There are two choices available for tourists who wish to get to the island by sea. They can either go for the regular ferry that can carry even rental cars as well as buses. But this might be choosing a longer trip as the voyage may take three and a half hours to get to Mykonos. There are also the faster high speed catamarans that serve daily from terminals in Piraeus and Paros, similar with the bigger ferries.
While on the island of Mykonos, there are many ways to get around and explore the island. The island operates an extensive bus network that can take the tourist from almost any point in the island. For the more adventurous spirits, there are also scooters as well as ATV's available on the island to get to places one wishes without having to stick to schedules. For convenience, there are also taxis that go around the island to serve tourists if the need for them arises.
There are many attractions and places of interests all around the island. The windmills in Mykonos are considered landmarks and should be worth seeing. There is also an area in the city of Mykonos called Little Venice which has become famous for its wonderful balconies. The Archaeological Museum of Mykonos offers tourists a glimpse of the island's past through the relics found there. There are also artists who live in Mykonos whose works may also be worth taking a look at.
But what really most tourists look forward to when going to this wonderful island is heading to the popular beaches of Mykonos. There are a lot that tourists can choose from. Agios Ioannis Beach is a small enclave of a beach that offers a fantastic opportunity for snorkeling and exploring underwater sea life. It is one of the beaches in Mykonos that rarely gets crowded since it is not one of those commercialized beaches found somewhere else on the island.
For beaches known for the excitement brought by the crowds, one choice would be Paradise Beach. It is a crowded beach usually for tourists under 30 years old. The beach contains large pebbly sand that is convenient to go to especially on windy days. Other choices for a complete Mykonos Greece vacation include Psarou Beach, Elia Beach, Paranga Beach and Ornos Beach.
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There are many ways to get to the island of Mykonos. Getting there by air is also possible if coming from the Greek mainland. Mykonos has its own airport and there are flights to the island regularly by way or either Athens or Thessaloniki. At the height of the summer season when the greatest number of tourists arrive to take part in the excitement of Mykonos, there are also charter flights available coming from various European routes.
The other means of getting to the island of Mykonos is by sea. There are two choices available for tourists who wish to get to the island by sea. They can either go for the regular ferry that can carry even rental cars as well as buses. But this might be choosing a longer trip as the voyage may take three and a half hours to get to Mykonos. There are also the faster high speed catamarans that serve daily from terminals in Piraeus and Paros, similar with the bigger ferries.
While on the island of Mykonos, there are many ways to get around and explore the island. The island operates an extensive bus network that can take the tourist from almost any point in the island. For the more adventurous spirits, there are also scooters as well as ATV's available on the island to get to places one wishes without having to stick to schedules. For convenience, there are also taxis that go around the island to serve tourists if the need for them arises.
There are many attractions and places of interests all around the island. The windmills in Mykonos are considered landmarks and should be worth seeing. There is also an area in the city of Mykonos called Little Venice which has become famous for its wonderful balconies. The Archaeological Museum of Mykonos offers tourists a glimpse of the island's past through the relics found there. There are also artists who live in Mykonos whose works may also be worth taking a look at.
But what really most tourists look forward to when going to this wonderful island is heading to the popular beaches of Mykonos. There are a lot that tourists can choose from. Agios Ioannis Beach is a small enclave of a beach that offers a fantastic opportunity for snorkeling and exploring underwater sea life. It is one of the beaches in Mykonos that rarely gets crowded since it is not one of those commercialized beaches found somewhere else on the island.
For beaches known for the excitement brought by the crowds, one choice would be Paradise Beach. It is a crowded beach usually for tourists under 30 years old. The beach contains large pebbly sand that is convenient to go to especially on windy days. Other choices for a complete Mykonos Greece vacation include Psarou Beach, Elia Beach, Paranga Beach and Ornos Beach.
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How to Have an Affordable Greece Vacation
Thousands of tourists flock to Greece every year. If you plan to spend a Greece vacation, there is away for you to enjoy it without spending too much money. To help you out, here are 4 great ideas.
First, check which airline has the best fares for a round trip ticket. You don’t always have to check with the local carriers given that Greece has their own airlines and there are other carriers who also fly there as well.
Once airfare has been taken cared of, work on the next most important thing and that is lodging. Try to find a place that you can stay for free. This won’t be a problem if you have a friend living in the area. If you don’t know anyone in Greece, look online because there are websites that allow homeowners that rent their homes in exchange for renting yours for the same duration.
This idea is possible because a lot of people have already done. To give you an idea how it works, try watching the movie “The Holiday” which stars Cameron Diaz and Kate Winslet. Both women swapped their houses simply because they needed to take a break and in doing so, Cameron Diaz fell in love with Jude Law.
But don’t expect to experience the same thing when you decide to look for a place to rent on your Greece vacation. Remember that this is simply an arrangement so you can save your hard earned dollars for other things when you are on the island.
If you are not able to get a place online, try doing what backpackers have done throughout Europe and that is to sleep in various campsites. Again, you can find a few while browsing online or asking the locals the second you land.
Another option will be to join a caravan. You will have to spend some money but at least you share the expenses with other people.
Some people prefer not to stay in a campsite or a caravan and if you are of them, try to rent a room in the village or near the port. You will save a great amount of cash here instead of staying in a hotel. The best part is that once you walk out, you can easily get food from the local restaurants so forget about the fast food restaurants that you are accustomed to back home.
There are times that someone will even invite you to stay in their establishment. Just check how much it will cost and try to negotiate because they sometimes give in to your price.
The various sights to see in Greece are far apart. If you don’t want to spend for a cab, taxi or rent a car, why not rent a bike? You can get to almost every place in Greece by bicycle.
Everyone has an idea of what a Greece vacation should be. While how much you are willing to spend for it is always high on the agenda you don’t have to spend a lot to get what you want.
The four great ideas mentioned will really be helpful as long as you are willing to make some sacrifices. This will give you time to spend your money on other things like enjoying the local cuisine or buying some souvenirs for loved one back home. You just have to do some research to make it happen. If you like this experience, you can do it also in other places.
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First, check which airline has the best fares for a round trip ticket. You don’t always have to check with the local carriers given that Greece has their own airlines and there are other carriers who also fly there as well.
Once airfare has been taken cared of, work on the next most important thing and that is lodging. Try to find a place that you can stay for free. This won’t be a problem if you have a friend living in the area. If you don’t know anyone in Greece, look online because there are websites that allow homeowners that rent their homes in exchange for renting yours for the same duration.
This idea is possible because a lot of people have already done. To give you an idea how it works, try watching the movie “The Holiday” which stars Cameron Diaz and Kate Winslet. Both women swapped their houses simply because they needed to take a break and in doing so, Cameron Diaz fell in love with Jude Law.
But don’t expect to experience the same thing when you decide to look for a place to rent on your Greece vacation. Remember that this is simply an arrangement so you can save your hard earned dollars for other things when you are on the island.
If you are not able to get a place online, try doing what backpackers have done throughout Europe and that is to sleep in various campsites. Again, you can find a few while browsing online or asking the locals the second you land.
Another option will be to join a caravan. You will have to spend some money but at least you share the expenses with other people.
Some people prefer not to stay in a campsite or a caravan and if you are of them, try to rent a room in the village or near the port. You will save a great amount of cash here instead of staying in a hotel. The best part is that once you walk out, you can easily get food from the local restaurants so forget about the fast food restaurants that you are accustomed to back home.
There are times that someone will even invite you to stay in their establishment. Just check how much it will cost and try to negotiate because they sometimes give in to your price.
The various sights to see in Greece are far apart. If you don’t want to spend for a cab, taxi or rent a car, why not rent a bike? You can get to almost every place in Greece by bicycle.
Everyone has an idea of what a Greece vacation should be. While how much you are willing to spend for it is always high on the agenda you don’t have to spend a lot to get what you want.
The four great ideas mentioned will really be helpful as long as you are willing to make some sacrifices. This will give you time to spend your money on other things like enjoying the local cuisine or buying some souvenirs for loved one back home. You just have to do some research to make it happen. If you like this experience, you can do it also in other places.
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How to Enjoy Your Greece Vacation
A Greece vacation can be just as complicated as a vacation anywhere else in the US because you are not familiar with the surroundings. Here are a few tips so you can enjoy it.
First, plan your trip ahead of time. You can do this by getting the help of a travel agent who will be able to book your ticket and your accommodations.
Make sure you bring the proper clothes that are just right for the climate. If you are planning to come during the summer, wear some light colors with fabric made of cotton and linen. You should already have an idea by looking at the weather forecast before you get on the plane.
Once you arrive, you can see the sights on your own but if you don’t like to plan it, hire someone there who will do that for you.
In the event that you lose your passport or any important documents, make sure that you have duplicate copies of everything hidden somewhere among your belongings. This will make it easier for you to get a replacement even if you are not required to get a VISA when you visit the island.
You will probably buy souvenirs before you fly home. Remember that the locals don’t accept US dollars so convert some of your cash to Euros which was has now replaced the drachmas. It is best to do this the moment you land because there are not that many ATM machines and banks in the other islands.
Surely you don’t want to get sunburn when you are visiting the sites so be sure to wear a hat, a pair of sunglasses, sun block, moisturizer and lip balm. So you don’t get blisters on your feet, wear a good pair of shoes or sandals. For those who choose to wear shoes, make sure you wear some socks.
It probably cost you a bundle to have a vacation in Greece. Since its going to be some time before you come back here, make sure you have some memories of the places that you visited by bringing along your camera.
Despite the fact that Greece is one of the smallest countries in Europe, it is considered to be one of the top vacation destinations in the Mediterranean Sea. It has ancient ruins, great beaches, museums and a host of other attractions which you will surely enjoy during your stay.
The best time to come for your Greece vacation is the months of June to September. But keep in mind that there will also be a lot of people coming to the island during this time since there is a Festival going on and a lot of schools are on summer break.
If you don’t want to mix yourself in the crowd, try coming during the lean months. You can try coming during the spring in the months of April and May. The only problem is that the water is not that warm so it is going be quite chilly if you want to go for a swim.
There are Greek vacation packages available and you just have to compare what is available then sign up with whoever will be able to give you the best deal. If you like it so much, you can recommend it to your friends so they too will be able to enjoy what you experienced.
share by : mind power secret
First, plan your trip ahead of time. You can do this by getting the help of a travel agent who will be able to book your ticket and your accommodations.
Make sure you bring the proper clothes that are just right for the climate. If you are planning to come during the summer, wear some light colors with fabric made of cotton and linen. You should already have an idea by looking at the weather forecast before you get on the plane.
Once you arrive, you can see the sights on your own but if you don’t like to plan it, hire someone there who will do that for you.
In the event that you lose your passport or any important documents, make sure that you have duplicate copies of everything hidden somewhere among your belongings. This will make it easier for you to get a replacement even if you are not required to get a VISA when you visit the island.
You will probably buy souvenirs before you fly home. Remember that the locals don’t accept US dollars so convert some of your cash to Euros which was has now replaced the drachmas. It is best to do this the moment you land because there are not that many ATM machines and banks in the other islands.
Surely you don’t want to get sunburn when you are visiting the sites so be sure to wear a hat, a pair of sunglasses, sun block, moisturizer and lip balm. So you don’t get blisters on your feet, wear a good pair of shoes or sandals. For those who choose to wear shoes, make sure you wear some socks.
It probably cost you a bundle to have a vacation in Greece. Since its going to be some time before you come back here, make sure you have some memories of the places that you visited by bringing along your camera.
Despite the fact that Greece is one of the smallest countries in Europe, it is considered to be one of the top vacation destinations in the Mediterranean Sea. It has ancient ruins, great beaches, museums and a host of other attractions which you will surely enjoy during your stay.
The best time to come for your Greece vacation is the months of June to September. But keep in mind that there will also be a lot of people coming to the island during this time since there is a Festival going on and a lot of schools are on summer break.
If you don’t want to mix yourself in the crowd, try coming during the lean months. You can try coming during the spring in the months of April and May. The only problem is that the water is not that warm so it is going be quite chilly if you want to go for a swim.
There are Greek vacation packages available and you just have to compare what is available then sign up with whoever will be able to give you the best deal. If you like it so much, you can recommend it to your friends so they too will be able to enjoy what you experienced.
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Monday, February 27, 2012
How to Prepare for a Safe Greece Vacation
Going on an extended vacation in Greece may seem like the ultimate adventure but it can just as easily turn into a nightmare if you do not plan your trip carefully. Remember that you are going to unchartered territory and should anything happen, you will not be as familiar with the procedures and the people as you are when it happened in your own country.
Here are some tips on how to make sure that your trip is safe and sound.
1. Have a map
There is nothing more dangerous than getting lost in areas that you are not familiar with. This is especially true if you are on a vacation by yourself or if your family is not part of a packaged tour. If you plan to explore the areas on your own, make sure that you have a map with you always. This will not only help you in directions but will also serve as a guide for locals should you ask them for directions.
Another tip is to always mark the spot where you are staying on your map. That way, you will be able to easily point out where you will need to go when you are lost. Remember that not all locals will know how to speak English.
2. Learn basic emergency phrases
It is also a good idea to learn basic phrases that will help you during emergencies. Phrases such as “Help! Or Can you help me”, “Where is the with the name of your hotel?” or “Where is this?” will serve you in good stead during times when you need directions.
3. Emergency fund
As much as you can, keep your belongings as close to you as possible. Always check for you wallet and passport holders every now and then. Money is a very important commodity when you are outside the country. Without it, you can get hungry and perhaps even go to jail for not paying.
But things do happen no matter how careful you are. If that is the case, it is also good to have emergency money tucked on your pants or somewhere in baggage. That way, should your wallet get lost, you still have some that will help you get through the rest of the week until it is time to go.
For those who rely on their credit cards, carry extra cash and don’t put it on the same area as your credit card. These plastic cards can easily get lost so make sure that you have a back up plan.
4. Stick to the usual
Although it would be wonderful to be able to explore the country all by yourself and to go to places that few people have ever gone before, it is still preferable if you stick to the usual tourist spots. Remember that there is safety in numbers and you will be better off with a crowd around you than go gallivanting all alone in the country.
If you can, stick to the tours. These things may seem boring but if it is your first time to go on a Greece vacation, playing the dumb tourist isn’t so bad. Besides, when it comes to safety, don’t you think a little naiveté when it comes to Greece will not go amiss?
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Here are some tips on how to make sure that your trip is safe and sound.
1. Have a map
There is nothing more dangerous than getting lost in areas that you are not familiar with. This is especially true if you are on a vacation by yourself or if your family is not part of a packaged tour. If you plan to explore the areas on your own, make sure that you have a map with you always. This will not only help you in directions but will also serve as a guide for locals should you ask them for directions.
Another tip is to always mark the spot where you are staying on your map. That way, you will be able to easily point out where you will need to go when you are lost. Remember that not all locals will know how to speak English.
2. Learn basic emergency phrases
It is also a good idea to learn basic phrases that will help you during emergencies. Phrases such as “Help! Or Can you help me”, “Where is the with the name of your hotel?” or “Where is this?” will serve you in good stead during times when you need directions.
3. Emergency fund
As much as you can, keep your belongings as close to you as possible. Always check for you wallet and passport holders every now and then. Money is a very important commodity when you are outside the country. Without it, you can get hungry and perhaps even go to jail for not paying.
But things do happen no matter how careful you are. If that is the case, it is also good to have emergency money tucked on your pants or somewhere in baggage. That way, should your wallet get lost, you still have some that will help you get through the rest of the week until it is time to go.
For those who rely on their credit cards, carry extra cash and don’t put it on the same area as your credit card. These plastic cards can easily get lost so make sure that you have a back up plan.
4. Stick to the usual
Although it would be wonderful to be able to explore the country all by yourself and to go to places that few people have ever gone before, it is still preferable if you stick to the usual tourist spots. Remember that there is safety in numbers and you will be better off with a crowd around you than go gallivanting all alone in the country.
If you can, stick to the tours. These things may seem boring but if it is your first time to go on a Greece vacation, playing the dumb tourist isn’t so bad. Besides, when it comes to safety, don’t you think a little naiveté when it comes to Greece will not go amiss?
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How to Plan the Perfect Greece Vacation
Whether you want to relax or just sight see, going on a vacation in Greece will not feel like vacation if you do not plan it well. Remember that you will be going to a place where you are basically unfamiliar with. This means that anything can happen and if you do not take care, it can just as easily turn into a disastrous trip.
But this will not happen if you take care of the details, both minor and major. You may not see something as important but when you get into a scrape while overseas you will realize that no detail is small. You really need to think of all possibilities if you really want your vacation to be smooth sailing.
Of course, if you really do not want the hassle, you can always avail of packages that already have everything. Most tourism offices as well as tour companies will have packaged tours that will take care of the hotel, the tour, even the restaurants that you will eat at and sometimes even the airfare. This will of course be just the basic tour that everybody will probably go to when they go to Greece.
If you want to be unique and do the planning and the itinerary on your own, Here are some tips that can help you.
1. Search the internet
The world wide web is a treasure throve of information. Blogs will give you a lot of information about hotels and restaurants that you can go to in Greece. Other websites will also give you tips on how to go to certain places, what to pack and basically how to live in Greece. There are also sites where you can get the greatest and cheapest deals in hotel accommodations, airfare and even package tours. There are also websites that even have ratings so that you will know what other people think about the hotel or the restaurant being featured.
The internet can also give you huge discounts in airfare if you buy online and early. You can take advantage of these offers if you are planning your trip and will not be going there until maybe the end of the year.
2. Ask other people
Another great source of information about a trip is to ask people who have already gone to Greece. They will be able to give you a personal account of what restaurants are good to visit and what hotels offer great deals. They will even be able to advise you on where to go and the places to check out.
Try to ask people who you know have the same interests as you. That way, they will be able to recommend on activities that you will love to do,
3. Books on Greece
You may not be think that they can help but books published on Greece are wonderful sources of information when you want to go there for a vacation. Often, these books will not only contain a rundown of the possible tourist spots that you can go to when in Greece but it will also have lists of restaurants, shops and really valuable tips on how to go about town.
Some will even have maps and some phrases that you will find useful when you are on a city tour.
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But this will not happen if you take care of the details, both minor and major. You may not see something as important but when you get into a scrape while overseas you will realize that no detail is small. You really need to think of all possibilities if you really want your vacation to be smooth sailing.
Of course, if you really do not want the hassle, you can always avail of packages that already have everything. Most tourism offices as well as tour companies will have packaged tours that will take care of the hotel, the tour, even the restaurants that you will eat at and sometimes even the airfare. This will of course be just the basic tour that everybody will probably go to when they go to Greece.
If you want to be unique and do the planning and the itinerary on your own, Here are some tips that can help you.
1. Search the internet
The world wide web is a treasure throve of information. Blogs will give you a lot of information about hotels and restaurants that you can go to in Greece. Other websites will also give you tips on how to go to certain places, what to pack and basically how to live in Greece. There are also sites where you can get the greatest and cheapest deals in hotel accommodations, airfare and even package tours. There are also websites that even have ratings so that you will know what other people think about the hotel or the restaurant being featured.
The internet can also give you huge discounts in airfare if you buy online and early. You can take advantage of these offers if you are planning your trip and will not be going there until maybe the end of the year.
2. Ask other people
Another great source of information about a trip is to ask people who have already gone to Greece. They will be able to give you a personal account of what restaurants are good to visit and what hotels offer great deals. They will even be able to advise you on where to go and the places to check out.
Try to ask people who you know have the same interests as you. That way, they will be able to recommend on activities that you will love to do,
3. Books on Greece
You may not be think that they can help but books published on Greece are wonderful sources of information when you want to go there for a vacation. Often, these books will not only contain a rundown of the possible tourist spots that you can go to when in Greece but it will also have lists of restaurants, shops and really valuable tips on how to go about town.
Some will even have maps and some phrases that you will find useful when you are on a city tour.
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How to Plan a Greece vacation
Going on a Greece vacation is most people’s dream come true. This is especially true for those who have followed this European country’s culture and history. But planning a vacation in such a far place is not as easy. There are a lot of things that you have to take into consideration when going there. Here are some of the things that you have to take into consideration when planning the trip.
1. weather
This is the primary information that you have to look into before settling on a date for the vacation. Remember that going to Greece will involve a lot of outdoor sight seeing that involve walking. If you are going there on a rainy month, you will just waste your money as you will not be able to go outside for the tours. It is of course better to plan your trip around the summer months where you can enjoy the sights better.
2. budget
another thing that you have to take into consideration is the money that you will be spending during the vacation. There are off peak months where hotels and airfares are basically cheaper. Try to look into those months. You will save as much as 50 percent if you do this.
Another trick if you are worried about your budget is to look for package deals being offered by tourism departments. These packages will be cheaper as they want to encourage tourists to come into the country.
You can also try booking your flight early. A lot of airlines will be offering cheaper rates for their airfares when you book your flight ahead of time. This is because you are basically reserving your tickets ahead of time. Make sure though that you will be able to use the tickets as rebooking may be hard and sometimes even more expensive.
3. Purpose
There are many reasons why you are taking a vacation. You may want to go on a vacation because you want to just relax and rest. If this is the case, then you might want to plan your trip in the beaches instead of the city. Greece has a lot of islands that you can go to. These resorts will be great havens for you.
If however you just love the ancient culture of the Grecian civilization and have just been salivating over the ancient ruins of the Greek structures, then join the local tour for some sightseeing. Most tours are available in packages or at your hotel’s concierge. Remember that it will be better to join tours with a lot of people as these are cheaper and of course more enjoyable.
4. companions
your itinerary will depend a lot in your companions in the trip. If you have children with you, it is important not to put a lot of activities that involve a lot of walking. Kids easily tire and they cannot go on all day just walking. They also need to rest at the hotel. You should also be including activities that they will enjoy. Put yourself in their shoes, would you be interested in the ancient ruins if you can go to a carnival or some other fun place where you can play and have a great time?
When planning your Greece vacation, consider the people that will be coming with you and not just yourself.
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1. weather
This is the primary information that you have to look into before settling on a date for the vacation. Remember that going to Greece will involve a lot of outdoor sight seeing that involve walking. If you are going there on a rainy month, you will just waste your money as you will not be able to go outside for the tours. It is of course better to plan your trip around the summer months where you can enjoy the sights better.
2. budget
another thing that you have to take into consideration is the money that you will be spending during the vacation. There are off peak months where hotels and airfares are basically cheaper. Try to look into those months. You will save as much as 50 percent if you do this.
Another trick if you are worried about your budget is to look for package deals being offered by tourism departments. These packages will be cheaper as they want to encourage tourists to come into the country.
You can also try booking your flight early. A lot of airlines will be offering cheaper rates for their airfares when you book your flight ahead of time. This is because you are basically reserving your tickets ahead of time. Make sure though that you will be able to use the tickets as rebooking may be hard and sometimes even more expensive.
3. Purpose
There are many reasons why you are taking a vacation. You may want to go on a vacation because you want to just relax and rest. If this is the case, then you might want to plan your trip in the beaches instead of the city. Greece has a lot of islands that you can go to. These resorts will be great havens for you.
If however you just love the ancient culture of the Grecian civilization and have just been salivating over the ancient ruins of the Greek structures, then join the local tour for some sightseeing. Most tours are available in packages or at your hotel’s concierge. Remember that it will be better to join tours with a lot of people as these are cheaper and of course more enjoyable.
4. companions
your itinerary will depend a lot in your companions in the trip. If you have children with you, it is important not to put a lot of activities that involve a lot of walking. Kids easily tire and they cannot go on all day just walking. They also need to rest at the hotel. You should also be including activities that they will enjoy. Put yourself in their shoes, would you be interested in the ancient ruins if you can go to a carnival or some other fun place where you can play and have a great time?
When planning your Greece vacation, consider the people that will be coming with you and not just yourself.
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Greek Destination: Places to Visit for your Greece Vacation
Greece is located in the southern tip of the Balkan Peninsula. It has been attracting tourists from all over the world throughout the year. Its culture, history and landscape has been constantly drawing visitors. There are numerous places to go to, too many sights to see. Let’s map out the places that you need to visit to complete your Greece vacation.
Greece is the destination of lovers, honeymooners, family or individuals that would like to experience a one of a kind vacation. Greece is very diverse. It has rocky coasts, sand dunes, golden beaches, gorges, natural waterfalls, caves, rivers. Generally, Greece is mountainous with extensive coastlines and islands.
There are major cities that also house different tourist ht spot like Athens, Crete, Attica, Santorini, Mikonos, Coorfu, Olumpia, Tessaloniki, Rhodes, Chania, Kos, Thessaloniki, Petras, Heraklion.
The capital of Greece, Athens is a place of cultural, political and touristic importance. Athens offers a variety of top tourist attractions like Acropolis and the Parthenon, the Agora, National Archeological Museum, Sntagma Square, the Plaka, Cape Souniou and the Temple of Poseidon.
Located about three hours from Athens by bus is Delphi. Delphi is a seaside town with historic sites such as Temple of Apollo. The Mykonos, the jewel of the Cycladic Islands, has a beautiful harbor with white-washed houses. The warm Mediterranean climate, it is nice place for scuba diving, windsurfing and other water sports.
Aside from the sights in Athens, the monasteries of Meteora are also popular and one of the famous places with visitors in the world. Rhodes has always been an important port through history. Crete presents visitor myths, legends and history with a beautiful landscape.
Santorini is a romantic place that offers visitors beaches and breathtaking cliff top town named Fira. Beautiful beaches run for many kilometers. In summer, the beaches in Greece are considered to be one of the top beaches in the world. Some of the most popular beaches can be found in Crete, Corfu, Amorgos, Ios, Milos, Paros, Serifos and Kithnos.
As reflection of Greece’s history, there are monuments and temples for the gods and goddesses. Some of the temples that are worth seeing are the Temple of Apollo Epicurius at Bassae, Archaeological Site of Delphi, Mount Athos, Monasteries of Meteora, Mystras, Delos, Corfu, The Palace of Knossos, White Tower, Archeological Museum of Thessaloniki, Byzantine Museum, Ancient Thira, Ancient Akrotiri, The Museum of Prehistoric Thera, and Acropolis of Lindos.
Vacation can never be complete without shopping. There are some wonderful Greek memorabilia that can be bought in the Plaka area in Athens. Greek airports also have shops were last-minute shopping can be done.
Greece is also a mountainous country. Mount Olympus, known as the home of the Gods in Greek mythology, is the highest mountain in the country. Hiking and climbing activities are available.
Here are some other archaeological finds, museums and monuments that are worth visiting:
• Vrayrona Temple- a beautiful site in Attica, not far from the Athens International Airport.
• Mycenae, Fortress of Time – Mycenen fortress that still looms over the Peloponesian planes.
• Advanced American School of Classical Studies at Athens- involved in advanced archaeological studies and programs in Athens.
A vacation, a Greece vacation in particular, will be like a hollow one if we did not get to see the best places. Greece is a mix of all the great places and will help every tourist build their vacation in a unique way.
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Greece is the destination of lovers, honeymooners, family or individuals that would like to experience a one of a kind vacation. Greece is very diverse. It has rocky coasts, sand dunes, golden beaches, gorges, natural waterfalls, caves, rivers. Generally, Greece is mountainous with extensive coastlines and islands.
There are major cities that also house different tourist ht spot like Athens, Crete, Attica, Santorini, Mikonos, Coorfu, Olumpia, Tessaloniki, Rhodes, Chania, Kos, Thessaloniki, Petras, Heraklion.
The capital of Greece, Athens is a place of cultural, political and touristic importance. Athens offers a variety of top tourist attractions like Acropolis and the Parthenon, the Agora, National Archeological Museum, Sntagma Square, the Plaka, Cape Souniou and the Temple of Poseidon.
Located about three hours from Athens by bus is Delphi. Delphi is a seaside town with historic sites such as Temple of Apollo. The Mykonos, the jewel of the Cycladic Islands, has a beautiful harbor with white-washed houses. The warm Mediterranean climate, it is nice place for scuba diving, windsurfing and other water sports.
Aside from the sights in Athens, the monasteries of Meteora are also popular and one of the famous places with visitors in the world. Rhodes has always been an important port through history. Crete presents visitor myths, legends and history with a beautiful landscape.
Santorini is a romantic place that offers visitors beaches and breathtaking cliff top town named Fira. Beautiful beaches run for many kilometers. In summer, the beaches in Greece are considered to be one of the top beaches in the world. Some of the most popular beaches can be found in Crete, Corfu, Amorgos, Ios, Milos, Paros, Serifos and Kithnos.
As reflection of Greece’s history, there are monuments and temples for the gods and goddesses. Some of the temples that are worth seeing are the Temple of Apollo Epicurius at Bassae, Archaeological Site of Delphi, Mount Athos, Monasteries of Meteora, Mystras, Delos, Corfu, The Palace of Knossos, White Tower, Archeological Museum of Thessaloniki, Byzantine Museum, Ancient Thira, Ancient Akrotiri, The Museum of Prehistoric Thera, and Acropolis of Lindos.
Vacation can never be complete without shopping. There are some wonderful Greek memorabilia that can be bought in the Plaka area in Athens. Greek airports also have shops were last-minute shopping can be done.
Greece is also a mountainous country. Mount Olympus, known as the home of the Gods in Greek mythology, is the highest mountain in the country. Hiking and climbing activities are available.
Here are some other archaeological finds, museums and monuments that are worth visiting:
• Vrayrona Temple- a beautiful site in Attica, not far from the Athens International Airport.
• Mycenae, Fortress of Time – Mycenen fortress that still looms over the Peloponesian planes.
• Advanced American School of Classical Studies at Athens- involved in advanced archaeological studies and programs in Athens.
A vacation, a Greece vacation in particular, will be like a hollow one if we did not get to see the best places. Greece is a mix of all the great places and will help every tourist build their vacation in a unique way.
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Sunday, February 26, 2012
Greece Vacation Travel Tips
A Greece vacation requires a number of things to consider. For tourists trying to go and visit a foreign country, making travel arrangements are essential. And in order to make these arrangements more effective, learning about the means of travel from and about the different places in Greece is necessary. Here is some useful information that will help you learn about the different means of travel available for tourists in and around Greece.
Traveling By Car
Traveling by car around Greece has its own advantages and disadvantages. Therefore it is up to the tourists if these conditions meet with his or her own preferences to warrant the use of a private vehicle to go about. And of course there are certain requirements that a tourist driver may need to have in order to drive around the country. Having a good knowledge of local traffic rules is one.
An advantage of going around Greece by car is that you can explore the very interiors of the country that some tourists may not have the privilege visit. There are areas in the country that public transport may not be able to reach. But thanks to having your own car, you certainly would have a more personalized knowledge of the country that other tourists may not be able to have.
But then there are also disadvantages of using a private vehicle to go around Greece. First of all, there is the difference in driving culture. Most Greek drivers are known to be aggressive one. This may be the reason why this country has one of the highest road fatality rates in the European Union. This might serve as an important point that you should consider should you decide to use a private car.
Another possible disadvantage of using a private car going around Greece is the possible added costs in exchange for a more private tour. Although most roads in Greece are well-maintained and excellent for driving, it might be good to note that most of these newer roads are toll roads. This means that you may need to pay a toll when using them. These can be come pretty expensive at times and should be considered as part of the traveling expenses.
Traveling By Public Transport
Another means of traveling around Greece available for tourists is the country's network of public transport. There are many options available. All major Greek cities have public buses that go around the main thoroughfares as well as in and around the different cities. There are also taxies available to supplement the areas not accessible by the intercity buses.
The Inter-city bus is a popular means of traveling all around the country. The public bus system follows a dense network route that serves almost the entire country. What makes these buses attractive for traveling is that they are fairly efficient, reliable and relatively cheap. Whether on short or long distances, buses provide an effective means of travel in and around different parts of Greece.
Trains are also another inexpensive means of travel around Greece. Rail expansion is currently undergoing to serve a greater part of the country. What railway systems that do serve people today can really shorten the travel time for tourists on selected cities and other areas.
When visiting the other beautiful islands on your Greece vacation, ferries still provide the most effective means of going from island to island.
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Traveling By Car
Traveling by car around Greece has its own advantages and disadvantages. Therefore it is up to the tourists if these conditions meet with his or her own preferences to warrant the use of a private vehicle to go about. And of course there are certain requirements that a tourist driver may need to have in order to drive around the country. Having a good knowledge of local traffic rules is one.
An advantage of going around Greece by car is that you can explore the very interiors of the country that some tourists may not have the privilege visit. There are areas in the country that public transport may not be able to reach. But thanks to having your own car, you certainly would have a more personalized knowledge of the country that other tourists may not be able to have.
But then there are also disadvantages of using a private vehicle to go around Greece. First of all, there is the difference in driving culture. Most Greek drivers are known to be aggressive one. This may be the reason why this country has one of the highest road fatality rates in the European Union. This might serve as an important point that you should consider should you decide to use a private car.
Another possible disadvantage of using a private car going around Greece is the possible added costs in exchange for a more private tour. Although most roads in Greece are well-maintained and excellent for driving, it might be good to note that most of these newer roads are toll roads. This means that you may need to pay a toll when using them. These can be come pretty expensive at times and should be considered as part of the traveling expenses.
Traveling By Public Transport
Another means of traveling around Greece available for tourists is the country's network of public transport. There are many options available. All major Greek cities have public buses that go around the main thoroughfares as well as in and around the different cities. There are also taxies available to supplement the areas not accessible by the intercity buses.
The Inter-city bus is a popular means of traveling all around the country. The public bus system follows a dense network route that serves almost the entire country. What makes these buses attractive for traveling is that they are fairly efficient, reliable and relatively cheap. Whether on short or long distances, buses provide an effective means of travel in and around different parts of Greece.
Trains are also another inexpensive means of travel around Greece. Rail expansion is currently undergoing to serve a greater part of the country. What railway systems that do serve people today can really shorten the travel time for tourists on selected cities and other areas.
When visiting the other beautiful islands on your Greece vacation, ferries still provide the most effective means of going from island to island.
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Greece Vacation Guide
Going on a Greece vacation can be fun and exciting. But just like any other adventure to another country or place, it pays to learn more about Greece before going there. This will help you know what to expect as well as avoid certain problems. Of course, going into a foreign country may lead one to expect many quite different things than the usual.
Country Description
Greece is a country located in Southern Europe. Its coastlines stretch the Ionian, Mediterranean and Aegean Seas. Greece is an ancient country with a culture known to have a significant influence in the arts, politics, philosophy and sports in today's society. Aside from the influence, the country also boasts of idyllic and scenic islands and places that are worth visiting.
Major Destinations
When going to Greece, it is also important for tourists to know which places to go to when in the country. And there are many areas in Greece that are always worth the visit. One of these places is Athens. Athens is Greece's capital city. And just like most capital cities, Athens also has a lot of attractions to offer to tourists. It is the location of one of Greece's most famous landmark, the Acropolis. Not only that, tourists can learn more about Greek culture and history by visiting its many museums as well as the other major sites in the city.
Another place worth visiting in Greece is Delphi. For tourists well aware of ancient Greek history, Delphi is worth visiting since it is the place of the famous oracle of Apollo. It is also considered as a major archeological site that tells a lot about Greece and its long and colorful history.
For those who are looking forward to see some of Greece's scenic beaches, there is the island of Mykonos to go and visit. Mykonos is one of Greece's more popular tourist destinations and one of the most visited sites in Greece. Crete is also another popular tourist destination in Crete. It is a historical island that was once a major city of the ancient Minoan civilization about four centuries ago.
Climate
Despite having a small land area, Greece is known to enjoy a varied climate. There are areas that offer the heat of summer as well as the coolness offered by the rainy seasons. Many parts of the country enjoy a pleasant Mediterranean climate. With its summers going for an average of seven months each year, it has become quite a popular destination for many European countries to visit to enjoy the summer heat.
The most pleasant weather in Greece can be enjoyed from May to June as well as from September to October. July and August offers the hottest summer in Greece. While the sun may be as hot as it can be during the day, Greek nights are most pleasant even in the height of summer. Greek nights tend to be cool and pleasant as most of the surrounding areas in enjoy low levels of atmospheric humidity and does not trap the summer heat in its surrounding air.
A Greece vacation can be truly an enjoyable experience. Not only the tourist is offered a good climate to enjoy on a vacation but also quite an interesting and exciting place to explore.
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Country Description
Greece is a country located in Southern Europe. Its coastlines stretch the Ionian, Mediterranean and Aegean Seas. Greece is an ancient country with a culture known to have a significant influence in the arts, politics, philosophy and sports in today's society. Aside from the influence, the country also boasts of idyllic and scenic islands and places that are worth visiting.
Major Destinations
When going to Greece, it is also important for tourists to know which places to go to when in the country. And there are many areas in Greece that are always worth the visit. One of these places is Athens. Athens is Greece's capital city. And just like most capital cities, Athens also has a lot of attractions to offer to tourists. It is the location of one of Greece's most famous landmark, the Acropolis. Not only that, tourists can learn more about Greek culture and history by visiting its many museums as well as the other major sites in the city.
Another place worth visiting in Greece is Delphi. For tourists well aware of ancient Greek history, Delphi is worth visiting since it is the place of the famous oracle of Apollo. It is also considered as a major archeological site that tells a lot about Greece and its long and colorful history.
For those who are looking forward to see some of Greece's scenic beaches, there is the island of Mykonos to go and visit. Mykonos is one of Greece's more popular tourist destinations and one of the most visited sites in Greece. Crete is also another popular tourist destination in Crete. It is a historical island that was once a major city of the ancient Minoan civilization about four centuries ago.
Climate
Despite having a small land area, Greece is known to enjoy a varied climate. There are areas that offer the heat of summer as well as the coolness offered by the rainy seasons. Many parts of the country enjoy a pleasant Mediterranean climate. With its summers going for an average of seven months each year, it has become quite a popular destination for many European countries to visit to enjoy the summer heat.
The most pleasant weather in Greece can be enjoyed from May to June as well as from September to October. July and August offers the hottest summer in Greece. While the sun may be as hot as it can be during the day, Greek nights are most pleasant even in the height of summer. Greek nights tend to be cool and pleasant as most of the surrounding areas in enjoy low levels of atmospheric humidity and does not trap the summer heat in its surrounding air.
A Greece vacation can be truly an enjoyable experience. Not only the tourist is offered a good climate to enjoy on a vacation but also quite an interesting and exciting place to explore.
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Dream Greece Vacations and Weddings
Greece is known for being a romantic destination. The Greek islands is the ideal travel destination for a romantic Greece vacation, celebration, honeymoon, anniversary or weddings. From the awe-inspiring sunsets of Santorini to the peaceful opportunity to escape to a world where feelings blossom with ease.
A lot of couples have decided to tie the know in Greece. May people are choosing Greece as a wedding destination because it offers some of the most magical and mystical views, with incredible festivals seemingly every month of the year and some of the world’s most breathtaking sunsets while being reasonably priced.
But to get married in Greece there are some legalities that should be taken care of. Couples are required to present birth certificates that have translated into Greek and that carry an apostille stamp.
Apostille stamp is the seal placed on documents that are used abroad. Letters of No Impediment, also sealed with an apostille stamp stating that both are free to legally marry. This would serve as the marriage license.
After finishing of the formalities and the technical aspects of the wedding, then the planning for the wedding and the actual ceremony starts. To make guided and well-informed decisions, then it would be better to hire a wedding consultant in Greece. Getting a local consultant, will help you decide on the locations and other aspects of the wedding.
Wedding consultants in Greece are pretty much affordable. There are many affordable services that handle all of the paperwork and offer packages for Civil Ceremonies, Catholic Ceremonies, Gay Ceremonies as well as Greek Orthodox.
Locations are certainly breathtaking, since there are great places with extraordinary ocean views and amazing sunset. For those who are adventurous, then there are weddings that ca be performed in Mount Olympus and the isle
Perhaps, a bit more adventurous locale will best suit your passions and Mount Olympus an the isle of Cyprus could just be the prefect selection. Cyprus is the third largest isle in the Mediterranean and each year more and more couples are exchanging vows stop the isle's highest peak, Mount Olympus. It is also the location of the of the annual festival to Aphrodite in the fall and one of the best times to mix festivals and merriment with your special day.
Another of the many Greek isle, Santorini is among the most popular venues for weddings. It is easy to comprehend why. What could be more mystical than exchanging vows in the shadow of a volcano overlooking the clear blue sea?
Other technical aspects or requirements of weddings are the following:
• Bride and groom’s passports and a photo copy of each passport. No apostille necessary and no translation necessary.
• Marriage License/Registration of Marriage from your City Hall.
• Documents to be authenticated with the apostile: the apostille must be issued by the state/country where your document was issued.
Other important things to remember:
• European & US citizens must obtain a Marriage License.
• US citizens must ensure the Marriage License states the name of the person who they wish to marry.
• Couples who will remain in Santorini for less than 24 hours in total must obtain a Marriage License and not a Single Status Letter.
• If Divorce is in the event, then there should be a photocopy of it, no translation is needed.
Everybody dreams to have a unique and one of a kind wedding, then try it next time. Try your romantic, celebration of marriage and joys and exhaustion of a Greece vacation and wedding.
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A lot of couples have decided to tie the know in Greece. May people are choosing Greece as a wedding destination because it offers some of the most magical and mystical views, with incredible festivals seemingly every month of the year and some of the world’s most breathtaking sunsets while being reasonably priced.
But to get married in Greece there are some legalities that should be taken care of. Couples are required to present birth certificates that have translated into Greek and that carry an apostille stamp.
Apostille stamp is the seal placed on documents that are used abroad. Letters of No Impediment, also sealed with an apostille stamp stating that both are free to legally marry. This would serve as the marriage license.
After finishing of the formalities and the technical aspects of the wedding, then the planning for the wedding and the actual ceremony starts. To make guided and well-informed decisions, then it would be better to hire a wedding consultant in Greece. Getting a local consultant, will help you decide on the locations and other aspects of the wedding.
Wedding consultants in Greece are pretty much affordable. There are many affordable services that handle all of the paperwork and offer packages for Civil Ceremonies, Catholic Ceremonies, Gay Ceremonies as well as Greek Orthodox.
Locations are certainly breathtaking, since there are great places with extraordinary ocean views and amazing sunset. For those who are adventurous, then there are weddings that ca be performed in Mount Olympus and the isle
Perhaps, a bit more adventurous locale will best suit your passions and Mount Olympus an the isle of Cyprus could just be the prefect selection. Cyprus is the third largest isle in the Mediterranean and each year more and more couples are exchanging vows stop the isle's highest peak, Mount Olympus. It is also the location of the of the annual festival to Aphrodite in the fall and one of the best times to mix festivals and merriment with your special day.
Another of the many Greek isle, Santorini is among the most popular venues for weddings. It is easy to comprehend why. What could be more mystical than exchanging vows in the shadow of a volcano overlooking the clear blue sea?
Other technical aspects or requirements of weddings are the following:
• Bride and groom’s passports and a photo copy of each passport. No apostille necessary and no translation necessary.
• Marriage License/Registration of Marriage from your City Hall.
• Documents to be authenticated with the apostile: the apostille must be issued by the state/country where your document was issued.
Other important things to remember:
• European & US citizens must obtain a Marriage License.
• US citizens must ensure the Marriage License states the name of the person who they wish to marry.
• Couples who will remain in Santorini for less than 24 hours in total must obtain a Marriage License and not a Single Status Letter.
• If Divorce is in the event, then there should be a photocopy of it, no translation is needed.
Everybody dreams to have a unique and one of a kind wedding, then try it next time. Try your romantic, celebration of marriage and joys and exhaustion of a Greece vacation and wedding.
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Crete Greece Vacation Guide
Crete is another interesting place to go to on your Greece vacation. It is one of the more notable and the largest of the many islands in the country. It is located in the Mediterranean Sea in between the Sea of Crete and the Libyan Sea. Crete is about 260 kilometers long and 60 kilometers wide. The island is divided into four prefectures, namely, Chania, Rethimno, Heraklion and Lasithi. Crete is considered one of the most beautiful of the Greek islands and is always worth exploring.
The biggest and main prefecture in Crete is Heraklion. It is home to about 275,000 inhabitants and is the largest city and the considered capital of the whole island. Tourism is the main industry of Crete. Its economy is mainly driven by the arrival of tourists on its shores. That is why it considers its visitors with care and tries to ensure that the tourists would have a wonderful time in the island. After all, it is tourists that pump blood into the economy of the island.
Crete was once considered as the center of the ancient Minoan civilization. The island provides evidences of the achievements, knowledge and power of this ancient Bronze Age culture through the various palaces, tombs and other sacred sites found throughout the area. This provides a historical backdrop that would guide tourists of what to look for while in Crete.
The main language used in Crete is Greek. And because the island is a main tourist destination, many of the inhabitants can understand and speak English. Even those located in the small villages on the island can speak and understand English, making communication with foreigners not that much of a problem on the island.
Getting into the island can be made through various means. By plane, Crete can be reachable through the three significant airports located in the island. There's the Nikos Kazantzakis airport that is located at Heraklion. There is also the Daskalogiannis military airport available in Chania where tourists can land on Crete. A new public airport is also located in Sitia where visitors can also make use of to get into Crete. There are several flights available for Crete that usually departs from the main island of Greece.
The island can also be reached by ferry. There are various ferry services located in mainland Greece as well as the other islands that service Crete. The trip usually takes 2.5 hours from the mainland. Going around Crete can be done through an inland bus service that operates around the island. The bus schedules are fairly frequent and serves many parts of the island. Some buses even divert trips from their usual route in order to bring tourists to small villages if asked. Public transportation is by far the most convenient and affordable means of going around Crete.
Car rentals are also available if you wish a more private and more personal adventure on your visit to Crete. But tourists may need to bring along their drivers license for this and make sure that the car insurance covers them to the places that would be visited. Petrol stations also close early, usually around 7pm.
It might be important for private car tourists to fill up beforehand so as not to let an empty gas tank on an isolated part of the island spoil your Greece vacation.
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The biggest and main prefecture in Crete is Heraklion. It is home to about 275,000 inhabitants and is the largest city and the considered capital of the whole island. Tourism is the main industry of Crete. Its economy is mainly driven by the arrival of tourists on its shores. That is why it considers its visitors with care and tries to ensure that the tourists would have a wonderful time in the island. After all, it is tourists that pump blood into the economy of the island.
Crete was once considered as the center of the ancient Minoan civilization. The island provides evidences of the achievements, knowledge and power of this ancient Bronze Age culture through the various palaces, tombs and other sacred sites found throughout the area. This provides a historical backdrop that would guide tourists of what to look for while in Crete.
The main language used in Crete is Greek. And because the island is a main tourist destination, many of the inhabitants can understand and speak English. Even those located in the small villages on the island can speak and understand English, making communication with foreigners not that much of a problem on the island.
Getting into the island can be made through various means. By plane, Crete can be reachable through the three significant airports located in the island. There's the Nikos Kazantzakis airport that is located at Heraklion. There is also the Daskalogiannis military airport available in Chania where tourists can land on Crete. A new public airport is also located in Sitia where visitors can also make use of to get into Crete. There are several flights available for Crete that usually departs from the main island of Greece.
The island can also be reached by ferry. There are various ferry services located in mainland Greece as well as the other islands that service Crete. The trip usually takes 2.5 hours from the mainland. Going around Crete can be done through an inland bus service that operates around the island. The bus schedules are fairly frequent and serves many parts of the island. Some buses even divert trips from their usual route in order to bring tourists to small villages if asked. Public transportation is by far the most convenient and affordable means of going around Crete.
Car rentals are also available if you wish a more private and more personal adventure on your visit to Crete. But tourists may need to bring along their drivers license for this and make sure that the car insurance covers them to the places that would be visited. Petrol stations also close early, usually around 7pm.
It might be important for private car tourists to fill up beforehand so as not to let an empty gas tank on an isolated part of the island spoil your Greece vacation.
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Saturday, February 25, 2012
Athens Greece Vacation Guide
Athens should not be left out in any Greece vacation. First and foremost, it is the capital city of this beautiful country and hence one of the main attractions of the land. Getting to know about Greece is getting to know about life and culture in its cities. And with Athens being a major city, it truly needs a special mention for tourists visiting for the first time.
Profile
Athens is a city with about 3.7 million inhabitants. This city is also considered as the birthplace of the whole nation and therefore, also the birthplace of Western civilization. This metropolitan city is bounded by mountains on three sides namely, Mt. Ymettos, Mt. Parnitha and Mt. Pendeli. Inside Athens, there are twelve hills that can be found of which Acropolis and Lykavittos are the most prominent.
Places of Interest
For the tourists, Athens has a lot to offer in terms of attractions and places of interest. One of the most notable ancient landmarks in the city is the Acropolis, the ancient high city where marble temples sacred to the city's goddess Athena can be found. At the foot of the hill of Acropolis are places worth visiting. These are the districts of Plaka, Monastiraki and Thissio. Notable on these districts are the various restored 19th Century neoclassical homes, restaurants and the picturesque ruins of the city's Roman era.
Another place worth visiting in Athens is Piraeus, the city's ancient port. This port still serves as an industrial hub for products going in and out of Greece. It is also where ferry connections to Crete and the Aegean Islands as well as almost all of Attica can be found. Tourists can then head out to the city's business district, Syntagma Square. A notable landmark of the Square is the old Royal Palace. This is also where most of the major hotels, banks, restaurants and other offices of note are located.
Getting In
Getting to Athens is fairly convenient with it being the Greek capital. This is especially true for tourists from other countries getting in by plane. The city has the new Athens Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport which opened last 2001. It is located just 27 km east of the city center and has become a more attractive and efficient means of getting into Greece. The new airport contains excellent public transit networks that can connect arriving tourists to various points of the city.
From the airport, tourists can get into the city center by Metro, the city's railway system. The airport Metro is the city's Line 3 extension which then leads to downtown Syntagma and Monastiraki stations. There are also available buses as well as taxis operating from the airport going into the city.
If coming from other regions of Greece, there are regional coaches that connect Athens to the other cities in Greece. There is also a national railway service available connecting the various Greek cities including Athens. Public transport in Athens is considered relatively cheap with a simplified ticketing system that allows commuters to travel on any means of public transport.
An Athens Greece vacation need not be a problem in terms of transportation since they are readily available from the city.
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Profile
Athens is a city with about 3.7 million inhabitants. This city is also considered as the birthplace of the whole nation and therefore, also the birthplace of Western civilization. This metropolitan city is bounded by mountains on three sides namely, Mt. Ymettos, Mt. Parnitha and Mt. Pendeli. Inside Athens, there are twelve hills that can be found of which Acropolis and Lykavittos are the most prominent.
Places of Interest
For the tourists, Athens has a lot to offer in terms of attractions and places of interest. One of the most notable ancient landmarks in the city is the Acropolis, the ancient high city where marble temples sacred to the city's goddess Athena can be found. At the foot of the hill of Acropolis are places worth visiting. These are the districts of Plaka, Monastiraki and Thissio. Notable on these districts are the various restored 19th Century neoclassical homes, restaurants and the picturesque ruins of the city's Roman era.
Another place worth visiting in Athens is Piraeus, the city's ancient port. This port still serves as an industrial hub for products going in and out of Greece. It is also where ferry connections to Crete and the Aegean Islands as well as almost all of Attica can be found. Tourists can then head out to the city's business district, Syntagma Square. A notable landmark of the Square is the old Royal Palace. This is also where most of the major hotels, banks, restaurants and other offices of note are located.
Getting In
Getting to Athens is fairly convenient with it being the Greek capital. This is especially true for tourists from other countries getting in by plane. The city has the new Athens Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport which opened last 2001. It is located just 27 km east of the city center and has become a more attractive and efficient means of getting into Greece. The new airport contains excellent public transit networks that can connect arriving tourists to various points of the city.
From the airport, tourists can get into the city center by Metro, the city's railway system. The airport Metro is the city's Line 3 extension which then leads to downtown Syntagma and Monastiraki stations. There are also available buses as well as taxis operating from the airport going into the city.
If coming from other regions of Greece, there are regional coaches that connect Athens to the other cities in Greece. There is also a national railway service available connecting the various Greek cities including Athens. Public transport in Athens is considered relatively cheap with a simplified ticketing system that allows commuters to travel on any means of public transport.
An Athens Greece vacation need not be a problem in terms of transportation since they are readily available from the city.
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Athens Greece Vacation Activities
With a Greece vacation seemingly full of things to do, a single, short visit to the country may not do justice at all. But in order to take full advantage of even the limited schedule afforded for your vacation in Greece, visiting Athens should be a priority. Not only that, having a good idea of the main places to visit in the city may be important in order to fully maximize your time and cover all the important places of note in the city. Here are some suggestions of the things that you might be able to do while in the city of Athens.
Visit Acropolis
No visit to Athens will be complete without going to Acropolis. This prominent hill in Athens is more than just a landmark. It has been honored as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Acropolis is the site of the ancient fortified town of Athens which date back to as early as the Late Bronze Age. The acropolis is also the site of the country's best buildings from the Greek Classical Age. In this hill tourist can find the Parthenon, the Erectheion and the Temple of Athena Nike.
The Ancient Agora
After visiting the acropolis, tourists can then head out to the site of the Ancient Agora. This location provides tourists one of the best possible views of the Acropolis. On the Ancient Agora tourists may be able to visit the Temple of Hephaestus, one of the best preserved temples of the ancient Greeks. Also located in the Agora is the Attalos Stoa museum which is a reconstructed ancient Greek building.
Head to Lykavittos Hill
This is one of the more prominent of the dozen hills located in the city of Athens. It is a 200 meter hill that borders the Kolonaki district. It can be reached either by hiking towards the peak or by through a funicular railway for a fee. At the top, one may enjoy the scenery at one of the many restaurants and cafes. This is a site worth going to since it provides a picturesque view of Athens that stretches towards the sea.
Weekend Old Athens Bike Tour
For those who wish to go around the ancient parts of Athens, there is a free bike tour scheduled for every Saturday and Sunday that will take the participants in and around the old and ancient section of Athens. The bike tour usually starts at 10:40 in the morning outside the Thissio metro station. And of course, each one is obliged to bring his or her own bike.
Head For The Beaches
If the weather permits, tourists can also head out south of Athens and in the outskirts towards the city's beaches. There are buses from the Sygrou station that will take tourists to the destination. Tourists can then check out the magnificent coastline of Greece from any point of the beaches. There are also beach-side cafes that offer refreshments to tourists in the area.
Go For A Cruise
If looking from the beaches is not enough of a Greece vacation for you, you can take a look at Athens and explore the other islands by sea. There are also a variety of cruises available that would take tourists to the surrounding Greek islands such as Mykonos, Paros and Syros.
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Visit Acropolis
No visit to Athens will be complete without going to Acropolis. This prominent hill in Athens is more than just a landmark. It has been honored as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Acropolis is the site of the ancient fortified town of Athens which date back to as early as the Late Bronze Age. The acropolis is also the site of the country's best buildings from the Greek Classical Age. In this hill tourist can find the Parthenon, the Erectheion and the Temple of Athena Nike.
The Ancient Agora
After visiting the acropolis, tourists can then head out to the site of the Ancient Agora. This location provides tourists one of the best possible views of the Acropolis. On the Ancient Agora tourists may be able to visit the Temple of Hephaestus, one of the best preserved temples of the ancient Greeks. Also located in the Agora is the Attalos Stoa museum which is a reconstructed ancient Greek building.
Head to Lykavittos Hill
This is one of the more prominent of the dozen hills located in the city of Athens. It is a 200 meter hill that borders the Kolonaki district. It can be reached either by hiking towards the peak or by through a funicular railway for a fee. At the top, one may enjoy the scenery at one of the many restaurants and cafes. This is a site worth going to since it provides a picturesque view of Athens that stretches towards the sea.
Weekend Old Athens Bike Tour
For those who wish to go around the ancient parts of Athens, there is a free bike tour scheduled for every Saturday and Sunday that will take the participants in and around the old and ancient section of Athens. The bike tour usually starts at 10:40 in the morning outside the Thissio metro station. And of course, each one is obliged to bring his or her own bike.
Head For The Beaches
If the weather permits, tourists can also head out south of Athens and in the outskirts towards the city's beaches. There are buses from the Sygrou station that will take tourists to the destination. Tourists can then check out the magnificent coastline of Greece from any point of the beaches. There are also beach-side cafes that offer refreshments to tourists in the area.
Go For A Cruise
If looking from the beaches is not enough of a Greece vacation for you, you can take a look at Athens and explore the other islands by sea. There are also a variety of cruises available that would take tourists to the surrounding Greek islands such as Mykonos, Paros and Syros.
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Friday, February 24, 2012
Accommodations for Your Greece Vacation
Greece has an ancient culture that extends on extensive coastlines and islands. This country is mountainous, with wealth and diversity of the Greek seas. Its charming Greek islands and coasts provide great vacation places. A Greece vacation is a great experience and adventure.
So whenever you choose to stay in Greece for a vacation, there are several great places to stay. After a day of sightseeing and different activities, surely tourists would like to come home to a very homely and comfortable accommodations.
There are several hotels that would be great places to stay. Hotels in Athens have world class choices. King George Palace was a legend since 1936. the classical King George Palace has been home to kings, princes, presidents and Athenians alike. It has been ranked among the top 100 European hotels.
Grande Bretagne Hotel has been representing the essence of hospitality in Greece for more than 134 years. This hotel was the host too the world sports occasion of the Olympic games that took place in the country of its origin in 2004. For all guests the Hotel offers a special treat with the impressive spa area, designed to relax and refresh body and spirit.
Hotels in Athens provide spectacular view to Acropolis and its beautiful sites. If you feel to stay near the sea and the coast, then Mykonos would be the place to go. When in Mykonos, you can experience a luxurious vacation by staying in the Cavo Tagoo hotel. This hotel is built on a Cliffside and located only a few meters away from the town center.
Another unique resort in Mykonos, would be the Kivotos Club Hotel. It has been built respecting the environment and traditions of the Mykonos and is located in the magnificent Bay of Omos. They have five swimming pools, a private beach with water sports facilities, perfectly equipped fitness and health club, squash court and a play room.
The Myconoian Ambassador Hotel and Myconian Imperial hotel are some of the wonderful and romantic jet-set destinations in the world. It has private beaches and their rooms have balconies providing spectacular and romantic view of he ocean.
The oldest and most simple form of residence in the Aegean is called cave houses. They are traditional buildings which are found inside the rocks with a domelike roof, narrow façade, and narrow but long spaces inside. Santorini, another beautiful place in Greece is known for its cave houses and people from all over the world.
Cave houses have been transformed into hotel rooms, and a lot of tourists have been visiting Santorini to stay in these famous cave houses. According to the tradition, the cave houses were created by ship crews in order to survive and have a place of residence inside them despite the steepness of the cliff. Some others say that some cave houses were also used as stables for mules and other animals.
Cave houses re divided into two parts. The front part which is the kitchen and living room. The second part is the bedroom which is at the back. The two areas are separated by a wall with openings to let the air and light to enter the back of the cave. Another certain technique that the Santorinian people still use today in house building is applying mud on the walls along with some small part of red rocks that are added for the reinforcement of the mixture.
Your choice of accommodations and places to stay during your Greece vacation will make everything worthwhile and picture perfect.
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So whenever you choose to stay in Greece for a vacation, there are several great places to stay. After a day of sightseeing and different activities, surely tourists would like to come home to a very homely and comfortable accommodations.
There are several hotels that would be great places to stay. Hotels in Athens have world class choices. King George Palace was a legend since 1936. the classical King George Palace has been home to kings, princes, presidents and Athenians alike. It has been ranked among the top 100 European hotels.
Grande Bretagne Hotel has been representing the essence of hospitality in Greece for more than 134 years. This hotel was the host too the world sports occasion of the Olympic games that took place in the country of its origin in 2004. For all guests the Hotel offers a special treat with the impressive spa area, designed to relax and refresh body and spirit.
Hotels in Athens provide spectacular view to Acropolis and its beautiful sites. If you feel to stay near the sea and the coast, then Mykonos would be the place to go. When in Mykonos, you can experience a luxurious vacation by staying in the Cavo Tagoo hotel. This hotel is built on a Cliffside and located only a few meters away from the town center.
Another unique resort in Mykonos, would be the Kivotos Club Hotel. It has been built respecting the environment and traditions of the Mykonos and is located in the magnificent Bay of Omos. They have five swimming pools, a private beach with water sports facilities, perfectly equipped fitness and health club, squash court and a play room.
The Myconoian Ambassador Hotel and Myconian Imperial hotel are some of the wonderful and romantic jet-set destinations in the world. It has private beaches and their rooms have balconies providing spectacular and romantic view of he ocean.
The oldest and most simple form of residence in the Aegean is called cave houses. They are traditional buildings which are found inside the rocks with a domelike roof, narrow façade, and narrow but long spaces inside. Santorini, another beautiful place in Greece is known for its cave houses and people from all over the world.
Cave houses have been transformed into hotel rooms, and a lot of tourists have been visiting Santorini to stay in these famous cave houses. According to the tradition, the cave houses were created by ship crews in order to survive and have a place of residence inside them despite the steepness of the cliff. Some others say that some cave houses were also used as stables for mules and other animals.
Cave houses re divided into two parts. The front part which is the kitchen and living room. The second part is the bedroom which is at the back. The two areas are separated by a wall with openings to let the air and light to enter the back of the cave. Another certain technique that the Santorinian people still use today in house building is applying mud on the walls along with some small part of red rocks that are added for the reinforcement of the mixture.
Your choice of accommodations and places to stay during your Greece vacation will make everything worthwhile and picture perfect.
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You Can Enjoy a Greece Vacation by Sea
There are numerous islands to visit when you decide to have a Greece vacation. You won’t be able to see all of them by land so to get from one island to the next you have to get there by sea.
Greece has more than 2,000 islands and islets. Only 169 of them are inhabited. Some of the best places include the Cyclades, the Dodecanese, Ionian Water, the Sporades and the Northern Greece area. You can visit these by joining a tour company or hiring an independent charter.
But when you go on a sailing vacation, which is to better to get a yacht or a boat? You might think that the two are the same but they are not. The yacht is much bigger and it has cabins so you can eat, take a shower and get some rest. Boats are smaller so you can’t spend the night here and you have to head back towards port.
If you plan to have an extended stay on board, by all means rent a yacht. These are available in various sizes and most of these can even accommodate even a large sized family. You can easily book one by booking for it online and getting referred to one by your travel agent.
But how much will a yacht cost so you can have a Greece vacation by the sea? The price varies and this is calculated based on the distance and the fuel consumption of the engine.
On average the price for two days is about 45 euro per booking to cover the yacht damage waiver, cleaning and fuel. For a double cabin, you pay 1680 per person while a singles supplement is about 2100 euro. The singles supplement is different from a single cabin since it is smaller so it will only cost you 1100 euro. Lastly, a double cabin is about 1375 euro.
If money is no object, you can get a super luxury yacht that comes with its own crew. The price is about eight to ten thousand euro a day which is equivalent to how much you will be paying if you are staying in one of the super luxury resorts.
So why book for a hotel on the island when most of the time, you will be visiting the various attractions in the other islands? Perhaps it will be better to stay on the boat if the prices are not that far apart so while you are resting, the yacht is able to move to the next island.
This just means that you can enjoy a Greece vacation by the sea. All you have to do is charter a yacht for a week or for as long as a month. In fact the local tourism industry is now doing a lot to promote this kind of leisure activity. It’s a great experience which you don’t do often when in most countries, you travel from one destination to another riding a car or a bus.
The Greek islands are a sight to behold given that there are hundreds of these spread out along the Mediterranean. You will surely get your money’s worth when you decide to spend a Greece vacation because there is no other place on earth that will ever come close to what you see here.
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Greece has more than 2,000 islands and islets. Only 169 of them are inhabited. Some of the best places include the Cyclades, the Dodecanese, Ionian Water, the Sporades and the Northern Greece area. You can visit these by joining a tour company or hiring an independent charter.
But when you go on a sailing vacation, which is to better to get a yacht or a boat? You might think that the two are the same but they are not. The yacht is much bigger and it has cabins so you can eat, take a shower and get some rest. Boats are smaller so you can’t spend the night here and you have to head back towards port.
If you plan to have an extended stay on board, by all means rent a yacht. These are available in various sizes and most of these can even accommodate even a large sized family. You can easily book one by booking for it online and getting referred to one by your travel agent.
But how much will a yacht cost so you can have a Greece vacation by the sea? The price varies and this is calculated based on the distance and the fuel consumption of the engine.
On average the price for two days is about 45 euro per booking to cover the yacht damage waiver, cleaning and fuel. For a double cabin, you pay 1680 per person while a singles supplement is about 2100 euro. The singles supplement is different from a single cabin since it is smaller so it will only cost you 1100 euro. Lastly, a double cabin is about 1375 euro.
If money is no object, you can get a super luxury yacht that comes with its own crew. The price is about eight to ten thousand euro a day which is equivalent to how much you will be paying if you are staying in one of the super luxury resorts.
So why book for a hotel on the island when most of the time, you will be visiting the various attractions in the other islands? Perhaps it will be better to stay on the boat if the prices are not that far apart so while you are resting, the yacht is able to move to the next island.
This just means that you can enjoy a Greece vacation by the sea. All you have to do is charter a yacht for a week or for as long as a month. In fact the local tourism industry is now doing a lot to promote this kind of leisure activity. It’s a great experience which you don’t do often when in most countries, you travel from one destination to another riding a car or a bus.
The Greek islands are a sight to behold given that there are hundreds of these spread out along the Mediterranean. You will surely get your money’s worth when you decide to spend a Greece vacation because there is no other place on earth that will ever come close to what you see here.
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Activities on your Greece Vacation
Greece is a wonderful and fascinating city. Before, it is home to three of the great wonders of the world and though they are now just ruins, the spirit and the culture of this great civilization still emanates. This is perhaps why a vacation in Greece is one of the most dreamed about trip. A lot of people want to visit and see for themselves the structures that have played a part in history.
But beyond the sight seeing, people can also do a lot of things in Greece. Here are some of the things that you can do while on vacation.
1. Shop
The girls will surely love this part. There are a lot of items that are uniquely found in Greece. Tourists will also love replicas of the famous structures. There are places that you go to, to look for bargains. Greece is known for their bazaars and markets where you can get great deals. Here you can find things that you can bring to your loved ones at home and at very affordable prices.
2. Tour the countryside
The city is no the only place where you can have a great time. In fact, exploring the countryside will afford you with more of the ambiance of Greece. Remember that the country is actually not citified. Most of the places that are really enjoyable to go to will be the ones that most people have not gone to. Besides, would it not be great to be able to tell your adventure in areas where people have not been to. That way, you will have a different story to tell.
One downside in doing this is getting lost. If you prefer to go gallivanting on your own, make sure that you have with you a local who can help you to get there. If you are not familiar with the place yet or if you do not have a local who can help you, then it Is better to stick to the tours. At least, you will be safer there.
3. Eat
Greece’s restaurants are great places to relax and just rest after touring the place. This is especially true if you have gone through so many sights during the day. Relaxing at a local café or a restaurant is a great way to cap your evening. You should also try their famous restaurants. For a list of the recommended restos in the area, check with the local tourism office or at your hotel concierge. You can also check the internet for any listings and for some recommendations from bloggers.
4. Bar-hopping
Greece may have been an ancient city but this does not mean that they don’t have modern haunts like bars where you can drink and dance the night away. Before going to any bars though, make sure that you have asked locals for the right direction and to also check if the area is okay for tourists. Remember that you are still new to the place and will need to go to places that are tourist-friendly. You can get information from your hotel concierge.
5. Walk
Walking is one way to enjoy the sights and the ambiance of the place. You can go early morning or really late at night when the weather is not as hot. Be careful though in going out late at night. Always ask if the area is safe.
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But beyond the sight seeing, people can also do a lot of things in Greece. Here are some of the things that you can do while on vacation.
1. Shop
The girls will surely love this part. There are a lot of items that are uniquely found in Greece. Tourists will also love replicas of the famous structures. There are places that you go to, to look for bargains. Greece is known for their bazaars and markets where you can get great deals. Here you can find things that you can bring to your loved ones at home and at very affordable prices.
2. Tour the countryside
The city is no the only place where you can have a great time. In fact, exploring the countryside will afford you with more of the ambiance of Greece. Remember that the country is actually not citified. Most of the places that are really enjoyable to go to will be the ones that most people have not gone to. Besides, would it not be great to be able to tell your adventure in areas where people have not been to. That way, you will have a different story to tell.
One downside in doing this is getting lost. If you prefer to go gallivanting on your own, make sure that you have with you a local who can help you to get there. If you are not familiar with the place yet or if you do not have a local who can help you, then it Is better to stick to the tours. At least, you will be safer there.
3. Eat
Greece’s restaurants are great places to relax and just rest after touring the place. This is especially true if you have gone through so many sights during the day. Relaxing at a local café or a restaurant is a great way to cap your evening. You should also try their famous restaurants. For a list of the recommended restos in the area, check with the local tourism office or at your hotel concierge. You can also check the internet for any listings and for some recommendations from bloggers.
4. Bar-hopping
Greece may have been an ancient city but this does not mean that they don’t have modern haunts like bars where you can drink and dance the night away. Before going to any bars though, make sure that you have asked locals for the right direction and to also check if the area is okay for tourists. Remember that you are still new to the place and will need to go to places that are tourist-friendly. You can get information from your hotel concierge.
5. Walk
Walking is one way to enjoy the sights and the ambiance of the place. You can go early morning or really late at night when the weather is not as hot. Be careful though in going out late at night. Always ask if the area is safe.
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Thursday, February 23, 2012
Greece Vacation Tips
Going on a Greece vacation can be a fun and exciting experience. But tourists should be expecting something different in terms of stepping into a foreign country. In terms of culture, customs and other aspects, Greece has an entirely unique experience to offer. Here are some of the important things that tourists should know about and expect when traveling to Greece.
Country Profile
Greece is a country located in Southern Europe and shares its borders with Albania, Macedonia, Bulgaria and Turkey. Its coastlines and islands stretch from the Aegean, Ionian and the Mediterranean Seas. Greece has been part of the European Union since 1992. The country runs under a parliamentary system of government. Greece is considered as a popular tourist destination in Europe. It welcomes over 15 million tourists each year.
Travel Requirements
Because Greece is a member of the European Union, citizens of other EU member countries may freely enter with their national ID card in tow. For those tourists who belong to non-EU countries, a visa and passport is required. But there are selected countries such as Argentina, Australia, Canada, Chile, Croatia, Hong Kong, Israel, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, and the United States that are provided by a 90-day visa-free stay in the country.
Greece is also a signatory to the Schengen agreement along with Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Iceland, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, and Sweden. Traveling between Schengen countries by a non-Schengen citizen may be able to do so by getting only a single visa from any of the member countries. This may be used for multiple entries on other Schengen member countries.
Language
Greek is the country's official language and mother tongue. It is being spoken by the vast majority of the population. But English is also a widely spoken language in many parts of the country. And since tourism has become an important industry in Greece many of its destinations already have an increasing number of personnel that can speak and understand English well. Communication with most Greeks does not usually pose a problem for many tourists who visit the country.
Currency
The official currency in Greece is the Euro, having replaced the local drachma since January of 2002. Foreign exchanges are also now common in most major cities and other dense tourist areas in Greece. Most banks in the country also offer currency exchanges for tourists. When exchanging currency, it is important to note of getting only notes below 50 Euros. Most Greek businesses are usually reluctant to receive notes larger than 50 Euros, mainly because of a scarcity of change as well as the risk of larger notes being fakes.
Cuisine
Greek cuisine is an interesting blend of traditional as well as foreign influences. A major part of Greek cuisine is influenced by neighboring Turkey. It is common for both countries to have shared dishes. The traditional Greek diet is predominantly Mediterranean which makes heavy use of vegetables, herbs and grains native to the area. And because Greece is largely a maritime country, seafood is an important part of the country's cuisine.
Other important Greek dishes also make use of pork, lamb, beef and chicken as primary ingredients. Olive oil is also a major staple in Greek cuisine and largely used for many of its most popular dishes. Other common ingredients also include the use of lemon and tomato paste. Bread as well as wine is also a common fixture on every Greek dining table
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Country Profile
Greece is a country located in Southern Europe and shares its borders with Albania, Macedonia, Bulgaria and Turkey. Its coastlines and islands stretch from the Aegean, Ionian and the Mediterranean Seas. Greece has been part of the European Union since 1992. The country runs under a parliamentary system of government. Greece is considered as a popular tourist destination in Europe. It welcomes over 15 million tourists each year.
Travel Requirements
Because Greece is a member of the European Union, citizens of other EU member countries may freely enter with their national ID card in tow. For those tourists who belong to non-EU countries, a visa and passport is required. But there are selected countries such as Argentina, Australia, Canada, Chile, Croatia, Hong Kong, Israel, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, and the United States that are provided by a 90-day visa-free stay in the country.
Greece is also a signatory to the Schengen agreement along with Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Iceland, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, and Sweden. Traveling between Schengen countries by a non-Schengen citizen may be able to do so by getting only a single visa from any of the member countries. This may be used for multiple entries on other Schengen member countries.
Language
Greek is the country's official language and mother tongue. It is being spoken by the vast majority of the population. But English is also a widely spoken language in many parts of the country. And since tourism has become an important industry in Greece many of its destinations already have an increasing number of personnel that can speak and understand English well. Communication with most Greeks does not usually pose a problem for many tourists who visit the country.
Currency
The official currency in Greece is the Euro, having replaced the local drachma since January of 2002. Foreign exchanges are also now common in most major cities and other dense tourist areas in Greece. Most banks in the country also offer currency exchanges for tourists. When exchanging currency, it is important to note of getting only notes below 50 Euros. Most Greek businesses are usually reluctant to receive notes larger than 50 Euros, mainly because of a scarcity of change as well as the risk of larger notes being fakes.
Cuisine
Greek cuisine is an interesting blend of traditional as well as foreign influences. A major part of Greek cuisine is influenced by neighboring Turkey. It is common for both countries to have shared dishes. The traditional Greek diet is predominantly Mediterranean which makes heavy use of vegetables, herbs and grains native to the area. And because Greece is largely a maritime country, seafood is an important part of the country's cuisine.
Other important Greek dishes also make use of pork, lamb, beef and chicken as primary ingredients. Olive oil is also a major staple in Greek cuisine and largely used for many of its most popular dishes. Other common ingredients also include the use of lemon and tomato paste. Bread as well as wine is also a common fixture on every Greek dining table
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What to Do During Your Greece Vacation
There are a lot of things to do when you decide to go on a Greek vacation. To give you an idea, here are a few things you should not miss.
If you happen to be in the country during the months of June to September, check out the Hellenic Festival. Visitors and locals alike will be able to enjoy the live performances held at the second century AD Odeion of Herodes in Athens or at the fourth century BC amphitheatre in Epidaurus.
When you need to relax and unwind, there are a number of white sanded beaches to visit. These include the Lalaria on Skiathos. Plaka, Agios Georgios and Mikri Vigla on Naxos, Vassiliki on Lefkada, Kefalos on Kos, Kokkari on Samos, Ialisos on Rhodes and Chrisi Akti (Golden Beach) on Paros.
From there, you can rent a boat and go island hopping by going with a tour group or hiring an independent company. Other water activities you can do include canoeing, kayaking, rafting and windsurfing. If you don’t know how, you can always ask someone there to teach you.
If you want to go underwater, you can rent some dive gear on the Attica coast, Corfu, Kalamata, Kalymnos, Mykonos, Paros, Preveza, Rhodes, Skiathos and Zakynthos.
One place you should not miss is Mount Olympus which many believed was once the home of the Gods. Another place you can visit is Mount Pasnassos near Delphi. If you still want to do some walking, try the Samaria Gorge on Crete, or the Vikos Gorge in Epirus.
But before you go there, visit something closer like the Parthenon and the Acropolis. Although these are nothing but a bunch of ruins, centuries ago the Parthenon was believed to be the home of the Greek god Athena while the Acropolis is simply a hill overlooking the city.
If you are into spelunking, Greece has over 6,000 caves and a majority of these are found in the island of Crete. While here, you can visit one of two show caves and see these places that are filled with stalagmites and stalactites.
Believe it or not, Greece has its share of ski resorts. You can find these at the Parnassos Ski Centre on Mount Parnassos, Helmos on the Peleponnese, or Vermion in Macedonia.
Greece has 11 wetlands where more than 190 species of birds live that include eagles, herons, pelicans and storks. Two of the best are Nestos Delta in Thrace and the Prespa Lakes in Macedonia.
After a long day of hiking and engaging in water activities, you can relax and enjoy one of the many springs. You can also unwind in the various spas and hydrotherapy centers that will surely satisfy your desires.
To end the evening, have a sip of wine from one of the vineyards. If you like it, you can buy a bottle and bring it home. You just have to make a reservation one day in advance.
Greece is one of the oldest civilizations in the world and you can visit this place any time of the year. With so many activities and places to see, you will surely want to go back here and see the other attractions which you were not able to go to during your previous visit.
There are affordable Greece vacation packages for just about anyone so before you go there, make sure you book your flight and your hotel with the help of your travel agent.
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If you happen to be in the country during the months of June to September, check out the Hellenic Festival. Visitors and locals alike will be able to enjoy the live performances held at the second century AD Odeion of Herodes in Athens or at the fourth century BC amphitheatre in Epidaurus.
When you need to relax and unwind, there are a number of white sanded beaches to visit. These include the Lalaria on Skiathos. Plaka, Agios Georgios and Mikri Vigla on Naxos, Vassiliki on Lefkada, Kefalos on Kos, Kokkari on Samos, Ialisos on Rhodes and Chrisi Akti (Golden Beach) on Paros.
From there, you can rent a boat and go island hopping by going with a tour group or hiring an independent company. Other water activities you can do include canoeing, kayaking, rafting and windsurfing. If you don’t know how, you can always ask someone there to teach you.
If you want to go underwater, you can rent some dive gear on the Attica coast, Corfu, Kalamata, Kalymnos, Mykonos, Paros, Preveza, Rhodes, Skiathos and Zakynthos.
One place you should not miss is Mount Olympus which many believed was once the home of the Gods. Another place you can visit is Mount Pasnassos near Delphi. If you still want to do some walking, try the Samaria Gorge on Crete, or the Vikos Gorge in Epirus.
But before you go there, visit something closer like the Parthenon and the Acropolis. Although these are nothing but a bunch of ruins, centuries ago the Parthenon was believed to be the home of the Greek god Athena while the Acropolis is simply a hill overlooking the city.
If you are into spelunking, Greece has over 6,000 caves and a majority of these are found in the island of Crete. While here, you can visit one of two show caves and see these places that are filled with stalagmites and stalactites.
Believe it or not, Greece has its share of ski resorts. You can find these at the Parnassos Ski Centre on Mount Parnassos, Helmos on the Peleponnese, or Vermion in Macedonia.
Greece has 11 wetlands where more than 190 species of birds live that include eagles, herons, pelicans and storks. Two of the best are Nestos Delta in Thrace and the Prespa Lakes in Macedonia.
After a long day of hiking and engaging in water activities, you can relax and enjoy one of the many springs. You can also unwind in the various spas and hydrotherapy centers that will surely satisfy your desires.
To end the evening, have a sip of wine from one of the vineyards. If you like it, you can buy a bottle and bring it home. You just have to make a reservation one day in advance.
Greece is one of the oldest civilizations in the world and you can visit this place any time of the year. With so many activities and places to see, you will surely want to go back here and see the other attractions which you were not able to go to during your previous visit.
There are affordable Greece vacation packages for just about anyone so before you go there, make sure you book your flight and your hotel with the help of your travel agent.
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