We can recommend the cheapest flights, and then use our extensive
experience and expertise to find the right accommodation for your needs,
whether you want a hotel or self-catering.
We can give you the peace of
mind of not having to worry about any part of your arrangements. We
can spare you the considerable time and effort
of making price comparisons, as we have already done this, comparing
hundreds of flights and hotels to arrive at those that offer the best
value. We can arrange resort transfers, or book a private taxi if you
prefer; we can arrange airport parking in the U.K. at discounted rates;
and we can arrange car hire in resort, again at the best possible price;
and the all-important Travel Insurance. All you have to do is pack your
cases.
GENERAL INFO
Population: 11000000
Time Zone: GMT+2hours
Driving side: Right Hand Side
Languages: Greek and English is widely spoken
Religion: Greek Orthodox
Emergency #: 100 – Police &
105 - Hospital TOP DESTINATIONS
Athens – Sprawling metropolis, but with visitor’s destinations
are fairly concentrated. From the ancient Acropolis perched majestically
on a hill overlooking the city to the cosmopolitan nightlife of the Plaka
and the vibrant shopping streets around Syntagma Square, the city is
alive, live it.
Meteora – On the mainland in the north, these extraordinary
monasteries built into huge needle like smooth rocks. The monks sought
a hiding place
from the Byzantine raids. They are reached by steps carved into the rocks
Crete – The
largest island in Greece and birthplace of the Minoans with a fascinating
history, good beaches and picturesque mountain hikes.
Many other islands to discover smaller stunning and beautiful. Try as
many as you possibly can.
CULTURE
With a history going back as far as man can remember, the Greeks are
justifiably proud of their heritage. Wherever one goes in this varied
nation one can feel it, smell it and see the proof of it in the numerous
Archaeological sites.
Greece of today is blessed with spectacular scenery
from the high plateaus to the thousands of beaches, great climate and
most of all friendly welcoming
people even though they are nearly outnumbered by visitors. The country
of “en daxe”(no problem) work hard and play hard. As it is
a patriarchal society you are more likely to encounter men.
Tavernas and
cafes are part of the culture as well as the evening stroll to the town
square to meet friends. Make an effort to learn the basics
of Greek and be rewarded handsomely.
 MOVING
AROUND
Ferry and Hydrofoil – The secret to doing what you want and when
is all in the planning, and as there are a myriad of islands so there are
lots of ferry routes and though they allow you to hop on and off, be careful
in the timing. Hydrofoils (flying dolphins) are expensive, but fast and
comfortable. Isn’t half the fun of going the getting there?
Bus and
train – Usually well organised and inexpensive are the buses;
the trains tend to be a bit slow and also cheap (Euro rail passes are valid
here)
Car and Bike hire – Moped hire is available in just about every
village and is a good option to get to that secluded nude beach or just
to discover the countryside. Most fair sized towns will have car hire and
the big companies are well represented.
NATIONAL FESTIVALS & HOLIDAYS
Greek Independence Day – March 25th marks the day that the Greeks
finally pulled away from those pesky Ottomans in 1821. Also on the same
day conveniently is The Feast of the Annunciation (when the angel Gabriel
told Mary that she will bear a child) only they know how they arrived at
that date!
Carnival – Three weeks of feasting and dancing before lent
kicks in from February 25th, with the islands of Petras and Kefalonia holding
particularly fun parties.
Easter Sunday – About April is the most
holy time in the Greek calendar, celebrating the risen Jesus the Greeks
enjoy this time with hefty meals,
dancing and doing lots of things with eggs, after church of course.
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