Greece

Greece has influenced many cultures and civilizations around the globe for centuries. Greece, which gave birth to philosophy, astronomy, democracy, mathematics and science was once known in the ancient times as the seat of learning. Today, the island is better regarded as popular Mediterranean travel destination, known for its beautiful beaches, charming villages and ancient ruins. The Greek islands are a wonderful place to explore by cruise or by sailboat, offering a variety of activities within its azure waters. Whether you want to snorkel in the clear blue waters, explore the ruins of Ancient legends, or quietly read a book in a shady taverna, a tour of the islands of Greece are sure to have the ingredients for a memorable vacation.

Greek Tours and Cruises We offer various tour packages to Greece. Travelers can choose from three common options: a full tour, a cruise trip or an island-hopping package; or a combination of all three. Most tour packages offered in a tour of Greece essentially provide the same deals (with a few adjustments provided by the tour handler). A typical tour of Greece, which usually covers a period of one week, includes a stay in Athens, coupled with Greece cruises to selected islands, and may also include a quick stop to Turkey. Some Greek tour packages are specifically defined for those who are traveling on a budget. Many Greece cruises are relatively inexpensive and provide a good choice for visiting many locations in a limited period of time. Longer itineraries would include visits to Delphi, Meteora or the Peloponnese. Resort packages vary with every tour provider. Airport transfers are usually provided in all of these tour packages. Also, all Greece tours provide hotel reservations and ferry ticket bookings. Luckily, even if these Greek tour packages are defined with specific schedules, many allow the traveler the time to do some independent exploring of the islands. Obviously, the convenience of booking one of these tour packages eliminates the hassle brought by missed connections, cancelled trips or mistaken hotel bookings. A necessity if you want a relaxed, hassle-free vacation

Other Travel Tips to Greece Greece?s ancient history is unsurpassed, especially as much of it remains intact and easily accessible to visitors. The Parthenon in Athens, for example, is like an obligatory destination, and is almost always a part of the typical Greece tour package. One must not leave the island without visiting the Parthenon in the Acropolis, one of highlights of Ancient Greece. Greece's long and sparkling coastlines offer many beaches, perfect for an exciting and memorable Greece cruise. Mention Greek island-hopping and images of the Mediterranean sun, the picturesque white-stone villages, and lively tavernas, come to mind. Elsewhere, festivals, music, shopping and vineyard visits form part of the allure of a Grecian holiday. In the winter, one can ski in the snow-covered mountains of Arahova, just off Delphi. At the same time, one can still enjoy the beaches because the winter season here is not as cold as the weather of northern America. Winter season in Greece begins in late October and ends by March. Greek tours during winters usually come with cheaper accommodation rates and airfare. There are also fewer tourist and crowds traveling at this time of the year. The winter season is also the best time to go mountain climbing, biking, trekking, touring archeological sites and bird-watching, compared to the hot summer months of July and August, when crowds and the heat take over. Groups or parties, like college students on their Spring Break, can avail of bigger discounts with a Greece tour or a Greece cruise package. As the island is also a popular wedding or honeymoon destination, there are all sorts of Greece cruise and wedding packages offered by travel agencies. The beaches of Greece are the best places to bring families who are traveling with their children. While children may not appreciate visits to many of these ancient ruins, one or two historical destinations would be an educational awakening for them. Dining at Greek restaurants with kids is not a problem, as many establishments here are kid-friendly. The busiest season to tour the islands of Greece is during mid-August. While the beaches during this season are full of tourists, the city of Athens is usually empty. When traveling to Greece at this time of the year, double check your hotel and ferry bookings to avoid any hitches. The Greeks also celebrate their version of Mardi Gras. Held every February, many villages and towns hold parties, dancing and festivities during the celebration of Apokreas and these go on all night. A special time to be in Greece would also be in Easter. Other than participating or witnessing traditional practices in commemoration of the season, the smell of roast lamb and wildflowers of spring, during this time of the year, create an enticing combination. Aside from the Parthenon in Athens, other famous places to see and experience in Greece include: The Olympia in Athens (the spot of the historic 2004 Olympic Games) Thessaloniki?s symbolic White Tower and the region's rich Byzantine culture The south of Corinth The beaches in Lesvos The wine vineyards in the countryside The islands around the Aegean Sea The wildlife preserve in Alonissos (Sporades Marine Park) The famous, Moni Panagia Chozoviotissa, a Byzantine monastery in Amorgos