Travel to Greece..

Traveling to any new country away from one’s homeland for a vacation is exciting and filled with fun and when the destination country is such as Greece the excitement and joy attached with it are limitless. Traveling throughout Greece has been a hot favorite amongst both the historians and modern day vacationers. Many of the cities in Greece like Athens, Crete, Macedonia and other Islands of Greece hardly need any introduction. They are the most famous cities of ancient times and offer limitless opportunities for a present day traveler.

The geographical location of many cities in Greece favor wide spread physical structures in those regions. People can find both mountains and seacoasts along side the main city region. This creates an exotic view for any traveler that they would long cherish even after their vacations. A trip to any city in Greece would prove the richness of ancient culture and architecture in this country. A walk around any city would reveal the magnificent historical remains and the museums throughout Greece carry the stories of rich cultural past.

Names such as those of Aristotle, Plato, Socrates and many more all have their roots in the city of Athens in Greece. One of the most popular places in Greece is Athens which is a must visit region for any traveler here. It offers numerous options for sight seeing, visiting the most world famous museums and also a great shopping spree. Being a center for tourist visit the area also has various choices of hotels and eateries. All provide excellent services and things as suited to individual requirements.

Greece presents an amazing mix of ancient and modern culture. The archeological sites and latest modern structures all co-exist on the streets of Greece. Also there are immense food options available here. The recipes are mouthwatering and the delicacies served are an excellent blend of traditional food adapted to the modern eating habits. Restaurants in Greece are world famous for providing fabulous traditional dishes and hence it is also a paradise for food lovers.

Numerous islands here are a perfect place for water enthusiasts and the hotels offering rooms with an ocean view only make the place more attractive. Most places in Greece require some movement on foot to enjoy the best experience in these islands. The streets are narrow and vehicular traffic could cause congestion at those places hence vehicles are best avoided. Also an added attraction of the region is the lively nightlife that spreads through the entire region. Nightlife here is rampant and high in sprits offering another option for fun loving people.

As if the ancient views, exotic eateries and other reasons were not enough, being a home to many of the mountains and water bodies Greece also offers numerous facilities for water games and mountain hikes. Sea beaches along the islands are perfect time pass for visitors who can spend the day strolling through the fantastic views of the seashore. Rowing, rafting and boating are also common in this area. Hiking on mountains is an adventurous activity possible in Greece. Whatever be the taste of any traveler Greece has a reason for everyone to visit the country.

Mansi aggarwal writes about travel to Greece. Learn more at http://www.greciantraveler.com

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Greek Island Vacations..

Visiting the islands of the Cyclades is an experience you'll never forget. No matter what you're looking for in a vacation, you'll find it in one of these amazing islands!

Touring the Dodecanese Islands of Greece

In the southeasternmost parts of the Greek islands, the Dodecanese islands offer much in the way of tourism. From fancy restaurants to luxurious resorts, tourists find plenty to do at some of these islands. There are also some great beaches. A few of the Dodecanese islands are near Turkey; only a day-trip away!

Read below to learn about the different Dodecanese islands and what to expect during your visit:

Astypalia

Astypalia is actually two islands that are connected by an isthmus, with most of its visitors being Greeks. It resembles islands from the Cyclades more than it does the other Dodecanese islands because of its geometric houses, villages and a Venetian castle. There are some lovely beach coves. The island makes a great getaway if it's peace and quiet you want.

Halki

The small island of Halki fits well into tourists packages as a place known for unspoiled territory. It's difficult to find a hotel room, so you'll want to plan in advance if you plan to stay.

Kalymnos

Kalymnos is where the spongefishermen go, and is a busy, working town. Its main port is called Pothia, which has many cafes and even a sponge museum. Resort beaches and other small towns and ports are around the island so you'll have plenty to see and do during your visit. Several boats leave Pothia to visit neighboring islands such as Pserimos and Nera. From the town of Myrties, you can travel to Telendos by boat. Telendos offers taverns, beaches and rental rooms.

Karpathos

Karpathos is a traditional island with mountain villages and beautiful beaches. There is a line of mountains that separates the island down the middle, with one side of the island being green and fertile and the other side being rocky. There are some hotels and restaurants in the port town of Pigadia, the capital. Tourism is steady here, but it's not over-crowded. The Olympus mountain village is a secluded village where Medieval crafts are made and customs are carried out. The island has an airport, and ferries that depart from Pireaus, and some that go to Crete, Santorini, Rhodes, Milos, Naxos, Paros, Kassos and Halki.

Kassos

If you enjoy walking, you'll love the island of Kassos. You'll be able to walk from village to village, enjoying the traditional Greek lifestyle in a quiet setting. Phry is the main village on the island. There are some beaches and two monasteries. Only two ferry boats come here per week usually, but the island has an airport with flights to Karpathos, Athens and Rhodes.

Kastellorizo

Kastellorizo is a very small island that's famous for the film Mediterraneo. Another name for the island is Megisti. It has no beaches, but does have adorable rocky coves where tourists enjoy snorkeling. There are many historic features of the island, especially the fact that it was bombed severely during World War II. Many different types of people have lived here. The island offers ferry connections to Kos, Kalymnos, Rhodes, Tilos and Symi, and also has an airport.

Kos

Kos is an island with beaches, agriculture and archaeology. While on the island, you can explore items from the past at Venetian, Roman, Byzantine and Hellenistic sites. If you enjoy riding your bike to explore, you can ride through the flat interior section of the island very easily. The island connects to other larger islands and also Bodrun in Turkey. There are flights to Athens as well.

Leros

Leros is a lovely green island with breathtaking beaches and bays. Those on sailing trips to and from Turkey and other nearby islands enjoy stopping by Leros. Laki is the main port of Leros. Here you can see a detailed example of art deco architecture. This port was designed by Mussilini's architects in 1923. The capital was then moved to another village called Platanos in defiance to the dictator. Leros has an airport that will take you to Athens, and boats coming from Pireaus to other islands of the Dodekanese group.

Nisyros

Nisyros is a dormant volcano with rich fertile lands. A main port in Nisyros is Mandraki, where there is an ancient acropolis, a beach with black stones and a monastery. Loutra offers a thermal spa. Many tourists enjoy seeing the volcano and visiting the villages of Emboreios and Nikea. From these villages is a great view of the caldera. Walking is a great way to see the island's landscapes and volcano. Ferry boats can take you from the island to Kalymnos, Rhodes, Tilos, Kos, Kastellorizo and Symi.

Patmos

The "Isle of Patmos" is known for the famous writings of Saint John the Divine, who wrote the book of Revelations in the Greek New Testament of the Holy Bible. He was exiled to this island after attempts on his life failed. Cruise ships often stop here, and the island has beaches and a beautiful landscape. Skala is the main town, which caters to cruise ship travellers. You can visit the monastery of Saint John above Skala, and the Monastery of the Apocalypse that was built around the cave where Saint John had his vision of end times. There are connections by ferry to Kos, Rhodes, Leros and Kalymnos, and a small boat to the island of Lipsi.

Rhodes

Rhodes is the most popular island in the Dodecanese group, and one of the most popular in Greece. The town of Rhodes has an ancient section with historical sites from Medieval times. There's a walled city and a castle that was built by the Knights of Saint John. The island has fancy resorts, mountains, beaches and villages to keep you busy. The Valley of the Butterflies is a great place to visit while sightseeing on the island. Be sure to rent a car when you arrive so you'll be able to tour the remote areas of the island. You can take ferry boat rides to nearby islands such as Tilos and Symi.

Symi

This island has pebbled beaches, restaurants and an inviting town. Among the island's residents are many photographers, writers and astrologers in a co-operative called Symidream. They offer classes in photography, writing and other unique subjects. Connections are made by ferry boat several times a week to Kos, Kastellorizo, Tilos and Rhodes.

Tilos

If you enjoy walking as you explore a new area, Tilos is the place to go. There are deserted villages, a monastery, landscapes, a Medieval castle and also beaches that are not usually very crowded. Livadia offers many places to stay, and many tourists enjoy camping on the beach as well. You can see many different types of birds on the island since hunting was banned 16 years ago. You might even see some endangered birds! Ferry boat connections are made to Kos, Rhodes, Kalymnos and Kastellorizo.

When in Greece, be sure to visit one or several of the Dodecanese islands if you enjoy history, nature and pleasant scenery!

While in Greece you will want a cell phone for use and with the local GSM service you'll be amazed at how much better the service is in Greece than back home. Virtually everywhere in Greece, yes even islands and mountains, is covered by superb GSM cell phone service. With a local service provider all your incoming calls are 100% free and calling the states is just $.84 / minute. Or, to be 100% sure, you can rent a satellite phone and as long as you can point it to the southern hemisphere you'll get service across Europe. Free incoming calls day and night from every country on earth and only $1.99 to call any country, always. For more information on renting/buying these type of phones and getting this type of super low cost service take a look at http://www.planetomni.com or call 800-514-2984 inside the States or 925-686-9945 from outside. They ship worldwide and are based in California.

Cell phone use overseas. In 99% of the world the local cellular service standard is called GSM. We use this in the states as well. When combined with a SIM CARD (which usually goes under the battery of the phone) the phone is able to communicate and the SIM CARD also holds the telephone number and memory for pre-paid credit. Rates can be extremely low using this system. For example in 99% of all SIM CARDS incoming calls are free and calls to the states can cost a trifle. Such as, from the UK to the USA 7 cents/minute, from Israel 22 cents, from Australia 27 cents. Yes, USA Dollar cents! There are today even prepaid service providers in the USA offering rates of 10 cents per minute to call anywhere in the US to any type of phone. No contracts, no credit card checks, no bills. Pre-paid always means no minimums no contracts, no obligations. You only pay for the calls made. You'll need an unlocked GSM tri-band or quadband UNLOCKED phone. You can buy factory unlocked phones and sim cards for more than 170 or the 193 countries on earth from http://www.planetomni.com Tel. #800-514-2984

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_Dulaney

Greece Flights..

Athens, the capital of Greece is well connected to major international cities. The International Airport of Athens’, Eleftherios Venizelos, was inaugurated in March 2001 and was built to cater to the needs of a modern world. It is located 23 miles northeast of the city. It has 157 check-in counters and two runways that are 2.5 miles each. The airport can accommodate close to 600 flights a day. It has conference facilities, a post office, a hotel, courier service, banks, currency exchanges, ATMs and many stores and restaurants.

There are 5 international airports in Greece. They are situated in the major cities of the country namely, Athens, Corfu (Ionian), Heraklio (in Crete), Kos (Dodecanese) and Thesaloniki (near the region of Halkidiki). Some Greek islands are not directly accessible by flights. The best way to travel to these Islands is by organizing for a cab transfer from the Athens airport. The airfares to Greece between June and September and during holidays are comparatively more expensive. The weekend flights are also expensive. Of recent, many charter flights have begun operating to and from Greece. Most charter flights operate during summer.

Olympic Airways is the national airline of Greece. It operates daily flights from New York City and Boston to Athens. The approximate flight time from Athens to Los Angeles is 15 hours and from Athens to New York, 13 hours; Most European airlines connect North American cities with Greece via major European cities. Direct flights also operate from major European cities to Macedonia International Airport in Thesaloniki, Northern Greece, as well as to Corfu (Kerkira), Grete and Rhodes.

American and Canadian citizens entering Greece for a period of less than 3 months require a valid passport. There is no need to get a visa, though. Passport and visa requirements vary for tourists of different nationalities, and should be checked well in advance of the trip.

Greece provides detailed information on Greece, Ancient Greece, Greece Flights, Greece Hotels and more. Greece is affiliated with Zuid Holland.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Steve_Valentino

Greece Hotels - Select Your Hotel Wisely!

Greece is one of the most Popular Tourist destinations in Europe, and attracts a wide range of Tourists from all over the World. Greece Hotels are very pleasant to stay, offering the Olden Hospitality combined with the modern comfort. Greece Hotels offer a wide variety of accommodations for all ranges of the Tourists.

Athens is the most attractive place on the Central Greece and has the best Hotel accommodation for the Tourist. It is always better to stay around Plaka and it is a centrally located Area nearer to the Acropolis.

Hotels in Athens come in several Categories ranging from the 5 Star hotels to other Categories from A to C depending upon various factors with respect to each Hotel. Hotels are classified as per the facilities they have and the 5 Star happens to be the most luxurious. Next category is the A Category Hotels that come under the 4 Star Category and the B Group Hotels that come under 3 Star Hotels. The category of the Hotels in Greece is classified based on various factors like size of the Lobby, breakfast Room, Room size etc.

The pricing for the Hotels depend on the Category of the Hotel and you can find that the Hotels that come under the Class B offers more comfort at lower Prices. One peculiar thing among the categories in Hotels in the Greek Islands are that sometimes we can find a C category Hotel better than Hotels that are classified as Hotels in Category A. So beware of the Categories of the Hotels and don’t let yourself get carried over by them.

Always try to see the quality of the Hotel if you personally go to book the Hotel, and immaterial of the Category and classification of the Hotels what you want is a Hotel environment that is clean, friendly and located in a good locality with more facilities at reasonable Prices.

While booking the Hotels you can either do it directly or through the Travel Agents. But you can prefer your Travel Agent as there is no benefit for your direct booking in Greece Hotel Industry. The advantages being that the entire process of booking confirming etc will be taken care of by the Agent and you will be free from speaking with a Greek speaking Hotel Staff and other connected concerns and you can save a lot on International Long distance phone charges also.

It is always better to book in advance otherwise you may have to depend on the Taxi Driver from the Airport who will take you to some unknown dump for the sake of his commission.

John Gibb is the owner of Greek Hotel resources , For more information on Greek Hotels check out www.Greece-Hotels-resources.info

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Greece Vacations!!

'A vacation is having nothing to do and all day to do it in.' - Robert Orben

People are often fascinated by the past, by all the things that went in to making up their present. History is supposed to be the great teacher. It very often teaches people to live their lives in awe of the ancestors that helped humanity reach where the present. No place does the past come alive and speak as well as it does in Greece. Even today, people are haunted by the monuments built by hands long dead.

Vacations on the Greek islands have two aspects - the archeological significance of the area and its Mediterranean beauty. No Greek vacation can be complete without experiencing both of these things. The historical sites of Greece are aplenty, generously spread over the islands. A few of them are nothing more than ruins along the sides of roads and few people consider stopping to admire them. Others are sites of world heritage and have throngs of visitors passing through the corridors most of the hours. Among them are the ruins of Dodona, where some say Greek civilization began. Dodona is situated in a lush green valley and is the site of a temple and oracle. It has been used for divining and worship of the Earth goddess for over five thousand years. Another such spot is Delphi, a dainty little village where lies the famous Delphi Oracle. The Oracle is the spot where empires were created and destroyed with the help of prophesies made by hoodwinking priestesses.

The island of Crete bears the remains of the Minoan culture, complete with the legends of the Minotaur and the mazes of Knossos. On the Peloponnesian Plains lies the Fortress of Mycenae and its mysterious grave circles where many visitors claim to see things and feel the very presence of evil. Theatre was invented by the ancient Greeks and many of the old amphitheatres can still be seen at Delos, Caveirion, and Pieraeus. All these wonderful remnants of the past and many, many more make a Greek vacation truly special. Almost every travel agency and tour operator organizes Greece vacations. Not only that, they also make certain that visitors can make the most of their vacation by indulging in some great sightseeing, eating delectable Greek cuisine and unwinding on the sunny Mediterranean shores.

Greece provides detailed information on Greece, Ancient Greece, Greece Flights, Greece Hotels and more. Greece is affiliated with Zuid Holland.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Steve_Valentino

European Cruises - What You Should Know..

If you have a hankering towards European cruises, then you should need to know certain things so that you can maximize the satisfaction you get from the cruise.

European Cruise Tip #1 – When is the Best Time to Cruise?

The peak season for European cruise is from April to end of October. Shoulder season last from April to first two weeks of May and last two months of the calendar year – Nov and Dec. August is a popular month for holiday makers. Expect the beaches to be packed and resorts fully booked if when you go at this time of the year.

European Cruise Tip #2 – Can I have The Weather Report?

The hot months in Europe are July and August. Temperature can varies according to the various port of calls you visit. Scandinavia region temperatures can hover from less than 15 Celsius to the low 20 Celsius. Paris, on the other hand, can have average temperatures that ranges from the mid 20 Celsius to rising to the high 30s Celsius.

European Cruise Tip #3 – Where Should I Go…or….Sail to?

Greek islands like the Rhodes, Mykonos are popular European cruises destinations spots. Others may prefer the French Riviera where they can visit small ports like St-Tropez. The British Isle is another not-to-be missed cruise itinerary spot with Norway & the Fords the cream of the topping.

European Cruise Tip #4 – How Long should I Cruise?

First-timer cruiser may want to opt for a shorter cruise to get a taste of a European cruise. The shortest cruises that we know to Europe are at least 3-4 days.

But if you do not mind longer cruises, there is the one week cruises packages as well. These ships have the time to bring you to exotic places in the Greek Islands inland waterways as well as the English Channel near to the British Isles.

For those seasoned cruise buffs, you may want to sign up for the 10-12 days packages where you get to travel all over Europe in your floating hotel.

Jerrick is a travel editor with http://www.cruise-ships-vacations-guide.com For more cruise ships reviews, tips and deals, visit his website today.

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Greek Hotels – Cyclades Island..

Greece is a land of ancient Civilizations and is a land of mythology. Greece happens to be one of the popular tourist destinations in Europe. Greece main land and the Greek Islands offer some of the best Tourist experiences in the World.

Greece is known for its hospitality and offers a variety of Hotels and accommodations for every type of the Visitor. Greece offers a wide selection of holiday accommodation, such as luxury Hotels, discount Hotels, apartments, and studios, rooms for rent, traditional houses, villas, bungalows and pensions throughout Greece.

The Cyclades Islands is a group of Islands situated in the deep blue Aegean Sea. The Cyclades Islands have an array of tourist infrastructure and provide guests with an inexhaustible number of hotel resorts, hotels, apartments, and studios, rooms for rent, suites, villas and traditional houses. Some of the best hotels in this part of Greece are as follows:

Grypos Hotel is a 3 star Hotel located in the town of Aegiali, Amorgos, just 1 km from the Aegiali Port, 25 km from the town and port of Katapola and 250 m from Aegiali Bay Beach. The hotel features a restaurant, a bar, a satellite TV lounge, a conference room, a night club, a parking area, a pool, a pool bar and a billiard and games area. All hotel rooms and suites are air-conditioned and include a mini bar, a phone, music and balcony or a veranda with an amazing sea view. The suites and superior rooms have a living room or a sitting area, a Jacuzzi, a stereo system, satellite TV and internet access.

Aegeialis Hotel is a B’ class hotel situated at the town of Aegiali, just 200 meters from the port of Amorgos and 250 meters from the beach. It features a bar, a TV lounge, a living room and parking space, while the rooms include a bath, a mini bar, a refrigerator, a kitchen with utensils, a TV, a phone, radio music. Several rooms are also air-conditioned and offer balconies or verandas with superb mountain or sea view.

Pagali Hotel

The Pagali Hotel is located in the mountain settlement of Langada, in northeast Amorgos, above the town and the port of Aegiali. It is an area of breathtaking natural beauty, with verdant hills and canyons and a marvelous view of the sea.

The hotel is a prototype agritourism unit and is comprised of spacious, traditionally styled rooms and apartments. The management of the hotel provides guests with modern facilities and organized services, making their stay on Amorgos Island absolutely unforgettable.

John Gibb is the owner of Greek Hotel resources
For more information on Greek Hotels check out http://www.Greece-Hotels-resources.info

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An afternoon in the Greek Islands..

Beautiful Thassos..

The beautiful Greek Island of Kefalonia!

Skopelos (Port)..

Skiathos(Koukounaries)..

Serifos..

Samos..

Lefkada (Porto Katsiki)..

Pilio (Beach)..

Patmos..

Paros..

Parga..

Paksoi Island..

Lesvos (Mytilini)..

Amazing Kefallonia (Myrtos)..

Mykonos..

Limnos..

Kefallonia (Melissini)..

Kastellorizo..

Ios..

Zakinthos (Navagio)..

Zakinthos..

Santorini..

Santorini (Fyra)..

Skopelos..

Xania (Falassarna)..

Skopelos..

Santorini (Oia)..

Santorini (Oia)...