All Inclusive Holidays to Athens Greece
Culture and history |
The country is predominantly Christian, with 98% of the population identifying themselves as Greek Orthodox. If you’re visiting one of the many beautiful churches, avoid wearing shorts or sleeveless tops – it’s polite to cover up with longer sleeves and trousers or a skirt. A few courtesies will be appreciated – a simple ‘hello’ and ‘goodbye’ in Greek at shops, cafes or restaurants will go a long way. One thing to do: avoid making an ‘OK’ sign by touching your finger and thumb in a circle – this has a very different meaning in Greece! |
Things to do |
Relax on some of Europe's best beaches and savour delicious local cuisine on one of our all-inclusive holidays to Greece. Choose from top hotels on the sparkling island of Rhodes or in sun-drenched Halkidiki on the Kassandra Peninsula. We also have a selection of luxury 5-star hotels to spoil yourself with too. Island hopping around Greece's Aegean or Ionian islands must be on every traveller's bucket list, and if you haven' ticked that one of yet, then one of our Greek island sailing tours or Mediterranean cruises could be for you. It goes without saying that history lovers are well looked after here, with special interest archaeological tours very much on the agenda. Peloponnese Peninsula This southern Greek Peninsula is home to a plethora of historical sites, from the ancient city of Corinth and the medieval fortress of Mistra to Olympia, the original site of the Olympic games. In the region's lush interior you will find the ultimate rural idyll of Arcadia, with its forested mountains and deep valleys. The beaches here are lovely and unspoiled and the largest city, Kalamata, has an olive named after it – this certainly bodes well for the cuisine! Cyclades Islands Also known as the Aegean Archipelago, the Cyclades Islands bask in the sun just south of mainland Greece and within easy reach of Athens. As such, they are well visited, with a good dash of cosmopolitan style mixed in with their island charm. Volcanic Santorini is the stuff of dreams, with sugar cube villages perched above a deep blue sea. Mykonos is the party isle, while beauty queens Paros and Naxos have been providing inspiration to artists for centuries. Athens and around Be careful not to trip over, because the capital city of Greece will have you staring open mouthed as you walk its history laden streets. The grandiose Acropolis topped off by the iconic Parthenon rises up above the city, while the excellent Archaeological Museum lets you in on all its secrets. Stop for a coffee in elegant Syntagma Square, browse the markets of Monastiraki shopping district or get a little lost in the labyrinthine streets of Plaka. The Ionian Islands Stretched along the west coast of mainland Greece, the idyllic Ionian Islands have been influenced by the cultures of both France and Italy. This can be seen in the architectural styles of Corfu and in the outstanding cuisine. The slightly cooler climate supports lush forests and olive groves, as well many delicious beaches on the islands of Kefallonia, Zakynthos, Ithaki and Lefkada. Crete This magical isle was the fabled birthplace of Zeus and is the largest of the Greek Islands. It’s also a popular holiday spot – and with good reason. Tours take visitors around the many archaeological sites of the Minoan civilisation, while the natural wonders of the Samaria Gorge National Park and the White Mountains bring many walkers to the region. The coast here is equally lovely, including the palm-fringed Vai Beach, as is the Venetian old city of Chania. Rhodes The largest of the Dodecanese Islands, geographically Rhodes sits closer to Turkey than to mainland Greece. The island is awash with ancient history, and escorted tours take in the archaeological sites of lovely Lindos and Kalithea. The medieval cobbled streets of Rhodes city are perfect for wandering, and the beaches of Faliraki, Ladiko and Kalathos beckon with their turquoise waters and fine white sand. |
Flight time |
London to Athens is around 3 hours 35 minutes. |
Currency |
Euro - The euro is the official currency in Greece. |
Passports and visas |
It’s a good idea to take a photocopy of your passport showing your passport number and photograph. Bring this with you on holiday but keep it in a different place from your passport just in case it gets lost or stolen. |
Phrases |
It’s all Greek to me… Please - Parakalo Yes - Ne No - Ochi Thank you - Efcharisto Good morning - Kalimera Good evening - Kalispera Good night - Kalinikta Goodbye - Adio |
Timezone |
Greece is two hours ahead of London. |
Electricity |
Mains voltage in Greece is 220 volts AC (50... |
