Travel To Athens: A Gift From The Gods

By Frank Johnson

Travelers who expect to be greeted by lone standing relics of ancient Greece will be awestruck by the sprawling urban metropolis of today’s Athens. The capital city is an explorer’s paradise as historic gems are embedded within the modern day melee and cultural nuances of a turbulent past are written between the lines of concrete and the sparkling blue Aegean Sea. Everywhere in Athens is a testament to why this mythic peninsula is considered the cradle of Western civilization and modern democracy.

Of particular interest, Athens received a much needed facelift in preparation for the 2004 Olympics. Notorious for its nefos (smog) resulting from rapid growth and congestion following World War II and the Cold War, Athens realized the need to clean up its act when it became clear that historic monuments were eroding at an alarming rate due to acid rain from air pollution. Due to this Olympic makeover, it is extremely easy to navigate around the well marked streets in English and Greek and transportation has never been more streamlined.

Mythological Mythos

Ancient Greece reached its societal peak in the 1st century BC when magnificent monuments like the Parthenon and the Temple of Athena Nike were constructed on the fortified Acropolis and Socrates and Plato developed their Western thinking schools of thought. While most of the major attractions from the time period are in the center of the city, travel in the outskirts of Athens will bring encounters with many significant locations from this time period. Marathon, of the famous battle (and today’s 26.22 mile race), is just northeast of Athens and the ancient Mycenaean excavation site at Velatouri is to the south, boasting the unearthed Thorikos theatre. While the Grecian period is omnipresent, Greece has fascinating Turkish and Persian cultural influences as a result of many wars and takeovers until the collapse of the Ottoman Empire in the 20th century.

Club Hopping or Island Hopping?

In the spring and summer evenings, enjoy the cafés and restaurants as they begin to spill into the streets and squares. Greece, and particularly Athens, is notorious for its boisterous and tireless nightlife. The Port of Piraeus comes to life as many vacationers head out for their island excursions from this historic cove. Athens is the perfect place to become immersed in Greek culture and life before taking a ferry ride to one of the surrounding tranquil, historic or party islands – the choice is yours. The port itself is also of particular historic interest. One of the oldest in the world, the port was heavily used during the Peloponnesian Wars in the 4th century BC and remnants of the long Themistoclean Walls, which fortified the port and Athens together during this time period, still survive today.

A trip to Athens is not only a journey of history, but one of modernity and progress. After Greece’s golden age, Athens’ grandeur was squandered to nearly nothing by invaders and the sweeping tides of history. Today, the free and booming capital city is again a testament to its historic commitment to forward thinking civilization. Experience the rebirth of the foundations of the western world in Athens!

About the Author: For more information on international travel and discount airfare to Athens, visit www.cfares.com, your source for discount airfare on the web.

Source: www.isnare.com

Travel To Greece: Turn Myths Into Reality

By Frank Johnson

It is nearly impossible to comprehend the magnificently eclectic and robust concoction that has become today's Grecian society without exploring the region first-hand.

The first traces of a city-state on Crete date back to the Neolithic Period, beginning in 6000 B.C. Minoan and Mycenaean Kingdoms were followed by the Dorian invasions and the Dark Ages. From 500 to 146 B.C., Greece enjoyed its most prosperous and well-known Classical and Hellenistic Periods during which Plato, Socrates and Democracy thrived and the Parthenon and Acropolis were built in Athens. Roman annexation followed and can be seen in the transitional art and architecture, along with the blending of mythologies. Greece was overrun by Byzantines and Turks throughout the modern era and a cultural revival and War of Independence in 1821 sparked the reunification and appreciation of Greek culture that is still miraculously thriving today.

Greece by Land...

Aside from major attractions like the Parthenon, Greece provides a plethora of other sites and activities unique to the nation's cultural heritage. For a spiritual experience, visit the town of Meteora in the northern Thessaly region. These spectacular cliff-top monasteries were originally reached by curiously placed ladders and ropes. Today people can reach the sky-high pinnacles by climbing the etched stone stairs or by the growing popular sport of rock climbing. You can also get close to the gods, as the Greeks put it, by visiting the archeological wonder at Delphi, considered to be the center of the known world by Ancient Greeks. Nafplio, the former capital of Greece, is also a wondrous and enlightening adventure. Centuries of history decorate and surround the city. Close by is the ancient Mycenae civilization and the famous theater at Epidaurus.

Or by Sea...

There are nearly 1400 Greek islands to explore. Much of Grecian history is based upon the maritime and merchant centers of the seven island clusters. Homer's Iliad and Odyssey venture through beaches and ports you can visit today. Crete and Santorini, with its volcanic caldera, are by far the most popular destinations. Make a stop on the notorious party island of Mykonos, part of the Cyclades Greek Islands, to party, dance and drink in a fashion that would make Dionysus proud. Relax in the lush greenery and white sand of the Ionian Islands, which emanate a more European feel. Every island region has something unique and intriguing to offer, so don't be afraid to leave this part of your itinerary open for exploration!

Greece is bursting at the seams with history, culture, food and wine. Every corner of this ancient nation is abundant with once-in-a-lifetime escapades. This is a trip you do not need to structure too much to feel completely immersed in Greek life. Although, it is wise to remember that the summer months of July and August attract hoards of people making accommodations hard to come by and can also be uncomfortably hot. Enjoy a more pleasant and relaxed journey in May and June or at the end of the summer peak season.

About the Author: Discount Airfare to Greece

Source: www.isnare.com

Athens Hotel Guide

By Rahul Viz

Athens is a city which arguably has one of the richest histories in the world. It was the home and center of the world empire of Greece, and is still the capital of the country today. If you are looking for a lively city rich in culture and history, there are few places better to visit than Athens.

Athens is a city riddled with mythology. The city is very ancient, and was the center of learning and Greek culture. Many of the concepts and ideas formulated in ancient Greece are what we today call "western civilization." Today the city is home to nearly three and a half million people.

Athens is named after Athena, the goddess of wisdom, and the best time to visit is during the late summer or fall. Winter is also a good time to visit, as there will be few tourists and the weather will be good with the exception of a bit of rain.

Athens is a city full of parks, gardens, and cafes. While the hustle of the city might remind you of New York, you will find that Athens has a charm of its own. There are many landmarks for tourists to see, and you don't have to travel far to see all of them.

The first place you may want to visit is the Acropolis, the ancient part of Athens field with beautiful temples. You will be able to fully appreciate ancient Greek architecture after viewing the Acropolis with your own eyes.

The Agora market is another area of Athens you will need to visit. In antiquity this was the center of the commercial and political activity in the city. This was once the place where Socrates gave his speeches, and is also the place where St. Paul searched for potential adherents to Christianity.

When it comes to dining, Athenians love to eat out. You will find a lot of fresh produce while touring the city, and there are plenty of places to eat traditional Greek cuisine. You will want to try the country salad and eggplant mixed with mince meat.

Athens is no longer the cheap city it used to be. Frugal backpackers can expect to spend 40 euros per day by hiking and staying in hostels. Having your own room and eating at hotels will cost you about 80 euros a day, and if you really want to enjoy yourself you can expect to spend up to 120 euros daily. No matter what budget you're on, traveling to Athens is the trip of a lifetime.

About the Author: Rahul viz recommends that you visit http://www.bookings.fr/city/gr/athens.html?aid=305255 for more information on Athens Hotels.

Source: www.isnare.com

Chartering A Yacht In Greece - What Do You Need To Know?

By Emmanuel Mendonca

When to Go

The sailing season in Greece lasts from March to early November. During the Spring months, the weather during the day varies from cool to warm and is usually cool at night. The sea temperature is not usually suitable for swimming until the middle of May and then you can swim right through to the middle of October. The months of May, June, September and October usually have warm to hot daytime temperatures and pleasant temperatures at night. There are good winds at this time, but they are often variable. In July and August there are stronger winds, particularly in the Cyclades islands. Spring and Autumn are the most popular seasons for yacht chartering in Greece because this is when the climate is most suitable and there are far fewer tourists on the mainland and on the islands, than in high Summer.

Deciding on the Type of Charter

There are many options to choose from and when planning your trip you should consider the following questions. How many people will be in your party and will they require single or double berths aboard? Do you require a sailing yacht, a motor yacht or a motorsailer? What level of comfort do you want aboard? Will you require a skipper? If you require a bareboat (i.e. you intend to do the sailing yourself, without a skipper or other professional crew aboard), what size of yacht are you experienced in handling? Remember that European regulations, require that two qualified people be aboard. Another option is to sail in a group or flotilla of other boats. These can be a combination of bareboat and skippered yachts, and can provide you with the right balance of educational support and local knowledge.

Length of Trip

In order to get the most out of a yacht charter, the minimum length of trip should be about 7 days. As for the maximum amount of time, that is up to you. Many companies will offer discounts for longer charters. Good charter companies will have lots of local knowledge on the best routes and places to visit, and will work with you to agree an itinerary, which suits your needs. Remember that you do not have to spend your entire holiday aboard the boat. You could arrange a couple of days at the beginning or end of your charter to explore the mainland. It is well worth spending at least two or three days in Athens - a wonderful city, which unfortunately is often side-stepped by people who head straight for the islands.

About the Author: Emmanuel Mendonca is the webmaster and publisher of Greece Travel Articles at http://www.athensroom.com/greece_travel_guide.html - a source of interesting articles and other information on visiting, living and working in Greece.

Source: www.isnare.com

Travel To Greece

By Mansi Aggarwal

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.

About the Author: Mansi gupta writes about. travel to greece Learn more at http://www.greciantraveller.com

Source: www.isnare.com

Immerse Yourself In The Greek Language And Culture

By John Davison

The Greek language is over 3,500 years old, though it has evolved through the years. Over 15 million people worldwide speak Greek. It is the official language of Greece and Cyprus, and is spoken natively by immigrants living in many countries around the world. The Greek alphabet is considered the first real alphabet, and was a predecessor of the Latin alphabet, and eventually our own alphabet. The Greek language is one of history and passion, and is an ideal representative of the people who speak is fluently. If you are interested in learning a second language, consider Greek.

Learning the Greek language might seem intimidating. The alphabet doesn’t look exactly like the English alphabet. The word pronunciation sounds totally different as well. But there are several ways you can go about learning it, and several benefits to doing so. One option is to attend college, and study the language extensively. You have the choice of studying the Ancient form of Greek, or the Modern language. Learning Ancient Greek is useful if you plan to study Ancient Greek art, archaeology, literature, or history, and you intend to pursue this scholarly field. Earning a college degree in Modern Greek will provide you with a thorough written and conversational knowledge of the language that is spoken today, and gives you career options down the road. Having the ability to speak more than one language can have many advantages for you professionally. If you are fluent in the Greek language, and have some expertise in another field such as law, medicine, or business, you can be certified as a foreign language translator. This stimulating career prospect is one that offers you several options. As a certified translator, you can work full-time for a foreign language translation firm, translating business documents, web pages, and other types of communication for global corporations or for small firms looking branch out. You can also do freelance translation work, where you have the ability to be your own boss, and make your own schedule and set you own workload. Yet another career opportunity open to you as a bilingual professional is to teach English as a second language to Greek students in Greece. By knowing English and Greece, you will be able to live and work in Greece, and have no problems communicating there.

Another means by which you can learn the Greek language is by enrolling in an accelerated course that is available online. By learning Greek in this way, you will gain knowledge of a very basic foundation of the language. Learning Greek through an accelerated online course is a rather quick and convenient way to learn a second language. It is ideal for you if you are interested in traveling to Greece, and you want to be able to communicate in a basic way with the residents there. You will find that you will enjoy your travels much more if the stress of a communication barrier is not there.

An ideal option for learning the Greek language is through an immersion program. This is a perfect option for students who are looking to study abroad for a semester, or for bold travelers looking to experience Greek culture in a new and exciting way. You will not only learn the Modern Greek language, but you experience the vibrant and historic Greek culture. Learning Greek in Greece, where our own language and history has its origins, you will learn the language quickly and easily. You will learn the conversational and informal styles of the language by interacting everyday during your adventure with people who are native Greeks, who probably won’t be willing or able to communicate in English. You will be absorbed into the dazzling everyday life of the Greek people, its sights, sounds, and smells. You will gain knowledge and appreciate the storied Greek culture: the history, the art, the architecture, the food, and the people. As a part of the immersion program, you will attend courses in which you will learn the Greek alphabet, how to read, and how to write in Greek as well. Learning the Greek language as part of an immersion is a superb way to experience a new culture.

Learning the Greek language, though seemingly intimidating, can have many benefits for you. Knowing a second language gives you the potential to further develop you career by working abroad, or as a translator. Learning the Greek language will make you a better traveler as well. You will be able to communicate with the Greek people, and you will enjoy your adventures in Greece so much more. Learning Greek is a great way to open your eyes to a new (and ancient) culture.

About the Author: John is a director of numerous Internet companies and is a published author. Many articles have been produced on a variety of subjects with excellent content and depth. All his articles may be reproduced provided that an active link is included to http://www.foreign-languages-school.com

Source: www.isnare.com

Athens Taxi Ride – Extreme Sports

By Nomadrick Chapo

Athens is a huge, congested city and the local taxis are your main means of getting around. The average Athens tax ride is inexpensive, just bring your helmet.

Living on the Edge

I had just arrived in Athens with a couple who’ll remain nameless. [He’s now a respectable doctor and married to someone else.] My buddy, “John”, had a Greek friend who lived in town named Stavos. We were going to stay with him and explore Athens before heading to the islands.

Stavos had gone to college with us in California and more or less been raised there. After experiencing the finer points of higher education [fraternity parties, etc.], he and his brother had started a snowboard company in Athens. Who could possibly be buying snowboards in Greece? It turned out Stavos and his brother were selling them throughout Europe, not in Greece.

Anyway, Stavos collected us in a friend’s car and took us to his small studio. We decided to catch some winks and then head out for a night on the town. Thus, we would experience an Athens taxi ride for the first time.

Taxi driving is a competitive sport. I am convinced there is a World Cup of taxi driving and drivers practice on the streets of their location. San Francisco and New York taxi drivers are an elite group, while taking a taxi in France is a good way to see the Eiffel Tower while going the wrong way down a one-way street. In Athens, it was all about speed.

Being an idiot, I yelled out “shotgun” as the taxi pulled to the curb. I should’ve guessed my triumph wasn’t a good thing when Stavos just smiled. In we went and Stavos gave the driver our destination. For the next fifteen minutes, I feared for life itself. Mine and others.

Our driver was apparently convinced he would get a bonus if he beat a certain time. We peeled out at the curb and the race was on. Through the tight, winding streets of Athens we went. As is the nature of chaotic Athens, the roads are packed with cars, buses, people and very brave cyclist. Considering this an obstacle course, a driver whipped through the throngs at over 80 miles per hour. Most of the time was spent in the SLOW lane, where less cars were. I still have nightmares about the faces of cyclist staring at me as we passed them with maybe 5 inches to spare. Frozen pictures of terror. Throw in cars starting to pull out in the road and you have the white knuckle event of the year.

When we finally pulled up to the club, I started breathing again. As I pulled my hand off the handle on the door, I left impressions. Standing outside of the cab, Stavos asked me if I wanted to sit in the front on the way home and started laughing.

It took two drinks to calm my nerves. Come hell or high water, I was walking home.

About the Author: Rick Chapo is with http://www.nomadjournals.com - makers of writing journals. Travel journals are great travel accessories and travel gifts for him or her. Visit http://www.nomadjournaltrips.com for more travel articles, travelogues and travel stories.

Source: www.isnare.com

Open-Air Cinemas In Greece - A Delight For Film Fans

By Emmanuel Mendonca

The majority of indoor cinemas in Greece close during the summer and open-air cinemas take over. Other cities occasionally dabble in open-air cinemas – temporary ones are occasionally set up in London parks, for example – but in Athens they are a well-established feature in the evening entertainment scene and a must-try experience during any visit.

The set-up is usually very simple and apart from the technology, nothing much has changed since the opening of the first open-air cinema, “The Boboniera”, in 1919 in Kifissia. They are usually in what resembles a walled garden and often have enormous and beautiful bushes of fragrant jasmine and bougainvillea growing along their boundaries. The screen is at one end and is smaller than those that you find in most indoor cinemas, but it is always more than sufficient for the comparatively small seating capacity. The chairs are usually canvas or plastic chairs of the type that you might find in someone’s garden and have small tables dotted between them, on which you can place whatever goodies you buy from the small bar usually positioned in a corner somewhere.

The open-air cinemas usually re-run films that were released during the previous winter, show re-runs of classic films and put on a few new releases. Although the film may completely capture your attention, it is worth finding a few moments to take a look at your surroundings from your seat. What you will see will vary greatly depending on which cinema you go to. For example, in Athens, if you go to the Thiseion cinema on the fantastic pedestrianised Apostolou Pavlou Street, you will have the opportunity to take in a great view of the Acropolis. In other cinemas in the city, you could well find yourself surrounded by apartment buildings with their rows of balconies above your head, decorated with colours reflected from the screen. It is quite a surreal experience to watch a film in such close proximity to other people’s homes and if you look closely, you may even spot one of the residents enjoying the film along with you, from a spot on their balcony.

Foreign films, i.e. non-Greek films, are always screened in the original language with Greek subtitles, so you can see any English language film without any problems. The film screening times are usually around 9pm and 11pm and the programme changes on Fridays. There is always an intermission half way through the film. For a few days during the summer, when you attend the early screening it may not be dark enough outside for you to be able to properly see the action on the screen for the first couple of minutes – this is bearable though with a bit of squinting. Admission fees are usually around 7 Euros. Enjoy!

About the Author: Emmanuel Mendonca moved from the UK to Athens in 2004 and is getting to grips with life in Greece. Emmanuel publishes Greece travel and living articles at http://www.athensroom.com/greece_travel_guide.html.

Source: www.isnare.com

Weddings The Greek Orthodox Way

By Emmanuel Mendonca

The wedding service in the Greek Orthodox faith is an ancient and beautiful ceremony, which has been celebrated in its current form for centuries. The wedding ceremony is full of symbolism and is a great experience if you have never attended one before, because it is likely to be quite different from other weddings you have attended in Western Europe. The service is also rather unique because the bride and groom do not make vows to each other – their presence together in the church is taken to mean that they are serious about getting married.

The Beginning of the Wedding

In most cases the wedding guests will wait with the groom outside the church until the bride arrives (a few sneaky wedding pros will go into the church early to secure a good seat). In the Summer, when most weddings take place, it is not unusual for ceremonies to be arranged back to back, so the guests attending a marriage will often stand around with those who have just attended the previous wedding as they prepare to leave. Wedding dress commentators among the crowd will get to consider and discuss at least two brides and maybe even a third as they leave the church – bargain! Meanwhile, the nervous groom waits for the bride at the entrance to the church, often holding her floral bouquet. He hands it to her as they meet and they then go inside together followed by the guests. There is no separation of the guests into guests of the bride and guests of the groom – everyone sits together and in the case of small churches, many people prefer to stand in a spot where they can get a good view of the proceedings.



Service of Betrothal



The wedding ceremony itself is in two parts: the Service of Betrothal and the Ceremony of the Sacrament of Marriage. The exchanging of rings is the focus of the Service of Betrothal. The priest blesses the rings by holding them in his right hand and making the sign of the cross over the heads of the bride and groom. The rings are then placed on the third fingers of their right hands. The “Koumbaro”, the couple’s religious sponsor, then swaps the rings over between the bride and groom’s fingers, three times. A number of rituals in the ceremony are repeated three times and this symbolises the Holy Trinity: God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.

Ceremony of the Sacrament of Marriage

This Ceremony consists of several key parts. First, several prayers are said and then as they come to an end, the priest joins the right hands of the bride and groom. Their hands remain joined until the end of the wedding ceremony, which symbolises the couple’s union.

The Crowning

The bride and groom are crowned with thin crowns, or “stefana”, which are joined by a white ribbon and have been blessed by the priest. The crowns symbolise the glory and honour that is being bestowed on them by God, and the the ribbon symbolises their unity. The “Koumbaro” then exchanges the crowns between the heads of the couple, three times.

The Common Cup

The crowning is followed by a reading of the Gospel, which tells of the marriage of Cana at Galilee. It was at this wedding that Jesus performed his first miracle, changing water into wine, which was then given to the married couple. Wine is given to the couple and they each drink from it three times.

The Ceremonial Walk

The priest the leads the couple, who are still wearing their “stefana”, three times around the altar on their first steps as a married couple. The “Koumbaro” follows close behind the couple holding the “stefana” place. At this point the couple (and anyone standing nearby) is usually showered with rice, which was earlier handed out to the wedding guests. The priest will often make use of the bible he is holding to give himself some protection!

The Removal of the Crowns

When the Ceremonial Walk has ended, the priest blesses the couple, the crowns are removed and he then separates their previously joined hands with the bible, reminding them that only God can break the union which they have just entered into.

Wedding traditions

Much of the information available on Greek Orthodox wedding traditions is a little outdated and contains generalisations that give the impression that certain traditions are followed by everyone who gets married. Some of these traditions are set out below

- Rolling a baby on the marital bed to encourage fertility.

- The throwing of money onto the marital bed.

- The pinning of money onto the bride (and sometimes also the groom) at the wedding reception.

Although these rituals are seen as traditional, fewer and fewer young people marrying today are following them, because they are seen as old-fashioned. Many people do not wish to put their guests through the ordeal of other people being able to see how much money they pin on the bride, for example. Although money is still a very common, as well as practical, wedding present it is often given to the couple before the wedding day or to a third person at the wedding reception, for safe-keeping. Greeks living in the more remote parts of Greece and abroad, who will naturally feel more strongly about doing things the traditional way, are more likely to follow these traditions than those living in Athens, for example. Like weddings everywhere, Greek weddings are changing. At the time of writing, there is a growing fashion to go and get married on an island and I recently heard someone say that he was looking into getting married in a ski resort. He was wisely advised by a friend “You had better first ask the priest if he wants to perform a marriage up a mountain”!

About the Author: Emmanuel Mendonca is the webmaster and publisher of Greece Travel Articles at http://www.athensroom.com/greece_travel_guide.html - a source of interesting articles and other information on visiting, living and working in Greece.

Source: www.isnare.com

Enjoy Luxury Vacations With Greece Yacht Charters

By Carla McNamara

The history, culture and beauty of Greece Yacht Charters attract tourists throughout the year, most of whom stay in a variety of villas or other mainstream accommodations. Those who wish to truly enjoy the fullest experience of life in the Aegean, however, do so by way of sailboat, bareboat, yacht or other form of water craft that enables them to combine the pleasures of the land and the sea.

Personal and Vacation Yacht Chartering

• Alpha Yachting – Available for viewing at alphayachting.com, this facility offers a wide variety of models of motor yachts, sailing yachts, bareboats and motor sailing yachts. Crewed charter rentals can be acquired that are bound for destinations which include Greece, Italy, Spain, Croatia, Turkey and France. Choose from among at least five itineraries that have been artfully designed for you by the experts at Alpha Yachting, for a holiday cruise that you’ll not soon forget.

• Yachting Power – Famous for their luxurious bareboat yachting charters in Greece, they offer a full fleet of breathtaking vessels that will appeal to the multitudes. Located near the Kalamaki Marina in Athens, they own some of the finest sea-going vessels that can be found today, including high performance boats such as the Sun Odyssey 54 DS and the Oceanis 473 – large boats of breathtaking design and luxury. Visit their website at yachtingpower.gr for a look at their line of vessels and to obtain information regarding a vacation package.

• Poseidon Charters – This worldwide operation has an office that’s based in Athens, Greece, in addition to their main base of operations in the Mediterranean. With a total of 350 yachts and 15 bases, Poseidon Charters offers various charter opportunities, servicing guests with novice to expert level sailing skills. Whether you prefer to charter your own private yacht to visit Greece and the surrounding areas or sign on to an archeological adventure cruise, you’ll have the time of your life on one of the many top-of-the-line yachts that are made available to you through the folks at Poseidon Charters. For more information, visit their website at poseidoncharters.com.

• Odyssey Sailing – Officially registered and bonded with the Greek National Tourist Organization and a member of the Hellenic Yacht Brokers Association, this facility provides a comprehensive line of yacht charters and vacation packages throughout the Aegean territory. Specialized vacations include those which offer bareboat yachts, crewed sailing yachts, luxury cruises, flotilla holidays, fully crewed motor sailers, luxury crewed sailing yachts, luxury crewed motor yachts and one-way yacht charters, in addition to special offers and discounts on specialized sailing holidays. Odyssey Sailing, found at odysseysailing.gr, along with their sister site, at sailing-yacht-charter-greece.com, can meet the needs of any traveler, with their extensive fleet and full-service vacation accommodations.

• Top Yacht – Whether you’re looking for a crewed, skippered, gulet or bareboat experience, this facility can cater to your every whim. This UK based organization offers chartered yachts to Greece and its surrounding areas, as well as a variety of special offers that can be found throughout the year by visiting their online website at top-yacht.com. Choose your own vessel, according to the number of berths, cabins and length of water craft that you prefer, enabling you to customize your excursion to meet your particular needs. As specialists in state-of-the-art yachting equipment, the folks at Top Yacht offer a fully informational website that will help you to plan your Greek vacation.

For about the same price as an exotic vacation with luxury hotel accommodations, you can treat yourself and family or friends to an outstanding vacation in Greece, and enjoy adventures on both land and sea – effectively offering two vacations for the price of one.

About the Author: Carla McNamara is a contributing author for the website http://www.luxury-yacht-charters-guide.com. Carla is helping people finding the best solutions for Greece yacht charters http://www.luxury-yacht-charters-guide.com/greece-yacht-charters.html and Mediterranean sailboat trips.

Source: www.isnare.com

Holiday In Greece - Rent Private Vacation Rentals At A Bargain Price

By Milan Matchev

If you have an interest in beauty, art, architecture and the classic culture that gave us our civilization, then a visit to Greece is just the ticket. And a vacation rental of a villa, a beach house or another type of private home will give you a chance to experience this wonderful country that is impossible when going from hotel to hotel.

There are so many places in Greece that choosing a location for your vacation rental can be mind boggling. Choices include beach houses, apartments, cabins, condos, and other types of holiday homes. Securing lodging is easy though, when you see what is available. And the locations in Greece are wonderful. Crete, the largest of the Greek islands is beautiful and has many archeological sites to visit, as well as tourist attractions like Knossos and Phaistos. Crete was home to the ancient civilization of the Minoans, from 2600 BC to 1400 BC, and in more recent times gave the world the famous writer, poet and novelist Nikos Kazantakis.

Athens is known as the birthplace of democracy. This ancient city was home to the Greek philosophers like Aristotle, Plato and Socrates. Named after the goddess Athena, Athens is one of the most famous cities in the world, and one of the oldest. As a city state Athens figured prominently in ancient history as well as myths and legends of the ancient world. The Greek capital, now home to three and a half million people, has been called the cradle of civilization due to the many achievements of its culture. Birthplace of the Olympic Games, Athens is home to art and architecture, including the famous Acropolis.

Wine, honey, olive oil, and sheep herding are just a few of the products that can be sampled fresh if our holiday home is in Thassos. This island figures prominently in ancient history and is named after Thasus, son of Phoenix and leader of the Phoenicians who first settled the island and erected a temple to Heracles. Imagine a vacation on Thassos, staying in a private home near a beautiful beach, enjoying sun and sand and dreaming of the long ago days of great civilizations. You will be sure to enjoy the native cooking, picking up a bit of the Greek language, and staying with some of the most hospitable people on earth.

Greece is a country that at one time ruled the known world, through Alexander the Great. And even when military conquest was no longer part of its agenda, many believe that Greek culture conquered Roman culture from within, with the Romans copying Greek art and architecture and even religion. When the Roman Empire split into Eastern and Western halves, it was the Greek half of the empire, the Byzantine Empire of Constantine, which lasted far into the middle ages. Greece is truly a country to enjoy and to learn from, and the most enjoyable way to learn about Greece is through a vacation, with lodging in a private home.

Rent holiday home or vacation rental in Greece and enjoy your stay!

About the Author: http://arrangeyourvacation.com - Holiday Homes and Vacation Rentals Worldwide is a leader in luxury vacation rentals worldwide, with an extensive portfolio of luxury villas and homes.
To place a free advertisement for your vacation rentals or holiday homes in Greece or find the perfect lodging for you - visit http://greece-holiday-homes.com

Source: www.isnare.com

Overview Of Greece For Travelers

By Richard Monk

From the Olympics to My Fat Greek Wedding, Greece has always been a cultural centerpiece in the history of man. Summing up its contribution requires a small library, but here is an overview.

Overview of Greece for Travelers

Greece was home to some of the earliest advanced civilizations. From the Minoans of the second BC millennium to Mycenaeans who established the basis of the current language, the country has produced cultural, philosophical, political and sport advancements unrivaled by others.

The modern Greek state obtained independence from the Ottoman Empire in 1830. It has carried on what seems like a constant conflict with Turkey and was also involved in both World Wars. In 1981, Greece joined the European Community that eventually evolved into the European Union.

The official name of Greece is the Hellenic Republic. Greece covers an area of roughly 51,000 square miles. Athens is both the capital and largest population center with roughly 3.5 million inhabitants. Thessaloniki is the second largest population area with just over one million people. The terrain of Greece ranges from mountains in the north to flat plains in the south and beautiful islands off the coast. Winters are mild while summers are hot and dry making Greece a huge tourist destination.

The people of Greece are known as Greeks. They total more than 10.96 million. Population growth exists, but it is just above .2 percent annually. Greek is the official language. From a religious perspective, 99 percent of Greeks claim Greek Orthodox as their religion. Literacy rate is 95 percent and all levels of education are absolutely free. Life expectancy is 76 for males and 81 for women.

Greece is a relatively small country, but has accounted for a remarkable number of developments in the trek of mankind through history. Whether you are going to see the culture or loaf on the islands, Greece is a top travel destination for a good reason.

About the Author: Richard Monk is with http://www.factsmonk.com - a site with facts about everything. Visit http://www.factsmonk.com/country_facts to read more about Country Facts.

Source: www.isnare.com

New Golf Tourism Developments In Messinia

By Claire May

Messinia is located on the Peloponnese mainland in the southwest of Greece. This lesser know region is full of cultural history, important archaeological sites and is rich in colourful, traditional towns and villages. It has an abundance of outstanding natural beauty and some of the best beaches in the whole of Greece. Recently Messinia has become an important area for new golf developments. In fact it will have the largest golf resorts in the whole of the Balkans and Mediterranean. Particular attention is being focused in the areas of Finikounda, Methoni and Pylos.

Petros Doukas, Deputy Minister of National Economy and Finance and Dimitris Avramopoulos, Minister of Tourism are keen to see more golf opportunities in Greece. Messinia is one of the largest regions to benefit from these plans. Interest in Messinia has increased largely because the Government is actively encouraging investment here with new laws aiming to stimulate local revenue. Government studies have shown that more than 200,000 visitors to Greece annually are potential golf tourists.

Private sector investors have also been buying large parcel of land in Messinia and have been building holiday rental units. It is estimated that over the next 3 year Finikounda alone will have accommodation for over 2000 tourists. Tourists will also benefit from a new Thalasso therapy centre (seawater treatments) that will soon be completed. So it’s easy to understand the current interest in developing this high-end attraction in one of the world's most attractive climates.

The Tourism Enterprise of Messinia (TEMES) will be constructing a state of the art luxury resort at Navarino Bay. Troon Golf, the world’s leading high-end golf development, marketing and management company will be managing both the championship and standard courses. The golf courses themselves will be designed by Robert Trent-Jones II Inc the Californian based Golf Course Architects.

Currently it takes approximately 3.5 hours to drive to the new golf resorts from Athens, but this time will be reduce to under 3 hour when new road are in place. In accordance with the government’s guidelines for the ‘Good Road Plan’ a new motorway is under construction from Tropoli to Kalamata and is nearly completed. Another new major road is planned between Kalamata and Methoni further opening up the area.

Country Club Resort - Pylos

The resort is location at Gialova to the north of Pylos and 40km from Kalamata airport. The resort is set in 148 hectares of land with rolling hills, spectacular views of the historical Navarino bay and is adjacent to the new marina.

The architects have designed the resort ensuring that it is not obtrusive to the landscape and in keeping with the traditional styles of the area. The development will include 2 luxury hotels and individual holiday homes. There will be a championship golf course, several swimming pools and terraces, surrounded by landscaped gardens with numerous pathways leading to the sandy beach.

The total capacity of this resort will be 2,400 beds for tourist. The complex will have a conference centre which will accommodate 1,200 delegates. There will also be and environmental protection and development centre.

The Family Beach Resort – Romanos

The resort will be located 50km from Kalamata airport on the beautiful beach of Romanos and will have fabulous views of the Ionian sea. The plot covers 141 hectares of land on a gently sloping plateau. The resort will have a variety of family accommodation surrounding a village street with restaurants, tavernas and shops. This complex will offer an 18 hole championship golf course, numerous swimming pools, a tennis club and an exclusive thalasso therapy centre over looking the sea. For the children there will be a children’s club, a mini golf course and a gymnasium.

This project had been on going for the last twenty years. A total of approximately 1.2 million m2 of land has been acquired from 1,300 individual holders of deeds. Already two of the largest private reservoirs have been built in order two water the golf courses. Building permits and documents have been filed with the Town Planning Department. The approximate area of the buildings amounts to some 100,000 m2. Understandably the paperwork for this project has been a mammoth task in itself. Achilles Constantakopoulos, the Managing Director of TEMES has stated that by 2015, Navarino will be Greece’s premier golf destination. There will be seven courses within half-an-hours drive of each other.

The Pylos (Gialova) and Romanos resort will be completed in accordance with the plans by spring 2008. It will have the largest hotel complex in the Balkans and Mediterranean. The investment for phase one totals €180,000,000 and at least 3 separate hotel units, 1 in Pylos and 2 in Romanos. The chain will be manage by a well know international chain.

About the Author: Claire May is the owner of R & C Property Management Services which offers property management and real estate services including, building maintenance and renovations. We can care for your holiday home and for your holiday guests. Or simply find you a property to rent for your holiday. For more details go to http://r-and-c-pms.biz.html

Source: www.isnare.com

Learn Something Greek

By Belina Storrey

For the last few years I have been absolutely fascinated with everything Greek. It all started when I was given the privilege of moving to Greece to cover the Olympic Games for the magazine I am on staff with. The year I spent in Greece before, during and after the games was one of the best years of my life. As soon as I was assigned to the project, I began researching everything Greek I could think of. I wanted to enter that nation and their culture with at least a little bit of knowledge and understanding to relate.

One of the first steps I took was to enroll in an introductory Greek class at a local university. I knew I had about a year until I would actually leave for Greece, so I wanted to get even a start on learning the language. I spent two evenings per week learning the basics of the modern Greek language. Even though I had studied ancient Greek in college, there was much more to be learned than I could have imagined. I am so thankful that I started learning Greek when I did. I cannot imagine having moved to that country without the basic language skills I had gained.

Another part of Greek culture that has always fascinated me is the history and the mythology. I spent a lot of time at the library before heading to Greece reading any book that I could find on Greek culture, history or mythology. I wanted to have the fullest possible understanding of the people I would be living among and working with during the Olympics. And I love libraries, so I guess that was part of my motivation as well.

If you are anything like me, than one part of any culture that you must learn to appreciate is the food. I visited every Greek restaurant that I could find before I went to Greece. I wanted to be familiar with the basic Greek dishes so that I wouldn't be at a loss when I sat in restaurants in Greece. I even picked up an "Everything Greek" cookbook and learned how to make a few dishes on my own.

I loved living in Greece and immersing myself in everything Greek more than I loved preparing for my move. I loved the Greek people, their culture and yes, their food. Living in Greece and feeling Greek was one of the most amazing experiences of my life. I'd encourage anyone who is fascinated with anything Greek to pursue your interests and learn about it.

About the Author: Belina Storrey loves her job as a traveling journalist. She especially loved learning about all things Greek. See www.aboutgreek.info for more on Greek things.

Source: www.isnare.com