About Greece
Map of Greece
Full Brochure
Contact Information
Terms & Conditions
Athens
Santorini
Mykonos
Crete
Rhodes
Paros, Naxos, Ios
Corfu
Hydra
Motorcoach Tours
Mainland Tours
Grecian Getaways
Cruise Itineraries
Land & Cruise Programs
Greece By Car & Car Rentals
Island Hopping Experience
Honeymoon Packages
Greece & Egypt Combo
Egypt Extension Tours
Greece & Turkey Combo
Turkey Extension Tours
While there is plenty of history preserved for you to see, there is also another side of Greece for you to discover: sun-drenched beaches, clear sparkling seas, spectacular sunsets, posh night clubs, plush romantic resorts, majestic mountains, lush hills and valleys, winding cobblestone streets, friendly people and last but not least the beautiful greek islands.
Greece has as many islands as legends. At last count they numbered 1420. It has over 9000 miles of coastline and sunshine 300 days a year. It also offers you 3,000 years of history and culture... for free!
Grecian Holidays is proud to present a series of well planned programs exploring the mainland, the fabled Greek Islands, Egypt and Turkey. So if your idea of a Greek holiday is exploring its history, cruising, or just relaxing on a sun drenched beach, we can arrange it for you.
Grecian Holidays is dedicated to providing quality tours and personalized service that is second to none, and at prices that are extremely competitive. So book now with the people that
know Greece best
.
Location:
Greece is located at the south east corner of the European continent on the Mediterranean Sea. It has common borders with Albania, Bulgaria, Turkey and Fyrom. The capital of Greece is Athens.
Passport and Visa Requirements:
Canadian passport holders do not require a visa for Greece.
Climate:
Greece's climate is temperate with mild winters (Nov - Mar) and warm dry summers (Apr - Oct). The average temperature in winter is 10 - 13 C, in April, May & October it is 17 - 20C, and 25 - 28 C in June- September. Light cotton clothing is recommended along with hat and sunglasses. In winter and spring a warm jacket may be required.
Languages:
Greek is the offical language but English is widely spoken.
Currency:
Euro is the official currency. Travellers cheques in Euro, Canadian Dollars, and US Dollars are widely accepted. Credit cards accepted are Visa, Mastercard, and American Express. Banks are open from 8 am till 2 pm Monday to Friday, but local exchange places have extended opening hours particularly during summer.
Driving:
Driving in Greece is on the right hand side of the road. Signs are in Greek and English. International driving licenses are mandatory for car rental.
By Air:
Air Canada flies from Toronto/Montreal to Athens direct several times a week. Several other airlines have connections via other European cities.
By Boat:
One can get to Greece by boat from Italy and Turkey.
From Turkey:
Daily from April to October: From Kusadasi in Turkey to Samos Island, from Bodrum in Turkey to Kos Island, and from Marmaris in Turkey to Rhodes Island. There is no ferry from Istanbul to Athens.
ATHENS:
Capital city. City of the 2004 Games, the cradle of democracy and birthplace of Western civilization. The majestic Acropolis, 156 metre high limestone rock crowns the city. The Archaeological Museum holds countless treasures from Athens Golden age. Plaka is the old quarter nestled below the slopes of the Acropolis, its labyrinth of cobbled streets winding through a cluster of neo-classical villas and small antique shopes and tavernas. Constitution Square - Syntagma is the city's main square surrounded by luxurious hotels, offices and rows of open air cafes. The House of Parliament (once the Royal Palace) and the Monument of the Unknown Soldier. Athens Stadium was completely rebuilt for the first modern games in 1896. Most ferries and cruise boats depart and arrive from Piraeus 12 km from the city centre.
MAINLAND GREECE:
Travel through Mainland Greece resembles travel through time. Many archaeological sites are scattered throughout the country along with great towns and small villages. Places not to be missed are: Corinth, Mycenae, Epidaurus (famous theatre), Nafplion, Olympia (birthplace of Olympic Games), Delphi (Where the Oracles used to live), Kalambaka (with magnificent Meteora Monestaries).
ISLANDS:
Greek Islands are divided into groups.
The Saronics:
The group of small islands located very close to Athens. Aegina, Poros, and Hydra are most often visited during one day cruises. Hydra is the most famous, favoured by artists due to its distintive architecture, ruggedness and incomparable colours.
Cyclades:
Notable for their white washed buildings, clean seas and beaches and historical remains. Mykonos, Paros, Naxos, Ios, and Santorini are the most visited. Mykonos - Chic, elegant, but tradition with hundreds of tiny chapels, beautiful windmills and elegant nightclubs. Santorini- Perhaps the most popular Greek Island with narrow streets, and a breathtaking sunset over the volcano.
Crete:
Heraklion, the capital of Crete is located near the ruins of the Palace of Knossos, believed to be the mythical Labyrinth of King Minos, and the seat of Minoan Culture.
Dodecanese:
The name for this group derives from the fact that there are twelve main islands. Rhodes is the most popular due to its constant sunshine, beautiful beaches, its palace of Grand Master, the medieval walls and the Street of Knights. Kos is best known as the birthplace of Hippocrates, the father of medicine. Patmos is a rocky barren island where Saint John spent time in exile and wrote his book of "Apocalypse".
Ionian:
These islands are strung along the shores of Western Greece. Green and luxuriant they have been the crossroads between mainland Greece and Western Europe for centuries. Corfu, Paxi, Lefkas, Kefalonia, Ithaca, and Zakinthos.
Sporades:
Skiathos, Skopelos, Allonissos, and Skyros are situated opposite the north east coast of Evia. They are accessible by air when flying from Athens to Skiathos.
