Luxury Travel - Which is Best Spain Or Greece?

by Greece Traveller on June 17, 2010


going to greece santorini

Can’t quite decide where to go in between Greece or Spain for your next vacation? Don’t fret our guide is here to help you out.

Greece, known for its crystal blue waters and it alluring Mediterranean climate, provides the perfect marriage of luxury in a relaxed and sophisticated environment. Greece has the largest amount of islands in Europe, each providing a unique opportunity that will satisfy even the most experienced traveler.

Greece provides an unparallel combination of luxury cosmopolitan accommodations in Athens with beautiful beach resorts in the Aegean islands. The Porto Zante Villas and Spa in Zakynthos is a five star resort featuring private villas with private heated pools, a lavish Mediterranean cuisine and a Spa specializing in Thalassotherapy. In Santorini, the La Mer Deluxe Hotel & Spa, located in the small village of Kamari, offers a mixture of privacy and luxury. In Athens, the Hotel Grande Bretagne has been a stable for luxury accommodations for over 130 years. This hotel, situated in the middle of Athens, is within walking distance to the Parthenon, Syntagma Square, Kolonaki, the old city of Plaka, the mount of Lykavytos and other sites of cultural significance. For more ideas check out the Greek tourism board.
Spain boasts the same flexibility between private island resorts and cosmopolitan luxury lodging. The Hotel Arts in Barcelona is a five star hotel owned by the Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company. It is the preferred hotel for many presidents with spectaculars views of the city and the sea.

The Hostal Reyes Católicos, located in Galicia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the oldest hotels in Spain. It features an architectural combination of gothic, renaissance and baroque styles and is a historic site unto itself, combining rustic elegance with luxury Spanish cuisine. The Hotel Puente Romano in Marbella has rightfully earned its place as one of the Leading Hotels in the World. With its exceptional service and bungalow style villas, it provides immediate access to the beach, with the pool area overlooking the tranquil waters of the Mediterranean Sea. You can also find Luxury hotels in Barcelona which will be sure to amaze and dazzle you in this great city. Also check out the Spanish tourism board for more ideas.

Greece and Spain both offer the utopian style vacations expected by luxury travelers, but with Greece maintaining a more subtle luxury in a very culturally engaging environment. For those seeking a more lavish, over the top experience, Spain provides all the elements for such a travel.

When to go to Greece

by Greece Traveller on June 8, 2010


when to go to greece athens olympics

The avoidance of peak travel times and crowds can be achieved by visiting the Greek isles between March and June. Ancient tourist sites and local beaches are unfettered, and accommodations will prove inexpensive and readily available during these off season months.

Peak season starts in mid June and ends in August as the season begins winding down. You will find that conditions are once again idyllic from August until about mid-October.

Tourism in Greece goes into sleepy hibernation between October and April with the exception of thriving ski resorts on the mainland. Other than that, few restaurants, tour industries, and hotels remain open for the winter season.

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Enjoy luxury holidays in Athens

by greektraveller on June 1, 2010


If you have been bogged by the never ending tedium of your busy life, what can be more tempting and inviting than a beautiful holiday in Athens, Greece? Since centuries, Greece has been associated with strong history, passion, romance and nostalgia. Beautiful houses, lovely blue sea and mesmerizing hills with the scent of pines, archaeological importance and the ethnicity of the place fills you with a rare sense of beauty and splendor. That is the magic of holidays in Greece! If you are a lover of nature and history, you have done yourself a disservice if you haven’t visited Greece.

If you want ancient settings with modern comforts, the Athens is the place you should be going to for a holiday. You have the finest hotels that cater to people from all walks of life at the world’s best resorts. You could stay in one of these resorts and visit places like Crete, Halkidiki, Skiathos, and Kefalonia and many more tourist sites. Also, get to enjoy the local festivals of the season. You need even take the trouble of trying to find out what places visit and be worried whether you are going to miss any important tourist spot. All you need to do is get in touch with a Mediterranean specialist right away and draw up a holiday program to the ancient city of Athens.

Athens - A Holiday Visit.

by greektraveller on May 20, 2010


Holidays in Athens brings more memorable moments in the life of a person. To say in short, Athens is considered to be the greatest city of Greece is a world famous attractive place bringing more memorable as well as a pleasant memoir to a life of a person after his visit there. Athens is located at the Basin of Attica. The visitor has to ensure that he never misses any places of historic importance, for sure. There are locations like Historical centre of Athens and Temple of Poseidon is important locations to visit. The Agora museum is yet another important place of tourist attraction for a person or a tourist who makes a visit to Athens. The library of Hadrian is also located in this same place for the tourist to visit. Mitropolis Square is also a tourist spot to look at. Amphiareion Temple is another place of tourist attraction. Acropolis- Temple of Athena Nike is an excellent place of tourist visit. The holidays in Athens and holidays in Greece are in general, a pleasant moment to the person and are also considered to be the excellent chance to visit the historical places. Church of the Holy Apostles, Church of the Saints, Asklepieion, Byzantine Museum are important places to visit. Also the travel to Greece is a chance to make a visit of the important as well as the historical places of the world’s most attractive location in Life’s time.

A Fantastic Idea for Holidays in Greece

by greektraveller on March 2, 2010


If you are tired of the same old holiday routine, you can inject some fun into the season by spending holidays in Greece. One of the most special areas of Greece is Rhodes Island. While you could easily spend your holidays in Athens, Rhodes is one place that you should make appoint to visit every time you travel to Greece. While many tourists travel to Greece to see Rhodes Town, one of the most popular attractions there is the Palace of the Grand Master.

For many people, the holidays in Greece and the Palace of the Grand Master are synonymous. There is plenty to see, do, and learn at this wonderful place. Before you think that this is only for seniors, old and young alike will appreciate the palace during the holidays. The Palace of the Grand Master dates back to the fourteenth century and survived through the times of the Knights of Rhodes as well as the occupation by the Ottoman Empire. Now this palace has been made into a Greek museum. It’s intriguing history and décor makes it a prime spot for the holiday tourist. So even if you plan on spending your holidays in Athens, you probably should take the time to visit Rhodes.

A Complete Holiday In Greece

by VisitGreece on February 22, 2010


A staple throughout history, Greece is a country filled with stories and landmarks that have remained for many centuries. This fact is not lost on the 15 million or more people that visit this country each year.

If you are thinking of planning a trip to the area here is some advice to make sure you get the most out of your Greece vacation.
To start your holiday in Greece, you must visit the Acropolis. This locale has been depicted hundreds of times in pictures, books, and movies. This is an area where legends were born and geniuses gathered. for more please visit Rhodes Holidays

Just below the Acropolis is the city of Ancient Agora. While in ruins, walking through the area that is over 2,500 years old lets you tread on the same ground as Plato and Socrates.
Discover Greece from the air. There is no better way to really take in the historic city of Athens than by seeing the whole thing, at once, by air. There are many helicopter tours available that will give you a 30 minute ride in the skies over Athens, pointing out all the landmarks you won’t want to miss.
It’s worth the time to make a stop at the National Archaeological Museum with a wide selection of historical antiquities. It is regarded as one of the world’s best museums.
If you are looking for a great outdoor experience while on your holiday in Greece, bring your hiking shoes and take a stroll down the Vindos Gorge. This Northern Greece location is the deepest canyon in the world, as recorded by the Guinness Book of World Records. for more please visit Rhodes Holidays

Looking for a little water time? Head to the beaches of Crete. These beaches are some that many European visitors have tried to keep as a secret for their own enjoyment for many years.
If you want to make a difference while in Greece and are attached to the oceanfront, there is an organization called the ARCHELON Sea Turtle Protection Society that is always looking for volunteers. They need people who will help them monitor the nesting habits of the sea turtles every summer.
There are also events you can take part if to do as the Grecians do is you choose to vacation at the right time of year. Here are some to consider.
If music is your escape from the world, the Rockwave festival is held every summer. It is a three-day event in which three stages are constantly heralding music. One stage features metal, one showcases rock, and another plays dance music.
Try out a local sporting event. If you’re there in football season (soccer for Americans) you may want to try to attend a Hellenic National League football game. Be sure you’re up for it. Football fans in this area are passionate about their sport and may even storm the field if they don’t like an official call.
If you are the athletic type, head to Greece in November and strap your running shoes on. This is when the Athens marathon is run, on the same route as the Olympic marathon. for more please visit Rhodes Holidays

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The World’s Most Natural Spa

by VisitGreece on June 3, 2009


The Dead Sea is also known as the world’s largest and oldest natural spa. It is said to have such unique composition of twenty-one minerals, which naturally give the human body a world of wonders. Taking a dip in the Dead Sea can provide hair and skin nourishment, chronic pain relief and mineral infusion. Some of the minerals contained in the Dead Sea include, but are not limited to, magnesium, zinc and calcium. Thousands of people from all over the world visit the Dead Sea year after year. It is one of the most visited historical and biblical sites in Israel. People who travel to Israel really make sure to include a day trip to the Dead Sea in their itineraries. Some of them just want to feed their curiosity on whether or not they are really going to float effortlessly in the water. Some, however, allot a day to pamper themselves with an extraordinary mind and body rejuvenation experience that only the Dead Sea and its surrounding wellness centers or spas can offer. These spas and wellness centers offer treatments like hot stone massages, reflexology, shiatsu or Swedish massages and foot scrubs. Because of this, many people who visit Israel choose to book themselves in one of the many Dead Sea hotels in close proximity of the body of water.

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Where To Find Boats Available For Sale

by VisitGreece on May 31, 2009


When most people decide to look at boats available for sale, they usually browse either new boats or used boats. However, they can also look at leasing, fractional ownership or chartering options as well. If you don’t live right on the water, then it might make more sense to spend the money on a sailing vacation. While your day or weekend trips may leave you feeling like you could have bought one at that price, consider the maintenance, fuel costs, insurance and docking fees. In the words of JP Morgan, “If you have to ask how much it costs, you can’t afford it.” For the rich elite, luxury yachts are waiting.

Going through a certified yacht broker is a great way to discover both used and new boats that are up for sale. In this way, you will find your dream boat much the same way you would find your dream home; by enlisting the help of professionals who have access to multiple listing services, insider connections and sweet deals that have not been advertised.

The broker will work with you to define your needs and find all the amenities you desire. Brokers can also help you with financing, deal brokering, setting up an inspection, title clearing, procuring docking space and yacht services to ensure a smooth closing and transition to boat ownership. Check out www.yachtcouncil.com for more information on yacht brokers.

In addition to the initial cost of sailing boats comes the fuel cost, which is an important consideration when perusing boats for sale. If you are rich, then this caveat will mean less. For instance, physician Chris Troupe spends $12,000 to fill up his massive $4 million yacht. Burning through 40 to 50 gallons of fuel an hour just while idling, this fill-up will last him about four days on a sailing vacation, he says.

Gary Abbamonte drives a more modest, six-person fishing, whale watching and bay cruising boat that burns 7 to 10 gallons of fuel an hour. Even so, that can add up to $400 for an overnight trip. However, there is a silver lining. “Catamarans are lightweight and burn about one-third the fuel as a mono-hull,” says Cory Gracy, VP of Everett’s Sharp Yachts. Owners of sail boats don’t suffer like the powerboat owners and diesel-powered boats consume gas more efficiently as well.

  • Going through a certified yacht broker is a great way to discover both used and new boats.
  • Browsing online is one of the best ways to find new and used boats available for sale.
  • The broker will work with you to define your needs and find all the amenities you desire.

While considering boats for sale, keep in mind you will also need marine insurance before you can get your boat out into the marina. Insurance quotes can range by as much as 200%, depending on who you call and where you live. One boat owner may pay $389/year for a 24-foot cabin cruiser or $406/year for a 32-foot cruiser. Of course, the larger 44-foot sailing yachts may cost $868/year to insure.

You will get to choose what you want, such as physical damage coverage (engine, hull, trailer, including collision, theft and storms); personal effects coverage (personal property like cell phones, radios, TV, laptops, GPS, cameras); boat liability (to cover the damage you do to others); towing coverage (for breakdowns); salvage coverage (to find pieces of your boat in the event of a wreck); and spillage coverage (to clean up oil/fuel spills). You can visit www.unitedmarine.net for a good quote, without having to give out much information.

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Your Amazing Yacht Charter Adventure

by VisitGreece on May 28, 2009


Where do you want to go on a yacht charter vacation? There are limitless possibilities, according to crewed yacht brokers. Popular destinations for a United States sailing vacation include San Diego, Chicago, Miami, Honolulu, Hilton Head, Martha’s Vineyard, Fort Lauderdale, Galveston, Long Island and Annapolis, yet why stop there? A whole lot more awaits you, which are all discoverable by power boats and luxury yacht charters!

A Mediterranean private yacht charter has much to offer. In Spain, you can discover the passionate flamingo dancers and proud matadors, sip sangria, eat delicious olives and enjoy modern marinas from Barcelona to Valencia. Euro club goers and party animals can’t miss the amazing entertainment venues on Ibiza, where vibrant beaches are as world renowned as the nightlife.

Some of the other Balearic Islands offer a quieter respite, from the secluded beaches of Formentera, to the cobble street village of Cindadella, to the culture-rich fishing village of Mallorca to the National Park on Dragonera. Other Mediterranean destinations include Greece, Croatia, Turkey, France and Italy.

For those chilly winter months, why not take a private yacht charter to the warm Caribbean waters? Travelers come to the Virgin Islands, the Cayman Islands, Jamaica, the Florida Keys and the Bahamas for the white sandy beaches, the pleasant trade winds, turquoise waters, West Indian cuisine and fun activities year-round.

There are more than 100 Virgin Islands, offering a plethora of coves for snorkeling, swimming, scuba diving, surfing, marine-life watching and lounging. On the shores, you will enjoy dancing, frozen blender drinks, crafts from local artisans and the dramatic mountain peak topography.

  • Indian Ocean has a lot to offer a private yacht charter.
  • A private yacht charter is a wonderful way to spend a honeymoon or vacation.
  • Travelers come to the Virgin Islands, the Cayman Islands, Jamaica, the Florida Keys and the Bahamas for the white sandy beaches.

In the Bahamas, you can feast on spicy cuisine, fish on beautiful beaches, snorkel underwater grottos, gaze upon a habitat of 60,000 flamingos, star gaze the midnight skies, dance in nightclubs and splash around at the world-renowned Atlantis water-park and culture center.

A sailing charter in the Cayman Islands will whisk you away to the famous Seven Mile Beach (one of the best in the world!), the historic Pedro St. James castle, scuba diving shipwrecks in Cayman Brac, bird watching the rare red-footed Booby on Little Cayman and partaking in the museums and shops of George Town. Nothing beats the winter blues like a Caribbean yacht excursion!

The Indian Ocean has a lot to offer a private yacht charter. Luxury yacht charters in the Maldives are a rare, exotic winter adventure. Clear-water lagoons, coastal coves brimming with ecological diversity and colorful coral gardens bring many that love to snorkel here. The Seychelles are referred to as “the jewels of the Indian Ocean” and offer more than a hundred islands to explore.

The Coco Islands hide black parrots and giant tortoises in misty forests, while simultaneously offering warm tropical lagoons and white sand beaches. The pleasant trade winds are best during the winter and summer months. History buffs will be amazed at the pirate graves, leper hospital ruins and colonial plantation houses. Creole food and French influences also make the Indian Ocean private yacht charters intriguing.

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Tips When Traveling Abroad

by VisitGreece on May 11, 2009


If you’re going on a vacation or work in another country, it is important that you practice a few safety measures first to keep your trip as enjoyable as possible. A lot of people experience culture shock, simply because they underestimated the situation and did not bring the right materials to stay on course. Here are some tips I’ve learned from past trips.

1. Research. It is vital that you study in advance and read some books, magazines and a few online articles about the city or country you are visiting. You will get to know more about the popular sites, people and culture. You reduce the risk of having culture shock by understanding some of their traditions and customs. Check out how their Men’s executive wallets look like, as you may be visiting a shopping hub or two.

There are a number of places that have seemingly rude gestures. The Japanese may ask you to take your shoes off before entering their home, while the Chinese prefer that you sip your soup and noodles with the loudest sound possible to show that it is really delicious. You have to learn a few respectful gestures and words of greeting as well.

2. Time matters. When you’re vacationing, time tends to fly very quick. It is important that you check the time zones to know when to schedule your sleeping periods. You can reduce the chances of jetlag and feeling tired throughout your trip by pacing yourself. You should try to sleep at your destination’s current time 2 to 3 days before you depart. You may find some Attaché case handy to know the exact date and schedule. Make sure that you are alert and ready for conferences and meetings.

3. Navigation. There are plenty of ways to find your way effectively throughout the city. You have to pack some maps, your GPS and a compass even in your Laptop attaché. Familiarize yourself with the surroundings, beginning with your own hotel room. You need to look for major streets and landmarks so that you can easily find your way back just in case
It is recommended that you go by foot during the first few days, then start navigating for important terminals such as the bus stops, train stations and bicycle rental stations. You also should study beforehand about particular restaurants that cater to foreign taste buds, since some dining areas may be too unique for your choice.

4. When attending ceremonies. You need to prepare the right dress for certain occasions like weddings, dinner parties and festivals. You can actively participate in a number of programs. Simply inquire at the front desk of your hotel about unique tourist options to make the most out of your trip.

It is also very useful to learn a few simple words and sentences, to effectively communicate and mingle with the locals. You can find your way around much more easily if you know words like “Where is…?”, “How do I get from… to…?” and “What are the available modes of transport to get to…?”

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