EXPLORE GREECE JOINS USTOA

It was 2493 years ago this week that news reached Athens that a Greek army of 10,000, under the generalship of Miltiades, had defeated a Persian Army of 15,000 at the Battle of Marathon on September 12th 460BCE. The announcement came courtesy of a messenger called Pheidippides who ran from the battlefield to the Parthenon. Having previously run over 200 miles in two days to try and get support from the Spartans, he then sadly fell to the floor and died. Only 192 Greek perished in the battle and the monument to them stands proudly on the plain.

We think our new news that we have become members of the United States Tour Operators Association is, well, sort of up there with the battle result.

3 MILLION GREEK-AMERICANS  WILL CHEER THE NEWS

Joining the United States Tour Operators Associations makes perfect sense. America has the second largest community of people of Greek origin in the world. That’s equivalent to 30% of the entire population of Greece! Many of them are now third and even fourth generation, but they’re still in touch with Greek history, myths and legends and love to come back.

EVERY YEAR ONE MILLION AMERICANS VISIT GREECE

Of course it isn’t just American-Greeks that are drawn to visit the antiquities and beauty of our mainland and islands. Every year around one million Americans of all extraction come to discover and explore sites such as the theatre at Epidavros (above).

EXPLORE GREECE? THERE’S A CLUE IN OUR NAME!

If you have people who want to explore Greece then it’s always best for them to explore with a local who knows the hide-away authentic back alleyway restaurants just as well as the high profile sites. In which case there’s a big clue in the name of our inbound ground handling company – Explore Greece.

Now proudly a member of the United States Tour Operators Association.

YOUR INBOUND AGENT FOR ALL THINGS GREEK

For more information about our wide range of holidays & trips in Greece get in touch with our experienced team on our contact us page.

Or by calling +(30) 21620 20021.

…NOT TO FORGET EUCLID

We Greeks know a thing or two about angles. After all, in Pythagoras and Euclid we have the originators of modern mathematics. The former of course specialised in right angles and Euclid was the father of geometry. But let us tell you straight away that there are no wrong angles when it comes to visiting either the Greek mainland or her stunning islands.

SEEING BOTH SIDES NOW

If you’re a student of the classics you will know that the Greek word ‘amphi’ – as in amphitheatre – means ‘both sides’. That’s why the building at Epidauros (above) is not an amphitheatre but simply a theatre as it’s only a half circle – we like to be ahead of the curve! Then again we are experts in having a 360 degree view of everything possible to see.

MORE FACETS THAN A CHILIAGON 

You have to be an expert to know this (tbh we admit we had to look it up) but a 1,000-sided polyhedron is called a ‘chiliagon’. We think that’s a brilliant way to look at Greece. Certainly we are a ‘polyculture’, the word ‘poly’ meaning many. We have been invaded and occupied countless times, adopting something of each culture we have embraced. Add to that earthquakes and tsunamis,  volcanic cataclysms, Gods and monsters, myths and legends, and a fair sprinkling of facts and history, and we must have at least a thousand faces. Come and chill for a while.

LET US SQUARE THE CIRCLE FOR YOU

Ancient Greek mathematicians were obsessed with the idea of ‘squaring the circle’. It became a metaphor for something that was impossible or something that only alchemists could achieve. But, when it comes to putting together a package of all the best things to do and see in Greece, we think our experts have a winning formula that makes the impossible, possible. 

YOUR INBOUND AGENT FOR ALL THINGS GREEK

As an inbound travel agent for all things Greek, we offer a full portfolio of services ranging from cutural day trips and short breaks out of Athens, to soft adventure tours of the mainland, multi-island-hopping holidays and full-on cruises. If you are planning a tour to Greece make sure you speak to our incredibly knowledgeable and expert team.

AN ODYSSEY OF SUSTAINABILITY

We Greeks lay claim to a lot of things. We think that’s fair enough – we’ve been making an impact on land and sea around the Eastern Mediterranean for 4,000 years or more. Odysseus, legendary King of Ithaca, was one of the first great tourists, taking 10 years to return home to his wife Penelope after the Trojan War (boy, he must have one of the all-time great excuses!) Of course, in his day travel was totally sustainable – you either hoisted a sail or got the oars out. Today the world is in much more of a rush to get from one place to another.

PROTECTING OUR GREATEST ASSETS TAKES TIME, CARE AND MONEY

But, back in the day, when King Priam looked over the walls of Troy and saw 1,000 Greek ships landing, he was among the first to realise the impact tourism can have on your beaches. Although at least back then in the bronze age anything that got left lying around would have been naturally recycled by the elements. Greece, as an island nation, has 13,676 kilometres of coastline, much of it made up of lovely beaches and secluded coves. It is one of our greatest assets, as too are the seas that wrap around our land.

Sadly today, modern materials such as single use plastics hang around on our beaches and pollute our waters for eternity. Whilst Greece has done wonders in protecting its culture and history – we have an amazing 18 UNESCO World Heritage Sites – it is harder to legislate what happens in open waters.

TAKING POSITIVE ACTION TO CLEAN UP OUR BEACHES

At Explore Greece we have a policy of taking positive action to preserve our natural heritage. Increasingly, many of our guests choose to join us and, on our cruise programmes, our Captains arrange to drop anchor for an hour or two and guests and crew go ashore to collect rubbish from the beach. This is then bagged and disposed of at the next port of call.

SMALL IS BEAUTIFUL IN THE SARONIC GULF

We have long espoused the philosophy that ‘Small is Beautiful’ and more sustainable. Nowhere is this more apparent than on our private catamaran charter that sails out of Athens and explores the hidden gems of the Saronic Gulf and Eastern Peloponnese. Our stable twin-hull catamarans carry no more than 6 guests, looked after by a Captain and stewardess. That makes them perfect for a multi-generational family holiday – or even a very special honeymoon.

The normal itinerary runs out of Athens and visits Epidaurus, Hydra, Spetses, Ermioni, Poros and Aegina. And of course drops anchor somewhere along the way to clean-up a beach.  

YOUR INBOUND AGENT FOR ALL THINGS GREEK

As an inbound travel agent for all things Greek, we offer a full portfolio of services ranging from cutural day trips and short breaks out of Athens, to soft adventure tours of the mainland, multi-island-hopping holidays and full-on cruises. If you are planning a tour to Greece make sure you speak to our incredibly knowledgeable and expert team.

People instantly associate Athens with the Acropolis. Actually the word ‘acropolis’ literally means ‘high city’ – so, something built on a hill. There are many ‘acropoles’ in Greece – there is a wonderful one overlooking Lindos on Rhodes. But what people are really talking about in Athens is The Parthenon, a temple started in 447BCE and dedicated to the Goddess Athena after whom the city is named. The word ‘Parthenon’ means ‘virgin girl’ and in the 6^th century CE it was dedicated by Christians to the Virgin Mary.

THE MOST ROMANTIC PLACE IN THE WORLD?

The Parthenon is the spiritual home of all Greeks. It has an amazing and proud history. It is a wonderful place to visit, and the Parthenon museum is a culture vulture’s delight. It is also absolutely drop-dead-gorgeous by moonlight and there is nothing more romantic in the world than to have dinner at a restaurant at the base of the hill as the moon rises behind the temple ruins. We Greeks say ‘dine beneath the acropolis when the moon is full and you can’t help but fall in love’. The Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion is equally romantic at sunset. Understandably they are both popular places to propose marriage

THE TEMPLE AT THE CENTRE OF THE UNIVERSE

The Parthenon is also the Temple at the Centre of the Universe. At least, it was during the Golden Age of Greece and if you want to sample wonderful relics and ruins dating back to the bronze age it’s a wonderful base. It’s within an easy drive of Delphi, the wonderful Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion, Corinth and Mycenae. A little bit further away, but still comfortably doable as a day trip, are sites like ancient Olympia and Thermopylae.

If you like to run, then Ancient Marathon is a predictable 26.2 miles!

ATHENS BY NIGHT

When the day (trip) is done Athens is just a brilliant place to spend the evening discussing the things you’ve seen, talking about walking in the footsteps of Delphic Priestesses and heroes from the Trojan War. And the place to go is the Plaka district where Athenians and tourists alike gather for dinner, music, and conversation. Tables are filled with mezze to share on hot pitta bread, glasses are filled with a variety of local wines (and hey, there’s nothing wrong with frosty cold retsina on a hot summer night), and the air is filled with love.

HOW LONG SHOULD YOU COME FOR?

To be honest you can probably see the best bits of Athens in 2 days and nights – it’s quite a small city. But if you want to experience the Golden Age of classical Greek civilisation you can cover a lot in 5 or 6 days. We can make all the arrangements – hotels of all qualities, private transport to visit the sites, great recommendations for places to drink, dine and dance even. We’re local experts and it’s always good to have that connection.


YOUR INBOUND AGENT FOR ALL THINGS GREEK

As an inbound travel agent for all things Greek, we offer a full portfolio of services ranging from cutural day trips and short breaks out of Athens, to soft adventure tours of the mainland, multi-island-hopping holidays and full-on cruises. If you are planning a tour to Greece make sure you speak to our incredibly knowledgeable and expert team.

For more information about our wide range of holidays & trips in Greece get in touch with our experienced team on our contact us page.

Or by calling +(30) 21620 20021.

Fifty years ago the way to explore Greek history and the islands was by ferry, with a back-pack, sleeping on the beaches, staying where you wanted for as long as you wanted. It was a carefree if very sandy way to travel. Then we had island-hopping cruises where your ship docked at a harbour somewhere, you rushed and rushed around for an hour or two, then rushed back to head-off for the next place.

HYBRID ISLAND-HOPPING WITH ALL CREATURE COMFORTS

Of course, you can still cruise. But we recommend a hybrid way to island hop. One that gives you time to soak up the character and experience the culture and history of our beautiful islands, We particularly recommend this 10-day tour which visits 4 amazing places.

IT ALL STARTS IN ATHENS…

OK, so Athens isn’t an island – it’s even better, it’s a legend! Home and hearth to ever Greek and everything Hellenic it is a city that never sleeps and a place you’ll never tire of. We spend three nights here. The day you arrive we transfer you to your hotel and the evening is at leisure to acclimatise. On Day 2 we give you a guided morning tour that climaxes at The Acropolis and The Parthenon.  This evening explore the restaurants and bars as you choose.

…NEXT WE HOP OFF TO MYKONOS…

The following morning we catch the hydrofoil to Mykonos – playground of hedonists from around the globe. We spend three nights here so make sure you enjoy the beaches and nightlife but don’t miss hopping over to the tiny island of Delos for half-a-day, it’s one of the most important ancient sites in Greece. Also check out the optional local cookery and wine courses at Mykonian Spiti, a farmstead up in the hills.

…THEN IT’S SANTORINI…

On Day 6 it’s another hydrofoil trip, heading to the southernmost island of the Cyclades, Santorini. We have the best part of three days and three nights here. There is time to chill out on the black sand volcanic beaches, but we’ll offer you an optional tour of the island and show you Akrotiri – the Greek equivalent of Pompeii (only better!). We also recommend the optional wine tasting tour as the white wines here, grown on volcanic soil, are world renowned.

PRICES FROM €1,375 TO €2,068 PER PERSON IN TWIN ROOM

Prices vary seasonally but we can particularly recommend the low-season in September and October when this part of the Aegean has very pleasant temperatures, warm waters and excellent value prices. Single room supplements apply.

Prices include 4 star B&B hotel accommodation, all transfers, and a half-day city tour of Athens (on a shared basis). Hotel tax (€3.00 pppn) must be settled directly with the hotel.

For more information email info@egh.travel or call +302162020021

For more information about our wide range of holidays & trips in Greece get in touch with our experienced team on our contact us page.

The Athens Marathon, which is run largely along the route taken by the Greek soldier Pheippides when racing to announce victory over the Persians in 490 BCE, is on the ‘must do’ list for any serious road runner. It’s one of the toughest courses in the world, climbing over 332m (over 1,000 feet) and has become one of the most spectacular events of its kind in the world.

REGISTRATION NOW OPEN

Known as ‘The Authentic Marathon’, registrations for both individuals and groups opened a few days ago for the series of races – there are 5 in all including 10km, 5km and even a kids’ race. They close when the field is full or on October 1st. The races are held over the weekend of 11th-12th November. It’s a wonderful event with upwards of 40,000 runners taking part.

5 NIGHT PACKAGES STARTING IN ATHENS…

This isn’t the sort of event where you simply turn up in your kit and go for a run so we have a special 6 day package planned, based in Athens. You’ll be here in the company of an experienced running coach who will take you to Marathon to see the museum then drive the course with you giving insight into how best to run the race. They will also take you on a running sightseeing tour of this wonderful city, showing all the highlights, as a warm-up for the main event.

…THE RACE ENDS IN THE PANATHANIAKOS STADIUM…

There can be no more spectacular finish to a race than the famous Panathaniakos Stadium. Luckily it seats quite a few people as you might just be in need of a sit down after that 4 hour slog. Don’t worry if you can’t make that pace, the race starts at 9.00 am and the cut-off time is 8 hours!

…THEN IT’S DINNER IN THE PLAKA DISTRICT…

You’ll have worked up a hunger by the time you finish so back to hotel, get showered and head of to the legendary Plaka district of Athens for something eat and drink. There’s an enormous choice here but don’t worry – we’ve booked you another night in the hotel tomorrow so you have an extra day to recharge your batteries and carb load before you go home.

ENQUIRE FOR PACKAGE PRICES NOW

It’s very reasonable to regitser and enter for the race itself – individuals pay €55 and groups pay €50 per head. But even though it’s November the hotels and runing coaches get booked quite well in advance. If you have clients that want a unique running experience in the ‘Authentic Marathon’ start making enquiries now.

KEEP ON RUNNING!

For more information email info@egh.travel or call +302162020021

For more information about our wide range of holidays & trips in Greece get in touch with our experienced team on our contact us page.

Back in the 1960’s Mykonos, among the jewels of the Cycladic chain, was one of the original stopping-off-spots on the island-hopping ‘Hippy Trail’. No surprises really, there are stunning beaches and the island has always had a laissez-faire sunbathing dress code that lasts to this day. Young people and beaches naturally lead to a party atmosphere and the main town quickly developed a reputation for it’s nightlife. But Mykonos has a lot more to offer than simply tomorrow’s beach BBQ or this evening’s rave.  Look behind the shoreline and there is a world of tradition and legacy.

MYKONIAN SPITI – OUR HILLSIDE HIDEAWAY THAT CAPTURES THE TRUE TASTE OF GREECE

‘Spiti is the Greek word for ‘home’ and our wonderful discovery, a farm that celebrates all things traditional about the islands of the Cyclades, makes for a very different Mykonian experience. Inside, under the watchful eye of proprietor and chef Teta, hundreds of guests have learned  how to prepare and cook local delicacies. 

Meanwhile, away from the kitchen, Teta’s business partner, cult Greek wine sommelier Stathis Pasoglou, will offer you an executive wine tasting – retsina this is most definitely not! Even olive oil never tasted this good.

FROM BAKERY BREAKFASTS TO DELICIOUS DINING

Cookery class students naturally get to eat the food they have prepared, accompanied by a glass of wine or two. Alternatively, by arrangement, Mykonian Spiti also offers classic Cycladian meals. And oh, we forgot to mention the bread cooking classes, the chance to explore the farm, and everything totally and immersively ‘island Greek’

…IT’S ALL PART OF THE EXPLORE GREECE MYKONOS EXPERIENCE…

Explore Greece offers a full 7 night package programme to Mykonos that not only gives guests the option of enjoying the beaches and nightlife, but to take island jeep safaris, cruise the south coast, take a half day visit to the exceptional ruins and history on display at the nearby island of Delos and much more. 

For more information email info@egh.travel 

Athens was at the centre of all things classical about Greece. Nothing has changed – but what most people don’t realise is that some of the greatest sites of Greek civilisation are no more than a short road trip away. So, even if you’re only staying a few nights in Athens, there’s no reason you can’t visit the places that bring myths and legends to life. Herewith our day-by-day-trip guide to the Golden Classical Age.

OLYMPIA

An 11-hour road trip takes you to the site of ancient Olympia, home of the world renowned games. Features include:

Temple of Zeus

Gymnasium

Altar of Goddess Hera

Archeological Museum

4th century BC Hermes of Praxiteles Corinth canal

ANCIENT CORINTH

In as little as 5 hours we take you in the footsteps of St. Paul who taught at the Corinthian Acropolis for 18 months. Highlights include: Ancient Corinth
Temple of Apollo
Museum
The step of Apostle Paul
Ancient port of Kechries
Corinth Canal

MYCENAE AND EPIDUARUS

A day ‘tour de force’, this 9-hour trips is crammed with important sites and sights – for those who only have one day spare on their hands, this is the trip to take as you get to see: Corinth Canal
Lion’s gate
Cyclopean Walls
Royal Tombs
Mycenae Museum
Palamidi Fortress
Bourzi island
Theatre of Epidaurus
Sanctuary of Asclepius

DELPHI

The Oracle at Delphi famously advised ‘everything in moderation’ – we’re not quite sure she’d approve of what is something of a full on ‘legend-fest’ of a day where the highlights unfold one after the other:
Treasury of the Athenians
Temple of Apollo
Delphi Museum
Ancient Stadium
Ancient Theatre
Castalia Spring
Temple of Athena Pronaia
Sanctuary of Apollo Pythios
Mount Parnassus
Arachova
Galaxid

CAVE OF LAKES

And now for something completely different – Greece isn’t all about ancient history, we also have some stunning natural history. And no more so than at the Cave of Lakes where fossils dating back to Neolithic times have been found.

CAPE SOUNION

An easy 5-hour tour along the Athenian Riviera for some lakeside swimming and a visit to possibly the most photographed building in Greece outside of the Parthenon – the Temple of Poseidon, past which sea captains, both ancient and modern, sailed making an offering to the God of the seas for safe passage.

TOTAL COMFORT IS ASSURED – LET US PUT TOGETHER A PACKAGE FOR YOU

All trips are in luxury air-conditioned transport with a knowledgeable English-speaking driver and/or guide.  Vehicles have Wi-Fi and bottled water is included. If you are planning a visit to Athens and want to make the most of your time there let us tailor-make a package of day-trips for you.

For more information email info@egh.travel 

Crete is the largest island in Greece. It’s 5^th biggest in the Mediterranean and, perhaps surprisingly, is 88^th in the world in terms of size. Yet even given these impressive statistics, in terms of culture and history, and also natural beauty and glorious beaches, it punches well above its weight. Crete is a big deal, and it’s very much the real deal.

MINOS BEACH ART HOTEL SPECIAL OFFER – SAVE 10% ON HOTEL RATES

To get the best possible deal you need to stay in the best possible place at the best possible rate. Naturally there are hundreds of hotels on an island as big as Crete and we have to admit we haven’t even stayed in half of them! But we know a good deal when we see one and the Minos Beach Art Hotel, on Crete’s east coast, just an evening stroll from the old fishing harbour of Agios Nikolaos, brings a combination of lovely accommodation, a great location, lovely sands, and translucent seas. It also has great art on show in its own right in the reception areas and garden (you probably spotted a clue in the name!)

KNOSSOS, PHAISTOS, GORTYS AND SPINALONGA ARE JUST A DRIVE AWAY

About 50-minutes from Heraklion airport (we provide the transfer) the Minos Beach Art Hotel is a great base from which to explore Crete. You naturally have to see Knossos, legendary home of the equally legendary ‘half-man, half-bull’ Minotaur. We also recommend Phaistos which has some of the most wonderful Greek ruins in the Mediterranean – visit there and then go down to the coast at Matala (famous in the Joni Mitchell song for it’s moon!) and see the cave dwellings.

Also make time for the old Roman capital Gortys. In typical Roman fashion it’s right in the middle of the island and the old walls and amphitheatre are now hidden amongst a jungle of olive groves. Nearer to hand the old, abandoned Leper Colony on the island of Spinalonga maps history of a different kind.

DRIVE THERE, MAKE SURE YOU GET LOST COMING HOME

You can see all the sites within an hour or so of the hotel. But one of the best things about Crete is getting off the beaten track. So, f you hire a car to explore by all means follow the sat-nav on the way there, but then wind your way home through the back roads and stop at one of the timeless back-of-beyond village restaurants where you’ll find a warm welcome and wonderful food.

BOOK BEFORE MAY 31^ST FOR DISCOUNT, STAY ANY TIME UNTIL AUGUST 31^ST

Book with us before the end of the month to lock-in the discount. Then you can travel any time up until the end of August with the exception of the periods 11^th thru’ 16^th and 24^th and 25^th June.

To book or more information email info@egh.travel 

Everybody knows what a meteor is – a piece of space rock that burns up as it enters the Earth’s atmosphere and becomes a ‘shooting star’. But what do you know about Meteora in Greece, a rock formation which has some of the most amazing monasteries imaginable?

There’s a big clue in the name. ‘Meteor’ in Greek means ‘high’ or ‘lofty’ and, indeed, shooting star meteors are lofty objects, high above the earth. So too, at Meteora, the monasteries literally hang precariously into space, ‘high church’ dangling precipitously in the air from the cliff face on mountains that go up to over 600m.

SAFE FROM SECULAR SCRUTINY

The first monastery was built here somewhere around the end of the 11^th century CE. At the peak of the monastic community there were more than 20 occupied monasteries, amazing when you think that all materials had to be pulled up the sheer cliffs by ropes, in baskets. Now only 6 monasteries remain intact, although the ruins of others are still visible.

Equally amazing, even up until the 1920s, access for both people and goods was by rope, basket and/or ladders. This meant that they were essentially safe havens for both monks and nuns from marauding Turks or other secular invaders. More recently steps have been cut into the cliffs to make it easier to visit.

Q: WHAT DO YOU CALL A MAN FROM METEORA?
A: A METEORITE

There is another link between bits of space dust and the people of Meteora – they’re both officially called ‘meteorites’! Although, as you might expect in the high summer heat, the local population moves rather more slowly than their similarly named celestial cousins

Most famous of them all was Saint Athanasios the Meteorite who started building the Great Meteoreon Monastery in the mid 14rh century. In its heyday over 300 ascetics lived and worshipped there, but now numbers have diminished to single figures. Similarly at Varlaam, the second biggest monastery.

HOW TO VISIT METEORA

We’d love to show you Meteora – it’s a special place for Greeks and orthodox Christians everywhere. It’s also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can come here on a day trip from Athens (it’s a 12–14-hour trip) or we visit here as part of our 4-day Peloponnese Sites of Antiquity tour that also visits Epidaurus, Mycenae, Olympia and Delphi.

That may sound like a bit of a flying visit – but when it comes to Meteorites what else do you expect!