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Thomson Destinations
From the magic of ancient sights to the beauty of sun-blessed sands, isn't it time you gave in to Greek charm?
Greece
Mention Greece and a jumble of images jostle for space in your mind's eye. There's crumbling ruins that whisper with tales of great gods and mythical beasts. White-washed houses that dazzle beneath a powder blue sky. There's higgledy piggledy churches wrapped in fragrant blooms. And authentic tavernas serving tasty home cooking and a glass of wine in the sun. Greece is all these things - and plenty more. An ancient land bound in myth and legend, it's jam-packed with delights. You want soft, sun-kissed sands? No problem. Good food? Coming right up. Something to please the history lover? There's certainly no shortage on that front. Whether you're winding your way through the cobbled streets of Corfu Town or exploring Medieval castles in Rhodes, sunning it up in Zante or soaking up awe-inspiring views in Kefalonia, Greece is one of those magical places you'll hanker for long after your suntan's faded.
BULGARIA MACEDONIA
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ALBANIA
Thassos Thessaloniki Halkidiki
Corfu Skiathos Lefkas
Aegean Sea
Skopelos
Lesbos
TURKEY
Ioni
an
Kefalonia ATHENS Zante Peloponnese Paros Samos Mykonos Naxos Kalymnos Kos Symi Santorini
Greece & Islands
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Things to see and do Athens Love history? Then you can't come all this way without a trip to Greece's vibrant capital, Athens. At its heart stands the Hill of the Acropolis, topped by the ruins of the Parthenon with jaw-dropping views of the city. Lying in the shadows of this ancient site is the pretty Plaka quarter where cobbled alleyways are lined with cafés, tavernas and shops. Knossos Palace, Crete Knossos is Crete's most important archaeological site and the second most visited place in the whole of Greece after the Acropolis. The jewel in this ancient crown is the Minoan Palace of Knossos. Learn the story of the Minotaur and the Labyrinth and unlock the secrets of the ancient Minoan civilisation. Thessaloniki Savour the sights and sounds of Thessaloniki - Greece's second largest city, known for an array of splendid churches, including one of the largest churches in Greece. A cosmopolitan city where you can browse the fabulous designer shops or simply sit at one of the chic café bars on the waterfront admiring the famous White Tower. Visit the city's spectacular museums and monuments including the Archaeological Museum, which hosts the Gold of the Macedonians exhibition, and don't miss the Acropolis, where you'll be treated to a spectacular panoramic view of the city. Rhodes Town From the outside, Rhodes Town appears to have been untouched by the passage of time with its medieval walls and moat set on the beautiful harbour. Stroll through quaint narrow cobbled streets, where buildings that date back to the days of the Knights of St John are now filled with cafés, shops and boutiques. See the imposing Palace of the Grand Masters, a fortress within a fortress, and meander down the medieval Street of the Knights, one of the Old Town's most famous sights. Asklepieion, Kos Not far from the capital is Asklepieion, the most famous and important archaeological site on the island. Known the world over as the centre of Hippocrates' Medical School, it was here that Hippocrates used to practice medicine and the Hippocratic Oath was heard for the first time. The world-famous oath is still heard at Asklepieion every year, in the language of ancient Greece. Achilleion Palace, Corfu James Bond fans may recognise this enchanting palace as the set used for the casino in For Your Eyes Only. Built in 1890, it initially served as a personal retreat for the problem-riddled Empress Elizabeth of Austria who suffered both ill-health and the negative effects of a notoriously unfaithful husband. After the assassination of the unlucky Empress in 1898, the palace lay empty for nearly ten years before being snapped up by Kaiser Wilhelm II. The palace is packed with fascinating artefacts.
Beaches You don't need us to tell you, the beaches of Greece are the stuff of postcards. Snow-white sands slide into an electric blue sea so vivid your digital could never do it justice. Corfu and Crete, Kos and Kefalonia - whichever Greek island you plump for, you'll find a bevy of beautiful beaches just begging to be sprawled upon. And whether you're seeking a deserted sanctuary with nothing but footprints on the sand, or a bustling bay dotted with sun loungers and snack bars, there's a paradise to suit every sunseeker on the planet. In addition, plenty of them have been awarded Blue Flags, so you're guaranteed a good standard of cleanliness, too. Of course, watersports abound - a great way to escape the sun's hot rays and have plenty of fun to boot.
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Rhodes Crete
GREECE & ISLANDS
100 km
© TUI 2005
Average daily maximum temperature
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Sky digital 647 Visit your travel agent up to Call 0871 230 2555 Calls costMobile 10p/min plus 6p set up fee from a BT landline. and other providers' charges may vary.
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