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Greece
Corfu
Homer was spot on when he described this emerald isle as a beautiful and rich land'. We're talking green hills. Tiffany-blue seas. And angel-white sands. Not only that, but with over three million olive trees, the island's like an endless silvery grove. Then there's Mother Nature's other head turner - the colourful flowers that carpet the island. With all this on offer, it's perhaps not surprising that Corfu was the first Greek island to grab the tourism limelight. Now an old pro at winning holiday hearts, it's one of those rare destinations that caters for all tastes. If you want to escape the rat race, try the pin-drop peace and quiet of Ropa Valley, all fairytale forests. Equally chilled out is Glyfada. Attracting the laid-back crowd, it's abuzz with tavernas and the sandy shores seem to stretch forever. For an up tempo break, head to Kavos, a good-looking party town. If you're greedy for it all though, bag a bit of everything in Corfu Town. Culture, shops, bars - it's got the lot. Wherever you unpack, you're sure to fall head over heels for Corfu.
Thomson Destinations
Kefalonia
It's nearly ten years since the Hollywood trailers packed up and shipped out of Kefalonia. The strumming Corelli brought world fame for the island, plus a spot on the travel pack's to see' list. But Hollywood fame aside, what's it got to shout about? Lots, in a word. Enough natural beauty to give Penelope Cruz a run for her money - if Kefalonia was a person she'd be a supermodel. But it's not all about looks. The island's got a personality every bit as arresting. Despite the film's success, it's still one of the quieter islands and the towns and villages have that laid-back vibe. Try a fish lunch in pastel-painted Fiskardo. Stroll the cobbled streets of Sami. And chill out on the beaches of Lassi. Just remember to set aside time for the must-sees, like Myrtos beach. The haunting caves of Drogarati. And the blue swirls of Lake Melissani. The rest of the time? Do as the locals do - which means overdosing on honey, sipping crisp Robola wine and roaming to the sound of tinkling goats' bells. In these parts, relaxation's as easy to come by as ouzo
Zante
This is an island with huge appeal and two names. Zante or Zakynthos - either one will do, whether you're referring to the whole island or its capital town. Small enough to be easily explored, large enough to offer up bags of diversity, Zante is one of those destinations that's got the balance just right. Without a doubt, its trump card is its good looks, and the star beauty spot is the much talked about Smugglers' Cove. A crescent of deep-piled sand, a half-buried shipwreck and some theatrical-looking cliffs. It's just gorgeous. As to places to stay, there's something for everyone. Laganas is the biggest holiday hangout - a 24-hour playground that parties hard from Easter right through to the last flight out in October. And if you've got the kids in tow, Alykanas is a sure-fire hit. Away from the beach resorts, it's an altogether different story. Rustic stone farms look out over vineyards heavy with grapes. And tall grasses grow among the ruins of old Venetian buildings levelled by the earthquake of 53.
Halkidiki
This triple-fingered peninsula boasts sun-drenched sandy beaches. Lush hills studded with villages and monasteries. And century-spanning ruins. All rubbing shoulders with unspoilt harbours and charming family-friendly resorts. What's more, each of Halkidiki's peninsulas has its own personality. The most visited is Kassandra, to the west. And it's easy to see why. Here, beaches are framed by Caribbean-like waters and green hillsides that give way to peaceful hamlets and frothy resorts. The next peninsula, Sithonia, is wilder and more rugged, with secluded coves giving way to sandy bays. Up above, steep pine-covered hills evoke a feeling of Austria, beckoning walkers and outdoor-lovers. And finally, there's mystery-cloaked Mount Athos. The easternmost of Halkidiki's peninsulas, this holy region is a land of monasteries, off limits to most ordinary visitors. The only way to experience it is on a cruise along its shores. It's fairytale stuff and all part of the bewitching spell Halkidiki casts over you.
Highlights
Corfu: Boat n' BBQ Cruise along Corfu's coastline: having dropped anchor you can plunge into the electric blue Ionian waters while a barbecue lunch is prepared for you. It's a great, fun day out for everyone! Zante: Land Rover Safari Only 4x4 off road vehicles are tough enough to handle this fun day! Our drivers know how to make your day off road a real adventure! They'll drive you completely off the beaten track, deep into the untouched countryside of Zante. Down dirt tracks, through forgotten villages, on and off road to explore the areas that only the locals know. Your friendly driver doubles up as your guide and will be able to give you an insider's knowledge of the hidden areas of Zante. Lunch is included, and being a day out for adults only, the odd glass of wine is included too! This is the best way to see the real heart of Zante and have a great 4x4 adventure!
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