Greece
Bask in the magic, history and Mediterranean sunshine that have made Greece a favorite among travelers for centuries. This unforgettable destination is every travelers' dream—from world-renowned ancient ruins and picturesque islands to urban centers and stunning shores. Gaze upon the towering Monasteries of Meteora. Step back in time to explore the ancient ruins of the Acropolis in Athens. Sail the sparkling Aegean Sea and discover the white-washed towns and white-sand beaches of some of the worlds' most famous islands. No matter what you love about travel, Greece has it.
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- Destinations: Greece
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Highlights
- The Acropolis
The Acropolis of Athens, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is the most striking and complete ancient Greek monumental complex that still exists today, and one of the most famous ancient archaeological sites in the world. This incredible structure and its accompanying monuments are world-known symbols of the Greek spirit and civilization and stand proudly as a reminder of the rich Greek history. The monuments that stand upon the rocky limestone hill towering over Athens are the Parthenon, the Erechtheion, the Propylaea, the Temple of Athena Nike, and of course, the entrance to the Acropolis. These monuments have survived for nearly 25 centuries, standing up against numerous wars, explosions, fires, earthquakes and more. Of these outstanding monuments, the most famous is the Parthenon, a former temple that was once dedicated to the goddess Athena.
- Oia Village
Situated on the northwestern tip of coastal Santorini, Oia Village (pronounced la) is known as "the postcard village": iconic whitewashed houses and buildings dotting the rugged cliffs, towering over the sparkling Aegean Sea, breathtaking sunsets (as well as sunrises!). Oia is the most famous village in all of Santorini, and is one of the most photographed places in Greece, if not in the world! This magical village is full of charming streets that are home to blue-domed buildings, quaint shops, charming cafes and more. The view from Oia is spectacular, giving spectators a stunning sight of the Palia and New Kameni volcanoes as well as the island of Thirassia. Oia is known to encompass a quiet life, with the busiest area being the main pedestrian walkway that runs along its length. Travelers and locals are encouraged to walk along the beautiful paths throughout the village, leaving their cars at a park once they enter the area. Oia Village is so picture-perfect, that many artists and poets have been inspired by the scenery. Because of this, a handful of artists have decided to settle in this region of Santorini, which later influenced the increase of art galleries in the village.
- Cycladic architecture
If Greece is popularly known for one thing (besides its magnificent ancient ruins), it's the iconic Cycladic architecture found on its well-known islands and allures visitors from around the world. This architectural style is composed of the whitewashed houses adorned with vibrant flowers, the blue-domed churches, and the plethora of paved paths that wind throughout the towns. Many factors impacted the architecture style, such as the environment, climate and landscape. The most popular feature of this style are the whitewashed houses and buildings. In ancient times, the residents of the islands were seeking a way to block out the cold winter winds and also protect from the direct sun exposure in the summer. The white walls were created with the appropriate thickness to keep it warm inside during the winter and cool during the summer. The beautiful contrast of the royal blue doors and domes against the whitewashed structures is said to be the idea of Greek prime minister Ioannis Metaxas, who said the colors of white and blue represented the white waves of the Aegean Sea below and the bright blue of the sky above.
- Mykonos
Mykonos, named after the grandson of Apollo, is Greece's most famous cosmopolitan island, home to iconic whitewashed houses and a vivid nightlife. Located in the Cycladic region of the Aegean Sea, this stunning town is full of pristine beaches, picturesque villages, mouthwatering Greek cuisine, and a vibrant lifestyle. Mykonos is also known as "The Island of the Winds" due to the constant breeze that flows throughout the alleyways and buildings. At the entrance of the Kastro neighborhood sits Paraportiani Church, one of the most photographed churches in Greece. Also known as "the Church of Our Lady", this structure is actually 5 churches built on top of each other! After exploring the maze of streets and walkways, wander to the coast and enjoy an outdoor cafe at the edge of the Aegean Sea in Little Venice. Or, stroll along the 18th century row of fishing houses and admire their colorful balconies overlooking the water.
- Crete
Crete is the largest island in Greece and the 5th largest island in the entire Mediterranean Sea. This island is composed of varied terrain, from sandy beaches to towering mountains. In Crete, you can find the birthplace of Zeus. According to Greek mythology, Zeus was born in the Ideon Cave on Mt. Ida, the tallest mountain range on the island. The capital of Crete, Heraklion, is home to the great Minoan Civilization and the palace at Knossos. In ancient times, this palace contained over 1,000 rooms and was adorned with intricate courtyards and shrines. The palace was used mainly as a religious and administrative center, but also served as workshops for artisans and food processing. Today, the ruins of the palace have been painted with vibrant colors and decorated with frescoes and shields.
The Acropolis of Athens, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is the most striking and complete ancient Greek monumental complex that still exists today, and one of the most famous ancient archaeological sites in the world. This incredible structure and its accompanying monuments are world-known symbols of the Greek spirit and civilization and stand proudly as a reminder of the rich Greek history. The monuments that stand upon the rocky limestone hill towering over Athens are the Parthenon, the Erechtheion, the Propylaea, the Temple of Athena Nike, and of course, the entrance to the Acropolis. These monuments have survived for nearly 25 centuries, standing up against numerous wars, explosions, fires, earthquakes and more. Of these outstanding monuments, the most famous is the Parthenon, a former temple that was once dedicated to the goddess Athena.
Situated on the northwestern tip of coastal Santorini, Oia Village (pronounced la) is known as "the postcard village": iconic whitewashed houses and buildings dotting the rugged cliffs, towering over the sparkling Aegean Sea, breathtaking sunsets (as well as sunrises!). Oia is the most famous village in all of Santorini, and is one of the most photographed places in Greece, if not in the world! This magical village is full of charming streets that are home to blue-domed buildings, quaint shops, charming cafes and more. The view from Oia is spectacular, giving spectators a stunning sight of the Palia and New Kameni volcanoes as well as the island of Thirassia. Oia is known to encompass a quiet life, with the busiest area being the main pedestrian walkway that runs along its length. Travelers and locals are encouraged to walk along the beautiful paths throughout the village, leaving their cars at a park once they enter the area. Oia Village is so picture-perfect, that many artists and poets have been inspired by the scenery. Because of this, a handful of artists have decided to settle in this region of Santorini, which later influenced the increase of art galleries in the village.
If Greece is popularly known for one thing (besides its magnificent ancient ruins), it's the iconic Cycladic architecture found on its well-known islands and allures visitors from around the world. This architectural style is composed of the whitewashed houses adorned with vibrant flowers, the blue-domed churches, and the plethora of paved paths that wind throughout the towns. Many factors impacted the architecture style, such as the environment, climate and landscape. The most popular feature of this style are the whitewashed houses and buildings. In ancient times, the residents of the islands were seeking a way to block out the cold winter winds and also protect from the direct sun exposure in the summer. The white walls were created with the appropriate thickness to keep it warm inside during the winter and cool during the summer. The beautiful contrast of the royal blue doors and domes against the whitewashed structures is said to be the idea of Greek prime minister Ioannis Metaxas, who said the colors of white and blue represented the white waves of the Aegean Sea below and the bright blue of the sky above.
Mykonos, named after the grandson of Apollo, is Greece's most famous cosmopolitan island, home to iconic whitewashed houses and a vivid nightlife. Located in the Cycladic region of the Aegean Sea, this stunning town is full of pristine beaches, picturesque villages, mouthwatering Greek cuisine, and a vibrant lifestyle. Mykonos is also known as "The Island of the Winds" due to the constant breeze that flows throughout the alleyways and buildings. At the entrance of the Kastro neighborhood sits Paraportiani Church, one of the most photographed churches in Greece. Also known as "the Church of Our Lady", this structure is actually 5 churches built on top of each other! After exploring the maze of streets and walkways, wander to the coast and enjoy an outdoor cafe at the edge of the Aegean Sea in Little Venice. Or, stroll along the 18th century row of fishing houses and admire their colorful balconies overlooking the water.
Crete is the largest island in Greece and the 5th largest island in the entire Mediterranean Sea. This island is composed of varied terrain, from sandy beaches to towering mountains. In Crete, you can find the birthplace of Zeus. According to Greek mythology, Zeus was born in the Ideon Cave on Mt. Ida, the tallest mountain range on the island. The capital of Crete, Heraklion, is home to the great Minoan Civilization and the palace at Knossos. In ancient times, this palace contained over 1,000 rooms and was adorned with intricate courtyards and shrines. The palace was used mainly as a religious and administrative center, but also served as workshops for artisans and food processing. Today, the ruins of the palace have been painted with vibrant colors and decorated with frescoes and shields.Fast Facts
Already booked on one of our packages to Greece? See everything you need to know before you go.
| Overview | Capital: Athens |
| Entry requirements | U.S. citizens must have a passport which is valid for at least 90 days after your return date, though we strongly recommend at least six months. U.S. passport holders do not need a visa to enter Greece for stays up to 90 days. See the U.S. Dept. of State website for more information. If you do not hold a U.S. passport, please see the entry requirements. COVID-19 ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Celestyal Cruise Embarkation requirements:
More information about passport, visa & entry requirements. |
| Health Precautions & Vaccinations | There are no health requirements for entering Greece. However, you might want to consider getting a hepatitis vaccination. Ask your physician when planning a trip to Greece. |
| Weather | Greece enjoys relatively mild winters and lovely, temperate autumn and spring. Average temperatures between January and March tend to range between 50 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit, with rain most likely during January. Rain is less likely during February and March. Average temperature in April thru August is about 80 to 90 degrees. In September through November temperatures can range from the mid 60’s to 80’s. |
| What to wear | Since the weather can be unpredictable anywhere in the world and to be sure you are comfortable during your trip and prepared for all types of weather possibilities, we suggest that you carry a small folding umbrella and take with you a lightweight jacket or sweater. If you have two pairs of comfortable (broken in, not brand new) walking shoes, by all means, take both pairs. Packing to dress in layers is another way to prepare for a variety of weather conditions. Finally, remember that comfort and convenience should dictate your wardrobe for the tour, and casual clothes are in order for most every occasion as you travel. Please Note: Please dress modestly when visiting religious sites. Arms and legs should be covered. Shorts and sleeveless tops are not permitted. Covered shoulders and skirts below the knee for women, shorts below the knee for men are highly suggested. |
| Tipping | A small gratuity to your guides and drivers will be greatly appreciated by them. The recommended amount is 7-10 Euros per person per day for the local guide and 2 Euro per person per day for the driver on optional day tours. It is also customary to tip the hotel staff. Our recommended amount is 1EUR per person per day for housekeeping. The same amount is recommended for restaurant staff. In general, tipping is, of course, a personal matter and an expression of your satisfaction with services provided to you. |
| Money & Credit Cards | The official currency in Greece is the Euro. Major cities have ATMs. The hotels and some stores will be able to accept major credit cards. However, for street shopping, you will need local currency. You will be able to exchange US dollars to Euros at the airport, bank, or foreign exchange bureau. Although ATMs are available in major cities, we strongly suggest you bring enough cash. Traveler’s checks are not widely accepted in Greece. If you intend to use traveler’s checks during your trip, please verify they are still accepted in the places visited on this tour. Note for those on the Greek Isles Cruises: Upon boarding the ship, passengers are required to provide a credit card number that will be pre-approved for a minimum amount. At the end of the cruise, you will only be charged for what you actually spent. The ship’s reception can exchange a limited amount of USD for Euros. Always notify your bank prior to departure to avoid any problems using your credit or debit card while traveling. |
| Shopping | You will certainly have time for shopping, and Greece offers a great variety of goods to satisfy different tastes and price ranges. It is always a good idea to comparison-shop, and exercise the “buyer-beware” rule, just as you do at home. Be sure to inspect the merchandise before you leave the store. Most stores will not allow you to return or exchange purchased items. |
| Electricity & Power Adapters | The electrical current at the hotels in Greece is 230 volts with 50 cycles. On the cruise ships, the electrical current is 220 volts with 50 cycles. We recommend getting a universal adapter and converter kit. Learn more about electrical standards around the world. |
| Cell Phones & Internet | Want to take your cell phone, tablet or laptop, but not sure how to get cell service or wifi? See our blog posts on using your cell phone abroad and the top 5 ways to get Internet abroad. |
| Photography | Cameras and video recorders are allowed almost everywhere in Greece, and in fact, you will want to take plenty of pictures of the magnificent panoramas you’ll encounter as you travel. Photography is generally permitted everywhere except at airports and military installations. Memory cards for digital cameras will also be readily available, especially in major cities. |
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