A Journey of Sapphire
Seas & Stone Carved
Shores

Piraeus

Athens exudes a unique charm through its mix of street markets,
vine-covered tavernas, souvenir stalls, ancient monuments and
high-rise buildings. For tourists, a plus is that most of the
capital's attractions are accessible by foot.

Athens was named after Athena, the Greek goddess of wisdom.
According to mythology, she won the city after duelling against
Poseidon, god of the sea. Indeed, Athens can chart its history back
thousands of years and is regarded as the cradle of Western
civilisation. More specifically, it's democracy's birthplace, and
where philosophy, art and architecture were refined.

The city declined after the Classical Age, dwindling to nothing
but a town in the colourful area now known as the Plaka. It emerged
as independent Greece's capital in 1834.

Today, the city is bustling. And though the pollution, frantic
gridlock and dingy buildings are a striking contrast to the open
beauty of Greece's coast and islands, Athens is truly the country's
beating heart. Ancient wonders like the Acropolis, the Parthenon,
and the Temples of Zeus and Hephaestus ensure that the city will
always lure travellers.

Mykonos

Mykonos is upmarket, fashionable and a favourite among gay
travellers. It's quite possibly Greece's most expensive island.
Designer shops, perfect beaches, colourful tavernas and throbbing
dance clubs are all on offer. That said, trendy crowds and nude
beaches have not erased the destination's enchanting traditional
flavour.

Sightseers can visit the island's archaeological museum, which
displays finds from the necropolis (cemetery) on nearby Rhenia. Day
trips to the uninhabited island of Delos are also highly
recommended. The UNESCO World Heritage archaeological site was the
Aegean's religious centre during ancient times, and features in
some captivating myths. Its history is almost as interesting.
Visitors can explore the temples and the Avenue of the Lions, and
see stunning archaic sculptures in the museum.

Dubrovnik

This unique Adriatic port has been luring
travellers for centuries, known for its luxury accommodation,
excellent cuisine and beautiful surroundings. From a turbulent
history during which it was occupied and conquered by a succession
of neighbouring European powers, Dubrovnik has emerged as a city at
peace, allowing visitors to make the most of its historic
architecture, white pebble beaches and crystal-clear ocean
waters.

The Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage
Site, dating from the 7th century. Its 13-century walls enclose
well-preserved buildings representing a cross-section of Baroque,
Gothic and Renaissance architecture, while Onofrio's Fountain is
one of Dubrovnik's most famous landmarks, found just inside the
main entrance to the old city at Pile Gate.

The centre of the Old Town is its main
street called the Stradun, which was originally a channel
separating an island from the mainland. It was filled in to join
two towns into the merged city of Dubrovnik.

There are many churches, monasteries and
museums to explore, while the Old Town boasts plenty of
restaurants, bars and shops. The coastal belt is awash with pretty
marinas, coves and promenades, while most hotels and the best
beaches are located northwest of the Old Town, at Lapad, or in
Ploce to the northeast.

Dubrovnik is a favourite on European cruise
itineraries and many tourists arrive by sea, ferrying in to the
charming old port. Although Dubrovnik will delight cruise
passengers with only a few hours to kill, it's incredibly rich in
history and culture and can easily occupy travellers for days. The
city is also well situated as a travel hub for exploring the
villages and islands dotted along the dramatic Dalmatian Coast of
Croatia.

Kotor

Tourists to Montenegro will most likely spend the bulk of their
time exploring the small Balkan country's natural landscape. From
snowy peaks to tall pine forests, from the coastlines to the
fjords, Montenegro is an outdoor lover's dream come true.

However, for those looking to get to grips with the culture of
Montenegro, the medieval city of Kotor is certainly the place to
visit, especially in recent years as Montenegro has swiftly
established itself as one of Europe's top tourist destinations.

It's not hard to see why this is. The surrounding Mediterranean
coastline, with its limestone cliffs and thick vegetation, is
punctuated by the port of Kotor, which in turn is surrounded by
city walls that were built by the Republic of Venice. These
ramparted and bastioned city walls, together with the
Venetian-inspired old city, are a designated UNESCO World Heritage
Site, and lauded for their role in the diffusion of Mediterranean
culture in the Balkan region.

A small city, with a population of just under 14,000 permanent
inhabitants, Kotor is a wonderful place to navigate on foot,
soaking up the scenery and admiring the medieval buildings. In
terms of tourist sights, the Maritime Museum is a must-visit
attraction, as is the Cathedral of Saint Tryphon (built in 1166)
and the Church of Our Lady of Health, which is located on a small
promontory overlooking Kotor and provides unbeatable views of the
bright blue Adriatic Sea beneath.

Brindisi

Brindisi is a port city on the Adriatic Sea, in southern Italy’s Apulia region. The red-stone Aragonese Castle stands on a small island at the harbor’s entrance. The tall Monumento al Marinaio d’Italia, a rudder-shaped limestone memorial to sailors, has sea and city views.

Corfu

The island of Corfu, best known of the seven Ionian islands that
lie off the northwest coast of Greece, differs markedly from the
other popular Greek islands because not only is it green and lush,
but also very developed with tourist resorts and hotels. Summertime
is busy, with charter flights arriving daily from European cities,
ferries disgorging travellers from Italy, and cruise ships
docking.

There is plenty to draw visitors to this magical island, also
known as Kerkyra. Modern Corfu Town is upbeat and cosmopolitan,
offering an exciting conglomeration of Greek, Italian, French and
British influences. The old town was laid out by the Venetians in
the 14th century and features narrow alleys lined with
multi-storied, pastel-coloured buildings with red tiled roofs,
creating a scene reminiscent of Italy. The hub of activity in the
town centre is the Liston, an arcaded row of touristy cafes and
restaurants, copied from the Rue de Rivoli in Paris.

Most tourists stay in one of the popular beach resorts like
Sidari and Roda in the north, or the party capital, Kavos, on the
southern tip of the island. Quieter resorts include Gouvia and San
Stefanos. Those wishing to escape from the melee can head for the
interior to enjoy some spectacular scenery and greenery. Corfu has
43 different kinds of orchids growing wild in the countryside, and
there are countless olive groves. There are dozens unspoilt coves
with beaches washed by the sparkling, warm Ionian Sea. It is still
possible to search out a secluded bay even in the busy season when
the package holiday resorts are awash with tourists.

Vólos

Located on the eastern coast of Greece, Volos is a bustling and vibrant city that offers a perfect blend of tradition and modernity. Situated at the foothills of Mount Pelion, this coastal city is known for its stunning beaches, rich history, and warm hospitality. Whether you are seeking a relaxing beach vacation or an exploration of historical landmarks, Volos has something to offer for everyone.

One of the main highlights of Volos is its beautiful coastline, with numerous sandy beaches stretching along the Aegean Sea. The most popular beach is Alikos, which boasts crystal clear waters and a well-organized beachfront. Just a short drive away from the city, visitors can find tranquil and picturesque beaches like Agios Ioannis and Mylopotamos, where they can unwind and soak up the sun.

Volos is also steeped in history, with archaeological sites that showcase its rich past. The Archaeological Museum of Volos is a must-visit attraction, housing an impressive collection of artifacts from various periods, including the Neolithic, Mycenaean, and Roman eras. The nearby ancient city of Dimini offers a glimpse into the Bronze Age, with its well-preserved ruins and the impressive tomb of Sesklo. History enthusiasts can also explore the ruins of the ancient city of Iolkos, which played a significant role in Greek mythology as the homeland of the legendary hero Jason and his crew, the Argonauts.

For a taste of local culture and tradition, a visit to the Tsipouradika is highly recommended. These small taverns, scattered throughout the city, are known for serving tsipouro, a traditional Greek spirit. Visitors can enjoy a variety of meze (appetizers) while sipping on this strong and flavorful spirit. The lively atmosphere, combined with the authentic Greek cuisine, creates a memorable dining experience.

Volos is also an excellent base for exploring the enchanting region of Mount Pelion. With its lush forests, picturesque villages, and stunning landscapes, Mount Pelion offers a perfect escape from the city. Visitors can hike through the trails, which lead to hidden waterfalls, charming monasteries, and breathtaking viewpoints. The traditional mountain villages, such as Makrinitsa and Portaria, are worth a visit, with their cobblestone streets, stone houses, and breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and sea.

If you are a fan of outdoor activities, Volos has plenty to offer. Apart from swimming and sunbathing at the beaches, visitors can also indulge in various water sports such as windsurfing or kayaking. The clear waters of the Pagasitic Gulf are ideal for sailing, and boat trips can be arranged to explore the nearby uninhabited islands, such as Trikeri or Alatas.

Volos is also well-known for its vibrant nightlife scene. The city comes alive in the evenings, with numerous bars, clubs, and music venues offering entertainment for all tastes. From trendy cocktail bars with stunning views of the sea to traditional taverns featuring live Greek music, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

With its beautiful beaches, rich history, and vibrant atmosphere, Volos is a hidden gem in Greece that offers a unique and authentic travel experience. Whether you are a history enthusiast, nature lover, or simply looking to relax and unwind, Volos has it all.

Piraeus

Athens exudes a unique charm through its mix of street markets,
vine-covered tavernas, souvenir stalls, ancient monuments and
high-rise buildings. For tourists, a plus is that most of the
capital's attractions are accessible by foot.

Athens was named after Athena, the Greek goddess of wisdom.
According to mythology, she won the city after duelling against
Poseidon, god of the sea. Indeed, Athens can chart its history back
thousands of years and is regarded as the cradle of Western
civilisation. More specifically, it's democracy's birthplace, and
where philosophy, art and architecture were refined.

The city declined after the Classical Age, dwindling to nothing
but a town in the colourful area now known as the Plaka. It emerged
as independent Greece's capital in 1834.

Today, the city is bustling. And though the pollution, frantic
gridlock and dingy buildings are a striking contrast to the open
beauty of Greece's coast and islands, Athens is truly the country's
beating heart. Ancient wonders like the Acropolis, the Parthenon,
and the Temples of Zeus and Hephaestus ensure that the city will
always lure travellers.