World cruise

Greece, officially called the Hellenic Republic, is located in south-eastern Europe. In the north it borders with Albania, the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) and Bulgaria in the east with Turkey. The country covers an area of ​​131, 957 km2 and consists of the mainland and more than 2,000 islands. Despite the fact that Greece - a relatively small country, it has a surprising variety of landscapes - from the legendary mountains of Olympus and Parnassus, stretching for miles to the coast. Indeed, because of the large number of islands, Greece has a particularly long coastline (15 021 km.), Which has the greatest extent in comparison with other Mediterranean countries.

The great ancient history of this country identifies Greece as the only of its kind. Still attracts and enchants its glorious past the islands of Crete, Rhodes and Corfu. As well as beautiful beaches, hospitality and carelessness of the Greeks.

Population

The main population - Greeks. The country is also home to the Macedonians, Bulgarians, Gypsies, Armenians and others in recent years in Greece illegally profit of more than 300 thousand Albanians.

Geography

Greece is located in the southeastern part of Europe. It occupies the south Balkans. Greece belongs to the numerous islands in the Ionian and Aegean seas, including Crete.

Language

Official language - Modern Greek. Almost everywhere understand English, German, Italian.

Worship

97% of the population profess the Greek Orthodox religion (Orthodox), Islam, Catholicism and Protestantism.

Political Structure

Greece has a parliamentary form of government. The head of government is the Prime Minister. Head of state - president, elected by parliament for a term of 5 years.

Time zone

Local time corresponds to Kiev. The voltage on the network connector sockets and plugs, as we have - 220 V, 50 Hz, two-contact.

Currency

On February 28, 2002 in Greece, along with other EU countries, the European single currency is completely replaced by a national. The euro against the dollar at the beginning of August 2002 is 1.01EUR per $ 1. We accept all major international credit cards. Tipping is 5 - 10% of the bill.

Things to Do in Greece

A trip to Greece - a journey of historical epochs. Traces of the past are visible at every step. The village holds the ruins of an ancient fortress, the fragments of ancient columns built into the ancient walls. Here are intertwined with each other Antiquity and Middle Ages, the era of Turkish rule and the present. In Greece can not but fall in love - she's too beautiful.

Its mountains and villages, temples and rocky shores are reflected in the waters of the Aegean and Ionian seas. This bright country, and who has ever experienced the charm of Greece, will want to see again the silvery olive trees, the branches that organize concerts of cicadas, shrouded in mist admire the Aegean Sea, to look into the tavern with the unsophisticated entertainment.

Greece - a paradise for lovers, connoisseurs and art lovers.

Athens - the capital is named after the Greek goddess of knowledge and wisdom. It is a bustling, energetic city. The first interest of tourists is the Acropolis, majestically overlooking the city. Directly above the Acropolis is the Plaka - the old district - a real treasure trove, full of churches, traditional tavernas, cafes and shops. The interest of tourists are the Temple of Olympian Zeus, Panafinsky stadium, the Acropolis Museum and other attractions. The capital has always presents its guests an unforgettable experience.

Attica - Glyfada, Vouliagmeni, Lagonisi, Marafonas, Vravrona - famous resort at a distance of 10 to 30 km from Athens. Crete - awesome beauty of the island, with a warm, gentle sea, beautiful beaches, mild climate, rich history and preserved nashy days before the monuments of antiquity, a friendly and hospitable people. According to the legend of Crete is an island of Zeus, king of the gods, here developed one of the oldest civilizations of mankind - the Minoan, which gave rise to the development of European civilization and culture. We recommend to visit the world famous monument of antiquity - the palace of King Minos, the labyrinth, posttroenny four thousand years ago, as well as archaeological finds of the Minoan culture of the museum, and Heraklion.

Crete - is a sunny paradise for a perfect holiday and exciting trips.

Rhodes - the largest of the Dodecanese islands, is literally studded with marvelous bays and coasts, vstupayutsimi in contrast with the mountainous terrain of the island. This island, which once was one of the Seven Wonders of the World - Colossus of Rhodes. Rhodes attracts many tourists, and temples of ancient castles and beautiful beaches. There is also a unique Butterfly Valley.

Corfu - one of the greenest Greek island, famous for its olive and cypress forests, picturesque coves and secluded beaches. We recommend to visit the palace of Achilles, the area of ​​Esplanade, Spyridon Church, Venetian fortress and Liston KITCHEN: As with any country in the Mediterranean, in Greece is characterized by an abundance of dishes from fish and seafood, as well as lamb, beef, vegetables and fruits. National specialties is moussaka - casserole with meat, potatoes, eggplant and bechamel sauce, gyuvechi - beef with rice and vegetables souvlaki - skewers of lamb or veal, dzadziki - cottage cheese with cucumbers and garlic, and more.

SHOPPING AND GIFTS: Greece is famous for its fur, gold and silver, ceramics and leather. Shops are generally from 10:00 to 20:00 with a lunch break from 14:00 to 17:00.

THE PRICE OF GOODS AND SERVICES: Taxi - about a dollar per kilometer. Pay should be strictly on the counter. At night is a double fare.

Dinner at a nice restaurant worth $ 20-25 in average restaurant - $ 12-15.

The visa regime in Greece

For trips to Greece and the Greek Islands Ukrainian citizens need a Schengen visa which is issued in advance at the Embassy of Greece in Kiev, and for residents of southern and eastern regions of Ukraine - in the consular offices in Odessa and Mariupol. Requires proof of solvency. The term of the visa - 1 week.

Individual visas can be obtained through the travel agency, at the invitation of a private individual or a Greek company, as well as on the basis of a letter from the hotel confirming the reservation of space.