SANTORINI,THW HISTORY OF THE MOST POPULAR GREEK ISLAND

Santorini ,officially Thera are islands that are the remnants of a volcanic caldera located in the southern Aegean Sea, about 200 km southeast from Greece's mainland. It is the largest island of a small, circular archipelago which bears the same name. The municipality of Santorini is composed of the islands of Santorini, Therasia, and the uninhabited islands of Nea Kameni, Palaia Kameni, Aspronisi, and Christiana.
Santorini is essentially what remains of an enormous volcanic explosion, destroying the earliest settlements on what was formerly a single island, and leading to the creation of the current geological caldera. The island slopes downward from the cliffs to the surrounding Aegean Sea. On the fourth side, the lagoon is separated from the sea by another much smaller island called Therasia; the lagoon merges with the sea in two places, in the northwest and southwest. The water in the centre of the lagoon is nearly 400 m deep, thus making it a safe harbour for all kinds of shipping.

It is the most active volcanic centre in the South Aegean Volcanic Arc, though what remains today is chiefly a water-filled caldera. The region first became volcanically active around 3–4 million years ago though volcanism on Thera began around 2 million years ago with the extrusion of dacitic lavas from vents around the region of Akrotiri.

The island is the site of one of the largest volcanic eruptions in recorded history: the Minoan eruption , which occurred some 3,600 years ago at the height of the Minoan civilization. The eruption left a large caldera surrounded by volcanic ash deposits hundreds of feet deep and may have led indirectly to the collapse of the Minoan civilization on the island of Crete, 110 km to the south, through the creation of a gigantic tsunami. This theory is not, however, supported by chronology, in that the collapse of the Minoan civilization did not occur concurrently with the date of the tsunami; that happened some 90 years later.Another popular theory holds that the Thera eruption is the source of the legend of Atlantis.

HOLLYWOOD'S STARS HAVE DISCOVERED THE “BENJAMIN OF THE IONIAN ISLANDS"..YOU?

Paris Hilton, Tom Cruise, Nicol Kidman and many other Hollywood's stars have discovered Paxos .Paxi is the name given to the smallest group of the Ionian Islands. In Greek it is a plural form and it refers to a complex of islands, the largest of which are Paxos and Antipaxos (a smaller nearby island famous for two of the finest sandy beaches in the Ionian Sea)

Paxos has a permanent population of approximately 2,300 inhabitants and during the summer months the island welcomes more than 200,000 visitors.The eastern coastlines of the island are smooth, while the west coasts are bold and abrupt with remarkable natural formations: caves,fjords etc. Paxos is dominated by olive groves and Antipaxi by vineyards.You can rent a boat and explore every magic corner of these extraordinary beautiful place on earth.You will never forget these green islands with the turquoise waters..!

SPINALONGA THE "BESTSELLER" ISLAND

The book The Island by Victoria Hislop is set in Spinalonga and shares the fictional story of a family's ties to the leper colony.The island of Spinalonga is located in the Gulf of Elounda in north-eastern Crete, next to the town of Elounda.The island was subsequently used as a leper colony from 1903 to 1957. It is notable for being one of the last active leper colonies in Europe. The last inhabitant, a priest, left the island in 1962.

Today, the unoccupied island is a popular tourist attraction in Crete. In addition to the abandoned leper colony and the fortress, Spinalonga is known for its small pebble beaches and shallow waters. The island can easily be accessed from Elounda and Agios Nikolaos. Tourist boats depart from both towns on a daily basis. There is no accommodation on Spinalonga, meaning all tours last only a few hours. Boat trips from Elounda take approximately fifteen minutes while trips departing Aghios Nikolaos can take almost an hour.

IKARIA THE ISLAND OF LONGEVITY

Ikaria Island is the home of the mythical Icarus. Acclaimed New York Times Best Seller author of "Blue Zones",Dan Buettner, has discovered the secrets of longevity on Ikaria and declared it as one of only 5 other Blue Zones worldwide.. It is amazing that one-third of the population are 90 years of age and olderDuring your vacation you can ramble in Halaris Gorge,visit the ancient spa at Therma Spa or enjoy the unspoiled seas.The island is famous for the traditional feasts called "panigiria".The celebrations typically start in the early afternoon and go on until the next morning!There you will have the chance to try dancing "Ikariotikos" dance.Ikaria also plays host to "Icarus Festival".The purpose of the Festival is to host performances by artists or groups whose music is a product of multicultural participation or inspiration.
photo:Oscillator

ANOTHER REASON TO VISIT SANTORINI...THE WINE MUSEUM!

Santorini is a beautiful volcanic island located in the southern Aegean Sea.The island remains the home of a small, but flourishing, wine industry, based on the indigenous grape variety, Assyrtiko, with auxiliary cultivations of two other Aegean varietals, Athiri and Aidani. White wines from the island are extremely dry with a strong, citrus scent and mineral and iodide salt aromas contributed by the ashy volcanic soil, whereas barrel aging gives to some of the white wines a slight frankincense aroma, much like Vinsanto.

One of the attractions in Santorini is the Wine Museum.The museum is a natural cave 6 meters below ground.The exhibition consists of 24 thematic units that explain all the steps of the wine production procedure in Santorini. The collection includes machinery, vessels and tools for processing grapes that date from 1660 to 1970.You can join in the ritual of wine tasting,watch a relevant film and more!!

Take a look at our Greek islands package holidays

photos:touristorama

GREEK ORTHODOX EASTER

Special 3-Day cruise itinerary
Greek Islands & Ephesus 22 - 25 April 2011
All meals included

A visual and cultural experience combination, beginning from the whitewashed and windmill strewn harbor of cosmopolitan Mykonos, to the wonders of ancient Ephessos (Kusadasi) and the Holy Island of Patmos, where St. John the Divine transcribed the Apocalypse. Cruise destinations also include Heraklion, Crete and the fascinating island of Santorini to witness the most spectacular sunsets in the world.

3 DAY CRUISE - ITINERARY
DATE	PORT	ARRIVES	DEPARTS
Fri.	Piraeus (Athens), Greece		11:00
Fri.	Mykonos, Greece	18:00	23:00
Sat.	Kusadasi (Ephesus), Turkey	07:00	12:00
Sat.	Patmos, Greece	16:00	21:00
Sun.	Heraklion (Crete), Greece	07:00	11:30
Sun.	Santorini,Greece	16:30	21:00
Mon.	Piraeus (Athens), Greece	07:00

COMBINE YOUR HOLIDAYS IN GREECE WITH A FESTIVAL

Greece is a country with many cultural events going on all year round.Choose your favorite and enjoy the experience !

March-Thessaloniki Documentary Festival(11-20 March)
The Thessaloniki Documentary Festival – Images of the 21st Century (TDF) is a film festival specialising in documentary films which takes place every March in Thessaloniki.The main programme focuses on documentaries that explore the social and cultural developments in the world.

April-BeThere!Corfu Animation Festival(7-10 April)
Be there! Corfu Animation Festival is the new international animation festival, that includes Corfu, the capital of the Ionian Islands, as its point of reference. It aims to constitute a meeting point for animation artists from all over the world, in April 2011.

June-Medieval Rhodes Festival(mid May-late June only in weekends)
Tradition, History and Myth...
The legend of Rhodes...In a Medieval Festival!

July-Rockwave Festival
Rockwave Festival is a rock festival held in Malakassa, Greece, a few miles outside of Athens, Greece. It is one of the most famous music festivals in Greece. The festival's history begins back in 1995, but it had its popularity spread since 2004.

Please contact us and let us help make your trip to Greece the best time of your lives.
photo:lifomag

SUMMER HOLIDAY CAMPS AND CHILDREN'S VILLAGES

Camps and others are located along the sea coast and in the Greek forests of undisturbed natural beauty in first two prongs of Chalkidiki, Kassandra and Sithonia, Dream Island on Evia Island, Rhodes, Crete, Attica.

The accommodation is based on 2 weeks back to back shifts, that can be prolonged on the 3rd week of the request. Chilren are accommodated in rooms with 2 - 4 beds with bathroom in the bungalows or main buildings.

The acceptable age of the children is from 7 - 15 years.

Our experience in organization of the camps (every year there are about 3000 children from many countries), has given us the thought to give the opportunity to the colleagues to organize the activities of the children with their own teachers, so we will always discuss the special conditions for them.

We are sure that our experienced staff and charming hosts, together with the warm Greek hospitality will create the same fantastic atmosphere of friendship and understanding that was the trademark in our holiday camps in the summer of 2010; and, of course, the children will really have an unforgettable holiday

GREEK CARNIVAL 2011

Most carnival-related events are connected with the ancient worship of the Greek god of wine,Dionysus.Greece's carnival, or "Apokria" is a period of partying,eating,drinking,dancing,and celebrating.Carnival Parades are held all over Greece.

The Carnival in the city of Patras is one of the top three carnival celebrations in the world, right after the events in New Orleans and Rio de Janeiro.In Corfu and Rethimno the celebrations have a Venetian flavor .The celebration reaches a crescendo on the last Sunday of Apokries

Please contact us for your Greek travel adventure

SPAS and REVITILIZING CENTRES!

This relatively new tourist service is gradually gaining more ground in Greece, but is currently available only in very few areas and a handful of islands. These centres offer a full range of therapies and have high standards of facilities, including saunas, jacuzzi, swimming pools, gyms and many more!

Pamper yourself, nourish your soul, revitalize your body and feel great! What better place for a spa treatment than the land of sea, sun and relaxation...Come to Greece and enjoy the benefits of expert service combined with traditional hospitality....

THERMAE SYLLA SPACENTRE at the NATURAL MINERAL WATER SPRINGS OF AIDIPSOS

OUR SCHOOL AND COLLEGE TOURS

Culture, great nightlife, history, hospitality, breathtaking scenery, shopping - Greece has much to offer to any traveller and we are experienced in creating tailor made programs for student and college tourists.

Whether as part of a school trip or as individuals, we will see to it that your requirements are catered for.
More specifically, we can offer:

• Special cheap hotels/ hostels/ rooms for students
• All transport arrangements - air/ ferry/ coach/ Le Shuttle or a combination of these options
• Current cost of collective passport (for under 21 years)
• Guided city tour of your choice
• Travel insurance
• Tailor-made itinerary based on the visits you would like included in your tour

ADVENTURE HOLIDAY PACKAGES

Either scrambling on mount Olympus or rafting in Aliakmon river or walking through fascinating gorges of Crete, we can lead you with fun and safety. Our specialists can design any program to fit your needs.

Some of our suggested programs are the following:
CRETE ISLE I, II
Trekking and canyon trekking in SW Crete (7 days)
TAYGETUS I, II
Trekking and canyon trekking at mount Taygetos (7 days)
AGRAFA
Trekking in the most isolated part of Greece (7 days)
SOUTH PINDOS
Backpacking in central Greece (7 days)
NORTH PINDOS
Trekking in one of the most beautiful areas of the world (7 days)
OLYMPUS
Trekking on the highest mountain of Greece (6 days)
BIRDWATCHINGBirdwatching in north or western Greece (7 days)
PERTOULI
Hiking, mountain-bike or horse riding (3 days)
VOURAIKOS
Canyon trekking in Vouraikos gorge (2 days)
PARNASSUS
Hiking following ancient trails (2 days)
TAVROPOS
Hiking and MTB around lake Tavropos (3 days)
PILIO
Horse-back riding exploring south Pilio (3 days)
Plus CANYONING, RAFTING, one day Hiking trips

INCENTIVES / Business Trips in Greece

INCENTIVES / Business Trips

We delivering high quality travel services to business people and corporations. We are a preferred meeting planning, incentive travel and destination management company. We can provide destination and cruise proposals and any contract negotiations needed to cruise fares, hotel & resort accommodations, tour packages, transfers and any sightseeing that a destination offers to make your next group travel a complete success. Whether it's meeting/conference planning or incentive travel planning wecan provide you with a high level of expertise, thoroughness and quality service, designed to ensure your continued satisfaction.

All Corporate traveling including small business meetings, seminars or incentive trips can be designed and organized by our company, based on your special Programme and on your specific budget.

Incentive Program means Unusual Ideas: Check out some of our Incentive Ideas contained in the subpages of this category (links below) and contact us for further information and details.

Our primary focus is the organization of business events. We aim to provide successful businessmen, who rightfully deserve recognition and a well-deserved vacation, with tailor - made solutions to suit their individual needs. Our company offers a unique ingredient which will prove to surpass your every expectation - our personal touch which guarantees ongoing fun, continuous entertainment and endless activities.

Full use of our executive network is a "must" since it provides high quality services, before as well as after conferences, congresses, conventions, sale meetings and product launches. Our wide range of services include, among others, booking of conference halls, provision of secretarial services, arrangements for ticketing and accommodation, airport assistance, sightseeing tours, special events for participants and much, much more.

In addition to all the arrangements required for your business trip / conference / congress we are also in the position to offer a wide range of services including Villas, Hotel accommodation, sightseeing, guides, excursions, limousines, helicopters, car rental...

ACROPOLIS MUSEUM BOUTIQUE HOTEL

ACROPOLIS MUSEUM BOUTIQUE HOTEL

Welcome to Acropolis Boutique Museum Hotel!
Acropolis Museum Boutique hotel combines high quality service with a location in one of the finest parts of Athens.
This very special hotel is housed in a classical building that recently has undergone a complete renovation (2007) and has 22 charming rooms divided over the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd floors. It is located just a few steps from the Acropolis and Plaka, and adjacent to the new Acropolis museum.

The total renovations combine all amenities and comforts that the modern sophisticated traveler has come to expect while maintaining its authentic style and character. Coco - Mat mattresses are made of natural materials such as sea grass, horse hair and coconut.

The hotel reception will be happy to assist with city maps and guides, tourist information and suggestions for exploring this historic area of Athens and further abroad. With only a handful of rooms, service at Acropolis Museum Boutique Hotel is intimate, personalized but also discrete.

Our staff's attention to your every need and desire will make you feel pampered and relaxed. Acropolis Museum's staff will ensure that everything and anything is taken care for you: travel arrangements to and from airport, organizing sight-seeing, special honeymoon or anniversary services packages, transportation arrangements, restaurant recommendations and reservations.

Warm hospitality and attentive service will help make your business or leisure stay in Athens extremely pleasant.

Looking forward to meeting you,
Acropolis Museum Boutique Hotel

Hotel / Room Facilities

Avaya IP Telephony Security
Air Conditioned Public Rooms VCR / Video Cassette Player
Bar Baby Sitting
Breakfast Buffet Baggage Handling
Copy Service Bicycle Rentals
City Center Car Rental Desk
24-Hour Front Desk Key Card/Computer Access
Elevator Doctor On Call
Express Check Out Express Check In
Fire Safety Certified Phone, FAX Service
Housekeeping International Direct Dial
Interior Corridor Access to Rooms Maid Service
Mail & Postage 24 hour Manager on Duty
Manicure Message Service
Multilingual Non-Smoking Rooms
Razor Electrical Socket Outdoor Parking
Safe Deposit Box 24-Hour Room Service
Smoke Alarms in Public Rooms Sightseeing Arranged
Sprinkler System in Public Rooms Sprinklers In Rooms
Wakeup Service Tourist Information
Luggage Storage Fireplace
Medical Facilities Massage
Tour Desk Safe
24-Hour Internet Access

Location - Contact Information:
48 Sygrou Avenue
Athens, Greece, Zipcode: 117 42
Tel: +30 210 9249050 - 1
Fax: +30 210 9249052

Honeymoon Packages In Greece

Whether you're attended by retainersin fine raiment before the majestic Acropolis... or exchange vows in the serenity of a private Greek chapel; whether you're cheered by invited guests or by enthusiastic locals; whether you step onto a Mediterranean cruise, to be regaled by chefs and entertainers, and retire to your cabin at your pleasure... or escape on a romantic honeymoon cruise to Santorini, maybe Crete or Mykonos or dress in a wedding Greek Dress and exchange your vows in Greek language as well as in English (We'll help you with the Greek words :-)

Follow in the footsteps of Antony and Cleopatra, desert princes or mythic heroes as you commence a lifetime of passion and commitment. For just the two of you, or for 200 guests. We will see to every detail, from bookings to ceremony and even an online registry where friends and relatives may honor your union and ensure its success with the ease of a secure transaction. All this for less than a wedding at home or in Mykonos or in the magnificent island of Santorini.

We give you the freedom to create your perfect wedding from the list of optional extras we can offer you. From a simple buttonhole for the groom to bouquets for the bride and posies for the bridesmaids, from a set of photographs of the ceremony to photographs of the reception or a video of the entire event to show family and friends who couldn't make it. Betis Travel can arrange it for you.

Novartis 2011 Conference in Athens

Betis Travel is proud to announce that completed successfully the Novartis 2011 Conference in Athens!