Destination: Greece
by James Langford

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At one time the world’s center of learning, Greece today can provide your clients with a wonderful escape to charming villages, exquisite beaches and the ancient ruins of one of the Earth’s most unique societies.

Greece offers so much, and it is impossible to condense the best aspects of this country into one article. However, depending on what your clients want to see and do, there are a variety of tour packages available that you can easily access via the internet.

For those of your clients who are traveling to Greece for the first time, a typical tour would include a stay in Athens – which is mandatory -- coupled with a cruise to the island of Crete or a multi-day cruise to any of the other Greek islands that lay east in the Aegean Sea.

Don’t be afraid to sell the idea of Greece as a vacation destination to anybody. Many of the tour packages have been developed for those people who are traveling on a budget. Some of the cruises are relatively inexpensive and provide a variety of choices and visit a number of locations in a limited time period.

In other words, your clients will receive value for the dollars they spend. Even as part of a tour with a schedule to meet, many of the packages allow enough time between events for independent exploring, especially on the islands.

But remember, the first stop has to be Athens. This is where people start thinking about whether or not they have some Greek blood in the family lineage.

The first destination in Athens has to be the Acropolis. This “Sacred Rock” overlooks the city and defines the Hellenic culture. On top of this mountain sit three important temples.

The Parthenon is and always will be the most important monument to Greece’s ancient civilization and still remains the country’s international symbol. Pictures do not do it justice. To stand in front of it inspires awe. Built between 447 and 438 B.C., it was dedicated to Athena Parthenos, the patron goddess of Athens.

The Erechtheion, built around 420 B.C., is dedicated to two gods, Athena and Poseidon-Erechtheus.

The Temple of Athena Nike also was constructed around 420 B.C.

Most interesting though, is The Propylaea, the gateway to the Acropolis, which features wall paintings in the north wing. After contemplating the ingenuity of the Greeks and their ability to create art in stone some 2, 000 plus years ago, it is time for some fun and a walking tour of Athens. At the foot of the Acropolis are the ancient markets of Kerameikos and Thession. Here your clients will find narrow alleys full of shops that are burgeoning with locals and foreigners.

A preponderance of taverns and small cafes, interspersed with a variety of shops along these colorful walkways, makes it easy for the weary shopper or people watcher to stop, rest and relax with a glass of wine or ouzo or a cup of coffee.

This is truly why I love traveling throughout the countries that surround the Mediterranean. Life is relaxed. No one is in a big hurry. Service in cafes is usually accompanied by an extended conversation with your waiter or waitress. And I’ve never had a bad meal. And a glass of ouzo at 10 in the morning aids the digestion of your breakfast and prepares your stomach for lunch.

The streets eventually lead to the city’s center and the museums and monuments that celebrate the rich history of this country and city.

If you have clients who are more adventuresome and like to travel on their own, then Greece’s long coastline offers many attractive beaches. Festivals, shopping and vineyard visits are easily found throughout the country. Plus, the beaches are perfect for families with children. It is difficult to find a restaurant or café owner in Greece who doesn’t love kids.

During the winter, from October to March, the rates for travel and accommodations throughout the country are much cheaper. The winters in Greece are very mild and provide the best time to explore the country and go climbing, cycling, hiking, and visiting the wide variety of ancient ruins and attractions that exist. Greece celebrates its own version of Mardi Gras every February. This is the celebration of Apokreas, which means forbidden meat and is a pre-lent festival. Most towns, villages and of course the cities stage huge parties that feature more food than you could ever eat, nights of revelry and much dancing into the wee hours of the morning.

Greece is a wonderful travel destination. The people are warm and friendly and want you to enjoy yourself while you’re visiting their country. They embrace life with a fervor that makes any vacation or trip a wonderful and memorable experience.

Jim Langford is the president of the Pharmer Group, a communications consulting firm based in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.