Mietwagenrundreise "Die Geburtsstätte europäischer Kulturen"

About the destination: Thessaloniki, one of the oldest big cities in Europe and the second largest city in Greece. It stretches over twelve kilometres in a bowl formed by low hills facing a bay that opens into Thermaikos Gulf. It is a thriving city and one of the most important trade and communications centres in the Mediterranean. The great fire of 1917 destroyed a large part of the city's historic centre, and further damaged was caused by a large earthquake in 1968. Nevertheless, there are countless examples of the city's rich history and many cultures, albeit hidden among the post-1917 development. This patchwork of building has produced an incredible blend of styles that are very unique to Thessaloniki. Roman monuments abut modern university campuses, modernist buildings face mediaeval churches and Ottoman structures will soon cap the tunnels of Thessaloniki's newest addition, the subway. The city authorities have done much to preserve the condition of the cultural heritage and one can only imagine that more will be done to ensure that it is not only a permanent part of the city's landscape but also that it is well explained and accessible to locals and visitors alike. Thessaloniki's greatness, however, is not just in its standing structure. This city is truly alive and not just in the sense of massive traffic or lots of construction. The people here like to express themselves out in the open and it is hard to spend time here without seeing some of the authentic and indigenous culture of the city. Plateia Aristotelou has some open air concerts during the summer, but there are also spontaneous gatherings that give visitors insight into the lives of ordinary Salonicans. Students spend time in front of the Rotunda strumming their guitars at night and the Roman Agora is sometimes the site of plays or shows organized by various groups in the city. Every two years this cultural flourishing takes the form of the biennale of contemporary art, the highlight of the city's artistic community's calendar. Byzantine churches, Roman constructions, Muslim buildings, modern architecture, intensive nightlife and stunning beaches are the essence of Thessaloniki. Being the second largest city in Greece, Thessaloniki combines more than 2,300 years of history with every facility and excitement that a modern European city can offer a visitor.

About the destination: Katerini is a town in Central Macedonia, Greece, the capital of Pieria regional unit. It is near the city of Thessaloniki, Greece's second largest city, which has been beneficial for Katerini's development over recent years. It is served by both Intercity and local trains on the main railway line from Athens to Thessaloniki and there is a comprehensive regional and national bus service with its hub in the town. Katerini is close to the sea and to several archaeological sites of great interest such as the ancient city of Dion and the Castle of Platamon. The beaches of Korinos, Paralia and Olympiaki Akti are visited by both Greek and international tourists during the summer. The base of Mount Olympus and the town of Litochoro, are at a distance of around 20 kilometres from the centre of Katerini.

About the destination: Kalabaka is a municipality in the Trikala regional unit, part of Thessaly in Greece. The Meteora monasteries are located in the town. Kalambaka is the northwestern terminal of the old Thessaly Railways, now part of OSE. Kalabaka was voted as one of the most beautiful places in Greece. Nearby Meteora, and it's cliff top monasteries is the main tourist attraction at city

About the destination: Trikala is a city in northwestern Thessaly, Greece, and the capital of the Trikala regional unit. The city straddles the Lithaios river, which is a tributary of Pineios. MAIN TOURIST ATTRACTIONS • Koursoun Tzami. This Turkish Mosque dates from the 16th Century. It was built by Sinan Pasha who also designed the Blue Mosque in Istanbul. • Fortress of Trikala. This Byzantine fort has a clock tower that provides an excellent view of the city. • Chapel of Profitis Ilias. • Turkish Quarter. A peaceful area of winding streets and old houses.

About the destination: Lamia is a city in central Greece. The city dates back to antiquity, and is today the capital of the regional unit of Phthiotis and of the Central Greece region. MAIN TOURIST ATTRACTIONS - Lamia Castle, the city's fortified Acropolis - Platia Eleftherias - site of the towns independence day parade, and main cathedral. Also has many cafes with outdoor seating. - Platia Diakou - square containing the statue of Athanasios Diakos - Platia Parkou - Platia Laou - square featuring the statue of Aris Velouchiotis

About the destination: Delphi, ancient town and seat of the most important Greek temple and oracle of Apollo. It lay in the territory of Phocis on the steep lower slope of Mount Parnassus, about 6 miles (10 km) from the Gulf of Corinth. Delphi is now a major archaeological site with well-preserved ruins. It was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1987. Delphi was considered by the ancient Greeks to be the centre of the world.

About the destination: Athens takes its name after the goddess of wisdom Athena, who is celebrated by the magnificent Acropolis, which overlooks the modern, cosmopolitan city that Athens is today. Athens is one of the world’s oldest cities and it is the birthplace of western philosophy, democracy and theater. Up to this date, the Greek capital remains a major worldwide centre of culture, with its historic centre, iconic classical sites and museums filled with ancient Greece artefacts. The Acropolis, crowned by the emblematic Parthenon, has been proclaimed a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Cars were banned from the historic centre, which has become the most striking pedestrian promenade in Europe. In this archeological Park, visitors will witness the contrasting nature of this ancient metropolis being able to visit the New Acropolis Museum, a high-tech modern structure with light and airy exhibition spaces as well as the National Archaeological Museum, the largest archeological museum in Greece built in the 19th century and devoted to ancient Greek art. The Acropolis and Mount Lycavittos, the city’s highest points, are used as orientation since they are visible from most places in the Plaka, the old historical neighborhood. The Plaka is under the Acropolis and stretches almost to Syntagma, home of to the Greek Parliament. For a taste of the hedonistic Athenian lifestyle one should visit Monastiraki, where locals go to eat, drink and mingle. The night time belongs to Psirri, a vibrant neighbourhood known for its bars, live music venues and exciting nightclubs. Southeast of the city centre, a glorious stretch of coast affords dreamy views over the glistening blue Aegean Sea. Surely few European capitals can claim sandy beaches and clean water for swimming within such easy access. Athens therefore offers the best of both worlds – a fantastic city break as well as a lazy beach holiday. Athenians are surprisingly friendly and outgoing and their enthusiasm for life’s pleasurable pursuits is so infectious that even the stiffest traveler will take time out for endless coffees and evening strolls, dine out until late and enjoy the city’s nightlife, long after the rest of Europe has gone to bed.

About the destination: Corinth is an ancient city and former municipality in Corinthia, Peloponnese, which is located in south-central Greece. Since the 2011 local government reform it is part of the municipality of Corinth, of which it is the seat and a municipal unit. It is the capital of Corinthia. It was founded as Nea Korinthos or New Corinth (Νέα Κόρινθος) in 1858 after an earthquake destroyed the existing settlement of Corinth, which had developed in and around the site of ancient Corinth. Located about 78 kilometres (48 mi) west of Athens, Corinth is surrounded by the coastal townlets of (clockwise) Lechaio, Isthmia, Kechries, and the inland townlets of Examilia and the archaeological site and village of ancient Corinth. Natural features around the city include the narrow coastal plain of Vocha, the Corinthian Gulf, the Isthmus of Corinth cut by its canal, the Saronic Gulf, the Oneia Mountains, and the monolithic rock of Acrocorinth, where the medieval acropolis was built.

About the destination: Tolo or Tolon is a beautiful fishing village. There is much to do in this city. They can practice all water sports and explore their surroundings, make day cruises to the nearest island. Although many prefer to enjoy the traditional Greek hospitality, the simplicity of the fishing village and beaches of fine golden sand. Consider the perfect destination for all kinds of tourists wishing to visit Greece. Tolon Bay was described by Homer in the Iliad as Asini, named one of the cities whose fleet took part in the Trojan War. From the mid-20th century, with its natural beauty and the situation that allows easy access to archaeological sites neighbors, Tolon saw the beginning of the tourism industry and became the summer resort is now offering hospitality to tourists from around the world.

About the destination: Nafplio is a small town in Peloponnese. Many times it is also referenced as Nauplio, Nauplia or Nafplia. A lovely romantic downtown with cozy streets, a great place to stay for radial travelling around Peloponnese. Nafplio was briefly the capital of Greece before the seat of power was eventually shifted to Athens. It is an historical city due to its Byzantine, Venetian and Ottoman heritage, as well as its meaning to the Greek Revolution. It has a beautiful centre with small neoclassical historical houses, squares and churches. At a first glance, Nafplio looks like an Italian city because of its architecture and the colourful houses. You can see: Characteristic buildings, Museums, Cultural Centers, The Castles. Enjoy the sea: Very close to the town is the quiet sandy beach, just south of Palamede castle hill. There the locals gather to enjoy swimming in this blue flagged clean beach. Even more south, approachable by local bus or car, there is a series of marvelous beaches, very popular during the summer. Daily Cruises in the Argolic Gulf: If you have time you van try this cruise, giving you the pleasure to enjoy the sea and the seaside attractions of the area, including a bath stop! On the promenade where the boats for Bourtzi depart, usually once a day in summertime.

About the destination: Sparta, officially Sparti, is a city in Laconia, Greece. In the center of the city there is the Archaeological Museum and in the North West end is the Tomb of Leonidas, also known as Leonidaion and there is a tavern in front of the temple named Leonidas. North of the modern city start the ruins of the ancient Sparta. Exiting the Acropolis by the North Gate there are the remains of the earliest ancient walls, the Heroon and the Altar of Lycourgos, whereas to the East there is the Sanctuary of Artemis Orthia. The Museum of the Olive and Greek Olive Oil in the South West end highlights the culture of the olive and the technology of olive production. The city of Sparta enjoys a sunny and warm Mediterranean climate Points of cultural interest: Museum of the Olive and Greek Olive Oil Archaeological Museum of Sparta Archaeological Museum of Mystras The Manousakeio Museum of urban and folk life Koumantareios Art Gallery of Sparta

About the destination: Visit the mystical tower town of Mystras (in the Peloponese) located six kilometres of the city of Sparta, and let yourself be captivated by this destination’s medieval splendour. Wander around the castle city and sense through the silence the city's sheer grandeur: the Palace of the Despots (Anaktora), the Houses of Laskaris and Frangopoulos, the beautiful Cathedral of Saint Dimitrios and the impressive Monasteries of Our Lady Pantánassa. Stroll leisurely through the Kástro (the Frankish Castle), the Upper Town and the Lower Town whose architecture creates a dreamy setting. A visit to the Archaeological Museum will help you get a deep insight into the rich history of the area.

About the destination: Olympia is a town in Peloponnese. This was the site of the original Olympic Games. The games, held every four years in honor of the Greek god Zeus, lasted through the entire Classical Age. The central sanctuary or Altis included temples, altars, shrines, and public buildings for both religious and profane purposes. The flame for each modern Olympic Games is still lit in the town, by a reflection of sunlight in a parabolic mirror, and carried by torch to the place where the games are to be held.

About the destination: Patras is Greece's third largest urban area and the regional capital of Western Greece, in northern Peloponnese, west of Athens. The city is built at the foothills of Mount Panachaikon, overlooking the Gulf of Patras. Patras' core settlement has a history spanning four millennia, in the Roman period it had become a cosmopolitan center of the eastern Mediterranean. Dubbed as Greece's Gate to the West, Patras is a commercial hub, while its busy port is a nodal point for trade and communication with Italy and the rest of Western Europe. Every year, in February, the city hosts one of Europe's largest and most colourful carnivals. It was European Capital of Culture in 2006. MAIN TOURIST ATTRACTIONS • Rio-Antirio bridge officially the Charilaos Trikoupis bridge. • The Archaeological Museum. The museum has startling architecture, including an entrance made of silver-hued titanium that is shaped like a flying saucer on steroids. • The Roman Odeon. • The Faro which is the symbol of the city. The lighthouse has a cafe underneath it with a large television where they broadcast mostly soccer games for people to come and watch while enjoying a beverage of their choice. There is a playground right outside of the cafe for children to play in. The cafe is next to the water, so one can sit next to the windows and enjoy the waves crashing against the wall. • The Turkish hot baths. • Plateia Yioryiou (George Sq.). Sit at a cafe and take in the facades of the handsome neoclassical theater and banks on the square. • The Municipal Galery of Patras, founded in 1988 housed on the ground floor of the Municipal Library, beside the Old Town Hall, a location with many historical memories.

About the destination: Ioannina is an important tourist destination in Greece. The lake Pamvotida, with its still waters and its small island, is a natural monument, around which the entire area lives and breathes. The strong cultural traditions of the town, home to a number of great novelists and poets, and the artistic and intellectual events which are organized throughout the year, give visitors the opportunity to get to know the roots of the intellectual life of Epirus. Wonderful buildings like the House Matei Hussein, the Ottoman mosque of Veli Pasha and the entire historic centre of the town are unique attractions.

About the destination: Thessaloniki, one of the oldest big cities in Europe and the second largest city in Greece. It stretches over twelve kilometres in a bowl formed by low hills facing a bay that opens into Thermaikos Gulf. It is a thriving city and one of the most important trade and communications centres in the Mediterranean. The great fire of 1917 destroyed a large part of the city's historic centre, and further damaged was caused by a large earthquake in 1968. Nevertheless, there are countless examples of the city's rich history and many cultures, albeit hidden among the post-1917 development. This patchwork of building has produced an incredible blend of styles that are very unique to Thessaloniki. Roman monuments abut modern university campuses, modernist buildings face mediaeval churches and Ottoman structures will soon cap the tunnels of Thessaloniki's newest addition, the subway. The city authorities have done much to preserve the condition of the cultural heritage and one can only imagine that more will be done to ensure that it is not only a permanent part of the city's landscape but also that it is well explained and accessible to locals and visitors alike. Thessaloniki's greatness, however, is not just in its standing structure. This city is truly alive and not just in the sense of massive traffic or lots of construction. The people here like to express themselves out in the open and it is hard to spend time here without seeing some of the authentic and indigenous culture of the city. Plateia Aristotelou has some open air concerts during the summer, but there are also spontaneous gatherings that give visitors insight into the lives of ordinary Salonicans. Students spend time in front of the Rotunda strumming their guitars at night and the Roman Agora is sometimes the site of plays or shows organized by various groups in the city. Every two years this cultural flourishing takes the form of the biennale of contemporary art, the highlight of the city's artistic community's calendar. Byzantine churches, Roman constructions, Muslim buildings, modern architecture, intensive nightlife and stunning beaches are the essence of Thessaloniki. Being the second largest city in Greece, Thessaloniki combines more than 2,300 years of history with every facility and excitement that a modern European city can offer a visitor.

About the destination: Chalkidiki is a peninsula and regional unit of Greece, part of the Region of Central Macedonia in Northern Greece. The autonomous Mount Athos region constitutes the easternmost part of the peninsula, but not of the regional unit. The capital of Chalkidiki is the main town of Polygyros, located in the centre of the peninsula. Chalkidiki is a popular summer tourist destination.