Athen & Badeurlaub Chalkidiki

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: 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: They say that nowhere in Greece can boast beaches like those of Halkidiki. The region has the perfect combination of that distinctive Greek light, unspoiled landscapes, colours and fragrances. And the glorious natural setting is complemented by the rich culinary fare of the region and the living religious traditions of its people, manifested in a host of feast days and other ceremonies and rituals.