Hellenic Holidays named in The Knot Best of Weddings 2013

New York, New York (January 23, 2013) — The Knot.com is pleased to announce that Hellenic Holidays, Inc. have been selected as a 2013 winner in The Knot Best of Weddings, a special section featured on TheKnot.com/BOW. TheKnot.com the number-one wedding destination, most trusted by brides. This is the third year that Hellenic Holidays have been voted the TOP PICK for The Knot Best of Weddings.

The Knot Best of Weddings 2013 provides a “by brides, for brides” guide to the top wedding professionals across the country, and is a must-have when it comes to selecting the best-of-the-best wedding resources. Whether they’re trying to find the wedding dress salon with the best service in Philadelphia, the most creative wedding photographers in Los Angeles, New York’s top cake bakers or Miami’s hottest reception sites, engaged couples across the country want the inside scoop on the best from real brides.

“We are so humbled by the award and we thank all the couples that we have worked with in making their honeymoons true trips of a lifetime. This being our third win in a row is a testament to the quality of the work.”

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A Honeymoon in Greece: Visiting Santorini

Greece is truly an ideal honeymoon destination. The beauty and romance of this country with its ancient ruins, magnificent beaches and wonderful landscapes make it a perfect match for a honeymoon. Greece is a country with a uniquely affluent historical past, inhabited by people gazing confidently into the future. A landscape that has given us thousands of postcard images but remains incredibly vibrant and impossible to capture. A country of beautiful contradictions, a constant journey in time, from the present to the past and back again. Walk through olive groves, through ancient sites. Move to clusters of sparsely inhabited islands. Roam from beaches to cliff side and then to rocky mountains and explore the breathtaking scenery. One of those breathtaking islands is Santorini. Santorini is totally unlike any other place on earth. The original circular island was blown apart nearly 3,000 years ago by a fierce volcanic eruption. Today one can only look and wonder at the beauty created by natural destruction.
Combine the island’s unparalleled beauty with some original activities, made especially according to the island’s unique morphology and create an experience you will never forget. Combining the island of Santorini with other islands in the Cyclades will make your honeymoon in Greece unforgettable. One such activity is a sunset sail around Santorini. What better way to explore Santorini than from the water? Isn’t that what trips to Greece are all about? You will embark on one of our gleaming 40-43 foot catamarans and begin your sunset sail approximately 3.5 hours before sunset to ensure a great afternoon of swimming, snorkeling and dining. You will have the opportunity to visit the Hot Springs, sail past The Volcano, Venetian Light House and the Red and White Beaches of Santorini. You will have the option of swimming at various locations at your leisure. A wonderful barbecue dinner is served under sail/power dependent on weather conditions. For more information, visit our preferred partner’s website: http://www.santorinisailing.com

A honeymoon in Greece is even more achievable than you might think. Let Hellenic Holidays show you the way!

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Gastronomy in Greece – A Reflection on Cretan Cuisine

It is our strong belief that trips to Greece should have some focus on Greek Cuisine. Greece Vacations tend to focus on sea and sun however during a recent trip to Crete, Daniel Noll and Audrey Scott explored the island of Crete. They both had the opportunity to discover the diversity of food in Crete and as they say: “When it comes to Cretan food, you could say it features the three F’s: freshness, fragrance and family.”

In a recent article on Uncornered Market they write:

Cretan cuisine is one of foundation, not of complicated sauces. Its strength lies in the quality and freshness of its ingredients, the use of wild herbs and greens, and purity of taste. And not to be forgotten, the copious use of olive oil, Crete’s liquid gold. We’ll touch on the ingredients and philosophy of Cretan food before diving into some of our favorite appetizers and sides, mains, desserts and drinks — and where we consumed them. The goal: so you don’t come to Crete looking only for gyros and souvlaki.

So lets pack a bag for a Greece Vacation and let’s dig in!

Read the complete article here. Thanks Daniel & Audrey!

 

 

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A Vacation in Greece: Visiting the Jewel of the Cyclades, Mykonos

When you search in an attempt to unearth that one special place that you will make memories to last for a lifetime while in Greece, one island comes to mind, one destination pops up again and again…. Mykonos.

A Greece vacation package that doesn’t include Mykonos feels like something is missing. Its narrow, cobblestone alleyways lined with modest, whitewashed homes, always spotless and welcoming. The scent of the “meltemia” the north winds, at times calm, at others intense, that clears land and sky of excesses. The elegant shops, the inspiring cuisine and exotic cocktails as well as the sound of music carried by the breeze, echoing along the alleyways. The beaches of Mykonos are simply unrivaled, boisterous, spotless, celebrity-strewn and magnificent! The people of Mykonos are warm and hospitable and make your stay as effortless as possible.

Here you yearn to live, taste, feel, let yourself go, touch, breathe. Here, “now or never” is a way of life. Here you feel fortunate, attractive, warm, passionate…

I have been to many trips to Greece. Many beautiful islands, many azure waters all part of many traditional Greece vacation packages. Yet every summer, like a wandering sailor, I make my way to a corner of the Earth named Mykonos.

Here you yearn to live, taste, feel, let yourself go, touch, breathe. Here, “now or never” is a way of life. Here you feel fortunate, attractive, warm, passionate…

“Because there is no place like this place,” we say again and again.

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Honeymoon in Greece: A Magnificent Santorini Wine Tour

Santorini is world renowned for its magnificent sunsets but sometimes honeymooners seem to forget its’ amazing wines. So while you honeymoon in Greece, uncork the most impressive dry white wines Greece can present & let your palate guide your senses to the unknown flavor of the indigenous grape varieties. Santorini Wine Tour will lead your wine adventure in Santorini with one of the best in the business, expert sommelier Vaios Panagiotoulas. The soil & micro-climate, the vines & cultivating techniques, the unique grape varieties & the modern vilification techniques are some of the highlights that you will experience with Vaios. Vaios greatly enjoys conducting wine education presentations, local food industry speaking engagements & chat with our clients. He loves his role as wine educator & wine itinerary developer & on-going communication with the individual wineries. He loves to share his passion for wine with all levels of wine consumers from the novice to the most discerning wine connoisseur & traveler. He looks forward to assist every visitor with a special, very personalized wine tasting journey. The tour around the island starts right away, under Vaios’ continual guidance. During this tour you will visit 3 wineries. There, you will be introduced to 15 different styles of wines. It is a wine tasting experience in the wineries you will never forget. Vaios, in collaboration with each wine producer, will provide you with all the knowledge and expertise you need, on a series of fine wines along with the correct way of tasting them. They will initiate you into the magical, artistic process from grapes to bottle! So while you are on your honeymoon in Greece and are visiting Santorini, make it a point to enjoy all that Vaios, Santorini Wine Tour and the beautiful island of Santorini have to offer!
Please visit Vaios at www.santoriniwinetour.com

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The Up Greek Tourism Team showcases Greece in London to boost tourism

The Up Greek Tourism Team has launched its latest project and its now live! The goal this time is to raise a minimum of £12,000 until December 24 for a new advertising video to be displayed on the Piccadilly Lite, 24 hours a day for 2 weeks, starting February 1, 2013. Donors who pledge £10 or above will be entered into a raffle for the chance to win a return ticket to Greece from London! The crowdfunding account in loudsauce.com is now open, so please visit to see what this is all about and if you would like to make a donation!

 

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Turkey Vacations: Something for Everyone

Describing destinations that Turkey vacations are likely to include.

When you’re planning to go on vacation, many destinations will undoubtedly spring to mind. There are sunny, tropical places like Hawaii or the Caribbean. There are exotic destinations like Egypt or India, or history-rich locales like London or Paris. With so many possible destinations to choose from, it can be hard to decide exactly where you want to spend your hard-earned vacation time! If you can’t find a vacation spot that calls to you right away, it might be time to think about visiting a place that doesn’t always come to mind right away when people talk about holiday destinations. Turkey is one of these places, and it is well worth a visit. Turkey vacations are always memorable, wonderful experiences!

Turkey is a country full of unique and fascinating sights, sounds and tastes. As Turkey is one of the oldest permanently settled regions in the world, Turkey vacations will almost always include visits to historical sites. Turkey is home to the ancient hilltop sanctuary complex of Gobekli Tepe. Dating back to the Neolithic era, this archaeological excavation site is the oldest known religious structure in the world. More recent historical sites include the Celsus Library in Ephesus, the remains of an ancient library whose beauty has not faded with the years.

Although Turkey has a rich and beautiful history dating back to the very beginning of recorded history, Turkey vacations will also include trips to Turkey’s more recent destinations. The city of Istanbul, formerly known as Constantinople, is one of the world’s most beautiful cities. Its architecture is a mix of all the cultural influences that have been a part of Turkey’s history over the years. With everything from museums to shopping malls to five-star restaurants to offer its guests, Istanbul may well be many people’s favorite part of Turkey vacations!

Less well known than Istanbul but just as amazing is the city of Antalya. Antalya is the fastest-growing city in Turkey, and it’s not hard to see why. More and more Turkey vacations nowadays will include a trip to Antalya, where visitors can take in some of the most beautiful beaches on the planet. Antalya also offers the world-famous Aqua Land, featuring amazing water slides and swimming pools, and Dolphin Land, a world-class aquarium that lets visitors get a good look at sea lions, white whales and, of course, dolphins!

For those who want their Turkey vacations to be a little more traditional, the seaside resort town of Marmaris is an absolute must-visit. Set on the gorgeous beaches of southwestern Turkey, Marmaris offers something for everyone. History buffs can visit the restored castle of Suleyman the Magnificent. Shopping enthusiasts can spend their time wandering the lovely cobblestoned Old Quarter, taking in the local culture and appreciating the local shops. The outdoorsy vacationer can take day trips outside the city to go hiking and boating in the coves of the Datca peninsula. It’s truly a place where historical beauty and modern elegance go hand in hand.

Nowhere else in the world will you find a destination as varied and unique as Turkey. With its long, colorful history and its breathtaking natural beauty, it is truly a place with something for everyone. Turkey vacations are always wonderful experiences; choose Turkey for your next trip!

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Mexico Vacations Versus Greece Vacations

It’s time to escape the cold on your annual vacation, but should you aim for Mexico vacations or Greece vacations?

There is nothing better to break up those long, cold winter months than a vacation in a warmer climate, or at the very least, a vacation somewhere so beautiful that even if it’s cold, it’s still worthwhile to go there. The question is where should you go? So many people go the tropical resort route, because places like Mexico often offer good deals on all inclusive resorts, and you can relax and feel safe behind the walls of a resort, where you are required to do little more than lie around on the beach all day. A trip to Europe, however, can also be an enjoyable way to spend your time off. Greece vacations give you the chance to relax in a somewhat warmer climate, but also take in culture, art, and history. So which type of vacation is the right one for you: the all-inclusive in Mexico or the cultural experience in Greece?

Places like Mexico often have great deals to offer you, especially in the winter months. The vacationing done there revolves around relaxing. Sure, there are usually shopping tours you can take, but in general, you are encouraged to make only short stops and to not wander off on your own. In general, you will find yourself in the resort the whole time, likely soaking up the sun, swimming in the pool, and, of course, taking advantage of all the free food and drinks. Odds are that your venturing out will be limited to heading to the resort’s entertainment shows and nightclubs. Other than that, you can count on just staying put and relaxing. Greece vacations can offer that and more.

So what can you expect from Greece vacations? Well, that all depends on where exactly in Greece you decide to go. For such a small country, Greece offers a huge variety of activities. As Greece is made up of several islands, you can still get the beach resort experience. Of course, no Greece vacation would be complete without touring historic sites, such as the Parthenon and Corinth. Greece is also home to many modern activities, such as shopping markets and nightclubs.

One of the highlights of going on Greece vacations is the food. A Mexican resort will likely have a few restaurants with different ethnic themes, but with the exception of the spectacularly fresh fruit, your meals will likely be the same as what you would experience in the United States or Canada. Many people are surprised to find that genuine Mexican food isn’t exactly what you’d find at Taco Bell, and it can take some getting used to. Greek food, on the other hand, is some of the best in the world. Because Greece vacations tend not to limit you to a resort, you won’t be stuck with mass-produced buffet food either. You can go to small cafés and restaurants and get an authentic taste of Greece.

Traveling and relaxing are very important experiences in life, so it’s important that you take time to get away from it all! When it’s time for a winter vacation, choose carefully so you can get the experience you want. If that includes resorts, historic sites, shopping and markets, nightclubs and magnificent food, why not choose Greece vacations instead of the same old trips to Mexico?

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Planning for Romance

A guide to fun things to do and see on a honeymoon in Greece.

The key for an absolutely fabulous and romantically memorable honeymoon in Greece is to make it a requirement that you include a variety of things to see and do. A honeymoon in Greece offers a combination of history, ancient and modern culture, as well as beautiful scenery. Greece is made up of both a mainland and a group of Islands. Each setting offers something different.

Santorini

Classically known as Thera, Santorini was created through an active volcano in the South Aegean Sea. The views of the volcano are a natural wonder to behold, as are the crystal clear waters that couples can splash around in. The sunset that you can witness in each other’s arms will be one of the most treasured memories of your honeymoon in Greece. The Santorini seaside offers exquisite beaches with white, red or black sand, as well as incredible rock formations and lunar like landscapes. Santorini has a lot of beautiful places to see; from the Minoan Settlement Akrotiri, to the ancient town of Thera, the beautiful Catholic and Orthodox Cathedrals to the many Monasteries, there’s lots to enjoy on a honeymoon in Greece.

Crete

When you desire a little more than just lounging by the ocean in the sunshine, you can visit the city of Crete. A honeymoon in Greece would not be complete for lovers without a trip to the largest of the Greek Isles. The Palace of Knossos has 800 of its 1300 rooms available to visit and guides nearby to offer you tours. Crete has cosmopolitan restaurants and shopping too. For those on their honeymoon in Greece who are feeling a little extra adventurous Crete also offers an official nude beach named Filaki.

Mykonos

There are so many things to do on the lovely island of Mykonos for your honeymoon in Greece. The island has little cities filled with narrow cobble-stone streets by the sea and is known as little Venice. The well-known stucco windmills can all be viewed while on Mykonos, and the island also features a vivid nightlife for those evenings you feel like cutting loose. You can enjoy your honeymoon in Greece looking at the seaside from a small tavern while sipping wine.

Amorgos

Some time during your honeymoon in Greece you may have the desire to get away from the tourist masses and Amorgos is a charming Cycladic island tucked away, accessible by ferries, it will feed that desire. This island offers scenic hiking trails and beautiful beaches that can feel like your own private getaway. There are six walking trails on the island which range from 4km to 14km in length. You should stock up on water and snacks for the road if you plan to hike. Also worth seeing is the Chora Venetian Castle located above Chora village. It was built in the 13th century, the entrance to the fortress survived the passage of hundreds of years, and the view from above is absolutely amazing. Another amazing building is the Monastery of Panagia Hozoviotissa which is very impressive; built into the side of a cliff in the 11th century, it offers breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea.

Count on us for the best honeymoon in Greece. We will plan an itinerary for you that includes all the romantic locations and attractions of your choice. One call is all it takes to have the perfect honeymoon. Your dream of experiencing Greece awaits. Call us today.

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What to See on Your Trips to Greece

Is visiting Greece on your bucket list? Trips to Greece are becoming more popular as the cost for international flights are becoming more affordable; sometimes they are more affordable than domestic flights. If you are thinking about looking into some trips to Greece in the near future, there are a few destinations and sights you must consider before making your final decision.

As one of the founding cultures of modern civilization, Greece houses everything from ancient ruins to modern architecture.  Whether you want to tour the countryside, capture the Parthenon on film or visit a modern ocean side town to enjoy the culture, you can get it all here.  Trips to Greece often focus around the city of Athens but there are several cities and smaller towns that you should consider.  The island of Crete is where the very first European civilization sprang up back in the 7th Millennium BCE. The island itself, throughout history, has been the location of many battles, wars and disasters. Its rich history has led to it being an interesting destination with festivals, ruins and museums that really capture the cultural significance.

Delphi is another beautiful place to visit when in Greece. Even in ancient times, Delphi was a tourist attraction and to this day boasts the tragic but awe-inspiring ruins of the Ancient City of Delphi.  Many people think of Greece and picture emerald water and bright sunny days but it’s actually a great place to travel in the winter too.  Delphi is a very busy city and when winter rolls around they maintain that hustle and bustle because they are a great ski destination.  If you consider seeing Delphi as a day trip from Athens, also consider stopping in at Levadia; it is the famous site of the Greek Oracle. Can you believe that only two destinations have been discussed so far? You might have to make multiple trips to Greece in order to see everything!

Loutraki is as much a draw for tourists as it is for locals. It has a casino, plenty of hotels and beaches and even a spa.  On the Golf of Corinth coast, Loutraki offers some spectacular views and is only a short trip from the city of Corinth.  The original city of Corinth was destroyed by an earthquake in and around 2000 BCE and was then relocated but even with the relocation the new city of Corinth was still victimized by an earthquake and a major fire.  Trips to Greece often include a tour of the Ancient City of Corinth because it’s a major archeological dig site but the New Corinth is where you will be able to sit and enjoy the culture.

Perhaps the most relevant destination you should consider on your trips to Greece is Sparta.  Made famous in recent times by Hollywood, Ancient Sparta is best known for its military history. Initially, Sparta was a Greek state but it was brought under Roman Dominion later on. As a Greek state, Sparta rose to its height during the Persian Wars, where its military prowess put it on the map. Sparta fell after The Battle of Leuctra in 371 BCE after which they were unable to recover their military strength.

Greece is a place where the old world meets the new and whether you are a history buff or not; trips to Greece always promise something beautiful, luxurious or fascinating.

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