Greece land of the sun god Apollo and sea god Poseidon, stands at the tip of the Balkan Peninsula. As the cradle of European civilization, Greece has an intensely rich history. Its philosophers Plato, Socrates and Aristotle, theorists of the city, analysed royalty, democracy and tyranny, and its scientists Thales, Pythagoras, Euclid, Archimedes and Hippocrates invented the physical sciences, geometry, mathematics and medicine.

Having exported chaos, drama, tragedy and democracy before most nations stayed up late enough to want souvlaki, Greece boasts a legacy that's unrivalled. From smoggy Athens to blindingly bright islands, there are more ancient fragments than you can shake a stick at - the belly button of the cosmos at Delphi, fallen columns galore on the sacred island of Delos, frescoed Minoan palaces in Crete and even, quite possibly, the remnants of Atlantis at Santorini.

Greeks are fierce guardians of tradition, but that doesn't mean they don't know how to have fun - their propensity for partying dates back to Dionysos. In addition, hot sun and limpid seas conspire to make Greece a compelling place to relax. Whether you're supping in a beachside taverna, sipping coffee in a shady plateia or disco-dancing till dawn, chances are the gods already have you ensnared.

Major Tourist Cities / Areas Information:
	Athens