Greece Travel Guide Gayot

TRAVEL GUIDE: GREECE

The birthplace of democracy, Greece is surrounded by water—the sparkling Aegean, Ionian and Mediterranean seas. With its history of enlightenment from ancient times, the country is also considered the cradle of Western civilization. Throughout the land, on its islands and in enclaves that include Crete, central Greece, Macedonia, Thessaly and Peloponnese, the whiteness of Cycladic architecture gleams especially bright against the blue of sky and sea. One building practically sits atop the next, and ancient ruins have a way of sneaking up on you. Here the gyros are cheap and delicious, the people are more than willing to help a tourist in need of directions, and the buildings representing cultures of the past coexist peacefully with the jam-packed roads of the present.

ATHENS

THE ROYAL TREATMENT
King George II Palace
This British-influenced hotel was originally built as an annex to the palace and hosted King George II as one of its first (and regular) guests. Rooms are traditional with a flair—décor is composed of raw silk and satin accents—and Tudor Hall serves up delicious Mediterranean cuisine inspired by Alain Ducasse philosophy.

LUXURIOUS LODGINGS
Hotel Grand Bretagne
A stay at the historic Hotel Grand Bretagne boasts opulent suites adorned with chandeliers and oil paintings, a romantic dinner at the seasonal GB Roof Garden where you can watch the sun set over the Acropolis, and an establishment rich in history—this was the site of lodging for King Otto’s guests.

EXPLORE AND ENJOY
Night+Day Guidebooks, Athens
After the sun sets in Athens, locals and visitors alike flock to nightclubs, bars and live music venues to celebrate life. This is what the Night + Day book is all about—the idea that adventures can continue past sunset.

MAKE YOUR STOMACH HAPPY
Milos Athens and Other Top Picks
Costas Spiliadis, the affable owner of Estiatorio Milos in Montreal and New York, will have a much shorter distance to ship his Greek specialty items at his newest restaurant, Milos Athens, housed in the Hilton Athens.

SPA GUIDE
Becoming Aphrodite
Greece’s spa scene is thriving with options for every budget and desire. We’ve rounded up the island’s best spas, where you can relax with a rosemary and chamomile scalp massage, soak in a thermal bath, or treat yourself to an aloe and spearmint polish after a day of lying under the Grecian sun.

CRETE

TOP 10 SPA HOTELS WORLDWIDE
Blue Palace Resort & Spa
The Elounda Spa uses seaweed and other marine-based products from the Mediterranean in its restorative treatments. Indulge in the spa's signature treatment, a traditional olive oil massage prepared with local Cretan oil. Take a dip in the triangular pool and then retire to your villa.

SANTORINI

TOP 10 HOT EUROPEAN HOTELS
Mystique
The 18 villas and suites of Mystique are carved into Oai's famous cliff face. Quarried limestone floors, antique textiled cushions and an infinity-edge pool, are just the start of a fantastic stay on the Greek Isles. A "secret" wine cave also entices with a rare, indigenous selection.

AUGUST—SEPTEMBER
Santorini Music Festival
If relaxing on a Greek island and listening to enchanting piano recitals, operatic arias and other international symphonic delights is your idea of a great vacation, book a flight to Santorini and enjoy this diverse and fun festival. Click here for more details.

Visit the official website of Greece.

Guides for other parts of the world

(Updated: 06/08/09 KR)

72 HOURS IN WASHINGTON, D.C.

America's capital city might have started out a swamp, but now it's a destination for tourists and heads of state alike. Whether you're here to inspect the Constitution or to check out artifacts from the first Apollo mission, we'll help you fit it all in.

BUSINESS IN SEATTLE

Once a relatively isolated provincial town, Seattle is now recognized worldwide as the home of high-tech and as a gateway to Asian trade centers. From the charm of its 100-year-old Pike Place Market to its striking steel-and-glass central library, the city lures many a business visitor back as a tourist.

72 HOURS IN WASHINGTON, D.C.

BUSINESS IN SEATTLE

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