FEATURED DESTINATIONS
GREECE
If you love wine, great food, good people, stimulating nightlife, rich culture, and ancient history, there is no better place to visit than Greece. The country is one of the most popular tourist nations in the world and we understand the reasons. Allow us to give you a little more information about visiting Greece so that you can see why it comes so highly recommended…
Best Time to Visit
Of course, Greece is beautiful year round but it is hard to truly enjoy the nation during its winter months when the weather is cold and everything is wet with snow. To avoid the Arctic blast, plan a trip no early than spring. The best times to visit Greece are from mid-April to mid-June or September to mid-October. Although tourism is higher during these times, it is the absolute best time to go if the weather is a concern. Not to mention, this is when all the greatest, most popular festivals are held.
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The Basics
LANGUAGE – The official language of Greece is Greek
CURRENCY – Euro
CLIMATE – Mediterranean
TIPPING REQUIREMENTS – In Greece, there is an 18% VAT already applied to your restaurant bills. However, it is customary to leave 5-10% tip. Make sure to tip private drivers and tour guides between 5-15%, while hotel aides aren’t typically tipped but appreciate any change you can throw their way.
EXPERIENCES &
THINGS TO DO
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Climb Mount Olympus
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Visit Lake Plastira and take a dip in its beautiful blue waters
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Check out the Parthenon
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Visit and tour the Acropolis Museum and others
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Taste authentic Greek dishes and go wine tasting
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Admire the architecture especially in Santorini
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Visit the Delphi
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Find yourself breathless after viewing the Epidaurus Theater
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Check out the monasteries of Meteora
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See the Hephaestus Temple in Athens
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Take a boat ride through the Corinth Canal
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Explore and get lost at the Palace of Malia
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View ancient ruins like the Ancient Corinth, Ancient Mycenae and Phaestos
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Soak in the sun at Balos or Psarou Beach
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Hike the Corfu Trail
ITALY
This beautiful South European country is almost entirely encased by the Mediterranean and Adriatic Seas, with its northern border consisting of four other stunning nations. This peninsula is packed full of things to do and experiences to seek out, and just outside of its peninsula is two of the nation’s largest islands (among the 450), Sicily and Sardinia. The sightseeing in Italy can go on forever and the list of things to do isn’t any shorter. Here is a little info about traveling to Italy…
Best Time to Visit
With cold winters and sweltering summers, there is no better time to visit Italy than between the months of April and June, or September and October. The moderate weather opens up all possibilities during these months, allowing you to truly explore the country as it should be experienced.
The Basics
LANGUAGE – Official languages of Italy are Italian and Catalan
CURRENCY – Euro
CLIMATE – Mediterranean
TIPPING REQUIREMENTS – Hotels don’t require tips but you can leave the porter a few Euros. If the concierge provides exceptional service, they to could benefit from a few Euros. Most Italian restaurants add gratuity to the bill but 10-15% is always appreciated. Tip tour guides anywhere from 5 to 10 Euros depending on the length of the tour, whereas taxi drivers expect no tip at all, but it never hurts to round up your change.
EXPERIENCES &
THINGS TO DO
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Explore the ruins of the Coliseum and Acropolis
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Visit Pompeii where Mount Vesuvius erupted and covered the entire town in ash
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Take a boat ride down the colorful coast of Amalfi, down the Grand Canal, or around Lake Como for views of the mountains
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Take in the beautiful architecture at the Roman Forum
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Climb the active volcano, Stromboli
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Check out the gigantic archeological complex, Valley of the Temples
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Take a tour at the Uffizi Gallery, the Vatican, Saint Mark’s Basilica, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, or any of the many historical museums
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Dive into the Blue Grotto
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Visit Trevi Fountain to make a wish
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Indulge in delectable authentic Italian cuisine and wine tasting events
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Journey through Frasassi Cave
FRANCE
It’s no surprise that France is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. With all its stunning architecture, romantic atmosphere, amazing food, vast landscapes, and charming beaches, you could spend a lifetime here. So with what little time you have, make sure to make the best of it. Now, let’s fill you in on the best time to visit and the most exciting things to do in France…
Best Time to Visit
Like most European countries, France has cold winters and hot summers depending on where you go, making the best times to go between the months of April to June or Septemeber to November. It is during these months that all the excitement ensues including festivals of all kinds.
The Basics
LANGUAGE – The official language of France is French
CURRENCY – Euro
CLIMATE – Oceanic (western-most coast), Continental, and Mediterranean
TIPPING REQUIREMENTS – There are no requirements for tipping in France yet with the heightened tourism, tipping has become more customary. You may find that Parisian restaurants and cafes already charge a 15% service fee yet those are typically the only time you will see that charge on your bill. Leaving 2 to 4 Euros on your table after a meal is always welcomed, while taxi drivers are usually somewhere around 4-6 Euros. If you’re enjoying a drink at a pub, leave change if the service was exceptional otherwise, it is not typical to tip your bartender.
EXPERIENCES &
THINGS TO DO
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Perhaps the most obvious of them all is to visit the Eiffel Tower or Notre Dame Cathedral
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While in Paris take a tour of the Musee de Louvre or the Musee d’Orsay
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Visit the Versailles Palace to see the famous Hall of Mirrors or to explore meticulously decorated rooms and manicured lawn straight out of a fairy tale
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Scope out the stained glass windows from the 12th and 13th Centuries at the Cathedrale de Chartres or the medieval architecture at Abbaye du Mont Saint-Michel
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Check out the most well-preserved Roman amphitheaters, the Arenes de Nîmes
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Visit some of the many cathedrals such as the Cathedrale Notre-Dame de Reims or the Cathedral in Chartres
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Get your breath taken away after walking under the world’s biggest monument of its kind, the Arc de Triomphe
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Take a soak in one of the 17 grottos with healing waters at The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes
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Experience the rich history and culture by going on a private tour with a tour guide
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Try authentic French cuisines and baked goods at any of the well-established restaurants or bistros and bakeries
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Take on the nightlife of Moulin Rouge
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Cross the Pont du Gard
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See Mont-Blanc when you visit Chamonix Valley
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Visit Carcassonne Medieval City or the Old Town of Oradour-sur-Glane for stunning structures and rolling green valleys
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Kayak on the Gorge du Verdon
CROATIA
Tourism in Croatia has only begun to increase but it shows no signs of slowing down. This gorgeous nation has a lot to be admired from its natural beauty to its rich, lively culture and amazing nightlife. There is surely no shortage of things to do in the nation and that’s why are here to help. Become more familiar with the nation and we’re certain it will become one of your favorite travel destinations. Here’s a little more about Croatia…
Best Time to Visit
Cold winters and warm summers make it so that the best times to visit are between the months of May and June, or September and October. Of course, if you have your heart set on the beach, you may want to come early summer. Luckily, tourism in Croatia isn’t nearly as high as those of other nations, so take advantage of this country’s peaceful atmosphere.
The Basics
LANGUAGE – Croatian
CURRENCY – Croatian kuna
CLIMATE – Mediterranean
TIPPING REQUIREMENTS – The tipping etiquette in Croatia is much like that of the U.S. Even if you spot a service fee on your bill, it is still customary to tip at least 10% at restaurants. If you visit the bar for a drink, no tip is required but you should round your bill up and leave the change. Tip your tour guide anywhere from 10 to 15 kunas and round up your fare for the taxi driver.
EXPERIENCES &
THINGS TO DO
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Try Croatian or Dalmatian cuisine and drink Croatian wine
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Walk Dubrovnik's Old Town Walls
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Rent a villa near the coast
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Head North to Istria to view waterfront villages and try some of the nation’s best seafood
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Check out the waterfalls in Krka National Park
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Visit Plitvice Lakes to view more beautiful waterfalls
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Take a yacht ride out into the Adriatic Sea to dive in the crystal blue waters
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Grab a beer and shop small boutiques at Split’s Waterfront
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Visit historical monuments such as Diocletian's Palace
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Island hop the Pakleni Islands
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Enjoy the colorful farmers' markets and architecture of Zagreb
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Soak in the sun at Zlatni Rat Beach