Greece is a beautiful country with an incredible amount of natural and cultural history. Thanks to its role in developing modern society coupled with the beautiful climate, the nation has become quite a vacation destination. Like many other locations, there are many ways to tour Greece, each with their own benefits. If you’re heading to the Mediterranean, here are three ideas for how to enjoy your Grecian vacation.
Go On a Cruise
The first way to tour the Grecian isles is on a cruise ship. Greece itself is made up of over 200 islands, each with its own individual beauty. One of the best ways to get a full idea of the scope of what this beautiful country has to offer is by taking a cruise. On a Greece cruise, you can expect to not only see the cerulean waters of the Mediterranean, but also stop at some of the most well-known cities and ports across multiple islands. Depending on what package you choose, you could tour the best beaches for hiking or head to cultural centers for a bit of learning.
One benefit to taking a cruise to tour Greece is that you aren’t restricted to a few islands. Because the country is composed of so many individual isles, it can be easy to stick to just one or two when you’re traveling by land. However, when you’re on a cruise ship, you can get a much broader scope of Greece and its beauty. Whether you want to head for Santorini and see the beautiful white buildings and metal cupolas or sail into Athens for a tour of the Parthenon, taking a Grecian cruise is a great way to see the country.
Take a Train Tour
The second way to explore Greece is by taking a train tour. Greece may have hundreds of islands, but the mainland and Crete are vast and beautiful. If you plan on staying on land, taking a train tour can help you see a variety of sights without having to worry about renting a vehicle or arranging extra transportation. One of the most popular train tours goes from Athens to Meteora, where a pristine monastery sits on top of a pair of sandstone cliffs. This site is regarded as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, making it a must-see for your visit.
Another common rail tour starts in the capital city of Athens and goes toward the coast of the Aegean Sea. Nestled in Cape Sounion is a ruined temple to the god of the sea, Poseidon. While the temple itself is in ruins, you can still explore the pillars and steps while looking out over the water. You’ll have the opportunity to touch the same stones that people 2,000 years ago did as you watch the sun set slowly over the Aegean. If you’re staying inland, taking a train tour is a great way to get around.
Grab Your Backpack
The third way to tour Greece involves grabbing a backpack and some trail mix. The stunning Grecian countryside makes it popular for hikers and backpackers alike. Even common tourist destinations like Santorini have hiking trails on the islands, full of beautiful plants and animals along the way. When you’re done, you can take a dip in the clear waters of the Southern Aegean to cool off and relax.
If you’re on the Grecian mainland, hiking from the monastery site in Meteora to Delphi will give you stunning views of the cliffs and plains of the area. The temple of Apollo in Delphi was once regarded as the cultural center of the world; while the temples there aren’t in the same state of grandeur as they were back then, you can still experience a bit of what life was like in early Hellenic times. If you want to see the beauty of Greece on your own time, a backpacking tour is a great way to do it.
Overall, Greece is a stunning country with a lot to offer. No matter how you like to travel, there is bound to be a way for you to enjoy Grecian culture.
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