The roots of Western culture are in Greece. Step into the ring where Olympians first competed. Climb steps hewn out of stone to Meteora’s monasteries, perched atop towering rocks. Contemplate the oracle’s insights from the grandeur of Delphi, take in a starlit drama at an ancient outdoor theatre and be stunned by massive marble sculptures dredged up from the Aegean. But then you’ll encounter bold modern art, the melancholic throb of rembetika (blues songs) and artisans creating new work from traditional techniques. Greece has endless cultural pursuits and a calendar bursting with festivals, holidays and exhibits.

Whether you’re a serious adrenalin junkie or dedicated beach bum, Greece delivers. Days melt from one to the next under wide open skies and a sea speckled with islands fringed with the white-sand, pine-tree shade beaches of your dreams. Wander along cobbled Byzantine footpaths, hike up volcanoes, watch for dolphins and sea turtles, and cycle through lush forests. Meander through olive groves, idyllic villages and petrified forests. Thrill seekers will discover world-class kitesurfing, wreck diving, and rock-climbing locations with dizzying views. Or simply hop on a boat and set sail into the glittering blue beyond.

The core ingredients of Greek cooking are often found in the chef’s garden. Feta and olive oil are universal across the country, but unique regional produce and cooking styles make travelling here a culinary adventure. Taste herbs and mountain greens you’ve never heard of, mussels steamed in ouzo, bread baked with olives, and fish straight from the sea. Taste-test crumbling feta, honeyed soft cheeses and sharp, hard rounds. Find Italian influences in risottos and pastas and Turkish spices woven into delicate sweets. A traditional-cooking renaissance has chefs lifting time-honoured recipes to new gourmet heights.

Socialising is more than a pastime in Greece – it’s a way of life. Cafes overflow with youngsters gossiping or older locals in heated debate. Restaurants are filled with long tables for big gatherings and friends amble arm in arm down the street. Squares are the focal point, where life unfolds collectively. Immerse yourself, whether it’s a coffee, a shot of ouzo, a chorus on the bouzouki or a local celebration. Greeks are passionate and live life to the fullest, even at the most difficult times. The result is a country seemingly riddled with challenges, yet full of people loving life.

Money

The monetary unit in Greece is the Euro (EUR). 1 Euro = 100 Euro cents.
You should always carry some backup cash or traveller’s cheques separate to the rest of your money and cards. So if you loose your wallet or handbag, you have enough back up money to at least make some phone calls and eat for a few days.
Euro is the currency of Greece since 1 January 2001. Credit Cards and Travellers Cheques are widely accepted in major cities and tourist resorts. ATM’s are also accessible at all our destinations and offer the best exchange rate. A mixture of debit, credit cards and cash are the best forms of currency.
It is difficult for us to specify the money that you will spend per day, however, as a general rule EUR 34 to EUR 67 per day can provide you with additional meals and optional entrances. Should you wish to purchase souvenirs or other luxuries, of which there is a diverse range, you will have to budget for these.

Eating and Drinking

Its unique tastes are some of the things that set Greece apart. You are in for pleasant culinary surprises while in this country. Contrary to common belief you will soon discover that Greek cuisine does not solely consist of mousaka, souvlaki and horiatiki salata. Greek cuisine has a great variety of dishes and can be an extremely satisfying culinary adventure for both meat-eaters and vegetarians. We always recommend drinking bottled water.
Greek cuisine is a Mediterranean cuisine, sharing characteristics with the cuisines of Italy, the Balkans, Turkey, and the Levant. Contemporary Greek cookery makes wide use of olive oil, vegetables and herbs, grains and bread, wine, fish, and various meats, including poultry, rabbit and pork. Also important are olives, cheese, eggplant (aubergine), courgette, and yoghurt. Greek desserts are characterized by the dominant use of nuts and honey. Some dishes use filo pastry.
Mezes is a collective name for a variety of small dishes, typically served with wines or anise-flavored liqueurs as ouzo or homemade tsipouro. Orektika is the formal name for appetizers and is often used as a reference to eating a first course of a cuisine other than Greek cuisine. Dips are served with bread loaf or pita bread. In some regions, dried bread (paximadhi) is softened in water.
The national drink is Ouzo. Ouzo, an 80-proof clear alcoholic beverage that is flavored with anise; it turns milky white with water or ice; the best said to be produced on the island of Lesbos.

Tipping

Tips are commonplace for table service in Greece. Restaurants and taxis, local markets and basic restaurants – leave the loose change. More up-market restaurants we suggest 5% to 10% of your bill. If you think you tour leader has worked hard then s/he will appreciate a tip of a few Euros. You do not need to tip the service staff at the hotels.

Australia Government Travel Advice

The Australian Government provides up to date information on the safety of travelling to various countries, and all travellers should take note of this advice. Liberty Tours recommends that all travellers take out appropriate Travel Insurance to cover the entire duration of their absence from home.

​Follow this link for current official assessment:

​https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/europe/greece

Advice on health risks and vaccination recommendations can also be found using the same link.

Weather

The climate of Greece is Mediterranean on coasts and islands, with mild, rainy winters and hot, sunny summers. The northern cities, located in the inland areas of Epirus, Macedonia and Thessaly, have a slightly continental climate, with quite cold winters, during which air masses coming from the north can sometimes bring snow and frost, and hot summers, sometimes scorching. Finally, in the northern mountainous areas, winters are cold and snowy, while summers are mild, with possible afternoon thunderstorms.

What to pack

In winter: in inland and mountainous areas: bring warm clothes, such as a down jacket, a hat, gloves, a scarf. In Athens and in central and northern coastal areas: bring warm clothes, such as a sweater, a jacket, a raincoat or umbrella. In Crete and on the southern islands: clothes for spring and autumn, a sweater, a jacket, a raincoat or umbrella.
In summer: bring light clothing, sunglasses, sunscreen, a light scarf and a sweatshirt for the evening, especially on the islands of the Aegean Sea, where the Meltemi blows. In the mountains, you can bring a sweater, a jacket, hiking shoes, a raincoat or umbrella.