Greece
Ancient sites, vibrant cities, and a Mediterranean lifestyle – Greece combines cultural highlights with a relaxed atmosphere. Whether Athens, Epirus, or the Peloponnese peninsula: the diversity beyond the island clichés offers ideal opportunities for sophisticated tours and themed excursions.
Official language
Greek
Capital city
Athens
Form of government
republic
Area
131,957 km²
population
10,410,000
(2023 Census)
currency
euro
independence
February 3, 1830
telephone area code
+30
UNESCO World Heritage
Delphi
Acropolis Athens
Mount Athos
Meteora Monasteries
Virginia
Old Town Corfu and much more.
Greece is not only the land of gods, philosophers, and myths – it is also a travel destination with enormous geographical and cultural diversity. Between the Acropolis, the Aegean Sea, and Mount Olympus, a region unfolds that combines tradition, nature, and modernity.
Athens – Antiquity in everyday life
Athens is more than the Acropolis – but without it, the city wouldn't be what it is. High above the sea of houses stands what is probably the most famous building of antiquity: the Parthenon, almost 2500 years old, a symbol of a civilization that continues to shape Europe to this day.
But Athens is not a museum. The city is alive. A modern, often surprisingly urban life unfolds amidst ruins and relics. In the streets of Plaka and Monastiraki, you'll encounter street musicians, galleries, bars – and, with a bit of luck, a spontaneous political discussion at a kiosk.
Those who take their time in Athens will not only experience classical sites like the Kerameikos, the oldest cemetery in the city, but also the feeling that antiquity is not a distant concept here – but part of everyday city life.
Athens is ideally suited as the start or end point of a trip to Greece – or as an independent city destination for groups with a cultural-historical interest that does not exclude the urban present.
Thessaloniki – Between History and the Present
Thessaloniki, the country's second largest city and cultural center of northern Greece, combines Roman heritage, Byzantine monuments and urban life.
This was once the second most important city of the Byzantine Empire – and this is still palpable today: in the countless churches and chapels, some of which are UNESCO World Heritage sites, in the excavations of the Roman Forum and in the structure of the old town.
The most famous landmark is the White Tower – a former Ottoman prison, now a museum. And even if its color doesn't quite live up to its name, it is perhaps the city's most striking symbol.
Thessaloniki is not a place defined solely by its history. The city is young, vibrant, and shaped by its university. Cafés, bookstores, boutiques, street art, and music fill the streets – especially along the long waterfront promenade and in the neighborhoods around Ano Poli, the historic upper town.
Thessaloniki is ideal for groups: as a standalone destination with cultural depth or as a starting point for Northern Greece, Chalkidiki and Macedonia.
Peloponnese – Classics and Contrasts
The Peloponnese is Greece in compact form: ancient sanctuaries, Byzantine monasteries, Venetian port cities – framed by rugged mountains, olive groves and wide plains.
The region is rich in important archaeological sites: Olympia, birthplace of the Olympic Games; Epidaurus with its still-used theater; and Corinth, Mycenae, and Nemea—evocative names that played a central role in ancient Greece. But the Peloponnese is not just an open-air museum. Places like Nafplio, with its Venetian architecture, shady squares, and elegant promenade, bring a touch of Italian charm to the region.
In spring, a carpet of wildflowers covers the landscape, while in summer, bougainvillea brightens the streets of small villages. Unlike many island regions, the Peloponnese often remains pleasantly quiet – even in peak season.
Ideal for classic study trips, combined tours or themed trips focusing on antiquity, mythology or landscape.
Northern Greece – Wild, vast, different
Northern Greece presents a completely different face than the well-known island regions. Here, forests, mountains, gorges, and quiet villages dominate. A landscape that appears more rugged – but is precisely for that reason fascinating.
The Zagoria region in Epirus is a perfect example: narrow stone staircases, arched bridges, rushing rivers, and steep gorges. Hikers here often walk alone for hours, accompanied only by the sounds of nature. Not far away, the Meteora monasteries rise into the sky. Built on vertical cliffs, they seem otherworldly. Today, six monasteries are still inhabited – they are among the most impressive religious buildings in Europe. And then there is Mount Olympus: Greece's highest mountain and the home of the ancient gods. Its rugged peaks are not only mythologically significant but also a destination for hikers, mountaineers, and nature lovers.
Northern Greece is ideal for active cultural trips, for nature lovers – or for guests who want to get to know the country off the beaten track.
The Greek islands – diversity in blue and white
Each has its own atmosphere, geography, and history. And yet, they are united by a common image: whitewashed villages, gleaming domes, clear water, warm winds.
The Cyclades, with islands like Mykonos and Santorini, represent iconic Greece: small churches, narrow streets, windmills, and blue and white facades. Mykonos is known for its beaches and vibrant atmosphere, but it remains charming even in the off-season – peaceful, clear, and photogenic.
Crete, the largest island, has its own pace. It is not only geographically distinct, but also culturally unique: with its own cuisine, music, history, and strong sense of identity. Gorges, mountains, plateaus, and coastlines make the island ideal for combined nature and cultural programs – away from mass tourism, especially in spring and autumn.
Most islands are accessible by ferry – ideal for island hopping or combining trips. And even lesser-known island groups like the Sporades, Dodecanese, or the Ionian Islands offer ample opportunities for tailor-made tours with a maritime theme.
