Greece.This country once gods chose to live.The trip to Greece is seeking the sources of European civilization, immersed in the history and culture of countries with five millennia.It is a touch of eternity, the divine and secular.It appeared one of the greatest civilizations of antiquity, who left us a legacy and the great monuments, legends and poetry, and philosophical understanding of ourselves.This is Christianity in Russia.

Natural wealth Greece-sun, sea and the mountains.The most popular resort Glifada Athens is 20 minutes by car from Athens.He is known for his luxurious hotels, villas and the best in the country field for the game of golf.It is the biggest shopping mall in Greece.The resort itself is very calm, it is ideal for a family holiday or families with children.A little further south is Vouliagmeni, the most prestigious resort in Attica.Besides it is not only the name but two bays, and even a small lake with medicinal properties.Here are the most beautiful and expensive hotels and villas.Nea-Makri is one of the first resorts in Attica, is 33 km from Athens.Mild climate, clean air and a close distance to the capital, made the area one of the favorite places for tourists and Greeks themselves.Lutraki-located 54 km from Athens, on the northern coast of the Gulf of Corinth, is famous for medicinal mineral waters, a rare natural beauty and unique climatic conditions.Sheer cities of Europe, excellent developed tourist infrastructure and the abundance of entertainment-resort is the ideal place to rest.

The best choice for a combination of rest at the distant island with unforgettable trip is an island of Crete, a cradle of ancient civilizations : Minoan that started here more than 2,5 thousandBCand the victim, believed to be caused by the volcanic eruption.Here, in Crete, to give, the birthplace of King gods Zeus.Tourists all over the world know the island Corfu, the best known of the Ionian islands.The island can be easily combined with a refreshing and relaxing tight rhythm nightlife.No less recognition and popularity Rhodes, the largest of Dodekanskih Islands, which occupies first place in Greece on the number of sunny days per year.

Greece is a living museum.The famous Halkidiki peninsula, which resembles the Trident, pronzayuschy Egeyu, went into the Aegean Sea, 120 km.In ancient myths, here dwelling giants-rivals the gods.The battle with the sea god Poseidon lost its Trident : for a Halkidiki peninsula.A giant Athos in rage at the gods threw huge boulder-now the Holy Mount Athos.Travelers on the peninsula, you can tour of Meteor, with its ancient monasteries; Thessaloniki, the second largest city in Greece, the capital of Northern Greece; To cruise to the Gulf of pure crystal Torones, pilgrim ascend to the Holy Mount of Athos.You will be amazed fantastic nature Sitonii, find some interesting traditions and the life of local residents.At Atticheskoy Plains, located town, which has no equal in the world.This is the center of Athens a world center of great civilization that gave life to all mankind.In Athens concentrated.This idea of the Olympic city, the city of arts, cultural and scientific centre, the East and West for each traveller.Today, as in ancient times, is the emblem of the Acropolis in Athens and Greece.Attica is unparalleled in its beauty, the opportunity to visit Delphi, Argos, Corinth Canal inspect, visit Lions Gate, tomb and the palace Agamemnona, at Cape Sounion temples of Poseidon and Athens, the temple Bravrone Artemidy and more.

Territory

Greece, officially referred to the Hellenic Republic, is situated in south-eastern Europe.In the north it borders with Albania, the Former Yugoslav Republic Makedoney (FYROM) and Bulgaria, and in the east of Turkey.The country covers an area of 131,957 sq km and consists of the peninsula and more than 2000 islands.Although Greece is a country relatively small, it is astonishing diversity of landscapes, from the legendary Mount Olympus, Pinda and Parnas before stretching miles offshore.Indeed, because of the large number of islands, Greece is particularly long coastline (15,021 km.) , Which has the greatest length compared with the rest of the Mediterranean countries.

Climate

Greece is a Mediterranean climate zone.Resort season begins in early May.The hottest time-July and August.The air temperature sometimes rises to 32-35 C and heat is moved easily through moderately humid climate and light sea breeze.In winter, usually rains, sometimes it is snowing.Mountain areas in the central part of the country are characterized by moderate continental climate.

People

The population of close to 11 million, of which 1.4 millionfalls on the island.Of these, 95% Greek.Others, Turks, Macedonians, Albanians, etc. This corresponds to an average population density of 79 persons per square kilometre.

Temperature (air / water)

January 16 / 16
February 16 / 15
March 17 / 16
April 20 / 16
May 24 / 19
June 28 / 22
July 29 / 24
August 27 / 25
September 24 / 24
October 21 / 23
November +21/+20
December 17 / 17

Time

Behind from Moscow for a day

Language

Greek-core, also uses the English and Turkish

Religion

Almost 98% of the population are autocephalous (independent) grekoprovoslavnogo religion.

National Features

Living in such a fertile country like Greece, quiet and deliberate.Greeks or where no hurry.Yes, that the restaurant had to wait for your order, and even more expense.Nevertheless, the Greeks have their promises, especially when it comes to business.The truth may be some delay in the timetable.The Greek State provides a high level of social protection for citizens, but-strict fiscal policy.The Orthodox Church merged with the State, and Christianity is the dominant religion.The major holidays are Christmas and Easter.

Money

Euro (EURO), 1 EURO = 100 EURO cent.The circulation banknotes denominated in 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 euros, and coins denominated in 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents.You can exchange currency at banks, foreign exchange bureaux and at the hotel.Banks are open Monday to Thursday from 8:00 to 14:30, Friday from 8:00 to 14:00.Available currencies can be exchanged in banks or money changers.Banks are open on weekdays from Monday to Thursday from 8.00 to 14.00 and on Friday from 8.00 am to 13.30.On weekends and national holidays, banks are closed.The banks can use exchange dealers working after siesty and weekend days.During the exchange of a percentage from 1% to 2%.For cashless forms of payment widely used credit cards and traveller's cheques.Number of ATMs enough and problems with obtaining cash for the popular card Visa, MasterCard and others not.Travellers' cheques are exchanged at banks and the offices of the companies concerned.

Mail and phone

Call in Russia or any other country from Greece, you can directly from the hotel.But cheaper to buy a phone card and a phone call machines that are found in Greece every step of the way.All telephone calls in Greece fee.There is one feature for calls to mobile phone, they will pay anyone who calls, even if the phone call from the city.To call in Russia dialling 007 (country code), then area code and phone number.For example, a call to Moscow : 007-095 - phone number.The call from Russia to Greece will get 8 to 10 (access to the international operator), 30 (country code), area code (210-for Athens) and the number.

Police : 100
Ambulance : 166
Fire brigade : 199
Tourist Police : 171
Background telephone service : 151

Shopping, gifts, souvenirs

The Greek shops even the most demanding buyer find everything : clothing, jewelry, furs, leather, various items of folk art.Apart from supermarkets in Western type in Greece many small shops and stalls, selling locally-produced goods.They are much cheaper imports, and the seller can potorgovatsya.Shops in Greece usually open on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays from 9.00 to 14.00, on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 9.00 to 14.00 and from 17.30 to 20.30.

Kitchen

Greek cuisine is a large number of dishes : rice soup with egg and lemon (avgolemono), a salad of fish caviar (taramosalada), Dolma (dolmadakia) zapechenye balls of rice and meat in a white sauce (yuvarlakia), small pieces of stew meat (Kebab), air yoghurt from potatoes, eggplants, minced meat and sauce beshamel (Musuka) pieces of meat on a spit, a kebab (suvlakia).As for drinks, in addition to the usual water (HVB), wine (Craen), the most popular drink in Greece.Famous white wine : Demestika, Kambas, Pallini and Tsantali; Reds : Mavrodafna and Demestika.Known to the world of Greek strong drinks : Uzo (the so-called anisic vodka), a strong Rack and processed wood resin mastichnogo Mastika.Of the many brands most famous brandy Metaxa (unofficially French "allowed" nazyvatetot Greek brandy word "brandy").And, of course, Greek coffee.This strong black coffee, which is served in small cups with a glass of cold water.

Transportation

Taxis are the most convenient and fast means of transportation, if you do not go to cork (it is a challenge for Athens).Fare on low.Payments on the counter or at a fixed rate to the destination.In the night (24.00 to 5.00) and holidays are double fee.Catching a taxi (in Athens are yellow, in Thessaloniki-blue) can and at the roadside, and special parking.You can also call a taxi by phone.Well, if you know the approximate cost to the destination in advance, becausein the big cities, some taxi drivers like splutovat.Land public transport in major cities before buses and trolley buses.Tickets are sold at newsstands.Tickets composted inside.Penalty for stowaway quite high.Buses and trolley buses stop at the stop only "vote" on landing and push special buttons (on rails or on the door in the lounge) on leaving.Metro-fast and convenient mode of transport.It is only in Athens, the construction of Thessaloniki.Tickets are sold at the entrance to each station.At the entrance, they composted in special machines.To get to the island is available plane, ferry (large boat to transport and cars), or so-called "flying dolphin (" flare ").Between cities go buses and trains.Because of the mountainous terrain of railways in Greece enough.Trains depart in two directions : to Bulgaria and northern Greece.

Tipping

Although each presented to you by including VAT and payment service (10%), gratuities rule remain good form and thanks.The tip is in restaurants and cafes to 1 euro in a taxi 0.50 euros.

Visa

Required documents : a questionnaire filled out and signed by himself (passport in Roman script), photographs, copies of the salary, which shows photo of the owner, a statement of income and occupation, Help from the bank of the currency (original and copy) at the rate of $ 50 for one day or a completed application form responsible for minors who are traveling with one parent must submit a power of attorney from the other parent notarized (original and copy), and a picture of the child.In case of doubt of visas has the right to request additional documents and the presence of the person concerned.

Customs regulations

The main issue is to fill in the customs declaration.In principle, they can not fill, but if you carry a large sum of money or are going to the country of small financial transactions (such as placing currency in the bank or pay contracts), it's best to fill it.You can bring in duty free cigarettes 1 block, 1 litre of spirits, gifts worth about $ 250.To enter the country must have a currency at the rate of $ 50 per person per day.The money can be verified by the Greek customs.Cash be optional.You can use the card or traveller's cheques.

The embassy of Russia

Consulate of Russia in Athens : (30210) 6742949
Russia Consulate in Thessaloniki : (30 2310) 257201

Tips

Do not enter monasteries in shorts or mini-skirts; Out of the restaurant without leaving a tip. Renounce performing in village homes.Although the Greeks like to criticize their country, they would not tolerate even a twist on the subject of foreigners.

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