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One of the most outstanding things about taking a vacation in Greece is the sheer volume of ancient history and legend you are still able to see. Renting a villa or apartment in Greece literally gives you the chance to holiday with the gods.
You can sit on sun kissed beaches, enjoying the food and drinks of fabled tales or take trips out to the sites of mythical legend, battles and heroic deeds. Greece is the ancient gods playground and you too can get the chance to walk amongst their sacred olive groves and picnic in the shadows of their temples.
Ancient ruins
The iconic image of Greece and Athens has to be the towering rocky outcrop of the Acropolis, with the Parthenon delicately perched on its summit. Since 447 BC this has been the home of the ancient gods and the main place of worship for Athena. Although this is the main ancient site of Athens, there are many smaller delights that await travelers.
Some of the most breathtaking trips have to be those that take you to one of the many of the Greek islands, including those of the Cyclades Island chain. The sea god, Poseidon, angry at the water nymphs is said to have turned them into the distinctive circular islands. The unspoiled islands of Mykonos and Kea or Analfi where the Argonauts sheltered and the island of Delos, the birth place of Apollo and Artemis are all spectacular places to spend a relaxing time in the Mediterranean.
House of the gods
A must for anyone interested in the myth and tales of Greece should visit Mount Olympus in Thessaly, the fabled home of Zeus. While climbing the 1,000 meters is classed as a non-technical hike, those who prefer less strenuous exercise can explore the lower slopes and its beautiful countryside or the main town of Litochoro, the City of the Gods that is laid out beneath the towering Olympus.
A trip up to Olympia is well worthwhile and here you can experience the thrill of the site of the first athletic contests, which were held 776 BC. In this world famous sanctuary you can still see the running track, temples and the place where the giant gold statue of Zeus once stood. Olympia, nestling beneath Mount Kronos and in a bend of the River Kladeos is a wondrous place to visit and is full of places where the ancient world meets the modern.
Mysterious temples
Apollo’s temple at Delphi is another one of those destinations that everyone includes in a touring itinerary. Here Apollo killed a python and this is where his oracle, from a fume filled cavern, would pass down the words of Apollo to his worshipers. There were also regular games held at Delphi and these were a precursor to the Olympia contests.
Just outside the city of New Corinth are the remains of the ancient city, which was totally destroyed in the earthquake of 1858. A descendant of the god Helos originally founded the city and recent excavations have unearthed much of the original site.
Sparta is another familiar city to anyone interested in Greece, legendary soldiers, fierce warriors and the place where Apollo killed Hyakinthos in a discus-throwing contest. It is a destination brimming with sacred places, defensive forts and temples to the gods. The town’s acropolis is a popular choice, with the ruins of an amphitheatre, stadium and sanctuary to explore.
Throughout Greece there are places where the ancient tales from a classical time naturally come to life. Here the gods walked on earth and made the myths and legends that are famous the world over. Visiting Greece truly gives you the chance to trace the footsteps of the gods.
Category : Blog
Greece is a place of contrasts, classical tales and ancient myths, which gives the country a magnificent introduction to visitors but this is not a country stuck in its historic past. It is a modern, vibrant place, as much famous for its multicultural entertainment, lively nightspots and exciting theme parks as it is for its verdant olive groved sanctuaries and magnificent ruined temples.
Visitors to Greece will have plenty to choose from and a guarantee of something to suit all tastes. From rented villas and holiday apartments you can laze around crystal clear swimming pools or take short walks to the gentle shores of the Mediterranean. Around Greece, there are thousands of miles of pristine beaches. Some are secretive, tranquil coves, while others busy metropolitan beachfronts. Visitors can choose to relax beneath an umbrella and soak up the sun or call in to the many exotic and busy café bars, sample the delicious traditional cuisine or try some of the local firewater like ouzo or raki.
Athens
Quite naturally visitors to Athens cannot miss the main attraction towering over the city, the Acropolis and accompanying Parthenon have for centuries been a stopping off point when visiting. There are, however, a number of excellent galleries and museums, such as the National Archaeological Museum with its extensive collection of ancient artifacts. There is also the historical port of Piraeus and the romantic views of the Temple of Poseidon, especially at sunset. Constitution Square is the main focal point for nightlife, delicious restaurants and people watching in its many café bars. There is also a memorable photo opportunity with the daily changing of the guard or walks around the Agora and its temples.
Greek Islands
Another popular destination for tourists travelling to Greece are the many thousands of islands that pepper the azure waters of the Greek coast. These vary from the party islands of Mykonos, Ios and Santorini to the quiet, tranquil retreats of Paros or the living museum full of archaeological finds that is Delos. The islands can be safe havens of peace or sheer mayhem and party explosion so it’s worth checking which is likely to be your preferred destination. There are places for rambling walks, desolate beaches and busy streets full of shops, bars and nightclubs. One island most definitely doesn’t fit all but of all the islands there’ll be one just for you.
Cuisine
Eating out is a pure adventure and there are many tasty bars that serve meals and opportunities for fine dining too. Whether you are looking for a crispy green salad, topped with black olives and feta cheese or a piping hot moussaka there are plenty of options for the traveler to enjoy and with which to get adventurous. Greek drinks are legendary and while their wines are heavenly, it’s normally their strong spirits that stick in the memory and many a holiday tale revolves around glasses of metaxa, ouzo or raki.
Myth and Legend
Classical tales, famous battles and mythical figures and monsters have populated Greek literature for centuries and on a journey around the country you can visit the many sights and alleged places where these legends grew up. The home of the gods at Mount Olympus, Apollo’s temple at Delphi where he slew a python and the Isle of Rhodes where the Colossus once stood.
Greek Nightlife
One of Greece’s major summer attractions is its electric clubland life, this is especially true of certain islands that during the hot months are awash with young people dancing the night away. The favorite destinations for those seeking a party are the islands of Mykonos, the northern shoreline on Rhodes, or the celebrity magnet of Matala’s beaches. Everyone from Zeus, Helen of Troy and a host of current stars, annually flock here for its party entertainment.
Greece offers visitors a wide range of activities, sporty water fun, hiking and scuba diving, there are masses of historic sites to tour, delicious food and drink to keep you going and all year round sunny weather, set against the cool Mediterranean Sea.
Category : Blog
While the number of hotel beds around the world still exceeds the number of villas that are available for rent, villa vacation rentals are definitely going up in number as this becomes a more and more popular way to spend a vacation. Renting a villa isn’t for everyone, but then staying in a hotel isn’t for everyone either! There are always going to be times when a villa has its advantages over a hotel and vice versa, so if you could choose either for your next vacation which would it be? Here are five reasons why I believe you should choose a villa over a hotel:
1. Villas Have So Much More Privacy
The biggest advantage for me is that vacation villas offer so much more privacy over a hotel. Yes, your hotel room is private, but that’s as far as your privacy extends. Once you leave the room you’re sharing the property with hundreds of other guests, whether you’re in the swimming pool, the bar, or the fitness centre, you can never guarantee your privacy.
If you’re renting a vacation villa that has its own swimming pool you can use it any time of the day or night without worrying if it’s going to be crowded or noisy. The sundeck and patio is just for you, and you won’t have to fight over the sunbeds or parasols, apart from with your own family and friends!
2. Villas Can Be More Affordable
Travelling with a large family can be very costly when staying in a hotel, where you pay per room and per night, and while villa rentals do have maximum occupancy restrictions there are plenty of villas available for rent that can accommodate upwards of ten people. When you rent a vacation villa you’re paying one price for the whole villa, which is often a weekly rental rate, and if you’ve visiting with a large group of friends who are equally splitting the cost, the amount you pay per person is drastically reduced.
Vacation villas can be more affordable in other ways too. You’ll usually have a full kitchen, and while cooking your own meals may not be everyone’s idea of a perfect vacation, cooking at least a couple of meals ‘in villa’ can save you money on dining out.
3. Villas Can Offer More Space
Renting a vacation villa gives you far more space, and the freedom to enjoy that space. This factor is linked to privacy, but the point is that when you rent a vacation villa you don’t just have one room to use. Depending on the size of the villa you may have multiple bedrooms, bathrooms, a kitchen, dining room, living room, and more, plus all the outdoor spaces as well, so you can spread out and enjoy it!
4. Villas Can Be in More Diverse Locations
For many vacationers, the archetypal image of a villa is one that’s set all on its own, perhaps nestled on a hillside and surrounded by olive groves, or sat on a deserted beach where there’s only palm trees for company. The fact is, because villas are individual they can be situated anywhere and hence you can find them in far more diverse locations that you can a hotel.
A hotel succeeds by attracting multiple guests and in order to do that it has to be accessible and in a good location. While there are countless villas available for rent in busy towns and cities, there are also many in rural locations that will attract vacationers who want a peaceful retreat that most hotels simply cannot offer.
5. Villas Create Wonderful Memories!
Last but not least, renting a villa has the opportunity to create wonderful lasting memories! A vacation villa is a great place for family and friends to get together and spend quality time, and villas offer such a nice environment when compared to a hotel. The hotel environment just isn’t the same, where you’ll be in separate rooms, possibly on different floors, and maybe even in a different building to the rest of your group.
When renting a villa you have a personal space where you don’t have to worry about noise from other guests or the amount of noise you’re making! You can plan your meals for whenever you like, and you can come and go as you please.
Category : Blog
Bodrum, in south west Turkey, has been attracting tourists in their droves for the past few decades thanks to its wonderful climate, scenery, ancient history, and culture. It’s developed into a bustling tourist town, yet still retained its Turkish charm and hasn’t been overwhelmed with the construction of hotels and resorts. There are many appealing private vacation rentals and villas dotted around the town, while the towns and villages of the Bodrum Peninsula offer still more.
In fact, with so many towns and villages to choose from, finding a perfect vacation rental can be quite a challenge, especially if you’re not familiar with this part of Turkey. The towns do vary after all; some are quieter than others, offering a peaceful retreat, while others are more tourist oriented and have a large assortment of bars and restaurants. One thing is certain, wherever you choose to rent a villa on the Bodrum Peninsula it will be family friendly, and I can speak from experience: I’ve never come across a more welcoming and family friendly place than Turkey!
Discovering the Bodrum Peninsula
Not everyone craves that family friendly atmosphere, and so if you’re looking for a more lively destination, Bodrum and some of the towns on the Bodrum Peninsula will satisfy your needs for an animated nightlife. Bodrum itself offers discos and nightclubs as well as many bars that serve into the small hours of the morning, while Gumbet, just to the west of Bodrum, is arguably even more lively. This is one of the destinations for Club 18-30 after all so you’re going to find a youthful crowd here.
Bodrum town has its quieter parts too though. There are residential streets that, while only a short walk from restaurants, feel like a world away from the heart of the nightlife. If you happen to rent a vacation villa in one of these areas you get the best of both worlds.
Another of the livelier towns on the Peninsula is Turgutreis. This is the second largest town after Bodrum and has some very lively waterfront bars and restaurants, and around 3 miles (5 kilometres) of sandy beaches.
The town of Yalikavak offers a nice compromise. It’s linked via one of the Peninsula’s major roads to Bodrum, just 11 miles (18km) away, so getting to Bodrum itself is quick and easy. Yalikavak has a permanent population of only around 10,000 people and while it’s a popular tourist destination it feels more like an authentic Turkish town than a holiday resort. Even so, there are great beaches here and an excellent port. Smart seafood restaurants line the shoreline while on a Thursday the centre of town really bustles with locals and visitors coming for the weekly market.
Yalikavak has grown quite substantially in recent years with private homes and villas being built in their numbers so there are more places to stay. It’s a popular destination for vacationers seeking villa rentals and many appealing properties line the hillsides on the way out of town. Yalikavak’s sunsets are also renowned!
The village of Gumusluk is even smaller because development has been restricted here. This coastal fishing village was built on the remains of the ancient city of Myndos, just one of a number of ancient settlements that you’ll find dotted all over the Bodrum Peninsula. Parts of Myndos are submerged under the water, while others have had the village built around them.
Of course, you don’t even have to stay in a specific town or village if you’d like to experience the more rural way of life on the Bodrum Peninsula. The advantage to this part of Turkey is that wherever you stay on the Peninsula you’re never far away from a town with a grocery store or a market, and Bodrum International Airport is never more than about an hour’s drive away. All in all, this makes the Bodrum Peninsula a very appealing and popular place to rent a villa.
Category : Blog
For families vacationing with children, spending a day at a Children’s Museum is a great idea for keeping all ages entertained. While aiming to be educational and fun, these child-oriented museums encourage interactive play and can be fascinating for adults too. Here are a few of our favourites, including tips on how to enjoy free admission.
Bay Area Discovery Museum, California
Located at the foot of Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, the Bay Area Discovery Museum is ideal for children as young as one year old. As well as educational workshops for older children, the museum has both indoor and outdoor play areas. It offers hands-on art, science and environmental activities and is ideal for inspiring creativity in children up to the age of eight. It is particularly good at recognizing cultural events and special days such as Cinco de Mayo. It also has regular international dance performances. If you don’t mind crowds, visit on the first Wednesday in the month when admission is free!
St Louis Science Center, Missouri
Ideal for slightly older children, the St Louis Science Center has a host of exhibits and demonstrations based on science, including Segway lessons. General admission to this children’s museum is free but there is an admission fee for some of the optional activities, including the IMAX Theater and the Star Trek Exhibition. You can make this a full day out in the city of St Louis as the planetarium and the zoo are both nearby.
Children’s Museum of Indianapolis
The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis is a giant play area, which is frequently referred to as the Best Children’s Museum in the USA. It is divided into many different sections with science labs in one area and play zones and storytelling corners elsewhere. In winter, the museum features a snow castle, ice rink and even a reindeer stable. The $11 admission is waved for families on the first Thursday in the month between 4pm and 8pm as well as on special holidays such as Christmas Eve , President’s Day (Feb 20) and El Dia de Los Niño’s (April 29).
Children’s Museum of Houston, Texas
If you are staying near Houston, the Children’s Museum is hard to miss with its great architectural design of children appearing to hold up the museum building. It has over a dozen galleries offering science experiments, activities such as rock climbing, creative building projects and other workshops to challenge young minds. Free family nights are on Thursdays between 5pm and 8pm and admission is also free for those participating in the Association of Science-Technology Center (ASTC) Passport program.
Victoria and Albert Museum of Childhood, London
Most museums and galleries in London are free to visit and the V&A Museum of Childhood is one of the best. Adults will be mesmerized by the antique toys and artifacts while children can take part in treasure hunts and storytelling sessions. The gallery of antique toys includes teddy bears and beautiful doll’s houses as well as Victorian games. It’s a far cry from the modern electronic toys of today!
Category : Blog
The year 2012 promises to be a great year for British tourism as it hosts the 2012 London Olympics and celebrates the Diamond Jubilee (60th anniversary) of the reign of Queen Elizabeth II. However, the British Isles offers many more unique attractions every year. Here are 5 good reasons to visit the UK at any time.
National Trust
The National Trust’s mission is to “preserve and protect the coastline, countryside and buildings of England, Wales and Northern Ireland”. This charitable trust manages over 350 of Britain’s most magnificent buildings, monuments, stately homes and estates along with 76 nature reserves, 12 lighthouses, 43 pubs, 627,000 acres of countryside and numerous watermills and windmills. Due to steep inheritance tax, many stately homes could no longer remain as family homes and they have been bequeathed to the National Trust for the benefit of all.
For a small entrance fee, visitors can take guided tours of these magnificent stately homes packed with antiques and artworks, stroll the restored gardens and parkland and take afternoon tea in converted stables or kitchens. If this sounds like your ideal pastime, consider ordering a special Touring Pass from the National Trust website before you start your holiday. The pass allows overseas visitors unlimited access to as many National trust properties as you can cram into a 7 or 14-day stay for one fixed price.
Royal Heritage
Even in a year when there is no royal wedding or celebration, Britain can still royally entertain its visitors. London has a wonderful concentration of palaces which are open to the public. Windsor Castle, with its mediaeval round tower and 15th century St George’s Chapel, is open all year round and is a full day of entertainment. The Tower of London has a fascinating history and is home to the well-guarded Crown Jewels. Kensington Palace, former home of Queen Victoria and Princess Diana, offers informative tours along with gardens, shops and a café. Tours of Buckingham Palace including the Throne Room, several opulent Staterooms and the garden take place when the Queen leaves to visit Balmoral in Scotland each summer. Hampton Court, Kew Palace, the daily Changing of the Guard and the Household Cavalry Museum all make London a top destination to visit at any time.
Castles
Britain’s long and turbulent history has left it with a wonderful legacy of castles, particularly in Wales. Although some are crumbling ruins, others have been wonderfully maintained. Consider spending a day at Cardiff Castle which is still fully operational after 2000 years of history. Wander around the battlements, explore the many passageways and staircases and watch one of the many historical events such as mediaeval jousting tournaments that it regularly hosts. Along the English-Scottish border, there are several tower houses along with Penrith Castle, Clifton Hall, Brougham Keep and Carlisle Castle. Highclere Castle is the setting for the popular TV drama Downton Abbey while Dover Castle and Rochester Castle are within easy reach of London.
Gardens
The British weather may not be conducive to sunbathing on the beach, but the temperate showery climate is perfect for gardens. Expect to see some stunning displays of colour from Kew Gardens to Arley Hall and Gardens, reputedly one of the oldest and best in England. Cotswolds’ cottages are enhanced by roses blooming over the door while scented climbers and herbaceous borders add to the charm.
Pubs
Another British institution is the pub, a local gathering place for beer, home cooked food and friendly conversation. Whether you are renting a holiday home in the countryside or the heart of a city, there will be a pub close by, usually in a historic building. They are ideal for those not wanting to self-cater every meal and you may even find yourself joining in the weekly pub quiz, karaoke or darts match!
Category : Blog
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Category : Cheap Villa Holidays &Golf Holidays &Luxury Villa Holidays &New Villa Holidays &Ski Holidays &Spa Holidays &Top Villa Holidays &Villa Holidays
Guests can slip into the ease of a villa rental with little effort. After all, shouldn’t every vacation be as trouble-free as possible? Renting a villa or other vacation home is an ideal way to escape every day stress, but for those unaccustomed to vacationing in a rental property, several questions might arise. Among these are concerns about exactly what one should pack to bring along to the vacation property.
In general, the answer is: the guest should choose to bring anything that will enhance the comfort of their stay. This may actually mean that the guest can pack as lightly as they like. If their destination is a sunny, beachfront property, bring a swimsuit, some sandals, a paperback, and any other necessary odds and ends. When a snowy mountaintop is the destination, bring any clothing suitable for cold weather and some ski equipment.
Wouldn't you like to rent here?
Most villas and vacation homes belong to an owner who has already outfitted the property with every thoughtful convenience. Renters of these homes will find fully equipped kitchens and all the linens they desire. There may even be a library full of books, DVDs, and games to provide plenty of entertainment throughout their stay. Most vacation homes and villas will also include a cleaning service that usually comes at least once a week if not more often. With that kind of service, there’s never a need for guests to lift a finger.
A few things should certainly be kept in mind when renting a vacation home. Above all, do not forget to bring a passport, especially if traveling internationally. Having a passport easily to hand solves most vacation difficulties immediately. No matter how well equipped a vacation villa may be, guests should still remember to bring prescription and over the counter medications that are used regularly as these may be difficult, or even impossible, to obtain while on vacation. A camera is an absolute necessity for capturing all of those never to be forgotten vacation moments. Some guests also travel with a laptop, as many vacation homes have Internet connections and guests can stay in touch with family back home while they are away.
Check with the agent in charge of renting the villa or vacation home to have any specific questions answered before departing on vacation. Chances are, the only thing a vacation home or villa is missing is a guest to enjoy its amenities.
Category : Luxury Villa Holidays &Villa Rental Guide
People taking a vacation with a large party of family or friends may consider renting a villa, as opposed to trying to find hotels for everyone in the group. Instead of having to worry about renting rooms that are on different floors of the hotel, the party can stay close by and not interrupt other people in the hotel. Renting villas that are affordable and luxurious are getting easier every day due to the research that can be done over the Internet. However, before someone considers villa renting, there are a few things to keep in mind to make the experience more enjoyable.
Two of the most important things to keep in mind when renting villas is to know what you want, and shop around for the best price. Due to the state of the economy, more and more people are offing up their villas for rental. Due to the large supply, it will be easier to find the best deal on a villa in the area you are staying. Many villa owners will be looking to offer discounted prices just to be able to stay competitive. The other important thing to consider while villa renting is to know what you want. Would you rather stay in a villa that is closer to a city or located in a more isolated area? Do you need housekeeping or will you care for the villa during your stay? All these things are important to sort out before selecting a villa to rent.
Once the preliminary steps are completed it is time to start researching the area you will be staying in, as well as finalizing the details of the villa. Be sure to check whether a cleaning service will be provided, or if you will need to clean the villa during the time that you are staying there. Details like these, and many others should all be taken care of, and understood. During this time it is critical to research the area the villa is located in. This will be the best way to ensure you have a great time while staying in the area.
Finally, once you have selected the perfect villa, be sure to put everything in writing. To rent a villa, the owner, renter, and agent must be involved in the process. This is done to protect everyone and define what the expenses are, what is considered property damage, and what makes for an unsatisfactory stay. Be sure to review the contract before signing it to ensure that everything listed has been previously agreed on.
Category : Villa Rental Guide
Travellers will find multiple types of villas ranging in price and levels of luxury in Tuscany, Italy. Finding a villa depends upon the traveller’s desires and tastes. Finding a villa with comfortable and luxurious amenities in historical towns such as Arezzo, Pisa or Florence should be relatively easy.
Tuscany is a top villa destination
Tuscan villas have all the comforts of home. A villa in Tuscany may have amenities such as, private infinity edge pools, multiple bedrooms, multiple bathrooms, living rooms, full kitchens, saunas, Jacuzzis, whirlpool tubs, barbeque pits, luxurious linens and towels. Some Tuscan villas have access to tennis courts, private golf courses and private beaches. Villas range in size from one bedroom to five or more bedrooms. Selecting a villa in Tuscany is a wonderful way to tour an area with a family, large group or a couple. Finding a villa in Tuscany should be relatively easy for resourceful travellers.
Here are three tips to finding your perfect villa rental.
Tip #1: Research the Area
Arezzo is one of the most affluent provinces in Italy. The area is known for its impressive architecture, remarkable jewelry and collections of important Renaissance art. Visitors staying in this area will enjoy day trips to surrounding areas such as Cortona, Montepulciano, Chianti Classico and Siena. Maremma and Argentario Coast are two beaches near the area. Currently, this area has over 81 Villas with a plethora of amenities.
Florence offers visitors over 249 villas and apartments for temporary and long term holidays. Florence is known for its sublime wines, delicious food and breathtaking views. Many of the villas have easy access to museums, restaurants or public transportation. Visitors may also take a rental car into wine country to explore Chianti and the surrounding areas.
Travellers worldwide associate this area with the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Visitors will enjoy floating along the Venetian-style canals and day trips to nearby beaches near Livorno. To accommodate visitors, there are over 37 villas and apartments. Many are as architecturally impressive as some of the popular architecture in the area.
Tip #2: Plan Ahead
Plan your vacation in advance to ensure that the villa of choice is available for your holiday. There are several websites that may offer a selection of villas for holidays. Research your accommodations thoroughly. Select a villa near your desired venue.
While there are several villas available, this type of accommodation is becoming popular. Some villas are more luxurious than others, more convenient than others and more affordable than others. Your choices may be limited or non-existent if you do not reserve your accommodations several months in advance.
Tip #3: Stick to Your Budget
Villas may become expensive. They may range from several hundred dollars per week to several thousand dollars per week depending upon the amenities offered. Organize your travel group and determine the budget for the holiday. Ensure that the entire payment will be made prior to travel to avoid disappointment and cancellation of the trip.
Category : Luxury Villa &Top Villa Holidays &Villa Rental Guide
