Greece :: Customs and Manners

Posted on Friday, February 12, 2010

No Matter where you travel, it’s always best to understand a little of the language, manners and customs of your host country in order to be polite and respectful to the locals. A few of these hints and tips may help you out as you tour through Greece while it’s also helpful to know a little Greek.

Tour managers live and work in Europe full time and are also on hand to help you out throughout your tour.

• Although you will see and hear the Greek language everywhere (still written in the same characters developed by the ancients 1000’s of years ago) nearly everyone speaks English, if they don’t, like everything else, it doesn’t matter, the locals are always friendly and ready to help.
• Greece is a country of islands and the Greeks have a deep affiliation with the sea while their economy is built on shipping and trade (made most famous by Aristotle Onassis). It’s almost impossible to get around the country without using boats and ferries, an experience that must be had.
• The Greeks have a super relaxed and casual attitude towards life. Time means very little and most of the country operates on ‘Greek time’.
• Family, food, and dancing are very important
• Tipping of around 10% is considered polite

Rhodes, Greece

Posted on Thursday, December 24, 2009

Rhodes, the largest of the Dodecanese Islands, is truly a vacation destination with something for everyone: sunshine, spectacular beaches on the Aegean Sea, a medieval walled city, an ancient acropolis, and much more. In ancient times, the people of Rhodes chose Helios, the Sun, as their divine patron. With an average of three hundred plus days of sunshine a year, it's safe to say that Helios continues to smile upon Rhodes today.

Don't miss:  On the north end of the island, overlooking the sea, stand the ancient remains of the Acropolis of Rhodes. The buildings of the Rhodes Acropolis date back to the 3rd-2nd century BC. Though the entire Acropolis has yet to be excavated, some amazing sections have been restored: the stadium; a marble odeion - a concert hall or theatre; four columns of the Temple of Pythian Apollo; and a few remains of the Temple of Athena Polias and Zeus Polieus