SUGGESTED GENERAL ACTIVITIES:

• Take a boat cruise to the fascinating island of Spinalonga to see the Venetian fortress
• Enjoy a relaxing spa treatment
• Rent a car and explore the tiny Cretan villages in the Thripti mountains
• Explore the Minoan Palace of Mallia

SUGGESTED SPORTING ACTIVITIES

• Tennis
• Golf
• Watersports

SELECTION OF LOCAL ATTRACTIONS

• Heraklion, Palace of Knossos
• Heraklion, Archaeological Museum
• Heraklion, Historical Museum
• Heraklion, Central Market
• Heraklion, Cretan Folklore and History Museum
• Heraklion, Venetian Fortress

TIME ZONE Greece operates on GMT + 2 hours.

LANGUAGE Modern Greek (as opposed to Ancient) is the national language of Greece. Vernacular speech contains many borrowings from foreign languages, including Italian, French, Turkish and English, so you may hear some familiar words in everyday speech. “Tourist Police” whose lapel badges picture a Union Jack or American flag speak English. In Greece, people whose work brings them into contact with visitors from overseas are generally excellent English speakers.

CURRENCY The Euro, divided into 100 Cents.

MONEY MATTERS Travellers cheques can easily be converted into Euros; some larger stores will take them as payment. Smaller denominations are preferred. Major credit cards are widely accepted (though American Express less so) and ATM access is widespread.

TIPPING Like most European countries, tipping in restaurants is common, with a recommended 10% on a discretionary basis according to service. Check that a service charge has not been added to your bill before deciding whether to tip. Taxi drivers do not usually expect a tip but it is common practice and considered polite to round up taxi fares.

WEATHER Greece enjoys a typically Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and cool, occasionally wet winters. Summer temperatures can reach the upwards of 90 degrees Fahrenheit and sun protection in the form of sun cream, a sun hat and lightweight clothing is recommended.

CLOTHING Style is fairly casual throughout Greece though in more rural areas and during Easter more conservative dress may be observed, for example covered shoulders. Cathedrals, churches and other religious sites require conservative dress. Both sexes should cover their arms, legs and shoulders. Cotton and other light fabrics are comfortable choices for summertime as the heat can be extreme during summer months. You are advised to take lightweight light coloured items, including a sun hat to protect your skin from the affects of sun damage. Spring and autumn temperatures dictate light to medium-weight clothing selections and in winter you will need a pullover and a coat. When dining at better restaurants and for any special occasion during your journey, dress is more formal. For gentlemen, a “jacket and tie” standard is appropriate, with an equivalent standard of eveningwear for ladies. Bring comfortable walking shoes with low or no heels.

HEALTH For up to date information on latest health and vaccination recommendations, please contact your doctor.

ELECTRICITY Electrical service is supplied at 220 volts/50 hertz.