Greece is not only the cradle of Western civilization, but also a source of inspiration for many travellers. Indeed, it is a treasure trove of archaeological and historic gems and features breathtaking landscapes.

Located in southeastern Europe, Greece occupies the southern tip of the Balkan Peninsula and a series of small, paradisiacal islands. Athens and its port, Piraeus, encompass close to a third of the country's population.

Majestic and Modern. Everywhere you turn in Athens, you will be awestruck by the way the past and the present work together to create a city that is alive, bustling, and exciting. Athens, the capital city of Greece once thought to be protected by the goddess Athena, remains a magical, romantic place.

The Quintessential Greek Island. As romantic as it gets, Mykonos is the most popular of all the Greek islands. The characteristic dazzlingly white cube-shaped houses contrast strikingly with the intense blue and green of their wooden doors and shutters. Little winding streets, windmills, and smooth sand beaches complete the picture of the perfect island paradise.

Rejuvenates the Soul. It is what many of us envision when we dream of Greece, and this fashionable island frequently surpasses the fantasy. Days on the island give way to nights of dramatic sunsets enjoyed from pleasant open-air cafés. Few sights are more memorable than the dazzling whitewashed buildings that sit perched on the rim of black volcanic cliffs.

A Wondrous Isle. Zeus and his son Minos, legendary king of Crete, both sprung from this marvelous place. The ecosystem of Crete is unique, encompassing varied flora as well as animal species found only on this island. Vacationers adore its boundless beaches, numerous tavernas, and fascinating museums, and the more adventurous will try raki, a strong spirit made from grape must.

The Wonderful Cyclades. Wellknown for its nightlife, visitors to Ios bask in a festive atmosphere, as evident on the island's golden beaches as it is in the nightclubs and open-air tavernas. Picturesque Paros abounds in pretty coves, miniature churches, narrow cobblestone streets and Byzantine monuments.

The Dodecanese Legacy. Kos was the birthplace of Hippocrates, the father of Western medicine. The island also witnessed the march of civilization from ancient Greece to the Byzantine Empire, the Crusades and the Ottoman Empire. Patmos, where John of Patmos wrote Revelations, is a key Christian pilgrimage site and a very pleasant place to visit. Finally, majestic Rhodes, whose port was once guarded by the Colossus, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, offers a cosmopolitan atmosphere enriched by an astonishing blend of ancient and modern.

The local currency is the Euro (€). Exchange desks can be found in your hotel. Banks and exchange offices are located throughout the city. Bank hours are Monday to Thursday, 8:00 am to 2:30 pm; Friday, 8:00 am to 2:00 pm; Saturday and Sunday closed. Branches of the National Bank in Athens can be found at Syntagma Square and Omonia Square. They are opened from Monday to Friday, 8:00 am to 6:30 pm. ATMs can be found throughout Athens.

Tipping is at your discretion, but customary.

Aboard ship: €8 per adult (€4 per child) is automatically added to each account per day to cover gratuities. This amount may be increased or decreased according to your discretion.

Excursion guides/drivers: It is customary to tip and we recommend about €4 to 6 per person/day or so to cover both.

Restaurants: 10 to 15% will be added to your bill but may not make its way to the serving staff, so you might wish to leave another 5 to 10% in cash on the table.