Greece and Turkey

Sightseeing

In addition to the stark natural beauty of the Greek Islands, there are antiquities galore, such as the relics of Homeric times at Mycenae. Moving forward to the age of Classical Greece, witness the beautiful setting of Apollo’s shrine at Delphi or Poseidon’s dramatic temple at Sounion. From the ruins of Troy to the splendours of the Ottoman Sultans, Turkey is also rich in interest. Ephesus is one of the best preserved Roman sites in the world. Capadoccia, has Byzantine churches alive with frescoes carved into the living rock. The country also abounds with natural wonders like the Cotton Castle of Pamukkale.

Shopping

Look for traditional Greek handicrafts - colourful textiles, embroidery and white flokati rugs. You’ll also see reproductions of Byzantine icons, Minoan pottery and classical Greek sculpture. Turkish traditions of carpet making go back thousands of years and there’s plenty of carpet shops to prove it. In the bazaars look for jewellery, pottery, brass, onyx figurines, quality leather, and oriental spices.

Entertainment

In contrast to the throbbing summer nightclubs and bars on the islands, Greeks prefer to sit and talk, endlessly, with friends at a taverna or kafenion. Many venues still stage traditional Turkish dancing of which the sensuous belly dance is the most famous.

Specialties

Retsina is the resinated wine of Greece - even Homeric heroes drank it mixed with water. Ouzo, the national aperitif, has a refreshing aniseed flavour and is often served with hors d’oeuvres called mezedes. Turkish and Greek tavernas offer dishes of octopus, fresh grilled fish with a sprinkling of herbs, lamb kebabs, different varieties of casseroles, aubergine (eggplant) dishes and tempting sweets of pastry, nuts and syrup.

5 Fun Things To Do

1. The changing of the Evzone Guard in Syntagma Square is the best free show in Athens. A Mecca for fans of colourful costumes, pom-poms and unusual marching.

2. Take the subway back in time. Akropoli station in Athens has cabinets full of artefacts unearthed during construction. All yours for the cost of a Metro ticket!

3. Turkish Baths range from historic, ornamental marble piles to functional modern baths. Either way, they’re good clean fun.

4. The volcanic island of Santorini is spectacular. Dine in the cliff-top capital, facing west, while the sun sets behind the submerged caldera!

5. Join the old men at bars and cafés, for a puff on a Turkish water pipe (nargile).