| From the enchanting writings of Homer to the | | | | varieties including grey sand, black sand and red |
| celebrities of Greek mythology, the country of | | | | sand. |
| Greece has touched the lives of us all whether | | | | With plenty of craftsmen, boutiques and jewelry |
| we realize it or not. The Trojan War, Helen of | | | | to choose from, shopping is also a fun pursuit. In |
| Troy, the first Olympics, Alexander the Great, | | | | addition, there are excellent open-air restaurants |
| Plato, Aristotle, the Biblical city of Ephesus... the list | | | | and cafes that let you enjoy authentic Greek |
| goes on. And of course, virtually everyone is | | | | cuisine. But one of the most popular activities is |
| familiar with the Greek gods and goddesses Zeus, | | | | watching the sunsets. |
| Athena, Apollo and Hades. Whether you long for a | | | | When the sun hangs low in the sky, the cascade |
| closer look at the real or mythical side of Greece, | | | | of oranges and golds sends a fiery blaze across |
| a tour of the Greek Isles will satisfy your | | | | the sky that reflects off the water below. |
| curiosity. Let's take a look at two of the most | | | | Amazing! |
| popular destinations that can be reached via | | | | Rhodes |
| Holland America and other cruise lines. | | | | Rhodes is a delightful island where you can |
| Santorini | | | | participate in the three S's: shopping, sunning and |
| The unofficial colors of Santorini are blue and | | | | sightseeing. This walled city offers spectacular |
| white thanks to the abundance of whitewashed | | | | beaches that range from crowded, tourist |
| buildings and the azure-blue sea that surrounds the | | | | hotspots near luxury resorts to virtually |
| island. The contrast makes for a very dramatic | | | | untouched, secluded hideaways. There are dozens |
| presentation as you approach from the sea. | | | | of beaches and bays to choose from around the |
| The fun of your visit to Santorini begins the | | | | island. |
| moment you depart the cruise ship. Reaching the | | | | You can also partake in virtually every type of |
| city requires a walk of about 600 steps, which, if | | | | water sport. Thanks to the shape and position of |
| you so desire, you can take on foot. However, | | | | the island's curves, you often find perfect |
| most opt for either riding a cable car - which | | | | conditions for windsurfing. When the sun goes |
| offers great views - or riding a donkey, a fun | | | | down, the nightlife heats up with plenty of clubs |
| experience for all ages. | | | | available. |
| As your sightseeing of the island begins, you | | | | An aquarium, the Valley of the Butterflies and the |
| might elect to take a bus ride to the highest | | | | ancient village of Lindos are popular attractions for |
| mountain peak where the views are absolutely | | | | families. As you ascend to the Lindos ruins, the |
| outstanding! A local winery welcomes tourists as | | | | streets are lined with vendors selling their wares. |
| do all the residents of the quaint village you'll pass | | | | Good buys can be had on practically everything |
| through during your excursion. | | | | imaginable including jewelry, leather goods, furs, |
| You may also choose to visit the ancient | | | | carpets and more. |
| archeological site of Akrotiri. This historic wonder | | | | If you're looking for a vacation that's out of the |
| has been preserved under volcanic ash for nearly | | | | ordinary, touring the Greek Isles is an excellent |
| 3,600 years and helps depict what life in the | | | | choice. With plenty to do for all ages, you'll expand |
| Minoan period would have been like. | | | | your mind and your cultural knowledge while |
| Don't forget to make at least a short visit to the | | | | enjoying friendly people, exceptional food and |
| local beaches. Because Santorini is a volcanic island, | | | | intriguing sites. |
| you'll find white sand beaches plus a few unusual | | | | |