Discover Mainland Greece

Delphi l Macedonia l Nafplio l Olympia l Peloponnese l Thessaloniki

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DELPHI, center of the earth After the Acropolis, Delphi is the most popular archaeological site in Greece. Located 180 kilometers from Athens, a trip to Delphi is listed in just about every tour itinerary and is by far the most popular day trip out of Athens. Delphi has a special meaning, more than just another collection of ruins in a country that is full of them. Delphi in ancient times was considered the center of the known world, the place where heaven and earth met. This was the place where man was closest to the Gods ...

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MACEDONIA, Northern Greece In the classical period the Greek influence became even more pronounced and with the reigns of Phillip and his son Alexander the Great. The palace became home to painters, poets, philosophers (including Aristotle) and musicians from all over the world. It was during this period that Macedonia became the dominant world power, due to the exploits of Alexander.

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NAFPLIO, former capital of Greece Nafplio was once the capital of Greece. Today, it's the perfect place to base yourself for visiting some of the best archaeological sites in Greece. Nearby is the ancient civilization of Mycenae and the impressive theatre at Epidaurus with it's reknown accoustics ...

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OLYMPIA, birthplace of the Olympics Olympia is one of the most popular destinations for tourists in Greece. Even cruise ships dock at the nearby port of Katakolo and put people on buses to visit the site. The village of Olympia itself is a collection of tourist shops, cafes, restaurants and a Historical Museum of the Olympic Games ...

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THE PELOPONNESE Some of the most beautiful and interesting places in Greece are not on the islands, but on the mainland in places like the Peloponnese. The Peloponnese, or Peleponisos, or Peloponessos or however you want to spell it, is what many people think of as the real Greece. Beautiful beaches, majestic mountains, unparalleled natural beauty and a history as long as civilization ...

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THESSALONIKI, Northern Greece The influence of the east is more pronounced, not just in the delicious food, but in the relaxed lifestyle. It's a big city with an almost college town feel, like Boston or Austin, but Greek. The nightlife is exceptional, the bars and clubs play great music. The restaurants and ouzeries are among the best in Greece. ...

Used with permission from Matt Barrett's Greece Travel Guide