Athens

Athens (Athina in modern Greek) has been around ever since the god Poseidon and the goddess Athena disputed the patronage of the newly founded city, which settlers had begun inhabiting from 3,000 BC. Plato, Socrates and Aristotle are just some of the legendary personalities that lived in this great city and who spent their days in philosophical debates at the Agora, drank their wine in Plaka and went to Aristophanes', Aeschylus', Sophocles' and Euripides' plays at the marble theatre in the evenings.

This is the city that the gods blessed with an abundance of sunlight (over 300 days per year); and an incredibly dry and warm climate. Today, this city of over 4,000,000 inhabitants is home to numerous museums, art galleries and theatres that bear witness to its historical and cultural past.

Athens, the capital of Greece, and Piraeus, the major port, are in Attica. The visitor based in Athens can enjoy the sea or a mountain by travelling just a few kilometres.

Athens is the symbol of freedom, art and democracy in the conscience of the civilised world. In Athens memory never fades. Wherever you stand, wherever you turn, the city's long and rich history will be alive in front of you.
Athens today is a modern city, alive and on the go. Modern, but romantic as well, with busy streets and squares, shop windows, a riot of colours, as well as little alleys in quiet, peaceful neighbourhoods such as Plaka and Mets.

In the countless shops, the visitor will find anything he needs. In the taverns and restaurants, he can enjoy any taste sensation, in the night-clubs, pubs, discos, and bars he can drink and dance the night away. Because in Athens, the fun never stops before daybreak.

Our personal recommendation is that whoever plans to attend the event, should combine it with an extended stay for holidays. We are making arrangements with the hotels to extend their special rates to those wishing to arrive earlier or stay longer exploring the richness of Athens' historical and cultural heritage; visit historic sites; lie on the beach, attend a performance at the Herodus Atticus Theatre (5,000 seats) summer festival of music and drama. Alternatively, you can take the ferry from Piraeus and visit any one of the hundreds of dreamy islands and experience the uniqueness of Greek hospitality. What about a four-day cruise to Mykonos, Patmos, Rhodes, Crete or Santorini?