·        Name day celebration: This day is more important in Greece than birthdays are. Most of the people of Greece have names derived from a religious saint. A primary Greek tradition followed throughout the whole country is that everyone who has a name derived from a saint celebrated by the church, celebrate the day of this name. On the “name day”, friends and family will visit the particular Greek who is celebrating and offer their wishes and bestow presents. The hostess of the house provides food such as hors d’oeuvres to the guests.

·        Carnival: The carnival in Greece is called “Apokries” and lasts two weeks. It begins on the Sunday of Meat Fare and concludes with “Clean Monday”, the start of Lent. The carnival consists of feasts, costumes, and parties in the streets and bars. The most popular Carnival parade occurs in the city of Patra. This tradition is thought to have come from paganism as the ancient Greeks would throw festivities in honor of their god of wine and feast, Dionysus. 

·        Greek Independence Day: This celebration is in honor of Greece’s liberation from the control of the Ottoman Empire on March 25, 1821. On October 28 of each year, the Greeks celebrate this day by putting a Greek flag on their windows.

·        Bread: Greeks who live in the villages believe that bread is a gift of God. When visiting, tourists will observe older women blessing the bread and making the sign of the cross before cutting it with a knife. 

·        Knives: Greeks never hand knives to others who may ask for one. They believe that if they do, they will eventually fight with that person. Instead, they lay the knife on the table for the other person to pick it up.

 

·        Greek folk songs: This music originated from the time of ancient Greek poetry and music, and is divided into two musical movements: the akritic and the klephtic.

·          Cantadha: This music originated at the beginning of the 19^th century and is a style of romantic serenade, sung by three male voices in chorus. This style of music was popular on all the Ionian Islands and then appeared throughout the rest of Greece.

·          The nissiotika: This music originated on the islands of Greece where each island today has its own nissiotika and unique way of dancing it. Nissiotika are common in every island’s festival, and are usually accompanied by a large group of musicians who stay up all night long playing. 

 

·        Tzatziki: This appetizer is a favorite, and the perfect complement to Greek bread or fried meatballs. Tzatziki is Greek yogurt with finely chopped cucumber, olive oil, and garlic. 

·        Taramosalata: An appetizer of crushed fish eggs.

·        Moussakka: This popular main dish of the Greeks is made with a potato base and topped with minced beef, eggplants onion, béchamel.

·        Kokoretsi: This main course is eaten primarily during the Easter season. It is a favorite of Greeks and is made of the roasted entrails of lamb, served with a lot of lemon.

·        Ouzo: This is the most famous Greek alcohol, and the signature of the country. It is a great accompaniment to the Greek’s appetizers and is typically a very strong drink. 

Resources

http://www.hol.gr/greece/grkpg1.htm

http://www.greeka.com/greece-culture.htm

 

Begin by stopping in at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier found in front of the Parliament House on Constitution Square. Here the first modern Olympic games transpired in 1896 at the Panathenian Stadium. Next, visit the vistas of the Presidential Palace, prestigious homes, and government buildings. Make sure your drive includes Panepistimiou Avenue where you can observe the Catholic Cathedral, the University, National Library and Academy. 

 

After exploring this area, head over to the Acropolis, where you can take in the ancient glory that was Athens. The Acropolis boasts magnificent historical monuments on top of its rocky base. This magnificent religious complex is made up of several temples, which were constructed during the 5^th century B.C., and is visible from almost everywhere in the city. The most fascinating sight to behold on the Acropolis is the Parthenon. This temple was dedicated to Athena, and became the model of classical Greek architecture. After exploring the Parthenon, make sure you stop in at the Temple of Athena Nike and the Propylaea. In the late afternoon, visit the Acropolis Museum.

 

Spend the evening in Athens taking a scenic drive through the boulevards of Athens lit up with the city lights. Drive to Marina Zea, which is one of the busiest yacht harbors in the whole Mediterranean. Return to the city and spend a restful evening in the infamous Plaka district, found below the Acropolis in a narrow labyrinth of streets. This is the oldest section of Athens, virtually all that existed of the city before it was declared the country’s capital, and contains restaurants, cafes, and tourist shops. In this district, enjoy dinner at a typical Greek taverna.

 

Levadia is found in the direct center of Greece and is surrounded by archaeological sites such as Orhomenos, Thiva, and Delphi. While in Levadia, visit one of the four Catalan castles. The city is steeped in the traditional ways of life, creating a great spot for visitors to enjoy the beauty of Greece. The south side of the city, known as Kria, is especially unique, bursting with archaeological monuments and discoveries. This is a great place to experience the culture of the city.

 

Continue on to Delphi, the ancient sanctuary of Apollo. Delphi stands high on the hills of Mount Parnassus at the crossroads of the ancient worlds most integral routes. Begin by visiting the Museum at Delphi, found right next to the ancient site of Delphi and full of amazing artifacts from excavations on site in Delphi. The path to the museum leads visitors through several relics and tombs on the outside of the museum. Within the museum, you will find archaeological treasures such as the distinct bronze Charioteer. 

 

Visit the Temple of Apollo in the afternoon, strolling through these ancient ruins and landmarks. This site was renowned by the ancient Greeks as the actual sanctuary of Apollo. It was believed that Apollo, Olympian God, triumphed over the old underworld gods. The Temple was built in 373 B.C. with tall Doric columns. The primary entrance to the Temple was at the south-east corner of the encircling wall. Visitors can travel through this area, known as the Sacred Way, to the temple of Apollo located in the center of the sanctuary. 

 

 

Take the coastal road, which travels along the spectacular beaches of Glyfada, Varkiza, and Vouliagmeni, and allows for a beautiful drive. Here you will find the view of the Saronic Gulf is spectacular. Spend the morning relaxing at one of these beaches.

 

In the afternoon, drive up to Cape Sounion where you will find the breathtaking site of the Temple of Poseidon, located on the top of a small hill overlooking the sea. The temple was built of marble during 444 and 440 B.C., and was restored in the 19^th century. On the rock-strewn peninsula that projects out into the sea, the Athenians constructed two sanctuaries to their chief gods: Poseidon (the God of the Sea) and Athena. The temple of Poseidon rises 60m above the sea, and is enclosed by solid walls. Two temples in honor of Athena were built at a lower sea level. 

 

Though the actual statue of Poseidon is tucked safely away at the National Archeological Museum, the presence of this ancient figure is still felt strongly by the Greeks. The Greeks are known for their continual look out to the sea in search of the safe arrival of loved ones, news of war, and the receiving of goods. Explore the Temple while observing amazing views of the Aegean Sea from this well placed landmark. Stay to evening and watch a magnificent sunset upon the waters. The spot is known for having some of the most beautiful sunsets in the world. 

Resources

http://www.europeanexplorer.com/greece/attractions/athens.htm

http://www.igougo.com/planning/destinationHome.asp?LocationID=505#

http://www.viator.com/athens-tours

http://gogreece.about.com/cs/athenssights/a/capesounion.htm

http://www.greecetaxi.gr/index/sounion.html

http://www.aroundparnassos.com/livadia-parnassos-delphi.html