Greece - The land chosen by the Gods
A Glorious Past - A Prosperous Future

Greece is the land of the twelve Olympian Gods, the cradle of the Western civilisation, the birthplace of democracy, the origin of drama, history, philosophy and sciences.
Most modern sciences such as medicine, history, philosophy, geography, astronomy, physics, mathematics, as well as artistic activities such as poetry and sculpture made their roots back in the ancient times of Greece.

Greece has inherited a sophisticated culture and a language that has been documented for almost three millennia. Today’s spoken language has been an evolution of the Ancient Language spoken at Pericles’ golden age in 5th century B.C. Very few languages and cultures can demonstrate such continuity. Greeks are proud of their cultural heritage, and the notion of the unbroken continuity between their ancient and modern culture.

For thousands of years Greece was the gate between the east and the west. Today, it is a modern, fast developing European country.
Greece has been moving dynamically into the new millennium by undertaking more than 300 important infrastructure and urban projects, as well as investment programmes in telecommunications and information technology. This allows the country to face the global challenges of the twenty first century and upgrade the services provided to millions of visitors who annually enjoy its unique climate and lifestyle.

The ancient tradition still vivid to our days together with the ancient monuments scattered throughout the country, combined with the golden sun, the physical beauty, the unique hospitality, all modern comforts, the necessary infrastructure, the long tourism experience, the upgraded services provided, make Greece a particularly attractive destination for eminent delegates.

GEOGRAPHY
Greece consists of the mainland and about 3,000 small and big islands covering an area of 131,957 sq. km.

TIME
Greece is GMT+2, Greece 12:00 - London 10:00 - New York 05:00

TRAVELLING TIPS & VISA
All foreign visitors entering Greece must possess valid passports, except citizens of the European Union countries. Participants should check with travel agents, Greek consulate offices or diplomatic missions in their own countries, whether or not a visa is required.

For VISA application please contact the meeting secretariat:
Mrs Georgina Stefou
Triaena Tours & Congress S.A.
1206, Syngrou Ave., 2nd Floor, Athens 176 72
Tel.: +30 210 74 99 300 / 354
Fax: +30 210 77 05 752
E-mail: gstefou@triaenatours.gr

CURRENCY
Euro is the official currency of Greece. Foreign currency, traveller’s checks and Euro cheques can be exchanged at the exchange bureaux at the airport, upon arrival at the hotel or at banks located throughout Athens.

BANKS
Banks are open from Monday to Thursday 8:00-14:30 and on Friday 8:00-14:00; on Saturdays and Sundays they are closed. ATMs are widely available in Greece for Master, Diners, American Express or Visa cardholders.

CREDIT CARDS
All major credit cards are accepted in almost all hotels, shops and restaurants. Stickers in the front windows will advise you as to which cards are accepted.

SHOPPING HOURS
Varying

Downtown:
Monday-Friday 9:00-20:00 non-stop
Saturday 9:00-15:00

Suburbs:
Monday and Wednesday 9:00-14:30
Tuesday-Thursday-Friday 9:00-14:00 and 15:30-20:30
Saturday 9:00-15:00

Supermarkets:
Monday- Friday 9:00-21:00
Saturday 9:00-20:00

On Sundays all shops are closed, except tourist shops.

CLIMATE
The climate in Greece is mostly dry and temperate. Especially in Athens, Southern Greece and the islands, the climate is typical Mediterranean with warm and dry summers and mild winters. During June the temperature in Athens ranges from 22-28 oC.

ELECTRICITY
Electricity is 220 V/50 Hz. Plugs are the standard continental (DIN) type with two round pins.

HEALTHCARE
Emergency treatment is free to all in public hospitals. Public and private hospitals can be found in big cities. Small and large islands usually have hospitals and health centres.

TELECOMMUNICATIONS
The international access code for Greece is +30. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 001 for the USA or Canada, 0044 for the United Kingdom). Public payphones are available all over Greece and use phone cards, which can be purchased from kiosks. For information concerning mobile phone use in Greece (telephone transmissions are based on GSM technology), please ask your provider.

WATER
Tap water is generally drinkable in Athens. For places outside Athens water quality varies, so please ask your hotel reception.

TIPPING
For taxi and restaurants the service charge is included in the price. You may add a tip at your own discretion to indicate appreciation of exceptionally good service.