Greece

Firmly rooted in our imaginations as an ancient land - font of history and culture, Greece also conjures up images of a myriad of fascinating islands, dotted throughout the aqua blue Aegean and Ionian seas.

Whether on the mainland or among the countless islands, (which constitute one fifth of the country's land) Greece is a treasure trove of archaeological sites, ancient architecture, sculptures and traditional arts and crafts - symbols of a rich and diverse cultural inheritance.

Present day Greece is a land of contrasts, offering simple or sophisticated, ancient or modern, depending on your tastes. For instance eating is a choice between the traditional Taverna fare or modern high cuisine - the common factor being superb food served with traditional Greek warmth and hospitality.

Off the west coast of Greece, lie the Ionian Islands, comprising Corfu, Kefalonia, Zakynthos, Lefkada, Ithaca, Paxos and Kythira. Generally known for their beautiful sandy beaches and crystal clear waters, each individual island maintains its own very distinct character. Between them these islands offer a wealth of waterside leisure opportunities, swimming, snorkelling, scuba-diving, water-skiing, windsurfing and sailing.

To the east and south, between Greece and Turkey, is the glorious Aegean Sea sprinkled with over 1000 islands - a yachting paradise. The Aegean islands include the wild, windy and rocky Cyclades, such as Mykonos, Naxos and Santorini, famous for their beautiful landscapes and the picturesque white houses with blue windows that nestle along the shoreline around tiny fishing harbours, as well as the vibrant nightlife.

There is also the Northern Aegean island chain close to Turkey's coast, the mountainous Dodecanese and the largest Greek island of Crete.