Greece
-- The Sunday Times
This is a landmark travel guide--Greece joins the ranks of outstanding Cadogan country guides, including Italy and France. The acclaimed author, Dana Facaros, is half-Greek and visits annually. Her co-author, Linda Theodorou, lives in the Peloponnese. Together, they share 60 years of Greek travel experience! Greece is an increasingly popular choice for American visitors; 2.5 million made the journey in 1999 and it is now one of the top 15 destinations in the world for international tourist arrivals. Visitors from the States come for many different sorts of vacations, and the guide offers listings and practical advice to cater to all of them. Whitewater rafting in the Nestos gorge of Eastern Macedonia, exploring the secret mountain villages and Neda gorge in the Peloponnese, touring the archaeological sites and discovering the truth about the dream Oracle of Trophonios--or just relaxing in the fashionable mountain resort of Karpenisi--all are covered by the guide. Whatever travelers are looking for--from an audience with the gods at Olympia, to a quiet beach on a lesser-known island, to an insight into Europe's most varied biotope in the national parks--it's an invaluable companion. It brings the world-famous sights to life and uncovers some of Greece's secrets, helping readers to escape the crowds and seek out an authentic experience of the country. The guide features: *Fascinating insights into Greek history and culture *Inspiring color photography *Unbeatable hotel and restaurant listings
Extract: Ancient Delphi
The greatest oracle of the ancient world occupies one of the most spectacular, lyrical settings in Greece: a shelving ledge below the sheer Phaedriades (the Shining Cliffs), with a wild glen and dense olive groves at its feet, and the Gulf of Corinth 2,000ft below. Like Olympia, Delphi was a holy place that all Greeks shared; it was the centre of the world – when Zeus released an eagle in the east and an eagle in the west, Delphi is where they met; it was the great authority appearing somewhere in nearly every Hellenic myth and saga. And the whole – the stories, the temples, the art in the treasuries – was a masterpiece, albeit with a pinch of humbug.
The Myth
Gaia, or Earth, had the first oracle here, with her consort Poseidon. ...click here to read the rest
Dana Facaros and Michael Pauls can be reached at: michel.pauls@wanadoo.fr
