Discovery and Gap… Adventures?!

Turkey, Istanbul - Blue Mosque

We’ll admit it. We’re a little obsessed with the Discovery Channel. We worked with them back in the day and always had the best things to say. Which is why, when we heard about Discovery Adventures (an adventure tour operator developed – get this – in partnership with Gap Adventures), we thought that sounded like a nice,sexy Safari-meets-sweet style combination.

They’ve also just announced brand spankin new trips to: Japan, Kenya, Greece, Italy, France, Turkey and Indochina for 2011, where they’ll take you to all the cool places you want to see in the world. And here’s the best part, you’ll get the same experiences as to what you’ve seen on Discovery Channel, gaining insider access into local culture around the globe.

On the Mekong River, Vietnam

Bottom line: two new tours for 2011 offer exclusive access only available through Discovery Adventures. On the Classic Japan tour, travelers get a behind-the-scenes look at the life of a Geisha – featuring a personalized tour through the Geisha district by a real Geisha, and an invitation to a traditional Geisha gathering and sake ceremony. On the Kenya Wildlife Safari, travelers get the rare experience to interact up-close with Baraka, a rare Black Rhino.

For more pricing and itineraries,get on it:

www.discoveryadventures.com

Europe’s Best Oceanfront Camping

This week we came across some of the top European scenic camping picks from The UK’s Observer. After all, not everything has to be five star digs and a butler when you’re becoming one with nature. Extracted from Cool Camping Europe (£18.95) and Cool Camping France (£14.95), this book is a veritable wealth of information if gorgeous views and camping among exotic locales is your thing.

By Keith Didcock

Les Romarins, Cote d’Azur – France

This is as dramatic a campsite as you’ll find anywhere in France, and not one for those who don’t like heights. A few kilometres up from the village of Eze, you can pitch under olive and rosemary trees in a hillside setting on the French Riviera between Monaco and Nice. With fabulous views across the sea from the steeply raking site, Les Romarins is the perfect place to live the high life without breaking the bank.

• +33 4 9301 8164; campingromarins.com; from €17 to €20 for two people, tent and car plus €5.50 to €7 for each extra person and €3 to €4 for under-fives.

Cala Llevado, Costa Brava – Spain

Set among ragged cliffs in Spain’s Costa Brava, four beaches run along the stunning coastline. With everything from hidden camps to coves, there’s large bay, but keep in mind, some campsites are removed while others are on top of one of the beaches, giving you a bird’s eye view.

• +34 9 7234 0314; calallevado.com; from €16.50 to €27 for a person, tent and car plus €5.50 to €9 for each extra person and €3 to €5 per child.

Costiolu, Sardinia – Italy

This is a working organic farm – un’azienda biologica- in the island’s hilly heart. There aren’t beaches right on your doorstep, but the gorgeous waters of the Costa Smeralda are within striking distance. Run by the colourful Giovanni, the farm is a proper retreat from the trappings of modern life. Sardinia’s cultural capital, Nuoro, is visible from the azienda but the land around is mainly olive groves, fields of cereal and grazing land full of goats. To top it all, Giovanni does the cooking, too.

• +39 0784 260088; email: roccasagriturismo@tiscali.it; from €15 a night for two people, tent and car. Dinner €25 a head.

Mala Milna, Hvar – Croatia

Hvar is Croatia’s answer to the French Riviera, with exclusive beaches, designer hotels, cafes, bars and boutiques, so if you’ve brought your glad-rags you can always rub shoulders with the moneyed glamour on this island for an evening or two. Thankfully, you won’t be disturbed by Dalmatian WAGs and their designer poodles at Mala Milna, though, as it’s the budget option. There are two pebble beaches (the Croatian coast is notoriously rocky) on either side of the site and the coast is dotted with paths and ancient villages alike, so there’s everything you need.

• +38 521 643531; hvar.hr/mala-milna; about 140kn (£16) for two people, tent and car

Nicolas, Peleponnese – Greece

This southern region is the epitome of ancient Greece, a fancy mix of ruins, myths and classic tales. Nicolas campsite is a 10-minute stroll from the town of Tiryns, which hosts an annual classic Greek theatre festival, staged in its two ancient amphitheatres. So you might be sharing the site with actors rehearsing their lines between mouthfuls of moussaka. The camp is set in a former orange and mulberry grove with pitches in the hollows and under the canopy of the flowering trees and it’s all just a ripe orange’s throw from the waters of the bay.

• +30 275 304 1218; nicolasgikas.gr; from €16 to €20 for a tent and two people.

Greece: Get Decadent

Oia, Santorini

With a deep-rooted passion for obscure international adventure, Victoria Yanakos is always looking for her next travel destination. Currently vacationing in Bolivia, Victoria has been kind enough to jot down her insider picks from Greece. When she’s not traversing the planet for Jaunt, she resides in New York City where she covers fashion and cosmetics for RR Donnelley.

It’s next to impossible to maintain a moderate attitude when faced with a trip to Greece.
By Victoria Yanakos

Whether it’s clubbing all night in Athens or eating fish in the islands until you have to lie your head on the table (which serves a double purpose as you are now closer to your ouzo glass), being in Greece is one of the most decadent and necessary travel experiences in the world.

For first time visitors or long time enthusiasts, a logical and ideal place to start your Greek sojourn is in Athens, entrenched in thousands of years of history, the majestic city hums with the splendor of philosophy and ancient culture. Now a rushing metropolis, when deciding where to lay your hat, I say, bypass the opulent (if not a bit austere) Hotel Grande Bretagne and opt for something more original.

ATHENS HOTELS

OCHRE AND BROWN
Located in the hip district of Psirri (Ψυρρή), is a boutique hotel packed with amenities and personal service. Each of the ten rooms swirl with an undercurrent of urban decadence and boast in-room massages, custom ordered bed linens, and direct dial phone numbers.
Price: 210 € and up
Ochre and Brown
7 Leokoriou st. Psiri,
105 54, Athens, Greece
+30 210 33 12 940, +30 210 33 12 950
+30 210 33 12 942
info@oandbhotel.com
http://www.oandbhotel.com

PERISCOPE HOTEL
In Athens’ fashionable Kolonaki (Κολονάκι) district, this four-star hotel is surrounded by some of Athens’ best boutiques. Holding true to its name, it also offers a periscope on the rooftop for guests to survey the whole of Athens.

Price: 144€ to 180€
Periscope Hotel
22 Charitos Street
10675 Athens, Greece
http://www.periscope.athenshotels.it

When dining in Athens (or anywhere else in Greece), you have an array of venues from which to choose. Just keep in step with the local feasting culture: fast, loud, and excessive.

Etiquette is as follows:
1. Reaching across the table, over your neighbor’s plate and mid-air forkful of spanakopita? Perfectly fine.
2. Say ‘papara’ and you have the green light to dip your bread into any unguarded dish on the table. Take caution, this word used in any other context means ‘testicles.’
3. Feel free to turn your used wine glass into an ashtray. Smoking is actually a course (or three) in any Greek meal.
4. If you have room for “seconds,” you’re not really trying.

Start with a plethora of μεζεδάκια (mezed-Α-kia) or small plates to sample the various traditional Greek dishes like moussaka and tsarmasalata, a dip made from caviar (and our EIC’s personal favorite). Add a generous portion of ouzo and a finale of baklava.

ATHENS RESTAURANTS
As for where to satisfy your culinary curiosity, we suggest:

Αγία Μαρίνα (Agia Marina) – a small beach between Varkiza and Lagonissi hosting a variety of seaside fish restaurants.

Mπιφτεκούπολη (phonetically it is Biftekoupoli and literally translates to mean “Burger City”)
A strip of tavernas in the neighboring town of Glifada, which specializes in meat – biftekia.

Roughly thirty minutes from city center, any cab driver will know both areas by name. Finally, check out the Acropolis and catch a concert at the Herodion Theater at the base. A good night out in Greece is always in order.

ATHENS NIGHTSPOTS
The district of Psirri and the area near Syntagma Square (in the center of the city) offer a great local selection of hip clubs and bars.

My personal favorite?

BOOZE COOPERATIVA
On Kolokotroni Street – an epically long-central table, handmade chandelier, and oh so unambiguous name.
Booze Cooperativa
57 Kolokotroni street
Athens, Greece
P +302103240944
boozecooperativa@otenet.gr
http://www.boozecooperativa.com/

ISLAND
Best in summer, Island overlooks the Aegean Sea. More high maintenance than in Psirri, but with breathtaking views and pulsing energy it’s worth the drama of getting in.
Island Club
Located at the 27th km of Athens
Sounio Av., 16672
Varkiza , Greece
P +30 220 8925000
F +30 210 895050
Email sales@island-central.gr
http://www.island-central.gr/island_place_eng.html

When leaving Athens to retreat to any number of Greece’s tastefully chic and rustic islands, I recommend stops in Santorini and Milos. Both islands are easily accessible by plane or ferry from the mainland.

SANTORINI
Formed by a massive volcanic explosion, it’s arguably the most iconic and dramatically beautiful island in the Cyclades, if not one of the most visited. With sharp jagged cliffs overlooking the perfectly clear blue waters, Santorini is a haven for honeymooners and vacation connoisseurs alike. It is also home to hundreds of small intimate hotels perfect for a romantic getaway or relaxing retreat from daily life.

SANTORINI HOTELS
ARCHouses
Awe-inspiring views of the sea and a quaint spot to rest your sun-drenched and weary head
Price: low season (April to June and October, closed November and December) 95 € to 180 €
High season (June to September): 116€ to 195€
ARCHouses Hotel
Malteza Sqare Imerovigli
Santorini 847 00 Greece
P: +30 22860 23258
F: + 30 22860 28862
Winter Contact, Athens:
P: + 30 210 801 2904
http://www.santorini.gr-santorini.com/hotels/archouses-hotel/

HOMERIC POEMS
Views and an infinity pool on its lower level bring you one step closer to the magnificent surroundings
Price low season: 240€ and up, High season: 285€ and up
Homeric Poems
Firostefani, Santorini
84 700 Greece
P (April – November): +30 22860 24661 –2 –3
P (November – March): +30 22860 25025
http://www.homericpoems.gr/

While Santorini is not widely revered for its beaches, there is still a great deal to experience while on the island. The two most populated areas:

THIRA – take your time combing the winding cobble stone streets of this town, perusing the various shops and novelty stands
OIA – check out a gallery or two here. In the evening Oia tends to be more subdued. A wonderful choice if you are looking for a more tranquil dining atmosphere.

Renting a car or moped is a great way to get between the two towns and explore the outskirts of the island. 99% of the cars available will be manual, so if you’re rusty on your shifting skills, go for the moped. As it turns out, explaining how you wrecked the rental car is infinitely more difficult in Greek.
One gem along the beach:

KATINA’S RESTAURANT – This small outdoor taverna is literally steps away from the water and hosts a menu of the freshest local catch and various Greek specialties. They don’t have a website, but if you follow the sunset down the hill to the base of the Amoudi Harbor, you’ll find this seaside treasure easily enough.

MILOS
Via ferry from Santorini (with a connection in Sifnos) or direct flight from Athens, Milos should also be a stop on your Greek getaway. Off the beaten path for foreign tourists in the Cyclades, Milos has a quiet charm that sings along with the pristine surroundings. Distinctly less “touristy” – and by non-touristy we mean fewer Midwest fanny packs but more men in hot pant bathing suits – once arriving to port, it’s a good idea to rent a car or moped as the best beaches are spread out across the island.

In contrast to Santorini, Milos has a great number of spectacular beaches for you to explore. Two on the top of my list are Tsigrado and Paliochori.

Surrounded by dramatic rock formations and waters of rare clarity, these beaches rival some of the best in the world. One note about Tsigrado: for the less adventurous traveler this beach is most easily accessible by boat. If you’re up for the challenge, you can also reach the beach by descending the steep hill careening up from the water’s east bank. Depending on the time of year, this hill varies in its degree of severity. But don’t worry, there’s a rope (from the 1960s but it’s still good).

Another gem specific to Milos is:

SARAKINIKO
Also commonly known – in our apartment – as the single most captivating stretch of land on the planet. This “moon beach” was formed by layers of white volcanic rock, which, in addition to its complete lack of vegetation really give you the feeling of being on the moon. The smooth curves of the lunar landscape underfoot are great for sunbathing or cliff-diving into the blue sea below.

After a day of beach hopping, there’s dinner:

MILOS RESTAURANTS

ARAGOSTA – in the port, one of the few trendy spots on the islands. Slightly less grassroots, but the food and atmosphere are wonderful.
Aragosta Restaurant
Adamas – Milos Island – Cyclades- Greece
Tel & Fax: +30 22870 22292
http://www.aragosta.gr

ERGINA – if you’re craving something more authentic, and in tune with the islanders, check out Ergina in Tripiti. Tucked away on a secluded hill, this taverna (named after the owner) has a great selection of family recipes and local flavor and her husband will walk you through the dishes in English, Italian, French, Greek, or other. Ask the locals for directions to Tripti – the restaurant is on the sea side going up the steep hill.

MILOS HOTELS

HALARA STUDIOS – located in Plaka, the charming capital of Milos, these studios, although basic, offer spectacular views and attentive service. Be wary of the throngs of hotel advertisers in the port when you arrive. Accommodations in this part of the island will be loud and overpriced for what you get. Instead, rent a car and head to Plaka for a more genuine and enjoyable stay.

Management: Mary Mathioudaki – Xydous
Plaka 84800, Milos island
Cyclades – Greece
Μilos Tel.: (+30) 22870 22092
Athens Τel. & Fax: (+30) 210 9917 823
Mobile: (+30) 6944 375 777
E-mail: fonimilo@ath.forthnet.gr
http://www.milos-island.gr/rooms-apartments/halara/index.html

Now how’s that for handing our readers a hot Greek getaway? With the power to sweep you off your feet or submerge you into her blue waters, we say Greece is one country that promises to satisfy your sweet life cravings.

Additional travel resources:
Olympic Airlines http://www.olympicairlines.com/
Aegean Air http://www.aegeanair.com/aegeanen/home/index.asp

Milos Travel Agency
+30 22870 24024

Riva Travel
Ask for Nikos Chronis
http://www.rivatravel.gr

Amoudi Villas
Santorini, Greece. Oia
Tel.: +30 22210 60056 / Fax: +30 22210 60057
Reservations: 1-800-359-4827
E-mail: ecorama@otenet.gr
http://www.greekhotel.com/cyclades/santorin/oia/amoudi/home.htm