Insiders View on Greece

By  Mary Menounou

One little known fact/trivia that everyone should know about when travelling to Greece?

Greece is a unique destination for travelers holding a population of 10,815,197. Apart from an incomparable combination of mountain and sea destination spots, more importantly Greece offers remarkable history, monuments, attractions and amazing night life giving every traveler a reason to visit and hold Greece in their hearts!

What is a must buy when in Greece?

Greek Olives and Extra Virgin Olive oil.

One take-away after a visit to Greece? 

Small or big ancient Greek civilization statuettes and fridge magnets which are sold as souvenirs.

 What is your advice to first time travelers?

To taste the rich Mediterranean cuisine and live the myth of Greece.

One thing to definitely pack when travelling to Greece?

Comfortable clothes.

One activity anyone travelling to GREECE should not miss.

 To swim in the crystal blue Greek Mediterranean Sea and to experience a traditional Greek night with “plate smashing”

Where should anyone, travelling to GREECE, definitely get their picture taken?

The most spectacular Archaeological site in Greece “Acropolis”; to visit the most scenic area “Delphi“ – the naval of the earth; and to walk on the still active Volcano of Santorini!

Which is the best place to get a panoramic photo?

The magical Caldera views captured only in Santorini.

Best place to enjoy sunset/sunrise?

The world famous sunset in Oia of Santorini.

Most romantic place to take a special someone to?

One of the most popular honeymooner’s destination in Greece, Santorini.

Best place to have local food?

Monastiraki and Plaka areas in the heart of Athens most famous for traditional Greek cuisine.

Your favorite local dish and drink that you would recommend?

Greek chicken souvlaki accompanied with traditional Greek beer or fresh seafood meze accompanied with local Greek ouzo.

One place only the locals would know?

Litochoro village, located at the foot of mount Olympus, the home of our ancient Gods!

 The best pub and best place to catch up for a drink?

We wouldn’t suggest just one pub as there are too many good ones, but the best three areas in the downtown area of Athens are Psiri, Kolonaki and Gazi for a fun evening/night out!

A local festival you feel more travelers should come and see?

The famous Greek carnival of Patras town which lasts for 2 whole days and includes mascaraed parades with singing, dancing and lots of drinking!

The things guide books will not tell anyone about Greece?

Religious and local cultural traditions that can only be found out on the spot whilst exploring!

Is there any particular month you would not recommend travel to Greece and what would that reason be?

Throughout the year, during all seasons, Greece has many places a traveler can visit which means there is no particular month Greece is not ideal for all!

In one sentence, GREECE is  a country of history, culture, beauty and hospitality….. and you don’t have to be Greek to love Greece…

Checkout our package on Italy 

 

By  Mary Menounou

I was born in Athens but I spent 12 unforgettable years in Santorini island!

The unique colors and the magnificent landscape writing every day a new story…  a place to spoil yourself!

10 Must Do Trips in 2015

 

Season’s Greetings from The Wanderers!

Happy New Year! 

We take this opportunity to thank each of you for making 2014 a great year for The Wanderers. And we wish you and your loved ones a fantastic 2015! May it be bigger, better and happier for everyone, wherever you are. To add to your happiness quotient, we promise to bring you awesome travel experiences from around the world throughout 2015 As a trailer, here’s a glimpse of what we would like to begin with! A winter trip to Canada, a wild trip to Botswana, a boat trip down the Mekong, a journey to Colombia or a road trip to North East India. We have all this and more for you in 2015. It’s after all the year of the wanderer.

Don’t believe otherwise..

Dine in the wilderness,Botswana

Botswana

Explore the wonders of Botswana in the wilderness hotspots of this diverse country with this luxury camping expedition. You spend your days in the Okavango Delta and take game drives in Moremi Game Reserve and Chobe National Park before finishing the trip with the sight of the cloud of spray from the mighty Victoria Falls. Its a one of a kind trip- exclusive & wild! Check out our latest package on Namibia

Frozen Lake Louise

Lake Louise and Banff National Park

Enjoy a unique range of recreational activities from world-class ski options, to Dogsled mushing, snowshoe tours, skating along ice-trails and much more. This trip is dedicated to highlight the winter wonderland – Canada, where you get to experience dog sledges, some winter wildlife, visit Lake Louise and Banff National Park and explore Vancouver city.

Prime Cathedral,Bolivar Plaza, Bogota

Colombia

Colombia, located in the southwest of South America, is a tropical country of incredible diversity and charm. It is known to fascinate the world with its ever-changing geography, a history loaded with mystery & adventure and the warmth of its people and rich centuries-old culture. Discover this completely new world. Check out our latest package on Colombia 

Mekong river cruise

River Mekong in Laos

Take a trip down the River Mekong in Laos and its world renowned islands. Start the cruise at Pakse, situated at the confluence of Xe Don and Mekong Rivers, before continuing your cruise to Wat Phou – a UNESCO World Heritage site and the remote 4000 Islands!

Discover the beauty of the Sultanate of Oman with this seven days journey. Start your travel in the capital city of Muscat, a vibrant city that has successfully balanced the modern with its traditional culture. Here you will be introduced to Oman’s history, culture and development. Make your way along various tourist hot spots of Oman like Nizwa, Bahia Fort, Wadi Nakher, Jebel Shams and Wahiba Sands before returning to Muscat, where you end your trip. This trip gives a fascinating insight into a destination so close to India. Check out our package for Vietnam 

South Africa

Pamper yourself and your loved one while discovering this beautiful country together. This 11 day tour takes you on a magical journey in Rainbow Nation. With the ease of self drive for most part of the journey, you can take your time reaching your destinations. Stop at little-known places. Discover those hidden nooks. Go on game drives. Do activities together. Get awed by the sights and the scenery along the way. Live in luxurious lodges and hotels throughout which have been handpicked specifically for this luxury offbeat tour.

Tanzania

See the best that Tanzania has to offer in luxury. Stay at some of the most luxurious tented accommodations and camps while you go on Safaris and game drives. Start your trip at Ngorongoro, famous for its Crater where humans and wild beasts coexist peacefully. Move on to Serengeti National Park, unequalled for its natural beauty and the greatest concentration of plains game anywhere. Drive down to Lake Manyara National Park, extolled by Ernest Hemingway as “the loveliest I had seen in Africa”. From here you can either return back home or extend your trip and take in the beaches at Zanzibar while staying in the lap of luxury some 45 km away from Stone Town, the capital of Zanzibar. Check out our latest package on Tanzania.

Mongolia

Discover Mongolia starting with a 2 day visit to the smaller brother of Baikal, Lake Khuvsgul, the deepest lake in Central Asia. In Ulaanbaatar, you will experience a blend of tradition and modernity in the rapidly developing city. Head east to Maikhan Tolgoi, followed by a trip to Gobi desert and then a walk through the ice gorge at Yolyn,Am,Mongolia’s largest sand dunes.Finally, experience Naadam festival which is the most colourful festival of the Mongols. Check out our latest package to Mongolia.


Kailash Manasarovar

Our Kailash Manasarovar Expedition to Mt. Kailash and Lake Manasarovar, which lies in the Southwestern part of Tibet, is an incredible experience. It is an epic pilgrimage to the heavenly abode of Lord Shiva, that is considered the most sacred and revered pilgrimage for Hindus, Jain’s and Buddhists alike. It is undoubtedly one of the most rewarding spiritual journeys known to man. Apart from this group tour, we have other journeys to Mt Kailash including a trip via Lhasa, another one which is an arduous trek, the inner parikrama, the chopper tour, the private journey and more. Do contact us for details, Check out our latest Kailash package 

North East India

The North Eastern region of India is one of the least explored regions of India. With its abundant natural wealth, wildlife sanctuaries, high mountains, tribal culture, tea gardens, waterfalls, famous temples, the majestic Brahmaputra valley, angling opportunities, fast flowing rivers, quaint markets and a flourishing textile trade, it’s a wonder that these sister states have been able to keep themselves under wraps for so long! This unveils all of the above during its sojourn through Assam, Meghalaya and the Himalayan region of Arunachal Pradesh.

Meetings – Incentives – Conferences – Events

Does the reward of a trip to London and Paris or to Australia and Thailand galvanise the sales force into action? We are sure it does if the booming numbers of incentive travelers to places far and wide is any indication. But how about taking this a notch higher and announcing a trip of a lifetime that is truly worth coveting? A voyage to the Antarctic for the top performers! Or a trip to the Arctic Circle or the North Pole or a Trans Siberian Rail journey for the deserving few… Is it time to turn incentives on its head and move away from mundane trips to the truly extraordinary experiences of life? So, next time you are planning a trip for your delegates, do you want to go on planning the ordinary or would you like to give it a Wanderers touch? For more info, please click on the link.

Return as a Wanderer..

Thanks for all your arrangements. The trip was absolutely fantastic and very well organized. Thank you for making this trip happen in a short period of time. I know it was challenging indeed, given the time constraints.It will certainly remain a Dream Trip etched in our minds. I do look forward to organizing a trip too next year with Wanderers ..and hopefully many more trips thereafter.  It was really a pleasure working with you!

Cheers,

Om Hemrajani, after his recent trip to Switzerland, Austria and Prague

Israel – Shalom!

Abhik Dutta, The Wanderers

 Abhik Dutta traveled to Israel for a recce trip and this is what he had to say about this beautiful country.

Solomon’s Pillar, Timna, Park

“I had always wanted to visit Israel having grown up reading books about the country and its people, how the state was formed, about kibbutz life, their culture of innovation, the politics and religion of the region, the holocaust etc. So, when I got the invite from the Israel Ministry of Tourism to visit the country, I already had one leg in the El-Al flight! Tel-Aviv, on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea is a city on steroids! An active city, where people are forever on the go. Cycling, running, skating, sailing, segwaying, dancing. Always moving. No wonder its called the Non-Stop City. Jaffa, is the exact opposite. Quiet, reflective, artsy, historical. To escape the noise.

For more offbeat trips and unique experiences around the world, please visit our website

We would also like to hear from you!  If you have any ideas or requirements to help customize personalized tours, do write to us at askus@thewanderers.co.in  or contact us at any of our offices.