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Greece & Turkey

Greek Islands and Turkish Delights.

Greece Santorini

Yassou!

A dip in azure seas, a sip of pungent ouzo and a trip back in time to oracles and gods – Greece is the very essence of the alluring Mediterranean world. Greece is synonymous with islands – from history steeped Crete, awe-inspiring Santorini and windmill-studded Mykonos and many other gems scattered across the Mediterranean Sea. Feast on freshly caught fish, grilled lamb stuffed vine leaves and sweet baklava. Or devour some feta and figs, and some fresh tomatoes with salt and oil. Sip coffee in a harbour-side café as the fishing boats come into port, amble along country roads while families gather their olives and pat donkeys on their way to village markets with baskets laden with fresh tomatoes.

And then there’s Turkey, with its ethereal landscapes, archaeological sites, mosques, bazaars and fascinating ruins. The coast twinkles and Cappadocia delights. In the cities the air is alive with chatter and the thick scent of Turkish coffee, as well as sweet baklava which is best served like the generosity of its people. Warm. 

Planning a Greece & Turkey holiday? Connect with a Greece & Turkey holiday travel specialist to create your dream holiday, today!

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Meet our Greece & Turkey specialists

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Jay Irvine

Jay Irvine

House of Travel Barrington

With my own experience in travel, along with my corporate background as well.

I have been able to book a wide variety of trips ranging from flop and drop holidays through to sport events and everything in between.

Jay

Melanie Hubber

Melanie Hubber

House of Travel Ferrymead

I am passionate about sustainable travel for the future. 

My entire career of 30 years has been in travel sales and tourism. I have travelled overseas more than a hundred times to over 70 countries and 6 continents for personal holidays, business and leisure.

I've made my home in London, Dorset, Chamonix and Auckland. I settled back in my home town of Christchurch after being away for five years. 

I love travel and how it enriches lives and provides a livelihood for people and communities around the globe. I love helping to inspire and inform clients, who care about the impact their choices have on local communities and the environment, and who want to have a great holiday. 

Sustainable doesn't mean you can't have luxury! My personal holidays always have a sense of adventure, you will find me on a beach or mountain or taking in a cultural experience to make the most of a destination. 

I personally rate train travel one of the best ways to casually explore, there's nothing I love more than checking in at a downtown railway station off to a new destination. I think travel provides new perspectives and respect for different cultures and values are par for the course. We can always find common ground when we are prepared to go out of our comfort zone. 

Why book your travel with me? I am a CLIA certified Cruise Master and dedicated to helping you with your travel plans. I have the tools and the networks available to assist with all styles of travel experiences you may be looking for. 

Mel

Kyla Strahl

Kyla Strahl

House of Travel Christchurch City

Kyla spent over 6 years crewing on luxury super yachts throughout the Mediterranean, Baltic, Adriatic, Caribbean, Pacific and North Seas; along with several Atlantic Ocean crossings. Moving to more adventure land travel Kyla has experienced India, South America and South Africa as a part of the whopping 57 countries she has explored!

"Whether it be cruising, OE's or travelling with a young family my first-hand knowledge will certainly be an asset when planning your winter break, European adventure, or once in a life time dream holiday!" 

Years in the industry:
No. of countries visited: 57 
Favourite place to visit: Italy
Next place on the list to visit: Plantation Island

"Life is short and the world is wide, the sooner you start exploring it, the better." - Simon Raven


Why I love travel: 

Travelling takes us out of our comfort zone and inspires us to experience new things that we otherwise wouldn't in our normal day to day lives. It enriches your life from meeting new people from all walks of life, trying new food from different corners of the world, and humbles you to appreciate the small things in life. 


My travel tips: 

  • Always have travel insurance
  • Wake up early - whether it be to see the sunrise, or to skip a queue, or get a coffee at the local café. 
  • Make a list of the things you want to experience and pre book as much as you can. 
  • Stay local with everything easily accessible on foot. 


My top 5 favourite destinations: 

  • Italy - rolling hills and crystal blue waters, stunning villages and cathedrals, amazing food and wine. 
  • South Africa - rich cultural experiences, amazing wildlife on safari, breath-taking landscapes. 
  • Croatia - stunning beaches and unbelievable landscapes from the islands in the Adriatic to the Krka National Park. 
  • Mexico - amazing food, fascinating Mayan culture, stunning beaches, and fabulous architecture from ancient temples to the colonial cathedrals. 
  • Canada - my birth land! The people, the rich forests, lakes, mountains and wildlife. 


What's in my suitcase: 

  • First Aid kit as you can never be too prepared. 
  • Travel Diary - make an effort to write down the highlights of your day, you will look back in appreciation. 
  • Sarong or thin, long scarf - will come in handy as a towel or to cover your shoulders when need be. 
  • Small change of local currency - whether it be to buy a bottle of water or a quick snack or to leave a tip. 

Kyla

Penni McDonald

Penni McDonald

House of Travel Auckland City

As the stores resident cruise specialist without a doubt my favorite way to travel is by ship.

11 cruises so far & inspections of a further 20+ ships.

River cruises on the Nile, Danube & Rhone.

Ocean cruises in the South Pacific, Caribbean & NZ.

Penni

DID YOU KNOW?

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Flight time.

The flight from Auckland to Greece or Turkey usually takes about 24 hours, with a stopover. While it’s a long journey, the ancient history and beautiful coastlines make it worth the effort.

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Best time to go.

The best time to visit Greece and Turkey is from May to October, when the weather is warm and dry, ideal for enjoying the beaches and historical sites.

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Time difference.

Greece and Turkey are 9 hours behind New Zealand. The time difference will require some adjustment, but it’s manageable.

Our favourite things to do in Greece & Turkey

Floating monasteries

See magical "floating" monasteries

Visit the monasteries at Meteora, perched atop giant rock pillars.

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Cyclades islands pier

Go Greek island hopping

Why settle for one Greek island when you can explore three?

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Restaurant Greece

Eat like a local

Bring your appetite – you’re in for a delicious adventure!

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Paintings at market

A hidden gem in Athens

Your new favorite sweet escape in the heart of Athens!

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Acropolis

Step back in time at the Acropolis (a Must-Do!)

Visiting the Acropolis is an absolute must when in Athens.

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Sunset in Oia

Best. Sunset. Ever!

Get ready to witness a Santorini sunset like no other in Oia.

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Hot air balloons in Turkey

Float above Cappadocia and sleep in a Cave hotel

A once-in-a-lifetime experience.

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Boats in the bay in Turkey

Sail through Turkey on a traditional gulet

Hop aboard a traditional Gulet for a sailing adventure through Turkey’s stunning coastline!

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Gallipoli

Experience the ANZAC Dawn service at Gallipoli

For Kiwis a visit to Gallipoli is a once in a life-time trip.

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Wine glasses

Visit a local winery in Crete

Experience the charm of Crete by visiting a local winery, where you can taste exquisite wines and meet local families

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"Michelle did some great research to help me get to where I wanted with quite restrictive requirements from me"

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"Maia was prompt in her replies, friendly, and provided a quality itinerary suggestion that met the brief."

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