Attractions in Athens, Greece

Greece is a popular vacation destination for people from all around the world. In Greece, you can explore the historic sites of Athens, experience a fun-filled adventure to the Greek islands, or spend a romantic vacation at the beautiful beach. You can also do it all!

Greece offers art, culture, architecture, delicious cuisine and fantastic nightlife. If you enjoy the water, you can sail, dive or take part in a number of other water sports.

Whatever you plan to do in Greece, you should begin your trip in Athens, where you can see some of the most amazing historical sites in the world.

Start at The Acropolis. The Sacred Rock at Acropolis Hill was the place of worship to the goddess Athena. And later, during the Classical period - three very significant temples were built there, the Temple of Nike, the Erechtheion and, of course the Parthenon.

After touring the area, you can also visit the Acropolis Museum to see some of the many excavated items from the site.

While in Athens, there are many other attractions and landmarks that shouldn't be missed.

The Agora
Here you can visit the ruins of many important temples and monuments, including the Temple of Apollo, the Stoa of Zeus and the Temple of Hephaistos, among others.

The Plaka
This labyrinth of narrow streets and alleyways is a hub where you can find some of the best souvenirs and jewelry in all of Greece.

Monastiraki Flea Market
On Sundays, this flea market is buzzing with activity. The market square is centuries old and the quantity and variety of goods available is astounding.

Lykavittos Hill
Take an hour hike up to the highest point in Athens. Here you can enjoy breathtaking views of the entire city, while having a drink on the cafe terrace at the top. If you don't want to hike, you can take a taxi instead.

When visiting Athens, you can choose from an array of European vacation rentals, including apartment, villa or home rentals.

European Vacation Directories

Great European vacation rental directories include homes, condos, villas, apartments, and castles for rent directly from the owners (all come with complete amenities).

Europe also offer excellent cruise vacation packages throughout France, The Netherlands, England, Ireland and Scotland. Look online for itineraries, rates, and bookings.

Regarding customs, at most ports and airports there are green and red channels:

• Use the green channel if you have nothing to declare
• The red channel is if you do or if you are unsure about import restrictions

*Be good – be honest – or you might find yourself in hot water!

A Festive Italy vacation.

Italy vacation rentals (including villas and hotels located throughout the below hill towns) host many exciting events! Be sure to check these out:

• In the town of Veneto, check out the human chess game
• Umbria has a candle race and costumed procession just for the children
• Tuscany celebrates Pinocchio's Birthday

If you plan on using a bicycle to get around on your vacation and are concerned about the physical challenge of it, don't be. Just go at your own pace, relax and enjoy the culture - peddling about will be a breeze!

France Vacation Information

France vacation rental included over 3000 homes and prices are as low as £34 daily or £225 per week (pounds need to be converted). Want to go to a great place in France? Check out Loire Valley (located near chateaus, wineries, medieval towns, and villages).

Loire Valley boasts impressive idyllic 18th century French architecture. Families with children take holidays during the July/August school holidays, which is also when the French take their holidays, so book early!

*Email a booking inquiry directly to the establishment to check availability. Respond to the reply even just to say thanks or you had a change of plans.

Reserving a European Vacation on on the Web

To reserve a European vacation rental on the web, you can rent from a local owner or an owner who just might be in your own country. Renting from a European owner is difficult. Often overseas owners will require a deposit into his bank account and that can be expensive for both parties. Renting from someone in your own country is easiest.

If you do go overseas, pack lightweight woolen and cotton clothes in summer and thicker wool sweaters or jacket for spring and autumn. Indoor building temperatures are lower than those in the US and Canada.

*Pack a raincoat and sweaters for all seasons and comfortable shoes for sightseeing.

Ireland Vacation Accommodations

Self-catering Ireland vacation rentals include small thatched cottages, large estate cottages, manor houses, and even castles! Check into the Shannon estuary from the top of Clare hills – it's breathtaking!

Remember you will need your passport and driving license for car rental. US and Canadian visitors do not need a visa. If you want a really carefree vacation, consider taking out insurance on your major belongings. That way you wont have to cry over spilt milk or lost possessions!

The Basics of European Vacation Rentals

In the United States, vacation rentals typically refer to vacation homes or condominiums in major cities or resort areas. In Europe, vacation rentals are referred to (in English) as self-catering rentals, holidays rentals, holidays villas and holiday cottages or chalets. They are found in the cities and the countryside, often on working farms or vineyards.

There are many advantages to staying in a holiday rental. Most European holiday rentals are for one week, a leisurely stay that allows you to get to “know” the country. Your vacation rental apartment or villa becomes a home base for exploring the countryside by rental car or train. Hotel rooms throughout most of Europe tend to be small. A vacation rental villa or apartment offers space and privacy. Picture preparing your own picnic lunch or visiting the local markets, preparing dinner and dining al fresco the villa’s vineyard or garden. Some up-scale properties come with the services of a chef or butler or you may want to include a cook or housekeeper in your travel budget. What a luxury!

On the flip side, European vacation rentals are not for everyone. Except for the most luxurious estates frequented by the rich and famous, there is more work to do. Less pampering. No daily maid service. No midnight room service. Unless you are comfortable driving a rental car or there is local train or bus transportation, countryside vacation rentals may be far from must-see city sights and nightlife. Although vacation rentals typically cost less per day than a hotel, most require 50% of the rental at the time of the booking and the full amount of the rental a month or more before arrival. If you must cancel, refunds are rare. (Protect your investment with travel insurance!) Finally, some travelers are intimidated by the logistics of vacation rentals and fear “making a mistake.” It pays to do your homework when it comes to finding and choosing the best vacation rental for your personal priorities.

Finding a European Vacation Rental

The Internet is filled with European vacation rental options. You can rent directly from the property owner or through an agency specializing in vacation rentals. For example, a Google search of “Italy vacation rentals” is a good starting point. Follow the links to top-rated vacation rental agencies and advertising sponsors. Visit the Websites and study the available properties. Most rental agency Websites feature extensive property details, photographs and contact details. Create a file of holiday rentals that pique your interest. Make a list of questions and vacation rental must-haves. Contact the owner or rental agency for more information.

A reputable vacation rental agency saves time and frustration. Leading agencies require that vacation rentals meet agency standards and provide assurance that there will be someone to assist you with questions and problems. Some agencies handle vacation rentals and travel details; others link rental requests directly to the property owner for booking and travelers must handle their own travel details. Compare offers, rental restrictions and cancellation policies from several vacation rental agencies before making a final booking decision.

Of course, the ideal way to find a European vacation rental is a recommendation from an experienced traveler who has “been there - done that.” If you don’t know who to ask, extend your research to travel Websites featuring personal travel reviews and forums where you can ask other travelers for vacation rental recommendations and all about the pleasures and pitfalls of your destination.

When to Book a Holiday Rental

If possible, plan your European vacation travel based on seasonal weather and seasonal rates. Summer throughout much of southern Europe is sweltering. Destinations are crowded and holiday rental rates are the highest. Winters, particularly in northern Europe, can be harsh limiting outdoor activities.

Avoid travel during the high season when vacation rental rates are highest. This doesn’t mean only traveling to Italy in sweltering August or Germany
in frigid January. Plan your European vacation rental for the cusp or
shoulder season; just before or right after high season. Ask the
vacation rental agency or owner when seasonal rates change. Although
most Europeans book their vacations rentals a year ahead and often
return to the same location each year, if your travel dates are
flexible, look for last-minute vacation rental offers with savings of
30% or more.


With the advent of the Euro, exchange rates have made vacation rentals in much of Europe more expensive. Countries currently using the Euro include the 12 members of the European Union: Austria, Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, Portugal and Spain. However, there are ways to save money on holiday rentals even in these countries.

In general, most frequent travelers agree that May and June, September and October are optimal travel months throughout most of Europe weather-wise and budget-wise.

Questions to Ask About Holiday Rentals

Travelers in North America take for granted that accommodations come with every possible modern convenience. When staying in vacation rentals Europe it pays to ask questions to avoid disappointment. Here are a few important questions to ask your host before you book:

· What comes with the holiday rental? Most vacation rentals are equipped with linens and basic kitchen gear like dishes, flatware, pots and pans. Dishwashers and microwaves are rare except in luxury villas and inner city modern apartments. And, household staples and supplies (including toilet paper) are often not provided. Be prepared to make a quick shopping list and head for the market on arrival or ask if supplies can be pre-stocked for a fee.

· Is there air conditioning/central heating/fireplaces? Many European vacation rentals, especially in the countryside, have no air conditioning. Except in the height of summer, this is not a problem. Thick stone walls of villas and cottages and country breezes keep the in-door climate pleasant

· Is there telephone/television/Internet access? In the city, Internet Cafes are plentiful. Vacation rental telephones are scarce, especially outside the city. Consider renting or purchasing an international cell phone to stay in touch. Some rentals have satellite TV, but TV junkies may have to find other sources of entertainment.

· When were photographs and amenities listed on the Website last updated? If the listing is years old, furnishings may be shabby and conveniences may be outdated.

· How far away are local markets/stores? A morning stroll to the local village marketplace is an entertaining and educational part of the European holiday rental experience.

· Is there a 24-hour English-speaking contact in the event of an emergency? Know where to call if a pipe bursts or a toothache or tummy ache strikes in the middle of the night. (Check your health insurance or travel insurance policy for claims procedures and assistance abroad.)

Don’t assume anything about a vacation rental at home or abroad. Read the fine print on rental contracts before booking. Ask questions and take abundant notes!

Getting Around on a Europe Vacation

In major cities like Rome, Paris, Zurich or Berlin, a rental car is a hindrance more than a help. Local transportation is plentiful, cheap and safe. For instance, in Paris you are never more than 550 yards from a Metro station and riding the subway is a cultural experience. Entertainers step on trains with violins or accordions, perform, pass the hat and step off at the next stop. Throughout Europe, it is easy to book local tours or hire a private guide for sight-seeing. Double-decker, hop-on/hop-off tour buses also blanket major cities making it easy to check off the must-see sights on your travel list.

However, when staying in a Europe vacation rental for an extended period and exploring the countryside, a rental car becomes a necessity. Research international rentals and driving requirements and conditions before leaving for your destination. Most major U.S. car rental companies have international offices. Autoeurope is also a reliable source for comparing international rental car rates and terms. Unless your credit card company provides car rental coverage, you will need to purchase insurance. Check with American Automobile Association (AAA) before leaving the United States to apply for an International Driver’s Permit (IDP). The IDP is a translation of your driver’s license and is required by law in many European countries.

Finally, pack your most comfortable walking shoes. European cities and villages are made for walking. It is great exercise and the best way to get to know and appreciate your destination.

Switzerland Vacation Rentals

Switzerland vacation rentals offer a large selection of meticulously clean, comfortable and charming holiday rentals in incredibly scenic locations. Imagine majestic snow-capped mountains towering over crystal clear lakes. Choose from cozy studios, charming chalets, ski lodges and grand villas. A Switzerland vacation rental is the perfect base for exploring the sights in cities like Bern, Interlaken, Luzerne, Zurich and Geneva. Allow time to enjoy the friendly folks and outdoors in villages with intriguing names like Meiringen, Grindelwald and Lauterbrunnen.

Picture a spacious Swiss Ski Lodge, one hour from Zurich by train, perched on slopes with stunning views of the Alps. There are endless activities by day and by night. Snow bars and ski huts create a relaxed and sociable atmosphere. The main Lodge (sleeping 6-8 guests) consists of three bedrooms, a large bathroom, fully-equipped kitchen, central heating, TV, wireless Internet and plenty of amenities. High season rental rates of the range from $265-$325 per night. Off-season rates are as low as $135 per night and guests enjoy summer hiking, biking, swimming, windsurfing and shopping. Tempted? Plan ahead. Most Switzerland vacation rentals are booked six months in advance.

Italy Vacation Rentals

Unpack and settle into an Italy vacation rental; the perfect base to explore this warm and friendly country by rental car or train. Holiday rentals run the gamut from simple and rustic to grand and luxurious. There are no-frills one-bedroom apartments at $500 per week, grand ten-bedroom villas in Tuscany for $5000 or more per week and everything in-between. Stay as long as possible because from the mountains to the rugged coastline there are many wonderful sights and activities you won’t want to miss.

Skiers are attracted to the Aosta Valley with the most mountains in Italy. Milan is the fashion and automotive center. Rekindle romance with a gondola ride in Venice, explore the maritime heritage or spend an afternoon sipping chilled Prosecco and people-watching in Piazza of San Marco. Snap a photo at The Leaning Tower of Pisa in the Tuscany region and continue on to Florence, the capital of Tuscany. Don’t miss the Uffizi Gallery, one of the world’s most famous museums. On to Rome to make a wish at Trevi Fountain, stand in awe at Vatican City and hear the echoes of history at The Coliseum. Heading south, feel the chill of seeing Mt. Vesuvius towering over innocently over the ruins of Pompeii. Celebrate a day in Naples and hop over to Sicily for a close-up view of Mt. Etna.

One visit to Italy is never enough. Instead of saying “arriverderci,” you will be planning a return visit even as you wing your way home.

Germany Vacation Rentals

Germany offers travelers an intriguing mixture of old and new cultural attractions and lively festivals fortified by unforgettable foods, beers and wines. Germany vacation rentals fall into three diverse categories. Make yourself at home in the center of the action in an apartment or house in the cities like Berlin, Munich, Stuttgart or Frankfort. Or, escape city crowds to a large villa, magnificent castle or simple farm cottage the countryside.

Germany is synonymous with Oktoberfest in Munich. Sample your share of over 5,000 beers accompanied by specialty sausages, Weiner schnitzel and decadent Black Forest Cake. Forget the calories. They are worth every bite! Not a beer lover? Thirteen regions in Germany grow grapes for award-winning wines. You won’t be thrown out of the party if you raise a toast with a good German wine. If you want to attend the biggest party of the year, plan ahead. Make your reservations for a Germany vacation rental at least a year in advance.

Brush on Holiday Rental Etiquette

We live in a wonderfully diverse world and one of the greatest benefits of travel is the opportunity to experience different cultures and lifestyles. No one likes to be stereotyped as a “Tacky Tourist.” Yet, travelers who are polite, patient, and pleasant at home sometimes behave and dress in ways that are inappropriate and offensive in other cultures. Use these tips to pave the way for smooth international relations while staying in your holiday rental.

• While you research where to stay, eat and sightsee at your destination, include research on customs and cultural sensitivities.
• Travel with an open mind and an open heart. Don’t expect things to be the way they are “at home.” Embrace the differences and learn from them.
• Everything is rarely perfect…at home or abroad. When problems crop up, keep your cool and sense of humor. Tact and diplomacy trump sarcasm and superiority every time.
• Purchase a small phrase book and learn a few words and phrases in the language of your destination. Some examples of key words/phrases include: please, thank you, hello, goodbye, emergency, need help and Where is…?
• Remember that your European vacation rental host is not your servant or concierge. They may help solve problems with your holiday rental, but they are not tour guides or errand runners.
• Avoid discussing politics, other controversial topics or criticizing the country in conversation with your holiday rental host and local residents.
• Take a few small gifts to express appreciation to those who help you along the way.