ImageTours RSS Feed https://www.imagetours.com ImageTours (imagetours.com) http://www.rssboard.org/rss-specification FeedGenerator Tue, 30 Jun 2026 18:17:47 GMT Tue, 30 Jun 2026 18:17:47 GMT Greece tours: Reflections from Image Tours President Patrick My plane touched down in Athens in late January 2025, and after a short taxi to the gate, I stepped off the plane, down the stairs to the tarmac, and into Greece for the very first time. After collecting my bag and picking up my rental car, I made my way to my hotel in central Athens, eager to experience the country I had heard so much about over the years. Having only seen Athens portrayed in movies and documentaries, I expected ancient ruins and narrow city streets. What surprised me almost immediately was the Mediterranean atmosphere of the city. Palm trees lined parts of the roadway as I drove into town, and even in January, Athens felt warm, vibrant, and alive. First Impressions of Athens After dropping my bags at the hotel, I stopped at the front desk for a dinner recommendation nearby. Just a three-minute walk later, I found myself in the heart of a lively shopping and restaurant district filled with locals enjoying the evening. I settled into a small neighborhood restaurant with a welcoming atmosphere and a menu full of local specialties. Dinner included a traditional Greek Salad, a lamb dish, a local beer, and pastry for dessert. To my surprise, the total bill with tip was less than €25 (about $29 USD), far less than what a similar meal would cost in many other destinations. The Greek Salad quickly became one of my favorite parts of each day in Greece. In Greece, it truly is called a “Greek Salad,” but it is served differently than many Americans expect. Instead of lettuce, it consisted of tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and green peppers topped with a thick slice of feta cheese that I broke apart myself while eating. Drizzled with olive oil and sprinkled with local herbs, it was simple, fresh, and incredibly flavorful. By the end of my week in Greece, I had enjoyed a Greek Salad almost daily and discovered this was the authentic way it was served throughout the country. After dinner, it was off to bed to prepare for a full day exploring Athens the next morning. Visiting the Acropolis After breakfast the next day, I met with one of the excellent local guides we partner with at Image Tours for a visit to the Acropolis and a walking tour through several historic areas of Athens. While Athens itself is incredibly walkable and full of energy, nothing prepared me for seeing the Acropolis in person. As we walked up the gentle slope toward the entrance, the Parthenon and surrounding ruins immediately captured my full attention. It hardly felt real. These were landmarks I had previously only seen in movies, history books, and photographs. Standing there in person was something entirely different. It was likely the oldest structure I had ever seen with my own eyes, and it was immediately clear that I was standing in a place of profound importance in Greek history. Like many achievements of the ancient Greeks, the Acropolis has endured for thousands of years and continues to inspire visitors from around the world. At first, seeing something so ancient made me reflect on how small my own place in history really is. But that feeling quickly transformed into appreciation and awe. I felt privileged to witness something timeless and sacred that still carries significance in our modern world. Why Ancient Greece Still Matters Today From the birthplace of democracy in the 5th century BC to the influence of philosophers such as Socrates and Aristotle, Greece’s impact on the modern world is impossible to ignore. Even the Olympic Games trace their origins back to ancient Olympia. Experiencing these places firsthand made history feel alive in a way no classroom or documentary ever could. Greece is unique because its ancient past is not disconnected from the present. The traditions, hospitality, food, and pride of the Greek people continue to reflect a civilization that helped shape much of the world we know today. Experience Greece with Image Tours That connection between the ancient and modern world is exactly what we hope to share through our Greek Discovery Tour with Image Tours. Our guided Greece tour allows travelers from around the United States to experience some of the country’s most extraordinary historical and cultural sites, including: Acropolis of Athens — home to the Parthenon, the Erechtheion with its famous Caryatid Porch, the Propylaea gateway, and the Temple of Athena Nike. Delphi — the ancient sanctuary on Mount Parnassus once considered the center of the world in Greek mythology. Mycenae — one of the most important centers of the Late Bronze Age in Greece. Olympia — birthplace of the Olympic Games in the 8th century BC. Epidaurus — famous for its remarkably well-preserved 4th-century BC theater and its role as a healing center in the ancient world. In addition to exploring mainland Greece, our Greece escorted tour also includes time on the islands of Mykonos and Santorini, where travelers can enjoy the relaxed island lifestyle that has helped make Greece one of the world’s premier vacation destinations. The beauty of the Greek islands has appeared in films such as The Bourne Identity and The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, but experiencing them in person is even more memorable. The Warmth of the Greek People Beyond the famous landmarks and breathtaking scenery, what stayed with me most was the warmth of the Greek people. Everywhere I went, I encountered people who were welcoming, helpful, and quick to share a laugh or conversation. Greece offers something many other destinations cannot: an ancient history that still feels deeply connected to everyday life and to the foundations of many modern societies and cultures around the world. It was a country I felt privileged to visit, and it is an even greater privilege to share that experience with our travelers at Image Tours. Creating timeless memories and meaningful travel experiences for our guests is one of the greatest joys of my life. Join Us in Greece If Greece has always been a destination you’ve dreamed about experiencing, we would love to help make that journey a reality. Our Greek Discovery Tour combines ancient history, Mediterranean culture, beautiful island scenery, and unforgettable experiences into one expertly guided vacation. Join the Image Tours family and discover the Greece of yesterday and today for yourself. To learn more about upcoming Greece escorted tours, visit www.ImageTours.com or contact your local travel agent today. https://www.imagetours.com/news/greece-experience Thu, 11 Jun 2026 18:37:00 GMT info@escapeworld.com (Editor J) https://www.imagetours.com/news/greece-experience Why You Should Visit Oktoberfest in Germany (and the Easiest Way to Experience It) Oktoberfest is the world’s largest beer festival and one of the most iconic cultural events in Europe. Held annually in Munich, this legendary celebration attracts millions of visitors looking to experience authentic Bavarian traditions, food, and hospitality. Originally started in 1810 as a royal wedding celebration, Oktoberfest now runs from late September through early October and takes place on the famous Theresienwiese festival grounds. From lively beer tents and traditional music to local cuisine and festive attire, it’s an unforgettable travel experience. What to Do at Oktoberfest Oktoberfest is known for its massive beer tents, each hosted by one of Munich’s historic breweries. Inside, you’ll find long communal tables, live oompah bands, and a high-energy atmosphere where visitors from around the world come together. Beyond the tents, the festival grounds include: • Carnival rides and games • A historic Ferris wheel with panoramic views • Food stalls serving bratwurst, pretzels, roast chicken, and schnitzel Traditional clothing is a big part of the experience, with many visitors wearing lederhosen and dirndls. What to Do in Munich During Your Visit While attending Oktoberfest, take time to explore the city of Munich. Visit Marienplatz, the historic central square, or relax in the Englischer Garten, one of Europe’s largest urban parks. These experiences add depth to your trip and allow you to enjoy both the excitement of the festival and the charm of Bavaria. Why Oktoberfest Is Difficult to Plan on Your Own While Oktoberfest is an incredible event, it can also be overwhelming to organize independently: • Beer tent seating fills up quickly and often requires reservations • Navigating crowds and transportation can be challenging • Finding centrally located accommodations during the festival is difficult • Language barriers and logistics can add stress Many travelers underestimate how complex it is to plan the experience properly. Why Book an Escorted Oktoberfest Tour The easiest and most enjoyable way to experience Oktoberfest is through a professionally planned escorted tour. With an escorted tour, you’ll enjoy: • Guaranteed Oktoberfest access and reserved seating • Expert, English-speaking tour managers • Pre-arranged hotels and transportation • A well-balanced itinerary with both guided sightseeing and free time Instead of worrying about logistics, you can focus on enjoying the festival and your time in Munich. Featured Oktoberfest Tour Experience Experience Oktoberfest without the stress of planning. Our guided tour includes accommodations, transportation, expert tour management, and a seamless Oktoberfest experience. With limited departures available during this high-demand season, tours fill quickly each year. Start Planning Your Oktoberfest Trip Today Imagine yourself sitting in a lively beer tent in Munich, surrounded by music, laughter, and Bavarian tradition—without worrying about reservations, navigation, or logistics. Make it a reality with a professionally guided tour. Find your local Travel Agent to request a brochure https://www.imagetours.com/news/oktoberfest-in-germany Tue, 05 May 2026 10:00:00 GMT monica@imagetours.com (Monica LaPoint) https://www.imagetours.com/news/oktoberfest-in-germany Download should start automatically. 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If not, click here. window.onload = function() { document.getElementById('downloadLink').click(); }; https://www.imagetours.com/tour-specific-touro-volumes/2026-touro-vol-1-gr Thu, 16 Apr 2026 14:01:00 GMT info@escapeworld.com (Editor J) https://www.imagetours.com/tour-specific-touro-volumes/2026-touro-vol-1-gr Download should start automatically. If not, click here. window.onload = function() { document.getElementById('downloadLink').click(); }; https://www.imagetours.com/tour-specific-touro-volumes/2026-touro-vol-1-bh Thu, 16 Apr 2026 14:01:00 GMT info@escapeworld.com (Editor J) https://www.imagetours.com/tour-specific-touro-volumes/2026-touro-vol-1-bh Download should start automatically. If not, click here. window.onload = function() { document.getElementById('downloadLink').click(); }; https://www.imagetours.com/tour-specific-touro-volumes/2026-touro-vol-1-he Thu, 16 Apr 2026 14:01:00 GMT info@escapeworld.com (Editor J) https://www.imagetours.com/tour-specific-touro-volumes/2026-touro-vol-1-he Download should start automatically. If not, click here. window.onload = function() { document.getElementById('downloadLink').click(); }; https://www.imagetours.com/tour-specific-touro-volumes/2026-touro-vol-1-it Thu, 16 Apr 2026 14:01:00 GMT info@escapeworld.com (Editor J) https://www.imagetours.com/tour-specific-touro-volumes/2026-touro-vol-1-it Tour Specific Touro Volumes https://www.imagetours.com/tour-specific-touro-volumes Thu, 16 Apr 2026 13:59:00 GMT info@escapeworld.com (Editor J) https://www.imagetours.com/tour-specific-touro-volumes Download should start automatically. 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