KEY POINTS:
Q. My wife and I are planning an arts tour of Italy and Greece in September or October 2008. Do you know of anyone, firm or company who does such tours? My wife was an art major at an American University and would now like to visit some of the things she learned. It doesn't have to be exclusively art and not for very long - about three to five days per country? - Ian Johnson
A.Arts covers a broad spectrum, encompassing paintings, architecture, sculptures and theatre. If three to five days in each country is all the time you have, then I would suggest pin-pointing what you want to see and visit, as both Italy and Greece are abundant in the arts.
If possible allow at least seven to 10 days in Italy alone to really be able to absorb everything this gorgeous country has to offer.
If you have only a limited amount of time available, touring may be an ideal way for you to cover what you want to see as this will remove the hassle of where to stay, how to get around and where to go.
Another benefit of travelling with a tour group is no time is wasted standing in queues at icons.
For you I suggest two cities in your chosen countries that are perfect for what you want to see - Florence and Athens. I would recommend you base yourself in these cities and take advantage of day tour options.
Florence is known as the arts capital of the world. According to statistics, 60 per cent of the world's most important works of art are located in Italy and about half of these are found in Florence. Many squares, such as Piazza della Signoria, feature famous statues and fountains. The most famous museum in Florence is the Uffizi, which houses works by Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Titian and Rubens.
If travelling independently, with limited days, ensure you're not visiting on Mondays as most of these attractions are not open to the public on this day, also be wary of siesta time.
Athens, the capital of Greece, is a large city and is home to about 40 per cent of the Greek population. As such it is a busy city with lively streets, a full cultural calendar, and a healthy nightlife.
Any tour of Greece must include some of the archaeological sites and museums of Athens. The Acropolis of Athens is on a rugged rock in the middle of the city and in ancient times it housed some of the most beautiful buildings and sculptures on its plateau. Drive by the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in front of the Parliament House on Constitution Square and visit Panathenian Stadium, site of the first modern Olympic Games in 1896.
(Sarah Gaffney, House of Travel Newmarket)
Q. If you can only take 100mls of liquid, that will not last long on a flight as you should drink at least one cup every hour.
Also, regarding spirits purchased from duty free, can you still take them on as cabin luggage, or do you have to collect from your destination? - Phyllis Hayward
A. The best place to find all the information you are after is the website: www.flysmart.govt.nz
It contains extensive information about taking liquids on board and duty free allowances within the new regulations. You can still purchase liquid from the airlines, or the departure lounge without too much trouble. And you can take an empty water bottle and fill it up once you have been through security screening. You can still buy liquids, aerosols and gels (including duty free) at New Zealand airports, once you have passed through the security screening point. There are no restrictions on buying or collecting duty free goods on arrival in New Zealand.
If you are travelling directly to another country, you can still take duty free liquids, aerosols and gels on the aircraft with you.
If you are taking more than one flight before you reach your destination, you may be screened when you change flights in another country.
If you have liquids, aerosols and gels greater than 100ml or not in the one-litre plastic bag, you may lose them at the screening point in that country.
It is recommended that you only purchase duty free just prior to or at the end of the last flight of your journey, or that you collect it when you return to New Zealand.
(Flight Centre and flysmart.co.nz)
- Detours, HoS
