Date published: 01.09.08 - not release date

Short Breaks to Thessaloniki, Greece

SUMMER IN THE CITY – GREEK STYLE
CULTURE DEVOTEES CAN ENJOY A SUMMER OF CULTURAL PERFORMANCES AT THE MONI LAZARISTON FESTIVAL

Considering Greece as a summer holiday destination usually involves images of perfect sandy beaches, with beautiful sunsets and days relaxing to the sound of the waves hitting the pebbly shores. This year, why not experience a different side on offer in Northern Greece, and experience summer in the city a la Greek style! A stay in Greece’s second largest city will not disappoint those looking for a summer break with a bit of a twist as you can easily combine beach relaxation with the cosmopolitan lifestyle a vibrant city has to offer such as outstanding nightlife, designer shopping. Especially during the months of July and August Moni Lazariston Festival takes place – a cultural explosion of music and dance performances including a series of open air concerts held in stunning surroundings.

The complex at Moni Lazariston accommodates five of the most important cultural organizations of Thessaloniki: the National Theatre of Northern Greece, the State Museum of Contemporary Art, the Thessaloniki State Symphony Orchestra, the Cultural Centre of Thessaloniki and the Drama School of the National Theatre of Northern Greece. Moni Lazariston also house the most significant Russian Avant-Garde Collection outside Russia, the Costakis Collection, by organizing original productions, co-productions and scientific research programmes in Greece and abroad.

In these venues and the plazas between them, a summer festival programme is filled with music and dance concerts, performance arts, an art bazaar, movies and small-stage events. The range encompasses big headline performances through to free or low-cost music and shows. Attending one of the open-air concerts is a particularly pleasant way to spend a warm summer's evening in the city.

Film lovers can enjoy a variety of performances under the stars at the ‘Cine August’ festival taking place from 1st-31st August and during July there will be tango performances, opera evenings and jazz events, all taking place right in the heart of this historic city.

Currently showing an exhibition relating to the Lost Vanguard Found: A Synthesis of Architecture and Art in Russia (1915-1935), a joint exhibition by the Schusev State Museum of Architecture in Moscow and the Thessaloniki Museum of Photography The exhibition presents for the 1st time in Greece the history and reception of Russian constructivist architecture as well as the correlation of painting and architecture through the prism of new visual aesthetics, aiming at its application to architecture. Thus, the artists’ drawings fit organically in their natural urban environment. Showing until 28th September 2008.

There are a variety of hotels on offer with some last minute availability including the 4 star Kinissi Palace, a historical landmark. A 1920’s building which has been carefully restored to retain the original nature of its old self. Offering 49 rooms and 3 suites to choose from as well as the additional amenities one would expect to relax with, such as two Turkish baths, a hydrotherapy pool, solarium and massage room. The hotel also offers a superb restaurant specialising in traditional Greek cuisine. Prices start from 85 Euros for a double room 150 Euros for a family room. Visit www.kinissi-palace.gr for more information.

One of the newest 5 star hotels in Thessaloniki is the Grand Hotel Palace featuring a superb design which harmoniously combines the elegance and luxury of a neoclassical building with modern amenities. There's a wide choice of more than 265 rooms available, the gourmet Leonardo da Vinci restaurant and the more informal Marco Polo bar, a state of the art gym, massage room, sauna and indoor swimming pool. Prices are from 90 Euros for a deluxe single room and 100 Euros for a deluxe double room. Visit www.grandhotelpalace.gr for more information.

The 3 star Astoria Hotel is located right in the heart of the city offering 90 rooms, a first class restaurant and bar serving Byzantine coffees. The Astoria, inspired by the Byzantine tradition of the city and the hospitality of that era, combines contemporary facilities with grace, and welcomes all its guests with courtesy, warmth and comfort. Prices start from 50 euros per person on bed and breakfast basis two people sharing. Visit www.papcorp.com for more information.

All prices are valid until 31st August 2008.

There are five direct flights by British Airways and Olympic Airlines from Gatwick each week with ticket prices starting from £140 per person plus taxes. This can be booked online on www.olympicairlines.com . British Airways, www.ba.com offers flights to Thessaloniki from £125 per person one way and easjyjet, www.easyjet.com has a three weekly service from London Gatwick to Thessaloniki.

For more info on the City of Thessaloniki and to book any of the hotels please visit www.tha.travel or www.thessalonikihotels.travel. For more info on the events on offer during the Moni Lazariston Festival please see www.monilazariston.gr


For further press information please on Thessaloniki please contact Katilena Alpe on 07787 147 001 or katilena@dk-associates.co.uk or Dimitra Kolotoura on 0798 478 5054 or dimitra@dk-associates.co.uk