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Athens will host Tech Tour Digital SEE to matchmake investors and scaling startups

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The third edition of Tech Tour Digital South East Europe launches this spring to meet notable regional startup founders with investors interested in this locality.

Tech Tour is one of the largest communities in Europe, connecting tech entrepreneurs, investors, and corporate partners. The capital of Greece, Athens, will host the SEE edition of the conference. It will take place on 19-20 May 2022, both physically and online.

A total of 30 innovative tech companies from Greece, Cyprus, Bulgaria, Romania, Croatia, and Serbia were pre-selected to present their ideas. Among them are the Bulgarian space tech company Endurosat, the aerospace startup for unmanned drones Dronamics, Greek digital health companies like Biopix-T, Advantis, QCELL, Optotech, Romanian RPA startup Tailent and AI startup Procesio, and many more. During the two-day event, the participants will get to meet some of the most active VC investors, interested in the SEE region, and corporate leaders to explore funding opportunities and discuss potential partnerships.

For investors, this would be an opportunity to engage with some of the most interesting tech entrepreneurs with growth and scale-up focus across SEE. Participants in previous editions are companies like Nasekomo , Dronamics , Endurosat , and Colibra .

Matchmaking and pitching opportunities

This year’s edition of Tech Tour will be hosted by Hellenic Development Bank of Investments (HDBI) and supported by Microsoft for Startups . The program includes discussion panels, pitching sessions, networking breaks, workshops, and one-on-one meetings.

During the so-called Investment Day, startups will have five minutes to present their businesses and a five minute Q&A session to wow the investors. The opportunity for one-on-one meetings will be given after each pitching session.

Friday, May 20, is dedicated to round tables where participants will discuss how to build co-investments, how to enter the US market, and how to raise capital successfully.

The full onsite program for the two-day event can be found here .

How to receive a special invite

Tech Tour Digital SEE is a selective and invitation-only event for tech entrepreneurs and most active investors, corporations, and governmental experts. The participating companies are at Series A phase of investment, have recently closed a round, or seek a bigger seed. If you are an investor interested in the SEE region, you can register here . After filling the form, you will receive an email with your special invite for the event attached.

The Recursive is a media partner of the event. Irina Obushtarova, the co-founder and CEO at the Recursive, will be among the speakers onsite.

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Athens hosted Tech Tour Southeast Europe for the first time on 19-20 May 2022

The Tech Tour Southeast Europe was held for the first time in Greece on 19-20 May 2022. The event, which was organized in Greece by initiative of Uni.Fund, was hosted by the Hellenic Development Bank of Investments and supported by EGG/Eurobank, Microsoft, EY, and Deloitte. 

Tech Tour is Europe’s leading tech investment community bringing together every year 1,000+ tech entrepreneurs selected by 1,000+ VC and corporate investors across 25 tech specialised programmes and events in 3 main tech sectors: digital, sustainability and health. The goal for the community is to connect corporations and investors with tech entrepreneurs from all over the world in order to drive and support innovation.

The Athens’ event -which a selective and invitation-only event- brought together 65 fund representatives from all around the world with 35 representatives from the Greek venture capital and entrepreneurial ecosystem. The participants had the opportunity to meet with and explore investment opportunities in 30 startups in the Late-Seed/Series A stages of development, which had been selected out of a pool of 120 startups from the SE Europe. The program included discussion panels, pitching sessions, networking breaks, workshops, and one-on-one meetings.

The Uni.Fund portfolio companies that had been selected to pitch in the event were Bespot , Clio Muse Tours , CollegeLink , Convert Group , Cyrus , enzyquest , ExitBee , K-Invent , QCell and TEKMON .

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Tech Tour South East 2023

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Tech Tour Athens, Caius in front of investors

We met at the Corallia Space Investor Day, which took place as part of Tech Tour South East 2023, one of Europe's largest investment events, aimed at supporting and promoting relevant companies from the space ecosystem. There were also more than 200 entries with the presence of investors, business partners and other expert guests, resulting in a day of remarkable moments!

Caius, represented by its CEO, Giorgos Mendrinos, presented its new product, DRUITER, an app for every nature lover!

The experience of the presentation and in combination with the supportive comments from the attendees, contributed to the creation of fertile ground to continue the "production" of innovative products, constantly improving the existing ones!

Finally, we would like to warmly thank Corallia, a unit of the Athena Research Center, coordinator of the European Space Agency's incubator in Greece (ESA BIC Greece), the Greek cluster in the field of Space Technologies and Applications (si-Cluster) and also the team of the Tech Tour South East for the opportunities and support they offer us through the event!

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It was the first time my family of 4 travelled to Greece and we were looking for an immersive cultural experience. The Grand Classical Tour Of Greece plus Mani and Monemvasia organized by Epos Travel & Tours was a truly unforgettable tour, offering a deep dive into Greek culture, history, mythology, nature and culinary delights. I am a nervous passenger but our amazing driver Anastasios made me feel safe and comfortable. Our knowledgeable guide George, provided us with fascinating insights into Greek history and mythology. We visited iconic landmarks such as the Palace of Mycenae, the Temple of Zeus, the Tomb of Phillip II, and explored ancient ruins that brought the stories of the past to life. My personal highlights also included our stay and swim at Monemvasia castle and visit to Meteora Monasteries. These gems provided breathtaking views of surrounding landscapes and incredible sunsets. The private tour allowed for a more intimate and personalised experience with accommodation in prime locations and delicious traditional meals accompanied by local beer and wines. George was caring and went above and beyond to ensure we had a great experience - he even organized the recovery of wines and souvenirs we had forgotten at Monomvasia! By the end of the trip George and Anastasios felt like family ❤️ I highly recommend this 10-day epic tour with Epos Travel for anyone wanting to discover the wonders of Greece!

Everything is average, not too bag, not too good.

Travel to/from Athens + link taxi were great. The tour itself was good but demanding - about 12 hours each day, either visiting a venue of travelling (not a little of which had to be in evening darkness at this time of year). Tour guide had truly encyclopaedic knowledge of each of the sites visited.

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"Loved our vacation so much! A dream come true to say the least! Tour Radar and Dot Travel Associates were always quick to reply to any questions, always polite and always so helpful! Transportation arrangements for us were phenomenal. The tour was so great for us as first time visitors to Greece. Visiting 4 islands was wonderful although we wish we could have had a few more days at each as we sometimes felt a bit rushed when our stays were only for two nights… a teaser for sure as we can’t wait to go back to explore more of this beautiful country! If I can give any advice, pack light, as until we arrived in Crete for the 5 nights we never really had time to unpack, plus shopping is incredible and so fun!! Accommodations were simple but always clean and hotel owners and staff were so kind and welcoming. The fast ferries were great and it only took our first trip to realize when they say “fast” they truly mean it! Get your butt on that ferry as there is no time to waste!! Our favourite island was Crete and we most definitely want to come back! Just not enough time to see and do everything! Greek people are fun, easy to talk to and incredibly gracious! The food is fabulous, the drinks divine and the country so beautiful!!! We highly recommend this tour and have already referred many friends and relatives. Thank-you for a memorable and fantastic vacation!

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"Excellent guide, good variety of walking, well organised logistics.

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Fit for the gods

From the coasts of the Mediterranean to the top of Mount Olympus, Greece is a place grand enough for mythical gods and friendly enough for travelers alike. Uncover its ancient ruins and relics and take in an iconic landscape of whitewashed homes. This is only the beginning of the endless wonders you’ll find when you first set foot on Greek soil.

Destination Must-See's

This is the most spectacular destination in the Mediterranean and holds the most prehistoric settlement in the region. The ancient town of Akrotiri was once destroyed and consequently preserved by a volcanic eruption around 1450 B.C. The excavation site of this city is known as the “Minoan Pompeii.” But perhaps the island’s greatest draws are its vineyards, whitewashed chapels, volcanic cliffs, and famous wines of Santorini.

Known as the “whitewashed jewel of the Cyclades islands” or the “Island of the Winds,” it is said that the island was formed from the petrified bodies of giants killed by Hercules. It also gets its name from the grandson of Apollo - “Mykonos.” In the island’s capital town you will find the church, town hall, castle, the Archaeological, Folklore, and Maritime Museums, and a shopper’s paradise – Matoyianni Street.

Athens is the capital city of Greece and the historical capital of Europe. It is home to many celebrated ancient monuments including the imposing Acropolis, the ruins of the Temple of Zeus, the Royal Palace, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the Olympic Stadium, and Hadrian’s Gate – the symbolic entrance to the city. It also has the charming Plaka neighborhood which has been without interruption since antiquity.

One of the most well-known tourist destinations in Greece, Olympia is located in the western Peloponnese, known as the “Valley of the Gods.” Surrounded by beautiful scenery from the Arcadian Mountains, it is home of the first Olympic Games that were held in 776 B.C. You can walk through the ruins of the ancient Olympic stadium, witness amazing sculptures at the museum, or even attend one of the many festivals held throughout the year.

Destination Must-Do's

Meteora Monastery:

Over 600 years ago Byzantine monks chose to build their monastic community atop limestone rock “towers” that extend nearly 900 feet into the air, making them virtually inaccessible. It is one of the greatest monuments in the world, and is the most important monastic center in Greece. You can climb these rocks and travel the paths hidden behind the massive rocks.

Delphi ruins:

Delphi was regarded as the center of the world and had the most famous oracle of ancient Greece. The site includes two sanctuaries dedicated to Apollo and Athena, and other buildings that were mostly intended for sports. The earliest finds in Delphi date back to 4000 B.C. from the Korykeion Andron, a cave where the first rituals took place. The ruins are filled with an enormous amount of history and beauty.

Greek Olive Farm:

Olives and olive oil are staples of the Mediterranean diet, and Greece is a major grower and producer of olive products. A visit to a Greek olive farm can provide a taste of Greek culture and serve as a window into everyday life in the country. Tours, tastings, meals, and cooking classes hosted at olive farms are all wonderful options on the table when venturing into Greece’s countryside.

Travel back in time with a visit to Athens’s old city – the Plaka. The hilly cobblestone streets are lined with historic buildings housing small shops, sidewalk cafes and family-owned restaurants making this neighborhood Athens’ crowned jewel. The neighborhood comes alive at night. The alleyways fill with music and dancing and locals and visitors alike dine on their favorite traditional dishes.

Expert Advice

Getting around is easier than you would expect. Greeks can speak English enough to assist travelers, and street signs are in both Greek and English.

Much of your trip may focus on the ancient past yet I suggest you also take time to explore the vibrant traditions that still live in today’s Greek culture.

Greece is a welcoming destination year-round. Consider visiting October through May to beat the summer bustle, and with Greece’s 250+ days of sunshine in an average year, don’t forget your sunglasses.

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"There is nowhere quite like Greece, there is something here for everyone; you can walk in the footsteps of the Ancient Greeks, dance the Zorba while indulging in a Greek feast or get lost in a maze of the whitewashed houses of Mykonos as the sun sets"

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Explore the ancient capital of Athens

Often dubbed the cradle of Western civilisation, Athens was arguably the most influential city of ancient times. Contemporary meets antique in a city both drenched in world history and brimming with a modernity. You’ll discover thermal lakes, buzzing beachside neighborhoods and some of the world’s oldest ruins.

Visit the ancient Olympic site in Olympia

The birthplace of the Olympic Games, Olympia first became known to the world in 776 BC, when the very first games were held. Visit this world-famous ancient site that was also a holy place of worship for Zeus, the Greek god, surrounded by lush forestry in a rolling valley.

See the ruins of the Temple of Apollo

Reachable by a day trip from Athens, the Temple of Apollo at Delphi was rebuilt numerous times before settling into the historic site it inhabits today. Marvel at the remaining sandstone columns and decayed limestone that remind us of the past it endured over many thousands of years.

Dine 'Meze Style' in Psyri, Athens

Most travel guides will have you visiting Plaka for Greek food and nightlife, but authentic eateries are best found in the nearby neighborhood of Psiri. Between no-frills bars and dusty antique shops, you will find traditional mezze-style eateries and a boutique energy that pays tribute to Greece’s culinary heritage.

Visit Eastern Orthodox monasteries in Meteora

One of Greece’s most popular tourist attractions, it’s easy to see why so many flock to the spectacular rock formations of Meteora. Marvel at talents of both man and Mother Nature at the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Byzantine monasteries that float around the summits.

Our top 5 things to do in Greece

Food and history form the basis of Greek culture and play a big role in all our trips to Greece. With Trafalgar, we'll showcase the best this country has to offer from sun up to dreamy sundown.

Acropolis Museum

The Acropolis Museum is found at the foot of the western world’s most important ancient site. Unpeel layers of history as you wander the halls of the past and gaze up at the dazzling site itself through glass walls. Allow yourself at least half a day to take in the enormity of this museum.

Remains of Agamemnon's Royal Palace

Tours in Greece are scarcely complete without a visit to this iconic archeological site, where you will find the remains of Agamemnon's Royal Palace, one of the world’s best-preserved fortresses. Glance up and admire unrivalled panoramic views of the countryside, once the Greek civilisation’s major military centres.

Athens War Museum

Opening its doors in 1975, the Athens War Museum documents the country’s past conflicts and military artefacts. In honor of those who fought for Greece’s freedom, the museum showcases four grand floors of past-to-present history. History enthusiasts will find no shortage of awe within these walls.

Best museums in Greece

Though often visited for Greece island hopping, the enchantment of this Mediterranean jewel extends beyond the sapphire waters. With Trafalgar, you’ll venture under the layers of Greek culture by visiting its many fascinating museums.

Standing its ground as one of Greece’s most famous main meals, moussaka is a wholesome and delectable combination of eggplant, ground meat, onion and béchamel sauce. Try this dish a few times during your visit; there are family variations that get passed through generations.

Souvlaki is street food at its very best. A simple preparation of skewered meats and vegetables, it’s the flavoring that makes this snack a pride of the nation. For the most authentic souvlaki, sample if from a street vendor wrapped up with condiments, salad and thick hot chips.

Kolokythokeftedes

The small fried balls of kolokythokeftedes can most aptly be compared to zucchini fritters with fetta cheese. Often ordered in summer with a side of tzatziki, these delicious bites are a great starter to any meal. Learn from the locals and snack on kolokythokeftedes alongside a glass of wine in the warm afternoon sun.

Best food in Greece

From an array of antipasto dips like taramasalata and tzatziki, to heavier main courses of grilled meats and fresh fish, Greek cuisine is internationally recognized for its deliciousness. Trafalgar will take you to the heart of Greece’s culinary traditions, each mouthful and mealtime an utter treat.

What to pack for Greece

Long, breathable pants or skirts

Often warm all year around, and extremely hot during summer, long, light clothing is ideal for daytime sightseeing in Greece – particularly when visiting historic religious sites that require modest attire.

A stainless steel water bottle

Whether you’re basking ocean-side beneath the hot sun or trekking the ancient monuments of this distinct country, you’ll need to stay hydrated. Stainless steel bottles keep your water cold for eight hours while treading lightly on the environment.

Walking shoes

Comfortable shoes are a must when you’re out from morning to night. Choose sturdy, open-toe walking sandals or closed toe sneakers to ensure you can walk effortlessly for hours.

A wide-lens camera

From coasts spanning miles of sea to some of the world’s most spectacular ruins, Greece is bursting with scenes you will want to remember forever. A wide-lens camera will make it easier to capture the views.

Sun protection

Whether it’s SPF50+ sunscreen, a wide-brimmed sun hat or long-sleeved clothing, some form of sun protection is crucial when visiting this popular summer vacation spot.

Pack for sustainable travel

Consider your environmental impact when you next take a trip and go single-use-plastic-free by packing a reusable water bottle, a steel straw, your own shopping bags and toiletry bottles.

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Greece is buoyed by a turkish official's comments about parthenon sculptures taken by britain.

Elena Becatoros And Suzan Fraser

Associated Press

Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved

FILE - Visitors look at sculptures that are part of the Parthenon Marbles at the British Museum in London, Tuesday, Nov. 28, 2023. One of the world's most intractable cultural disputes has sprung to the fore again after a Turkish official cast doubt on the existence of proof cited by Britain that it had legally acquired the Parthenon Marbles, 2,500-year-old sculptures taken from the Acropolis in Athens. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth, File)

ATHENS – One of the world’s most intractable cultural disputes is back in the spotlight after a Turkish official cast doubt on the existence of proof long cited by Britain that it had legally acquired the Parthenon Marbles , 2,500-year-old sculptures taken from the Acropolis in Athens.

Greece's culture minister said the comments made at a UNESCO meeting in Paris last week on the return of cultural property bolster Greece's argument that the sculptures were illegally removed from the Parthenon temple on the Acropolis and should be returned.

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The antiquities, also known as the Elgin Marbles, were removed in the early 19th century by Lord Elgin, Britain's ambassador to the Ottoman Empire which ruled Greece at the time, and are housed in the British Museum in London. Greece has long campaigned for their return.

The museum maintains Elgin removed the sculptures legally after Ottoman authorities granted him an imperial edict, or “firman,” allowing him do so.

But Zeynep Boz, the head of the Turkish Culture Ministry’s anti-smuggling committee, said at a meeting of UNESCO's Intergovernmental Committee for Promoting the Return of Cultural Property in Paris that no such document has been found.

As the successor to the Ottoman Empire, "Turkey is the country that would have the archived document pertaining to things that were sold legally at that time,” Boz told The Associated Press Wednesday. “Historians have for years searched the Ottoman archives and have not been able to find a ‘firman’ proving that the sale was legal, as it is being claimed.”

Boz added she felt obliged to intervene during the UNESCO meeting after a British participant said in his speech that the Elgin Marbles were bought legally during the Ottoman era.

“To have remained silent would have amounted to acknowledging the British claim,” she said. “I had to say: ‘We are not aware of such a document’.”

The only known existing document referring to the imperial edict is an Italian translation.

However, Boz said it has “no signature, no stamp, no tughra (official seal of the sultan). Nothing to make it official. The document it allegedly refers to is nowhere to be found.”

While ties between Greece and Turkey are often strained and the two countries are at odds over a wide series of issues, including territorial claims, both seek the return of cultural artifacts removed from their territories and currently housed in museums around the world.

Greek Culture Minister Lina Mendoni said the comments bolstered Greece’s argument that Elgin illegally removed the sculptures.

“There never was an Ottoman ‘firman’ granting Elgin the permission to treat the Parthenon Sculptures with the brutality with which he did,” Mendoni said Tuesday. “Turkey’s representative (at the UNESCO meeting) confirmed what the Greek side has been arguing for years. That there was no ‘firman’.”

Mendoni said Greece remained “open to dialogue” and would continue its efforts for the return of the sculptures, which have a place set aside for them in the Acropolis Museum in Athens.

While the British Museum is banned by law from permanently returning the sculptures, its leaders have held talks in the recent past with Greek officials about a possible compromise that could see the sculptures displayed in both Athens and London.

Those efforts suffered a setback last November, when a diplomatic spat erupted over the marbles and British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak abruptly canceled a planned meeting with his Greek counterpart, Kyriakos Mitsotakis.

Asked about Boz's comments, the British Museum referred to a statement it gave to the UNESCO meeting reiterating its desire for a “Parthenon partnership” to resolve the dispute, and said it had nothing more to add.

“The British Museum recognizes the strong desire of Greece for the Parthenon Sculptures in London to be returned to Athens,” the statement said. “This is a question with a very long history, and we understand and respect the strong feelings that this debate commands."

It said it was “keen to develop a new relationship with Greece — a ‘Parthenon partnership’ — and to explore the possibility of innovative ways of working (with our Greek friends) in the hope that understanding of the Parthenon Sculptures deepens and continues to inspire people across the world.”

Fraser reported from Ankara, Turkey. Associated Press writer Jill Lawless in London contributed to this report.

Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.

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Kona coffee is some of the world’s best, and a trip to the Big Island is incomplete without sampling its premier product.

Jun 6, 2024 • 8 min read

Mallorca’s capital is quickly becoming one of the hottest cities in the Med for food.

Nepal is not expensive, and there’s plenty of value to be had for visitors that follow these budget tips, along with a guide to daily costs.

From glorious stretches of white sand to secluded rocky coves, here are Mallorca's best beaches.

Choose the right time for your visit to Ecuador with this seasonal guide.

Jun 6, 2024 • 7 min read

Beautiful beaches and natural wonderlands drenched in southern charm – Coastal Georgia's islands have something for everyone.

The queen of the French Riviera, Nice drips elegance and panache. Here are some things to know before you arrive to help you fit in with the glitterati.

Jun 5, 2024 • 8 min read

Andean flavors, coastal seafood, Afro-Ecuadorian recipes and Spanish influences converge to create an innovative food-and-drink scene in Ecuador.

Jun 5, 2024 • 7 min read

No matter your hiking ability, Alaska's diverse trails provide plenty of opportunities for recreation.

Plan a summer adventure to Hilton Head, Folly Beach and other South Carolina Sea Islands with this guide.

Jun 5, 2024 • 11 min read

Plan your summer vacation to Wisconsin's Door County with our top tips.

Jun 5, 2024 • 5 min read

Explore Boston by bike with this guide to the city's best off-road routes, its local bike-share program and top safety tips.

Plan your trip to Argentina with this guide to climate, crowds and costs.

Jun 5, 2024 • 10 min read

Whether you're a history buff, a nature lover, or simply seeking relaxation by the sea, Rhode Island will make you glad you came.

Jun 5, 2024 • 17 min read

An expert's guide to flying the world with the boost of points & miles: how to choose the perfect airline credit card.

Jun 4, 2024 • 13 min read

Lonely Planet staffers share some of their favorite US destinations.