Curios what Greece can offer for TeamBuilding?

In late April, we went on a study trip together with Nordic Travel Rep to explore opportunities for future clients to experience the destination of Grand Resort Lagonissi to the fullest.
During our study trip, we investigate the on-site facilities, what activities are possible to do, as well as the distance and environment in the surrounding area. This is to ensure that the customer feels confident when choosing the destination, but also that they get what they are looking for on their corporate trips.

After a 3-hour flight from Kastrup, we landed at Athens Airport after a pleasant flight with the Greek airline Aegean, and there was warmth in the air.

We were greeted by our driver who took us in a minibus from the airport through a rural landscape with lots of vegetation, before entering a small town and then further out towards the coast. When we finally saw the sea, we were only a few minutes away from our destination, the 5-star hotel Grand Resort Lagonissi.

The entire journey from the airport took about 20 minutes and was a pleasant ride after the flight.

When we arrived at the hotel, we were greeted by a team of people, friendly service, and a refreshing drink while they checked us in and then drove us to our rooms in a golf cart, something that was possible to be picked up, throughout the stay.

The rooms we were assigned were Mediterranean Suites. The first feeling experienced upon entering was one of exclusivity. First, we were greeted by a terrace with a pool overlooking the sea. Then, upon entering the room, there was a lounge area where refreshments were laid out in the form of fruit and sweets, as well as some bubbly and water. Even the large bed, positioned further into the room, with a sea view, felt overwhelming. In the room next door, there was a large bathroom with exercise facilities, a shower with a sauna, and even a jacuzzi with a sea view. The room was inviting, with both activity and relaxation options.

After settling into our rooms, we were given a tour of the hotel, where we had the opportunity to see all the room options, restaurants, and conference facilities they offer. There are truly opportunities for companies that want to go on a trip with that little extra, by choosing the luxurious rooms or villas, but also for those who want to take their company to nice bungalows with sea views and a beach outside.

Our first evening, the air was hazy, which we were explained was due to the influx of sand from the Sahara in recent days. This caused, among other things, that we couldn't see the view, but also that in the evening, there was a red/orange glow in the sky, which was quite unusual.

On our first evening, we dined at the restaurant located in the main building, Aphrodite, where they also served our breakfast buffet every morning.

We were first served appetizers in tapas form, which included tomato, mozzarella, avocado with melon salad with capers, octopus, pizza slice, and eggplant. Then came the meat, tzatziki, and fries. There was plenty of delicious food, accompanied by wine and water.

The Greek culture is to eat a lot, for a long time, and truly enjoy the food. After this delightful start to the trip, there were comfortable beds to retire to for a good night's sleep.

On the second day, we started with breakfast before hopping into the minibus, which drove us about 10 minutes to our first stop, Margi Farm. It's a farm that is still under development, but where we could already see many crops and herbs growing, as well as olive trees and grapevines.

There were also animals on the farm, goats, a donkey, and chickens, all to produce and use their own ingredients for activities or meals. The possibilities here were vast, and the area was enormous.

One activity set up for a group on their way there was a cooking table and a cozy setup for enjoying the meal.

Afterward, we continued into Athens, where along the way, we caught a glimpse of Olympia, the stadium where the first Olympic Games were held. Upon arrival, a guide welcomed us and led us up the stairs to the famous Acropolis, "The city on the top," where "polis" in Greek means the city and "akro" means the top. Once there, another guide awaited us, providing a tour with fascinating information about the Acropolis and the history of Athens.

After we finished, the guides were ready again, splitting us into two teams, where we would explore Athens by following instructions on a map on an iPad. There were various questions and challenges related to what we were approaching along the way, and we were constantly competing against the other team. It was a fun and educational team-building activity, with small breaks at selected restaurants or bars that you wouldn't want to miss when in Athens. Our final destination on the map was marked as a restaurant serving Greek gyros, kebab, pita bread, and tzatziki.

Then it was back to the hotel, which took about 1 hour from Athens due to rush hour traffic when we were heading back.

In the evening, we went to a nearby village where we were served lamb, which meant the whole lamb was laid out on the platter, accompanied by tzatziki, bread, and tomato salad with olive oil. For dessert, we were treated to Greek yogurt with sweetened accompaniments, a homemade schnapps made from scented geranium and mastic.

It truly gave a sense of being in Greece.

The third day started with a Freddo Cappuccino, which is a cold coffee typical of Greece.

Then we embarked on an excursion by driving rented cars in a convoy. Here, we were divided into three cars, with each car forming a team that would stick together. They explained that this could be done with a focus on team building when dividing people into the cars.

We first headed to Ktima Xatzi, an exclusive mansion with the possibility of hosting events with breathtaking views.

Here, we were guided through a place where much of historical Greece was preserved, and a painting by Monet adorned the wall. We were told about various events they had hosted on-site, including weddings and Greek-themed festivities with music and food. They explained that they had the possibility to set up for dinner both on the grass and under their pavilion, making the mansion feel exclusive for every party that chose to hold an event there.

Then, we continued to the southern part of the Athens island towards Sounion National Park to enjoy a splendid view while beholding a Greek monument.

Upon returning to the hotel, we strolled along the promenade to reach the hotel's restaurant, Mediterraneo, to savor a delicious Greek lunch by the sea. The lunch concluded with a tasteful fruit platter.

On the last evening, we dined at the hotel's restaurant Kohylia, where we were served exquisite sushi, salad with duck, and a white fish resembling cod with a fantastic sauce made of Taro.

With this exquisite dinner as our conclusion, we were picked up at 5:00 Greek time for our journey back home, filled with a plethora of new experiences.

We would like to extend our gratitude to Nordic Travel Rep and Grand Resort Lagonissi for the unique opportunity to explore the Greek island of Athens. There are opportunities here for both exclusive incentive trips for companies looking to indulge, as well as for those who wish to treat their employees to a Greek experience with bungalows situated by the beach.

The staff at the hotel are welcoming and accommodating, eagerly anticipating the chance to enrich your company with new memories in a fantastic destination. There are options to stay at the hotel, where various events can be held, but if you wish to explore more of the island, there are knowledgeable guides available who have a deep understanding of Athens and its surroundings.

We would be delighted to share more about the destination with your company!

Best regards,
Theres & the CompanyCations Team

by admin

Our Train Journey in Switzerland

Last week, we had two study trips planned: a train journey in Switzerland from Geneva to Zurich, and a trip to Tallinn, Estonia.
Study trips give us the opportunity to explore and experience destinations to ensure we can offer the best to our clients. It’s about discovering new places, hotels, and activities so we can create memorable experiences. This way, we can be sure that we not only meet but exceed your expectations every time you travel with us.Join us here on our journey in Switzerland! First up is Geneva.

Day 1: Cancelled Flight and Late Evening

The trip didn’t start off particularly well as our flight to Geneva was cancelled. Rebooking with a layover in Zurich seemed to solve the problem, but with a flight delay of over an hour, we missed our connection in Zurich and had to rebook again. As a result, we had a very late check-in at Hotel N'vY, missed the presentation about Geneva, and instead of having dinner with the rest of the group who flew from Arlanda, we went straight to bed. As they say, not the best start, but things can only get better from here!

Day 2: Chocolate Making, Cheese Fondue, and Wine Tasting in the Countryside

The day started with a hotel inspection at both Hotel N'vY and Hôtel Royal, where we had the opportunity to check out the rooms, conference facilities, restaurants, and more. Both hotels are part of the Manotel chain, which offers six hotels in Geneva, each with a different theme. While Hôtel Royal offers a classic feel, Hotel N'vY has a more modern style.

Next, we continued to La Bonbonnière, where we had the chance to make our own Swiss chocolate - an unforgettable experience for all chocolate lovers! La Bonbonnière is renowned for its unique chocolate-making and offers the opportunity to learn more about the history and production of chocolate. It’s a perfect team-building activity in Switzerland.

After the chocolate-making, we took a short tour of the city. One fascinating aspect of Switzerland is its multilingualism due to the country’s multiculturalism. The four official languages in Switzerland are German, French, Italian, and Romansh. German is the most spoken language and is used as the main language in the German-speaking regions in the north and east. French is primarily spoken in the western part of the country, while Italian is used in the southern regions, especially in Ticino. Romansh is a lesser-spoken language and is mainly used in the canton of Graubünden. It's easy to see why one might get a bit confused and not know whether to say Merci Beaucoup or Grazie Mille.

Another cool thing about Geneva is that you can fill your water bottle and drink directly from the city’s fountains, as it is clean water from the mountains.
Thanks to our Choco pass , which gave us the opportunity to get free samples from several chocolatiers in Geneva, my suitcase was packed with heavenly chocolate when I got home.
After a pleasant walk in the sun, we enjoyed a delicious lunch at Kiosque des Bastions, a place impressive for hosting cool events. There are plenty of possibilities here!We then took a short train ride (10 minutes) to the countryside. With our Geneva City Pass , we could travel for free on all public transport and also had the opportunity to visit 60 free attractions.
After the train ride, we were met by Frederic, our cycling guide. Equipped with e-bikes, we set out on a tour of the beautiful landscape. After about 25 minutes, we arrived at a wine tasting - a very authentic experience, as if we were invited to a neighbor’s own wine cellar. Here, we learned more about Swiss wines and had the opportunity to purchase a few bottles to take home.

In the evening, we returned to Geneva for another hotel inspection at Edelweiss Hotel, which is also part of the Manotel group. Their motto is "Mountains in the city," and that’s exactly the feeling you get as soon as you enter the reception.

We also had an exclusive fondue cooking class, followed by dinner at the Edelweiss Restaurant.
So, it was on with a new apron and stirring the pot like a true Swiss.

Edelweiss is known for its traditional Swiss cuisine and offers an authentic fondue experience for its guests. Highly recommended!

Every evening at 7:00 PM, they also feature live music on stage, enhancing the ambiance of an alpine setting, mountain landscapes, and classic Swiss atmosphere.

Day 3: Train to Lausanne and Chaplin's World

The day began with a train ride to Lausanne, where we checked into  Hotel Alpha-Palmiers. We quickly dropped off our bags and headed out for a guided tour of the city.
Given the city's hilly terrain, it looks like the trains are climbing uphill. So yes, we took the metro. The metro in Lausanne is a unique experience as each station has its own signature sound – it could be the sound of water, birdsong, or even footsteps like in a tap dance – symbolizing what each stop is known for.We visited The Cathedral of Notre Dame of Lausanne, where we had the chance to see the enormous 40-ton organ.

After a guided tour of Lausanne city and a cheese tasting at the market, we took a boat, a classic paddle steamer, to Vevey. It was a magical experience standing in the harbor as the steamboat slowly passed by, with a French flag waving at the bow and a large Swiss flag at the stern. This is because the lake is divided by two international waters. The view was especially magical with snow-capped mountains on the French side, green mountains with small villages and fields on the Swiss side, and water so clear you could see all the way to the bottom – even while standing in the harbor. We heard that the Swiss often say the water is so clear you can swim with your mouth open.After a very delicious lunch, it was time to disembark in Vevey, where we met Renato, our new guide – a very fun guy! He showed us around the incredibly charming village and had lots of tips for us. He told us that every Saturday throughout the summer, you can enjoy live music, yodelers, and wine tastings all over the streets of Vevey. You pay for a glass that you take with you to the various stands at the market, and then you can enjoy free tastings. Very Cosy!

After another fantastic chocolate tasting, we were picked up by a luxurious minibus to visit Chaplin World. What a wow experience! Walking through Charlie Chaplin’s house, where he lived for the last 25 years of his life, and seeing his iconic shoes in person was quite impressive.

It’s easy to be impressed by Charlie Chaplin when delving into the rich history that the creator of The Tramp has to offer. Chaplin was not only one of the most influential and beloved film stars during the silent film and early sound film era, but his legacy also serves as a reminder of timeless themes and values. His innovative approach to comedy and his ability to not only entertain but also comment on the society around him is as relevant today as it was back then. Chaplin became a controversial figure during his time. He was banned from the United States due to his political views, which can be seen as a reminder of the dangers that still exist when defending fundamental values like justice and freedom. Although Chaplin lived in a different era, his legacy remains relevant in today's world, where we still grapple with similar issues and conflicts. Visiting Chaplin's World is not just a journey back in time but also a tribute to the timeless ideas and values that Charlie Chaplin represented. It serves as an inspiring reminder of the importance of never remaining silent in the face of injustice. It was easy to be moved by the film clip from the end of Charlie Chaplin's life, where he was finally welcomed back to the USA and the Oscars, receiving a standing ovation from the audience for over 14 minutes – a record that still stands as the longest ovation time. Some tears were shed during that moment.

After an exciting day, we returned to Lausanne by train to relax and then end the day with a delicious dinner at Brasserie de Montbenon. Brasserie de Montbenon is a popular restaurant in Lausanne, known for its delicious food and beautiful views of the city. It also offers excellent opportunities for hosting great events. Before dinner, we made a spontaneous trip to the rooftop bar MAD, where we were served a delightful cheese and charcuterie platter with a fun pocket knife that we got to take home. Here, you can also enjoy shisha, visit the nightclub, and stay over at the ibis Styles Lausanne Center Mad House.

Day 4: The Olympic Museum and Train to Zürich

The last day in Switzerland began with hotel inspections at two Fassbind hotels in Lausanne. First, Swiss Chocolate – a hotel for true chocolate enthusiasts. Here, guests are immersed in Swiss chocolate artistry. The reception features a chocolate fondue, room numbers are presented on "chocolate pieces" on the doors, and the bedside tables resemble stacked chocolate bars. The next hotel, also a themed hotel, is all about wine – Swiss Wine Hotel & Bar.

Then we had a spontaneous inspection at Château d'Ouchy, a magnificent gem located on the shores of Lake Geneva in Lausanne. With its enchanting architecture and stunning views, this castle hotel offers an unparalleled atmosphere of luxury and history, perfect for a memorable stay in Switzerland.

A short walk from here, we enjoyed a tour of The Olympic Museum . Every corner of The Olympic Museum is filled with stories and memories that warm the hearts of every visitor. Here, amidst the beautiful surroundings of Lake Geneva, it feels like walking through one's own personal memories of the Olympic Games. The museum also features conference rooms, a restaurant, and larger event spaces, making it an ideal venue for hosting conferences – especially for sports enthusiasts.

Next was another hotel inspection at the grand Beau-Rivage Palace, an exclusive and luxurious hotel on the shores of Lake Geneva. With its storied history and exquisite architecture, this five-star palace offers an unparalleled experience of elegance and comfort. The hotel welcomes guests to a world of first-class service, a spa, gourmet dining, and magnificent views of the lake and the Swiss Alps. Beau-Rivage Palace is not just a hotel; it is a destination where memories are made, and guests are treated like royalty.

After this, it was time for lunch at the Royal Savoy Hotel, which was absolutely delicious, followed by an inspection and presentation from Marina at the The Bürgenstock Collection.
Here, guests are greeted with timeless elegance, first-class service, and sophisticated charm. From its elegant rooms and suites to its award-winning restaurants and relaxing spa, the Royal Savoy Hotel offers a memorable stay for anyone seeking the best of Lausanne.

Satisfied and content, we returned to the hotel to collect our luggage, then bid farewell to Lausanne and the super sweet Julia, who had been our guide for two days.
We boarded the train to Zurich, where we attended a presentation on event and conference opportunities on Swiss trains, organized by Swiss Travel Systems..
Swiss Travel System is the perfect way to explore Switzerland by train, bus, and boat, ideal for enjoying the beautiful Swiss nature and culture in a convenient and efficient manner.
An impressive statistic is that almost the entire population of Iceland could ride the train simultaneously in Switzerland, demonstrating the excellent infrastructure and accessibility within the country.

Finally, with fantastic memories and new experiences in our bags, we boarded the flight home from Zurich – this time without any hassle.Thank you, Switzerland, for an unforgettable journey filled with adventure and inspiration! A big thank you to Hanna from Switzerland Tourism for the invitation!

Best regards,
The CompanyCations Team

by admin