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Florence guide - Florence travel guide - Florence - guide to Florence - Italy travel Florence - airport Florence Florence guide - Florence travel guide - Florence - guide to Florence - Italy travel Florence - airport Florence - travel links Wednesday, 28 December 05 - 11:43 pm Top destinations Art Cities Beaches Lakes Mountains Spa Resorts Regions guides Abruzzo & Molise Alto Adige Apulia Basilicata & Calabria Campania Emilia Romagna Friuli Venezia Giulia Lazio Liguria Lombardy Marche Piedmont Sardinia Sicily Tuscany Trentino Umbria Valle d'Aosta Veneto Cities guides Aosta Asiago & 7 comuni Asolo Assisi Belluno & Dolomiti Venete Bologna Bolzano Brescia Bressanone Caorle & Bibione Capri Catania Cervia & Cesenatico's Beaches Chianti, Valdelsa, Valdarno Comacchio's Beaches Cortina d'Ampezzo Courmayeur M.Bianco Elba & Capraia Florence Garda Lake - Eastern Side Grosseto & Maremma Ischia Jesolo & Eraclea Como Lake & Lecco Lucca & Garfagnana Madonna di Campiglio Merano Milan Monte Cervino Montecatini Terme Naples Padua Palermo Pisa Portofino & Tigullio Gulf Ragusa Ravenna's Beaches Ravenna City Rimini, Riccione, Cattolica Riviera dei Fiori: Sanremo & Imperia Riviera del Brenta Rome Rovereto Rovigo e Delta del Po San Martino di Castrozza, Primiero, Val Venoi Siena Siracusa Sorrento & Amalfi Taormina Terme e Colli Euganei Turin Trento Treviso Val di Fassa Val di Fiemme Venice Verona Versilia & Viareggio Vicenza Florence Hotels Reserve Florence Hotels: save up 70% on rooms! Compare offers & book on line at hotel's web sites. About Tuscany Florence Guide Italy THINGS TO KNOW Getting there History and culture THINGS TO SEE Churches and Museums Places and charm THINGS TO TRY Eating and Drinking Shopping Hotels and lodgings THINGS TO EXPERIENCE Events La Dolce Vita ITINERARIES A special day Shopping in Florence Three places less than 40 km from Florence Directories of Web Sites Florence Italy Florence Hotels Downloads Florence Guide in PDF format Florence is an open-air exhibition of art and culture. It is famous worldwide, the heart of the Renaissance period and the home of the fine arts and literature. Florence has powerful symbols of Italian and European culture in every nook and cranny, to the extent that it is hard to identify this city with just one symbol. It may be the sculpture of David by Michelangelo , or perhaps the romantic Ponte Vecchio , or Giotto’s bell tower, but Florence could also be represented by famous people such as Leonardo Da Vinci , Michelangelo or Dante Alighieri , to name but a few . Getting there Getting to Florence is very easy from any Italian city since the city is an important railway and highway center... >>> History and culture In our tourists’ guide to Florence there had to be a section dedicated to the history of this wonderful city. Let’s discover it together... >>> Churches and Museums We have chosen some of the most beautiful Churches and most interesting museums in Florence, for you to admire the masterpieces by Giotto, Cimabue, Michelangelo, Brunelleschi... >>> Places and charm Wandering around the city, discovering the hidden wonders and the most charming spots in Florence... >>> Eating and Drinking Florentine cooking is linked to a tradition of simple dishes prepared with genuine, tasty but plain ingredients, which has recently been reconsidered by the world of more sophisticated cuisine... >>> Shopping Florence has an antique tradition of craftwork: once upon a time, every area of the city was characterized by a particular kind of work: the sculptors’ studios, the leather goods makers, the blacksmiths and the goldsmiths... >>> Hotels and lodgings There are several types of accommodation available, depending on your budget: hostels to hotels: Florence has them all... >>> Events Florence is a lively city, full of local and international artistic and cultural events... >>> La Dolce Vita To get to know Florence, to become a part of the multi-faceted spirit of this city, you need to do more than just visit the museums, see the churches, palaces and monuments... >>> A special day For all those people in a rush due to their busy schedules, but who don’t want to miss out on the pleasures of life, travelplan.it has dedicated a Florence itinerary with a morning-evening agenda... >>> Shopping in Florence For fashion addicts and fashion victims who are already familiar with the city and who are planning another stay in Florence, here is a made-to-measure itinerary... >>> Three places less than 40 km from Florence The area surrounding Florence is an excellent opportunity to relax, learn about things, enjoy oneself and make your taste buds happy... >>> More guides on: Region: Tuscany Tuscany Cities: Chianti, Valdelsa, Valdarno Elba & Capraia Grosseto & Maremma Lucca & Garfagnana Montecatini Terme Pisa Siena Versilia & Viareggio Click to view the map Servizi per le aziende Acquista la tua visibilità su Travel Plan Netplan Travel Network Travel Guides ItalyTravel Guides | VeniceTravel Guide | FlorenceTravel Guide | RomeTravel Guide | MilanTravel Guide | NaplesTravel Guide | Palermo Travel Guide | Taormina Travel Guide | SicilyTravel Guide | Cortina Travel Guide | VeronaTravel Guide | JesoloTravel Guide | Lucca & Garfagnana Travel Guide | Treviso Travel Guide | Ischia Travel Guide | Capri Travel Guide | Sorrento Travel Guide | Amalfi Travel Guide | More Italy Travel guides ... Hotels & Lodging Italy Hotels | Venice Hotels | Florence Hotels | Rome Hotels | Milan Hotels | Naples Hotels | Taormina Hotels | Verona Hotels | Morehotels ... Italy Hotels | Venice Hotels | Florence Hotels | Rome Hotels | Milan Hotels | Naples Hotels | Taormina Hotels | Capri Hotels | Ischia Hotels | More Italy Hotels ... Hotels | Italy Hotels | Venice Hotels | Florence Hotels | Rome Hotels | Milan Hotels | Naples Hotels | Taormina Hotels | Verona Hotels | Mestre Hotels | Treviso Hotels | More Italy Hotels ... Venice Hotels | Cortina Hotels | Asolo Hotels | Hotel Golden Rome | Hotel San Niccolò - Chianti | Hotel Il Granduca Florence | Venice Travel Guide | Venice Booking Center | Venice Hotels Servizi per le aziende - Netplan Travel Network Links A1 A2 B1 C1 D1 E1 F1 G1 H1 H2 I1 I2 J1 K1 L1 M1 N1 O1 P1 Q1 R1 S1 T1 U1 V1 W1 X1 Y1 Z1 AA1 AB1 AC1 AD1 AE1 AF1 AG1 AH1 AI1 AJ1 AK1 AL1 AM1 AN1 AN2 AO1 AP1 AQ1 AR1 AS1 AT1 AU1 AV1 AW1 AX1 AY1 AZ1 BA1 BB1 Italy Travel Guide © 2004 Fatto da: Netplan

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Backpacker Insurance and Cheap Travel Insurance UK Downunder Insurance ~ Home ~ Policy Options ~ Essentials Policy ~ Backpacker Policy ~ Adventurer Policy ~ Comprehensive Policy ~ Annual Multi-Trip Policy ~ Wintersports Policy ~ View/Edit Your Policy ~ Instant Quote ~ Make a Claim ~ General Information ~ Medical and Health ~ General Information ~ Extensions ~ Policy Wording ~ 2005 ~ 2004 ~ 2003 ~ About Us ~ Advantages of Downunder ~ Company Information ~ Compare Prices ~ Partners ~ Privacy Policy ~ Contact us ~ FAQs ~ Site Map ~ 24hour International Medical Rescue Repatriation Guarantee Pre-existing Medical Conditions Reciprocal Agreements Adventure Sports Geographical Areas Cooling Off Period Period of Insurance Current Policy Queries General Exclusions The Underwriters Initial Disclosure Document Applicable law Return Trips Excess Waiver Stopover Extension Personal Luggage Extension Vehicle Luggage Extension Valuables Extension Golf Cover Quick Links Click the link below. 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Italy discount vacation travel tour: Rome Milan package tour 5 Days E-mail sales@italy-travel.net Rome Milan package tour (5 days and 4nights) 2005-2006 Rates Tourist Class Hotels ( 3 stars ) First Class Hotels ( 4 stars ) Price per person US$585 based on doubleor triple occupancy at 3 Stars Hotels Single room occupancy : US$793 per person at 3 Stars Hotels Tourist class Hotels included in this package Price per person US$832, based on doubleor triple occupancy at 4 Stars Hotels Single room occupancy : US$1092 per person at 4 Stars Hotels First class Hotels included in this package Day 01 (Saturday) Rome / Siena / Florence Departure by deluxe motor coach on the " Autostrada del Sole " to Siena. This gothic city is constructed on three hills in the heart of Tuscany.This monumental and medieval city is encircled by its ancient walls and is famous for its splendid square " Piazza del Campo ", designed in the shape of a shell . Here, every year the famous "Palio" takes place. See also the elegant Palace and the Cathedral. In the afternoon proceed on to Florence. Dinner and overnight at the Hotel. Day 02 (Sunday) Florence Breakfast at the Hotel and morning city tour along which we appreciate the artistic beauty of Florence with its Dome by Brunelleschi, the Bell tower by Giotto and the Baptistery. The sightseeing tour continues through Piazza della Signoria, Palazzo Vecchio and finally the church of Santa Croce. Time at leisure and return to the hotel. Dinner and overnight. Day 03 (Monday) Florence /Pisa/ Padua / Venice Breakfast at Hotel and departure for the excursion to Pisa. This quiet and graceful town shows signs of its past and its greatness through the famous Piazza del Campo, better known as the " Square of Miracles " where we find the Cathedral, the Leaning Tower (a Romanic bell tower of 58mt) and the Baptistery. At the end of the visit depart to Padua for a short visit of the Basilica of St. Anthony.Continue to Venice, the city of gondolas. Dinner and overnight at the Hotel. Day 04 (Tuesday) Venice Breakfast at Hotel and visit of this mysterious city built on 177 islands, 150 canals and 400 bridges. The sightseeing includes the panoramic of St. Mark's square and the Doge's Palace (external). During the morning the group will stop in one of the famous shops of Murano glasses. Afternoon at leisure. Dinner and overnight at the Hotel. Day 05 (Wednesday) Venice / Verona / Lake of Garda / Milan Breakfast at the Hotel and departure for Verona, the monumental city setting of Shakespeare's masterpiece " Romeo and Juliet " ( panoramic visit of Juliet's house ).This ancient Roman colony is especially known all over the world for its Arena, a splendid amphitheatre that becomes in summer the scene of the most important Operas and Lyrics. Proceed to Milan via the largest Italian lake: the Lake of Garda. Arrival in Milan. End of services NOTE: IN THE SIGHTSEEING TOURS ENTRANCE FEES ARE NOT INCLUDED Click on the below thumbnails to enlarge photos Route Map Florence Pisa Venice Juliet house, Verona INCLUDED IN THE FEE All scheduled transportations with Deluxe Air-conditioned motor coach All scheduled transfers All scheduled guided tours First class Hotels or Tourist class Hotels asdetailed above Meals as specified in the Itinerary B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner (Drinks at dinners are NOT included) Multi-lingual speakingprofessional guide services All Taxes NOT INCLUDED IN THE FEE International Airfares Airport transportations Airport departure taxes Entrance tickets Drinks at dinners Tips Items of personal nature All what is not specifically mentioned in the paragraph "Included in the Fee" Fixed Departure dates 2005-2006 2006 DEPARTURE DATES May 06 13 20 27 June 03 10 17 24 July 01 08 15 22 29 August 05 12 19 26 September 02 09 16 23 30 October 07 14 21 28 Tourist class Hotels included in this package First class Hotels included in this package Click above to see details of the Hotels included in the package Booking Information In order to confirm your reservation we need the full payment in advance. After inputting information into the appropriate below form, you will then submit the form for processing. We use a fully automated reservation system, simply fill out the forms, Visa, MasterCard, Discover and Amex credit cards are accepted on-line, please note that all the transactions are managed by INTERNETSECURE and PAYPAL for your total security. All the information is encrypted, state of the art encryption to keep your credit card information secure, we will not know your card number. Your order will be processed on-line in less then 1 minute, you also receive a receipt of the deposit and the confirmation of your reservation, note that your order is not complete until you have received via e-mail the receipt of payment that is automatically generated at the end of the reservation process. For further information we strongly recommend to look at the travel contract. Please note that we sell on first come basis and we accept reservations until 15 days prior to the selected departure date, we are unable to accept reservations less than 14 days prior to the selected departure date. Please Fill in your Name and Surname Full E-mail address, please check the spelling carefully Departure Date Select 2006 May 06 2006 May 13 2006 May 20 2006 May 27 2006 June 03 2006 June 10 2006 June 17 2006 June 24 2006 July 01 2006 July 08 2006 July 15 2006 July 22 2006 July 29 2006 August 05 2006 August 12 2006 August 19 2006 August 26 2006 September 02 2006 September 09 2006 September 16 2006 September 23 2006 September 30 2006 October 07 2006 October 14 2006 October 21 2006 October 28 Hotel Search | Package Tours | Full day Tours | Discount Airfares | Car Rental | Cruises | Destination Guides | Travel Directory Add URL | Contact Us Tours of Italy by Cosmic Discount vacation travel packages and tours to all the exciting destinations in Italy Email : sales@italy-travel.net US Fax Number 480-247-4242 This information is current as of today, Cosmic Worldwide Discount Travel Reservation Top Destinations Europe : London Paris Florence Rome Venice Italy Travel Packages South America: Travel to Peru Galapagos Machu Picchu Cusco Quito La Paz

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Airport timetables of Greece." CaptainChris Greek Air Travel News Airline News Greek Airlines Air Travel News Travel Tips Traveller's Tales Travel surveys Photo section Thessaloniki Airport timetable CLICK HERE TO VISIT THE COMMERCIAL WEB SITE OF CaptainChris C.2000 VirageNet A CaptainChris creation GREEK AIRLINE NEWS Philoxenia2000 Tourist Trade Fair November 2 to 5 in Thessaloniki, Greece at the Helexpo centre. In 10000sq meters, 530 stands from 16 countries with Turkey taking part for the first time. Aegean Airlines and Cronus Airlines had very good representation at the fair with good looking and informative stands. Cronus had several tickets that could be won in a simple competition. Olympic Airways had for the second year the best stand, they had a competition to, with several domestic tickets to be won, but the big attraction was a flight simulator on which you could try to take-off and land at Osaka's Kansai airport, with a choice of All Nippon 737, 767, 777 or 747 aircraft's. Axon Airlines, Galaxy Airways, Alitalia, Crossair and CSA Czech Airlines had a stand of their own, while several airlines were represented by their general sales agents or the tourist bureaus of their countries. Virgin Atlantic was present for the first time in Philoxenia, the airline was placed in a small part of the Aegean Airlines stand. Cyprus Airways, also present with their own stand every year, had a competition for a 4-day holiday in Cyprus for three pairs. Axon Airlines Axon Airlines has ordered four 50 seat Embraer ERJ145s. Deliveries are to take place during 2001. Axon is to return to Rome with a twice daily ERJ145 service next spring, while launching two new destinations to be operated with the new regional jets. Lyon and Strasbourg in France. Olympic Airways Group Olympic Airways has increased the number of domestic operated in Greece with the addition of one daily return from Athens to Thessaloniki, Chania, Kavala and Kerkyra, while at the same time upgraded ATR72 flights to 737-200 four times a week to Lemnos and once daily to Ioannina. On its international network the carrier added two flights per week from Athens to Istanbul now totalling at nine per week. Flights to Milan have been reduced to two, down from three, for the winter months. The airline discontinues flights to Riyadh, while increasing frequencies to the other remaining Saudi Arabia destination, Jeddah from two to five per week. A weekly service to Brussels has been added now totalling 11 flights a week. Olympic Aviation, the regional subsidiary of Olympic has upgraded the twice weekly service between Thessaloniki and Istanbul, Turkey from ATR72 to Boeing 717 aircraft, the regional carrier also launched a once weekly service between Heraklio and Larnaca, Cyprus. 11 Boeing 737-200 and 3 Airbus A300-605R have been fully refurbished, and now work starts on 13 Boeing 737-400s which should be completed by March of 2001. The refurbishment consists of changing the colours and materials used on carpeting, wallpaper, the plastic and foam rubber on passenger seats, seatbelts, wall coverings and flight attendants seats. All entranceways and other surfaces of the cabin have been upgraded. Cutting edge technology materials have been used with special aesthetic specifications. Part of the refurbishment is the installation of new Business Class seats in the Boeing 737 -200, -300 and -400 aircraft family. Convertible Leather seats that convert from a 3-3 layout to a more comfortable 2-3 layout and 35inches of seat pitch giving increased personal space. A spacious drinks table now separates two seats from each other. The seats also have footrests, adjustable headrests and backs that recline at a greater angle than before. Olympic Aviation is to add a third Boeing 717 aircraft this January. This aircraft is to based in Thessaloniki, where two more 717s are based and operated to Munich, Stuttgart, Istanbul, Amsterdam, Berlin, Brussels, Paris and Larnaca. The third aircraft is to be used for the launch of new services to Rome and Tel Aviv. The carrier is also evaluating the possibility to re-launch services from Thessaloniki to Belgrade, Yugoslavia and launching new routes to Skopje, Macedonia and Sofia, Bulgaria. Higher costs because of the strong US Dollar and the continuing rise in fuel prices forced the carrier to rise its fares for the second time in one year by 10% on domestic routes only. Galaxy Airways Galaxy Airways is operating this winter with a single Boeing 737-500, while the carriers 737-400 is being returned to its lessor. The airline plans to lease two Boeing 737-400s at the beginning of next year and to add frequencies on existing routes. Galaxy discontinues flights from Preveza for the current winter season. Aegean Airlines Aegean Airlines is to add two ATR72-500s next spring to allow for the increasing of frequencies on some routes and to launch new destinations. Mykonos, Kos and Zakinthos are under consideration. The airline is to replace its three ATR72-100 with a similar number of upgraded ATR72-500 when the leases of these aircraft expire in two years time. The carrier is in talks with both SkyTeam and the Star Alliance with a possibility in joining either one of these alliances. Higher costs because of the strong US Dollar and the continuing rise in fuel prices forced the carrier to increased its fares by 12%. Cronus Airlines Cronus Airlines announced that by the summer of 2001 the company will add two more Boeing 737 aircrafts, one -300 and one -700, to its fleet of 6. 4 737-300 and 2 737-400s. The constantly expanding flight schedule of Cronus Airlines includes as from November 20 a new domestic destination, Mytilene which is to be served twice daily from Athens. New routes from Kavala are also launched and include a daily service to Athens, a second weekly flight to Stuttgart and a service to Cologne. Within the context of the continuous efforts made for the improvement of the services provided by the carrier, Cronus Club, a new business class has been launched. Passengers enjoy more space, priority on reservations, priority check-in and luggage collection, special transport service to the airport, weight allowance of 30Kgs, exquisite food served in flight! Soon special Airport lounges will be offered to Cronus Club passengers waiting for their flight in Athens, Heraklio, Thessaloniki and all international destinations. The airline is refurbishing the cabins of all its aircrafts and by March of 2001 all will have comfortable leather seats with leg room increased to 32 inches in Economy and 34 in Cronus Club, where the new seats will convert from 3-3 to 2-3 giving more elbow space to passengers. Cyprus Airways Cyprus Airways has announced that from next March it will add a fourth daily service between Larnaca and Athens and upgrade its three weekly flights to Thessaloniki to a daily operation. The carrier is soon to decide on a replacement aircraft for its four Airbus A310s. The A330-200 and the new Boeing 767-400 are more favourable. Cyprus Airways is also to add two or three 50-70 seat regional jets to its fleet in the near future to operate short haul routes to Tel Aviv, Beirut, Amman, Damascus, Cairo and Rhodes. CSA-Czech Airlines CSA Czech Airlines which is the latest member of the SkyTeam Alliance announced that from next spring will operate a daily schedule from Prague to Athens, while its, until now, seasonal twice weekly flights to Thessaloniki will be operated year-round from next year. The carrier is also to replace its two Airbus A310s in the near future with the Boeing 767-400 being favoured as a convenient replacement. Crossair/Sabena Swissair subsidiary Crossair, is to double its frequencies between Zurich and Thessaloniki next spring with the addition of a mid day departure from Zurich and an afternoon departure from Thessaloniki. The carrier expressed the need for a more frequent schedule after experiencing very high load factors this last summer season. The current early morning departure from Thessaloniki connects in Zurich with Swissair's European and Intercontinental network and many passengers use this convenient service. Swissair's other subsidiary Sabena is to add a third daily service between Brussels and Athens. This new flight will depart Brussels in the evening and Athens early in the morning allowing easy connections to be made in Brussels to several destinations in America. Alitalia Alitalia, is continuing its second daily service from Thessaloniki to Milan citing increased demand especially for passengers wishing to transfer in Milan to Alitalia's European and International network. The airline previously used to operate this second daily flight only during the high summer season. In other Alitalia news, the airline has cut back on many flights citing low load factors and increased costs from strong US Dollar and increasing fuel prices. Flights to Bangkok, Sydney, Addis Ababa and Nairobi have been withdrawn, while cut-backs have been made to its short haul network also. Continental Airlines Continental Airlines announced that it is hoping to launch a daily service between New York Newark and Athens next Spring with brand new Boeing 767-400 equipment. The service will be operated with a smaller 767-200 in the winter months. British Airways British Airways Manager for Greece and Cyprus Mr. Vassilis Dallaris said that the airline plans to discontinue its daily service from London Gatwick to Athens currently operated by Boeing 737-400 aircraft and instead add a third daily 767 service from London Heathrow. This flight will depart Heathrow early in the morning and from Athens in the afternoon. These changes are to be made to satisfying increased demand for travel between Athens and London. While the competition is high with five airlines operating on the route, (British Airways, Olympic Airways, Cronus Airlines, Virgin Atlantic and EasyJet) and recent increased flights from Olympic Airways, the British carrier has managed to maintain its position on the market. In a question if British Airways plans to re-launch flights to Thessaloniki Mr. Dallaris said that he has proposed to the London Headquarters a daily nonstop flight which should depart from London in the evening staying overnight in Thessaloniki and depart in the morning for London allowing transit passengers from Greece to the USA and Canada to connect in either Heathrow or Gatwick. A decision is to be made soon. JAT-Yugoslav Airlines JAT-Yugoslav Airlines has ordered 8 Airbus A319 aircraft and is considering ordering a similar number of Airbus A320 aircrafts to replace its current fleet of 6 Boeing 727-200 and 7 Boeing 737-300s. The airline is also to decide on a replacement for its McDonnell Douglas DC10-30 long-haul aircraft now used only for a twice weekly service between Belgrade and Beijing. The Airbus A330-200 or -300 is favoured by the carrier and a need for two or three examples is being discussed. The airline wants to upgrade its flights to both Athens and Thessaloniki to a daily service, currently operated twice weekly with a 737-300 aircraft on a BEG-ATH-SKG-BEG routing. Iberia Iberia Airlines of Spain, plan to add a second daily service between Madrid and Athens from next Spring. This will be in addition to its daily Madrid-Barcelona-Athens service. The airline also intents to add Thessaloniki to its network with a daily service from Madrid. Maersk Air Maersk Air of Denmark, which has experienced high load factors this summer season with its daily Copenhagen-Athens 737-500 service, has launched a four weekly service to Cairo, Egypt and a trice weekly service to Istanbul, Turkey with Boeing 737-500 equipment. The airline is to change to a larger capacity 737-700 aircraft for its Athens schedule next spring and is evaluating the possibility of launching a service to Larnaca, Cyprus. Athens Airport Charges Many airlines have expressed their concern about the fact that landing and handling fees at the new Athens Airport E. Venizelos, which is to open next March, will be higher 100-200% compared with the current fees charged at Hellinikon Ariport. The airport company says that service levels at the new site will be better and the fees charged will be compatible with other airports in the region. The Greek Transport Minister Mr. Christos Verelis said that Greek tax payers have invested a lot of money into the project and they should get back their moneys as soon as possible. Istanbul Airport in Turkey, which has just opened a new state-of-the-art terminal is charging 10% lower than the current Athens Airport and authorities are more efficient with traffic rights. Istanbul has no plans to increase its tariffs. Larnaca Airport which is also expanding and upgrading its facilities charges the same as the current Athens Airport and has no plans to increase rates. It seems that the new Athens airport will have double or triple the fees charged by neighbouring airport hubs. Vernicos Aviation Vernicos Yachts Shipping SA announced the full takeover of KAL Aviation SA, a Greek airline company, for 2.1 billion drachmas, signalling its expansion into the airline industry. The new company, to be named Vernicos Aviation (VER-AVIA), is expected to present a turnover of 1.25 billion drachmas and net profits of 100 million drachmas this year, with a forecast for a turnover of 1.65 billion and net profit of 300 million drachmas in 2001. KAL Aviation is the largest private light cargo airline in Greece, servicing the country's islands and has recently acquired a self-handling licence for the the new Athens airport at Spata. A Vernicos Yachts statement said the takeover was in the framework of a strategic plan of the company to transform into a holding company, covering sea tourism, air transport and shipping activities. The company plans to expand its aviation activities in the Middle East and the Balkans. The new company employs 60 people and has a fleet of four airplanes servicing 13 domestic destinations daily (including Larnaca, Cyprus). It has acquired traffic rights for flights to Tirana, Albania, and Belgrade, Serbia. Professor Christos Papageorgiou, a former Olympic Airways' chairman, was appointed president of Vernicos Aviation. Cretan Airways Konstantinos Badouvas, former Air Greece founder and chairman, announced that the new airline will finally launch operations December 1st with two 70 seat ATR72 aircraft's. The airline awaits its certificate and operations licence from the Greek CAA which has been delayed two times until now, Mr. Badouvas said to the "Patris" newspaper. The airline has started requiting personnel that is been trained to the highest standards. The two aircraft's have been painted and delivered to the airline's hub in Heraklio. First routes served by Cretan Airways will be Heraklio-Athens, Heraklio-Thessaloniki, Heraklio-Rhodes and Chania-Athens.