New Year Break
Jun 29, 2016, 6:51 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2016
Posts: 72
New Year Break
Hi all
Looking for some inspiration for a destination over the new year. Have been looking at Athens amongst others. Not overly worried about any celebrations, so that has not impact on where we go. Departure would be from LHR preferably. Can anyone recommend Athens as a trip for 3 days?
I Appreciate this could have been posted elsewhere but the collective wisdom of the BA board is too hard to ignore!
Cheers
Looking for some inspiration for a destination over the new year. Have been looking at Athens amongst others. Not overly worried about any celebrations, so that has not impact on where we go. Departure would be from LHR preferably. Can anyone recommend Athens as a trip for 3 days?
I Appreciate this could have been posted elsewhere but the collective wisdom of the BA board is too hard to ignore!
Cheers
Jun 29, 2016, 8:02 am
#2
Join Date: Apr 2009
Programs: BA Gold, Hilton Honors Diamond, Mucci de buveur de gin
Posts: 3,060
I have just done 3 days in Athens - check my TR here - http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/trip-...ess-class.html
I'd thoroughly recommend it as a great city to visit. Yes, the weather won't be as nice over New Year but if that doesn't bother you then I'd go for it. I imagine there would be a pretty cool firework display from around the Acropolis area at the stroke of midnight (but don't quote me on that......)!
I'd thoroughly recommend it as a great city to visit. Yes, the weather won't be as nice over New Year but if that doesn't bother you then I'd go for it. I imagine there would be a pretty cool firework display from around the Acropolis area at the stroke of midnight (but don't quote me on that......)!
Jun 29, 2016, 8:42 am
#3
Moderator, Iberia Airlines, Airport Lounges, and Ambassador, British Airways Executive Club
Join Date: Feb 2010
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My only hesitation is that it's a long flight against the clock out there, so 3 days is at the lower end of the timeframe for me. But yes, the cradle of Western Civilisation has a huge amount to offer. Athens is in many ways a better place than it was a few years back, and will hopefully offer improved weather and more daylight than the UK. If you wanted somewhere similar but more centred for those in their 20s and 30s then perhaps Thessaloniki would be another option, it has a well developed street and café life, much under-rated as a city break location.
Orthodox Christmas is 7 January, but New Year is celebrated on the date you would expect.
Orthodox Christmas is 7 January, but New Year is celebrated on the date you would expect.
Jun 29, 2016, 11:37 am
#6
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Argentina
Posts: 40,210
Not been to ATH during New Year but did visit in the second week of January. The weather can be chilly but we had it mild and sunny which made walking around ten times easier than what we experienced during the heat of summer on another visit.
One of the nicest capital cities we've visited. Compact, good value all round with very friendly people.
One of the nicest capital cities we've visited. Compact, good value all round with very friendly people.
Jun 30, 2016, 7:25 am
#8
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: London
Posts: 517
Also not been over NY, but have been for a weekend in January before. I didn't think it was too much flight for the time, though any more would have pushed it.
Nothing to add on the cultural side, but if the sun is out, it's worth spending a day taking the efficient new tram south down the coastline to Glyfada and Vouliagmeni - the coast line is beautiful and there is a thermal lake (Limni Vouliagmeni).
Uber is great in Athens ^
Nothing to add on the cultural side, but if the sun is out, it's worth spending a day taking the efficient new tram south down the coastline to Glyfada and Vouliagmeni - the coast line is beautiful and there is a thermal lake (Limni Vouliagmeni).
Uber is great in Athens ^
Jun 30, 2016, 7:51 am
#9
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Heraklion, Greece
Posts: 7,565
About half of the Orthodox churches in the world, including the Greek one, celebrate X;mad on December 25. And weather-wise, it could be as warm as 20 centigrade (or as cold as freezing). At any rate, yes, Athens is a good idea.