http://observer.guardian.co.uk/trave...163280,00.html

High price of going for gold

With only five months until the Athens Olympics, Liz Bird answers the key questions on cost, where to stay and how to avoid the crowds

Sunday March 7, 2004
The Observer

This summer more than a million people are expected to descend on Athens for the return of the Olympic Games to its birthplace. The event is not without its controversy. Not only have Olympic officials voiced concern over whether the stadiums will be finished in time for the 13 August kick-off but many prospective visitors are reeling at exorbitant package prices to attend the two-week event.