LexPassenger and I are making a "status run" LEX-ATH in early November. I'd originally planned to use Hilton points for our hotel, but since I hadn't been paying sufficient attention, I'd missed the fact that the hotel is closed for renovations until 2003. Sooo... we currently have 3 nights booked at the Marriott, but need another hotel the 1st night we're in. We'd appreciate recommendations for a first night hotel. We're in at about $140 a night at the Marriott (double nights now), and would prefer to pay no more than that, and less if possible.

We were in Athens in '99, and have done much of the obvious sightseeing there (although another day at the National Archaeological Museum does tempt me), but we've done virtually no travelling elsewhere in Greece (a day trip to Aegina, which we very much enjoyed, is all). It's tempting to look farther afield. We are not interested in bus tours (and anyway wouldn't need FT advice to book those). LexPax lived in Italy and has driven as far East and South in Europe as Croatia, but we're not too sure about renting a car. Hiring a private driver might be ok if we got the right driver, but that looks a bit expensive, and I'm not too thrilled about being shepherded to someone's uncle's taverna just because it's someone's uncles, if you get my drift...

I've had a lifelong interest in Minoan/Mycenaean archaeology, so there are some obvious sites that call, but we're open to all suggestions, and could cancel the nights in Athens except the last one.

Oh, and billythekid is also thinking of making a run about the same time. We may meet up with him if he goes. If anyone else wants to join us for dinner or touring, that would be cool. (We hate to miss the PiP, but just couldn't work that out.)



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The Delta Flyers' Guide

I have stayed at the Holiday Inn, very nice, short walk to Syntagma Square and the NEW subway...Do not miss the archaelogical display inside the Sytagma Square subway stop, very nice...the whole subway is just unbelievable, hard to believe that my fellow countrymen built this thing!

You may want to visit Delphi, I am guessing 3 to 4 hr. drive, I visited there during a field trip with my high school years ago, AMAZING sites to see, especially the stadium, you sit in the middle of it and you will never forget the moment!

I would not drive in Greece, especially in Athens, the drivers there will drive you insane, if you make it in one piece. Subways and trains (and public transportation buses) are very cheap and plentiful.

Let us know how the new Athens airport is(the old one was a disgrace).

I would not talk politics while there and it would help if you tell them you are Canadian

Maybe take a boat tour to the adjacent island s from the port of Pireaus, if it is not too cold yet...

Be safe

George

[This message has been edited by gpapadop (edited 10-17-2001).]

[This message has been edited by gpapadop (edited 10-17-2001).]

GG, A very long shot, but have you considered flying on to Crete? I know you only have 4 nights, so you may not have enough time.

I spent three glorious weeks on Crete in 1983. After 5 days in Athens (and a three day/two night bus trip from France), we took a cheapie Olympic flight to Herakleon.

I spent my time hiking, eating, drinking and visiting some incredible archaeological sites. People very nice, food and drink and lodging simple but good and reasonable.

Just an idea. I have no other ideas for Athens or its environs. Have a great time.

The Inter*Continental is within walking distace (maybe not with bags as sidewalks are quite bad) of the Marriott so for convenience sake that may be the best bet. I think the Marriott is now a superior hotel to the Intercon and stayed there for a weekend last year. Also, try the kitchy "Trader Vic" style asian/polynesian restaurant in the basement of the Marriott it's actually pretty good.

George - I wouldn't DREAM of driving in Athens - which would be more of a nightmare in any case! Last time we were there, we were treated to a drag race down Syngrou at 120+ kph, with our cab driver shouting and gesticulating at another cab driver, who was shouting and gesticulating back. Oddly, I wasn't especially scared - it was a bit too theatrical - just annoyed that we were being carried past our destination. We didn't tip... We were considering the possibility of driving in the Peloponessus, but I think we'll probably pass on that too for now.

Even at the height of the Vietnam war, while living in/travelling in Europe, I didn't resort to telling people I was Canadian, thank you. We do know how to keep a fairly low profile, however. And I'm perfectly willing to assert "Makedonia is Greek" in the interest of being a polite visitor. Yes, mostly we will avoid political conversations. (I avoid discusssing politics on FT, too, come to think of it...)

Riding the new subway lines will be a must-do. (That's a LexPax thing which I will humor him on.)

Blair - I'm very tempted by Crete, and in fact had thought of it before I even posted this topic. Your reccy makes it even more tempting. But LexPassenger, for all his good qualities, is always much happier with a known, or a less unknown, quantity than plunging off into something entirely new. And it's a short time for such a terrific lot to see.

Another current possibility is Rhodes; Olympic flies there for about the same price as to Crete; it's also an island I've long wanted to see, and would be more graspable in the short time we have. But with the current Marriott double nights/points bonus, LexPax is leaning fairly hard to staying in Athens, and going for day trips. I guess I can just about put up with with that. ;-)

Leisure - we stayed at the Marriott on our last visit - know all about the sidewalks, or lack thereof, construction sites, etc. in the area. Not to mention the location is a challenge... We walked from the Marriott to the Acropolis one day when the shuttle wasn't running because of a demonstration around Syntagma Square. Not that big a deal perhaps (although I'm not exactly Ms Fitness) but it involved dealing lots of traffic at various points.

We ate at the Polynesian restaurant the first night we were in, mostly because I was too tired to go elsewhere. You're right - it was actually pretty good. We also ate at the regular restaurant our last night, and had quite a pleasant meal, much better than I'd expected. I think I'll skip the Poly this time, but we may well go back to the other one night, if we're feeling tired or unadventurous.

Thanks to all 3 of you for the feedback. I must say, I do see why people have been reluctant to post questions over here; compared to the old Travel Buzz, it's pretty quiet. So your replies are especially appreciated.

edited for various typos



[This message has been edited by GG (edited 10-22-2001).]

I unless skip Rhodes unless a trip to Miami Beach while in Greece is appealing. Delphi and Mycenae and Corinth are nice. Santorini. Paros or Naxos are lovely but furhter north than Crete- so weather may be a factor.

LOL!

GG, have a wonderful time. Please call if you ever travel through Paris.

Well, Miami Beach has its points, but perhaps not on a quick Greek trip.

Thanks, Blair! And be warned, we are looking at a few runs across the pond in early '02 - we might well show up in Paris.