Greece - September 2005
Our Ten Days to Greece
Our flight out of Chicago was delayed so we spent eight hours in Lucerne waiting for a new flight to Athens
In Athens we stayed at the Attalos Hotel. A great 3 star hotel in a perfect location. Walking distance to the Acropolis and Plaka and only a couple of blocks to the subway to Pireaus. We used it as a home base and then planned side trips to Santorini and Meteora. You can't miss the market only two blocks away with its unforgetable smells, sites and sounds.
We took the Blue Star Ferry line to Santorini - We took an early subway to Pireaus to catch the ferry to Santorini. Getting to the ferry station is right outside the subway. It takes the whole day to travel to Santorini, but it's relaxing and you see other islands along the way.
Santorini is spectacular. Two main location choices: Thira or Oia.You can not go wrong with either. We stayed in Thira, but you can easily take the bus back and forth to either. We stayed at Hotel Keti overlooking the cauldra. While we loved the view, be aware the stairs are brutal especially when hauling luggage or if you have any physical disabilities.
Also took a boat trip to the volcanic island in the caldera which then dropped us off by Oia. You have two choices to get to Oia from the boat, hike up the massive number of stairs or take a donkey. I went stairs, my daugher chose donkey.
To conserve time we took an Aegean airlines flight back to Athens. It takes less than an hour from Santorini.
Our next adventure was an overnight trip to Meteora. We booked this through Windmills Travel before leaving for Greece. There was a short stop at Delphi. Unfortunately not enough time to see the whole site. We choose to use our time at the museum.
Overnight at Meteora and then off to see the monasteries. These were unbelieveable. Would have liked more time to explore.
Then back to Athens for shopping and a relaxing day before our trip home. Again we stayed at the Attalos Hotel. Be sure to go to the roof to take night pictures of the Acropolis.