Greece Tips?

Asc341

Mouseketeer
Joined
Jan 3, 2013
Hello all, DH and I are taking a 10 day trip to Greece (Athens and Santorini) in August. While it's not an ABD trip, I was wondering if anyone has any tips for us. Anything is helpful, but specific questions include: 1) we don't know a ton about Greek history, but probably more than the average tourist. Should we get a tour guide for anything? 2) Any "can't miss" things near Athens or in Santorini? 3) Any food/drinks that we should try?

Thanks!
 
I really think a tour guide would be good for the Acropolis (there's just SO MUCH history there!). I just find it so useful to have the historical and social context for what you're seeing. Same for if you go to Delphi. The actuality of "Consulting the Oracle at Delphi" is *nothing* like I thought it was! If you don't get a tour guide, I *highly* recommend getting Rick Steve's Audio Europe podcast app and using his walking tours for the Acropolis, the Ancient Agora, the National Archaeological Museum and anywhere else you go that he has one for. (By the way, I highly recommend all those places!) Another great place is the Plaka, which is a large market area below the Acropolis. And Cape Sounion/the Temple of Poseidon is also spectacular, especially at sunset.

For Santorini, you have to do Oia (the stereotypical photo of Greece that you see with the blue-domed churches). And the town of Fira is nice for shopping. If you want a really unique experience, you can try the Fish Doctor - a place where you can have tiny fish nibble the rough skin off your feet!

Sayhello
 
I would suggest reading up on Greek Mythology. So much of their history, culture and architecture is based on or linked to the Greek gods and goddesses.
 


I would suggest looking at the ABD itinerary for Athens to see what is done. We saw most of the major sites in Athens and I came in early to see other sites that weren't on their list. Most of the major sites in Athens are within easy walking distance of the Acropolis. I used the Frommer's map for Athens to plan my additional activities. Your ticket to the Acropolis should also get you into the Agora(below the Acropolis) that same day for free. I visited several museums(Benaki, New Acropolis Museum, National Archaeological Museum). Temple of Olympian Zeus and Hadrian's Arch are across the street from the Acropolis. Hadrian's Arch is on the street and the temple you can see through the gate behind it, so if you don't want to pay to go in you don't have to. The metro stations have actual artifacts in them, so take in the view before you get on the train. You also have to validate your metro ticket at the slim yellow or white machines that are at the long entrance hall to the tracks. Don't forget to do it because they sometimes have workers at the other stations who ask you for your ticket to see if you validated and paid the fare. I didn't do Filopappos Hill or Mt. Lycabettus because I didn't have time, but you may want to visit them. They take a little more to get to. Parliament and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Syntagma Square are right in town by the metro. They have the changing of the guard, which was fun to watch. If you want authentic handmade Greek sandals, visit the Poet Sandalmaker(his son makes sandals now) in Monastiraki Square(behind the Agora)--you should be able to Google him or find him in tripadvisor. They only take cash(euros), but the sandals are fitted to your feet and are soooo comfortable. Take your patience, the process can take about 1-2 hours depending on whether a cruise ship is in port. Also, check to see if your hotel has a free shuttle to Syntagma Square. The one ABD stayed at did and it made it very easy to get to shopping, restaurants, and the sites.

Santorini is all about the caldera and the volcano. When I did the ABD in 2012, we hiked one of the volcanoes, went to the Volcan Winery, Akrotiri and some other places. If you want to visit a beach, Kamari Beach was great although it was rocky(not like beaches at home).

The food in Greece is awesome! I now see what all the fuss is about the Mediterranean diet. When I did my initial research, I remember reading that Greek restaurants charge a bread service fee--and no you can't refuse the charge by not getting bread. It's basically a fee for using the table. Unlike in the U.S., in Greece you won't be rushed through your meal. You can sit at the table for as long as you want to.

I also find Tripadvisor extremely useful when planning trips. I search the things to do and decide which I'm interested in. Good luck on your trip and I hope this helps.
 
Last edited:

GET A DISNEY VACATION QUOTE

Dreams Unlimited Travel is committed to providing you with the very best vacation planning experience possible. Our Vacation Planners are experts and will share their honest advice to help you have a magical vacation.

Let us help you with your next Disney Vacation!






Top