A week in Athens (or a long weekend)

You can stay in an hotel in the centre of Athens, or in a nice house on the outskirts.

My name is Georgina and I am an officially accredited guide. (Only accredited guides are legally permitted to show visitors around). My English is pretty good and I will look after you during your stay. This is how it works:-

You book a return flight to Athens from an airport of your choice. The Internet provides access to many cheap flights. Sometimes it's cheaper to book a two-hop flight via, say, Swiss Airlines or Lufthansa, than to book a direct flight. If you have problems with flight booking, please contact me for advice.

The arrangement will include:-

1. "Meet and greet" at airport upon arrival and tickets with the suburban train or metro to to the hotel or house accommodation upon arrival & departure.

2.Your entrance ticket to the Acropolis Agora, Theater of Dionysus, Ceramikos, Temple of Zeus and Roman Agora.

Free entrance to the sites on Sundays (only during the Winter and early Spring months).

3.Guided tour of the Acropolis and its monuments, including a walk around central Athens for your introduction and city orientation. (You might find a small notebook useful).

4. Transport tickets around Athens for the duration of your stay, so you don't have to worry about buying tickets.

5. Meal at a Greek taverna.

Note: You should bring a single suitcase per person, plus hand luggage. The suitcase should be sturdy and have wheels because you will have to walk up to half a mile along public streets (unless you prefer me to call a taxi). There are no porters and I will not be able to help you carry your luggage so please pack sensibly. In spring and summer only light clothing will be required.

Example Itinerary

Day 1.

Meet at airport. Train to city and introduction to accommodation. Tickets, maps and notes provided.

Day 2.

Meet at Omonia Square. Short Metro journey to Acropolis station. Guided tour of Acropolis and Plaka.

Day 3. (Sunday)

All museums and sites are free on a Sunday. Explore what you want. Recommended: the Flea Market at Monasteraki or the ancient burial grounds at Keramikos.

Day 4. (Monday)

Visit Kolonaki Square or Lykavittos Hill. (Most museums and archeological sites are closed on a Monday)

Day 5.

Visit Temple of Zeus, Plaka and Monasteraki district for shopping.

Day 6.

Visit National archaeological museum.

Optional excursions to fill in your time or as alternatives to the suggestions above:-

• Cape Sounion
• Piraeus (port of Athens)
• Island Cruise (1 day)
• Dafni & Botanical Gardens

Must-see sights:-

• Agora
• Acropolis Museum (not yet open - Feb 2008)
• Museum of Greek Folk Art
• Museum of Greek Musical Instruments
• Benaki Museum (free on Thursday evenings)
• Stadium

Day 7.

Return to airport on train.

This is just an example. If you tell me your interests, I can suggest alternatives if required.

Note: I will not accompany you on your visits but I will provide maps and information to make your visit easier. I will also give you a list of recommended restaurants which provide good food at reasonable prices. I am only a phone call away.

Instead of using public transport (which is clean, efficient and fast) you may use a taxi at your own expense.

Greek people are a friendly bunch and problems are rare in Athens but, as with any major city with foreign workers, there is a small risk of pick-pockets. Therefore you should not keep valuables or documents in any pockets (including "knee pockets"). A belt-purse beneath your clothing is recommended. A shoulder bag or small rucksack may be worn but make sure that all flaps and pockets face your body and are not visible.