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Itinerary suggestions

We fly into Athens in late Fall on a Sunday evening around 4 pm for a cruise that won't depart until Thursday afternoon, and I'm looking for advice on what to do while there for almost 4 days.

Previously we've cruised the Greek Islands and the Peloponnese. We've spent a day in Athens previously, hitting most spots (though not the museums). One thought is using Athens as a home base for days trips to Delphi and other inland areas we hadn't seen and doing the museums. The other is to simply connect to another flight the evening we arrive to Santorini, spend 3 nights there and then return to Athens the day before the cruise. We've only previously spent a day on the island and we thought we could explore more, relax, and hopefully tour a local winery.

Any thoughts?

Posted by
3148 posts

Santorini is an excellent choice and Chelidonia Villas is in the heart of the most beautiful village of Oia. If you want more recommendations for accomodations tell us which village you've chosen for your stay, what your maximum daily room budget will be in EURO and your travel dates.

I would NEVER suggest a same-day return to the mainland from an island when on that same day you are departing Athens. Too many things can go wrong. You could find yourselves stranded with no alternative but to spend more money to catch up with your cruise at the next port of call.

Posted by
3 posts

We got a flight to Santorini 3 hrs after we are supposed to arrive in Athens and then are flying back to Athens the day prior. Since we are late in the season, the number of flights/ferries are reduced. But no worries - all booked - airline and the villas mentioned. Now just need a nice quaint hotel in Athens for night before heading to Pireaus.

Posted by
3148 posts

Your hotel will arrange a taxi for you to Piraeus, but if you want to save some money you can catch the Green Line train right to the ferry port in Piraeus from the Monastiraki Metro Station on the edge of the Plaka District. There are lots of small hotels there. Check Plaka Hotel, Attalos Hotel, A For Athens Hotel, Metropolis Hotel, Magna Grecia Hotel, Ochre and Brown Hotel and Amazon Hotel, all literally just a few minutes' walk to the Metro Station.