Day trips from Athens or stay in Athens

A couple days in Athens will be good but 3 would be better. Still you'll have 2-3 days for day trips. If you haven't been to a Greek Island then Aegina would be great. A short distance from the mainland and has everything one wants in a Greek Island. Hydra would be another island, a bit further by ferry and not as much to do as Aegina but has one of Greece's loveliest waterfronts.

Possibly a day trip to Nafplio in the Argolis Peninsula. It has World-Class archeological sites nearby and is one of Greece's nicest towns.

I haven't been to Delphi or Meteora but hear they are beautiful but most of the trip will be spent on travel time.

The Meteora requires at least a night, two is better. Delphi can be done easily in a day, you might consider a tour that takes you there and maybe a couple other stops, it can be done with Public transportation but you need to plan out the Bus times somewhat carefully to avoid being stuck there. Rental Car of course is an option depending on your driving savvy.

The Peloponnese (Corinth, Mycenae, Epidaurus, and Nafplio) are also options, as are some of the Saronic Gulf Islands. Again maybe better as an overnight, but could work.

Hi queenie -- you know when your stay is limited & you want the best advice, it is thoughtful to give the EXACT dates -because it CAN matter in your options. my thoughts:

• DELPHI/METEORA -- the latter is too far... and as for Delphi, I wonder, how much background do y ou have, and how much does this site matter to you? from my first Greece trip, i wold NOT recommend a group day-trip .... I did enjoy a D-I-Y Overnighter (on a later trip) but I'm a Graecophile, many courses in Greek history/art/archeology, you do need some background or a guide.

• ATHENS EXPLORING - The Athens/walks guide experience is v. good for acropolis etc. ALSO if you prefer D-I-Y, you should know about R Steves FREE step-by-step audio guides to Acropolis, ancient agora, AND Nat. Arch Meusm - just cloick on "Watch read Listen" ... a super bonus!

• TRIP OPTION - If you'd like to see those amazing landmarks fo Mycenae & Epidaurus WITH a license guide, and also experience the beauty of Nafplio's sunset & gorgeous architecture, there is one and ONLY one group trip I recommend -- http://www.chatours.gr/tours.php?exc=8&exccat=1 -- because it's an OVERNIGHT which allows a maxium amount of free time, on your own... plus handles transport L& hotel (choose the "tourist hotel" option because of much better location). NOTE: Athens hotels are used to people leaving for a night & returning -- just arrange it in advance. NOTE #2 -- here's where DATES matter -- this tour only offered April through OCt and ONLY on certain days of the week... so without adequate info, I may have wasted my time suggesting & describing it.

Thank you all for the replies.

I have seen the free audio guide which I think is just awesome.

Dates: July 2 to July 6. Leaving the 6th at 11pm

I recommend the Mycenae/Epiduros/Naufplio overnight tour. It covers a lot of interesting places.

Thank you queenie for supplying the exact dates/times ... it appears that if you are interested, you COULD take that CHAT #6 tour on either Tuesday or Wednesday, I'd e-mail to check if offered both days. As I may have said, Athens hotels are very accustomed to their guests leaving for 1-2 nights for a group tour, then returning -- because of the many group tours offered. You would just need to request this a reasonable time before y our Greece trip, so theyll have advance notice. For the quick absence, you have the option of leaving your large pieces of luggage in their luggage room & just taking an overnight shoulder bag. When you return from your overnight tour you'd either be put right back in your original room, or given another room of the same category.

I haven't seen anywhere the period. It depends if it is May or August. Anyway I would propose you to stay in Athens. 2 days is too little for Athens. If you want to go to beach go toSounio where you can also see the temple of Apollon. There are also so many nice museums you can visit like Archeological museum. Along with Acropolis you should also go to a Ancient Drama performance sth unique for foreigners (fimonoitheater). Walk to anafiotika, eat at Mani Mani and Agora restaurant. Visit the plaz at Asteras and the lake of Voiliagmenis. Watch an open air cinema. Million of things to do in Athens. The next alternative is to go for one day by airplane to Santorini. This is special but very expensive.
Have a good time