Opa !
Just got back from Greece & it was well worth it . There is absolutely nothing to fear , we saw a couple of demonstrations while sitting in cafes , & it was fine. The people are warm , as is the weather . Outside of the larger urban areas the driving is a breeze , if you drive slow just stay to the right , if you want to put the pedal to the metal then go ! just be careful speeding thru some of the larger towns , & keep your eyes pealed for signs , the Greek gov't really struggles with this department . Use a map & don't be afraid to ask for directions , the Greeks might laugh a bit , but they are happy to help .
Gas is expensive ($1.40 average .. & that's in Euros!) . Always ask first whether or not a gas station accepts credit cards , some do , some don't . Greece is a "cash country" , you will use credit cards for large purchases (hotel , car rental , etc) , but , other than buying gas , expect to pay cash for purchases , meals, souveneirs , etc.
23% tax on every menu item (wish I had gone a few months previously ..hehehe).
Here is a quick review of our trip ; started in Athens which was fun ! We only stayed 2.5 days , but I could have stayed longer.
DON'T EVEN CONSIDER DRIVING IN ATHENS !
nuff said.
Rented a car (more on that later) & drove to Delphi which was fantastic!
We stayed two days & it's a great place to unwind after crazy Athens . I really wish we had stayed longer. The ruins are truly stunning & rival anything I've ever seen , sunset on the ruins is a must . It's free of people. it's a very easy town , the locals gather in main street after the tour busses leave & the kids play soccer.
We had a room at Pitho rooms & I can't even begin to explain the hospitality of the owners George & Wendy . George handles most of the business & he truly is a lovely person . We arrived & stressed as we were , ie: me (Greece is not well signed) George put us right at ease . Wendy & the kids are great! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED !
Use half a day to visit Thermopylae , we did . C'mon guys .. admit you want to see it !
From Delphi we drove to Olympia . We used Olympia as a halfway point , Hotel Pelops was a great choice , we had dinner & an early night , just more of the same tourist shops as Athens & Delphi , no big deal . The museum was closed (election day) & we felt we would skip the ruins.
From Olympia we made our way to Kardamyli , which was a definite highlight ! Just a lovely place to relax , unwind & be a temporary Greek . Don't rush thru or you'll miss the whole point of being there.
From Kardamyli to Monemvasia .
Monemvasia is a MUST !
(again , I'll be happy to answer any questions)
From there we went to Nafplio.....
I wish we had skipped Nafplio , the driving is stressful , not much to see unless you like tourist traps. It has a waterfront & a few square blocks of shopping & eating . The rest of the place is dirty & congested . & just a heads-up .. the climb up to Marianna Hotel is no easy feat , my wife & I are both fit & it's a struggle .
Mycenae is worth the visit ! but I would just stay in the town of Mycenae , see the ruins & get out , Just my opinion.
The ruins are ... magical . It is so , so , old & perfectly situated between two mountains with a commanding view !
Then Santorini .
I hated it !
nuff said
my wife didn't hate it but she didn't like it.
expect crowds & tough walking.
more details upon request.
I loved Greece !
Loved it !
GO !
Scott & Colleen.