Chani, I so appreciate your organized approach! I know you truly will get the MOST out of both your tour and your D-I-Y days in Athens. Thanks for sharing exact times you'll have;a final helpful fact would be what hotel -- a previous RS traveler mentioned group booked at "the Parthenon" (I think she meant Airotel Parthenon). That would be great! Just south of the Acropolis & handy to your whole list. Incidentallly this website -- http://www.athensinfoguide.com/open.htm -- while a bit outdated, is Super for quick-ref on museums & other Athens highlights. It confirms that May 1 is a "closed day" for almost all ... when you think about it, its because museum/site staffing is the "labor" that's getting a holiday.
GOOD news -- Cycladic Museum & all Benaki Museums are private Museums thus don't follow the state-owned "closed on Monday" rules. So those can fill your after-trip Monday. Also, the small but worthwhile Jewish Museum (which you Could squeeze in, on Sunday). Ilias Lalounis Museum is Always closed Monday-Tuesday and on its open days is only 11-1600 (4pm). So IL is your challenge for arrival day, Sunday. if u land 10:45, with luck you’re on the curb 11:30 — taxi to hotel near Acropolis by 12: 15. If room not ready for check-in you could drop your bag, wash your face in the lobby powder-room and head right over to --
ILIAS LALOUNI — this is directly on the pedestrianized promenade s. of Acropolis, just a few 100 meters West of Acropolis Museum. It’s a beautiful Mansion, once the home of this world-famed jeweler ( for prestige think Cartier-plus-Louis Tiffany). I went there MY first day in Greece, in 1999, and still remember it.. my Sister-in-law was a jewelry designer & insisted. The permanent collection dates from 1960-80, and was designed to reflect the main ancient civs - the Minoan, Mycenan & Byzantine Greek + Roman + Asian… Mainly gold, some jeweled. At main floor workshop u can see goldsmith at work. You can enjoy in 90 minutes.
JEWISH MUSEUM of GREECE — Nearby, in Plaka Side street (nikis). In a small, stately townhouse. 5 floors, depicting the vibrant Jewish communities prior to WW II, then the Holocaust (how Greeks fled to farthest isles in vain), and the remnant that remains today. I went with a Jewish friend we found it poignant and memorable; you can go thru it in under an hour.Open M-F + Sundays til 14:30 (2:30).
BENAKI — I’ve not done the Islamic Art one, but am BIG fan of Main museum. It’s got All of Greek history Very well curated — i.e., instead of ROOMS full of OK vases, it has two glass cases of GREAT Vases. Also excellent signage for good D-I-Y. A floor for each era, so you go from Ancient Greece thru Byzantine, then the 1820s Revolution for Independence, one of few Museums to depict this thoroughly. Has elevators (yay!) and a beautiful 3rd floor Cafe VERY popular with chic athenians plus a smaller cafe-bar. A great place to rest your feet & have a wine! Also. Gift shop is tasteful, unusual. well-priced. You could well spend 3+ hours here, with the afore-mentioned "wine break" of course.
CYCLADIC - If u are not going to Naxos, this is the BEST representation of fascinating Minoan-era “Idol” statuettes. Also, on top floor, a superb video (acted by today’s Greek youth) making ancient customs meaningful … I’d recommend it to anyone wanting a 20-minute intro to ancient culture & rites. I think you can do the important stuff in 1 hour + the video.
GREEK FOLK ART -- Small, not really worth the time IMHO. The BEST folk Museum is in Nafplio -- but I see from your crowded RS schedule that you only have half a day plus overnight in that enchanting town. BTW, free Nafplio tip: RS itinerary suggests walking UP the 999 steps to Palamidi Fortress. NO NO NO. With 3 other tour-mates. TAXI up the back way, take Fab Photos, then some can get back in taxi, others may want to do steps, but DOWN, not up ... u can await such fools in a nice cafe at foot of steps!
