I might need to bail out of a Rick Steves Best of Greece tour the day it returns from Hydra to catch a cruise that I've already booked for Sept 2025. Does anyone know the best way to handle my luggage would be while back in Athens? Would I need to leave when the tour arrives in Piraeus and skip the tour of the National Archaeological Museum too? The new RS 2025 dates are out but currently not as many start dates as were in 2024.
Posted by
Edmonds, WA 🌨 ☂
11181 posts
I see 9 tours starting in Sept 2025, (one less than 2024). Is it not possible to sign up for the 'one earlier'.?
The National Museum is a 'shouldn't miss'.
The tour has been rearranged since we were on it. We went to the National Museum the morning we drove to Delphi (Day3)
Posted by
OP
Michigan
75 posts
We're just trying to minimize the total number of days away from home as we have animals. In 2024 there are more tours that start on Thursdays that would tie in with our cruise better.
Posted by
Bend, OR
760 posts
When exactly do you need to leave the tour? We left Hydra very early on the ferry and our bus picked us up at the dock and took us to the Museum in the morning. We had the afternoon free. The museum was really a highlight because we saw all the antiquities from the different locations we had visited throughout the trip. But I guess it depends on whether those are important for you to see.
Posted by
OP
Michigan
75 posts
I would think we'd leave the tour during the 'free' afternoon back in Athens as the ship leaves by 6pm. The issue would be where to stash the luggage until we can board the ship.
Posted by
Oregon
230 posts
Your RS tour guide can help you. You'd probably want to store your bags at the Piraeus Port upon arriving on the ferry from Hydra. Otherwise, your bags are safe on the RS bus in Athens, but you would have to slep them back by cab to Piraeus. Usually loading the cruise ship starts at 1pm.
Posted by
OP
Michigan
75 posts
thanks. I'll look for information on services at the port.
Posted by
Bend, OR
760 posts
When I look back at our photos, the bus took us from the port to the museum then took us to the our hotel at 1 pm. It would be a lot easier to take a taxi from the hotel to the port and not have to worry about storing your bags.
Posted by
France Southwest
1820 posts
Just to warn you that there is always a risk in planning a ferry trip on the same day as a departure not to be missed, whether it is a flight or a cruise.
In the event of bad weather or a strike on that day, your ferry to Piraeus from Hydra will be canceled and the cruise ship will leave the port without you.
Posted by
OP
Michigan
75 posts
I'll check with the RS office. I agree it would be easiest to leave the luggage on the bus if they go to the hotel that early.
We're looking at September time frame - wonder what the RS tours do if the ferry from Hydra gets cancelled due to bad weather.
Posted by
France Southwest
1820 posts
wonder what the RS tours do if the ferry from Hydra gets canceled due
to bad weather.
There is no other solution than to wait. There will be a sailing ban on all vessels.