Best day trips from Athens?

Where else will you have been or where else are you planning to go?

Erin I'm assuming you mean an organised tour? If so, for me it would be a tough call between a one day tour of the Peloponnese, taking in Mycenae and Epidavrus and a one day trip to Delphi. I particularly like Epidavrus. The acoustics would be astounding if they'd been designed today. On the other hand Delphi is an incredible site and the trip takes you up into the mountains. CHAT and Go Tours both do each of these, but the commentary isn't in English every day. That might be a deciding factor. If you want to go it alone then a trip by Hydrofoil to Aegena is easy and there is a nice site at the port, as well as good places for lunch. Alan

Delphi and Napflio are your best options. Unless you're really into ancient Greek history, Delphi is an awfully long ride for a walk up the hill to view the site. Museum is very nice but focuses entirely on the site. The drive isn't all that interesting. Nafplio, on the other hand, offers more of a glimpse into old Greece. Charming city, interesting fort, more interesting drive (Corinth canal). My recommendation would be Nafplio.

While I love Nafplio, my first choice for someone would always be Delphi. It is one of the most scenic sites and amazing ancient ruins. Myceanae and Epidavros (usually included on a tour package to Nafplio) are kind of dull compared to Delphi. Nafplio is a destination best done with an overnight to really enjoy the town. Another option is to Cape Sounio, which as a wonderful temple and is a scenic setting. During tourist season, there are tour companies offering day trips to any of the three locations so just pick one you like best.

I would not miss Delphi. It is exquisitely beautiful and one of the most historically important sites in Greece and therefore in the western world.

Sorry! Should have mentioned, this is the end of our trip, and we'll have already been to Napflio, Monemvasia and Santorini. Also it will be about a month from now. We were wondering if a day trip to an island is a good idea? Rick seems to like Hydra? Also don't necessarily need an "organized" trip would love to take public transportation to get wherever we're going so that we can be on our time table. Many thanks! Erin

Hydra's a good choice because it's just a couple of hours by hydrofoil from Athens/Piraeus and it's managed to retain a lot of authentic 'charm' because no autos are allowed there.

We are taking a Gray Line tour out of Istanbul to the Cappodochia area. We will spend two nights in the Cappodochia area, including a hot air balloon ride over the area. Then we return to Istanbul. We have heard NUMEROUS recommendations for the Cappodochia area. We fly from/back to Istanbul. Elaine

I'm sorry. I just goofed. I thought you had asked about trips out of Istanbul. We are going to Athens and Istanbul, but I got the two cities mixed up. I'm
sorry. Elaine

Erin in asking about day trips out of Athens, perhaps you should include the information that you will hve only 1.5 days IN Athens. And I think all the knowledgeable contributors to this forum would say - stay IN Athens. 1.5 days only scratches the surface you will already have seen 2 islands, and what can Hydra offer that can compare to Athens??? BTW, of the Saronic Islands, while people consider Hydra Quaint (donkeys, cobbled port walks), I consider Aegina Important (Best ancient temple in Greece). But Rick never went there so he doesn't know. On your other post, I just knocked myself out trying to Wedge the glories of athens into 1 day for you. Please, slow down, give yourself a break, add a day and a chance to see the wonderful landmarks of past and present. Athens has been waiting for you for 4 thousand years... can't you give it 2 days?? Even Steves (who shows his bias for Turky over Greece) calls for a minimum in Athens of 2-3 days. To show you some of the views in the quiet (yes quiet) no-cars Plaka area, here's a good foto album http://travel.webshots.com/album/570719132pdjjHG

Hi Janet- - totally agree about slowing down. Since I posted this original post our flight has been cancelled and we've changed our itinerary. Now, we only have 1 and a half days (2 nights) in Athens, we'll no longer be looking to do a day trip because we'll want to spend all of that time in the city :)