Going to Greece

Elida Athens is a great city, and you'll certainly find plenty of history! If you are happy to look at dorm rooms Athens backpackers have places at around 20 euros a night. http://www.backpackers.gr/ It's in a good central location, although I've never used it personally. I don't want to put you off - I love Athens and we are arriving there ourselves on Saturday - but you should be aware that there is a lot of unrest and strikes at the moment. Transport to and from the airport has been affected all week and there are no flights into Greece at all today due to an air traffic control strike. In my experience you can be in Athens and hardly notice the disruption, but you can also be unlucky and find the sites are closed. So far I've seen nothing to suggest any closures this weekend and, at this time of year, all of the sites are free on Sunday so it is a good time to be there. Hope you have a good time. Alan

Athens would be a great place to spend a few days. I would try to find a "Lonely Planet" or "Let's Go" Greece or at least check out their websites for some specific hotel info. As for general area, probably the most convienient area to stay is the Plaka or the "downtown" area just to the west of there. That puts you right near the Acropolis, the Agora, the museum is not too far, plus you have the Plaka for wandering and eating. If you were thinking of getting outside of Athens, the islands are a bit shut down now, and of course Beach is out anyway, but on the mainland within easy travel is Corinth, Nafplio, Epidaurus, Mycenae all in the peloponnese, Delphi is a possible day trip, maybe even by excursion bus, and Meteora is an overnight trip.

Elida, I was in Athens a few months ago, and quite enjoyed my stay there. If the flights aren't disrupted, you can take the Metro from the airport into central Athens. There were bit of "civil unrest" taking place at the time I was there, but nothing occurred during my time in Athens. Everything was "business as usual" every time I was in the area of Syntagma Square. Athens Backpackers would be an excellent choice for lodgings. Although I didn't stay there, it was relatively close to my Hotel so I used the laundry facilities that are near the Hostel (there's also a Bar on the main floor, next to the laundry as I recall). While I was waiting for the "wash & dry cycle" to finish, I chatted with some of the people at the Hostel and they all seemed to be having a great time. I'm sure HI Hostels will have some properties in Athens also, but I haven't checked. As I recall, Athens Backpackers is within easy walking distance to the Acropolis. I don't know what the "day tour" options will be at this time of year, but four days would be good if it allows a tour to nearby historic sites. Four days for Athens alone might be a bit much? Be sure to visit the excellent Archeological Museum in addition to the Acropolis and other sites. Good luck with your Italian studies. I've been working on Italian for a few years, and would have liked an opportunity to study in Italy. Happy travels!

If Crete interests you at all, it's a really dead time for tourism. That can be a good or bad thing - not many bars or clubs in Chania are open, but the historic sites are easily accessible with no crowds. If it's just for a few days and you've never been before, I would suggest Athens instead though.

If you can't get in to Backpackers for some reason, 2 good budget hotels that you can ring up from italy (handiest way) are HOTEL PHAEDRA http://www.hotelphaedra.com/ and HOTEL METROPOLIS http://www.hotelmetropolis.gr/ Both have singles w. shared bath if you are super-budgeting, also both have roof terraces w. Acropolis view, if weather is good u can bring your own drinks & snack up there to enjoy. For both locations, even better than backpackers. On this simplified map of Athens highlights http://www.cretetravel.com/Athens/Athens_mini_guide/Athens_map.htm Metropolis just across from #19 (starbucks!), and PHAEDRA is 100 feet to Left of #63 (Ava hotel). Just steps to everythng! PS: NEW! this fall was launched A FREE orientation walking tour (around sites, not IN them) run by students & new graduates looking for a way to earn a living. Starts 9 am daily by New Acropolis Museum. They make their money from tips. http://www.athensfreewalkingtour.com/ The website says the walks are off until Spring, but in winter you can e-mail to request a walk. WHy not!?!?!?! You might meet some terrif Greek students!!!