We want to visit Athens and major sites on the mainland either in mid or the end of November. We like to walk in the city especially, and are travelling with a small child. We can handle cold, but will rain be prohibitive for walking and outdoor sites? Our focus is on museums, archaeology, and local culture. We hope to rent a car to drive out of town--something big enough for a carseat. Can anyone recommend a solid rental company? Thank you in advance.
Posted by
US Pacific Northwest
10344 posts
Many users of this HelpLine recommend Auto Europe (www.autoeurope.com). Many people with experience driving in areas like Greece and Italy feel that damage to the rental car is more likely to happen over there (than over here), so you may want to be sure that the CDW you get reduces your liability to zero. In some cases it is necessary to pay for "super CDW" to reduce your liability for damage to zero; that is, the regular CDW may only reduce your liability to, for example, $1,500. Also, many people have reported that they were glad they had a GPS over there.
Posted by
Philadelphia, PA, USA
3398 posts
I think the rental company advice is good. Remember, even if your credit card offers CDW insurance, if you get into a fender-bender, u may not be able to contact your company way off there, on a very different timeclock.
Another thought: if u don't drive stick-shift,reserve early; rental agencies don't have as many automatics.
Also, We've never tried to drive out of Athens itself; a nightmare, and no easier when the tourist throngs are gone. Others advise you that if you are going to other mainland places directly from Airplane, pick up car at Airport -- it's easy to get from airport directlly onto roads to Delphi, for example, or the Pelopponese.
Also if your child is under 4, you are I hope taking one of the small collapsible "cane"-style strollers (push chairs). It won't work everywhere, but it can be a godsend when parents still want to explore and tot is worn out.
As for rain, advise a rainjacket with hood and a see-through plastic cover for the stroller.